Explore 2019-2020 by Explore Silicon Valley

2019â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2020

SILICON VALLEY | SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA | SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | HALF MOON BAY

A Complete Area Guide

THINGS TO DO

Attractions, Happenings, Outdoor Fun & More

BEST BITES

Top Restaurant Picks for All Tastes

DINESHOPPLAY.COM

HOTEL COPY | PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

SIPPING SPOTS Breweries, Wineries & After Hours

615 Rental Homes | 50 Shops | 30 Restaurants | 9 Spas & Salons | 1 Hotel

LB Steak

Lululemon

Poke Bar

Pizza Antica

Tacolicious

Tesla | Scotch & Soda | Sugarfina | Yard House | SoulCycle & more...

Art for Your Floor

Exquisite beauty, lifelong quality, truly one of a kind. 650.327.5040 | STEPHENMILLERGALLERY.COM | MENLO PARK

4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto 650.213.1111 theseausa.com

19379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 408.446.2222 448 Brannan St., San Francisco 415.495.1111 alexanderssteakhouse.com

209 Castro St., Mountain View 650.864.9999 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 408.886.3333 alexanderspatisserie.com

CUPERTINO

SAN FRANCISCO

PALO ALTO

NEW IN 2018!

680 Folsom St., San Francisco 415.266.1111 alxsanfrancisco.com

MOUNTAIN VIEW

PASADENA

Photo: California Pizza Kitchen

A PERFECT MIX OF EXCEPTIONAL SHOPPING & DINING Over 100 stores including Nordstrom, Michael Kors, M∙A∙C, The Apple Store, Paul Martin’s American Grill, Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, H&M, L’Occitane, Sephora, Banana Republic, See’s Candies, The LEGO® Store, MidiCi -The Neapolitan Pizza Company, The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, and more. Hillsdale’s new North Block opens Summer, 2019 featuring luxury cinema Cinépolis, Pinstripes Bowling & Bocce, Palette Dim Sum Restaurant and more!

HEART OF THE PENINSULA Nordstrom and Macy’s plus over 100 stores | Off Hwy. 101 at Hillsdale Blvd. and El Camino Real in San Mateo Mon–Sat, 10AM–9PM, Sun 11AM–7PM | Courtesy bag storage & free stroller rental at our Concierge | 650.345.8222 Gift Cards from AMEX available for purchase daily at our Concierge | hillsdale.com

e z i l a i c o S & r o v a S Sip,

at Downtown’s Social Hub

Discover historic San Pedro Square Market—a unique urban spot in downtown San Jose. From pho to pasta, from coffee to handcrafted cocktails, there’s something for everyone—and there’s always something going on!

OVER 25 FOOD VENDORS | COMMUNAL TABLES | OPEN-AIR PLAZA | LIVE MUSIC DAILY | COMMUNITY EVENTS

87 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose

sanpedrosquaremarket.com

Fresh Seafood and Prime dry aged steaks with a View of downtown San Jose

lunch mon-fri | Dinner nightly | happy hour mon-Fri 3:30-6:30 | sunday brunch

185 Park Avenue, San Jose

408.971.1700

www.scottsseafoodsj.com

CONTENTS 49

THE BASICS 12

GETTING AROUND Public Transportation & Area Map

ON STAGE

BREWERIES

A Treasure Trove of Performing Arts

Tapping Into the Suds Scene

ATTRACTIONS Interesting Places for all Ages

CALENDAR The Area’s Top Annual Events

EXPLORING THE COAST

DUNGENESS CRAB

Scenery and Fun from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay

A Local Tradition & Seasonal Taste Treat

117

SHOPPING Best Places to Shop from Downtowns to Malls

124

DINING Top Restaurant Picks for the South Bay (64), the Peninsula (77) & Santa Cruz (109)

SILICON VALLEY SIPPING Local WIneries Rival Napa to the North

VISITOR INFO 8

EXPLORE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Endless Escapes to Fill Your Days

CITIES AN OVERVIEW 14 Silicon 22 OUR Valley, the Peninsula City Portraits from San Jose & Top Things to Do

GEMS 39 LOCAL Silicon Valley Specials

through Burlingame

AFTER HOURS

Lounges, Clubs & More

TIME 134 GAME The Bay Area’s Sports Scene

DESTINATIONS 144 INDEX 137 NEARBY San Francisco, Gilroy & Monterey

Santa Clara Convention Center

Lunch Mon–Fri Dinner 5pm nightly

Levi’s Stadium

Great America i iss

o F reedo m C i

408.980.6400

birksrestaurant.com

B o we

America P Great kwy

Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:30–6, Sat 5–7

T asm an D

For reservations, visit our website or call:

101

C ollege Blvd

Birk’s Restaurant

rs Ave

Fwy

3955 Freedom Circle Santa Clara, CA 95054 1.2 miles from Santa Clara Convention Center & Levi’s Stadium!

PRI ROOMVATE EVEN S FOR TS TO 13 UP 0

Cucina Italiana

pastas, chicken, fish, steaks, risottos & more OUTSTANDING SERVICE, EXCELLENT FOOD & GREAT AMBIENCE F ULL BAR • DAILY CHEF SPECIALS • AWARD WINNING WINE LIST

HHHHH 1205 broadway ave. burlingame reservations: 650.344.3900

5 minutes from airport hotels www.ristoranterocca.com

Celebrating 17 years in Silicon Valley Publishing, Inc. PUBLISHED BY Explore Publishing, Inc. 617 Veterans Blvd., Suite 213 Redwood City, CA 94063 650.366.6099 dineshopplay.com

Seasonal Farm-Fresh American Fare created by award-winning chef Bradley Ogden & Sergio Morales

CO-PUBLISHER Advertising & Editorial Douglas H. Latimer

CO-PUBLISHER Art Direction & Production Rita Vanderaa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sally Hatfield-Barney Shannon Rubin Lillian Scoyen

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karen Gastaldo

COPY EDITOR Chris Stanners

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Elaine Nusser, Design Source

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marlene Goldman Susan Hathaway Elena Kadvany Marianne M. Madge Gina Teichert Christina Waters

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Frank Balthis Michael Halberstadt Garrick Ramirez Chris Schmauch Peter Thoeny/QualityHDR.com Matt Walker Jim Watkins FRONT COVER PHOTO KARL GOHL

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Organic & Seasonal Cuisine with Zagat award-winning wine selection Outdoor Patio Dining Weekday Happy Hour in Lounge Three Private Dining Rooms Lunch Mon-Fri: 11:30 am-2 pm Dinner Mon-Fri: 5:30-9 pm Sat-Sun: Available for Private Events

Parcel 104 at the Santa Clara Marriott 2700 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95054 Reservations: (408) 970-6104 Private Dining: (408) 970-6108

www.parcel104.com

DINESHOPPLAY.COM

GETTING AROUND TO/FROM SJC AIRPORT

VTA AIRPORT FLYER is a free bus service with stops between SJC Airport and the Santa Clara Transit Station (for connection to ACE, Amtrak, and Caltrain) as well as the Metro/Airport Light Rail Station (for connections to cities throughout Santa Clara County). [www.vta.org]

TO/FROM SFO AIRPORT BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) services San Francisco, Oakland and the greater East Bay. All lines between the Peninsula and East Bay stop in downtown San Francisco, and provide multiple options for connecting with Oakland and Berkeley. BART connects to nearby Caltrain every 15–20 minutes via Millbrae

Station (with reduced operation on nights and weekends). [www.bart.gov]

GETTING AROUND SAN JOSE

SAMTRANS offers 24-hour bus service from Palo Alto through San Francisco, connecting with SFO and several Caltrain stations. [www.samtrans.com]

DASH San Jose’s free downtown area shuttle connects the San Jose Diridon Transit Center with VTA Light Rail, the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose State University, downtown museums, and more. Shuttles run every 8-10 minutes. VTA Light Rail & Bus offers frequent stops between downtown San Jose and surrounding communities. [vta.org]

AIRPORT SHUTTLES ABC AIRPORTER SERVICE (SJC): 408-314-8680 AIRPORT EXPRESS (SFO): 415-775-5121 BAY AREA AIRPORT SHUTTLE (SJC): 408-986-6000 SANTA CRUZ AIRPORT FLYER (SJC & SFO to/from Santa Cruz): 831-423-5937 SUPERSHUTTLE (SJC & SFO): 800-258-3826

GETTING IN & OUT OF SAN JOSE ACE RAIL LINE provides train service from San Jose Diridon Station northeast to Stockton via Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, and Tracy. [www.acerail.com] AMTRAK The Capitol Corridor line connects San Jose Diridon Station and Sacramento with stops along the Sacramento Delta and East Bay. For southbound destinations (Gilroy, Central Coast, Monterey Bay), take the Coast Starlight. While Amtrak trains don’t service San Francisco or Monterey directly, many routes employ coach style thruway buses to complete the connection. [amtrak.com] CALTRAIN provides daily rail service between San Francisco and San Jose with weekday commute-hour service to Gilroy. VTA Airport Flyer connects San Jose International Airport to the Santa Clara Caltrain station. Millbrae station serves SFO with connections via BART, SamTrans or private ground transportation. [caltrain.com]

12 EXPLORE

SAMTRANS offers 24-hour bus service throughout San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco. Stops offer opportunities to connect with BART, Caltrain, SF Muni, and Golden Gate Transit. [samtrans.com] VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services throughout Santa Clara County, including the cities of Gilroy, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. VTA lines offer access to major event venues like Levi’s Stadium, SAP Center and Avaya Stadium. Free Park & Ride lots are available at various light rail stations and transit centers, which also connect to Caltrain. [vta.org]

ALTERNATE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION BIKE SHARE Public bikes for rent at stations throughout San Jose and San Francisco offer a convenient and affordable bike share system. Simply pick up a bike at one station, dock it at another, all 24/7. [fordgobike.com] SCOOTER RENTAL Rent a electric scooter—at bike racks in downtown areas—and simply park at your destination and let the app know you’re done. Try BIRD (bird.co) for Santa Clara and San Jose, or LIME (li.me) in San Jose and Mountain View. ZIP CAR This short term car sharing service is an alternative to renting a car. Membership allows access to cars at multiple pickup points in the Bay Area, which can be used for an hourly or daily rate. [zipcar.com]

GREYHOUND Bus Service from downtown San Jose offers connections between cities across the U.S. [greyhound.com]

UBER & LYFT On-demand ride hailing services offer airport pickups, town cars, affordable shared carpools, and mid priced private rides. Download the app or go to uber.com or lyft.com.

HIGHWAY 17 EXPRESS BUS runs from San Jose Diridon station to Santa Cruz. [scmtd.com]

Information also available by calling 511 or visiting 511.org.

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 13

the Peninsula

It’s hard to believe that the region at the foot of San Francisco Bay was once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” Famous for its orchards, it was home to one of the world’s busiest fruit producing and packing regions until the 1960s. While the natural beauty surrounding it remains undeniable, in just a handful of decades, that same stretch of land has been transformed into Silicon Valley—the epicenter of the world’s high-tech industry, with all the energy and excitement its new title implies. With San Jose as its de facto capital, the area now draws innovative and highly educated people from all over the globe to work for iconic companies such as Facebook, Apple, Google, HP and Oracle. This international influx has made the area vibrantly diverse in everything from its cultural celebrations to the nearly endless variety of cuisines offered on local menus. The air just brims with brainpower here, and cities have been transformed by start-up gold. But Silicon Valley is far more than just business. From immersing yourself in big-city culture to hiking in a wilderness preserve, you’ll enjoy countless exciting things to do. The nearby coast beckons, too, under an hour away. While here, be sure to spend some time kicking back and immersing yourself in whatever most suits your fancy.

14 EXPLORE

QUALITY HDR PHOTOGRAPHY/QUALITYHDR.COM

ilicon Valley &

300

days of sunshine per year

more than local wineries

31/2 hours

from prime ski resorts

Average median income for Santa Clara Valley is in the nation

10th 3rd

miles of beaches

340,000

acres of parks, refuges and other open spaces

top 10

San Jose is in the most

diverse U.S. cities

local major league sports teams

most educated region in the U.S. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 15

TOP THINGS TO DO

The South Bay and San Francisco Peninsula pack in plenty of ways to satisfy your every whim. Whether work or play brings you here, carve out some time to experience the best that our diverse region has to offer—from rugged stretches of the Pacific coast to world-class performing arts and museums. by GINA TEICHERT 16 EXPLORE

PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Explore the Coast

ur stretch of the Pacific coast is characterized by icy water, rugged terrain and beautiful beaches. Winding Highway 1, in a perpetual push-pull between pavement and the forces of nature, serves as a lifeline to the tiny, scattered communities that exist as a testament to mankind’s stubborn will. The famous coastal road south of San Francisco, immortalized by Hunter S. Thompson’s wild motorcycle ride on “the edge,” signifies an immediate change of pace. Often dubbed the “slow coast” for its more bucolic, unhurried lifestyle,

the stretch between quaint Half Moon Bay and the more urban Santa Cruz offers miles of beaches fronting undeveloped rural lands. Montara Mountain’s bun-burning trails, stunning cliff-backed beaches, such as San Gregorio and Panther, and the Insta-worthy sea stack at Natural Bridges all offer a sure ticket to unwind. Surf spots dot the shoreline, and the more popular—including Linda Mar, Surfer’s Beach in Half Moon Bay and Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz— provide training grounds for newbie surfers young and old. See page 98.

Act Like a Kid

ou’re never too old to seek out adventures and indulge your inner child. Whether you are traveling with your family or looking for a creative date, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk pops with color, the wafting scents of summer nostalgia and a carnival atmosphere. For the ultimate in thrills, spend a day riding the roller coasters at California’s Great America. Confront your fear of ghosts at San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House, a sprawling Victorian mansion built by the rifle manufacturer’s widow to keep

the spirits that plagued her at bay. In the hills above Santa Cruz, Roaring Camp is a great place to have a family adventure, enjoying a ride through the redwoods on an authentic 1880s steam locomotive. The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum explores the past with a rich collection of artifacts and enlists the little ones in its junior archaeologist program. No matter your age, we suggest joining in on a workshop to brush up on skills like mummification, reading hieroglyphics and making perfume.

Geek Out

nless you’re an engineer or amateur geologist, the word “silicon” may mean very little to you. This once-obscure element is now synonymous with the booming hightech sector that transformed Santa Clara Valley from a sleepy farming community into the epicenter of a scientific revolution half a century ago. There’s no shortage of shrines marking the area’s profound makeover, so the choice is yours—pick one or two, or take them all in. Exhibits at the Tech Museum of Innovation as well as the Intel and Computer History museums

chronicle decades of innovation with fun and engaging exhibits. The Moffett Field Historical Society covers the aerospace bases with the NASA Ames Museum, chronicling the military aircraft that took us “from lighter than air to faster than sound and then to outer space.” If you’re still flying your geek flag high, make time to stop by the Apple visitor center, or the entrances to the Facebook or Google campuses to snap a pic with one of their selfie-friendly campus signs.

APPLE VISITOR CENTER

Tickle Your Ears

R MONTALVO ARTS CENTER

unning the gamut from rock bands to classical superstars, our music scene has something for all tastes. Spend an upscale evening outdoors at Saratoga’s Mountain Winery, taking in the spectacular view while enjoying dinner and a show. Catch an opera or symphony in San Jose’s opulent art-deco California Theater.

Enjoy the dazzling acoustics and 360-degree seating arrangement of the state-of-the-art Bing Concert Hall on Stanford campus. Check out the concert calendar for Mountain View’s Shoreline Pavilion to catch blockbuster acts in the summer. And in Santa Cruz, hit up Moe’s Alley or the Catalyst to discover local and emerging artists. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 17

TOP THINGS TO DO

Discover Our Wines

or South Bay vintners, living in the shadow of Napa Valley to the north might feel like having a really popular, but not necessarily cooler older sister. Along with our booming agricultural economy that includes fruit, nuts and Gilroy’s world-famous garlic, we are also home to two internationally acclaimed wine-growing designations—Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Grab a Brew

ike many other parts of the country, we are enjoying the fruits of a craft-beer revolution—complete with a variety of offerings brewed up by a cast of characters that includes hippies, hobbyists, home brewers and German purists. You’ll find everything from beers aged in wine casks from Napa and Sonoma wineries and American craft-style brews to German and Belgian lagers. For the lowdown on some of our favorite sipping spots, see page 90.

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Despite flying below the radar compared to Napa, these appellations boast heavy hitters like mid-priced Mount Eden, a Saratoga mainstay, and pricier Ridge Vineyards, which consistently garner 90+ points and critical praise. Generally small in scale, most of the 60+ wineries offer friendly and personal tastings, often hosted by the winemakers themselves. See page 117.

GARRICK RAMIREZ (TOP)

ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARDS

Hit the Trails

vast and stellar array of public wildlands has survived the growing urban sprawl thanks to generations of forward-thinking politicians and philanthropists. Bayside jogging paths, fernfilled redwood groves and rolling, oak-studded hills that reach skyward offer up fresh air and lovely views for fitness-minded folks. Take a quick loop up, around and back down “The Dish,” a favorite of local runners and Stanford students, or head to parks in the foothills for classic oak trees and golden, grassy slopes. On hot summer days, escape the valley heat by adding a little elevation on a fragrant stroll through the redwoods of Purisima Creek or Big Basin State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. If the idea of hitting the trail in an Old West sorta way intrigues you, saddle up at Folger Stable inside Woodside’s Wunderlich Park. See page 124.

HENRY W. COE STATE PARK

Swing a Club

f there’s truth to the old Bobby Jones adage, “Golf is a game played on a 5-inch course—that’s the distance between your ears,” it’s no wonder we have so many places here to exercise your brain. Gather a few great minds to seal your business deal or simply blow off some steam on one of our trove of gorgeous golf courses. To get in a round without burning your entire day, check out convenient,

low-key spots like Eagle Ridge and Boulder Ridge—south of San Jose—or if you’ve got time to kill before flying out of SFO, squeeze in a quick round at Crystal Springs. If you have a little more time and cash to spare, indulge in pro-designed courses and sweeping ocean views at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, or the granddaddy of them all, Pebble Beach in Pacific Grove. See page 132.

EAGLE RIDGE GOLF CLUB DINESHOPPLAY.COM 19

See it, Hear it, Feel it. There's a new way to San Jose

Grandview Restaurant

In Silicon Valley, boldness is our mindset. It is in the vibe that you can feel, touch, eat and breathe – it’s all here in San Jose. Whether you are after a festival, street art, sporting game, local breweries or authentic global cuisine – you can find it here in San Jose.

•

Pho Co Vietnamese

W San Fernando St and Delmas Ave

SoFA District

Hapa's Brewing Company

With picturesque hiking trails at Alum Rock Park, keeping up with nature is easy to do. Shop like a pro at Santana Row, pick up a craft beer from Hapaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brewing Company or snap an Insta-worthy picture at one of the renowned murals in downtown San Jose.

sanjose.org C

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 21

CITIES

SAN JOSE

ith a population at just over one million, San Jose ranks as America’s 10th largest city, but you’d never guess that from its look and feel. Its family-friendly suburbs are still quiet and low key, while downtown is vibrant without feeling frenetic. The convenient proximity of Mineta San Jose International Airport puts downtown squarely in the descent path of arriving flights, which rules out the dense clusters of lofty spires common to other big cities. San Jose’s easily walkable downtown is centered around Plaza

22 EXPLORE

de Cesar Chavez. While the horizontal rather than vertical growth has made it more a city of cozy neighborhoods with sun-filled, tree-lined streets, the vibrant cultural, dining and entertainment scenes befit a hub catering to the needs of a creative, cosmopolitan and highly educated population drawn here from all over the world. Foodies: Run, don’t walk, to San Pedro Square Market at any time of the day for more than 20 food vendors, drinks and outdoor seating. The whole city is full of great food for all tastes, from

the upscale Santana Row—a trendy, European-inspired shopping and dining area—to immigrant enclaves with some of the Bay Area’s best Vietnamese, Mexican and other cuisines. In the South First Area, cocktail lounges and nightclubs pulse with energy in the evenings. San Jose is a mecca for beer lovers, with a string of microbreweries running south from downtown offering fine ways to sip a cold one. WHAT TO SEE AND DO: San Jose’s

downtown museums run the gamut from the San Jose Museum of Art to

JIM WATKINS (RIGHT, TOP AND BOTTOM)

Despite its starring role as the nexus of Silicon Valley, San Jose improbably retains the friendly, casual touch of a much smaller town. But it still has big-city excitement and amenities in abundance.

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: PLAZA DE CESAR CHAVEZ; SAN JOSE IMPROV IS HOUSED IN A HISTORIC THEATER; “FIGURE HOLDING THE SUN” AT THE MUSEUM OF ART; TAP POURING AT HERMITAGE BREWERY; FOLKLORIC DANCING AT THE MEXICAN VIVAFEST; MISSION SAN JOSE IN FREMONT; SOFA DISTRICT THEATER; FLOWERING JACARANDAS IN THE PLAZA; HISTORIC SAN PEDRO SQUARE

MICHAEL HALBERSTADT (TOP LEFT)

IN THE PAST

the one-of-a-kind Tech Museum of Innovation, known as “The Tech,” where you can build your own robot or take a crash course in biotechnology. Other iconic must-sees include the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum—the largest Egyptian museum west of the Mississippi—as well as the beautiful but bizarre Winchester Mystery House, a 160-room Victorian mansion with a storied past. Those who prefer the outdoors can run the city’s Guadalupe Park trail, check out hundreds of flower varieties at the Municipal Rose Garden, enjoy the tranquility of the Chinese Overfelt Gardens Park, or head up to Lick Observatory for technological history and stunning views of the valley.

Spanish soldiers and missionaries exploring north from Mexico built their first California mission in 1769, and San Jose, the yet-to-bestate’s first civilian settlement, sprang up just eight years later. In 1850, when California became a state, San Jose served briefly as its capital. When that honor migrated north to Sacramento soon afterward, the city spent the next 100 or so years as the sleepy center of a sparsely populated agricultural haven called “the Valley of Heart’s Delight.” Things didn’t begin heating up until the late 1940s, when two key events shook the area awake. During WWII, many army units on their way to the fighting in the Pacific stopped briefly in the Bay Area for training. After the war, many former soldiers—lured by the mild climate and scenic landscapes—decided to settle here instead of heading home. At about the same time, two Stanford University graduate engineering students combined their talents to launch their innovative engineering company, Hewlett-Packard. Their business was soon joined by other electronics pioneers like Shockley Semiconductor and Fairchild Semiconductor, lighting the fuse for the high-tech explosion that ultimately resulted in Silicon Valley, with San Jose as its effective capital.

Opera buffs can experience the exquisitely restored Jazz Age California Theatre while taking in productions by Opera San Jose, nationally renowned for discovering and showcasing some of the country’s finest up-and-coming singers. Broadway San Jose brings national theatrical hits to the city, while the well-loved and highly acclaimed San Jose Stage and City Lights Theatres produce original works. Pro-sports fans shouldn’t miss a lively San Jose Sharks hockey game, and can also catch future San Francisco Giants stars playing for the Class A minor-league San Jose Giants at their cozy Excite Ballpark. Or belly up to what’s billed as North America’s biggest outdoor bar while you cheer for pro soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 23

CITIES: SAN JOSE

SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET A Unique Urban Space

This expansive marketplace’s large plaza and two separate indoor dining halls feature over 20 food vendors offering diners a wide range of options. Order up your

choice of cuisines, pair it with a drink, and find a seat at one of the many communal tables throughout. From pizza and burgers to pho and sushi—along with microbrews, handcrafted cocktails, wines, and more—there are great choices for everyone. The Konjoe burgers are legendary, the TreatBot ice cream truck has its own faithful fans, and the tacos at Loteria Taco Bar even made it into a feature article in National Geographic magazine! And it isn’t just the food—there’s always something lively happening here. Catch some live music, watch your favorite sport on one of the

many HDTVs (including a giant outdoor screen), sit back and relax with a coffee or get work done in the open lounge, or enjoy a cocktail in the Three Sisters Bar. During warm weather, which in San Jose is all but a few months of the year, the plaza is just the place to be. You can even take in a little history here. Peralta Adobe, the city’s oldest structure (available for tours by appointment) is right on site, while throughout the marketplace, photos, engravings, and banners share stories of San Jose’s past.

Located at 87 N. San Pedro St. in San Jose, just blocks from Plaza de Cesar Chavez, downtown attractions, and the SAP Center—home ice for the San Jose Sharks. For events and more information, visit sanpedrosquaremarket.com. 24 EXPLORE

MICHAEL HALBERSTADT (FAR LEFT)

art dining destination, part watering hole, and part social hub, historic San Pedro Square Market has been downtown’s hottest gathering spot since its renovation and opening in 2011. It’s now an anytime, any day, any minute happening place that, on Sharks game nights, can be sheer madness—filled with fans heading to the game or watching it on TV.

SANTANA ROW

A European-Inspired Shopping and Dining Destination

ndulge in a world-class mix of shops, cutting-edge boutiques, and an endless variety of culinary delights at this one-ofa-kind urban neighborhood just three miles from downtown San Jose. With over 50 shops, 30 restaurants, a handful of nightspots, nine spas and salons, fitness services, a cinema, and even a luxurious four-star hotel, there’s something for everyone on “The Row.”

JIM WATKINS (CENTERT); SANTANA ROW

Stroll the wide boulevard, shaded by tall palms and stately oaks, and you might feel you are in southern Europe. Lined with posh storefronts and an array of colorful restaurants with outdoor seating, the sidewalks are bustling with shoppers and diners. A flower-filled plaza offers shaded benches, a giant embedded chess board, and both wine and tequila bars. Overlooking the scene, town homes painted in Mediterranean pastels feature turrets, columns, arches, and wrought-iron balconies.

to Japanese, Singaporean, and Indian, with plenty in between. And the pace doesn’t slow down after dinner, when the Hotel Valencia takes over the scene with its popular rooftop lounge, Vbar. Whether you visit for the shopping and discover the restaurants and nightlife, or vice versa, you’ll enjoy this supremely vibrant outdoor destination. Santana Row is located at the intersection of Winchester and Stevens Creek Blvds. in San Jose. For events and more info, visit santanarow.com.

Notable for its exciting retail mix, Santana Row’s shops and boutiques include Gucci, Kate Spade New York, Tommy Bahama, Ted Baker, lululemon athletica, Madewell, Sephora, H&M, Amazon Books, and more—even a Tesla showroom. At mealtime, the “quick snack” end of the spectrum entices with cafés, pastry shops and ice cream parlors, and there’s a tea parlor thrown in for good measure. For more elaborate meals, the offerings range from Italian, Brazilian, and French DINESHOPPLAY.COM 25

CITIES

SANTA CLARA

Headquarters for some of the most renowned high-tech companies, Santa Clara is also home to the San Francisco 49ers’ stadium and California’s Great America amusement park, making it a destination for those in search of all kinds of thrills.

ilicon Valley’s biggest movers and shakers, such as Applied Materials, Intel and NVIDIA, have spacious campuses sprawled across the bay flatlands here. The modern Santa Clara Convention Center provides facilities for large business meetings and conventions. But Santa Clara also has a long history—Santa Clara University is California’s oldest institution of higher learning and is located on the grounds of the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asis. While Santa Clara might not have a true downtown, there is no shortage of top dining choices. The city’s many strip malls are worth exploring for delicious food, particularly those in Koreatown—a strip of El Camino Real where you’ll find some of

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the Bay’s best Korean soups, barbecue and more. You can also drop by the recently built Santa Clara Square Marketplace, home to numerous top-notch restaurants. WHAT TO SEE AND DO: The city over-

flows with cheering football fans heading to Levi’s Stadium for San Francisco 49ers games during the season. Out of season, special events and concerts also draw large audiences. Tours of the state-ofthe-art stadium are available year-round. On weekends, the 49ers Museum is open, presenting 11 galleries and exhibits dedicated to the team’s history. Next door, summertime crowds experience the thrills at California’s Great America amusement and water park, with more than 100 acres of family fun and entertainment.

GAME TIME AT LEVI’S STADIUM; CHECKING OUT AN EXHIBIT AT INTEL MUSEM; FAMILY TIME AT CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA

Visit the Intel Museum at the company’s headquarters to journey through decades of innovation and the rapidly evolving world of computers. Interactive learning gives visitors of all ages a fun way to go behind the scenes of the high-tech world. Step much farther back in time by visiting the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, founded in 1777 by Spanish priests as the eighth of 21 missions lining California’s coast from Mexico to San Francisco. Standing on what is now the campus of Santa Clara University, the church and gardens are open to the public. Also on campus, the de Saisset Museum houses a large collection of art, with rotating displays as well as historical exhibits, while exhibitions can be viewed at the Triton Museum of Art.

CITIES

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DINESHOPPLAY.COM EXPLORE 27

CITIES

LOS GATOS

Things move a little slower in this foothill town sandwiched between San Jose’s urban life and the picturesque coast.

os Gatos has a low-key atmosphere that blends small-town charm with the genteel elegance often found where old money mixes with a sense of history. The array of boutiques, galleries, cafés, wine bars and well-loved eating establishments makes this an appealing destination. Here, the frenetic pace of Silicon Valley yields to a gentler way of life. On summer days, many stores set bowls of water out to slake the thirst of passing pets. The town’s side streets lead past beautifully maintained Victorian homes in pastel shades, surrounded by luxuriant gardens. Higher in the hills, the residences morph into impressive mansions belonging to celebrities and high-tech players, often with spectacular valley views.

IN THE PAST: Los Gatos sprang up in the 1800s as a prototype Wild West logging settlement, replete with roughneck bars and banditos. Local lore attributes the town’s name (Spanish for “the cats”) to the throngs of boisterous wildcats whose nighttime 28 EXPLORE

howls once echoed from the redwoodforested hills. Within a few decades, the best timber had been cut. The humming lumber mills gave way to the classic Victorian homes that still grace the town today. (You can peek inside some of these during an annual historic homes tour of the Johnson Avenue neighborhood.) WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Redwood-shaded

Town Plaza Park, at the corner of Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street, has something for everyone. If the weather is warm and you have children in tow, they’ll enjoy playing in the cooling spray of the large fountain. Music fills the air in summer with Jazz on the Plazz on Wednesday evenings, and Music in the Park on Sunday afternoons. A few blocks from downtown, Vasona Lake Park offers fun for all ages. Have a picnic, hop aboard a miniature train, run on a scenic trail, or rent a kayak, paddleboat or sailboat for a spin on the lake. Here, the hills are alive not with music but with wine:

JIM WATKINS (FAR LEFT; MIDDLE CENTER & TOP RIGHT); KEN BENJAMIN (BOTTOM RIGHT

just west of Los Gatos are several fine wineries with tasting rooms in picturesque settings, all typically less crowded and pricey than Napa Valley. Park your car when you arrive, as downtown is made for leisurely strolling. A plethora of stores and restaurants await you along North Santa Cruz Avenue’s five treeshaded blocks, as well as in University Avenue’s Old Town Shopping Center and on Main Street. You can easily spend an entire day sampling the boutiques’ latest fashions. Other shops offer everything from art, jewelry, housewares and antiques to lingerie, gemstones and toys. The New Museum Los Gatos, also downtown, features local artists, workshops and other events. Hungry? Dining options run from casual eateries to three-Michelinstarred Manresa. When evening falls, brewpubs and taverns provide a lively scene.

LEFT: DOWTOWN SCENES; BELOW: VASONA PARK. RIGHT: A SIGN MARKS THE ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE; WINE TASTING ALONG BIG BASIN WAY.

SARATOGA

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills, Saratoga has a peaceful, small-town feel, but don’t let that fool you—it has plenty to make it a destination in its own right.

ike a quaint Alpine village, Saratoga lies in a narrow valley beneath openspace preserves and steep oak- and redwood-forested mountains. Head up Big Basin Way to find scores of wine-tasting rooms and exceptional dining spots that draw in gastronomes from all over the valley. Summer is the season to catch a show at the Mountain Winery, prized for its setting as much as its lineup.

IN THE PAST: Saratoga was founded in the 1800s as a lumber center, originally named Tollgate. But in 1865, as the last of its old-growth redwoods vanished into the sawmills, the startling discovery of mineral springs put the town on a new path. Local enthusiasts promoted the springs’ medicinal properties as equal to those of famed Saratoga Springs, NY, leading to the construction of a grand hotel and the town’s adoption of its eastern cousin’s name. The Mediterranean climate and fertile soil also gave rise to a thriving wine industry in the hills above the town. The fruits of the first plantings survive today in the vineyards of local wineries such as Cooper-Garrod, Mount Eden and Savannah-Chanelle.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Stop downtown

to sample the wares of local wineries— Cinnabar Winery, Big Basin Vineyards, Mindego Ridge and Lexington Wine Co all have tasting rooms along a short stretch of Big Basin Way. After that, head for the hills! Villa Montalvo, a graceful Italianstyle villa built in 1912, is now a public park with 175 acres of stunning gardens. Visitors can enjoy a stroll or one of the many visual and performing arts programs. Drive up Big Basin Way to reach Hakone Gardens, a recreated traditional Japanese garden (where “Memoirs of a Geisha” was filmed) complete with a koi pond, moon bridge, bamboo garden, meandering pathways lit by centuries-old lanterns and a traditional teahouse. Venture farther to the Mountain Winery, perched high in the hills with spectacular views of Silicon Valley. The vineyard boasts a restaurant, a wine-tasting room and an intimate outdoor amphitheater with a popular summer concert series. If you have kids in tow, horseback riding at the scenic Garrod Farms could fill an afternoon—or try a guided wine ride with tastings for those over 21 years old. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 29

CITIES

SUNNYVALE

LEFT: ENJOYING A SUMMER DAY WHILE DINING ON S. MURPHY AVE. IN SUNNYVALE. BELOW: GOOGLE’S HEADQUARTERS; RIGHT, TOP: MOUNTAIN VIEW CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS; BOTTOM: COLORFUL OUTDOOR SEATING ALONG CASTRO ST.

Sunnyvale may be one of the Peninsula’s smaller cities, but it is home to a lively and historic downtown. In the 1930s, the government created Air Base Sunnyvale, now known as Moffett Field, which included three huge hangars for naval blimps that patrolled the coast during WWII. During the Cold War years, Lockheed’s famed SR-71 “Blackbird” took off from Moffett on its secret spy missions.

A wide array of international cuisines is on offer along downtown’s tree-shaded South Murphy Avenue, jammed on both sides with restaurants, many with sidewalk seating. Irish bars, a brewpub and other nightspots carry on the fun into the late evening.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Sunnyvale

IN THE PAST: Like virtually all South Bay cities, Sunnyvale’s first European settlers were farmers drawn by the area’s fertile soil and idyllic weather. Early wheat ranches were eventually replaced by vast orchards of plums, apricots and other fruit, creating a vivid landscape of blossoms each spring. The arrival of railroad service between the city and San Francisco in 1864 led to canneries being built to process the fruit for shipping across the country. 30 EXPLORE

is a hot spot for space aficionados. A huge tent at Moffett Field houses the NASA Ames Exploration Visitor Center, a fascinating museum documenting America’s space program. Here, you can check out the Mercury capsule used on the last unmanned test flight, view an actual moon rock, see images from NASA planetary missions and more. History buffs should visit the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, a replica of the home of the Murphy family, among the original settlers in the Santa Clara Valley. Events throughout the year include an art and wine festival, a classic car show and a summer music series.

MOUNTAIN VIEW Named for its views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, Mountain View somehow manages to be both a busy high-tech hub and a quiet suburb, combining tech-fueled energy with an appealing small-town feel.

JIM WATKINS (LEFT

s home turf for high-tech titans such as Yahoo!, AMD, Network Appliance and Juniper Networks, Sunnyvale is truly “made in Silicon Valley.” The city boasts 772 acres of parks and open spaces, and for three years in a row won smartasset.com’s title of safest city in America.

DOWNTOWN SUNNYVALE & HISTORIC S. MURPHY AVENUE

MICHAEL HALBERSTADT (TOP)

he many digital icons resident here include Google, LinkedIn and Symantec. At meal times, throngs of both tech workers and locals flock to Castro Street to enjoy the flourishing restaurant scene. The city’s downtown dining is the envy of its neighbors for the number and diversity of eateries, with wide sidewalks to accommodate ample outdoor seating. Roaming the downtown blocks of Castro Street is like taking an international food tour with stops in France, Germany, Italy, China, Spain and more. IN THE PAST: Mountain View was established in the late 1800s as an unpretentious stop on the stagecoach route between San Francisco and San Jose. Fruit orchards flourished until shortly after WWII, when Stanford University professor William Shockley opened Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory,

triggering an electronics boom in the area that eventually created what’s now known as Silicon Valley. WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Warm

weather makes this an ideal setting for one of America’s top outdoor music venues, and legions of music fans pack into Shoreline Amphitheatre for concerts by leading national and international bands. For a more intimate experience, downtown’s Center for the Performing Arts hosts yearround musical and theatrical performances by a mix of local and national entertainers. Technology buffs will enjoy the Computer History Museum’s fascinating exhibits, while outdoors enthusiasts can hike, sail, windsurf or kayak at Shoreline Park. You can also go on a free tour of the historic 1800s Rengstorff House, one of the West Coast’s finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture.

LIVE. SHOP. PLAY. 25 RESTAURANTS | PUBS & WINE BARS NIGHTCLUB | SHOPPING SATURDAY FARMERS’ MARKET SUMMER FESTIVALS & MORE!

It’s all here!

AT MURPHY AVE. & WASHINGTON SUNNYVALEDOWNTOWN.COM DINESHOPPLAY.COM 31

CITIES

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Both a university town and a high-tech hot spot, Palo Alto caters for student life and high-spending lifestyles, young and old, established wealth and newer money all at the same time.

ome to Stanford University, Palo Alto has long been a technological and world-changing education hub. The university’s engineering department is renowned for its students who went on to found Hewlett Packard, Varian Associates and Litton Industries—companies that spurred the high-tech boom and established the region as Silicon Valley. Stanford continues to be one of the nation’s greatest incubators of technology and social media, the place where Google and Yahoo! hatched ideas that changed the world. The sprawling pedestrian- and bike-friendly campus is also alive with innovation in art, music and sports. Palo Alto has not one, but two downtowns, with University Avenue the flashy older sibling to sleepier California Avenue.

32 EXPLORE

Sidewalk cafes are crowded with locals and visitors, students and professors, venture capitalists and tech workers. Restaurants run the gamut from fast food and healthfocused eateries to Michelinrated destinations. At night, the city livens up with the buzz from wine bars, taprooms and lounges. Whether on and off University Avenue or at Town & Country Village just south, shopping is another pleasure here, with boutiques, jewelers and fun specialty stores. The outdoor Stanford Shopping Center is also a mecca for shoppers and diners, with its vast array of national and international brand-name stores and myriad restaurants. IN THE PAST: Incorporated in 1894, just three years after the founding of Stanford University, Palo Alto is the Peninsula’s oldest city. The

name means “tall stick” in Spanish, referring to an especially lofty redwood tree that was used as a landmark by early Spanish explorers. Many Stanford buildings are now designated national historic sites. Another notable Palo Alto structure is the neoclassical Stanford Theatre, a restored movie revival house.

Stanford University’s historic buildings and outdoor sculpture make its beautiful campus a visitor draw. Campus tours include art walks, the Rodin Sculpture Garden, the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden and the Memorial Church. For a bird’s-eye view of the city and San Francisco Bay, ride the elevator to the observation deck of Stanford’s landmark Hoover Tower. And set aside enough time to take in an exhibit or two at the Cantor Arts Center or the contemporary Anderson Collection. To see “the birthplace of Silicon Valley,” pass by the HP Garage at 367 Adison Avenue. Though not open for public tours, this designated location on the National Register of Historic Places is where Stanford students Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett created the first product that launched Hewlett-Packard. For outdoor enjoyment, make like a local and hike The Dish, a popular loop trail on the west side with views of the Peninsula. Also explore the Baylands Nature Preserve, a tract of marshland with 15 miles of trails, great for viewing migrating and resident birds.

MARTIN VALIGURSKY (TOP); CHRIS SCHMAUCH

PALO ALTO

LEFT: THE QUAD AND MEMORIAL CHURCH ON STANFORD UNIVERSITY CAMPUS; BELOW: DINING ALONG UNIVERSITY AVENUE

PALO ALTO TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE An Alluring Blend of Old and New

his timeless shopping and dining destination blends a multitude of trendy fashion, beauty and home retailers with an eclectic mix of unique eateries to satiate almost any appetite.

tableware, while Town & Country Village also has a wide selection of footwear, eyewear, jewelry, books, food markets, and fitness services. For luxurious pampering, LaBelle Day Spa and 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon most definitely fit the bill.

For over 60 years, Town & Country Village has been an indelible part of the Palo Alto landscape. Graceful, tile-roofed buildings, stately oak trees, and wide, flower-lined walkways create an appealing strolling environment to enjoy the offerings of more thanh 65 diverse boutiques, shops, restaurants, and services Shoppers will find an abundance of national and international brands from apparel to home décor. Boutiques such as Marine Layer, Margaret O’Leary, William B+ Friends and Jarbo offer top women’s fashions, while prAna, Athleta and Sweaty Betty feature fashion apparel for active lifestyles. For men, Patrick James is the destination for ”West Coast Classic” apparel. Sur la Table, Scandia Home and Hudson Grace feature the finest in bedding, kitchen and

Also popular for dining, the selection here is extensive—be it for a coffee and pastry at a café, a tasty lunch, or a leisurely dinner. Grab a casual meal at spots such as Asian Box, Gott’s Roadside and Poké House, or go for full service at Mayfield Bakery and Café, Howie’s Artisan Pizza and Telerific Barcelona, opening in the summer of 2019. In true California style, most eateries offer al fresco seating—the ultimate Town & Country experience Town & Country Village is located at the intersection of Embarcadero Road and El Camino Real, across from Stanford University. For more information, call 650-325-3266 or visit tandcvillage.com. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 33

CITIES

SAN CARLOS

Once a quiet suburb, San Carlos has recently morphed into an energetic culinary hot spot with ambitious new restaurants strung like pearls along downtown’s tree-lined Laurel Street.

Sandwiched between Palo Alto’s urban bustle and the mansions of Atherton, Menlo Park’s tree-shaded streets bring to mind Mayberry.

ong before Facebook relocated here—providing a photo op for legions of devotees who pose with its iconic thumbs-up logo sign—Menlo Park was an incubator for technology companies financed by influential venture capitalists. In opulent offices near the summit of Sand Hill Road, hopeful entrepreneurs pitch the merits of their startups to the VC mavens. But there’s more to this town than money. Santa Cruz Avenue, between El Camino Real and University Drive, is prime shopping and strolling terrain. Galleries feature contemporary art, antiques and handwoven rugs, while posh stores offer everything from jewelry to apparel. Post-shopping appetites can be sated in fine style by a variety of cuisines at the many restaurants along El Camino Real and Santa Cruz Avenue.

IN THE PAST: The city was little more than a scattering of homes linked by dirt roads until 1917, 34 EXPLORE

when the army built an outpost named Camp Fremont to train troops for WWI. At its peak, the camp swarmed with 27,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers but was dismantled in 1919. Nonetheless, its brief existence left behind paved roads, water and electric utilities, and a hub of stores and restaurants that evolved over time into what is now downtown Menlo Park. WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Spend an afternoon at the Allied Arts Guild to be transported back to California’s early Spanish days. This beautifully renovated hacienda-style complex houses a number of working artists’ studios and a lovely café set amid exquisite gardens. On El Camino Real, Kepler’s Books and Cafe Borrone next door, with plenty of outdoor seating, are revered local landmarks. Movie aficionados flock to the Guild Theatre, one of the Peninsula’s oldest cinemas, to catch foreign and independent films.

ith its nearperfect climate of warm days and temperate nights, along with its small-town charm, San Carlos lives up to its slogan, “The City of Good Living.” The downtown is a non-stop hive of activity, with people walking their dogs, browsing the shops and boutiques, or enjoying sidewalk seating at many of the restaurants. Menus here dish up everything from American, Italian and French to Burmese and Japanese.

IN THE PAST: San Carlos began in the 1880s as a cluster of humble buildings centered around a railroad station built on property owned by Nathaniel Brittan, a friend of Stanford University founder Leland Stanford. In the 20th century, the city came to national prominence as the home of the Circle Star Theatre; before closing in 1993, the venue regularly hosted major stars like

Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bob Hope. WHAT TO SEE AND DO: The Hiller Aviation

Museum, next to San Carlos Airport, traces manned flight from its beginnings to the present day. The museum’s exhibits let you sit inside the cockpit of a real Boeing 737 or simulate the first cross-country flight. Also at the airport, Fly Bay Area offers aerial tours of San Francisco and the Pacific coastline, while Bay Aerial Helicopter Tours will whisk you up to San Francisco and fly you beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. A cluster of small warehouse wineries on the industrial side of town invites tasters to sample their wares on weekends, while the city is now also home to many craft breweries. On Sundays year-round, from 10-2, several blocks of Laurel Street are closed to traffic and transformed into a farmers’ market, often with live music.

CHRIS SCHMAUCH (TOP LEFT)

MENLO PARK

REDWOOD CITY

As a sleepy “pass-through” town between Palo Alto and San Francisco, Redwood City used to be jokingly called “Deadwood City,” even by its residents. But things have changed, and Deadwood City is no more.

JOEL WADE, COURTESY OF CITY OF REDWOOD CITY

edwood City has become one of the Peninsula’s fastest-growing and most happening places, with a thriving arts, dining and entertainment scene. The city began perking up when Cinemark opened a 20-screen theater downtown in the early 2000s. A major refurbishment then restored Broadway’s historic County Courthouse to its former glory, turning the plaza out front into an open-air performance center. Across the street, the beautifully renovated art-deco Fox Theatre and adjacent Club

Fox reopened as venues hosting top entertainers. In their wake, an enticing mixture of new restaurants, bars and nightlife options sprang up, all clustered within a few walkable blocks of the Cinemark complex at Jefferson Avenue and Broadway. IN THE PAST: Redwood City has the only deepwater shipping port in the southern end of San Francisco Bay, dating back to the mid-1800s. The city’s name pays homage to the huge quantities of lumber cut from neighboring redwood forests and

shipped north to help build San Francisco. WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

For history buffs, the County Courthouse now houses the San Mateo County History Museum. Elaborate displays— including a full-size stage-coach—document the county’s history from its first inhabitants, the Ohlone Indians, through the timbering years and Prohibition to the present. Other exhibits include a beautiful collection of handmade, scale-model replicas of 1800s sailing ships. Courthouse Square hosts lively gatherings throughout the year. On Tuesday nights from February through April, crowds enjoy pounding techno music synchronized with psychedelic patterns and images projected onto the face of the museum, transforming it into a virtual work of art. In summer, throngs are drawn to the plaza for free outdoor

events including evening concerts on Fridays, and h on Thursdays. The city also hosts an annual salsa festival, art showcases, Oktoberfest and the Pub in the Park—an inflatable “British pub + local beer + lawn games + Americana and Bluegrass music = lots of fun.”

TOP: FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES DURING THE SUMMER AT COURTHOUSE SQUARE; PEDESTRIANS ALONG THEATER ROW. FACING PAGE, LEFT: ALLIED ARTS SQUARE; SIDEWALK DINING ON LAUREL STREET IN DOWNTOWN SAN CARLOS DINESHOPPLAY.COM 35

CITIES

SAN MATEO

Nestled in the heart of the Peninsula, San Mateo is a family-friendly suburb with a burgeoning tech community that boasts a vibrant and diverse downtown district.

IN THE PAST First inhabited by the Ohlone Tribe, drawn by its freshwater creek, San Mateo was founded on land that was originally part of a vast Spanish rancho. In the mid-1800s, a stagecoach stop was built and a town quickly grew up around it. The city’s Central Park is built on land that was owned in the 1800s by Charles Polhemus, a wealthy businessman and director of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad. Its baseball field was home to the semi-professional San Mateo Blues team from 1924 to 1941, and again from 1948 to 1978 after an interruption for WWII.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Downtown San Mateo’s centerpiece

is the historic Central Park, home to lush manicured lawns and the San Mateo Arboretum and Rose Garden. The park’s tranquil Japanese Tea Garden has cherry trees, Japanese maples and enchanting structures that include a five-level stone pagoda,

36 EXPLORE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BUILDING; PLAYFUL LEARNING AT CURIODDYSEY; JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

shinden shrine, traditional gazebo, teahouse and koi pond. Kids enjoy the playground and Bianchi miniature steam train that meanders through the park. Central Park also hosts many annual events, including a summer concert series (June-August) and a winter ice rink for all ages (NovemberJanuary). The San Mateo County Event Center holds many other events—from antique shows to the popular annual Maker Faire in May, a showcase for originality and creativity. On the bayside, Coyote Point is home to the science museum CuriOdyssey, a family destination for its interactive exhibits and zoo. Or head to the newly renovated Hillsdale Shopping Center on the south end of town for more than 100 retail and dining options.

CHRIS SCHMAUCH (TOP LEFT); JIM WATKINS (BOTTOM RIGHT)

and McNally recently named San Mateo “Best Small Town for Food” in its Best of the Road competition, and for good reason. It is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its collection of great dining spots ranging from casual street food and exotic ethnic offerings to world-class cuisine. Numerous sushi and ramen joints reflect the city’s early Japanese immigrant population—as does the famous Takahashi Market, which is more than a century old. Easily accessible by train, the charming, walkable downtown is also home to a colorful mix of family-owned shops, art galleries and pubs—many occupying lovingly preserved turn-of-the-century and art-deco buildings—as well as a multiplex movie theater.

AUTHENTIC. INNOVATIVE. Experience Downtown San Mateo!

Over 150 diverse, delicious restaurants, unique shops and entertainment in the heart of

the Peninsula. Take CalTrain or park in one of eight public parking garages. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something authentic & innovative happening downtown!

www.sanmateodowntown.org Check out the Downtown Dining Guide DINESHOPPLAY.COM 37

CITIES

LEFT: THE HISTORIC TRAIN DEPOT. BELOW: BURLINGAME AVENUE (TOP); BROADWAY AVENUE

BURLINGAME

Just minutes from San Francisco airport, Burlingame has a quiet charm and appealing mixture of shops and eateries that make it a prime spot for strolling, browsing and dining.

A free shuttle bus offers visitors regular service into town from most major hotels in the SFO area; ask your concierge for a schedule. The Caltrain station on Burlingame Avenue means downtown is also easily accessible by train. 38 EXPLORE

IN THE PAST Founded in 1893, the city grew up around the Burlingame Country Club—a popular weekend playground for San Francisco’s nabobs. Ironically, when Burlingame’s boundaries were later redrawn, the golf club mysteriously found itself outside the city limits in Hillsborough, the mega-affluent city next door. The historic Burlingame train depot was built in 1894 to greet San Francisco elites on their weekend jaunts to the club. Situated at the foot of Burlingame Avenue, the graceful mission-style building is still in use as a station. Check out the roof, made of 300-year-old tiles from an original 1700s Spanish mission. For more historical highlights, visit the Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum inside the train station.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Pez lovers,

rejoice! Burlingame is home to the Museum of Pez Memorabilia, which houses what may well be the world’s biggest collection of Pez dispensers and related items, as well as a museum of banned toys. For exercise, stretch your legs on the shoreline trail while taking in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and watching airplanes on their final descent to San Francisco airport. Fresh local produce is available at two downtown farmers’ markets (Sunday mornings, year-round, and Thursday afternoons, May-November), accompanied by artisan crafts, live music and other entertainment. There is also a permanent indoor farmers’ market store on Broadway. In mid-August, catch Burlingame on the Avenue—an annual festival of artists, handcrafted items, food, drink and live music. During summer months, the city also hosts free concerts and screens movies at sunset in local parks.

SUSAN MONROE (TOP RIGHT); GINO DE GRANDIS (BOTTOM RIGHT)

ong a favorite of Peninsula locals, Burlingame has something for everyone. The wide sidewalks of downtown’s Burlingame Avenue and its cross streets beckon, with an alluring blend of national-brand stores and independently owned boutiques, complemented by a multitude of restaurants and bakeries, many with outdoor dining tables. A mile north, friendly Broadway Avenue offers a lower- key potpourri of popular dining spots, boutiques and momand-pop shops.

LOCAL GEMS

Silicon Valley and its surroundings hold an array of things to do, but some may require a little digging to find. Here are just a few of our favorite under-the-radar experiences.

TASTES OF CALIFORNIA

Residents relish their shopping expeditions to weekly farmers’ markets for bountiful, beautiful and healthy local produce. California supplies the vast majority of the nation’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and these freshly harvested items are whisked straight to neighborhood farmers’ markets from nearby fields and orchards. If you’ve never tasted a ripe, freshly picked tomato, peach or nectarine, you owe it to yourself to try one. Each market is different, most with the added attractions of food trucks, crafts booths, and live music. (For locations and times, check localharvest.org or pcfma.org.)

DAVID PACKARD’S WONDERFUL TIME MACHINE

For decades the historic Stanford Theatre has beckoned Bay Area film lovers to walk through its doors for a trip into a gentler, more romantic past. Experiencing the sonic grandeur of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ that rises up from the floor to play before and after the main feature every night, and watching the majestic opening of the opulent velvet stage drapes gives a glimpse back into the storied era when cinema was celebrated on a far grander scale than today. This landmark theatre on downtown’s University Avenue first opened its doors in 1925, and for a long time thereafter reigned as one of the Peninsula’s grandest cinemas. But eventually, like most single-screen movie palaces, the Stanford’s popularity waned with the advent of color TV followed by giant multiplex theatres. Fortunately, in 1987, David Woodley Packard—ardent film enthusiast and heir to Hewlett-Packard’s billionaire cofounder—decided to buy the theatre for posterity and restore it to its Roaring Twenties splendor, complete with Neoclassical Greek/Assyrian architecture, a tiered balcony, decorative tapestries, chandeliers, and red mohair seats. Today, it features classic films shot predominantly between 1920 and 1965. Whether you are embarking on one of Alfred Hitchcock’s timeless nightmares or starting a slow clap when George Bailey saves Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the magic of the Stanford Theatre lies in its ability to breathe new life into old films. stanfordtheatre.org

RIDGETOP RETREAT

Hikers, bikers, cyclists, sports car enthusiasts, locals, tourists, and birds of all different feathers flock together for craft beer, burgers, breakfasts, homemade pies and spicy bloody marys at Alice’s, on Skyline Boulevard on the Santa Cruz mountain ridge. With a transporting setting in the redwoods, this all-American restaurant in Woodside draws big crowds on the weekends; stand in line and you’re just as likely to be next to a leather-clad biker as a cyclist in spandex. alicesrestaurant.com

JIM WATKINS (TOP LEFT)

ACOUSTIC DELIGHTS

Built in 1923 and inspired by the design of Le Petit Trianon in the grounds of Versailles, San Jose’s historic Trianon Theatre is noteworthy for its architecture alone, but above all is prized for outstanding acoustics that are ideal for classical music performances. The theater attracts many of the Bay Area’s top performing arts groups, who relish not only the auditorium’s sound quality but also its intimacy. With seating capped at just 318, the audience and performers automatically feel closely connected. Performances by ensembles such as the San Jose Chamber Music Society, or piano recitals presented by the Steinway Society are sheer pleasures. Check trianontheatre.com to see what’s playing. DINESHOPPLAY.COM 39

ATTRACTIONS

Top Thrills

CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA (TOP) & RAGING WATERS

40 EXPLORE

CALIFORNIA’S GREAT AMERICA

This 100-acre theme park with a complete water park inside packs plenty of fun and frights. Highlights for thrill-seekers include RailBlazer, the West Coast’s first single-rail steel coaster, Gold Striker, the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in Northern California, and Drop Tower, a 230-foot-tall free-fall ride. Families can enjoy plunging down Whitewater Falls, riding on the double-decker carousel or taking in views from the observation deck. Planet Snoopy is a child’s dream come true with kiddie rides and attractions. Park open select dates from March 23–December 31 (2019); seasonally for Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. Boomerang Bay waterpark open Memorial Day through Labor Day. [Santa Clara: Great America Pkwy.; 408-988-1776]

& MUSEUMS

RAGING WATERS Beat the heat and find millions of gallons of family fun at the area’s largest water park. Barrel down Shotgun Falls, free fall in Bombs Away, and bolt headfirst through the Sidewinder. And if lazy is what you want to be, then just put your feet up and float down the Endless River. There are good options for the little ones, too. Open May through Labor Day. [San Jose: 2333 S. White Rd.; 408-238-9900] REDWOOD CANOPY TOURS For high-flying adventure, head for the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoy the adrenaline rush of zip-lining through redwood forests. Guided tours last two hours and feature breathtaking views as you brave six zip-lines and two “sky bridges,” as high as 150 feet, learning about forest ecology along the way. [Felton: 17 Conference Dr.; 831-430-4357] SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK A summertime destination for countless Californian families, this oceanside amusement park offers plenty of thrill and family rides including the Giant Dipper, an all-wood coaster built back in the 1920s. The Double Shot tower is perfect for heart-in-throat adrenaline junkies, as is the Typhoon, which launches you six stories high for some serious thrills. Annual schedule varies. [Santa Cruz: 400 Beach St.; 831-423-5590]

BLAZE YOUR TRAIL to California’s Great America to experience the West Coast’s first single-rail steel coaster, RailBlazer ®

Tickets available at cagreatamerica.com © Cedar Fair, L.P. GA19-050

ATTRACTIONS

Gardens & Estates ALLIED ARTS GUILD

Browse an array of unique shops and artists’ studios as you stroll through the beautiful gardens of this charming historic Spanish-Colonial-style complex. Mon-Sat, 10-5. [Menlo Park: 75 Arbor Rd.; 650-322-2405]

FILOLI Explore the beauty and tranquility of this early 20th-century California country estate—from the historic Georgian mansion decorated with 17th- and 18th-century furnishings to the manicured gardens and natural trails through the 654-acre property. As you stroll through the gardens, they may well seem familiar to you: Filoli has served as a set for several movies, including “The Joy Luck Club” and the popular 1980s TV series “Dynasty.” Wrap up your visit at the café for a glass of wine or afternoon tea. Filoli also hosts seasonal activities, tours of the home and grounds, art shows, education programs and special events. Tues-Sun. [Woodside: 86 Cañada Rd.; 650-364-8300. filoli.org] MONTALVO ARTS CENTER

Visit the beautiful grounds of this Mediterranean-Riviera-style mansion built in 1912. Now an arts center, this national historic landmark sits amidst 175 acres of formal and informal gardens, with miles of manicured hiking trails through the adjoining forests. Open daily til 5; closed for special events. [Saratoga: 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408-961-5800]

[Saratoga: 21000 Big Basin Way; 408-741-4994] 42 EXPLORE

JIM ALLEN (TOP LEFT)

HAKONE GARDENS

Nestled in the Saratoga hills, these peaceful Japanese-style gardens are patterned after the Zen gardens of the mid-17th century. One of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s premier sites, Hakone is one of the oldest Japanese estates in the Western Hemisphere, created a century ago. Replete with waterfalls, ponds, and imported plants, these 18 acres of beauty include formal buildings embodying the elements of traditional Japanese architecture. Stroll the hill and koi pond garden, ascend the moon bridge, or enjoy quiet reflection in the bamboo gardens. Docentled tours and traditional tea ceremonies in the tatami mat rooms are a wonderful way to enhance your visit. Mon-Fri, 10-5; Sat-Sun, 11-5; closes 4pm Nov-Feb.

History

JIM WATKINS (TOP & FAR RIGHT)

ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM An off-the-beaten-path attraction, this museum housed in an Egyptian-style building hosts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts on the West Coast. Along with a fullscale replica of an underground rock tomb, the museum’s sarcophagi and mummies are highlights of its many and varied displays. Wed-Fri, 9-5; Sat-Sun, 10-6. [San Jose: 1660 Park Ave.; 408-947-3635] HILLER AVIATION MUSEUM For anyone interested in the history of flight, this museum showcases more than 50 replicas and restored aircraft from the Wright Brothers to the jet era. Hands-on displays, models, photographs, and documentaries recount the past, present, and future of aviation. Daily, 10-5. [San Carlos: 601 Skyway Rd.; 650-654-0200]

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE Filled with history, mystery and lore, this beautiful and fascinating mansion was once owned by Sarah Winchester, the eccentric heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune. Influenced by a fortune teller who predicted she would live as long as she continued to build her home, she resided in her unfinished mansion for 38 years amidst the daily pounding of hammers. Alas, the fortune teller was mistaken, but we can enjoy the results: a 160-room Victorian architectural marvel with bizarre elements such as doors opening to walls, skylights in floors and stairs leading nowhere. For more history, the Firearms Museum and the Antique Products Museum provide background on Western heritage, traditions and culture. Mansion tours, garden tours, and “behind the scenes” tours are offered, with a café and gift shop also on site. Daily from 9. [San Jose: 525 S. Winchester Blvd.; 408-247-2000; WinchesterMysteryHouse.com]

HISTORY PARK Travel back in time at this charming park with a nostalgic, small-town atmosphere. Visit 27 original and replica historic buildings; hop on a trolley, browse in the museum store, sample ice cream and candy at O’Brien’s Café, and view rotating art exhibits at the Pacific Hotel. Tues-Fri, 12-5; Sat-Sun, 11-5. [San Jose: Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Rd.; 408-287-2290]

STANFORD UNIVERSITY Built in 1891, the distinctive style of California missions influenced the design of this top university. At the Main Quad is the beautiful Spanish-style Memorial Church, while the campus holds a notable collection of outdoor art, including the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden. [Palo Alto: off El Camino Real; 650-723-2560] JAPANESE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE Located in San Jose’s Japantown—one of only three such historic neighborhoods remaining in the U.S.—this museum showcases exhibits that chronicle more than a century of Japanese American history. Learn about the early immigration of Japanese people to America, their leadership in the agricultural community, their incarceration during WW II, and the challenges they faced while adapting and contributing to West Coast communities. Thurs-Sun, 12-4. [San Jose: 535 N. Fifth St.; 408-294-3138]

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ATTRACTIONS

Family Time

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM With over 150 interactive exhibits and programs encompassing science, humanities, performing arts, and health and physical fitness, there’s always something happening at this award-winning museum. Hands-on exhibits invite self-directed, playful discovery. Kids can share their traditions and learn about others at one of the annual community celebrations, explore the way water gushes and rushes in WaterWays, discover their creativity in the Art Loft, and conduct scientific investigations in Mammoth Discovery. TuesSat (also Mon during school holidays), 10-5; Sun, 12-5. [San Jose: 180 Woz Way; 408-2985437; cdm.org]

CURIODYSSEY Kids get immersed in an environmentally educational experience through interactive science exhibits and wildlife habitats, gardens, and an outdoor zoo showcasing more than 100 live animals, most of which are native to California. Tues-Sun, 10-5. [San Mateo: 1651 Coyote Point Dr.; 650342-7755] HAPPY HOLLOW PARK & ZOO This great family destination doubles as a zoo and an amusement park. See species such as lemurs, anteaters, and jaguars, and get up close to a variety of animals at the Animal Barn and Petting Zoo. Kids rides include a carousel, roller

HAPPY HOLLOW PARK & ZOO

44 EXPLORE

coaster, and giant play structure, while a visit to the puppet theater wraps up the day nicely. Wed-Fri, 10-4; Sat-Sun, 10-5. [San Jose: Kelley Park; 408-794-7596] GILROY GARDENS A smorgasbord of garden-themed rides and attractions for tots at this charming park include the spinning Artichoke Dip, swinging Banana Split, whirling Garlic Twirl, and swaying Mushroom Swing, just for starters. For additional fun, motor through landscaped grounds aboard a replica Model T car or enjoy a monorail ride for a bird’seye view of the park. Don't miss the bizarre “Circus Trees”—grab a park map and go on a scavenger hunt to spot these whimsically grafted trees. Open April-November. [Gilroy: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy.; 408-840-7100] ROARING CAMP RAILROADS Century-old steam locomotives at this recreated 1880s logging camp take passengers on nostalgic rides through redwood forests or along the rim of a scenic river canyon and through the streets of Santa Cruz to the Beach Boardwalk and back. Along the way, conductors share interesting stories about the region and its logging history. The Redwood Forest train runs year-round; the beach train runs daily in the summer, weekends only in the spring and fall. [Felton: 5401 Graham Hill Rd.; 831-335-4484]

Unleash Your Inner Scientist Check out the high-tech world of silicon chip manufacturing. The museum offers guided tours for children and adults and self-guided experiences that let you explore fun, interactive exhibits at your own pace. Free admission and parking For more information, please call 408.765.5050, or visit intel.com/museum

ROARIMG CAMP RAILROADS

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ATTRACTIONS

Technology

INTEL MUSEUM Go behind the scenes of the high-tech world of California’s famed Silicon Valley. See what it’s like inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip factory, and connect with technologies that give us new ways to work, learn, play, and communicate. The Intel Museum is 10,000 square feet of fun, interactive learning for children and adults alike. Free, guided tours can be arranged in advance. Souvenirs, toys, gifts and apparel are available at the museum store. Free admission and parking. Mon-Sat. (Santa Clara: 2200 Mission College Blvd.; 408/765-5050; intel.com/museum)

COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM

COMPUTER HISTORY MUSEUM Home to the largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, this museum brings computer history to life through large-scale exhibits and hands-on displays encompassing computer hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, photographs, oral histories, and moving images. Wed-Sun. [Mountain View: 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd.; 650-810-1010]

INTEL MUSEUM

THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION There’s always something new to learn at this Silicon Valley science and technology museum. Hands-on experiences and one-of-a-kind floor programs include some supported by Stanford and NASA. Build your own “social robot,” gather information on your body metrics, explore the field of synthetic bioengineering, learn how to crack codes like a cyber-security pro, and more. At the Body Worlds Decoded exhibit, the use of augmented reality and other emerging technologies allows visitors to examine full-body human plastinates and more than 60 anatomical specimens. Also at the museum, the eight-storyhigh IMAX® dome theater shows educational and commercial films. Open daily at 10. [San Jose: 201 S. Market St.; 408-294-8324; thetech.org]

NASA AMES EXPLORATION VISITOR CENTER Learn about space-age wonders at this aeronautics and aerospace research center. View models of historic and recent spacecraft launched from NASA Ames, see one of the original Mercury capsules, learn about the innovative Kepler Mission surveying the Milky Way galaxy, see a real sample of moon rock collected by the crew of Apollo 15, or view the latest planetary images and videos in the 60-seat immersive theater. Tues-Fri, 10-4; Sat-Sun, 12-4. [Mountain View: NASA Pkwy. exit off Hwy. 101; 650-604-6497] 46 EXPLORE

TH E TECH MUSEUM

JIM WATKINS (#2)

NASA AMES

Experience a Japanese Jewel in Silicon Valley.

2100 BIG BASIN WAY, SARATOGA | HAKONE.COM | 408.741.4994

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ATTRACTIONS

Art ANDERSON COLLECTION Located next to the Cantor Arts Center, this striking museum was built to showcase the private collection of modern and contemporary American art gifted by the Anderson family. Featured artists include David Park, Richard Debunker, Willem de Kooning, Wayne Thibeaux, and Jackson Pollock. Wed-Mon, 11-5; Thurs, 11-8. [Palo Alto: Stanford campus; 650-721-6055]

CANTOR ARTS CENTER

ANDERSON COLLECTION

CANTOR ARTS CENTER For a little bit of everything, Stanford University’s art museum houses a large and diverse collection of art, building on the historic collections of Leland Stanford, Jr., the university’s founder. Spanning thousands of years and a wide spectrum of cultures and artistic disciplines, exhibitions range from ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, African, and Pacific works to 20th-century European and American art. The adjacent Rodin Sculpture Garden has one of the largest collections of works by the artist outside Paris. Wed-Mon, 11-5; Thurs, 11-8. [Palo Alto: Stanford campus; 650-723-4177]

SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART

SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART A showcase for modern and contemporary art, this downtown museum focuses on placing California artists in a national and international context. Tues-Sun, 11-5. [San Jose: 110 S. Market St.; 408-271-6840] SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF QUILTS & TEXTILES The nation’s first museum devoted to the preservation of historic quilting traditions and the evolution of fiber arts has a unique art collection with rotating exhibits featuring contemporary social and technological themes. Wed-Fri, 11-4; Sat-Sun, 11-3. [San Jose: 520 S. First St.; 408-971-0323] 48 EXPLORE

SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF QUILTS

Several galleries in San Jose showcase cutting-edge and thought-provoking installations. For a good taste of the area’s art scene, visit the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art which focuses on “outside the box” works examining the social and technological implications of modern life. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat-Sun, 12-5. [San Jose: 560 S. First St.; 408-283-8155] • Anno Domini promotes the eclectic works of a diverse group of local avant-garde artists by legitimizing forward-thinking “street art.” Tues-Fri, 12-7; Sat, 12-5. [San Jose: 366 S. First St.; 408-271-5155] • MACLA is a contemporary arts space with visual and performance art grounded in Chicano/Latino experience. Wed-Thurs, 12-7; Fri-Sun, 12-5. [San Jose: 510 S. First St.; 408-998-2783]

The Bay Area is a performing arts powerhouse with world class acts ranging from jazz to smash Broadway hits to timeless renditions of your favorite ballets. Check out highlights from the upcoming season or visit dineshopplay.com to see a complete and up-to-date calendar of events.

ON STAGE DANCE

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET With an annual production of "The Nutcracker" and lush retellings of fairy tales, San Francisco Ballet is at the heart of the city’s arts community and generations of family traditions. The ballet’s home at the opulent War Memorial Opera House provides the quintessential backdrop for an evening of classical dance. The 2019 season closes with Alexei Ratmansky’s hit, Shostakovich Trilogy (May 7-12). Check online for 2020 season info. [sfballet.org] SMUIN BALLET A contemporary voice in Bay Area dance, Smuin Ballet celebrates its 25th year and the legacy of the late founder with Dance Series 02, performing The Best of Smuin and an untitled work by Amy Seiwart at the Mountain View Center for the Arts (May 23-26). [smuinballet.org] SAN FRANCISCO BALLET IN SHOSTAKOVICH TRILOGY

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ON STAGE

OPERA OPERA SAN JOSE Beloved classics performed at the ornate California Theatre are brought to life with a resident cast of professional principal artists, many of whom are being groomed for successful international careers. The 2019-2020 season includes Strauss' operetta, Die Fledermaus (Sep 14-29), a Wagner-inspired Hansel and Gretel (Nov 16 - Dec 1), Verdi’s well-loved Il Trovatore (Feb 15– Mar 1), and Mozart’s fantastical The Magic Flute (Apr 18–May 3). [operasj.org] SAN FRANCISCO OPERA A pillar of the West Coast since 1923, this company delights and inspires audiences with top tier production value, artistry and setting. Performed at the War Memorial Opera House, the 2019 season includes big names such as Carmen (Jun 5-29), Orlando (Jun 9-27), Romeo and Juliet (Sep 6–Oct 1), Billy Budd (Sep 7-22), Plácido Domingo (Oct 6), The Marriage of Figaro (Oct 11– Nov 1), Manon Lescaut (Nov 8-26) and Hansel and Gretel (Nov 15– Dec 7). [sfopera.com]

THEATER & MUSICALS SAN JOSE STAGE COMPANY Theatergoers get up close for high-quality productions at this theater known as The Stage—a converted tire store in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Seating is no more than 15 feet from the action. Rounding up its 2018-2019 season, the small but powerful troupe of local actors

50 EXPLORE

takes on the Swedish pop songs of ABBA in Mama Mia! (opening May 29). Check online for new season info. [thestage.org] CITY LIGHTS THEATER COMPANY With a dynamic mix of new and seasoned performers, this community theater performs just south of the San Jose’s downtown nightlife district in a converted warehouse that’s a wide-open venue for wide-open theater. In 2019, Silent Sky (May 16-Jun 16) immortalizes the struggle of early 20th century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt in a story of science, sexism and perseverance, while set in the late 1920’s, Cabaret holds a black mirror up to Berlin’s partygoing crowd as the Third Reich begins its terrible rise to power (Jul 18-Aug 25). [cltc.org] BROADWAY SAN JOSE Designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the Center for the Performing Arts is San Jose’s premier destination for leading Broadway musical shows. The 2,600-seat venue has no shortage of familiar names rolling through in 2019, including The Lightning Thief (May 10-12), Fiddler on the Roof (May 21-26), School of Rock (Jun 4-9), The Book of Mormon (Jul 16-21), Wicked (Aug 14-Sep 8), Jesus Christ Superstar (Oct 22-27), Miss Saigon (Nov 12-17), and Waitress (Dec 17-22). [broadwaysanjose.com] THEATREWORKS SILICON VALLEY The Peninsula’s award-winning theater company stages original scripts and revived classics in both Palo Alto and Mountain View. Its 50th season includes The Language Archive (Jul 10-Aug 4), The 39 Steps (Aug 21-Sept 15), Mark Twain’s River of Song (Oct 2-27), and the luxe period drama Pride

and Prejudice (Dec 4-29). Early 2020 delivers Hershey Felder’s The Pianist of Willesden Lane (Jan 15–Feb 9) along with They Promised Her the Moon (Mar 4-29), chronicling the true story of Jerrie Cobb aspiring to be an astronaut in the 1960s. [theatreworks.org] SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE This summer series continues a long tradition of performing Shakespeare outdoors. In 2019, catch The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale and The Two Noble Kinsmen, along with an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. [DeLaveaga Park. santacruzshakespeare.org] AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER San Francisco’s leading theater group presents classics and new works at Geary Theater and The Strand. The 2018-2019 season ends with Rhinoceros (May 29– Jun 23), while the 2019-2020 season explores the “rules of play” with productions such as Top Girls, a hypothetical dinner party filled with historical and mythical female characters, Wakey, Wakey, a dark comedy starring Tony Hale, as well as a reimagined take on The Rocky Horror Show. [act-sf.org] SHN This musical company brings the best of Broadway to San Francisco’s Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters. Enjoy the hip hopinfused blockbuster, Hamilton (thru Sept 8), the whimsical family favorite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Apr 16-May 12), or the 20th anniversary run of Rent (Jun 14-23). Keep an eye out for The Band’s Visit, a 10-time Tony winner currently on Broadway, to hit San Francisco in early 2020. [www.shnsf.com]

MUSIC SYMPHONY SILICON VALLEY San Jose’s symphony company shows range and personality with its multi-media productions and a rotating cast of guest conductors at the California Theatre. 2019 includes a performance set to National Geographic’s footage of the natural world (May 6), heavy hitters like Beethoven’s Ninth (Jun 1-2) and a live score and screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Nov 9-10). [symphonysiliconvalley.org] SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY In his 25th and final season at the helm of the San Francisco Symphony, music director Michael Tilson Thomas revisits Gustav Mahler (Sept 12-15), for whose recordings the symphony has earned seven Grammys. Also experience a genre-shattering collaboration with local metal legends Metallica (at the new Chase Center, Sep 6 & 8) and celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday (Jan 16-27, Feb 7-9). [sfsymphony.com] MUSIC@MENLO The renowned chamber music festival takes us on a tour of the ages in their summer concert series, Incredible Decades (July 13-Aug 3), exploring seven distinct and significant eras—from the Baroque to the Roaring '20s. Held in Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Atherton. [musicatmenlo.org] STANFORD JAZZ FESTIVAL A summer festival on Stanford University campus (June-August) brings in top-billed artists such as sultry singer Cécile McLorin Salvant (Jun 22), Spanish trumpeter and vocalist Andrea Motis (July 13), and Joshua Redman (Aug 3). [stanfordjazz.org]

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HAMILTON IS PRESENTED BY SHN; SAN JOSE STAGE IN THE 2019 PRODUCTION OF CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF; MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS DIRECTS THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY; THEATREWORKS IN THE 39 STEPS; AND SAN FRANCISCO OPERA DELIVERS CARMEN.

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EVENTS

From cultural celebrations to fairs and festivals, there are plenty of fun events year-round. Here are some highlights of 2019. For a complete, up-to-date list of events, visit dineshopplay.com.

CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL March 5-17

Featuring film premieres, renowned and emerging artists, and breakthrough technology, this annual fest offers two weeks of screenings and events. [San Jose & Redwood City. 408-295-3378. cinequest.org]

NIKKEI MATSURI FESTIVAL May 5

Held in one of only three remaining Japantowns in the nation, this annual festival celebrates Japanese American culture and heritage. [Japantown, San Jose. nikkeimatsuri.org]

PACIFIC COAST DREAM MACHINES April 28

This showcase of motorized marvels from the 20th and 21st centuries— from cars, motorcycles and aircraft to antique engines and tractors—is fun for the whole family. [Half Moon Bay Airport. 650-726-2328]

MOUNTAIN VIEW A LA CARTE & ART May 4-5

Castro Street morphs into a moveable feast of people and colorful tents at this springtime festival of the arts. [Castro St., Mountain View. 650-964-3395]

gathering of the minds blends crafts, engineering, music, food, science and technology. [San Mateo County Event Center. makerfaire.com]

SUNNYVALE ART & WINE FESTIVAL June 2

JAZZ ON THE PLAZZ

June 16

Boasting 50 performing groups, this festival turns public areas into sound stages. 3-7:30. [Palo Alto: University Ave. pamusicday.org]

CAPITOLA ROD & CUSTOM CLASSIC CAR SHOW June 8-9

Classic beauties cruise the coastline from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to the Esplanade in Capitola Village. [capitolacarshow.com]

RED, WHITE & BREWS

June 15-16, 22-23 & 29-30

Head for California’s Great America for this hometown celebration of American food and fun. (Santa Clara. cagreatamerica.com)

This old-fashioned fair includes rides, classic fair food, live music and more. [San Mateo County Event Center. 650-574-3247]

Part science fair, part country fair, and part something different altogether, this annual event is a smorgasbord of originality and creativity. The all-ages 52 EXPLORE

Live music on Fridays, 6-8, in the Courthouse Square

PALO ALTO WORLD MUSIC DAY

The annual celebration of Native American cultures is the largest in California. Traditional dances, food, and arts and crafts are all part of the event. [Stanford University. 650-723-4078]

May 17-19

REDWOOD CITY MUSIC ON THE SQUARE LOS GATOS MUSIC IN THE PARK

SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR

MAKER FAIRE

Grab a picnic and catch a free outdoor concert in the summer.

Sip local beers and wines while perusing arts and crafts. 10-6. [Sunnyvale: Downtown at the Town Center. svcoc.org]

STANFORD POWWOW May 10-12

Summer Tunes

June 8-16

TASTE OF ORLEANS July 13-28

Authentic Cajun food, live music and festive décor provide three weekends of New-Orleans-style fun at California’s Great America. [Santa Clara. cagreatamerica.com]

PACIFIC COAST DREAM MACHINES

GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

Sundays, 5-7, on the lawn at the Civic Center Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30, at the Los Gatos Town Plaza

OBON FESTIVAL July 13-14

Japanese-American culture is colorfully celebrated with music, dance and food. [Japantown, San Jose. 408-293-9292]

GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

OBON FESTIVAL

July 26-28

This annual ode to the fragrant bulb features food of all kind with a distinctly garlicky theme, along with family activities. [Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy. 408-842-1625]

SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIR August 2-5

Delivering fun for over 70 years, this event has the traditional rides, food, and livestock exhibitions of county fairs, along with some not-so-traditional elements such as a demolition derby. [San Jose, County Fairgrounds. thefair.org]

CHURCH STREET FAIR August 3-4

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Santa Cruz through music, dance, art, food and wine. [Downtown Santa Cruz, 307 Church St. 831-420-5260]

SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST (MARCUS SHELBY)

BURLINGAME ON THE AVENUE

ANTIQUE AUTOS SHOW

HALF MOON BAY PUMPKIN FEST

Arts and crafts, food, great live music and children’s activities are part of this annual festival. [Burlingame Ave., Burlingame. 650-344-1735]

Stock antique autos, fire equipment, bicycles, and motorcycles of all makes from 1900 to 1945 are featured at this annual event. [History Park, San Jose. historysanjose.org]

This annual event offers arts and crafts, pumpkin patches, a haunted house, live entertainment, contests, pumpkin dishes and more. [Main St., Half Moon Bay. 650-726-9652]

August 17-18

SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST August 9-11

Downtown San Jose teems with music lovers at this annual worldclass music fest with over 120 performances on 10 stages by established and up-and-coming artists on the jazz scene. [San Jose. sanjosejazz.org]

PALO ALTO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS August 24-25 MAKER FAIRE

Downtown becomes a hotbed of fun with arts and crafts, food, wine, beer, live music and kids’ activities. [Downtown Palo Alto. 650-324-3121]

KINGS MOUNTAIN ART FAIR

September 22

THE GREAT PUMPKIN FEST & HALLOWEEN HAUNT September 27–November 2

Seasonal fun ranges from familyfriendly to frightfully scary at California’s Great America. [Santa Clara. cagreatamerica.com]

SAN CARLOS ART & WINE FAIRE October 12-13

Browse for fine arts while enjoying food, wine, microbrews, live music and family activities. [Downtown San Carlos. 650-593-1068]

GRAND NATIONAL RODEO

August 31-September 2

Arts and crafts are displayed under towering redwoods at this juried fair. [Kings Mountain Community Center, Woodside. 650-851-2710]

MOUNTAIN VIEW ART & WINE FEST

October 11-12 & 18-19

Experience this western rodeo, complete with horse shows, livestock expositions, marketplace shopping and a BBQ. [Cow Palace, Daly City. cowpalace.com]

October 19-20

GREAT DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR November 23-December 22

A lively recreation of Victorian London, this Bay Area tradition held over five weekends showcases costumed actors, caroling and period music, shopping and more. [Cow Palace, Daly City. dickensfair.com]

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

End November though January 1

Animated exhibits, glittering lights, Christmas trees, food vendors, amusement rides, an outdoor skating rink, and food treats all make for a winter wonderland. [Downtown San Jose. 408-995-NOEL]

WINTERFEST

November 29–December 31

California’s Great America is decked out for this festive holiday tradition. [Santa Clara. cagreatamerica.com]

September 7-8

Sip local wines and browse among booths showcasing the works of some of America’s finest artists and craftspeople. [Castro St., Mountain View. 650-968-8378]

CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

September 14-15

A fun event for the whole family, this seaside festival in charming Capitola Village overlooks Monterey Bay. [Capitola Village. 831-475-6522]

SANTA CLARA ART & WINE FEST September 14-15

GRAND NATIONAL RODEO

This end-of-summer celebration features live entertainment along with international food, premium wines and microbrews. [Central Park, Santa Clara. 408-615-3140]

Downtown’s Live Music Hub From jazz to rock, from hip hop to blues

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

September 14-October 20

SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR

Experience the recreation of an Elizabethan-era harvest fair. Costumed singers, dancers, jugglers and actors; jousting; activities like darts and archery; arts and crafts; foods; and a Celtic Rock Series on Saturdays are all part of the fun. [Casa de Fruta, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com]

It’s all here. liveandlocalsj.com

Live Local Ad Quarter Page EXPLORE.indd 1

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SOUTH BAY & THE PENINSULA

SHOPPING SHOPPING SANTANA ROW

STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER

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SOUTH BAY & PENINSULA SHOPPING

From premier shopping centers to charming downtowns, there are many options for great shopping, whether in the South Bay (names listed in orange) or on the Peninsula (in purple)

SHOPPING CENTERS GILROY PREMIUM OUTLETS Shop 145 name-brand and designer outlets and enjoy savings of up to 65 percent at stores such as Lulelemon, True Religion, Kate Spade New York, Banana Republic and more. [Gilroy: 681 Leavesley Rd at Hwy. 101.; 408-842-3729] GREAT MALL More than 200 retailers offer discounts off designer labels and brand names, including Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Coach, Levis Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue Gap and Michael Kors. [Milpitas: Great Mall Pkwy.; 408-956-2033] HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTER This distinguished retail and dining destination offers a balanced blend of luxury and lifestyle items, with a diversity of stores such as Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Macy’s, L’Occitane, Sephora, H&M, Banana Republic, UNIQLO, The Apple Store, The LEGO® Store, Williams-Sonoma and HILLSDALE more. Hillsdale’s luxurious interior presents an appealing mix of casual and fine dining, with both indoor and al fresco options like Paul Martin’s American Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, MidiCi the Neapolitan Pizza Company and California Pizza Kitchen. Located just off Hwy 101, Hillsdale is only minutes south of SFO Airport, steps away from CalTrain and Sam Trans stations, with convenient parking. Hillsdale’s Concierge assists shoppers with everything from transportation needs to reservations and bag storage. [San Mateo: At Hillsdale Blvd. and El Camino Real; 650-345-8222. hillsdale.com]

HILLSDALE

THE PRUNEYARD Enjoy a comfortable, casual and cultural experience at one of Silicon Valley’s landmark shopping centers. Located in the heart of Campbell, The Pruneyard features a blend of eateries, stores, services, fitness options and an exceptional dinein-movie theatre. The appealing ambiance offers a range of dining options—many with outdoor patios—along with cafes and brewpubs. Enjoy teppan-style dining at Kyoto Palace, fresh seafood at Pacific Catch, chef-driven plates at Orchard City Kitchen, Chicago-style pizzas at Patxi’s Pizza, authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Café Artemis and more. Shopping choices include Sports Basement, Trudys Brides & Special Occasions, Marshall’s, Books Inc. and Project X, while Salon Raché, Blossom Nail Spa and Massage Envy are the places to go for pampering. [Campell: 1875 S. Bascom Blvd.; 408-796-3277. thepruneyard.com]

PRUNEYARD

For Santa Cruz Area Shopping, see page 62.

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 55

SHOPPING

SANTANA ROW This one-of-a-kind Europeaninspired destination blends an exciting mix of shopping, dining and entertainment amidst a colorful landscape of lush gardens, parks and plazas. A unique variety of over 50 shops and boutiques includes well-known chains such as Gucci, Amazon Books, Tommy Bahama, Sephora, Warby Parker, Madewell, lululemon athletica, H&M and more. Also indulge in over 30 cafes and popular eateries including Smitten Ice Cream, LB Steak, Pizza Antica, Left Bank, Straits, Consuela’s and Yard House. [San Jose: At Stevens Creek & Winchester Blvds.; 408-5514611; santanarow.com] STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER Set in a garden-like environment, this premier shopping and dining destination features Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and more than 140 world-class specialty stores, ranging from luxury brands to local favorites. [Palo Alto: At El Camino & Sand Hill Rd.; 650-617-8200]

AUTOMOBUILD

Specialty Toy Store Cars, Build Toys & More 100B N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos 408.402.3818 | www.automobuild.com

THE PERFECT BROWSING EXPERIENCE at perfect prices...

BUY • SELL • TRADE | USED BOOKS & DVDS

SAN JOSE’S LARGEST USED BOOKSTORE FOR OVER 30 YEARS CAMPBELL: 275 E.Campbell Ave. (Downtown) • 408-370-3514 SAN JOSE: 1066 The Alameda • 408-286-6275 • recyclebookstore.com (Free, Easy Parking | 5 minutes from the Airport & Downtown San Jose)

56 EXPLORE

TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE Graceful, tile-roofed buildings, stately oak trees, and wide, flower-lined walkways create an appealing environment for a multitude of trendy fashion, beauty and home retailers. See page 33. [Palo Alto: 855 El Camino Real; 650-325-3266] WESTFIELD VALLEY FAIR This upscale retail center showcases a collection of 230 shops, including luxury stores such as Versace and Prada. [Santa Clara: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-248-4451]

APPAREL, MEN’S ELI THOMAS MENSWEAR For over 50 years, this menswear store has brought top quality merchandise from around the world to Silicon Valley. Eli Thomas stays ahead of the competition by presenting their customers with fashion forward styles. Suiting every as-

pect of your lifestyle, the range of fashions features top designers such as Eton, Agave, Robert Graham, Corneliani, and many more. The professional staff can assist you with custom suits, leathers, shoes, jeans or any of your formalwear needs. Head in today and spruce up your wardrobe. Mon-Fri. 9-9; Sat, 9-6; Sun, 12-5. [San Jose: 350 S. Winchester Blvd; 408-247-1024. elithomasformen.com] FRANCO MASOMA Visiting this men’s store is an exceptional experience in both style and service. Owner and fashion designer Franco Masoma offers the ultimate in high-end clothing, blending classic bespoke tailoring with a bold, modern look. For over 25 years, Franco has designed personalized garments for men of all walks of life. His fitting sessions determine the fit and look that is just right for you, and with all garments handmade in Italy—from suits, sport coats, dress shirts and slacks to shoes and accessories—you will surely feel like royalty when you put them on. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are strongly recommended. [Los Gatos: 45 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-4025465. francomasoma.com] PATRICK JAMES This refined store carries high-quality men’s clothing, footwear and accessories. Open daily. [Palo Alto: Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real; 650-328-3071] SAM MALOUF Featuring men’s and women’s luxury apparel and accessories, the collection here includes designers such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Victoria Beckham, Adam Lippe, and Moncler. Mon-Sat. [Burlingame: 1460 Burlingame Ave.; 650344-1460] SARRTORI From Armani to Zegna, this high-end store offers the finest Italian and American designer brands in both classic and cutting-edge styles. Mon-Sat. [San Carlos: 740 Laurel St.; 650592-9190]

1875 S BASCOM AVE • CAMPBELL, CA

www.thepruneyard.com

CONVENIENT & COMPLIMENTARY COVERED PARKING Orchard City Kitchen Pruneyard Cinemas sculpt50 Trudys Brides Pacific Catch

Trader Joe's Blossom Nail Spa Peet's Coffee Cedar Room Books Inc

Asian Box Kyoto Palace Rock Bottom Brewery Mendocino Farms Burger Lounge

Luna Mexican Kitchen — Opening Summer 2019

Teaspoon Sports Basement Massage Envy V's Barbershop Tin Pot Creamery

BeSteakA — Opening Fall 2019

Come enjoy the most diverse shopping center in Campbell. With a beautiful open-air atmosphere, the Pruneyard has a mix of stores and unique eateries. And with our multi-tier parking garage, there’s always parking available.

