A long time it has been (two years!) since Lauren and I went back out to the left coast to enjoy the weather, friends, and food that has always been at the top of our list of favorite things. Our most recent foray started at NM Café inside Neiman Marcus at Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto.
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A Festive Reunion at Stanford Shopping Center
Official business took a holiday today as we joined my sister Lynn, Roberto, friends JP and Pauli for lunch. Of course, Nieman Marcus is always a great time and place to enjoy all the Christmas decorations there and browse the numerous sale items. But I would be remis if I did not mention the absolutely incredible decorations at Stanford Shopping Center – now a very much expanded shopping center – and the unbelievably gorgeous flower arrangements that were on display there! Seriously, words cannot describe…
Bubbles, Broth, and Iconic Popovers
Originally I had thought to not write about the lunch, but I sometimes just cannot help myself. And I guess this was no exception. Allowing my mind to wonder away from the banter, stories of our younger days, and cell phone photos, I concentrated on our Prosecco toast to the holidays and the first round of lunch specifics…
Our server brought to us petites tasses de bouillon de poulet (Small cups of chicken broth). The broth was quite tasty, and the cups were refilled several times before lunch was served. Along with that starter, a giant popover – exquisite – and a small dish of delicious Strawberry Butter accompanied the broth. Both went quite well with the bit of bubbly we were sipping!
Exploring the Main Course
Frivolity and lively conversation temporarily came to a screeching halt as we enjoyed what might be referred to as “round one” of lunch. What came next was a well-timed “round two.”
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Tuna Tartare ($22): Selected by Lauren, Lynn, and Roberto. It consisted of avocado, Asian pear, shiso, green onion, ginger-grapefruit ponzu, and rice cracker.
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Chicken Pot “Pie” ($34): Chosen by Pauli. Featuring pan-roasted chicken breast, pot pie vegetables, gravy, and herb & garlic puff pastry.
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Kale Caesar Salad ($20): JP’s choice. A mix of baby kale, romaine, garlic breadcrumb, preserved lemon, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing.
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The Sampler ($25): My selection. This included a cup of tomato soup and a NM classic sandwich half (I opted for the Market Chicken Salad over the alternate possibility of Tuna Pecan Salad with a cup of Lobster Bisque for an additional $4).
Reflections on the Experience
Although a part of me was expecting a bit more that day, especially from Neiman Marcus, I cannot really complain. The food was quite good and fresh, plating and presentation was adequate, yet nothing to “write home” about. Our server was smiling and attentive.
The best part about the lunch was the get-together and lively conversation; I would be hard pressed to imagine that anyone had anything less than a very enjoyable time! After all, it was only two days before Christmas, holiday spirit was in the air, and Lauren and I had had not gathered with this group for over two years! It was a great and sunshiny day in Northern California and we all thoroughly enjoyed our get-together!
The Final Verdict
On this visit, NM Café gets 3 ½ Zins. It was really the Tuna Tartare that fell short of expectations in presentation, plating and flavor.
NM Café is located in side Neiman Marcus at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California.
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Lauren’s Links
- Stonewall Kitchen Traditional Popover Mix
- LonoLife Chicken Bone Broth Powder Mix – Collagen-Rich, Keto & Paleo Friendly, 10 Portable Stick Pack Servings
