Reviewer: Foodnut.com John Bentley's 2915 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 650-365-7777 |
John Bentley’s is a Contemporary American restaurant that focuses on high quality local ingredients. They had 2 locations, Woodside and Redwood City, but the Woodside location closed in March 2010. We visited the Redwood City location at the end of September 2011.
Decor, Vibe – Cozy, rustic, romantic, country setting in an old firehouse. Small intimate dining room with enclosed back patio. VC’s and folks in their 40’s to 50’s were dining.
Menu Pictures
Dinner Menu
Picks:
Grilled Watermelon, Dungeness Crab, Avocado Napoleon, Jicama ($14) was an incredible salad that balanced fruity flavors with the savoriness of the shredded crab and avocado. Lo0k for this on the menu during the summer.
Spicy Tuna Tartare, Pickled Cucumber, Wasabi Cream ($14) was also an excellent starter with chopped up fresh tuna and a nice slightly spicy wasabi accent.
Baby Spinach Salad ($10), Warm Panchetta, Red onion, Feta Cheese was very good. Fresh greens, light dressing, although the red onions could be chopped up more.
Twice Cooked Foie Gras ($17) Port stewed blueberries, Frisee, Potato Bread Brioche was excellent. The Foie Gras was firmer than a pate and worked extremely well with the blueberries and crispy brioche.
Potato Leak Soup ($4 cup) was very good. Rich, not too creamy, croutons on top. Nice price.
Double-Cut Pork Chop, Yukon Gold Mash, Haricot Verts, Apricot Cherry Chutney ($28) was one of their best dishes according to the waiter. We concur and recommend this juicy, tender cut of p0rk to any pork fans.
Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops ($30) herbed farro, dried cherry tomato marmalade had 3 huge well cooked scallops. The tomato was cold, and should have been hot. The farro, like a cous cous was quite good.
Banana Napoleon ($8) with Toasted Hazelnuts, Chocolate AND Carmel Sauce was different than most, it consisted of layers of light puff pastry with cream and banana. Very well done. Light and airy, yet creamy and rich.
Warm Chocolate Souffle Cake ($9) with Espresso Anglaise and Vanilla Ice Cream had an awesome flourless cake that was great. Ice cream helped balance it out.
Mojito ($10) was well executed. Balanced, pretty strong, and not too sweet.
OK:
Pan Seared Seabass ($29) Butternut Puree, Champagne Vinaigrette has excellent fish that was well cooked and juicy, but the bed of spinach with yams did not work. The Mustard sauce did not work either.
Broiled Wild Salmon, Sauteed Spinach, Tomato, Basil and Beat Essences ($26) was just short of being recommended. A good dish but not cooked perfectly.
Pans:
None
John Bently’s was pretty full when we were there, so service was just fair. No need to worry about empty water glasses here at least. The food was very good, just a couple minor changes away from excellent. The atmosphere made you feel like you were in the big city. $20 corkage, glasses from $7, bottles from $34.
Restaurant Map:
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