https://n2v.paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/print/2018/01/11/opening-alert-state-of-mind-public-house-and-pizzeria-in-los-altos

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Opening alert: State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria in Los Altos

Pizza, craft beer and arcade games are on tap at State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria, which soft opened in Los Altos on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

The 101 Plaza North restaurant, inspired by the Golden State, pays homage to California beer and ingredients.

State of Mind has local roots. Palo Alto native Lars Smith, co-owner of The Tap Room in Palo Alto, along with his brother, Andrew, also a Tap Room co-owner, and Amy Betz, a former Tap Room manager, teamed up to open the restaurant. The Smiths grew up in and around the food industry, with family members owning restaurants and their mother, a catering business. 

An opening menu features pizza, small bites, wings, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The pizza is made from slow-proofed dough that is hand-stretched into 14-inch pies.

Try State of Mind's "What the duck" pizza, which took home first place in the non-traditional division at the International Pizza Challenge last year. It comes with a foie gras and black garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. toma cheese, a sour cherry relish, duck, frisée, mustard vinaigrette and pickled cherry ($24).


The aforementioned "What the duck pizza," pictured at the International Pizza Challenge in 2016. Photo courtesy Lars Smith.

For traditionalists, State of Mind also serves a "plain ol' cheese" pizza and pies with typical toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage and pepper.

Other bar-friendly dishes include a local sausage plate, cheese fries, double-fried wings and a fried chicken sandwich.

State of Mind serves a rotating list of California craft beers and wine from independent wineries throughout the state.

Customers can enjoy a slice of 'za in the brewcade, a section of the restaurant devoted to 90's arcade and pinball machines.

State of Mind's soft opening hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily.