By Beth Schnitzer–
Welcome back to my temporary culinary column! I’m helping to fill in for The Gay Gourmet, David Landis, as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
The love of food and the restaurant industry run deep in my family. Both my brothers own successful restaurants in Provincetown, Cape Cod, and Miami Beach, respectively. I’m a proud sister! As the Co-Founder of Spritz, a lifestyle marketing agency that partners with many restaurants in the Bay Area, I’m constantly driven to explore new flavors, taste everything, and share my culinary and wine adventures.
I’m thrilled to share one such recent discovery: the newly opened Portola Bistro nestled in the heart of Portola Valley at Ladera Country Shopper. A vibrant dining destination, Portola Bistro offers a delightful fusion of French, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors, all prepared with a fresh California twist. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for any occasion. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant has recently introduced a new brunch menu available on weekends from 10 am to 2:30 pm, alongside its regular à la carte offerings.
Portola Bistro – A Hidden Gem in Portola Valley
Brunch Highlights: Brunch at Portola Bistro is a delicious mix of classic comfort and European flair. The Chicken Waffle ($28) stands out with crispy Southern-fried chicken, a fluffy waffle, vanilla custard, and a rich maple sauce, topped with fresh seasonal berries. The Steak & Eggs ($32) is a hearty option, featuring a 9-ounce grilled prime ribeye, crispy bacon, eggs, and country potatoes. For a refined twist, the Eggs Royale ($28) is a must-try, with poached eggs, house-cured salmon, chives, and a velvety house sauce atop an English muffin, served with country potatoes and fresh fruit.
I personally enjoyed the Avocado Toast ($25), which combines toasted whole wheat bread with house-cured salmon, creamy avocado spread, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs. The dish was served with country potatoes and seasonal fruits, making it both satisfying and fresh.
For those who enjoy omelets, there’s a Veggie Omelet ($25) filled with zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella, and an Italian Omelet ($28) featuring spicy Italian sausage, red bell pepper, and peas—both dishes are served with hashbrowns and seasonal fruit. The Stuffed French Toast ($18) is another house favorite, generously filled with banana cream cheese, raspberry compote, whipped cream, and topped with seasonal berries and maple syrup.
Lunch and Dinner Favorites: Portola Bistro’s European-inspired menu shines with fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and rustic brick oven pizzas. For appetizers, the Grilled Octopus ($22) is a standout, served with a flavorful house-made tomato and pesto sauce. It was incredibly tender, unlike some other restaurants where octopus can often be a bit tough. The Crispy Calamari ($19) is another excellent choice, paired with crispy artichokes, crispy green beans, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and fresh lemon. Classic options include Deviled Eggs ($16) and the Jumbo Prawn Shrimp Cocktail ($22) for seafood starters.
The Ahi Tuna Tartare ($23) is elegantly prepared with shallots, avocado, cucumber, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds; the savory ingredients add a rich umami boost yet the dish is still light. For an indulgent treat, the Filet Mignon Carpaccio ($25) delivers decadence with its tender, thinly sliced beef.
The Roasted Beet Salad ($15) is a refreshing mix of sliced red beets, arugula, strawberries, pistachios, goat cheese, and cherry dressing, while the French Onion Soup ($7/18) offers a comforting, classic touch.
Pizza lovers will appreciate the Portobello Pizza ($23), loaded with mushrooms, gorgonzola, and truffle oil, while the Fig Apple Prosciutto Pizza ($27) offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Schiacciata Pizza ($25) is a fantastic Italian-inspired option, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, 24-month-aged prosciutto di Parma, arugula, and olive oil.
For entrées, the Vegetarian Risotto ($24), Seafood Linguini ($34) Pan-Seared Salmon ($34), Slow-Braised Lamb Ragu ($32), and house special burger ($25) are all flavorful choices.
A Sweet Finale: My brunch mates and I enjoyed indulging in the decadent desserts to top off our brunch. The selection includes both classic European treats and comforting favorites.
The Tiramisu ($12) is beautifully crafted and dusted with rich cocoa powder, offering the perfect balance of coffee and cream—yummy!. As chocolate lovers, we also enjoyed the Chocolate Volcano ($13), a warm, molten chocolate cake served with vanilla bean gelato, fresh strawberries, and almonds.
For something uniquely satisfying, the Mille Feuille is a must-try ($14). This delicate, flaky puff pastry is stacked with rich vanilla pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a wild forest berry compote for a perfect contrast of flavors.
Other favorites include the Coconut Crème Brûlée ($16), with its silky texture and caramelized sugar crust, and the Bread Pudding ($17) with caramelized apples, raisins, and bourbon caramel sauce; it is a warm, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso. For something lighter, Portola Bistro also offers seasonal sorbets and gelato, which are perfect for a refreshing finish to the meal—ending your dining experience on a sweet note.
Wine List: Portola Bistro’s wine selection is a thoughtfully curated mix of French, Italian, and California wines, complementing its French-Italian fusion menu. The list strikes a balance between classic Old World elegance and the vibrant expressions of California’s renowned wine regions.
To start, guests can enjoy a glass of crisp prosecco or opt for a refined French Champagne or French rosé for a more celebratory experience.
For white wine lovers, the selection includes bright and refreshing pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc, as well as the richer, oak-aged chardonnay. Those seeking a taste of France can indulge in a glass of Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, both known for their elegant minerality and citrus-driven profiles.
