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Serving lunch Monday through Friday 11:30am - 2pm.
Open for Christmas Eve and Day.
Join us for New Year's Eve Special Dinner.
Tue-Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sun. 10:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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La Foret still ranks as my favorite special occasion place. The food is phenomenal. Here's what I recommend (yes, I get it every time!):
--Start with the wild greens, goat cheese, and duck salad. It has a refreshingly light dressing and is a great way to start the meal.
--For the entree, get the ahi tuna. Perfectly medium rare with a sauce that makes you want to lick the plate...but hold off and save that embarrassing scene for the dessert. You only want to lick once per meal in a classy restaurant. ;)
--For dessert, order the grande marniere souffle. It matters not how full you are as it is the lightest, most magnificent dessert EVER. If you tilt the plate just right, you can spoon up every last drop of the sauce. I highly recommend not wasting a drop.
--Also to end your meal, order the flaming coffee. It is as much a show as a tasty way to end the perfect meal. The manager will bring out a cart and fill glasses with kahlua, brandy, and galeano (sorry, I don't know how to spell that). Then he'll light the sugared rims on fire. As the alcohol catches fire, he pours the concoction from one cup to the other, creating a liquid waterfall of blue and yellow flames. He then tops this with some coffee, some fresh whipped cream, and a final splash of kahlua.
You ordering the flaming coffee will start a string of others in the dining room doing the same, as it's hard to resist once you see this in action and see what the final drink looks like.
Do not try making this at home. My step dad did once years ago (when he was dating my mom and trying to impress her) and he burned the hair off of his arms and his eyebrows!
Trust me though, that is the perfect menu order at La Foret. Go there the next time you deserve a special night and splurge. You deserve it.
This is my favorite "treat myself" restaurant. I've probably been here about 10 times over the last… Read more »
I had the opportunity to try out TASTING MENU #3. All I could taste was salt - $350 WORTH OF SALT, YEEAH. But this review may be out-of-line; I was tasting a few other things that night, so pardon my taste buds (if you know what I mean).
P.S. KOBE BEEF AMERICAN-STYLE IS DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME.
I must say that the ambiance/atmosphere was nice and that's about it. Food-wise it's good but I wouldn't say it's "the best place I've ever been to". I guess it's just one of those "special occasion" (probably due to the price range) places where one would take his/her date (probably to impress their date).
Ambiance: Good
Food: Okay
Service: Great
Overall, a pretty good experience; a 3.5 stars rating. Went on a Friday night; had reservations for around 645pm or so. La Foret is a bit out of the ways in South San Jose Almaden area in a charming old converted hotel. Since it was pretty dark, the garden was not visible.
The decor is not exactly the greatest, still has remnants of a late 80s fine dining establishment. Walking into the bar/reception area, the smell reminded me of the old stuffy attic which I didn't mind so much; the ambience is what it is. The main dining room decor was a bit better and the large glass windows that look out to the garden was pretty cool. They even lit the garden at night so that diners near the window could look out and enjoy the scenery which I thought was a very nice touch.
We were seated pretty quickly and to my surprise the restaurant was very empty. When we entered, there were maybe 6 tables and about 70% of the dining room was empty. I guess La Foret is not immune to an ailing economy.
The maitre'd / sommelier was quite accomodating; since we brought our own wine, he even exchanged for proper wine glasses, plus 1 star. The server was pleasant, explained the specials and left us to our menus. The service from the bus boys were excellent as well. Plus 1 star.
Now, the food. Be forewarn that this is classical french cooking cuisine. If you are expecting modern, then this is not it. Typical fare here is foie gras in sauterne sauce, escargot in garlic butter (super classical french), meats in sauce etc. Overall, the food was pretty good; I finished all my dishes cleaned. My wife had an issue with her foie gras; it was served in a warm sauce on a very hot plate so the foie gras continued to cook and halfway through, it literally almost turned into a puddle of duck liver fat. Minus 1 star. My tournedos beef chanterelle were cooked perfectly med rare and the sauce was excellent. The other members of the table also had excellent dishes. Plus 2 stars for the entrees.
Dessert: we all had the Grand Marnier souffle. Overall, not bad but the liquor in the creme anglaise was overpowering. Did not stop me from finishing but it did turn off one other person at my table.
The bill was a bit pricey but on par with what the experience was. Good service, good food overal despite some negatives, decent ambience.
Would probably not come back given all the different choices at that price point. Good food but nothing overwhelmingly great that would deserve a return visit.
Let me start off by saying this place is absolutely amazing. I would have said simply amazing, but simple does not apply to anything served in this place.
I have been dining at La Foret for over ten years and I am only twenty-three! Even thinking back to my middle school years, I remember my parents would take the fam to a restaurant of my choosing every year for my birthday. La Foret was it more times than not. For a 12 year old to enjoy fine dining means they're doing something right. I have spent more of my graduations, birthdays, and general celebrations here than any other fine-dining establishment.
Some of the dishes are extremely rare and exotic. I highly recommend the tornadoes of beef . But whether you endulge in surf or turf (or both!), La Foret definitely cooks every game to unique perfection. The service is impeccable and is exactly what you would expect from an establishment of this caliber. An excellent selection of wine and a quaint bar to relax in for a pre-dinner cocktail or even a night-cap makes the interior that much more enjoyable.
Now, the setting and location of the restaurant are icing on the cake in my opinion. If you go during the summer months you can enjoy the view of the Almaden river and lower terrace where there is an occasional wedding. The surrounding environment really makes you feel like you have left reality, but the reality is that you are not light-years away from home! It's a little bit of a trek to get there, but the journey is well worth it. Just make sure you designate a driver if you decide to drink as the road back is dark and windy.
It's expensive as all hell, but on your next fancy dining splurge check it out...and you will not be disappointed!
Environment: comfortable and luxurious, felt as if I was fine dining in Yosemite. Very romantic!
Food: excellent! I recommend the SALMON poached in salmon broth with chambord & port wine sauce and the SCALLOPS seared day boat scallops with lite creame, herbs, saffron, over puff pastry. Delicious!
Service: Outstanding! The host came by our table and asked us what the occasion was. We told him it was my birthday and at the end of the meal he sent over a complimentary combination dessert. This included a sample of the dark chocolate pate, white chocolate mousse, amaretto cheese cake and creme brulee. The crème brulee is to die for. Normally the top layer of the crème brulee has a thin layer of touched sugar but this one had some kind of brown sugar on it that melted in your mouth. They always made sure our wine glasses were full and even offered to re-cork the bottle if we could not finish our wine.
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!"
This is simply the best restaurant for this type of food in the South Bay. The setting and ambiance is exquisite for a nice (romantic) meal. The food (game) is amazing. The service is attentive without being intrusive.
In the last 5 years that I have lived here, I have gone to this place 20+ times, mostly for weekend and occasional weekday dinners, and 3-4 brunches.
First of all, it is in the middle of nowhere. In fact friends that I send there frequently pass by the turn to get to La Foret before they even realize that they passed the little green street sign.
When you get there, you find that the ambience of the place is PERFECT. Little babbling brook on the side. Bar in the front. (Even though I am a regular patron, I have been "turned down" after arriving there following a 15 mile hike in shorts and a filthy t-shirt. Fortunately I talked them into letting me order a quick meal at the bar!!!)
I have tried everything from Elk, Wild Boar, Duck, Quail, Ahi, Veal, to Kobe Beef. Everything I've had was up to par with my expectations (and the price of this place).
Please do yourself a favor... if you have the budget for this place, go and try it out. Expect to pay about 100+ per person and you will have a phenomenal experience.
Everyone loves their Grand Marnier Souffle and I don't disagree, but I personally liked their Creme Brulee (their Triple Creme Brulee when they had it on their menu), although their Combination gives you a taste of everything.
If you are a wine connoisseur, you will love this place from CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD to Bryant Family, Caymus Special Selections... they have most everything. If you want to bring your own, I think the cork fee is $25, but I suggest just asking the sommelier and you won't be disappointed.
If you can get past the surly host/owner the rest of the evening will be great. Nice complex meats covered in various reductions. Had the tasting menu which was great since you get a little bit of everything. Everything was good, just quite strong sauce. The Kobe beef wasn't really to die for or anything that magical, I've had a lot better steak. The scallops were very good.
