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The Peasant and the Pear
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
267 Hartz AveDanville, CA 94526
(925) 820-6611
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Tue-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
Sun 10 am - 2 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
393 reviews for The Peasant and the Pear
Review Highlights
"The lamb shank was truly a work of culinary art."
(in 57 reviews)
"I just remember the deliciousness of the pork chop."
(in 39 reviews)
"I tried the Smoked Chicken Salad sandwich and loved it."
(in 7 reviews)
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393 reviews in English
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Review from Michele M.
Hayward, CA
1/24/2012
Visited for dinner for the first time Sat night for a belated birthday treat. A friend of mine has been before so we sat near the bar as the bartender/sommelier is just fantastic. We started with the White Cheddar fondue. It was sooooo good. Shared a house salad and both ordered the Cassoulet for dinner. The duck and pork belly make this dish a slice of heaven. The sausage was good too but I LOVE duck so I was instantly in love. The Pear Tart was our dessert and because my friend had mentioned we were celebrating my birthday, they wrote Happy Birthday in chocolate on the plate and the sommelier sang a serenade to me. It was very sweet of him and I was touched.
All in all I was very impressed. We arrived early for dinner and noticed it stayed busy the entire time. Every patron seemed to be a regular and was very nice. Many people chatted with us and I noticed the atmosphere was all in all, incredibly friendly. Not something I am accustomed to but I thought it was great and just lends itself to the whole experience.
Not sure how so many people can complain about service or seating. It is not a big place, however we were treated like family by not only the entire staff but also the patrons.
We will go back again and again. -
Review from Peter M.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
With soon-to-be in-laws living in Danville, I've had the opportunity of trying a lot of the "nicer" restaurants in the area. I've been hearing about the lamb for months so I had to get it and it was great. The waitress mentioned it is their signature dish.
Unfortunately, that was about the only item that I thought was great. The pizza starter was boring with soft crust (but not in the good way like real pizza from Naples) the calamari was chewy, and the lasagna was in a big greasy gooey bowl of cheese and overcooked noodles.
The worst part about the experience was the service. They try to come across as a high end restaurant, but we spent half the time there looking for our waitress. A few times, the hostess noticed us looking around, but didn't bother to come help.
I'll be back for the lamb, but it will hurt to pay their prices for the whole experience. -
Review from Lora M.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Peasant and the Pear is where we went on our first dinner date. I will try as much to state my experience without bias. We came an hour early but they accommodated us and took us to our table almost immediately. We got lucky they weren't so busy and had quite few tables available. It was a nice chilly evening but I started to sweat once inside the dimly-lit restaurant. The dim lighting btw, gave the restaurant a romantic cozy atmosphere. Later on, I heard some complaints in the tables next to us of how warm it was there and started taking off the sweaters and jackets. A waitress came by and apologized and told us they will lower the temperature of the furnace.
We ordered Pear Quesadella $8 and Winter Beet salad for our appetizer, $9. Both were interesting to our liking.The Pear Quesadella was almost a dessert, the pear, the brie plus the spicy pear chutney did not compliment one another. They have their own flavors that want to stand out and they were all fighting the attention of my palate. Beet is usually a challenging ingredient to pull off, but the acid from the blood orange and the pomegranate-citrus vinaigrete gave the salad a twist and the feta cheese balances the acid. Yet the Yin and Yang of these flavors were not good enough for me to want to finish it. Something was missing. I think it needed a crunch, a sweet crunch like honey glazed nuts or something.
I ordered Cassoulet for my main dish; a duck leg confit, garlic sausage (yep, garlic is pretty risky for a first date. It wasn't so overpowering so I was safe), braised pork belly with white beans for $23. I would want my duck meat to fall off the bone. It's one of those dishes that just doesn't have the wow factor. The moment you take a bite of it, you want to take another one not because you think its good, you want to try another in case you missed some flavors on the plate. And every next bite is a disappointment. If you pay such amount for a meal, you would look for that money's worth flavor and it's not there. I've had better. The boyfriend ordered a Deconstructed Beef Wellington, even he, wasn't impressed. We had so much leftover that we had to take it home with us.
The mediocrity of the food affects less the wonderful evening I had at this place but would we want to come back here for another dinner date and for the amount we paid? Probably not. -
Review from Kelly S.
Danville, CA
1/15/2012
Went here last night (and reserved a table through yelp) with the boyfriend. Ambiance was subtle and cozy, but the crowd was a little older than we expected. The service was excellent; they have a very well trained staff. The lamb shank was absolutely amazing, it literally melted in my mouth, while the boyfriend had the chicken carbonara with a l'orange cosmo. I can't remember the exact name of my drink, the prickly pear maybe? It was delicious!
I would definitely come back for another date night. -
Review from d m.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012
Visited Friday night, 1-20-12.
I have been wanting to try this restaurant for nearly a year. It is good, but overhyped.
As a threshold matter, community seating -- where they squeeze several parties on one long bench, so that you are practically sitting in the lap of someone you don't know-- belongs in a swinger's clubs, not in a restaurant that fancies itself to be high-end.
When I saw that the hostess was directing us to a swinger's bench, I asked to be relocated to a freestanding table, at which point the (person I am assuming is the) manager advised her (with a ridiculously rude tone) that, as a party of two, the lap dance section was our only option.
Oh. No. He. Dint. I could see the fear in my business partner's eyes as the manager uttered those words because he knows that I don't take "no" very well.
Predictably, I immediately said "we are out of here," when I noticed one of the two bar tables was empty and decided to stick around because, like I said, I had been wanting to try this place, plus it was pouring outside and I did not want to have to venture back out in the rain. I won't be back though. Even if the food had been worthy of five stars (it wasn't) the lack of proper seating for two is unforgivable.
After the seating fiasco, I was in a pissy mood and already writing my yelp review in my head. The only thing that saved the night (and this review) was the AMAZING bartender who also took our order. He basically picked our meals for us. I say that because, after a few minutes of conversation, he pretty much knew what we wanted and steered us to the right options (from appetizers to dessert) and away from making mistakes.
Love it!! One thing I can not stand is someone who approves every food and beverage choice. You simply can't trust a person who says everything is delicious.
While everything on the menu sounds amazing, the food is just decent -- nothing to write home about. It is fresh, the portions are very large, the quality is good, but nothing really hit a high note -- except the pear quesedillia, which came with an amazing chutney. As the bartender said -- you could put that chutney on a shoe and the shoe would be tasty.
My other dishes (beet salad and mushroom risotto) were decent, but not as wonderful as they sound on paper. The bread was served luke warm and tasted like it was baked the day before.
The pear tart is a very nice way to end a meal, and the margarita I ordered was yummy, because, of course, the bartender is AWESOME! Stay away from the lemon cheesecake: it is good for a couple of bites, but quickly grows old on the palate.
The price of the meal was surprisingly low for the amount and quality of food we had. We split an appetizer, each had a salad, each had an entree, had three cocktails (total -- not each), and two desserts for $125.00, And I took most of the risotto home, so I have lunch tomorrow.
I won't be back because of the seating issue, but this is a decent place for four or more. -
Review from Andy H.
How can this place afford to keep the prices so affordable AND change the menu EVERY season! The new Winter Menu is insane. The paella is one of the greatest dishes...a huge explosion of flavor, and the portion is BIG, enough to save some for the next day. The Sour Cherry Burrata is anything but Sour, and goes great with a Jacked Up Manhattan. The desserts...well be prepared to order several. They have a new dessert cheese plate that has fig, goat cheese, brie, pistachios, crostini, and other goodies. It "pears" perfectly with any one of their ports. This place is world class, the service is amazing and it's right here in Danville...it blows your mind!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/12/2011
They just launched the most ambitious menu ever seen in the Bay Area. The Autumn 2011 Dinner Menu.… Read more »
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Review from squishy b.
Tracy, CA
1/8/2012
Went here with boyfriend for a romantic dinner because they had a "beef wellington" dish on their menu. However, they changed the menu after I made the reservation but we decided to give it a try anyway.
We got lost when it came to getting into the restaurant. Apparently we came in from the back of the restaurant and stood there for a good five minutes before deciding to find the check in desk. During those five minutes servers passed us, stared at us, and not one asked us if we needed help or guided us to where we needed to go. Instead, we walked awkwardly to what was supposedly the front of the restaurant. If there were signs at the back door that woulda saved us from feeling unwelcomed and out of place.
So we find the check in desk and are seated immediately. We didn't know who our server as it seemed that she just popped out of nowhere, didn't introduce herself, and did a pretty lousy job. I leaned over to listen to the other server explain the specials menu in far more detail than our server, who just said "we have mac and cheese with truffle oil and two crab cakes for a special." No description of what it was a special or what it came with. Eh. We ordered the "special" mac and cheese with truffle oil along with the fried calamari and the escargot.
Food came out pretty fast, which was really nice because I don't like waiting. The escargot was pretty tasty. The calamari was lightly fried and had a hint of lemon taste to it. Delish! The mac and cheese was alright. It wasn't anything special. We ordered the cassoulet and the bistro steak frites (medium). Dinner came out just as fast and the portion sizes were definitely worth the price. Cassoulet was pretty good, but it was a little over salted (according to the boyfriend). My steak frites was pretty good. I ordered a red wine reduction sauce on the side and it added a nice zing to the meal.
For dessert we ordered the creme brûlée to share. It was a very delicious creme brûlée. I loved the hard sugary crust and the consistency to it. It was less custardy and more creamy. It didn't really taste like vanilla, but it was still pretty good.
All in all, I enjoyed my experience at the restaurant - except the service which needed a little bit more of an oomph.
VERDICT: We would go back again... if they have beef wellington back on the menu. -
Review from BriannSandy w.
Dublin, CA
1/3/2012
So I called Sandy on Friday at work and suggested date night. I thought a nice dinner and maybe a movie would be the call prior to the new years festivities.
I thought about a trip to the city to try an exclusive highly rated spot to eat. Then I imagined the crowd, the parking, and the drive and decided maybe a quaint dinner close to home would be a better option.
I did a little research on the restaurants in Danville that we had not tried yet and I happened upon the peasant and the pear.
I booked us a reservation and called Sandy hoping she liked my suggestion. As soon as I emailed her the link the restaurant, she replied back "Yay". She had been looking at this place for some time now and had wanted to go.
An hour before dinner we got a call from her family and they wanted to get together. So date night was canceled. Oddly though, I called the peasant and pear to tell them we needed to cancel. And for the first time in my experience, the hostess not only asked me why I was canceling, but sounded almost concerned. This took me slightly off guard as with most places, once they learn you are not going, they rush to get you off the phone.
Needless to say, we just changed the reservation to Monday night.
We arrived a few minutes early and walked up to the restaurant. Somehow we ended up in the rear of the restaurant and came in through the back door passing through the dinning area to find the hostess. We were greeted and brought back to where we just entered from and seated.
We looked at the wine menu first and saw our favorite wine from our favorite winery (the Peju cabernet) Seeing that available was the first sign we were in for a good evening.
Sandra selected one of their signature options (the pork chop) and I went for the New York strip.
Our food arrived soon after our tasty wine was poured. Again, I was immediately struck with a case of pork chop envy as Sandy's thick cut chop look amazing.
My New York strip looked yummy but still it wasn't a thick cut slice of heaven like a juicy pork chop.I asked if I could substitute veggies for the potatoes as I am in the painful and unfulfilling process of limiting my carb intake. The server suggested the brussels sprouts. Suggesting brussels sprouts as an option for me would normally rank right up there with offering me beets or god forbid, canned peaches. The two food items that immediately cause my gag reflex to go into overdrive. But feeling gutsy learning they cook their sprouts with bacon, I gave them a try. As they say and I agree with, everything is better with bacon.
I actually loved the brussels sprouts. . But they were shredded and cooked with that tasty bacon.
Sandy loved her pork chop it was cooked to a light pink perfection. She had a sweet potato side that she wasn't a fan of. It looked savory but the taste was all sweet.
I really enjoyed my steak. The sauce was just a bit too sweet as well, but yummy none the less.
So date night was a definite success. Great wine, really good food and pleasant service. I even put my life long detest for brussels sprout to bed in thanks in large part to diced bacon.
Overall a very pleasant experience.
Next time though, I am getting the pork chop. -
Review from Linh C.
Hayward, CA
1/22/2012
Yum! This place is sooo good. I had the cherry burrata, and the co au vin and both was very satisfying. The cherry burrata was soooo yummy, I can't stop thinking about it. It was sweet and slightly tart from the cherry compote and the cheese was a little salty and creamy and was perfect with the bread. The co au vin was also very good and hearty. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce was a great compliment. I will definitely be back to try other things on their menu!
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Review from Sandala C.
Dublin, CA
1/16/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Great place for special occasions! A group of friends took me here for my birthday. The service was excellent and I loved, loved the decor! Most importantly, the food was delicious, especially the prosciutto and pea pasta. This had me excited about exploring the rest of downtown Danville, which looks so lovely!
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Review from Lola A.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/18/2012
I had the Bishop Ranch salad and the citrus salmon (highly recommended). For dessert flourless chocolate cake. I wish I had ordered the pear tart that my husband had (heavenly!). I also tried the fillet Mignon and it was tender and delicious.
The food was outstanding, the staff very attentive, and the ambiance classy ( even though there was a young couple in jeans and sweat shirt in the table next to us).
Great place to celebrate something special since it's pricey, but my husband's B-day is coming up so we cannot wait to go back again. This time for brunch. -
Review from LEE D.
