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Chef-partner JB Balingit struck gold in his family’s first endeavor at Lafayette’s cozy Hideout Kitchen.
So when the group — Balingit, his wife Astrid, her sister Rose and Rose’s husband, Lourin — set out to open a new restaurant in Martinez, the plan stayed much the same: Simply provide a comfortable environment, good comfort food and friendly service. And they’ve done it.
Vic’s (named for Balingit’s grandfather) is already doing great business despite a location a fair distance from downtown Martinez. The word has clearly gotten out about the American classics, served in generous portions, available there.
THE VIBE: Busy but relaxed. The small dining room is a ballet of activity when things get going. The style is almost living room-ish — lots of hardwood everywhere, a sizable area rug, comfortable chairs and simple curtains. There’s a small counter, a large group table and a small outdoor dining area.
THE FOOD: Have I mentioned “comfort”? This is a menu built to keep you in that state of mind from the Grilled Cheese with tomato bisque ($10.95) and Good Ol’ Burger ($12.95), to the Baked Ziti & Cheese ($11.95) and Honey Fried Chicken ($16.50). The breakfast menu is similarly built on classics like Biscuits & Gravy ($12.95) and a towering Waffle Sandwich ($13.95), with country-fried steak and eggs between two waffles, with a generous portion of country gravy over the top. Trust me when I say that you should eat it with a knife and fork.
THE MUST-HAVE DISH: That honey fried chicken is also available in a sandwich ($11.95), a truly massive concoction that features that wonderfully crunchy, slightly sweet batter over a boneless breast, topped with roasted pepper aioli, havarti cheese, avocado and more. I hope I won’t hurt Vic’s bottom line by noting that this sandwich is easily big enough for you to split with a friend, but it is delicious.
PERFECT FOR: A relaxed breakfast, lunch or brunch with friends or loved ones. If you live nearby in the neighborhood, it’s a slam-dunk.
DETAILS: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1500 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez; 925-387-0886, www.vicsmartinez.com.
