Here is the challenge:
Looking for an entertaining restaurant to take my widowed mother-in-law to. Cannot be too exotic, must have excellent restrooms for bladder control issues and be within a half hour of Milpitas.
This should be a piece of cake for Norcal!

 

price point? fare?

i assume you'd want a dining room bordering the quieter side, white table cloth, prompt service and a overall intimate atmosphere?

pushing the half hour requirement, but imo these are worth the trip.

<a href="http://www.restaurantjamesrandall.com/">restaurant james randall</a> - i believe they have a $35 prix fixe menu on tuesdays, but call to confirm. otherwise pick from their current menu, i really like their halibut - but their rack of lamb or pork chop is always a winner. very small and quiet dining room.

<a href="http://www.tapestrybistro.com/">tapestry</a> - also in los gatos, also small but a brighter/happier dining room. not as intimate, but you're in your own bubble soon enough. haven't had a bad dish here yet, or wine for the matter. elegant yet casual, and the staff is eager to please.

<a href="http://www.sentsovi.com/">sent sovi</a> - just had dinner here the other evening, their current tasting menu is duck, duck, and more duck...you really need to be fascinated with the fat foul to partake in their tasting dinner ($85), or just pick from the normal menu ($65 for 3 courses or $75 for four, iirc), if you bring a <a href="http://www.cgv.com/">cooper-garrod</a> bottle corkage is waived, and everything we've had here was excellent as well. in fact, one of the best duck dishes i've had anywhere. - one note, the bathroom is apparently TINY. i haven't gone, but that's what the gf tells me.

hope these help.

 

Is Trader Vic's in Palo Alto within a half-hour of Milpitas?

 

tell me more about Trader Vic's

 

they claim to have invented the Mai Tai, and they do know how to make them. Restaurant is nice and a little old school but not stuffy. Wood fired oven for pork chops, etc. Good seafood dishes. Good appetizers.

Have only been there once, but will go back.

 

I found it to be totally overpriced, but I guess it does have a nice atmosphere.

 

Asia SF!

 

thanks all for the suggestions

 

Los Altos Grill might work for you.

 

Another good spot. We really like that place.