We’re having a bit of a cold snap here in Northern California. Nothing like what my hometown’s experiencing in Washington, but my car said it was 36 degrees outside this morning and the power went out in Los Gatos on Saturday. When this happened, Shrek and I were fortunate enough to be dining at Nick’s, a charming little restaurant on Main Street serving up what I think is the best American food around. I even would go as far as saying that it’s my new favorite local restaurant! Unfortunately for my taste buds, I can’t afford to eat out like this too often. But it’s worth the splurge once in awhile. Take a peek at the menus here. The ingredients and flavors he whips up are truly phenomenal. We shared a Dungeness Crab risotto appetizer that was so delicious I wanted to cry. It had actual large pieces of cold Dungeness crab folded into warm lemon risotto drizzled with a lemon beurre blanc and truffle sauce that tasted like my childhood. (In other words, Dungeness Crab with a hint of lemon.)
Dungeness Crab Risotto is a must.
My pork tenderloin was outstanding and Shrek and I both agree, the better of the two entrees we ordered. It was topped with cherries and served with whipped potatoes and crunchy sauteed french green beans.
Shrek’s Spare Ribs. Sorry, I didn’t pay much attention to the details as I was enamored with my own dish. From what I sampled they were a little “meaty” for my taste, but that’s spare ribs for ya.
Aside from the great food, the thing I really like about Nick’s is that it’s truly a neighborhood restaurant. Nick’s not only the owner but he’s also the chef. From what I can tell, he’s in the kitchen most if not every night and pops out now and again to make the rounds and chat with his guests. Yup, we got to meet him Saturday night and give our compliments in person. I’ve also spoken with him on the phone a few times when trying to make a reservation. His place seats maybe 30 people max and parties of two are seated at small tables that are only separated by a mere inch so you always end up chatting with your neighbors, which I think is great. One of my pet peeves is people who go around with blinders on, refusing to make eye contact and polite greetings (i..e. “Morning!”) to passersby or even neighbors. My experience at Nick’s has reassured me that there are friendly folks still out there! We sat next to a really charismatic couple in their 60s who have been together since high school. Their daughter’s my age and is applying to grad school so the wife and I talked education while Shrek talked golf with her husband. Just know when you go that this may happen, so I say embrace it. Also, whenever I’ve called to make a reservation two or three days in advance I can’t get a table. I’d call at least a week in advance. I made Shrek call three weeks in advance to get this one and hey, I’ve already got our reservation for when my parents come into town. I was already looking forward to their visit, but now I REALLY am! 
Nick’s on Main
35 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA
