For Inna's upcoming birthday, I made a reservation at the well-rated (but perpetually unavailable) Nick's Next Door restaurant in downtown Los Gatos.
When we arrived at Nick's on Thursday evening, we found plenty of parking on East Main Street. We arrived at a fully packed restaurant but were quickly seated. Inna thought the restaurant would be very romantic, but it was extremely loud and not particularly attractively decorated. The noise level was particularly excessive. Had it been summer, I would have preferred to sit outdoors (to minimize noise).
The dinner menu looked very interesting, with very reasonable prices for appetizers and entrees. I could understand why Nick's was so popular (excellent value). The wine list was not so impressive, as I could not find any non-Brut champagne. I would like to order some delicious house wine (like a decent Vouvray or Italian Asti - but no such luck).
To start things off, Inna and I ordered some mixed drinks. I ordered the "Spanglish" (coffee with rum, amaretto), while Inna had "Achilles Heel" (tequila & lemon juice). Inna's drink tasted similar to a Margarita, but mine, "Spanglish," tasted like dreadful medicine (Nyquil anyone?)
We started our meal with the "Salmon Poke Salad." It was delicious, and both Inna and I enjoyed it.
The "Wild Mushroom Soup with White Truffle Oil" was also deliciously prepared.
I decided to try the "Duck Confit" - an entree that was highly recommended by the waiter. It was delicious and much better than expected.
Inna decided to try the "Seared Blue Platinum Prawns" with wild mushroom risotto. While I liked the prawns, I thought my "Duck Confit" was more delicious.
For dessert, Inna was presented with a dessert with a single lit candle.
Nick's Next Door Report Card
Positives
When we arrived at Nick's on Thursday evening, we found plenty of parking on East Main Street. We arrived at a fully packed restaurant but were quickly seated. Inna thought the restaurant would be very romantic, but it was extremely loud and not particularly attractively decorated. The noise level was particularly excessive. Had it been summer, I would have preferred to sit outdoors (to minimize noise).
The dinner menu looked very interesting, with very reasonable prices for appetizers and entrees. I could understand why Nick's was so popular (excellent value). The wine list was not so impressive, as I could not find any non-Brut champagne. I would like to order some delicious house wine (like a decent Vouvray or Italian Asti - but no such luck).
To start things off, Inna and I ordered some mixed drinks. I ordered the "Spanglish" (coffee with rum, amaretto), while Inna had "Achilles Heel" (tequila & lemon juice). Inna's drink tasted similar to a Margarita, but mine, "Spanglish," tasted like dreadful medicine (Nyquil anyone?)
We started our meal with the "Salmon Poke Salad." It was delicious, and both Inna and I enjoyed it.
The "Wild Mushroom Soup with White Truffle Oil" was also deliciously prepared.
I decided to try the "Duck Confit" - an entree that was highly recommended by the waiter. It was delicious and much better than expected.
Inna decided to try the "Seared Blue Platinum Prawns" with wild mushroom risotto. While I liked the prawns, I thought my "Duck Confit" was more delicious.
For dessert, Inna was presented with a dessert with a single lit candle.
Nick's Next Door Report Card
Positives
- Entrees and Appetizers are priced very modestly
- All of the sampled dishes were expertly prepared
- Great location in downtown Los Gatos
- Fast service
- Challenging to make dinner reservations (need 1-2 weeks of lead time)
- Very loud. It's impossible to have a normal conversation without shouting
- It is not very romantic as dinner tables are arranged close together. I could overhear all of my neighbors' conversations.
- The wine list is small and has no sweeter sparkling wines (Asti, etc.)
- Mixed drinks were not to our liking ("Spanglish" was horrible)
Despite the many negatives, I plan to return, as I enjoyed the delicious entrees. I just need to try Nick's in the summer, sit outside (and avoid mixed drinks and wines).
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