upcoming events

Super Bowl – Viewing & Game Day Specials

If you prefer a lovely lakeside environment as part of watching Super Bowl LIX (Sunday, February 9th), Shoreline Lake will be showing the game outdoors on a large screen TV, with extended hours, so Bistro patrons can enjoy the event all the way through to the end.

And, in addition to the regular menu items, starting at 10am, Executive Chef Gavin Gonzado will be offering the following special appetizers that befit this occasion:

• Meaty & Hearty
• BBQ Baby Back Rib Nachos
• 3rd Down Conversion Chicken Wings (BBQ, Buffalo, and Lemon Pepper)
• 1st Quarter Platter (Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Mini Corn Dogs, and Onion Rings)

• Plant-Leaning
• Jalapeño Chili & Cheese Corn Chips
• Roasted Carrot Hummus with Turkish Flat Bread
• Garlic & Asiago Fries
• Domestic Cheese Plate & Grape Clusters

• Lighter, Still Sharable
• Calamari Strips with Vinegar & Calabrian Chili Aioli
• Smoky Pancetta Potato Skins
• 3 Way Street Tacos (Carnitas, Fish, and Carne Asada)
• Grilled Flat Bread Pizzas (Asiago Garlic Mornay & Mushrooms, Smoked BBQ Chicken, and Grilled Vegetable & Pesto)

• Tasty Small Burgers
• Meatball Sliders
• Pork Belly Bahn Mi Sliders
• Confit Crispy Artichoke Sliders

• Beverages
• Selection of Beers and Wine (complete list can be found in the Drinks Menu)
• Sake Cocktails (Bloody Mary and Margarita)
• Shoreline Lake Mocktails (Mock Mule, Passion Mojito, and Virgin Mary)

We recommend reserving a table ahead of time, particularly for large groups. To do so, please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Love on the Lake Celebration

Shoreline Lake’s American Bistro likes to take a multi-day approach to Valentine's Day. This year, the celebration takes place from February 12th-16th, where visitors can enjoy a showcase of sweet and savory items that ensure everybody can enjoy some fun with "LUV" in an outdoors and delicious ingredient kind of way.

To that end, Chef Gonzado is debuting a feast of Saint Valentine’s offerings:

• Treats & Confections
• Red Velvet Cup Cakes, with Rose Cheesecake Frosting
• Saint Valentine’s Chocolate Torte
• Cupid’s Ganache Strawberries
• Sign Your Valentine Grand Marinier Chocolate Mousse
• Romantic Chocolate Truffles
• Lovebirds Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies

• Romance-Inspired Entrées
• Steak Diane, with Veal Cognac Mushroom Cream Sauce, Gratin Potatoes and Provençal Vegetables
• Pan-Roasted Pacific Cod, with Celery Root Truffle Puree, Roasted Fennel and Sweetie Drop Peppers
• Baked Camembert, with Wild Mushroom Fricassée
• Sea Scallop Spinach Salad, with Whole Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Pinot Gris Sauce
• Crispy Chicken Paillards, with Lemon Parsley and Caper Sauce Frisée Salad

Even if this beautiful locale weren't such a great place for a date, there’s enough here (menu and activities) to help plan a memorable date/excursion in the great outdoors.

Please note that with Presidents' Day weekend activities taking place during this time also, we strongly recommend making reservations at the American Bistro (especially for the outdoor patio) and at the Boathouse for equipment rentals (romantic paddleboat adventures are very popular).

Mardi Gras & Saint Patrick’s Menus

Need a tasty way to celebrate Fat Tuesday over a few days, without traveling to New Orleans, or any colored metallic beads in sight? The American Bistro has you covered, during the "Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday" (Big Easy Masquerade), held from March 4th-9th.

While taking in a beautiful, serene waterfront view, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes traditionally from “The Big Easy” – both classic and inspired by this festive time. Expertly prepared by Executive Chef Gavin Gonzado, the following specials will be available:

• French Quarter Shrimp and Grits
• Bourbon St. BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boy
• Shrimp Boat Étouffée
• Louisiana Chicken and Okra Gumbo
• Carnival Oysters Rockefeller
• Miss Mardi Gras Jambalaya

And, of course, Mardi Gras then acts as the lead-up to some green festivities at the Bistro – i.e., "The Luck of the Irish" (Feast of St. Patrick), held from March 14th-18th.

