La Foret

La Foret – It’s a Trap!

We drove an hour and a half to La Foret to taste what perhaps could’ve been an amazing French experience, but alas the food was marked by a series of culinary missteps that could not be overlooked, despite the impeccable service provided.

The meal commenced with a salad that was as uninspired as it was basic. The overwhelming dressing masked any freshness or crispness that one might have expected, setting a precedent for the courses that followed. The mushroom soup, while acceptable, was forgettable, lacking any distinctive features that might have redeemed the opening act.

The Ahi Tuna Crudo, a dish that should burst with freshness and precision, was marred by its lackluster presentation and taste. The inconsistency in the fillet’s cut, combined with the chewiness of veiny bits, suggested a lack of attention to detail. Furthermore, the color and taste hinted at a piece of tuna that had lingered too long in the refrigerator rather than being served at the peak of its freshness. It was so stale that we had the dish subbed out with quail.

The lamb shanks, while ordered to be medium rare, was a testament to overcooking, lacking any distinctiveness that could salvage the dish.

The lobster, potentially a highlight with its natural flavor, was overshadowed by an overly acidic sauce that did more to detract than enhance.

Among the few redeeming aspects, the scallops stood out for their freshness. However, even this dish was not without its faults, as the lack of a sufficient char and a tasteless sauce failed to elevate the scallops beyond acceptability.

The meal concluded on a perplexing note with a soufflé that seemed more akin to an alcoholic beverage than a dessert, tasting strongly of vodka. The supposed “Grand Marnier” was nowhere to be found.

Had this meal been $100, the dining experience might have been deemed acceptable, perhaps even earning a generous 3-stars. However, at the staggering cost of $450 we were charged for two, the value proposition becomes entirely unacceptable.

It is worth noting, however, that the service at La Foret was exemplary. The staff’s professionalism and attentiveness were the lone bright spots in an otherwise very disappointing visit.

In conclusion, while La Foret presents itself as a destination for fine dining, the execution and lack of basic requirements in its dishes leave much to be desired. For those seeking a culinary experience that matches its price point, it may be wise to look elsewhere.

Nestled in the heart of San Jose, California, LaForet stood as a beacon of French culinary excellence. As a gourmet foodie and a connoisseur of fine wines, my anticipation for their New Year’s menu was tinged with excitement. Known for its exquisite cuisine and elegant pairings, LaForet promised a dining experience that would linger long in memory.

Upon entering, I was greeted by an ambiance that exuded both sophistication and warmth. The restaurant’s decor, a blend of rustic charm and understated elegance, set the perfect stage for the evening’s culinary journey.

Premier Course: Salade Francaise.

The first course was a Salade Francaise, a delicate ensemble of butter lettuce, marinated cucumber, and shaved radish, dressed in a mustard tarragon vinaigrette. Each bite was a revelation of freshness, the tangy vinaigrette complementing the crisp greens beautifully.

Deux Course: Ahi Tuna Crudo.

Next, the Ahi Tuna Crudo arrived. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the citrus and ginger ponzu providing a zesty counterpoint to the rich, velvety tuna. It was a testament to the chef’s ability to balance bold flavors with subtlety.

Trois Course: Lobster Tail.

The third course featured a poached cold-water lobster tail, served with a lime beurre blanc. The lobster was cooked to perfection, its succulent flesh melting effortlessly in my mouth, while the lime beurre blanc added a bright, creamy richness that elevated the dish.

Quatre Course: Quail.

The roasted Canadian quail was next, accompanied by a huckleberry reduction. The quail, tender and flavorful, paired wonderfully with the sweet and tart notes of the huckleberry, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Cinq Course: Choices.
Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack Of Lamb.

For the fifth course, I was torn between two tempting options: the Salmon poached in Chambord with a Port Wine Reduction and the Rack of Lamb. My wife chose the lamb, which turned out to be a culinary highlight, perfectly roasted with garlic and rosemary to a succulent medium-rare, and beautifully enhanced with its natural juices and a touch of tarragon mustard. I, on the other hand, decided on the salmon. Poached to perfection in Chambord and complemented by a rich Port Wine Reduction, the salmon was tender and flavorful. However, after tasting both, I might lean slightly towards the Rack of Lamb as the standout dish of the two.

Six Course: Dessert Choices.

The meal culminated with a choice of desserts. I chose the Souffle Grand Marnier, a light yet indulgent end to the meal. Its airy texture and subtle orange liqueur flavor were a perfect palate cleanser.

Wine Pairings.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, France NV.
Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast 2022.
Duckhorn Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2021.
Flowers Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2022.
Groth Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2019.

The optional wine pairing was a journey in itself. Beginning with the Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, each wine was meticulously chosen to complement the courses. The Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc was a standout with the Ahi Tuna, its crisp acidity and citrus notes harmonizing with the dish. The Duckhorn Chardonnay and Flowers Pinot Noir were equally impressive, showcasing the depth and versatility of Californian wines.

As the evening drew to a close, I reflected on the exquisite meal and the impeccable wine pairings at LaForet. Each course was a testament to the chef’s mastery of French cuisine, and the wines were a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the flavors and elevating the entire dining experience.

LaForet was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of the finest in culinary artistry, a reminder of the joys of French dining, and a benchmark for gourmet experiences.

First time here. We brought our grandma for her birthday. Beautiful location. We sat outside where you can hear and see the river flowing and it was a beautiful day.
Started with drinks which were good. Appetizers came which we loved. First timer trying Ahi tuna and Quail.
Then dinner came out, there was a long wait, portions were huge, but the flavors weren’t that great. Rack of lamb could have had more flavor and sear.
Waitress checked in on us right away at first, I hadn’t even had a bite, then never came back the entire dinner.
Grandma asked for coffee and they came probably 35 minutes or so later with it and it was just warm.
Not impressed with service and the main course. It was just slow. A lot of sitting around and waiting.
Then desert came out… it was beautiful because my grandma did get a cute platter with different deserts with a happy birthday sign and candles. That was a sweet gesture.
We asked for Crème Brûlée. We are used to a large, white ceramic bowl with it having vanilla bean and sugar toasted.
Well they came in two small little sauce bowls from what it seemed like. Sugar was soft and there wasn’t any vanilla bean taste.
For the price we paid which was a little over $500 plus tip, I can’t say I will be back
The atmosphere for me was the most impressive.

Food was ok.

Lobster tail was the best part of the tasting menu, buttery and delicious.

I ordered my steak medium rare, arrived at the table rare, the first bite was completely cold. They cooked a new one/recooked the one I had and it came out well-done and too tough. This is disappointing for a $100 steak.

My boyfriends steak however, was a perfect medium rare so it’s apparent they at least know how to cook a steak. Just inconsistent.

Dessert wasn’t great. The crème brûlée tasted good, but top was soggy not crunchy. The soufflé tasted like scrambled eggs. Cheesecake was fine.

$50 corkage fee is a little outrageous, and they charged us $50 PER bottle.

Cute location and nice ambiance, but the food was pretty underwhelming. Not consistent and we went on a night where only 5-6 parties were in the restaurant.

We had dinner there to celebrate our anniversary. Restaurant is a bit oldie, but service and food are amazing. Apparently it is the first two story hotel in CA. During the night time, we can only hear the river sound but no view. While my husband was expecting it has view (from his search criteria). Oh well, food is great. They also gave us a complementary desert to celebrate our anniversary. Definitely can’t compare their setting with many fancy restaurants in Palo Alto. But food and services totally worthy the visit. (Parking is easy. They have their own parking lot. It’s at somewhere of nowhere)