Nestled in a charming Victorian home in downtown Mountain View is Chez TJ, a culinary gem in Northern California that is not to be missed. The restaurant has obtained one Michelin star since 2007 and offers an exquisite dining experience that is both elegant and intimate.
The restaurant’s interior features beautiful chandeliers and elegant decor creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. I personally loved the royal purple colored walls with beautiful French impressionist paintings sprinkled throughout. If one prefers to dine outside on the heated patio that’s an option as well and it offers a lovely view of the culinary garden.
Chez TJ offers contemporary French cuisine in the form of a single Chef’s Tasting Menu and is carefully crafted by Executive Chef, Chris Lemerand. The tasting menu takes guests on an epicurean adventure that includes a series of creative dishes that are beautifully presented. The multi-course menu spans around two and a half to three hours and throughout the evening one will indulge their senses!
In addition to its exquisite food, Chez TJ also boasts an impressive wine list that features a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. Since 2016, the restaurant has maintained a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. The restaurant’s Certified Sommelier, Paul Carayas provides wine recommendations based on guest’s preferences so they can select the perfect bottle of wine to accompany their meal. Chez TJ offers wine pairings as well and there are three different pairings that one can select from: Nightly Pairing, Grand Pairing, and Vintage Pairing. They are curated each night to uniquely frame and enhance the savory courses of the Chef’s Tasting Menu and include both exotic and local wines as well as other alternative beverages such as mead.
When looking for different wines to incorporate in the Chez TJ wine program, Carayas tends to include different wines from all over the globe. Although he does appreciate large wine houses, he tends to seek out boutique wineries that produce obscure wines and are typically difficult to find. This allows Chez TJ guests to experience new wines each visit.
If you’re a fan of port you’re in the right hands as Carayas became the first, and only, certified Madeira Wine Educator for all of North America in 2020. Carayas is also a Sherry Specialist and it was a treat to experience the wine pairings that he had selected to pair with a delicious meal!
To start, I was presented with the following three tiny canapes to whet the appetite and it paired beautifully with Ruinart Champagne.
- Pomme Soufflé, Supreme California White Sturgeon Caviar
- “Fruit Loop”
- Croque Madame, Iberico, Paso Vino, Bechamel
The second course saw Dungeness Crab Royale with bone marrow and daikon. In addition, Pogne De Rhône accompanied by house cultured butter. It was my first time experiencing Pogne de Rhône and it’s a type of brioche that comes from the south-east of France. It’s made with flour, eggs, sugar, butter and scented with orange blossom water. It’s rich, buttery and delightful!
The third course included Maine Lobster Raviolo with beurre blanc. For a supplement, guests had the option to have Périogord black truffle shaved on top. When our waiter presented the box of truffles before us and I got a whiff of its potent earthy aroma I couldn’t resist and decided to go for it!
Before the next savory course, a palate cleanser: Celery and sorrel sorbet that was placed atop of a bed of crispy millet.
The fifth course saw Broken Arrow Ranch Elk accompanied by sunchoke, mushrooms, blistered grapes, and bordelaise. The elk cut like butter and had a beautiful texture. Pain levain and olive oil was served with it.
The sixth course included cabrillo, almond & buckwheat, and stone fruit. It was accompanied by frisée with umeboshi vinaigrette.
Pastry Chef, Christine Johanson created the following divine desserts:
- Beet Cake with chèvre ice cream, cardamom milk gel, and walnut. It reminded me of carrot cake, but with beet. The chévre ice cream was soft and incredibly creamy
- Chocolate Mousse Cake with compressed pear and dulce ganache
Lastly, mignardises were brought to the table on a tray and it was arranged with apple, cassis pâte de fruit, and chai caramels.
Overall, Chez TJ is a dining destination that is not to be missed. Its innovative cuisine, world-class wines, elegant atmosphere, and impeccable service make it the perfect place for a special occasion or a romantic evening out.