In this case also, Shoreline Lake prefers to showcase a milder side to St. Pat’s, by helping visitors enjoy time away from civilization, and relaxing lakeside with a good meal. To that end, Chef Gonzado will offer the following array of festive specials:

• Sweet Treats & Desserts
• St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
• Bailey’s Chocolate Cream Pie
• Leprechaun Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lucky’s Funfetti Cheesecake

• Savory & Tradition-Inspired
• Classic St. Patrick’s Lunch (Corned beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots and Dijon Mustard Sauce)
• Ireland’s Guinness Beef Stew
• Pot-of-Gold Big Corned Beef Sandwich on Seeded Rye
• Going Scrambled Green Eggs, with Jambon De Paris and Potatoes
• Emerald Isle Roasted Lamb Chops, with Snap Pea Salad

• Beverages
• A Toast to St. Patrick with a Glass of Green Beer
• Lots of Irish-Inspired Beers
• Additional Beers and Wine (complete list can be found in the Drinks Menu)

To make reservations, in particular for larger groups (especially on weekends), please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Sail-A-Dinghy-Day

On Sunday, April 6th, Shoreline Lake will hold a Sail-A-Dinghy-Day, as part of the 2025 rollout of the sailing season and the Sunday Sailing Racing program.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm, this event is hosted in conjunction with the Fremont Sailing Club (FSC) – one of the Bay Area’s foremost small-craft sailing clubs.

Visitors will get access to free skippered sailboat rides, helmed by Shoreline Lake’s experienced instructors.

On land, booths promoting the sailing programs (for kids, teens and adults), and a display of racing dinghies (such as RS Zests, ILCA/Lasers, BUGs, Catalina Capri 14.2s and others) will be available as well. And, Shoreline Lake sailing staff and FSC members will be on hand to provide additional information.

Designed to promote sailing as an accessible, fun and family-friendly sport, the event also showcases why Shoreline Lake makes an attractive sailing destination for experienced small boaters and those learning to sail.

If you need additional details, please check out the background information from last year's launch of this event.

Kayak Polo Cup of the West

Shoreline Lake is the site for the 4th Annual Kayak Polo Cup of the West ("COW") tournament, taking place on Saturday, April 12th, and Sunday, April 13th.

Watch a thrilling, fast-paced and internationally competitive sport described as a cross between water polo, basketball, and hockey. Three teams for each of the four divisions (A, B, Women & Youth) are expected to compete. The competition is currently scheduled to go from 9am-5pm (both days).

The heats are visible to spectators – who have a great view of the competition and action from anywhere along the shore, including the outdoor patio at Shoreline Lake's American Bistro.

The Bay Area Kayak Polo Club (organizing group) practices at Shoreline Lake, including their US National Team members. More details can be found via their tournament page.

Easter Menu & Bunny Visit

The American Bistro, in celebration of this lovely springtime holiday, is offering a special menu over the Easter Weekend (both Saturday & Sunday, April 19th-20th, from 8am-6:30pm).

In addition, a special fellow named "Peter Cottontail" (aka, Mr. E. Rabbit) makes an appearance at Shoreline Lake on Sunday, April 20th, from 11am-3pm, to wish all visitors (big or little) a very Happy Easter!

Besides handing out treats for the little ones, and being available for hugs and pictures, it will be a unique opportunity to meet a very friendly rabbit lakeside, and partake of a lovely waterfront view with Brunch.

Even if not saying hello to the Easter Bunny, visitors can still enjoy the outdoor patio at the American Bistro, for a much deserved break by the water. Along with a kids' menu, the following are special additions to the menu:

• Redefined Classics
• Nouveau Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
• Bread-less Vegetarian Falafel Egg Whites Benedict
• Truffle Brunch Burger
• New York Steak And Eggs
• Avocado Mushroom Toast

• Heartier Selections
• Steak Sandwich
• Vegan Red Bean Burger
• Focaccia California Chicken Club Sandwich
• 3 Carnitas Street Tacos

• Springtime Salads
• Les Saumon Frisée Aux Lardons
• Half Moon Poke Salad
• Asian Chicken Salad

Please note that, given the popularity of celebrating Easter at Shoreline Lake, for groups coming by either Saturday or Sunday, we strongly recommend making a reservation (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Lakeside

Vamos a Celebrar at the Lake! Stopping by the American Bistro to celebrate the Battle of Puebla (starting Saturday, May 3rd, through Monday, May 5th) makes a great way to enjoy your repast, and a cold one, by the water...

In addition to the regular menu items, Executive Chef Gavin Gonzado will have special offerings for Cinco de Mayo, which include:

• Street Tacos
• Choose any 3 (Carnitas, Fish or Carne Asada)

• Chile Colorado
• Pork braised in chilies and spices (served with Spanish rice and beans)

• Pollo Asado
• Roasted chicken leg marinated in citrus, achiote, Spanish paprika, spices and herbs (served with rice and beans)

A Special Experience for a Special Lady

Spending Mother's Day by the Lake is popular. And, this year, Chef Gonzado is debuting a special buffet brunch (more below). We recommend making reservations early, both for equipment rentals and at the Bistro, especially for larger parties.

An Al Fresco Repast for Mom!

Please note that, on Sunday, May 11th, the American Bistro will be serving a special Mother's Day "Love You Brunch" Buffet only. Items will include:

• Green Station
• Spinach salad
• Fruit Salad
• Garden Green Salad
• Quinoa & Spring Vegetables
• Greek Salad
• Pasta Salad

• Sides
• Potatoes O’Brien
• Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Rice
• Stir-Fried Vegetables
• Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Chicken Apple Sausage
• Sliced Ham

• Entrées
• Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
• Sesame Roast Pork
• Sliced Roast Beef with Brown Gravy
• Oven Roasted Salmon with Dill Caper Cream
• Eggs Benedict
• Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce
• Focaccia French Toast
• Scrambled Eggs

• Asian Station
• Crispy Spring Rolls
• Poke Summer Rolls
• Pot Stickers
• Cold Sesame Noodles

• Street Taco Station
• Grilled chicken
• Carnitas
• Tortillas
• Guacamole
• Pico de Gallo / Salsa

• Kids Station
• Corn Dogs
• Grilled Cheese
• Chicken Nuggets
• French Fries

• Seacuterie
• Shrimp Cocktail
• PEI Mussels
• New Zealand Mussels

• Dessert Station
• Parfaits
• Assorted Viennoiseries & Pastries
• Cakes, Tarts, Cookies & More

• $75 for adults
• $25 for kids (4-12)
• Complimentary (kids 3 and under)

• Price includes a beverage (mimosa, soda, hot tea or drip coffee).
• Price does not include additional drinks, tax, fees and gratuity.
• Max. seating time is 1.5 hours.
• Call (650) 965-1745 for reservations. 72 hours notice required for cancellations. Cancellations within the final 72 hours will incur a $75 fee.

Memorial Day Weekend

For the Military, a little something: To ensure everyone gets a chance to try different ways to enjoy their free time, we’re offering current members of the military and their families a special rate (starting Memorial Day Weekend, 50% off through June 30th) towards kids' summer camps and the weekend-based teen/adult watersports classes. This offer might be something to consider if you and your family want to try a variety of watersports.

If you would like more details, check out the Learn section of Shoreline's site, which covers each activity. Give us a call at the Boathouse (650-965-7474) or drop on by, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and get you started.

Also, given the holiday, weekend hours are in effect through Monday. FYI...Larger groups should plan on calling ahead to the American Bistro (650-965-1745) for brunch reservations.

A Shoreline Lake Advent Calendar

It's the countdown to Christmas! For a little something to while away the time, we've put together an interactive calendar that showcases some of the wonderful goodies, as well as fun activities available at Shoreline: And, by checking it out, you'll not only see the lovely sight of some extraordinary pastries and other treats the Bistro's in-house pastry fairies whip up during the year and through the Holidays, but you may end up winning a prize...

Every day from December 1-24 a new "door" opens, and each is a chance at winning four different prizes – a $50 gift certificate (towards Weekend Brunch for 4) at the American Bistro, a Camp Shoreline Scholarship, a Pedalboat + Picnic Basket Lunch, and a Beginner Wingboarding class. All you have to do is submit an entry. And, if you see something you would like the Bistro to prepare, please let us know at 650-965-1745 (Don't worry, any opened door in the calendar will stay open during the entire 24 days.). Enjoy!

Curves & Angles Exploratory Wine Dinner

New for 2024, Shoreline Lake has partnered with Jackson Family Wines to showcase a special wine dinner/seminar on Thursday, December 5th.

In addition to enjoying a gorgeous waterfront view, a beautifully prepared three-course dinner and delving into the terroir and craftsmanship of Jackson Family Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, this exploratory tasting also introduces new language for wine enthusiasts that focuses on modern "shape" and "texture" terminology (which is becoming more prevalent in descriptions of this complex beverage).

This dinner and tasting experience ($85/person) will be held from 6-8pm. Synchronizing with dishes prepared by Gavin Gonzado, the American Bistro's Executive Chef, guests at this unique event will enjoy a meal that covers an interplay of flavors in each course, matched with different, but complementary wines.

First Course
Spinach Salad
Warm Sherry Caramelized Bosc Pear, Roasted Black Fig, Pecans, Pomegranate Arils, Gorgonzola Cheese & Warm Maple Dressing

Paired with:
La Crema Monterey Rosé of Pinot Noir – Blood orange, wild strawberry; delicate, crisp and vibrant.

(A still rosé providing an acidity and mineral flintiness that enhance the fruit-forward, yet savory, nature of this salad's elements.)

