Map of Monta Vista

Cupertino and surrounding area, locate the restaurant called Alexander's Steakhouse

Despite the shopping mall environs, Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino is the go-to place for tech-types conducting expense account dinners. Suited businessmen filter past the steaks in the meat-aging rooms, pause at the front bar and lounge dressed with a fireplace, and may even take pictures with the chef at the central exhibition kitchen before settling into cushy banquettes and large armchairs in this busy but pleasant atmosphere. Cupertino's clientele appreciate sharing copious appetizers like "Angry Birds"—Japanese-style fried chicken in a spicy togarashi batter, kicked up a notch with deep-fried slices of chili, and tempered with a creamy egg sauce. Mains might include a dry-aged T-bone steak seared to well-caramelized, pretty pink perfection, and served with a trio of salts to enhance the rich minerality of the meat. Sides may uncover duck fried rice or mixed sautéed mushrooms. Japanese-American style is also reflected in the surprising desserts such as a warm apple confit with cheddar ice cream, pretzel-pecan streusel, beer gelée, wasabi powder, and caramel sauce. A fun banana-flavored cotton candy may accompany the hefty check, which your company is probably picking up anyway.