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Pampas in Palo Alto, California
Personal story by
Waltski-Rocks
created on
Nov 17, 08
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Anyone ever loosen their belt up by two notches in a fancy restaurant before? Just asking! I'm sure i'm not the only one here!
Pampas is absolutely a remarkable setting for fine dining and the answer to meat lovers in the South Bay. Located a few yards from University Avenue, Pampas is cemented as one of the best places for Brazilian steaks and gourmet meats. No longer will I drive to the city or the central Peninsula. I'm venturing here when I feel skinny again. That said, Cindi's birthday event was a grand venue for fellow Yelpers to end their hectic work week and celebrate the three day 4th of July holiday weekend.
What to prepare for:
Dinner is at $44.00 per person for the open salad bar and all you can eat steak / meats. This is not including the fine selection of wine and cocktails. Service is supreme with the continuous hospitality and personalized attention. Kudos to our dedicated server for his accommodations for our late coming guests and getting them caught up with the rest of our party. Glasses filled to perfection and frequent visits at our table helped me forget about the comparison to their competitor, Espestus. Over the course of the dinner, my diet was severely ruined as I surrendered to the succulent top sirloin, lamp sicles, tri tip, and turkey wrapped in bacon. The frequent visits of the meat presentations sent my taste buds into overdrive. Each selection of mine was juicy with its natural oils intact making this an inevitable meal. The winner is the lamp sicles. The lamb raised the bar in the area of tenderness, presentation, and taste test with its ass kickin herbs. Ask for the grilled pineapple. Served sweet this inspired me to grill pineapple this past weekend. Highlight: Serves chicken hearts? Yes! I love hearts!
How I Finished Off the Evening
Ed H made a good call on the coffee. Since this was a birthday celebration we indulged on the celebrant's cupcakes. Cupcakes and coffee hits the spot. I did look at the Pampas dessert menu, but decided to save it for the next visit. The coconut flan is on my radar.
Corkage: $20.00 per bottle. I suggest purchasing a bottle there. Venture to their first floor wine display. Its freakin awesome! Definitely, baller status if you can purchase several wines here. Ed, Van, and I summoned two bottles of Gascon Malbec. This was a big recommended from the wait staff and perfect for a large group of 10 or more. I love have dark reds with meat. In the case of Malbec, it had sediments of grapes on the bottom of my glass. A red flag at first, but a suttle hitter that soothed my taste buds. Save the expensive bottles for more intimate settings like couple anniversaries or one and one dates.
Seating: Early reservations for large groups of 10 or more are highly suggested. Since I made reservations three weeks in advance, we were able to get the top floor dining. Make note that Pampas has three floors for dining: a ground floor, streel level, and top floor. This wins the fifth star for comfort and opens space dining.
Parking: I found convenient parking at the parking structure between Alma Street and High Street. Free parking after 6:00pm. I would avoid the Palo Alto CalTrain parking lot across the street because its $2.00 in a dark and dusty area.
End the Night with the Bill
If you have a large party of 20 or more (including late comers), have Pampas divide the bill by tables or by couples. We had a major unexpected cost in the end. I hope karma catches up with our bandit diners. I really hate cheap skates.
Cheat Sheets:
Espetus Dinner: $49.99 (this is a drive into the city from San Jose.)
Cleo's: $19.99 (seems to be the logical choice, although the selections of meats are limited - depending on your visit. Frequently crowded with major wait times.)
Pampas: $44.00 (minutes from work... I'm in love).
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