Openings, closings on West Valley restaurant scene

The Tasting House in Los Gatos is holding its grand opening on May 21, noon-3 p.m. A Champagne toast, poured from a Nebuchadnezzar (15-liter bottle) of Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Champagne, will begin at 2 p.m. A variety of cheeses and wines will also be offered. www.tastinghouse.com

The Montebello Market near the Los Gatos Post Office at 9 Montebello Way, had a successful opening on May 7, and their doors are now open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., serving soups, smoothies, coffee, lunch and dinner items. There’s a bottle shop, a grab-and-go case and a well-stocked market. https://www.montebellomarket.com

The Basin in Saratoga was set to close its doors May 15. Working with the Mahaffey family, the Chef Daniel Nally and his family and took ownership of The Basin right before the pandemic and weathered many ensuing challenges, including shutdowns, fires, power losses, labor shortages, supply chain havoc and constant cost pressures.

Through it all, they supported the community and vice versa, providing food to go, delivery service, an online marketplace and Basin Basics grocery boxes. With generous assistance from the community, they provided food to hospitals, food banks, the elderly and those with health challenges. They pivoted with every twist and turn, and endured family loss and heartbreak.

Nally’s family has already moved to Montana, and that’s where he plans to start the next phase of his career. In a farewell email, Nally noted, “Restaurants are a gathering place to share accounts of our days, to celebrate big events in our lives and to simply share a table with friends. Thank you for choosing us on many of your special days! We were honored to serve you.”

As of press time, the landlord is looking for a new tenant.

Can you believe it’s been a year since Épernay Bistri opened in Los Gatos? We definitely love this slice of France and will happily toast their one-year anniversary with Billecart Brut and Billecart Rosé by the glass.