Grey R.
Yelp
Chez Philippe Los Gatos CA Sat 2/22/25
Coq au vin!
Crémant d'Alsace Rosé Les Comtes!
Glaces & Sorbets w/Grand Marnier!
Oh là là!
©
Poire-Williams Prisonnière Eau de Vie Alsace, complements of Chef Philippe! Merci beaucoup, Chef!
Chicken in wine was Divine!
C'est très fin!
Customarily on this Saturday night, scanned the entrance & kitchen area for Kristi, Chef Philippe, and his wife, seeking to sit at the bar & catch-up! Let's hear it, what're the tonight's specials?
Since that very first visit one night, couple of years ago, when I had stopped at Chez Philippe on a whim, no reservations & no plans, there were numerous, phenomenal, pleasant others! My other plans fell short that first night. Learned from welcoming lovely ladies with charming French accent that the restaurant was completely booked & offered bar seating... that's what started this love affair!
It worked out so well, these days, I prefer small bar area overlooking open kitchen, to a dining room seating. Unless I'm here with a party of four or more, being at the bar is like being at the center of it all! You get to observe the Chef making magic! Fascinating!
Exquisite French Bistro! Unusually high barstools, you've got to adjust your posture! Only wines & Champagnes are served, no bartender per se & no cocktails. I know what I want!
You can't go wrong with Les Comte de Ribeauvillé Crémant d'Alsace Rosé Pinot Noir Brut! 37 bucks! Delicious! Salmon Pink, with aromas of red berries, delicate & fresh!
Naturally, warmed French baguette, kept fresh in a cloth-sleeve, a side of butter, get ready to scoop up every last dripping of your main dish with!
Chef Philippe says, Moules Frites, this was his childhood! Eating all summer long those delicious little mussels ~ much smaller in the West Coast of France ~ in front of the ocean, what could be better? And then, dipping or soaking French fries in the broth! No need for ketchup!
C'est très bon! French Onion Soup is a must here ~ not overly salty! Served in a clay bowl, keeping its warmth for as long as you're slurping!
Oh I know, that doesn't sound too elegant but hey, I can't contain my excitement! Devoured it! One of the best cups I've had in awhile! Phenomenal, melty cheese cover, it slurps pleasure into your mouth, oh boy!
Hot French onion soup in a clay bowl holds the soul!
Made friends with a random guy at the bar! He's French! So Chef got us a bottle of Pear Brandy from Alsace, the region he's from!
It's elegant French Pear Brandy with a whole pear inside the bottle.
A captivating spirit that showcases the artistry of traditional French distillation! An Eau de Vie literally means, Water of Life!
It's a clear & colorless fruit brandy, a product of fermentation + double distillation.
Yes, it's a whole intact peer in the bottle! Williams Pear Brandy comes from Alsace region of France, and they also call it Schnapps, because they're close to Germany! Maybe half an hour? It's sold in Germany too!
Going back hundreds of years, in France, Switzerland, & Germany, Eau de Vie is usually made in the Alps & throughout Alsace!
What matters is that Pear stuff is tasty!
That's all, LOLz!
Call it brandy, call it schnapps, call it a liquor!
Clear liquidy water of life, in direct translation!
Le Coq au vin, chicken braised in red wine, or literally, it's Rooster in wine! That chicken meat fell off the bone, so sweet & filling, it melts in your mouth! Asparagus, carrots... whipped up mushed potatoes & au jus sauce infused with red wine reduction, I've no words to describe the goodness!
Finishing my dinner, with a Cappuccino!
For dessert, Glaces & Sorbets w/Grand Marnier! Orange sorbet did the trick! Double Orange + quickly fermented & double distilled fruit Pear brandy, a duet made in Heaven!
The smells! The music! The aromas! Hearing French is like music! Reminds me of cinematic scenes, this ambience wakes up my European roots! One doesn't have to understand French to get transported to Paris, or somewhere in the French countryside!
Look to your right, towards the window & the street, N Santa Cruz Ave, enjoy your French Bistro decor! Wrought-iron lattice Tour Eiffel!
They say that Paris is always a good idea! And tonight, it was good to me, once again!
C'est à s'en lécher les babines!
Special thank you to the crew!
Chef Philippe!
Francisco!
Kristi O!
Levi L!
*J'ai perdu mes pieds
À Saint-Germain des Prés
Je cherche çà et là,
Je ne les ai pas trouvés
Dis-moi... où sont mes pieds ?
Reviens, chéri, vers moi,
Mes pieds n'importent pas
C'est toi qui peux me compléter
*I lost my feet
In Saint Germain des Près
I've searched here and there
I haven't found them
Tell me, where are my feet?
Come back to me darling
My feet don't matter
It's you who can make me whole
[ Update Review #830 w 9 pic Mar 4, 2025 ]
*C'est très bon! @Chez Philippe Los Gatos CA Sat 2/22/25