Overlooking elaborate illuminated gardens and a sky-blue pool, The Cafe has one of the best dining views in the valley. There is a spacious area, with table and banquet seating, complete with glistening chandeliers, ultra-comfortable upholstering, pristine table linens and, as always, the regally distinctive water goblets in the hotel's signature cobalt blue. No menus are presented at this buffet, though a printed list of offerings is available at the maitre d's entrance stand. On a recent visit, our server offered a verbal map of the 40-something items offered at the horseshoe arrangement of draped serving tables, salads here, cold and hot appetizers there, desserts at separate station, and so forth. Silverware, napkins, iced water, and warm breads are at each table.
Offerings can change somewhat from week to week.
In addition, there is a special presentation of clams and oysters on the half shell. Entree choices and side dishes were self-served from large, domed silver chafing dishes. He offered angel hair pasta with freshly prepared shrimps and scallops, with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh basil, white wine. But there were frustrations. Those buffet tables are so dimly lit that we served ourselves grapes with smoked salmon, thinking they were black olives.