New Los Gatos Eatery, The Catamount, Opens in April
Rumors have been flying about what will fill the now vacant space in the Los Gatos Old Town Shopping Center occupied by California Café for over thirty years. In April, the doors will open to a distinct new restaurant called The Catamount.
Much has been going on behinds closed doors to renovate the 10,000 square foot space at 50 University Avenue to the discerning specifications of owner/chef Ray Tang. Renown for his unique Presidio Social Club in San Francisco, Tang has been on the prowl for a prime location in the South Bay for about three years. He found exactly what he was looking for in the vacated Old Town space and, to show his commitment to The Catamount, Tang has recently found a residence in the area, ensuring his presence will be felt at his newest dining endeavor.
Tang’s choice of names for his new venture is a tribute to Los Gatos (The Cats in Spanish) and the Santa Cruz Mountains. When The Catamount opens next month, it will initially offer dinner service seven nights a week with weekday lunch and weekend brunch added at later dates.
The menu will highlight all of the seasonal bounty the area has to offer and will focus on modern comfort food. Diners will enjoy everything from California chops and steaks to meal-size salads and house-made pastas as well as the best from the Presido Social Club’s kitchen, including its to-die-for roast chicken.
The wine and beverage service will be championed by industry veteran, Maureen Donegan, and will showcase local vintners, especially those from wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The Catamount will have indoor seating for 230 in addition to open air dining that will seat from 50 to 60 people. There is also sufficient space for banquets and events, again part of The Catamount’s mission to be the go-to place in Los Gatos and beyond for all things social, both big and small. In addition to the diversely delicious menu, Tang plans to recreate the lively, inviting and social ambiance that makes the Presidio Social Club so popular.
The exact date the doors will swing wide in April for the first dinner service at The Catamount is still to be determined. But odds are, Los Gatos residents and foodies from far and wide will be poised at the ready to make their reservations!
