Quaint architecture reflects Chez TJ's past as a former home in the heart of Mountain View. Each room is small and unique in wallpaper or paint, but all are colorful with charming details that include bay windows, a roaring fireplace, and hand-blown glass lamps. This is indeed a festive spot for local professionals, but it's also where foodies go for date-night. Expect polished service with thorough explanations of each dish on the fixed menus ranging from four to eight courses, with wines offered as full- or half-pairings. There is talent, risk, and reward in many of these dishes, courtesy of a kitchen that dares to verge on being fussy. Starters can be as vibrant as they are unique: the rose and lemon-cured yellowtail begins with eating a menthol candy to awaken the palate to the bright, delicious flavors. This might be followed by fresh scallops cooked until translucent, served with drops of black garlic coulis, tiny broccoli florets, toasted pine nut powder, and blood orange gelée. As a finale, a chocolate bread pudding is warm and infused with smoky ancho chili, spicy cinnamon, and ground black sesame seeds, alongside supremely nutty kinako (roasted soybean paste) ice cream.