Los Gatos Weekly-Times Photograph by Max Becherer The most popular new restaurant in town opened just in time for Los Gatans to give it a try before it was time to vote it the best new restaurant in Los Gatos. Owners of Tapestry, A California Bistro, are (from left) Joe Hargett, Vicki Messick, Gary Messick and Carol Hargett. The Best of Los Gatos 1998 Dining & Entertainment Los Gatos loves its restaurants--and so does the rest of Silicon Valley. From its popular coffeehouses to its one-of-a-kind bistros and fine-dining establishments, the Los Gatos dining experience is special. Many popular spots in town have been favorites for years. And much as many Los Gatans would be just as happy to keep the news of their good fortune secret, good news travels fast. The best new restaurant in town requires reservations nearly a week in advance, and old favorites like the Los Gatos Brewing Company are constantly buzzing. No one thinks twice when they find standing room only at C.B. Hannegan's or when the long line begins to snake along N. Santa Cruz Avenue from the Black Watch. Although some Los Gatans would prefer less competition for seats in their favorite establishments on weekends, Los Gatos has become the place to see and be seen. Best New Restaurant Tapestry: A California Bistro Carol and Joe Hargett, owners of Los Gatos' Dolce Spazio and the 2wenty-9ine East Main restaurant have teamed up with chefs Vicki and Gary Messick to create Tapestry: A California Bistro. Modeled after the historic Puccinelli house on whose site it now stands, this charming bistro has already become so popular after two months that those who want a Friday or Saturday reservation are wise to call on Monday. Global cuisine is what they are calling their international dishes with local ingredients. Gary prepares such delights as goat cheese ravioli with dried tomatoes and olives, oven-roasted bluenose bass with fava beans, seared rare ahi, green curry fettuccine and lemon-dill linguine. Vicki prepares wonderful desserts including berry coeur, chocolate soufflé cake with caramel marscapone cream, panna cotta with fresh blueberries, and cardamom lace. In addition to eating, wannabe chefs can spend the day in the kitchen with the real things, cutting, chopping and learning to make sauces. Their $75 gives them access to recipes, sampling and even dining with Gary. Tapestry, 2 College Ave., 395-2808, www.tapestrybistro.com Best Ice Cream or Gelato Dolce Spazio No kidding, there are 60-something flavors of gelato at Dolce Spazio, but most of them are rotated in and out. With Halloween coming up, it's pumpkin's turn. Of the regular gelatos, customers under age 6 prefer the Oreogasmic, and customers older than 16 prefer Amaretto Almond and Cappuccino Chip. Of course, there are always the standbys--vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. No wonder gelato is one of Los Gatos' best; it's made with a higher cream content than ice cream, and it's not stirred as much as ice cream. Less air stirred in means a denser, richer flavor. Mike Orlando shares ownership of the shop with Carol Hargett. The gelato is made in a plant in Campbell, with Joe Hargett in charge of production. Dolce Spazio Gelato, 221 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-1335 Best Place to Dine Solo Tie: Los Gatos Brewing Company, Rock 'N' Tacos If a hungry soul wants to dash someplace for a quick lunch, unhassled by a server, and sit alone, read the paper or even work on the report that's due tomorrow, and he or she feels like sinking some hungry teeth into a wrap, a burrito, a taco or maybe a full-plate Mexican meal, Rock 'N' Tacos is the place Los Gatans prefer to do so. It's small, it's fast food, but the wood interior makes it feel a little classy, a little intimate. If it's warm outside, the patio in the back is shaded by an overhang and cozied up with lattice work and plants. The staff is friendly, and the service is fast. And best of all, it's downtown on N. Santa Cruz Avenue near Main Street. Rock 'N' Tacos tied with Los Gatos Brewing Co. For additional honors for LGBC, see next item. Rock 'N' Tacos, 9 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-8834 Photograph by Scott Lechner The Los Gatos Brewing Company is not only the best place in town to see and be seen. Its menu--voted the best--boasts some stunning selections, including charred tuna carpaccio, shown here. Best Menu, Best Beer Selection, Best Place to See and Be Seen Los Gatos Brewing Company Los Gatos Brewing Company is a large restaurant by Los Gatos standards. No problem seeing who's there because it's one big, open dining room. The atmosphere is upscale but casual, with stained-glass windows, beautiful wood, brick and faux-painted cement walls all working to create a friendly place to dine. It's happy and noisy, and everyone from solo diners