From: cole@unix.SRI.COM (Susan Cole)
Newsgroups: ba.food
Subject: fancy south bay brunches -- summary of recommendations
Date: 24 Jul 92 00:49:51 GMT
Distribution: ba
Organization: SRI International, Menlo Park, California


Here is a summary of the Sunday brunch places that were recommended to me
after I asked for nice, fancy places to take a group of 15 to 20 people, with
cost not being a big object.  Our group is going to go to the Fairmont in San
Jose; not only did it get several recommendations but it's the best
geographically for us.  I've listed the places with buffets first and the
non-buffets after, and included the information I garnered about them.
Enjoy!

The Toll House - Los Gatos
(408)395-7070
Buffet: yes. Includes champagne
Hours: 10 am to 2 pm
Cost: $14.95
Large Parties: yes
Take Reservations: yes
Seating: indoors or outdoors


Club Regent at Fairmont Hotel in San Jose 
(408)998-1900
Cost: $22.50
Kids 5 and under free; 5 to 10 $15
Buffet: yes.  Includes champagne.
Brunch Hours: 10 am to 3 pm
Large parties: yes
Take Reservations: yes.  Make 2 to 3 weeks in advance for large party

For large parties they recommend 10 pm, 12 noon, or 1pm seating (this 
does not mean they kick you out at a certain time -- stay as long as you want).

Special: used to be a nightclub, has stage with upper and lower level
Has live entertainment (jazz quartet?) during brunch

Hugo's at Hyatt Rickey's in Palo Alto
(415)493-8000
Buffet: yes
Hours: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Cost: $19.95
Large parties: yes
Take Reservations: yes.  Make a couple of days in advance for group.
Decor: private rooms with leather booths for groups.  Garden seating also
available (only smaller tables?).


Borel's (415)341-7464
Sunday buffet brunch: yes  
Brunch Hours: 10:30 to 2:00
Cost: $16.95
Take Reservations: yes
Large parties: yes.  Only need  1 day or so advance notice.
Special:  View of hills.  I've eaten at Borel's and it was very nice.


Swift Water Cafe at the Hyatt south of SFO.  
(415)347-1234
Buffet: yes
Cost: $15.95
9:30 to 2:00 pm
Take Reservations: only for 8 or more; make well in advance for large parties.
Decor -- airy, plants pools, small waterfalls


The Garden Court restaurant at the Sheraton Palace in San Francisco
Recommender says: super-deluxe, fantastic food, live music.
(415)392-8600
Buffet: yes.  Includes champagne.
Cost: $37.50 (!)
Large parties: yes
Take reservations: yes


The Carnelian Room, 52nd floor B of A bldg. in S.F. 
Recommender says: view, great ambience, food, and service
(415)433 7500
Cost: $22.50
Take reservations: Yes
Large parties: yes

Sun Room at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz (on the Boardwalk)
(408)423-2053 
Cost: $14.95 adults
Recommender says: It's on the second floor of the CG and has a glass roof
which, depending upon the weather, is open or closed.  Ocean views.  The room
is decorated with lots of plants, tables are covered with linen, etc.  The
food is excellent, as is the service.  Food consists of many, many hot items,
make your own omelette, waffles.  Lots of salads and cold items.  Fantastic
dessert bar.

Take reservations: yes.  A must if you want a table with a view. 
Large Parties: yes

Red Lion Inn in San Jose
(408)453-4000
This was recommended, then strongly panned by one person, then defended by a
couple of others (one of whom did say the dining room was dark).  I didn't
get through to the dining room when I called, and by then I knew we were going
elsewhere so I didn't pursue it.


===================
The following places have a Sunday brunch that is not a buffet:

Boulder Creek County Club located in the Santa Cruz Mtns.  
Recommender says: gorgeous
(408)338-2111
Extensive brunch menu at $9.50/person.

Bella Mia - Saratoga
(408)741-5115
14503 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
Hours: 10 to 3
Cost: $9.95
Large Parties: questionable; have to talk to banquet organizer
Seating: outdoors paved courtyard.


Mirassou Winery in San Jose
(408) 274-4000.  
Reservations:  Talk to Lynn Larson.
Cost: $28, including alcohol
Fixed (?) brunch menu includes 4 courses, wine with each course
Decor: outdoor patio under trees.

-- 
cole@unix.sri.com
{amdahl,rutgers}!sri-unix!cole