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5 Places to Love New Restaurants of '04 By Stett Holbrook SILICON VALLEY restaurant debuts in 2004 were almost as scarce as WMDs in Iraq. The opening of Santana Row�s bevy of restaurants in 2003 may have had a chilling effect on new restaurants in the area. And while the local economy appears to have gotten on its feet, it�s still a risky business to launch a new restaurant in these uncertain times. But there were a few noteworthy eateries that opened their doors this year. Anise Cafe: This San Jose newcomer serves inventive, California-influenced Vietnamese fare at great prices in a rather hidden location. 1663 W. San Carlos Ave., San Jose. 408.298.8178. Kaygetsu: My meals at this kaiseki-style Japanese were two of the best I had all year. Highly recommended. 325 Sharon Park Dr., Menlo Park. 650.234.1093. Paragon Restaurant & Bar: This downtown San Jose restaurant oozes cool retro style and the American bistro menu is first rate. When it's warm, the outdoor lounge is hard to beat. 211 S. First St., San Jose. 408.282.8888. Park Place: With the closing of Helios earlier this year, Cupertino lost one of its few fine-dining establishments. But Park Place has opened in its place and offers a reasonably solid menu that's long on seafood and grilled dishes. 10030 De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. 408.873.1000. Three Degrees: Three Degrees, set inside Los Gatos' Toll House Hotel, just opened Dec. 1 and is still working out the kinks, but the good-looking restaurant shows promise. 140 S. Santa Cruz Av., Los Gatos. 408.884.1049 Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]