to couples with babies to elderly groups pour through the doors all evening. With a renowned chef like Jim Stump and co-chef Frank Carbonara in charge, the food is excellent. The menu lists fare to satisfy all ages and generations, from the Los Gatos Brewing Company hamburger and fries to the vegetarian Italian squash pancakes (lentil ragout, sauteed wild mushrooms, ricotta salate) to baby-back ribs, grilled chicken, salmon or flat-iron steak. There's pizza and pasta and a variety of salads, including the delicious baby spinach with carmelized walnuts, balsamic dressing and blue cheese. Round stainless steel vats, tall as a house, sit at the front of the restaurant, enclosed behind glass walls. Here's where they brew the regular LGBC beers: Pils-ner, Hefeweizen, Oktoberfest and seasonal brews like Maibock, Summertime Ale, Classic Pale Ale, Exhibition Ale, Sherman Stout and Porter. Los Gatos Brewing Company, 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-9929 Best Salads, Best Pizza Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza Best salad--at a pizza place? Yes! This is according to Los Gatans who frequent Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza. In addition to excellent mixed green, Caesar, spinach and taco salads, Willow Street tosses a mean romaine gorgonzola salad (with toasted walnuts, raddichio and balsamic dressing), a combination whole-grain salad (with goat cheese, tabouli, wheat berry/wild rice, cucumbers, red peppers, dried cranberries and house dressing served on a bed of mixed greens) and a Chinese chicken salad (with romaine lettuce, baby spinach, cucumbers, red peppers, peanuts, scallions, cilantro, grilled chicken breast and Willow Street's original peanut-sesame dressing). Now ... if your mouth isn't already watering ... the pizza. Willow Street serves one size of pizza--plenty for one hungry person or to share with another menu item (like a salad). Pizzas are baked in the restaurant's Italian wood-fired ovens and made with whole milk mozzarella cheese (cheeseless--soya--mozzarella are also available). Patrons select from homemade regular crust or honey-wheat. Some popular pizza choices are goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes (with roasted garlic, red onions, fresh tomatoes and Italian parsley), barbecue chicken (with sliced red onions, tangy barbecue sauce, smoked gouda cheese and cilantro) and marinated artichoke and goat cheese (with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, fresh herbs and mozzarella cheese). All ingredients are fresh; dough and sauces are made on site daily, and the management staff partakes in taste tests, held regularly because the owners and chefs enjoy tinkering with sauce recipes and trying new cheeses. Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza, 20 S. Santa Cruz Ave., 354-5566 Best Hotel, Best Place for a Business Meeting The Toll House Hotel These days, business people and bridal parties alike want more than just an ordinary hotel for their special functions. For those who want style, sophistication, comfort and great food to go with their corporate meeting or class or family reunion or wedding, The Toll House Hotel is a great local choice. Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the hotel features traditional decor, a fireplace, overstuffed sofas on which to relax in the lobby, wood accent furniture, a relaxed atmosphere, an executive chef and event coordinators. Visitors enjoy the hotel's location, just a short walk to downtown shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The indoor and outdoor event spaces, accommodating groups from 25 to 200 people, can take on any personality, from business/professional to children's parties to formal/intimate affairs. In addition to everything needed for a good night's rest, the rooms and suites are equipped with data ports, desks, microwaves and coffee-makers to assure a good day's productivity. The hotel's business center has a fax machine, copier, computer and printer; and audio/visual equipment is available. Champagne brunch is served Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Toll House Hotel, 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-7070 Best Hamburger Happy Hound When an eatery keeps the number of menu choices down, the owner can really focus on doing things right. This is the case with Happy Hound, and locals have enjoyed old-fashioned hamburgers here for years. Using fresh ground chuck (never frozen), Happy Hound grills up single and double burgers, adding options such as cheese, mushrooms and bacon. Add a side of french fries, onion rings or a green salad and a beverage choice (soda pop or malts, floats or freezes) and you have a winning combination. Happy Hound is also known for its hot dogs (hence the name). There are seven choices, including chili, kraut, corn