San Ramon, CA
1/12/2012
This place is absolutely incredible! My parents are professional singers and we've traveled all over the world and eaten at some pretty unbelievable restaurants I took my parents there for there 51st anniversary and there comment was it's one of the BEST places they've ever eaten at!! For dessert there pear pastry is heavenly!!
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Review from Dyan Y.
San Ramon, CA
Updated - 11/6/2011
Let me make this short and sweet. I brought my friend in for a girls night out because I really love this place. She has never been.
My past review was handled so well by the owner, I will come back and bring friends.
That evening was very busy and we had to wait for a bar table. As soon as we sat down the manager sent out fondue (A+++) which was so nice and he thanked us for waiting.
The bartenders were not the usual males that I see but two women. They were not friendly or smiling. They seemed very overwhelmed by the crowd. We got wine, it was good. My problem was watching the bartender stick her entire hand in the (already super nasty looking) olive glass. She then proceeded to use those olives in someone's drink. After I saw the manager and others use spoons and toothpicks I am positive this action is not something the peasant and the pear advocates.
Overall her attitude was short, rude and made it uncomfortable. I hope the guy bartenders return. I will be back but unless I can watch them make my drink I will stick with wine.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/27/2011
Brought my girlfriend here and what a great time! We sat in the bar area and Alex was our sever and… Read more »
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Review from Mari M.
East Bay, CA
10/28/2011
I have to start off with my favorite aspect of this place, and it is the people that work there. Everyone there gave great customer service, and it felt like a warm and nurturing environment. the one who most especially gave me this feeling was our waitress, Lisa. She is a huge part of why I had a great time here.
You're probably wondering why I gave 4 stars rather than 5. It is because I'm not too sure I ordered the right food. I started out with the pear quesadilla. I loved how simple it was, yet so different with the use of pear and brie inside and topped with spicy pear chutney. The problem I had was the tortilla itself. I don't know if it's made in house or not, but it tasted like something you can buy in bulk at the store. I also ordered the special with was squash risotto with prawn. It sounded so good, but I didn't get the creaminess I expect from risotto. Instead it had the texture of smashed squash. Prawn were perfect though.
To the good food. I ordered the butternut squash bisque which was so good. I couldn't wait for the soup to cool off a bit, and I burnt my tongue! I also got to taste the squash canneloni which was to die for. It had the great melt in your mouth feel. Bahh. So good. I love fall foods!
For dessert we got pomegranate creme brulee. They change their creme brulee flavors often, so I can't wait to go back to see what else they have.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in that part of the East Bay. The food is solid, and the place itself is warm and inviting. You feel like you're somewhere special, but never feel out of place. -
Review from Ann L. F.
Oakland, CA
9/26/2011
Appetizers: YUM
Drinks: YUM
Entre: YUM
Dessert: OOOH, YUM
Only complaint: the piped-in music was intrusive and annoying. They seemed like they were trying to create a "clubbing" ambiance at odds wit the rest of the atmosphere. -
Review from Kristi W.
Danville, CA
10/3/2011
This place is very warm and cozy and reminds me of a Paris bistro. Service was fine but not great. I told them in advance it was my husband's birthday, but they apparently don't do anything with that kind of info. I expected them to at least bring our desserts with a candle. Oh well.
The food was very good - my husband had the lamb shank (meat was delicious, and I don't like lamb much - polenta was creamy but a little bland), I had the filet mignon (meat was tender and cooked perfectly, potato gratin with bleu cheese was awesome). The pear quesadilla was ok - I don't really get why people rave so much about it. Next time I'll try the fondue. The pear tart was also ok. My husband loved the pumpkin bread pudding.
Overall, a very nice dinner for a reasonable price. -
Review from Elyse G.
San Ramon, CA
1/14/2012
I have a problem... I can't stop coming here. Do they offer 'Peasant and the Pear Anonymous' meetings? Ok, ok, moving on, the food is so good I practically have a panic attack having to pick just one entree. Has anyone seen 'Sophie's Choice'? Yes it's like that. My favorites are probably the fondue and nicoise salad for lunch and any of the apps with the bouillabaisse for dinner. Mmm, I think I may have to eat there tonight!
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Review from Leah M.
Denver, CO
9/3/2011
I recently hosted a bachelorette party for 12 ladies. I was very excited after reading all the reviews.
Let me start by saying I made the reservation 6 weeks in advance. Checked with the manager to make sure we could be on the patio. Was assured nothing was going on that night.
The week of the party, I got a call from the hostess letting me know the patio was unavailbe due to a "rock band" playing that night and the patio was resvered for their family. I was furious and was going to cancel my reservation and find another location. But the manager called back and let me know he had a special section of the patio he could put us on. Bascically we were stuck out almost on the street with no charm of the patio.
