Merging urban sophistication with a relaxed suburban attitude, Metro Lafayette is a stylish destination serving big city food. With the largest outdoor patio in the east bay, it's the perfect place for al fresco dining amongst mulberry trees, fragrant lavender and rosemary bushes and trellised vines. Metro has been honored the past four years with the prestigious Michelin Guide Recommendation and is an Open Table Diner's Choice Award winner.

The menu features an eclectic mix of California-French dishes including Organic Fall Vegetable Salad with beets, heirloom peppers, butternut squash, kale, Dijon vinaigrette & Parmesan;   Maine Peekytoe Crab Cakes with sweet pepper coulis & saffron aïoli; Shrimp Spring Rolls with rice noodles, cucumbers, carrots & spicy lime dipping sauce; Braised California Lamb Shank with winter squash polenta & gremolata; and Grilled Pacific Swordfish on farro with roasted root vegetables & lemon-oregano citronette.

Owner/sommelier Jack Moore offers a wine list that appeals to all budgets and palates. The sleek interior, by Berkeley-based designers Sheahan + Quandt, make diners feel like they've ventured out of suburbia. Having spent much of his career managing the front of the house for celebrity chefs in northern California, Moore's vision is to offer innovative dishes and refined service in a sophisticated environment. A full bar, raw bar, and large outdoor patio anchor the space. With more than 20 years' experience at renowned restaurants in the Bay Area, Executive Chef Steve Jaramillo creates dishes that impress locals as well as those venturing east of the Caldecott.

Metro recently celebrated the three-year anniversary of Metro Montclair in Montclair Village. Visit www.montclairmetro.com or call 510/339-3322 for more information.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .