For $100, you could get through 10 months of a Netflix subscription, an Amazon Echo, maybe even a Warriors ticket and… a chicken? Known for its expensive roasted chicken, Cafe Vivant opened its doors last October in downtown Menlo Park. One whole roasted chicken for two costs up to $120 dollars, which begs the question: is it worth it?
Cafe Vivant’s owners, Jason Jacobeit and Daniel Jung, take pride in their poultry’s illustrious and delicious flavor, but I found myself skeptical and needed to try this dish for myself. While the restaurant ambiance was top-tier, ordering the chicken itself was the real highlight. Before the chefs carve it, waiters bring it to your table and present it on a bed of herbs, making sure you approve how it looks. I had two choices of chicken: Delaware Chicken for $54 and Plymouth Rock Chicken for $58. The prices are per person, so my family of four ended up paying around $200 dollars just for the chicken.
I’m no stranger to roasted chicken. My sensitive stomach loves this mild, versatile food, and I’ve tried hundreds of chickens from various restaurants in my lifetime. As a certified chicken lover, I don’t use this statement lightly: this is the best chicken I’ve ever had.
Jacobeit and Jung exclusively use heritage chicken breeds from farms in Pescadero, CA, and it makes all the difference. Most restaurants use hybrid breeds that you can easily find at your local grocery store, but Cafe Vivant uses purebred, free-range chickens that have enhanced flavor, larger legs and are less likely to be infected with bird flu or salmonella.
The heritage chicken’s flavor is superior to regular chicken, and my meal was cooked to perfection. Despite the only seasoning being salt and pepper, the flavor was the strongest I’ve ever tasted in roasted chicken. Think about the bland flavor of regular chicken, multiply it by a thousand and sprinkle in some mineral and turkey flavors — that’s what Cafe Vivant’s chicken tastes like. Jacobeit and Jung claim not to use any high heat or marinades when cooking, which keeps the chicken uniquely flavored and warm. The chicken doesn’t have to hide behind other sauces’ flavors, but if you absolutely need it, you can order two sauces on the side.
I also saw the cooking technique shine through when I cut my piece, and the knife moved through the mouth-watering meat as if it was butter. Moreover, the combination of brussels sprouts, carrots and other vegetables I had on the side was delicious on its own, and their flavors blended perfectly with the chicken, creating a harmonious experience for my palate.
So, yes, the chicken is phenomenal, but is it worth the price? My analysis is yes, but only for special occasions. Cafe Vivant’s chicken is perfect for an upscale family dinner, impressing your Valentine’s Day date or just to check off your bucket list. You aren’t just paying for the chicken; you’re paying for the experience. I like to think of this dining experience like most people think about skydiving: it can drive some people away, but it’s something people are drawn to try at least once, and, in my opinion, definitely deserves more hype.