First time trying foie gras and let me tell you, it is rich and salty and like eating warm blood pudding. I will probably pass from now on.
The waitress and waiter were awesome. Service was spectacular.
The location is very nice, quaint, off the beaten path some good roads back there up to mount umahuma or something.
The could also use some blinds because when you get a seat facing outside and the sun is going down and it hits you in the eye for half an hour it is quite annoying.
Definitely would recommend this place for a nice and quiet night out with good food. A little haughty taughty fancy shmancy but otherwise it's a-ok. I would recommend reservations and dressing nicely. Price for 2 people both with tasting menus and a bottle of wine about 270+tip. I would give this place 3 stars but my chicky friend gave it 5 so the average is 4 stars. Average is 3 because for a $300 dinner the owner/host should not be such a prick.
I went there with friend to celebrate she didn't get fired.
The restaurant is just by the mountain. It is an elegant historical building. The lunch comes with fruit, cheese, two kind of breads, big cocktail shrimp. So 20 dollar something for each main course I think it's not too bad.
The sauce is why it is special and how we enjoy the french food. So keep some bread to finish the sauce.
Soufelle is the happy ending of this meal. It is soooo awesome! I highly recommend this dessert.
If you go, prepare yourself at least 2 hours even 3 hours because you will eat like from breakfast to lunch.
Are we still in California?
The drive up felt more like we were going out to put down Old Yeller than to dine in luxuriousness. And it wasn't the restaurant itself, but the food... THE FOOD!
You may have to sacrifice your kid's college fund, but at least you can enjoy one fine meal. Their menu changes with the season, so you may never have the same meal twice.
I went with one of the more deluxe tasting menus, with 6 courses... it's all about flavor, I say. Love the service too, because I told them I didn't eat seafood, so the server and chef graciously accommodated me with items from another tasting menu.
- An amuse bouche was brought out, compliments of the chef. I know it was good, but I can't remember what it was (See? This is why I take all these pics). One involved grilled prawn, which I passed on (see above). Yeah, moving on...
- Pan-seared foie gras. What does it taste like? "Smooth richness"
- Tortellini with morel mushrooms and aged garlic. I love mushrooms, I love garlic, and this dish was executed so well.
- Grilled elk tenderloin on a bed of wild rice. Not gamey at all, perfectly done medium-rare, and the glaze would make Subway gourmet.
- Roasted quail with huckleberry reduction. It was so good that I forgot to take a picture of it (I like to catalog what I've eaten).
- Grilled filet of Japanese kobe beef, with a Courvoisier and pink peppercorn sauce. Yes, it was as good as it sounds. Maybe even better.
- Grand marnier souffle with creme anglaise. Light and refreshing, yet full of creamy goodness that is indescribable. The perfect ending to a mind-blowing meal.
I would break into my social security for another meal here. Wait, what...? There's no more money....?
Oxford's Dictionary
Hidden Gem: La Foret Restaurant.
This place is excellent. Sure, it is on the pricey side and I can't go there everyday but a wonderful place for those special times.
The drive is quite long but is definitely worth it.
Food is absolutely superb and the service is lovely.
Take out your date or whatever it is special that you have coming up.
I had heard good things about this place for some time. i also knew it was way out in the boonies, sort of speak. However, when one wants to try new places to dine along with a very fine time, then location or the drive does not really matter.
So, along comes a man, ready to dine, please pour me another glass of that very fine wine. Hey, wait, do you detect a bit of a rhyme!
The night I was there was not a busy night. There were a few other guests and it was nice to be able to be seated right away. A quick glimpse of the menu and oh my, Foie Gras indeed. I ordered the tasting menu #3 which of course started with the Foie Gras, yum. I also opted for the wine pairing for each dish and truthfully so, I had forgotten what wine went with what after just the second or third glass. I was truly having too much fun with all the gastronomical delights.
Onward and forward to the next dish, Sea Scallops, also paired with a nice white wine. The portions were good, the wine was delish. It was a wonderful pairing, but, please pass me some more Foie Gras. This was followed by the Lobster tail which was also quite nice.
