Madera at Rosewood Sand Hill, Menlo Park

[Pinkster]

Madera is the restaurant at the new Rosewood Sand Hill hotel (corner of SH and 280) which opened about a month ago. We had Mother's Day brunch there yesterday - a prix fixe of $65 for three courses and a glass of bubbly.

The hotel isn't much to look at from the outside (blends in with the rest of the office buildings) but the interiors are beautiful. Madera is a large open space, with an attached patio with views of the hills. The bar area is gorgeous and it would be a great place to stop for a drink at sunset.

The restaurant itself was mixed. I had a great salad of purple asparagus, trumpet mushrooms and frisee - I'd go back for this salad alone. I also tasted a nice spring pea soup. My entree was a New York strip served with some great mashed potatoes and small carrots. The steak was ok, not as good as others in the Bay Area, but a large portion. For dessert I had a ricotta cheesecake served with balsamic strawberries. But I really coveted my husband's sour cherry almond cake served with sour cream ice cream.

There is a great kid's menu with some nice options (not the usual pizza, pasta, chicken tenders). And they served me a very fragrant Earl Grey in a nice french press. Service pacing was a little off but that might have been due to the special day. They also have two nice private rooms, with outdoor fireplaces. Good for an intimate dinner event or shower.

Overall, not quite a destination restaurant - but pretty good for the area. Probably will provide the Village Pub with some competition for that VC business.

http://www.maderasandhill.com/

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Madera
2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

[Melanie Wong]

Thanks for checking it out. I had heard it opened and was mildly interested in trying it, until I saw the prices. But your suggestion for a drink at sunset might be the ticket for me.