Mystery Critic
The Best Restaurants Out There - And Much More!
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Zibibbo - Palo Alto
OVERALL Zibibbo is like a child born with a platinum silver. It's association with Lulu of San Francisco means it would be successful from day one. It doesn't even have a website of its own - its offiicial website is under Lulu's! As one of San Francisco's people-watching spots for exquisite cuisine, Lulu cannot just open a "Lulu of Palo Alto" - that would just been too uninspiring - but some have said that this Lulu-of-the-south is actually coming up ahead in some categories.... FOOD You'll find the same Mediterranean selections as in Lulu. I don't know why some reviews on those trash sites blast this place so much - if you don't like Mediterranean and you hate Californian-influenced European cuisine, just leave the state and never come back (because it's pretty hard to avoid either). The food here is downright good because it pays attention to what it serves. The appetizers and small plate were definitely highlights of the meal. They are not very filling - four adults can probably finish six appetizers easily. I know people who actually order like ten appetizers and make a complete meal that way. I personally would still go for one of their superb grilled entrees, or the roasted whole sea bass. To top it off, they've got some real interesting desserts that are garnished real nicely. SERVICE
Service here is simply outstanding - California style, ie forget white glove! It's down to earth get-you-what-you-want, dot-com style outstanding. They deserve no less than five smileys. To help you pick one - that's right, not five - right bottle of wine, they would call out the wine master and spend 15 min with you. The waitress will patiently explain what he has ever heard about a specific dish. Everything is timed gracefully. I was real impressed – especially compared to my favorite Osteria a few blocks away.....
BTW, I've always suspected that this restaurant's owner is Jewish because of some of the menu selections, and funny enough I had a Jewish waitress last time I visited! If you know the truth, send me a note. AMBIENCE Ambience of this restaurant is actually a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice restaurant, but it's honestly a bit too cooker-cutterish considering what the Lulu group with with Lulu and Azie. Maybe it's the old house places physical constraint - but they really want to be close to University Ave. and I guess it's not like they have a lot of options. I've sat upstairs and it's definitely nicer (but warmer) than downstairs. Patios front and back are disappointing too - EXCEPT that big table at the front that is outdoor but kind of hidden. It's very cool, but only in Palo Alto will you find more than a dozen friends who can comfortably afford this place.... VALUE Alright, you might think I'm crazy giving them four smileys for the prices they charge (considered this - $14.95 for a "platter of seasonal vegetables" - what is it, "flown in this morning right from a home garden in Nepal"??) After all, most of their stuff consists of no fancy ingredients or complex process to make; nevertheless, if you consider the complete dining experience, I would say this place is not so outrageous at all. After all, the Lulu group is NOT well known for their low prices, but great quality at an acceptable price. FINAL WORD As of mid-2006, the business here has considerably slowed - at least according to the count of empty tables. Not sure why - maybe there are too many hot joints this part of town. Reservation is still recommended, and be sure to set aside a LONG time because you want to enjoy the appetizers, small plates and desserts properly. |