But, what really caught my eye and with great anticipation was the fourth course, Elk. Once the dish was served and paired with another wonderful Cabernet, I was ready for the next course, Kobe beef. By the time I was into the fourth course, I felt as though I had reached nirvana with all that had been presented.
When the waitress came by the clear the table for desert, I asked about the Elk stating that I have had this before while in Scotland, and that it did not really taste like the Elk that I knew. Well, I was informed that the Elk had been replaced with Wild Boar and I was none too happy. I informed the waitress, who apparently was part of the family ownership, that one should never substitute a dish for something else without informing the guest. She agreed but looked befuddled by my comments. I was sooooo disappointed that I was not served Elk and actually ate something else, thinking it was Elk. I always trust my palate and I was most certainly right.
So now, it was time for the grand finale, Grand Marnier Souffle. It was perfectly prepared and tasty indeed.
So, in conclusion, even though the location is way out there, the drive is well worth the effort and time. The portions were good, the quality was great, the wine pairings superb and the overall experience was excellent. I really couldn't care about the pricing since I once paid $125 for just one slipper lobster in Hawaii, so cost is never an issue when you are out to please your palette. I would have given this place five stars had it not been for the little switcharoo. If you are looking for something different and willing to take the drive and pay the prices, the overall experience is worth it.
By the way, the owners of this place are also related to the owners of another fine restaurant, Le Papilion, which will have to wait for another review from me. Can you say Ostrich???
This is my favorite place for special occasion. It's a bit pricey but you will have a great time.
I pretty much tried everything on the menu and my favorite is foie gras, wild game and you should never miss the grand marnier souffle.
So far I haven't found anything negative in this restaurant.
Wow and wow! This was the most gourmet and romantic restaurant I've ever been to! The location is very private and serene.
First stop was the bar, where the couple beside us ordered a drink a flambe, which was an exciting site for all that were there.
I had the roast duck salad, which was kinda salty, but very tasty none the less. For the main course I ordered the elk for dinner that came with a mouth-watering mushroom gravy and it was to die for! For dessert we had the fluffy and decadent Grand Marnier souffle. You gotta save up and go here!
Romantic and tucked away. A perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just be intimate. I could also easily imagine having a small party here--looks like they might host some wedding receptions, etc. in the other rooms. They also have a cute lawn area outside next to the creek.
The food was very good and we were very happy with our selections. Extensive wine list. I really appreciated that the service was attentive, professional and not stuffy.
Starter:
Fresh warm bread
Tortellini (garlic, cream and mushrooms) in a very tasty sauce that I really wanted to dip the bread in
Mixed greens salad with smoked duck and goat cheese
Entrees:
Wild Elk with mushrooms, wild rice, green beans - cooked medium rare and good portion size
Tournedos of beef with mashed potatoes, asparagus - very tender and a good size as well
Dessert:
Mixed berries -- yummy
Chocolate truffle torte -- very rich and decadent. (I didn't care so much for the sauce though)
Overall I give it 4 stars because the food was pricey and we were seated next to an interior faux window that was kind of weird. A little too close to our neighbors. We will definitely go back and request a real window seat.
My absolute favorite! La Foret is tucked away in a creek side setting in southern Almaden Valley (SJ). The menu is eclectic with wild game choices as well as continental fare. Service is comfortable and impeccable, not stuffy... very professional and gracious. This is a great place for weekend brunch!
Pretty much everything said about this hidden gem is true. Beautiful setting, wonderful and attentive staff, and unbelievable food. Went there on a Tuesday night for our 9th anniversary and let's just say the wife was impressed.
The meal started with complementary hor'dourves, a delicious bottle of wine, and wonderful warm bread. I started with the scallops and ordered the beef filet. The scallops were perfectly cooked and honestly melted in my mouth. The filet was also perfectly cooked, the sauce was to die for, and the potatoes and veggies on the side were equally delicious. My wife started with a salad and ordered the elk tenderloins which equalled the beef in flavor and was not the least bit gamey. We finished with the dessert sampler which was the perfect way to end a fabulous meal.
As others have said it is not inexpensive. Expect to drop about $100 a person with wine and tip, but it was money well spent. There is no question we will be back for special occasions.
