French/Catalon Showcase Showplace: Manresa, Los Gatos, CA

Thanks to my fellow S.F. blogger Stellah DeVille for inspiring this story… Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about an hour south of San Francisco, Manresa is the superb showcase of French cuisine with modern Catalonian flair. Recently named one of the world’s Top 50 restaurants by Britian’s “Restaurant” Magazine and recipient of Four Stars for the third straight year from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Restaurant Critic, Michael Bauer, it’s best enjoyed with lots of time, money and an appetite for life. Executive Chef David Kinch, formerly of the Quilted Giraffe in New York, with extensive work in Germany, Spain and France, presides over a showplace kitchen.

His review states: “David Kinch dazzles his diners by combining incongruous flavors like abolone and pig trotters or black olives in sweet madeleines. Apparently, everything tastes superb. Chef’s Menu: $98 for nine courses plus five “extras” to begin and three extra sweets to end; three-course menu, $58; four-course, $68. Wine pairings $65 for nine wines. Time at table: 3 1/2 hours.”

What, where or who is “Manresa,” you may ask? It’s a medieval town in the Catalonia region of northern Spain known for its Gothic basilica and monastery. It’s also a beautiful stretch of beach south of Santa Cruz, which the Jesuits of early California named Manresa.

During the warm South Bay summers and falls, you can enjoy their marvelous outdoor seating area. During the winter, stay inside and cozy up to the fireplace.

Manresa
Open for dinner Wed. – Sun, 5:30 p.m.
Reservations recommended.
Address: 320 Village Lane, Los Gatos.
Phone: 408-354-4330