On the red side, Portola Bistro offers a diverse array of choices, ranging from Italy’s bold and fruit-forward Barbera from Piedmont to the structured and complex wines of France’s Rhône Valley. California reds include silky pinot noir and robust cabernet sauvignon from Sonoma and Napa, offering a taste of the region’s signature terroirs. Classic French reds like Bordeaux’s Roland share the list with Italy’s deep, food-friendly selections, including Valpolicella Classico and traditional Chianti.
In addition to its impressive wine selection, Portola Bistro is in the process of obtaining a full liquor license. I saw a sign in the window indicating that the application is pending and spoke with the owner, who said the full bar is coming before the end of April. I look forward to trying crafted cocktails and premium spirits later this month. With this exciting expansion, Portola Bistro is set to elevate its drink offerings that will enhance its refined, yet approachable, dining experience.
Final Thoughts: During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the attentive and friendly servers. Their genuine warmth and attentiveness elevated the dining experience, making it feel both elegant and comfortably homey. The relaxed, welcoming ambiance truly made me feel special.
Portola Bistro
3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
https://portolabistro.com/
Free parking in the Ladera Country
Shopper parking lot
Modern Day Wife Celebration of Season 2 Podcast Launch
I recently had a fun, inspiring experience at the Modern Day Wife Season 2 podcast launch at the el Prado Hotel in Palo Alto. The podcast is a platform dedicated to empowering women by exploring topics that resonate with the multifaceted roles we navigate daily. It is a show that reflects the 360-degree view of a woman’s life.
The event featured media, influencers, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and a celebration of the podcast’s mission to inspire and uplift. I loved the women-owned wellness and glam stations. I also enjoyed meeting Jennifer Newens, author of the new book Monday Night Mocktails, and Jeannette Mead, from @jeanetteandslade luxury handbags to the stars. It was definitely a treat to check out the gorgeous bags!
V Foundation: Sonoma Epicurean
I had the honor of attending the fourth annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, March 27–30 in Sonoma County. It is a signature event series that features three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and Sonoma County’s top vintners. There is a focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability, all while benefiting lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation. Since its start in 2022, the event has raised more than $10 million for game-changing cancer research. During this year’s auction, they raised over $3 million with our own Liam Mayclem as the fabulous auctioneer!
The funds support research at top cancer centers across North America, with 100% of event proceeds directly benefiting cancer research.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, who was a legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator.
Sonoma Epicurean kicked off on Thursday, March 27, with the Vintner Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by the Vintner Dinners: private dining experiences featuring Northern California’s finest chefs, including Dustin Valette, Shane McAnelly, Jason Pringle, David Carey, and Ben Martin. These chefs created menus perfectly paired with wines from top Sonoma County vintners including Aperture Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, MacRostie Winery, and Gary Farrell Winery. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the Epic After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.
Friday’s events featured the Epicurean Experiences—immersive experiences focused on wellness, sustainability, and staying active. This year featured the debut of the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic hosted by V Foundation Board Members Russell Wilson and Ciara. The pickleball tournament was put on in partnership with Russell and Ciara’s nonprofit, the Why Not You Foundation.
Additional Epicurean Experiences included Golf at Mayacama, Culinary Theater at Browne Estate with Chef Dustin Valette, the Sustainable Wellness experience at Silver Oak Cellars with featured speakers Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels of Live Well Lead Well, among other activities throughout Healdsburg.
Friday concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, where many notable vintners poured their wines alongside gourmet delights from award-winning chefs. Guests had the opportunity to bid at the “Case for Research” auction featuring Aldina Vineyards Chardonnay, DuMOL Winery Pinot Noir, Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and A. Rafanelli Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening’s entertainment featured Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc.
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival presented Chef Douglas Keane, co-owner of the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Cyrus in Geyserville. He spoke about his just-released memoir Culinary Leverage, A Journey Through the Heat and signed books for guests. It was a pleasure to meet Chef Keane and learn about the evolution of his restaurant concept and how he overcame his personal medical challenges.
The walk around event was lively, with a wide array of delicious food and drinks. The red wines from Williams Selyem, MacRostie, Bricoleur, Pride, The Setting, and Aperture were especially enjoyable. The cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir were smooth and velvety, and paired perfectly with the culinary bites from The Montage, Matheson, and Valette. The caviar appetizers were exquisite—delicate and flavorful—and I definitely indulged in more than one!
Saturday’s events included the Wellness Breakfast and Cancer Research Symposium, where attendees learned from V Foundation-funded scientists about research highlighting cancer interception and prevention. Guests received insight into the future of cancer research directly from world-class scientists who are on the frontlines of accelerating Victory Over Cancer® and saving lives.
The celebration culminated with the Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg, which was filled with many personal stories, including a touching video tribute to 2025 honorees Johanna and Dustin Valette, introduced by special guests Russell Wilson and Ciara. During the program, Valette announced a new partnership with Valette Wines to benefit the V Foundation through March 2026. As proprietors of Valette and The Matheson restaurants in Healdsburg, the Valettes have been an integral part of the Sonoma Epicurean team since its inception.
The event sells out early, so save the date for the fifth annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend, March 26–29, 2026.
V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean:
https://sonomaepicurean.v.org/
Sonoma Valley Authors Festival:
https://svauthorsfest.org/
Beth Schnitzer is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz, https://spritzsf.com/
The Gay Gourmet
Published on April 10, 2025
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