What's Cooking: Le Pot au Feu to close What's Cooking: Le Pot au Feu to close (February 01, 2006)

Sultana Mediterranean restaurant will replace the landmark French bistro

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

One restaurant closes, a new one opens -- that's the restaurant biz.

Menlo Park's Le Pot au Feu, a French favorite for some 33 years, is closing this month. Sultana, a Mediterranean restaurant, will open in the same location, 1149 El Camino Real, sometime after February 10.

When Nina and Jean Cornil opened Le Pot au Feu in 1973, there were several "continental" restaurants in the Menlo Park area (Cote d'Azur and Villa d'Este), but no cozy French bistros. Diners flocked to the new restaurant, waiting in the long hallway for a table. Hostess Nina made the wait more enjoyable by serving complimentary glasses of kir.

Le Pot au Feu's current owner, Dominique Devillez, originally bought the restaurant in the mid-1980s and ran it for five years before selling it to Norton and Lila Pearl. When the Pearls retired in 2002, Mr. Devillez took over the operation.

The restaurant's new owner is Mehmet Karacuban of San Mateo, most recently manager of the Jazz Bistro in San Francisco. Mr. Karacuban's father-in-law, Sultan Ulas, will be the chef, specializing in Turkish cuisine. Mr. Ulas formerly owned Cappadocia restaurant in Redwood City, which he closed after suffering a heart attack.

Now Chef Ulas is back at the stove and ready for the new venture. It will be a family affair, says Mr. Karacuban: his wife, Aylan, mother-in-law and brother-in-law are all pitching in to make the new business a success.

Mr. Karacuban says he will open after doing a little redecorating. He also wants to spiff up the back patio for outdoor dining when warmer weather arrives.
Mr. Chau closes temporarily

There has been no activity for several weeks at Mr. Chau's Chinese Fast Food, 625 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park; however, a sign on the door says "closed for remodeling."

Tony Koo, general manager of the Mr. Chau chain, said the company owns the building and is "considering its options." He said an architect has been hired to draw up plans for a "larger and nicer" restaurant in the space.

Mr. Chau's now has 18 outlets in Northern California, including restaurants in Redwood City and Palo Alto. The Menlo Park business opened about eight years ago.
Winter wine and food pairing

Local wines, some handcrafted, and gourmet treats from Epiphany Gourmet in Felton will be paired at the annual La Honda and Pescadero Educational Foundation's auction to be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 11, at the Mountain Terrace in Woodside.

Epiphany Gourmet will pair at least a dozen wines with a treat that brings out the flavor of both food and wine. One favorite pairing is La Honda pinot noir with herb bread and goat cheese from Harley Farms in Pescadero topped with a slice of tomato and drizzled with vinaigrette made from La Honda wild blackberries.

Live music will be provided by Bundy Browne. Wines will also be available for purchase for those who want more than a tasting.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Mountain Terrace is located at the intersection of Highway 84 (La Honda Road) and Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), across from Alice's Restaurant. For more information, call 747-9287.

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