Came here for my 21st birthday :). Living in Almaden, I have always heard good things about this restaurant, and it sure didn't disappoint! Tried tasting menu #1 while bf had tasting menu #3 so we were able to try all options. Standouts had to be the foie gras, the kobe beef, and my birthday creme brulee. Foie gras w/ delicious seared crust and gooey center. Felt like I was eating the best fat of my life! The kobe beef is definitely some of the better I've had and the creme brulee was just perfect! One of the most romantic places I've been to. Didn't feel rushed or out of place (as many high-class restaurants tend to make you feel,) only pure delight. Would come back if only money grew on trees :).
After reading the reviews, I was excited to try La Foret. We had the six course tasting menu with the lobster and kobe beef.
Initially our service was very slow and after we asked about our next course the food came out too fast.
I ordered a sauterne with my foie gras and asked the sommelier what the vintage was. However, the sommelier did not know. Not good!
Overall the food was better than the service. The restaurant seemed a little slow for a Friday and just off for a high priced and highly rated restaurant. I would try again and change my rating accordingly.
Whenever I think of a romantic setting I go to La Foret and of course the dinners are always superb. I always have a wonderful time here.
This is by far one of the best restaurants in the bay area! A true gem. I grew up in Almaden so it's pretty easy for me to find but if you're not familiar with New Almaden( yes it's actually called New Almaden even though it's old) use your GPS to find it. The food is FANTASTIC. My husband and I are so busy saying mmmmmmm after each bite we barely talk!
Went there for our 10th anniversary. Food was just ok. Very pricey for the portions you get. If you are interested in trying out this Iranian owned restaurant, give it a try.
Ok.... haven't gone back but tried one of the best restaurant in San Francisco this weekend and hubby liked more La Foret than the #1 place in San Francisco.
La foret is a hidden diamond in San Jose.
One of the best meal I ever had.
Yes it is pricey and a fix menu but man.... it was soooo declicious.…
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Poor guy who took me here for my Junior prom in high school. I ordered the kobe beef, and that was $$$$$$$$. It was well worth it...from what I remember..... and the service was great...Shoooot....it better be. My honor's english teacher recommended me this place.... But it's only a good recommendation if you're rich.....and my date and I were not even close to that spectrum.. And heck, I'm still not rich, but I do have dreams of becoming one someday. Okay, enough w/ the babbling...
*this restaurant popped up on the front of my yelp page..and just had a quick rememberance of it... so i thought of yelping it myself.*
I should re-visit this place.......when I get my tax refund....
Believe it or not, I find La Foret Restaurant's prices very reasonable compared to many other French restaurants in the city. Although it's been awhile since I've last been here (2 years ago probably) but I do remember the food with fondness. The food was definitely better than the service. In fact, because the service was not as attentive or warm is the main reason for fours stars rather than five.
The foie gras was pan-seared was hands down the best I have ever had in my life and I have been to other high class French restaurants before. Ahi Tuna and quail were memorably delicious. Creme Brulee was awesome.
My hubby and I came here for a date night on Saturday and it was wonderful. The food was really good, our server was friendly, and the bartender makes a yummy lemon drop. I would definitely come back to La Foret.
The reason they are getting 4 stars instead of 5 is the host was a bit unpleasant. But the only time we dealt with him was when we were seated. Also, the sun gets in your eyes when you're facing the windows, so some window coverings would be nice.
I've been to La Foret four times, three for dinner and once for brunch. Every single meal has left wanting to come back for more. Prevented from doing so only by financial barriers, I would come here atleast once a week to dine. It is one of my favorite restaurants and for good reason.
They always have a fresh selection of game meats, and prepare them in a very traditional style with a more modern twist. I've had their quail, wild boar, and caribou, and each has made an impression on me. However, the caribou that I had several years back served in a cabernet reduction sauce was definitely my favorite.
I recommend La Foret for those wishing to have a genuinely amazing dining experience. It can be a little pricey, so perhaps this is more of a place reserved for special occasions. I look forward to returning to this secluded gem hiding within the Almaden hills.
That's right, full course meal so full course review.
EVERYTHING was perfect. Attention to EVERY single detail. It truely is a five star restaurant. I honestly cannot pick on anything. I cannot complain. Everything was perfect from service, atmosphere,etc to food.
It was worth spending, not every penny, but every BenFranklin there. I adore it. I love it. I crave for my next trip, which won't be for years since I'm trying to financially recover from my outting there.
We ordered four plates and I took a good skewered stabb at each dish. Absolute delight. I'm tempted to just walk into a kitchen to see if they cook with a magic wand or not.
Souffle was absolutely heavenly. Imagine the soft texture this way...
It's like cutting butter with a warm knife. Syrup sauce was the amazing part.
My experience...EPIC.
The food.....LEGEN--...wait for it...--DARY! (HIMYM reference)
Latest visit was with my book club this week. We were seated in the room closest to the creek and had it to ourselves. As always, great service and great food! We enjoyed a variety of appetizers and left stuffed and happy.
Hubby and I enjoyed anniversary dinner here after not visiting for a couple of years. We recently… Read more »
Must try the Lobster dish here !!!!!!!
Well everyone taste could be different , IMO i have to say this is a good restaurant . Don't expect too much ..But worth to try ..abit pricey to me .
My personal recomendation : perfect place for Good farwell dinner .
My Ex picked this place when we decided to have a last dinner as b/f-g/f .
sat next to the window over look the dry creek with bunch of dead looking branches ..Gosh it's so lonly but comforting ??? Yupe !Could be a romantic sad view for any couple to look at ..LoL ..True .......
Sorry if you find my review unuseful ...This is where i taking my memoirs for my dining experience ofcouse :))
The best food I have ever had. It melts in your mouth and you can't go wrong with any dish.
The service and ambiance are unparalleled.
The tasting menus are more expensive than a normal dinner, but well worth it. Also, you can order just chicken and it won't be that pricey, but then you kind of lose the experience of a long dinner and being able to taste so many different and amazing dishes.
I've been here a few times, and it is actually the place I took my wife for dinner the night I proposed to her, so yes it's a quite romantic setting.
First off it's way out in the boonies. At points it feels like you're driving so far up the hill that you're going to see Santa Cruz soon, and beware of wildlife on the road at night. (My buddy side-swiped a deer on the way here one time.) Once you arrive, it feels like your at a quiet old ranch house, so you may be unsure if you ended up at the right place. You have. Once you get into the restaurant and you'll notice that the setting changes from rural rustic to up-scale fancy.
Now the important part... the food. I've tried a variety of dishes, and my personal favorite is the duck, but obviously you have to like duck. For more traditional faire, the filet mignon is very good as well. The wine list is long and excellent, and the staff have a good knowledge of it. On one visit I asked the waiter for his suggestion on a dry, slightly-sweet white, and he suggested the Grgich Hills Chardonnay, which to this day is still one of my favorites.
So to summarize... very romantic, very yummy food, excellent wine selection... but be sure to bring a credit card with a good limit. I was able to easily drop $125-$150 on dinner for 2 with wine. Be prepared.
I had heard of La Foret and its foie gras and was pretty excited when I found out that we were going there for a bday celebration. Oh boy was I disappointed!
All 5 of us ordered the foie gras for appetizer. As a big foie fan, I had a bad feeling right away when I saw that it came out with slices of avocado. Seared foie gras is rich and buttery; how can you pair that with avocado? On top of that, it was overly cooked and dry. I have had "so so" foie but this was the first time that I actually left a piece on my plate.
The buffalo and elk entrees were well cooked although not remarkable.
The Souffle grand marnier was not as airy and fluffy, but had great flavor.
Maybe I just got very unlucky and might give this resto and its foie gras another try.
On recommendation of Yelp we had tasting menu 2 and 3. The Kobe beef was especially tender and melt in your mouth. The beef round was just a shy less tender but still very yummie.
Overall the service was excellent and attentive and kind. I recommend coming early before the rush and you get a peaceful dining experience without the hustle and noise of a full restaurant.
This was my first souffle experience and was not sure what are the marks of a good souffle. It had a rich vanilla flavor with a hint of citrus.
The scallop was delicious and large cooked perfectly on some kind of veggi thing underneath.
The pate melted on your fork and together with the avocado was a wonderful dish.
