Last week an equipment supplier took me to Lion and Compass for lunch in Sunnyvale. Like Burke's, Lion and Compass capitalizes on the business lunch crowd by serving food better than average but nevertheless overpriced. There aren't any entrees less than $17. Of course, such a restaurant wouldn't be complete with an up-selling waiter. Ours was relentless. Unprompted, he peddled appetizers, drinks and (don't you love this tactic) passed out dessert menus even though we were full and betrayed no interest in dessert.
All that said, the special, the Hawaiian swordfish, was out of this world. It was the very definition of "succulent". Grilled, it was juicy and flaky. It was also a work of art. All four of us at our table who ordered it thought it a shame to stick our forks in it.
Also, the warm goat cheese salad was terrific. It was served with a breaded dollop of warm goat cheese, sitting in the center of the plate like a thick quarter-sized button on top of baby spinach. Order it when you go. You'll love the warm silky cheese with the slightly tart flavoring of the spinach.
If you go to Lion and Compass between noon and 1:00 on a weekday, the parking lot will be full. But, don't let that discourage you. You can park in the lot of the business park across Weddell (except where it says "No Restaurant Parking", of course!). Also, I've eaten there several times and the restaurant was never filled to capacity.
Lion and Compass
1023 N Fair Oaks Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
(408) 745-1260