Second Course
Five Spice Maple Leaf Duck Breast
Forbidden Rice, Mandarin Orange Segments, Radish Salad & Burnt Orange Demi-Glace

Paired with:
Murphy-Goode California Pinot Noir – Raspberry, dark cherry, tea leaf and fresh picked herbs.

Murphy-Goode California Cabernet Sauvignon – Dense blackberry, cassis, bay leaf, thyme, vanilla, softened with oak aging.

(Selections highlighting the vibrancy, acidity and fruit-intense base needed for wines that harmonize with duck breast prepared in this manner.)

Third Course
Braised English Short Rib
Celery Root and Potato Puree, Crispy Leeks, Horseradish & Blueberry Demi-Glace

Paired with:
Carmel Road Monterey Pinot Noir – Vibrant Bing cherry, cranberry, orange peel, tea leaf, damp earth

Carmel Road California Cabernet Sauvignon – Blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and vanilla bean. Rich, yet structured

(Silky, medium-bodied, yet profound wines that meet the challenge of integrating all the deep flavors, accentuated by the fruit and piquant savoriness, of this hearty dish.)

As part of the enjoyment, and the educational foundation, of this exploratory dinner, to aid in choosing their favorites, guests will receive infographic cards that can usher them through each pairing, in addition to guidance from the Jackson Family Wines host and Chef Gonzado.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older, by the date of the event. To make a reservation for yourself and others (including as a corporate gathering), online booking is available. If you need additional information, please contact the Events Team (650-965-3779 or events@shorelinelake.com).

Chestnut Specials, Fruits of the Sea & Holiday Pâtisserie

Throughout the year, the American Bistro makes a point of incorporating seasonal ingredients into the menu, and that definitely also includes the Holidays.

Need a chestnut fix? Starting in December you can expect to see chestnuts incorporated into a variety of the menu offerings, as well as daily specials. Here are just a few examples:

• • Poulet Chasseur, with Celery Root Purée & Chestnuts
• • Vino-Braised Pork, with Chestnut Stuffing & Fennel
• • Chestnut-Inspired Sandwiches & Salads

In addition the following Soup Du Jour offerings will also be available:

• • French Cream Chestnut Soup ("Potage Aux Marrons")
• • Creole Celery Root Chestnut Soup

Plus, some festive "Winter Fruits of the Sea" specials, will also be available on select dates during December. Given its French underpinnings (and Executive Chef Gavin Gonzado's expertise with Classic cuisines), the American Bistro will be adding traditional (and delicious) seafood dishes on the following weekends:

• • Dec 14th & 15th – Shoreline Lake Seafood Bouillabaisse, with Green Garlic Aioli Croûton
• • Dec 21st & 22nd – Frutti Di Mare “Fruits of the Sea” Holiday Seafood Paella (available, starting at noon).

Just want to take a break, while enjoying nature? Need to outsource your Holiday baking? Or, give some beautiful (and very tasty) confections as a gift? The American Bistro has you covered, with a host of seasonal Holiday pastries, confections and warming libations this December.

Along with the usual, exquisite real French and Classic American pastries on offer, the Bistro's pastry fairies will also be whipping up a variety of special, sweet (and warming) goodies that make the Holidays that much brighter:

• • Yule log (Bûche de Noël)
• • Cranberry Citrus Loaf
• • Peppermint Chocolate Mousse
• • Chocolate Eggnog Truffles
• • Cranberry Bread Pudding
• • Italian Christmas Cannoli
• • Ginger Cookies
• • Spitzbuben Cookies
• • Panettone with Chocolate Chips & Orange Essence
• • Mulled Wine
• • Hot Apple Cider

To pre-order any of the Bistro's pastries, confections, cookies, etc., please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Shoreline Lake Holiday Gift Cards

If you need a Holiday gifting option, purchasing a Shoreline Lake gift card can be useful for a variety of outdoor activities and are also redeemable at the Bistro too.

They can be purchased online, or on-site at the Boathouse main office (and mailed to the recipient if you prefer). In addition, you can either choose the amount, or take advantage of the option to purchase gift cards with specially designated Holiday promo values, through January 15, 2025 (just choose a value below, and then plug in the associated code during checkout):

• • $45 for $60 value – code: GC45FOR60
• • $90 for $120 value – code: GC90FOR120
• • $225 for $300 value – code: GC225FOR300
• • $375 for $500 value – code: GC375FOR500

Chances are these cards can also allay the pressure that comes with giving the right gift and, perhaps, help give a bit of motivation for a New Year's resolution. In case it doesn't work out, Shoreline's registration system has a feature that allows recipients to re-sell the gift card, so that someone else can redeem it through the same system.

And, of course, if you're not sure what might work, we'll be happy to put something together for you, or leave it "open to the recipient's interpretation." Just let us know if you need more info (boathouse@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-7474).