Madera

Come close, I have to talk quiet. I heard about a great place to get a deal. If you need to get some things for around the house at a reasonable price, go to Walmart. And if you want a huge selection of products to fix up your house, you should try the Home Depot. Last, and don't tell anyone, I don't want to get a call from the senate about insider trading, if you like baseball, there is a team in one of the New York boroughs that always seems to do well, they call themselves the Yankees.

Ridiculous, I know. That is what I feel it is like for me, someone who's had a handful of good meals in his life, to critique a restaurant that was awarded by the Micheline Guide. I can play one of two roles... the badass, "The food at Madera was overpriced and plain. I could have had a better steak Bob's Big Boy." Or the person completely infatuated with a product that is outside of his area of comfort, "The food was so challenging that it took the idea of a culinary experience to a whole new level... I never think I will taste again." (The second is probably closer to the truth).

I will try to be real, the food was great. I am trying to think how to say something better than great without going too far... really great. There are three or four meals I have had in my life that changed the way I view food, this was not one of them, but it belongs in the category right next to them. The food was terrific. I had a thick New York Steak with a Sweet Potato Gratin and bone marrow, yes bone marrow. (As a wannabe foodie I am ashamed to say this is the first time I have ever had the dish. But I had it, I liked it, and am looking forward to the next time I get to try it).

The steak was perfectly cooked, the potatoes were spot on and the marrow was really... neat? Most impressive was the service and the atmosphere. I really enjoyed my time at Madera. The view was great, the energy in the place was enough to keep you feeling good, but not enough to cause discomfort. And the bill at the end of the night was less than I expected. Sitting on one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the world, (the corner of Sand Hill Road and 280), I was expecting a bigger bill, (and they probably could get one without trying real hard). It did make me feel good to know that there were so many exceptionally successful people that have enjoyed the same food I ate tonight, and for the right reason. What makes Madera good isn't it's price tag or exclusivity, it is the quality of the food that is served. I hope I am lucky enough to eat here again. Until next week when I try to cook my own steak... NEXT ROUND'S ON ME