The Cupertino Courier

Photograph by Robert Scheer

No claws for alarm. That's just Pacific Fresh chef Tom Chavez--and dinner.

Whodunnit? Restaurant lets you play the sleuth

By Katherine Petersen

People are just dying to get into Pacific Fresh. So much so that on Fridays and Saturdays homicide detectives fill each and every table.

The restaurant's Murder Mystery Dinners, where patrons figure out whodunnit, have proven to be popular with customers, said Tom Chavez, the restaurant's chef.

Mystery by Design, a company of actors, puts on the show, and prizes for the best detectives include a dinner for two or a bottle of wine. Owner Hiro Tamai began the murder mysteries five years ago.

"It's very interactive, and the guests really enjoy it," Chavez said.

Chavez recommends that guests make reservations at least a week in advance, although sometimes space is available on the day of the show.

Seating begins at 7:15 on Fridays, 6:45 on Saturdays.

Customers might have to work late on Friday nights, so they have a little extra time to get ready, Chavez said.

The Pacific Fresh menu is filled with almost every kind of fish a customer could name. Chavez said that salmon still reigns supreme, however.

"The fish comes in every day, and we usually mesquite grill it," he added.

Pasta dishes such as fettuccine with smoked prawns in a cream sauce, clam linguine and salmon with pasta in a fresh tomato sauce are also customer favorites, he said.

The restaurant has an early-catch special from 5 p.m. to 6:30 with lower prices ranging from $7.99 to $10.99. The regular menu prices range from $10.99 to $32.99 for steak and lobster.

Chavez decks out the fish-display case in front daily to entice customers with fresh fillets.

"Everything is fresh each day, including soups and salad dressings," he said. "And I think we have the best Caesar salad in town."

Pacific Fresh, 1130 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale. Call 745-1710 for reservations. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Mon.-Thu., 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fri., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat. 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sun. 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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