The waitress was sub-par. She had no idea about the wine list and had to ask the bar tender, who recommended a wine I hated...but unfortunately if you don't like the bottle, you still have to buy it. (I guess it kept me from drinking too much).
One of the guests asked for sugar for her iced tea 3 times, she never got it. The Bride was only asked once if she would like a drink, the rest of the time ignored. Our water was never refiled even after asking.
And to top it off the manager never came out to say "Hi" and thank us for staying with our reservation.
Now the food:
Unfortunately ALL 12 of us were very disappointed.
A few of us had their "signature" lamb dish. Very bland! The polenta had no flavor at all. The crab carbonara was possible the worst pasta dish I have ever tasted, bland, flavorless, and they skimped on the crab.
I didn't try, but was told by the other ladies, the steak was just OK as was the eggplant lasagna. Nothing special.
I was so upset that I went to talk to the manager. He walked by me, ignored me, and went in the back. I asked for our waitress and unfortunately she received the brunt of my complaint. I did tell her to let the manager know I will writing a review.
I will never be going back to The Peasant & The Pear nor will I grace their sister restaurant the Prickly Pear.
I should have gone with my gut and canceled and found another location.
Don't believe the hype! -
Review from Martha H.
Livermore, CA
9/9/2011
On Aug 27th my friends gave me my 60th birthday party @THE PEASANT & THE PEAR. It was 18 of us and the service was great......Sarah our waitress was THE GREATEST...... the food was fantastic and all that my friends could talk about the next day was: THE PEASANT & THE PEAR
This has always been my favorite restaurant and I am so glad that all of my friends now like this restaurant. I have been to this restaurant with a friend or two friends and now 18 people and the service is always the same......GREAT........ the manager always comes by the table and the wait staff are always on top of their game..........great service......
At my party we were talking and laughing and just really celebrating but our waitress was very quietly getting everyone's order and was very fast and just knew how to handle a large group.........This was a PERFECT DAY FOR ME.........Everyone really enjoyed their food.........and their PEAR TINNI'S are great !!!! ALSO ÜÜÜÜ
THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC DAY..........on AUGUST 27TH.......and also for the great service that you give each and everytime that I have eaten at this restaurant........ -
Review from Steve D.
Lafayette, CA
9/9/2011
We are fans of this place. Great food and bar although the bar is small if you have to wait to be seated it might be difficult to find a seat around the bar. Also it is a bit too dark inside at night. They could turn the lights up a just a bit.
All in GO!.. awesome food. I remember when Peasant and the Pear was a whole in the wall just down the road. Glad to see they are doing so well. Well deserved success! -
Review from Salernitana A.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/13/2011
Order the famous signature smoked chicken sandwich! Do not pass GO, do not collect $200, until you've had it. I don't even like smoked chicken and I devoured this in about 10 minutes based on the server recommendation (to buy it, not to eat it in 10 minutes).
We had dessert that was so good I don't even remember what it was. It just sort of lives in a good reverie, in my brain somewhere...
They get a fifth star for their really graphically-cool business cards and logo on their website. Love that stuff! -
Review from AJ G.
San Ramon, CA
1/22/2012
Hands down this restaurant is by far one of the best I've been to in a long time. I heavily rely on YELP to steer me in the right direction when it comes to anything in certain areas. THANK YOU yelpers as the recommendations were spot on for The Peasant and the Pear! My girlfriend and I hadn't had a day off in a while and we decided to make it a day of massages and fine food. It's Dine About Town this week and we typically love to experience different restaurants in SF but low and behold, this amazing find is right in our backyard. Excellent service, a cozy yet unique ambiance, and my goodness the food is perfection to the palate. We started off with their special appetizer, lobster mac and cheese...success! I had the Bishop Ranch salad which consisted of organic mixed baby greens, candied walnuts, Point Reyes bleu cheese and pears in a tasty balsamic vinaigrette. My girlfriend ordered the Coq au Vin, boneless roasted chicken topped with mushrooms and carrots on a bed of mash potatoes finished in a red wine reduction. Excellent, excellent...excellent! It was a Saturday night so we had to wait a bit however, Lisa the hostess, was so accommodating and sat us as soon as she could. TIP: If it's a Friday or Saturday night, call ahead to make a reservation, it gets packed! Great selection of wine and if you like Pinot Noir, I recommend a bottle of the Morgan Twelve Clones (2009). It's silky smooth and goes well with dinner. Last but not least, we ended with the caramel creme brulee (flavors change on occasion) and again, another hit. Next time I'd like to try the bananas foster bread pudding. The things I've heard from others in the restaurant were all very positive. This place is a bit more upscale so I would recommend dressing appropriately.
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Review from Gregory B.
Blackhawk, CA
11/27/2011
Excellent dinner this evening. Loved the ambiance and excellent service delivered by Lisa. Both of our dishes were over the top. Wife had the Pork Chop and I had the Lamb Shank with the Warm Pear Tart for dessert. Definitely a must dine in downtown Danville.
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Review from david d.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2011
So I took the long haul from San Francisco to Danville to try The Peasant and the Pear. Why? The menu seemed interesting. Once within, I was well taken care of by the service staff. Prompt seating. Helpful suggestions. My only quibble is that one course followed the other a bit too quickly. Slow it down guys.
I started with a pear quesadilla composed of pears and brie in a tortilla that came with a chili spiked pear chutney. Good food. The high point of my meal.
A salad of heirloom tomatoes and house-made mozzarella came with basil and aged balsamic. The tomatoes were wonderful. The mozzarella was a bit grainy and dense but OK. More good food.
For my main I went with a braised lamb shank that was served over polenta. This was a big disappointment. The shank was served at near room temperature and had not been well trimmed; it was covered with fat. I had hoped for something that had been given a bit of time in a pan for crisping before the braising. That didn't seem to be the case here. I also didn't particularly care for the spicing of the lamb. All in all, I just didn't like his plate. Too bad as I had thought this to be a signature of the restaurant. -
Review from Mitchell N.
Danville, CA
12/7/2011
After hitting two other restaurants in town - one with a two hour wait and the other with a 1 hour, we walked into the Peasant and the Pear expecting to get the same. Fortunately some foolish party had cancelled and the hostess sat us immediately.
The Tom Collins I ordered was one of the best I've had anywhere - this is the ultimate test of a bar's quality. Then came the food... The New York steak I ordered was cooked to perfection and as tender as they come. The waitress pointed out that we could order any side-dishes with the entree that suited our liking - which we did.
The side dish of lumpy mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans and home made bread were incredibly flavorful. Incredibly flaky pastry dessert was treat too. All of the highest quality.
Wait staff was all over our table and awesome.
A bit pricey because we had such a good time and got carried away but it was a very special night out with friends that we cannot wait to repeat. -
Review from Merritt W.
Danville, CA
12/28/2011
Excellent food, atmosphere and service. The prices are good, the selection has something for everyone, and it's just plain comfortable.
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Review from Andres Z.
Livermore, CA
11/1/2011
There were many problems happening in the restaurant while eating there, first the power went out after being there for 20-30 minutes. Also the wait staff was not attentive to me or my girlfriend and there was only 1 other group of people eating almost like we were being avoided, my girlfriend thought they were being racist since we are Hispanic, but I think they weren't very attentive and we may not have looked like good tippers.. Not sure...
We had a $100.00 bottle of champagne with us we wanted chilled but they did not know how to chill it correctly so it was still a bit warm we still drank it but it wasn't as enjoyable. The food was not very good but this may have been partly due to the power outage. I probably will not return due to the poor service and not so great food, but I will commend them on trying to accommodate towards to end of our dinner it seemed like they tried to make up for the bad service and power outage but it was too late since I already had the review typed out in my head. -
Review from Lauren C.
Orange, CA
12/2/2011
The food is delicious and unlike anything you'd see on a menu anywhere else! I like the pear and brie quesadilla with chutney sauce, and their osso bucco is fantastic as well.
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Review from Steve N.
San Ramon, CA
9/13/2011
I was definitely impressed with all the dishes. I ordered the Michelin Guide Menu, which included the Bishop Salad, Double Cut Pork Chops and the Pear Tart Dessert. The salad was very good and a healthy portion. The Pork Chop was cooked perfectly. The dessert was very impressive and also good size portion. We also had the White Cheddar Cheese Fondue, which was very good, and the Osso Bucco was amazing.
So far, this is my favorite restaurant in Danville. I would rate the food here better than Bridges and Piatti. The Michelin Guide dinner that I had was just $35, but all 3 were very good dishes. -
Review from Brenda C.
Fremont, CA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here with my mom and really enjoyed this place. I ordered the brie and pear flat bread. This was super good. I would actually like to go back and try more items on their menu.
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Review from Kris K.
Danville, CA
7/28/2011
Rodney Rocks! That is all! Good food and the best fries ever!!!
Just get the fries...only the fries!!!
