Following the success of his acclaimed Straits Restaurants, Chris Yeo more recently opened Santana Row’s Sino Restaurant & Lounge, offering a vision of Chinese cuisine in the new millennium.
Enter Sino and you will first be impressed by its design, an intriguing blend of old and new. Sophisticated red leather benches are mirrored by abstract cutouts in the wall, while cement columns seem to disappear on their way to meet the high ceilings above. Curtains of dangling metal beads blur the division between seating areas; there is a sense of open space, yet you are surrounded by lavish details.
After the initial impression of modernity, you’ll also notice the many traditional touches. Dramatic red and black accents are accompanied by dark wood, with soft, golden lighting reminiscent of lanterns. Large windows reveal Chinese characters on tasteful neon signs that pay homage to Chinatowns everywhere.
Sino’s mix of classic and contemporary doesn’t end with its interior design. Guests perusing the menu will find such familiar dishes as wok-tossed beef with Chinese broccoli and a steamed dim sum sampler basket, alongside such unusual items as Kung Pao chicken lollipops and velvet & silk sweet corn chicken bisque. Family style dining is the theme, with the advantage that it lets you sample a variety of dishes. Lunchtime visitors will find a separate dim sum menu featuring delicious snacks from Fried Wontons to Turnip Cake.
The cocktail list is worth also exploring, as it steps beyond the boundaries of familiar Chinese libations with imaginative concoctions bearing appropriately creative names like "Flight of Dragons" and "Pursuit of Love." You can also choose from several teas (the customary accompaniment to dim sum) as well as innovatively flavored sodas and juice. The wine list is comfortably large, with several wines by the glass and vintages arranged by style of wine rather than varietal designation.
With Sino, Chris Yeo has successfully accomplished the feat of honoring Chinese cuisine’s long heritage, while at the same time tastefully exploring new 21st century frontiers.
-by Sarah Franci
Hours:
Lunch & Dinner:
Sun-Tues: 11am-10pm
Wed-Sat, 11am-12am
Dim Sum 11am-4pm
Event Facilities:
Private Dining for 25-100
Banquets for up to 100
Exclusive events up to 300
Full-service catering
Where:
377 Santana Row, Ste 1000
San Jose
More info:
408-247-8880
www.sinorestaurant.com
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