Chez TJ - Mountain View, California

I know, I know, if you look at some of my recent posts, you would think I'm leading you to believe that there is no trusting the food industry. Well, let me restore your faith, and then some, by presenting you an outstanding restaurant in the town of Mountain View, California. Being only minutes away from the tech hub of Palo Alto, a Google car driving a passenger buzzes by as I walk up to Chez TJ. Approaching the circa 1894 Victorian home turned restaurant, I could tell there was something special about this place. As I was brought to my table, suspicions were confirmed. Miss-matching fine china, stained glass windows, Murano glass table lamps, I had walked into an high end eclectic 90s animated Walt Disney movie restaurant. Executive chef, as early as the age of 21, Jarad Gallagher is Cordon Bleu trained. Chez TJ has held one Michelin star since 2007, earning two in 2008, and offers contemporary french inspired tasting menus. All of which prepared using the finest ingredients currently in season from their own gardens. The dishes on the Seasonal Menu were original and inspired. I was also treated to some dishes originally on the Tasting Menu, marked with an *asterisk* below. I hope you enjoy the photos from my Dined There at Chez TJ.


Chez TJ

Canapés


Garden Green Beignet with Lemon Aoli


Brentwood Corn Velouté with Di Steffano Buratta, Finger Lime and Esepelette Oil


"World's Smallest Hamburger & French Fries"


Home Made Corn Bread with Maple Butter Glaze and Home Made Butter


*Alaskan King Crab, Cherry Tomato, Seeds, Radish*


Sonoma Artisan Foie Gras, Summer Fruits, Shortbread, Vers Jus (upgrade)


Morro Bay Black Cod with Potato Purée, Yuzu Buerre Blanc,
(continued) Morel Mushroom, Artichoke Ragout and Japanese Cucumber


Liberty Farms Duck Confit Leg, Vanilla Squash, Tannins


Garden Geranium Soda & Peach Cobbler Bonbon


Horchata Parfait, Peach Sorbet, Crispy Rice, Date


P âte de Fruit, Lime Yuzu Tart, Chouquette, Illanka Truffle

My experience at Chez TJ was very enjoyable, the wait staff extraordinary, and I savored each bite of every dish. I hope to be in the area again to see how Chef Gallagher follows through with his vision of blending nutritional concepts into his cuisine. Thank you for reading my blog and be sure to register not to miss my next post from Maui, Hawaii! Visit www.ChezTJ.com for more information.


See my post on The Village Pub, another Michelin star restaurant in the Palo Alto area, here