Che Fico, Purple Onion serve up the perfect basics

"For me, there is nothing as satisfying as a perfectly executed burrata, accompanied by basil, beets and pistachios, dressed simply with a glug of good olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Che Fico Parco Menlo rose to the occasion last week at brunch after I had ordered a chopped salad that was precariously packed with peppery salami, peppery cheese, pepperoncini and chickpeas, seasoned with a black peppery vinaigrette. After three bites, accompanied by a three-alarm fire called in by my mouth, which had decided"

"So, too, was the grilled heirloom tomato sandwich I had at Purple Onion, as the late season tomatoes were still rolling in. Big juicy golden beefsteak met melted mozzarella cheese on sourdough in a sendoff to summer that still has me drooling. This place, with outposts on Winchester Boulevard in Campbell and Main Street in downtown Los Gatos, is highly popular for its absolutely fresh and always homemade food. There is nothing commercial about the flavors, and that's a big win."

"In Seaside, the Lantern Room in the newly refurbished Monterey Beach Hotel is now helmed by Chef Paul Corsentino, and after a pleasant night's sleep, we enjoyed some of the best breakfast food we've had of late. The fluffy Forager's Omelette, accompanied by perfectly fried breakfast potatoes, was stuffed with spinach, Big Sur chanterelles, Monterey Jack cheese and Baker's Bacon. Chef Tony Baker applewood-smokes only the back portion of the pig, not the belly, so it's meaty, hearty and sweet."

A perfectly executed burrata paired with basil, beets and pistachios, dressed with good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt provides deep satisfaction. An overly spicy chopped salad can be replaced by accommodating servers to preserve the meal. A grilled heirloom tomato sandwich with late-season golden beefsteak tomatoes and melted mozzarella on sourdough offers a vivid sendoff to summer. Purple Onion prioritizes fresh, homemade flavors across locations in Campbell and downtown Los Gatos. The Lantern Room at the Monterey Beach Hotel highlights a Forager's Omelette with Big Sur chanterelles and Baker's Bacon. Chef Tony Baker smokes only the back portion of the pig, creating meaty, sweet bacon. Vin Bar By the Sea recently opened in Carmel.

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