612625 Thu Apr 16 17:34:32 -0700 2009 3 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 4602787 I and some professional colleagues get together for dinner once of twice a year. Because we come variously from the South Bay, SF and Oakland, we try to meet mid-peninsula. In the past, we've been to Village Pub, and a steakhouse someplace--Broadway Prime? Prime Broadway?...two or three of us have a higher appreciation for fine dining and good wine than the others--the others being more meat 'n potatoes. Anyhoo, I'd appreciate suggestions from knowledgeable 'hounds for good meals in that southern San Mateo County-northern Santa Clara County area. Thanks in advance. Thu Apr 16 17:34:32 -0700 2009 49788 Rapini 1 4603105 If you're looking just based on the quality of the food, check out Refuge in San Carlos. They specialize in house made pastrami and Belgian beers. The menu would satisfy the meat & potato crowd and the quality will make the foodies very happy. It's not fine dining though, not at all. It's a nice place, but definitely casual. You will be pleased with the food and drink though. If you want to go more fine-dining, then check out Viongier or 231 Ellsworth in San Mateo. Thu Apr 16 20:03:54 -0700 2009 4602787 130031 Shane Greenwood 2 4603167 Exactly my choices. The Refuge has a high level of sophistication, even for a top-tier charcuterie pub, and most of them actually come from Viognier. Viognier is your white tablecloths, "flights and prix fixe"-type place. The Refuge is the Food of Men; Viognier is the Food of Men on Dates. Thu Apr 16 20:28:29 -0700 2009 4603105 43540 orezscu 1 4603264 Your geographical region is contradictory, so I'm confused. Southern San Mateo County - northern Santa Clara County would actually be South Peninsula in most people's lexicon. Mid-Peninsula is roughly Burlingame / San Mateo / San Carlos. Thus the recs for that area. Southern San Mateo County -> Northern Santa Clara means Redwood city, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Mountain view, which has recently been covered in some good threads --- I recommend http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/608206 IMHO, the best steak house (right about on the san mateo / santa clara county line) is Sundance Mining in Palo Alto. Looks chintzy from the outside, is the real deal on the inside. I'll be quiet about more detailed recs until I understand what area you're really looking for. And a better description of what you *want* - fine dining? steak and potatoes? Is Asian in or out? And how many people do you have? Do you want to get a room? Thu Apr 16 21:10:36 -0700 2009 4602787 54804 bbulkow