Finding Food in Silicon Valley: The Best in Palo Alto Catering
By Amy Sherman
It used to be that San Francisco was the nearest place to get a great meal but these days, as the San Francisco Chronicle reports, Silicon Valley is becoming a food destination in its own right. Palo Alto, part of the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, is home to Stanford University and the hippest technology companies ranging from Facebook to Tesla. The mixture of creative talent, investor money, and good taste have given the food scene a giant boost and now Californians are on the hunt for the best restaurant in Palo Alto. While Palo Alto has managed to keep that small town feel, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is reflected in the catering scene. Palo Alto catering is extremely diverse and includes health food, pizza, and ethnic cuisine like Mexican, Burmese, and Greek.
1. Palo Alto Catering Company Starr King Circle, Palo Alto
For a large spread and impressive presentation, try Palo Alto Catering Company. Priding themselves on “catering made simple”, their menu is packed with dishes for every occasion — breakfast alone offers almost 20 options including eggs, pancakes, breakfast burritos and pastries including biscuits, scones, muffins and Danishes. The assorted sandwich tray is perfect for a working lunch. For a hot entree try the Roasted Vegetarian Lasagna, salmon, or chicken parmesan. The popular Make-your-own Taco Bar lets everyone customize their plates exactly the way they want. And with their wide variety of fresh salads, soups, and pastas, ordering from Palo Alto Catering Company will ensure there’s something for everyone.
2. Lyfe Kitchen Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
For lighter fare and healthful options, try Lyfe Kitchen. Lyfe’s healthy California style cuisine offers “craveable classics with a contemporary twist,” which means fresh and hearty dishes like the top selling Grilled Chicken Avocado Wraps with grilled chicken, red onions, edamame, hummus, avocado smash, sun-dried tomatoes, mixed greens, and basil aioli in a whole wheat tortilla. The popular Seasonal Market Salad works well as a side but can be bulked up to entree-status with a protein addition such as tofu, chicken or shrimp. The base salad consists of organic romaine with feta, spinach, arugula, kale, strawberry, blueberry, avocado, red onion, pecans, and strawberry vinaigrette.
3. Rangoon Ruby University Ave, Palo Alto
If you’re looking for something beyond the typical Chinese, Japanese or Thai food order, consider Burmese. Travel and Leisure magazine recently proclaimed that “Burmese food could be the next global phenomenon thanks to its “distinctively savory, funky style of cooking.” With that kind of enthusiasm, Rangoon Ruby might just be the next best restaurant in Palo Alto. You’ll find stir fried dishes, noodles, stews, curries, and savory stuffed samosas on the menu. Get the group chatting with the popular tea leaf salad which is packed with surprising ingredients like fried garlic, yellow beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and dried shrimp. Other popular catering dishes include basil and chili lamb or beef and Rangoon lemongrass chicken or pork with chili, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, green beans, red bell peppers, lemongrass, and basil. Don’t forget to add rice!
4. Gyros Gyros University Ave, Palo Alto
It’s not all gyros as Gyros Gyros. This Palo Alto catering spot is a perfect option for juggling multiple diets. Their top dishes include falafel, one of 6 Dishes That Are Friendly to All Types of Dietary Restrictions, which is served with hummus and eggplant dip and Greek salad. The Mediterranean-style menu also offers lots of vegetarian friendly options like dolma (stuffed grape leaves), hummus, spanakopita, and kebabs. The catering from Gyros Gyros wins rave reviews from customers who praise their fantastic food, generous portions and timely delivery. For a sweet finish, throw in an order of the irresistible baklava made with pistachios and honey.
Read the rest of our list of the best caterers in Palo Alto here.