and Polish. There are also grilled chicken and grilled salmon sandwiches, too. The fragrant aroma coming from Happy Hound can be enjoyed from as far as a block away--no kidding. Seating is available inside at the counter and at tables or outside on comfy benches. Happy Hound, 15899 Los Gatos Blvd., 358-2444 Best Foreign- Language Video Selection, Best Video Selection for Kids Hollywood Video Walk into Hollywood Video's garishly bright store and turn left. Go past the big checkout desk, and there sits a virtual wonderland of children's videos waiting for tiny dimpled hands to choose one of them for a night. Winnie the Pooh, Power Rangers, Nickelodeon Cartoons, Benji, Hook, Barney, Bambi, Babar and hundreds of other brightly covered videos perch on shelves in the children section right next to the family section with films like The Wizard of Oz, Miracle on 34th Street and Free Willy. For those with more sophisticated tastes, the foreign-film selection--still on the left of the store but halfway toward the back--is rich, with a 100 feet of shelves to hold movies from many countries. The selection is laced such classics as 8 1/2, The Seventh Seal, Diabolique, Shoot the Piano Player, Strawberry & Chocolate and Manon of the Spring. Hollywood Video, 640 Blossom Hill Road, 356-8772 Best Bagels Posh Bagel Let's face it, there are a lot of places to buy bagels and they're all good, but each bakery creates bagels differently. Some boil then bake (for chewy insides and crunchy crust); others steam and then bake (for a more cake-like consistency and softer crust). Posh does the latter, and Los Gatans like this bread-like bagel on which they enjoy assorted cream cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers and other produce. They can put breakfast between a bagel or wrap a bagel around a hot dog. Baked fresh early each day, Posh Bagel's varieties include seeded, onion, pesto, cheese, fruit, chocolate chips and jalapeño. They make bialys and mini bagels, too. Posh Bagel, 125 W. Main St., 395-1386 Photograph by Max Becherer Andale was a top vote-getter in many categories, including a nod for offering the best salsa in town. They take salsa seriously at the popular dining spot, says head chef Ignacio Flores, who notes that the restaurant uses some 15 different salsas for specialty dishes and about 20 gallons of salsa a day. Best Mexican Food, Best Burrito, Best Quick Lunch, Best Salsa, Best Fast Food Andale Taqueria Last year Andale Taqueria won in four categories--this year it's five. It's no surprise. For the past 11 years Andale has served up mouthwatering, mesquite-grilled, authentic Mexican cuisine that is healthy and delicious. They use only fresh ingredients, and everything on the menu is prepared that day and to order. Patrons can choose from Mexican dinners, which include rice, beans and a main dish, such as fajitas or a burrito, or chile colorado (beef steak cooked in spicy red sauce), or camarones al ajillo (shrimp cooked in garlic sauce). There is always a "burrito of the day," or patrons can select any of the eight regular burrito menu items featuring different kinds of tortillas, black or pinto beans, hand-cut salsa, green or red rice, cheese, vegetarian fillings or grilled chicken, beef or pork. From mild to spicy, four kinds of salsa are available, which feature grilled tomatoes and peppers, fresh cilantro, onions and a special (secret) blend of spices from Jalisco. The friendly atmosphere at Andale Taqueria's two Los Gatos locations attracts busy lunch and dinner crowds. Orders are up generally within five to eight minutes, and everything can be wrapped for takeout. Andale Taqueria, 6 N. Santa Cruz Ave. and 21 No. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-8997 or 395-4244 Best Espresso Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. In past years, this excellent coffeehouse has earned many accolades for its coffee, espresso and atmosphere. This year, Los Gatans noted the espresso in particular. Why? Well ... people joke about it all the time ... about how many different ways there are to enjoy espresso. But really, Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. will prepare favorite espresso any way their customers like, and always with a smile. Great espresso here begins with fresh beans, roasted on site. (Weak taste buds, beware!) Lattes, cappuccinos, frappes and other drinks come hot, cold, single, double, leaded, unleaded, with or without fat, frothed, de-foamed, flavored and topped. Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co., 101 W. Main St., 354-3263 Best Smoothies Jamba Juice This company originated as the Juice Club in San Luis Obispo in 1990, but with the popularity of obtaining one's fruit serving and vital nutrients in the convenient form of a smoothie, Jamba Juice became an instant success. The 24-ounce drinks range from 400 to 670 calories and can be made low-fat, nonfat and nondairy. The 17 smoothies on the menu are divided into six categories (power, berry patch, non-fruit, citrus grove, tropical, and fresh-squeezed). There's a multitude of ingredients used, but a quick scan shows orange, apple, mango and peach juices; fresh strawberries, kiwi, bananas and blueberries; and sherbert, yogurt, coffee, honey, coconut and agave. Each smoothie comes with a choice of "juice boost," such as protein powder, echinacea, ginseng and dietary fiber. Try a shot of wheatgrass juice. Jamba Juice, 628 Blossom Hill Road, 358-6040 Best Sandwich, Best Croissant, Best Bread Le Boulanger Nothing is more appealing to the senses than the aroma of bread baked fresh that morning. From sourdough, classic rye and sweet French to giardiano, ciabatta and cinnamon raisin, this South Bay-based bakery can make any ingredients rise to the occasion. Choose from rolls, buns and loaves to baguettes, challah and bagels. Those planning a big party can order bread from Le Boulanger--some popular party choices include sourdough-wine-walnut bread or cheese bread.) Olive bread was just added to the menu. Fresh bread and gourmet fillings make the sandwich menu. Choices include specialty sandwiches such as hot breast of chicken, turkey and chicken pesto sausage, or le grand roast beef. Or patrons can create their own masterpiece, selecting from tuna, chicken breast, turkey, eggplant, roasted red peppers, salad greens, onions and cheese. The company's melt-in-your-mouth croissants also contain several kinds of yummy fillings, from chocolate and apple-cinnamon to raspberry or cheese. Plain and almond croissants are also popular. Le Boulanger, 145 W. Main St., 395-1344 Best Yogurt T.C.B.Y. (The Country's Best Yogurt) For the third year in a row, T.C.B.Y. has taken the cake for best frozen yogurt. Los Gatans enjoy the quality of the product and the flavor varieties: white chocolate mousse, old-fashioned vanilla, cappuccino, mocha almond fudge, mint chocolate chip, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and peanut-butter fudge. Some of T.C.B.Y.'s frozen yogurt is 96 percent fat-free, and some flavors are nonfat. Many flavors are low-calorie. For those with special dietary needs, there are non-dairy and non-sugar yogurts. Patrons can decorate their yogurt with crumbled Oreo cookies, gummy bears, carob chips and candy sprinkles. There are 18 flavors available each day. And all of T.C.B.Y.'s yogurts can be made into cakes and pies, milkshakes, sundaes and fruit smoothies. T.C.B.Y., 13 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 354-5639 Best Asian Food Jasmine Fresh ingredients, tangy sauces, good portions, nothing over- or undercooked, nice presentation. These are just some of the reasons why Los Gatans say Jasmine is the best. Specializing in gourmet Szechwan and Mandarin cooking, Jasmine offers a variety of dishes. The menu features noodles and rice, beef, pork, poultry, seafood, tofu, vegetables with meat, and vegetarian fare. About a third of its menu is noted as hot and spicy. While all the dishes are well-received, among the favorites are Mongolian beef, beef with black mushrooms, pork with imperial sauce, Hunan chicken, cashew nut chicken, shrimp with black bean sauce, curry shrimp, Yu-Shiang broccoli, family style bean cake, snow peas with water chestnuts, and mixed vegetables. Jasmine, 20 S. Santa Cruz Ave. (entrance is on W. Main Street), 395-2373 Best Sushi Sushi on the Run Nobo Eguchi defines a "one-man show." From a working area of just a few square feet, the owner of Sushi on the Run expertly cleans, slices and prepares fresh fish and vegetables for patrons' immediate consumption. At most, there's room for eight guests, who sit down at the sushi bar and look up at the full-length mirror for a reflection of the menu, written backwards on the wall behind them. Sushi selections include shake maki (salmon roll), tekka maki (tuna roll), California roll, unagi, ebi, hamachi, maguro and many other simple, familiar creations. From the annals of the odd: the Los Gatos roll (tuna and avocado), the Tomasan Special (grilled salmon skin, tobiko and avocado) and Fritz's Folly (minced yellowtail with chili and a secret sauce). The tiny restaurant has separate lunch and dinner hours, and they're closed on Mondays. There's a $10 lunch special featuring eight types of sushi. Sushi on the Run, 114 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 354-1125 Best Wine by the Glass, Best Bistro, Best Fine Dining, Best Wine Selection, Cafe Marcella Among the more upscale restaurants in Los Gatos is Cafe Marcella, which can be a bustling cafe at lunchtime and an elegant nighttime dining establishment. The atmosphere is friendly, the decor sophisticated and the staff highly professional. For lunch or dinner, patrons can choose from the daily specials or enjoy salads, gourmet sandwiches, pasta and pizza or fresh fish, stuffed chicken, roasted duck, rack of lamb or pork chops. Patrons say the portions are just right. What sets Cafe Marcella apart from other restaurants is its extensive wine selection. Having a retail store right next to the restaurant allows owners to showcase more than 300 wines, from champagne to port. The list of available wines for restaurant patrons includes selections from local and international vintners, with many available by the glass or carafe. Cafe Marcella, 368 Village Lane, 354-8006 Best Italian Food La Strada Authentic Italian recipes from Mama's kitchen. If only we could afford to eat this well every night! For fresh pasta, savory chicken or seafood cooked just right, La Strada is the place to go. This is where garlic and herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, white wine and a host of other ingredients complement lobster ravioli, penne pasta with chicken, spaghetti with a fresh seafood medley, or gnocchi (potato dumplings) with spinach and blue cheese. Also popular are entrées with chicken and fresh vegetables, mushrooms and cheese, and veal sautéed with wine, mushrooms and capers. Dishes featuring calamari, prawns and a fresh fish of the day are also presented. The menu has many choices but not so many that patrons get bogged down. Rest assured, everything is good. La Strada, 210 E. Main St., 395-5704 Best Restaurant Ambiance Pigalle Los Gatos residents lead hectic lives. So when locals think about a dining establishment where they can truly relax and enjoy fine cuisine, they often choose Pigalle. When patrons step through the front door, they can't help but take a deep breath and nearly forget about the world outside. The friendly wait staff, dressed in formal black and white uniforms, greet each person with respect. The elegant decor and beautifully painted murals of French street scenes have a settling appeal. The restaurant is small and intimate, and the dimmed lighting helps maintain a warm, somewhat romantic atmosphere. The menu is classic French. Pigalle, 27 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-7924 Best Coffeehouse Great Bear & Los Osos Cafe This popular spot offers patrons an escape from outside noise where they can enjoy a full-bodied (but not too strong) cuppa joe and listen to classic jazz playing in the background. Sunlight streams through the front windows, old brick walls are allowed to show their weathered charm, and there are plenty of tables (large and small) to accommodate solo patrons or groups. Great Bear is the coffeehouse, and the Los Osos Cafe is conveniently located in the same spot. Fresh-brewed coffee and espresso drinks of all types are available as are whole coffee beans (about two dozen types) and exotic teas in a tin. This is a spacious and friendly coffeehouse, and thankfully not cluttered with merchandise typical of the chain stores. Highchairs are provided for the smallest visitors. Great Bear & Los Osos Cafe, 19 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-8607 Best Place to Dance Mountain Charley's When locals want to go dancing but don't want to travel far, Mountain Charley's is a favorite destination. The club's '70s, '80s and '90s rock 'n' roll format allows the club to showcase some great cover bands, and there's a wide-open space for dancing right in front of the stage. The volume is turned up high, as could be expected, but the building's acoustics are good and the music's not too loud to enjoy. The club, for those 21 and over, has plenty of tables or room at the bar to take a drink break. If visitors want a bite to eat, they need only walk about 20 feet to the restaurant next door (upstairs, in-and-out privileges granted). The club is open 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. nightly, and music starts at 9:30 p.m. Mountain Charley's, 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave. (upstairs), 395-8880 Best Vegetarian Menu Good Earth Restaurant & Bakery For a long time, the Good Earth has been proud to offer something appealing to strict vegetarians and semi-vegetarians alike. Adjustments, such as substituting tofu for meat or eliminating cheese, are no problem. Guatemalan rice and tofu, nine-veggie stir-fry, pasta with portobello mushrooms, Mediterranean linguine, vegetarian tostada, polenta and black beans, and meatless meatloaf or burgers (a blend of grains and nuts) are just some of the regular dishes. There are a host of entrée-sized salads, too. The specials of the month rotate, and usually there is at least one vegetarian selection. Soup stock used to prepare vegetarian dishes is plant-based. Good Earth Restaurant & Bakery, 206 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 395-6868 Best Bar C.B. Hannegan's By day, C.B. Hannegan's has a laid-back atmosphere, but at night it's bustling. This is a social place, popular with families at dinner time and with the singles set later in the evening; it's a spot where everyone can come to unwind. Patrons can order anything from the familiar white Russian, gin and tonic or tequila sunrise or any of C.B.'s "chill-'ems" to a host of unusual mixed drinks. If a drink has a name, the bartenders will most likely know how to mix it, and if they don't, just name the ingredients and they'll pull it together. Nonalcoholic beverages are available, and there's a full meal menu. Meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin on St. Patrick's Day. C.B. Hannegan's, 208 Bachman, 395-1233 Best Seafood Steamer's If it comes from the ocean, with a few exceptions, it can be found on the menu at Steamer's. And it's not just the variety of choices that Los Gatans love, it's the quality, tastiness, presentation and friendly staff that make Steamer's an all-around winner for seafood fare. Barring problems due to weather or availability, Steamer's patrons can choose from salmon, snapper, halibut, sea bass, ahi tuna, swordfish, mahi mahi, oysters, crab, mussels, shrimp, prawns, calamari, clams and scallops. These items are prepared alone or blended with mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, red onions, feta cheese and other interesting combinations to complement pasta or sticky rice. There's something for everyone--mild fish for children to complex flavors for adults. There are separate lunch, dinner and children's menus. Prices are reasonable. Steamer's, 50 University Ave. at Old Town, 395-2722 Best Place for a Party Los Gatos Opera House Built in 1904 and used as an opera house until 1916, the Los Gatos Opera House remains a favorite place for locals to gather. Whether for a class reunion, high-school prom or wedding reception, this historical landmark, with its original pressed-tin ceiling, replicated Victorian-era wallpaper and period antiques, is a popular place to hold special functions. The building's interior was completely gutted and renovated after the '89 earthquake. The Opera House's on-site event coordinator helps to select a caterer, photographer, band or DJ, and a bakery; and suggests the most practical floor plan for the particular function. The building can accommodate up to 425, seated. There are no music restrictions. There is only one party scheduled per day so as to keep the event private. Functions can go as long as five hours, and the Opera House is open seven days per week. Valet parking is available. Weddings can take place on the premises, too. Check their Web site at www.operahousebanquets.com. Los Gatos Opera House, 140 W. Main St., 354-1469; Best Breakfast Los Gatos Cafe A testament to any restaurant's quality and service is how long the waiting line is on any given day. Well, Los Gatos Cafe can boast about having the most loyal patrons around. On weekend mornings, dozens of people wait patiently to get inside for breakfast (served from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily). And do these guys know how to make breakfast? It smells so good in there! Last year, the cafe won for best Belgian waffle. This year Los Gatans felt overall, this is the best for everything--fresh eggs, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, breakfast combinations or specials. Portions are generous. Equally important is that breakfast be served with a smile and genuine courtesy--something that the staff of this old-fashioned coffee shop does naturally. Los Gatos Cafe, 340 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 354-4647 Photograph by Scott Lechner The willingness of customers to stand in a long line awaiting entry tells the tale about the Black Watch--it's home to the best cocktails in Los Gatos. And for years and years and years, the best cocktail has been the bar's legendary kamikaze, which bartender Kevin Corbett mixes up here. Best Cocktails Black Watch On a recent Friday night, patrons of the Black Watch were asked this question: Why vote Black Watch for best cocktails? The answer in a nutshell was: "You'll never get a weak drink." And this is why the weekend line to get in extends well down the block. "A really good drink is worth the wait," they say. Plus, although it can be crowded, the Black Watch is a great place to carry on a conversation. The atmosphere is classic, featuring '70s rock music, a back room with dart boards, booths with wooden seats, a long bar counter and cool bartending staff. The Black Watch is known for its kamikaze, where a pitcher is served in a pint glass with enough shot glasses to go around the table. The Black Watch, 141 N. Santa Cruz Ave., 354-2200 [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, October 21, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.