A FEW FAVORITES
Guillaume Bienaime’s superlative picks for Silicon Valley: Vin Vino Wine. This wine shop sports a tasting bar that is Bienaimie’s go-to spot for discovering interesting vintages from California, France and Italy. “The tastings change every day. They have a deep wine cellar, offering wines you’d never find anywhere else. You get to taste some amazing stuff.” 437 California Ave., Palo Alto; (650) 324-4903. www.vinvinowine.com
The Rose & Crown Pub. This downtown Palo Alto institution is a favorite haunt for students and tech professionals alike, especially when Premier League soccer is airing on the flat screens. “They have a ton of beer on tap, and a lot of sour beers, which is what I like to drink.” 547 Emerson Ave., Palo Alto; (650) 3277673. www.roseand crownpa.com
Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. Bienaime rarely misses a production here, especially because his son loves to sing and dance. “The productions are incredible, given how small the place is, and the fact that it’s all children doing this.” In summer, the productions move outdoors, complete with grilled hot dogs to nosh. 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; (650) 463-4930. www.cityofpaloalto.org/ gov/depts/csd/theatre/default.asp
Harley Farms Goat Dairy. Bienaime enjoys taking his 6year-old son, Jeffrey, to visit, especially in the spring. “The baby goats are reason enough. But it’s also comforting that someone can still make a living raising animals and making cheese in San Mateo County.” Be sure to pick up some chevre or goat’s milk soap. 205 North St., Pescadero; (650) 879-0480. www. harleyfarms.com
Tootsie’s at the Stanford Barn. While Bienaime’s son may be partial to the airy bombolini for a late breakfast, he favors the Uova alla Romana, a poached egg on toast with pickled celery and marinated olives. “It’s kind of a random thing, but it’s really good.” The baristas also make an excellent espresso. 700 Welch Road, Palo Alto, (650) 566-8445, www.tootsiesbarn.com
Village Pub. Bienaime likes nothing more than to plant himself at the bar for what he considers the best burger around. “The bun is homemade. I like that it’s dressed with remoulade instead of ketchup. It’s not a complicated burger, but they focus on the details that make the difference.” 2967 Woodside Road, Woodside; (650) 851-9888. www.thevillagepub.net
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Bienaime hops on his cyclocross bike (with tires wider than a road bike but skinnier than a mountain bike) to pedal through this parkland that boasts 10¼ miles of trail, savanna grassland and evergreen forest. There’s even a lake that’s open year-round for fishing. 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto; (650) 329-2423. www.cityofpaloalto.org/ gov/depts/csd/parks/ preserves/arastradero
San Jose Giants Municipal Stadium. Take in an afternoon ballgame here, where “the tickets are very cheap. It’s very family-friendly. And it’s played in an old-timey ballpark that feels from a different time, where you get to be a lot closer.” 588 E. Alma Ave., San Jose; (408) 297-1435. www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t476.
Stanford Dish. This popular 3.7-mile trail loop through the wildflower-dotted foothills is known for the large radio telescope built on the property in the 1960s. Parking can be a challenge at peak times, but Bienaime suggests going during the early afternoon as he does. “This is the best place for a walk or run. When it’s nice out, I’m here every other week.’’ Stanford Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard, Palo Alto. www.dish.stanford.edu