Emile's, a chance for fine dining
The Parisian dining experience is arguably the world's finest. The delicate sauces, silky wines and romantic atmosphere can lead to enthusiastic bedfellows.
But if you won't be crossing the pond anytime soon, the next best thing is Emile's in downtown San Jose.
Emile's has a long-standing national recognition as an outstanding European-style fine dining establishment. The praises come with a price, however, because upon leaving, your wallet will have taken a beating.
Ambiance: From the moment you drive up, you will know that these guys aren't messing around. Valet parking isn't necessary, but reservations are a must.
The inside of the restaurant exudes a high-society feel. Mood lighting, flowers on every table and a wall mirror will take attention away from gimmicks and paintings, and focus your attention on your dining companion.
Emile's is fairly small with limited seating. Be sure to ask for a table against the walls so you will not be bothered by the waiters maneuvering food around you or the patrons coming and going.
Service: Emile's has hands-down amazing service. Each waiter covers only a few tables, so you will never have to flag them down. They understand the dining experience people expect from a fancy restaurant and will gladly help you pair wines with dishes or take pictures on special occasions.
Even Emile himself will stroll out some nights to shake hands and shoot the breeze with people enjoying his unique blend of French-Swiss cuisine.
Dress Code: Do not be surprised to see someone in a tuxedo here. This is not the place to sport your new "Napoleon Dynamite" T-shirt, so make sure you dress in something that even your grandparents would find acceptable.
Downfalls: Cash, money, bling -- whatever you call it -- bring a lot of it. Emile's may be the best food you have ever tasted, but the price tag can easily break the century mark. Watch out for appetizers too, because you do not want to put a damper on your meal knowing you paid six bucks a prawn.
Wine can also be an issue. After a bottle of merlot and a few glasses of port, you can spend as much on the vino as the food. You can absolutely keep the cost within reason, but cutting costs at a refined restaurant like Emile's is like going to Venice just to say you have been there.
Recommendation: Like I said, it might be the best food you have ever had with their unbelievable sauces and rich blends of meats, cheeses and vegetables. The beef here can be cut with a fork, and the lamb will slide off the bone. The unique seafood dishes are also not to be missed.
There are a lot of things on the menu that you won't be able to pronounce, but each one of them will have something to tickle your curiosity. You can even split dishes if you can't decide, so you might want to check out their menu beforehand on their impressive Web site.
The presentation is excellent and the exquisite tastes are uncanny. Once you have been, I guarantee you'll feel a compulsion to return.
So save up, or just have the parents take you, and indulge yourself at one of the San Jose's finest restaurants.
* 545 South Second Street, San Jose̢۬ ̢ۢ Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.̢۬ ̢ۢ Phone (408) 289-1960 ̢۬ ̢ۢ Entrees $17-35. ̢۬ ̢ۢ On the Web at www.emiles.com.̢۬* Written by Teru Olsen