This place is a real treasure to find... bring a map and print out directions.
I've added Foie Gras to my faves from this restaurant.
Excellent. Bravo. Amaze.
If you've never tried fattened goose liver, you must. Live a little!
If you ever want to bribe lilykat99...bring her here.
Trip to heaven: $58. + tax and tip. Book your Trip NOW!
I am so glad I tried La Foret! It's truly a…
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One of the most romantic places I have been to for a very long time.. Their attention to detail and service is outstanding.. When we were seated the Maitre'd noticed i was wearing black.. and promptly brought me a black napkin so that i would not get lint on my dress.. very sweet.
Menu: The few times I have gone the menu has not changed, however the food is still excellent. You have a few choices on prix fix menu's that vary is price for any budget and they also offer their dishes A'la carte which is great for those who don't have big appetites. The one dish I rave about is their pan seared FOIE GRAS!!! YUMMMM.. You can't miss this! Their Tournedos of Beef Chanterelle is also excellent.
I recommend this restaurant to couples looking for a romantic restaurant away from the busy city life..
Aunt Tess, Aunt Tess...are you up there? For those who don't know what I am talking about you'll have to ask your waiter to tell you a little ghost story about La Foret. Apparently La Foret was the first 2 story hotel in California which later became a brothel. Story goes (as told by our waiter) that there is a ghost of a former "lady of the house" that still roams about upstairs...they nicknamed her Aunt Tess. We didn't see her last night when we had dinner here but we were indeed charmed by the cute, cozy and warm ambiance of La Foret as well as our attentive and entertaining waiter. This is a quaint and endearing restaurant with solid service and food. Great warm bread served with an ice cream scoop of butter. We were presented with La Foret's version of an amuse bouche, a black olive ravioli with a bleu cheese sauce, not outstanding but good and a nice touch. My dining partner and I started with the scallop appetizer, 2 perfectly seared scallops with puff pastry, followed by a goat cheese and smoked duck salad which was just good, not great. For entrees he had the wild game special which was elk, tender and tasty with perfectly cooked vegetables. I had the rack of lamb, possibly the largest portion I have ever received in a restaurant, about 6-7 ribs, cooked perfectly rare in a wine reduction also with perfectly cooked vegetables. For dessert we ordered a chocolate souffle (this is not on the menu but they accommodated our request...who does that anymore considering how time intensive a souffle is?) and also the dessert sampler as well. The sampler had a variety of small desserts but the creme brulee on the sampler I adored, perfectly sweet , silky and caramelized on top. Unique souffle presentation, they take the souffle out of the souffle dish and serve it on top of the sauce instead of serving in dish, sauce poured inside. Very sweet, very good. My favorites of the evening were the scallop appetizer and creme brulee. Would love to go back and give the Grand Marnier souffle and the foie gras a try.
Fantastic food, perfect ambiance, and good service.
La Foret is an establishment that belongs in an out-of-the-way location, only known to the locals and a few good magazine readers. Nestled among the trees in south San Jose, La Foret is a hidden gem.
The restaurant is decorated in a Mediterranean but modern style, with dim lights and soft sound. Out the window, diners can view the beautiful Almaden trees or the winding creek which snakes past one side of the building. At night, the creek side is a bit annoying, as there is a bright light that shines towards the dining area from across the street.
The food is exceptional. At my last visit, I indulged on the peppered Ahi. It was juice and flavorful and the spiced sauce gave it music that it most willingly played inside my mouth. I complimented it with a Chalk Hill chardonnay. It was a fantastic meal.
La Foret is the stuff of prom dates, but it is also the kind of place you go to propose to your love, or to celebrate your big raise. It is intimate, friendly, and delicious.
I highly recommend.
-------------------S
This is a great place to celebrate a special day, or just for a nice evening out. We've enjoyed meals here several times and have loved every bite of our meals. We've had the tasting menu 1 and 3, the prawns for appetizers, soup of the day, linguine, rack of lamb, and salmon (all on different occasions of course!).
Everything is delicious. The ambiance is great - very peaceful and relaxing. The service is excellent. They really cater to you and bring your dishes out promptly without making you feel smothered or rushed.
I can't wait for our next visit. =)
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