Lunch at Zaytinya (Palo Alto): Table for 6
Details
Jose Andres is an interesting character in the world of food. He runs World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that offers free meals to countries facing war and natural disasters. During the recent government shutdown, he offered to feed furloughed federal workers. He is a professor at George Washington University, where he teaches courses about how food shapes civilization. And he is a successful restaurateur.
Andres recently opened his first restaurant in the Bay Area - Zaytinya, a concept he has also introduced in other cities, where the restaurant has been included in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list of exceptional restaurants at moderate prices. The food includes Lebanese, Turkish, and Greek items.
The restaurant is located in the former Macy’s Mens building at the Stanford Shopping Mall. The mall fought a legal battle with the city of Palo Alto to allow it to cook with natural gas. (Otherwise, all new construction in Palo Alto has to be electric.) So get ready for some smoky flavor!
The menu includes spreads, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches and shareable entrees. You can view the menu here.
Costs
Each diner’s orders will be calculated separately; however, shared items will be divided up amongst those who eat them. I expect we will share some spreads and mezze, and possibly some entrees. No separate checks. Please be prepared to split the check and pay via cash, Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay.
Taxes and Fees
Dining in Palo Alto has a sales tax (9.13%). We will add a gratuity of 20%.
Parking and Transportation
Ample free parking in Stanford Mall
Caltrain to Palo Alto + Uber/Lyft