4 POWER LUNCH SPOTS
1. Evvia Estiatorio
420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650.326.0983, evvia.net
The lively sibling of Kokkari, San Francisco’s equally busy power lunch spot serves contemporary Greek cuisine to movers and shakers in a rustic, kitchenlike setting. Savor executive chef Mario Ortega’s most popular lunch entrees: the mesquite-grilled lamb chops ($33), salmon ($33) and whole fish (A.Q.).
2. LB Steak Santana Row
334 Santana Row, #1000, San Jose, 408.284.1180, lbsteak.comlbsteak.com
With so many tech offices in or near Santana Row, upscale enclave LB Steak brings bigwigs together. Executive chef Roger Rungpha is all business with his top lunch draws: the pan-roasted filet mignon (6 ounces for $38), lobster roll ($20) and shrimp and crab Cobb salad ($20).
A let dish at LB Steak.
3. Madera
2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650.561.1540, maderasandhill.com
Venture capital and intellectual property honchos huddle over executive chef Reylon Agustin’s hearth-roasted octopus with pickled hearts of palm and chile emulsion ($21) at the discreet, dine-and-make-deals Madera inside the Rosewood Sand Hill hotel. Summertime power players snag window seats overlooking the terrace.
4. Tamarine
546 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650.325.8500, tamarinerestaurant.com
While the likes of Google and Apple execs hold hushed conversations at art- filled Tamarine, chef Tammy Huynh brings Silicon Valley’s innovative spirit to the table with a modern interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine. Crowd favorites include the taro root rolls ($13) and Kobe beef pho ($17).
Photography by: Leila Seppa