Take a first look at Santa Clara Marriott’s airy new Bosc + Bartlett.
Santa Clara Marriott’s lobby makeover celebrates Cal-Asian flavors — and pears
When you think about it, hotel lobbies sometimes have a lot of wasted space. Sure, you need a front desk, elevators, a bar tucked in the corner. But what about all that acreage in the middle? The Santa Clara Marriott’s multimillion-dollar renovation, now underway, delivers a smart solution. The hotel has turned virtually the entire space into a restaurant/lounge, with well-spaced seating for up to 175 people. Seriously. This was one humongous lobby.
The modern look comes with a nice nostalgic touch: This new venue is called Bosc + Bartlett, in honor of the pear orchards that once thrived right here. The theme complements Parcel 104, the hotel’s upscale farm-to-table restaurant, which was also named after the property.
Here’s the lowdown.
THE VIBE » Airy and appealing, with lots of seating choices. Head to one of the living-room-style couchand-coffee-table arrangements or cozy two-person conversation corners. Or sit down at a traditional table or a high-top. Or grab one of the 30 seats at the bar or the casual tables outside near the pool. The redesign — from furniture to lighting fixtures — gives this hotel, built in 1976, a midcenturymeets-modern edge and a new color palette. And the wide spaces between those couch areas, in particular, ensure you’ll have some privacy, whether you’re a local catching up with friends or a traveler in town for a tech conference.
Naturally, when your seating is spread so far apart, you need a wait staff that’s on top of things — and this one sure is, with staffers making sweeps of the room every couple of minutes. As food and beverage director Mohamed Elsibai says, “We’ll serve you wherever you sit” — whether that’s near the front door or back by the pool.
THE FOOD » Executive chef Jason Kina, who was born and raised in Hawaii, meshes Asian and California influences for his inaugural Bosc + Bartlett lineup of small bites, shareable plates and entrees. But a few Latin and Middle Eastern dishes, along with the obligatory burgers, make the menu an eclectic one.
Already popular is the refreshing ahi trio ($21) with tuna flown in from the islands. A seasonal special, blackened shrimp salad ($22), riffs on street corn with a light Cholula mayonnaise underneath Sweet Gem lettuce and grilled kernels. For entrees you’ll find the appropriately named butterfish ($34), black cod marinated in miso and yuzu and served with wasabi potatoes and bok choy, and panko chicken ($19) with housemade katsu sauce.
DON’T MISS » Given the homage to the Valley of Heart’s Delight, you’ve got to try one of the pear-themed offerings. The Who’s the Bosc? cocktail ($15) uses Hendrick’s Gin to balance the sweetness of pear juice from Santa Cruz Organic. A Bosc Gorgonzola salad ($15) tosses pear slices with locally grown baby lettuces, candied walnuts and pear vinaigrette. For dessert, the warm, caramelized pear almond tart ($10), with a Bosc pear half atop vanilla custard, is a rich one to consider sharing. GOOD TO KNOW » Heads up, locals! First off, there is free validated parking for those who dine and drink here. Also, Bosc + Bartlett is that rarity, a lounge with a happy hour that extends through the weekend. From 3 to 6 p.m. every day, you can order less-expensive eats (ahi poke bowl, shishito pepper quesadilla, Korean barbecue pork tacos, all $10-$14) and drinks ($7). DETAILS » Open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, with the kitchen taking the last orders at 11 p.m. 2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. 408-970-6160; www. marriott.com.