The culinary landscape across the Peninsula is currently buzzing with excitement, featuring a diverse range of dining opportunities. These include special Easter brunch celebrations, appearances by renowned chefs, and a multi-day exploration of local cuisine.

Easter Brunch Celebrations Across the Peninsula

Several establishments are rolling out special menus to observe the Easter holiday. CordeValle Winery, which has recently reopened, is hosting an Easter egg hunt beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an extensive brunch buffet.

CordeValle Winery Offerings

The CordeValle brunch buffet promises a wide selection of dishes. Offerings include salads, eggs Benedict, French toast, an omelet station, breakfast meats, pastries, shrimp cocktail, chicken strips, and fries. Guests can also enjoy berry and granola parfaits alongside various desserts. Live music is scheduled to play between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with tickets priced between $45 and $100.

Gardenia Los Gatos and Porta Blu Specials

Gardenia Los Gatos is featuring special Easter brunch items from April 3 through April 5. These specials include a lobster roll served with lemon dill aioli and steak frites.

In Menlo Park, Porta Blu at Hotel Nia is presenting its own Easter brunch buffet, complete with chef-attended stations. Highlights feature herb-roasted spring lamb and king salmon with salsa verde.

Brunch favorites at Porta Blu include eggs Florentine, kale and chorizo frittata, and sourdough French toast topped with berries and vanilla bean whipped cream. Guests can also enjoy avocado toast with fresh mozzarella and chili crunch.

Porta Blu Amenities and Pricing

The buffet also incorporates a raw bar with oysters and prawn cocktail, a bagel and smoked salmon station, seasonal sides, and house-baked pastries. Beverages include sparkling Bellinis and nonalcoholic spritzes featuring fresh fruit purées.

Family-friendly entertainment is planned, such as lawn games, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, and a courtyard Easter egg hunt. The service, which includes coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters and tea from Rishi Tea, costs $115 for adults and $60 for children aged 12 and under.

Casual Dining Option

For a more relaxed experience, Fambrini’s Café in Palo Alto remains a consistent option. They serve breakfast, salads, and giant sandwiches throughout the day.

Menu items include the three-egg scramble with goat cheese, asparagus, and avocado, as well as eggs Benedict with baked ham. The restaurant is known for its kitchen efficiency, even when facing long queues.

Exclusive Chef Appearances and Culinary Events

Beyond the holiday festivities, the Peninsula is hosting unique culinary events showcasing top talent. Ritual at Manresa is hosting a series of events featuring Chef Álvaro Clavijo.

Chef Clavijo’s restaurant, El Chato, recently secured the No. 1 ranking in Latin America. He will be in Los Gatos for a week, collaborating with Luis Caviglia, co-founder of Ritual. Events include communal dinner reservations and meet-and-greets accompanied by an open bar featuring oysters and Champagne.

Flavors of the Peninsula Festival

A major highlight is the upcoming Flavors of the Peninsula, a ten-day culinary exploration. This event allows diners to experience prix-fixe menus at various participating restaurants, running from April 23 to May 3.

The celebration kicks off on April 23 with an elite chef tasting evening called Coastside to Bayside, held at Camber in South San Francisco. Participating establishments span from Menlo Park to the San Mateo coast, including:

  • Hurrica in Redwood City
  • Oak + Violet in Menlo Park
  • Mezza Luna in Half Moon Bay
  • Stella in Burlingame

Community Support Event

In addition to dining events, the community can show support at the Martha’s Kitchen Luncheon. This event is scheduled for April 24 at the Campbell Community Center and aims to raise funds to combat local hunger.