Yes i know what ur thinking but trust me...i know this!!! -
Review from Jacquelyn M.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/17/2011
Just had our date night here last night and it was good! I'm always very appreciative of a restaurant where I can find a (good) item on the menu that doesn't have any ingredients (corn) that I'm allergic to. And our server was really sweet about it, made sure to ask the chef what the ingredients were before we ordered.
My husband got the crab campanella and he loved it, ate every bite! I got the Mediterranean chicken and it was delicious! Ordering a chicken dish I'm always afraid it's going to be boring and dull but this was full of flavor! -
Review from Greg G.
4/11/2011
Think of something that is Overrated. Go Ahead- What's the first thing that pops into your mind when I say something is OVERRATED?
Did you say The Black Eyed Peas? Did you say Dancing With the Stars?
Ok, ok- cool. Now what is the first thing you think of when I say Underrated? UNDERRATED- go!
Did you say PEARS?! You did? Oh my gosh, I said pears too! Pears are so underrated- it's insane. What a magical fruit pears are(no offensive, beans) Pears are so juicy, so grainy and rough, so unique in flavor.
The Peasant and The Pear, you know how to treat a pear right....
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Decided to visit TP&TP after i noticed their reservations were always full on Opentable. I figured if people keep reserving spots here it must be good- let's give it a try. It's an interesting spot, tucked into this weird mall parking lot area? On a main road in Danville, about a mile from Fresh & Easy. I had no idea this place was Michelin recommend, either- just our luck.
Appetizer- Sour Cherry Buratta- We got this because it looked different, not your everyday appetizer. The flavor is extremely unique, a mixture of cherry compote, buratta cheese, and balsamic vinegar over toasted bread. My Girlfriend didn't like it much- I enjoyed it. It's a different flavor that fused well together, but i can see some people not enjoying it.
Pizza- San Ramon- Oh my goodness, this pizza is to die for. It's so very simple, but so extremely flavorful and satisfying. Blue cheese, caramelized onions, and pears. Ahh the pears! Ahh the blue cheese! Over a very thin crust- I would come back to TP&TP just to order this pizza again- and for only $12 it's steal at a fancy joint like this.
Entree- Vegetable Carbonara- Why can't all pasta taste this good? Huge veggies in a thick, heavy pasta. The egg flavor in the noodle is there, the creamy flavor in the sauce is there, the all around satisfaction of this meal is on point. A+!
TP&TP is an outstanding restaurant. Great food, great staff, Michelin recommended. A total home run, any fan of food will enjoy what this restaurant is doing. -
Review from Sarah K.
Pleasant Hill, CA
11/7/2011
::Sigh:: I just love this place. It is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in the East Bay, with its extremely professional but understated service, quaintly intimate interiors, and - of course - the food. Oh, the food. Pear quesadilla: delish; Shrimp and Grits: OMG, more please; and I can't even pick a dessert, they're all so good. Extra props for their quintessential autumn ambiance, since it's the best season of them all, dontcha know.
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Review from Allison H.
Sacramento, CA
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Score:
Pluses: Fun servers, polite and prompt, delicious food, creative cocktails, and hefty portions
Minus: squashed seating, bright lighting, chaotic layout, and I don't know what peasant could afford to eat here.
The Details:
After strutting through the low-key back patio seating where a live musician was warbling some Coldplay covers, my friend and I mistakenly came in through the back door to a crowded bistro-vibed restaurant. Smallish tables littered the intimate space while servers flitted back and forth setting up bar seatings for the after-8 crowd.
When we finally made it to our table we were given a lunch menu and a dinner menu, but the hostesses (all four of them!) were gracious and provided the appropriate menus post-haste.
We started with the peartini. I could have gone home after that and would have still be impressed. That said, however, my friend and I plunged into one of the most gluttonous displays of pear-munching (literal pears here) I've ever experienced.
Peartini - DEEElicious! One of the best fruit martinis; you can tell real pears were harmed in the making of this beverage.
Calamari - one of the better batters I've had, nothing stupendous, but nothing horrendous. A good consistent display of the dish. One lemon didn't cut it, though.
Per the perky, young server's recommendation we also tried the Bishop Salad and I have to admit, it was one of the better light vinaigrette'd-fruit-and-nut-and-cheese salads I've had. Though there was a LOT of cheese. And I like cheese....
My friend had the lambshank, which was explain as the only thing that hasn't changed on their menu and therefore is considered "perfected," but she subbed mashed potatoes for the polenta. The lamb was superb! And massive. The mashed potatoes, eh.. I would have liked to try the polenta.
I had the special that night, a mahi mahi filet, perfectly crisp and crusted on the outsides, very buttery, over a bed of creamed fennel with a grilled artichoke split in two and flanking the course. The artichoke itself was nothing special, however, the unassuming rammekin accompanying it was filled with the most deliciously bacon-y cream dipping sauce I have ever spread on an artichoke leaf in my life. I HATE mayonnaise and would do everything to avoid it - including sometimes foregoing delicious aiolis, but this was just ace. I couldn't get enough and found myself double-dipping the artichoke leaves. Don't judge.
Next time I want to try the gnocchi!
For dessert: the pear tart and the chocolate torte. Pear tart was cold, but the ice cream topping it was so creamy I didn't care. We agreed that if it had been paired with the chocolate cake they would have had a stellar dessert combo. As it were, the chocolate cake was a rich knock-out (what I expected was delivered) and the pistachios on top added a declicious salty almost-brine-like quality to the chocolate (which my friend didn't appreciate, but I loved!).
As for wine pairings, there were one, sometimes two, wine by the glass options per verital so you can't really go crazy with the choices unless you want to buy a bottle (and expect to spend at least $40).
I'd still go back, however, as I'm not aware of too many other places in Danville that are as gung-ho about quality produce and local providers. -
Review from Cory N.
Concord, CA
12/30/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Loved it! We took one look at the menu and realized that we'd have to come back multiple times. Several favorite and rare treats to choose from. Great service, fantastic food, and just the right amount of service. The prices seemed reasonable, 4 dinners and salads and a bottle of the sommelier selection for less than $150.
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Review from Liana W.
San Jose, CA
8/11/2011
I was quite excited about this place after reading all the reviews. I used to live in the area and never had a chance to check this place out. Nonetheless, my husband and I decided to drive an hour to have dinner here. There were a total of 9 of us. Upon arriving at 7:30, the place was packed. I don't know if this is a usual Thursday night for them or if this just happened to be a popular night. WE also realized that the KQED show " Check Please" was also filming.
Pros:
pear quesadillas- yummy and extremely tasty
calamari- good portion size and also very tasty
lamb shank- EXCELLENT!
Pork Chops- Moist and tender
Cons:
Slow service
Pacific Sea bass- a bit dry and the corn and potato strings did not seem to go with the sea bass. I was expecting sea bass to be more soft and fluffy, but instead it was hard and dry.
Harvest pizza- I've had better
Caprese salad- cheese was a bit mushy- definitely have had better
Overall, a solid restaurant, but not as exceptional as I had imagined it to be. For the price, I would expect more! Prices are similar to a SF restaurant. I'm wondering what "Check Please" has to say. I guess I'll have to stay tuned..... -
Review from Jens O.
San Leandro, CA
6/8/2011
One of the absolute top restaurants in the Bay area and worth driving for. My wife and I are regular guests and we are always welcomed by the staff almost as we are a part of the family. Their food is superb (we have tried most of their menu) and we have not been disappointed one single time. I want to highlight the chef's specialty " Italian Lamb Shank" made osso buco-style. This is the best lamb I have ever got.
If you haven't visited "The Peasant & The Pear" yet, you really don't know what you have missed.
Chef Rodney Worth for president. -
Review from Hiram L.
Fremont, CA
6/1/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
The easiest job in the world must be a dish washer at the Peasant and the Pear. All the plates I saw looked like my dog had cleaned them. Spotless, but in this case there is usually a big bone left.
We started out with a pear quesadilla and fried asparagus. The spicy pear chutney was amazing with the quesadilla. The chef really knows what he is doing. It was good on the asparagus but not the world beater it is with the quesadilla. The asparagus wasn't anything to write home about. Not bad, not great, but fresh.
We had the lamb shank and pork chop. Both were finger/plate licking delicious. Cooked perfectly with a sauce to die for. I have no complaints. Looking around a very busy restaurant those were the top 2 dishes. I can see why. Great service, great food. The decor is clean and comfy. I'll be back.
If your looking for a great meal or a dishwasher looking for the good life this is the place. -
Review from Steve R.
Alamo, CA
8/18/2011
My wife and I always seem to have a nice experience at the bar here. The bartenders here are always great. Great personalities, friendly, easy-going. The drinks - especially their special ones with pear infused liqueur are tasty. i especially like the pear-infused manhattan.
Outside guitarist/soloist is a plus.
The food and service at the table a few weeks ago was just so-so. I had high expectations because of the other reviews here...so I went with the Lamb. It wasn't nearly as good as I had hoped. Almost seemed over-cooked.
The waitress didn't seem to know how to handle a group of 6...and didn't always hear or listen to what we were asking for. She brought the wrong brand of wine twice. I'll go hear again...but hope for better next time...and may just eat at the bar.