SHOPPING

CITI, acrylic by Lynette Cook by Lynette Cook CITI, on canvas

APPAREL, WOMEN’S

ANDRA NORRIS GALLERY

contemporary art 1107 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame 650.235.9775 | andranorrisgallery.com

European-inspired designs

Jewelry Sky Diamond Open daily except Monday

236 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos 248.982.2889 | jewelryskydiamond.com

Silicon Valley’s Destination for High Quality Menswear

BELLA ROSA BOUTIQUE This high-end shop features contemporary and classic designs from denim to cocktail dresses. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 145 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408354-4206] BLACK CAT This charming shop offers a huge selection of headwear and other accessories. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 59 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-354-1910] BOUTIQUE LA LUNE Find the latest trending styles, with designers such as RD Style, Lush, Tarte, Bella Luxx, Jessica Elliot, Joseph Ribkoff and more. Tues-Sun. [Los Gatos: 78 W. Main St.; 408-560-9951] BRYN WALKER With luxurious fabrics in rich palettes, Bryn Walker designs focus on comfort, quality and easy sophistication. Open daily. [Palo Alto: 212 Homer Ave.; 650-322-9983] CHARMELLE 28 A collection of lingerie and swimwear features designers such as Prima Donna, Cosabella, Aubade, and Marie Jo. Open daily. [Palo Alto: 547 Bryant St.; 650-323-7979] GITANE Vibrancy is the keyword at this colorful boutique, where the selection of stylish and affordable clothing is marked by Parisian influence. Open daily. [Menlo Park: 845 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-853-1919] HOLLY HILL Fun urban styles at this friendly boutique are both original and timeless. Mon-Sat. [San Carlos: 701 Laurel St.; 650-622-9263]

350 S. Winchester Blvd, Suite 200 San Jose (Next to Santana Row) 408.247.1024 | elithomasformen.com 58 EXPLORE

J. FOSS This well-loved store carries high-end clothing, jewelry and accessories by independent designers. Open daily. [Palo Alto: 250 University Ave.; 650-325-9722]

KISMET BOUTIQUE Featured designers include Karen Kane, Eileen Fisher, Nic + Zoe, and Three Dots. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 100 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-395-4664] MARGARET O’LEARY Based in San Francisco, this clothing company is renowned for its cutting-edge knitwear. Open daily. [Palo Alto: Town & Country Village; 650-681-8000. Burlingame: 263 Primrose Rd.; 650-344-9051] MORNING GLORY This owner-run boutique offers a great selection of clothing with a vintage influence from Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Italy. Open daily. [Burlingame: 1436 Burlingame Ave.; 650-340-0301] PALAPA LOUNGE This chic boutique offers resort and beachwear for women and girls of all shapes, sizes and ages. Tues-Sun. [Los Gatos: 88 W. Main St.; 408-395-0692] ROMANTIQUES LINGERIE Known for its beautifully crafted underpinnings, difficult-to-find bra sizes, and expert service, this shop also offers dresses, skirts, pants and tops. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 51 University Ave.; 408-395-7749] RUTI This minimalist store offers chic and modern apparel designed and curated by owner Ruti, whose styles reflect her Israeli roots. Open daily. [Palo Alto: Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real. 650-391-9719] TIME OUT CLOTHING Dress in stylish comfort with such designers as Michael Stars, Hard Tail, Free People, and AG Denim. Swimwear and accessories also offered. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 108 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-354-8653] VIVA O SOL Classy meets sporty in the collection of dresses, streetwear, and activewear. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 155 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-354-5800]

TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE www.tandcvillage.com

EL CAMINO REAL & EMBARCADERO ROAD, PALO ALTO

MORE THAN 70 SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, AND SERVICES* Athleta Books Inc. Douce France LABelle Day Spa & Salon Mayfield Bakery & Cafe Paper Source prAna Sur La Table Telerific Barcelona — opening Summer 2019 Trader Joe's 18|8 Fine Men's Salons Brandy Melville CorePower Yoga jarbo diptyque Fillmore & 5th Gott's Roadside Patrick James Pedego Electric Bikes Peet's Coffee The Bar Method *Visit www.tandcvillage.com

for a complete listing

COMPLIMENTARY VALET TUESDAY-SATURDAY

diﬀerent

something

at every door

It’s time to shop different. Stroll our flower-filled walkways and discover the highest collection of boutique retailers in Northern California. Town & Country Village features over 65 unique specialty stores, fine places to dine, personalized services for mind and body, and relaxing spots to recharge. Town & Country Village - something different at every door.

SHOPPING

BOOKSTORES KEPLER’S Founded in 1955, this independent bookstore is the intellectual hub of the Peninsula, known and loved for its literary events, knowledgeable staff, and broad selection of books and magazines. Mon-Sat, 9-10; Sun, 9-8. [Menlo Park: 1010 El Camino Real; 650-324-4321] RECYCLE BOOKSTORE Combine a huge selection with a comfortable, spacious environment and you get a unique bookstore designed for those who love to browse. This store buys, sells, and trades used books and DVDs. The literature, mystery, science fiction, history, cooking, children’s, art, and metaphysical sections are amazing, but there’s something for everyone to explore. Parking is free and easy, and the store is just a few minutes from downtown San Jose and the San Jose airport. Mon-Thurs, 11-9; Fri-Sat, 11-7; Sun, 12-7. [San Jose: 1066 The Alameda, 408286-6275. Campbell: 275 E. Campbell Ave.; 408-370-3514. recyclebookstore.com]

FLEA MARKET SAN JOSE FLEA MARKET SEE AD ON PAGE 44. As California’s largest open-air market since 1960, this San Jose tradition has been further expanded in 2019 by introducing the Garden at the Flea, a new beer-garden experience with a state-of-the-art live entertainment stage, additional diverse

THE SPA–LOS GATOS

STEPHEN MILLER GALLERY

food options, a variety of games and beautiful new green garden spaces. Designed to create exciting community and cultural experiences, this destination for family fun offers something for everyone. Find bargain prices on everything from clothing and cowboy boots to cookware and automotive parts. You’ll also find a farmers’ market, live music on three stages and, you guessed it, aguas frescas and ice-cold beer. Open Wed and Fri-Sun. [San Jose: 1590 Berryessa Rd.; 408-453-1110]

FOOTWEAR SOLE DESIRE This women’s footwear store offers in-demand and hard-tofind quality brands as well as

This premier day spa features a variety of massages, facials and body treatments, with all services customized to clients’ needs using only the highest quality brand-name products. Not just a place for pampering, The Spa shows its dedication to the complete well-being of its clients by offering such services as oncology massage, detoxifying body wraps, and motherhood massage. Housed in a beautifully appointed facility reminiscent of a European getaway, the spa’s welcoming, professional staff provides a level of service and care to create a spa experience like none other. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-354-5901. thespalosgatos.com] 60 EXPLORE

handbags, wallets, socks, and insoles. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 140 W. Main St.; 408-335-4074. Menlo Park: 8725 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-646-9061. Burlingame: 1426 Burlingame Ave.; 650-642-9404]

ART GALLERIES A.SPACE GALLERY Original art highlights emerging and established artists at this community gallery. High-end furnishings and home accessories are also in the offerings. TuesSat. [Menlo Park: 773 Santa Cruz Avenue. 650-731-7730] ANDRA NORRIS GALLERY This vivid contemporary art gallery features an international roster of established, late- and mid-career artists with Bay Area ties. Eight annual exhibits showcase investment-quality works, including paintings, photography, sculpture, and new media. Visit again and again, because this Mid-Peninsula gem always has something new and exciting to experience. Located across from the Caltrain station. Tue-Fri, 10-5:30; Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-4; and by appointment. [Burlingame: 1107 Burlingame Ave. 650-2359775. andranorrisgallery.com.]

ART VENTURES GALLERY Featuring emerging artists from around the world and dedicated to stoking the fires of creativity, this gallery also provides visiting artists with a residency in Half Moon Bay. [Menlo Park: 888 Santa Cruz Ave., 650-400-5325] GOLDEN MOON GALLERY Browse an eclectic variety of artwork—original paintings, prints, uncommon antiques, one of a kind jewelry and more—carefully curated by local artist and gallery owner Nick Chaboya from his travels around the world. Wed-Sun. [San Mateo: 28 E. 3rd Ave. #100; 650-435-5202] WHITNEY MODERN GALLERY This art gallery showcases thought- provoking works by internationally recognized, mid-career and emerging contemporary fine artists. Wed-Sat. [Los Gatos: 24 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-402-5922]

GIFTS/CRAFTS AZUCA This store in the heart of downtown Los Gatos offers the carefully selected work of hundreds of local and national artists and craftspeople. A wide array of

jewelry, art glass, handbags, accessories, wall art, pottery, sculpture, T-shirts, children’s items, whimsical clocks and much more make Azuca the go-to place for that unique gift or empty niche in your own home. The eclectic mix guarantees that you’ll find something to fit every age group and price range. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 11-1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408395-1680. azucastore.com] POT-POURRI Dedicated to handmade American crafts and gifts, this store carries blown glass, ceramics, woodworking and jewelry. Tues-Sun. [Burlingame: 1235 Broadway; 650-347-3400]

JEWELRY JEWELRY SKY DIAMOND This new addition to downtown Los Gatos specializes in jewelry curated from world-wide

sources, with a focus on European styles. A variety of gold and silver designs features diamonds as well as other precious and semi-precious stones. Owned and run by a family with over 40 years of experience in fine jewelry retail and services in Europe, this welcoming store also offers custom design, repair work, and hand engravings. TuesSun. [Los Gatos: 236 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 248-982-2889. jewelryskydiamond.com] KERNS An authorized retailer for top lines such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, this luxury store also carries innovative, lesser-known European designers. Mon-Sat. [Burlingame: 214 Lorton Ave.; 650-348-7557] PATRONIK This high-end gallery specializes in custom-designed jewelry. Tues-Sun. [Burlingame: 314 Lorton Ave.; 650-344-0402]

SHREVE & CO This retailer offers luxury watches, timepieces, necklaces, earrings, bridal jewelry and estate pieces. Open daily. [Palo Alto: 329 Stanford Shopping Center; 650-327-2211]

RUG GALLERY STEPHEN MILLER GALLERY SEE AD ON PAGE 3. Everything about this elegant rug gallery in downtown Menlo Park exudes taste, quality, and integrity. For those who truly appreciate fine hand-knotted carpets, Stephen Miller Gallery is a window on the world of the latest developments in this ageless art form. The expert staff is happy to help with the critical choices of design, color, texture and size. From runners to palace sizes, custom rug production is their specialty. Discover for yourself why people who love rugs rely on the expertise of Stephen Miller Gallery.

Open Mon-Sat. [Menlo Park: 800 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-3275040. stephenmillergallery.com]

TOY STORE AUTOMOBUILD This friendly family-run store appeals to kids as well as young-minded adults with its wide range of toys, games, and products themed around cars and interactive participation. Find a unique assortment of models, rwemote control cars, puzzles, and building-type toys cleverly designed to teach kids about scientific concepts as they assemble, while also developing their imagination, creativity and dexterity as they play. Books and t-shirts round out the offerings. Inquire for customized birthday parties for up to 20. Sun-Wed, 10-6; Thurs-Sat, 10-7. Products also available at online store. [Los Gatos: 100B N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-4023818; automobuild.com]

The Spa ~ Los Gatos An Exceptional Day Spa Experience. Providing you the best products, services and amenities in a warm and revitalizing style.

Facials • Massage • Body Treatments • Hair Salon

TheSpaLosGatos.com • (408) 354-5901 • 100 S. SANTA CRUZ AVE. OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-9 SATURDAY 9-6 SUNDAY 9-5 • Convenient Off-Street Parking DINESHOPPLAY.COM 61

SHOPPING

SANTA CRUZ AREA SHOPPING

PACIFIC TRADING (TYSLA PLAYSUIT)

Fun boutiques, unique galleries and iconic Santa Cruz shops in Capitola Village and downtown Santa Cruz make for pure shopping pleasure.

CRAFT GALLERY

CRAFT GALLERY & ANNEX SEE AD ON PAGE 105. Located side by side in Capitola Village, these two galleries feature arts and crafts by over 300 American craftspeople. The eclectic and imaginative assortment of jewelry, bags, pottery, wood jewelry boxes, chimes, wall decor and art glass assures something for everyone. Featured lines include Firefly Jewelry, Tabra Designs and Holly Yashi. Owner Carin and her daughter Daun are dedicated to creating an enjoyable shopping experience, and are happy to assist you in selecting the perfect item. Open daily at 10am. [Capitola: 209 & 207 Capitola Ave.; 831-475-4466 or 831-4753788. craftgallery.net] LUMEN GALLERY SEE AD ON PAGE 105. For fun, unique, and high quality artwork and gifts, this is the place to shop. This hip gallery and gift store in the heart of Capitola Village features one-of-a-kind, handmade items by local and regional artists. The range of selections runs from jewelry and art glass to fine art and home accessories, all with cutting edge designs that hold true to functional use. Open 10-6 daily. [Capitola Village: Capitola Ave.; 831-295-6647. lumengal.com] LUNDBERG STUDIOS For almost 50 years, master craftsmen have been creating an exquisite array of art glass vases, scent bottles, ornaments, lighting fixtures, paperweights and more at this studio 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. Styles range from antique to contemporary, from Tiffany to art deco. Mon-Sat, 11-4. [Davenport: 131 Old Coast Rd.; 831-423-2532] O’NEILL SURF SHOP SEE AD ON PAGE 103. Consistently voted “Best Surf Shop” in Santa Cruz, this historic shop offers

62 EXPLORE

everything for surfers—from novice to professional—as well as for those who enjoy the beach style. O’Neill has been the leader in wetsuit technology, and O’Neill Surf Shop carries the largest selection of O’Neill wetsuits and protective rash guards, along with its own line of clothing and accessories and other major surf brands. Wetsuit, surfboard and body board rentals available at the 41st Avenue location. [Santa Cruz: Downtown, 110 Cooper St.; 831-469-4377. Also at the Boardwalk: 400 Beach St.; 831-459-9230. Capitola: 1115 41st Ave.; 831-475-4151. Also 1149 41st Ave. (Outlet); 831-479-5613] OCEANIA IMPORTS SEE AD ON PAGE 105. This fun beach boutique has been dressing women of all ages and sizes in quality clothing since 1981. Customers return year after year for the unique clothing of timeless beauty and lasting quality—from soft fabrics, unique jewelry, colorful scarves and fun dresses to Oceania’s private label of clothing designed and produced in Bali and sold exclusively in Capitola. Popular brands include Jag Jeans, XCVI, Jess & Jane, Dolma, Lulu B, and Inoah. Open daily, 10-6. [Capitola: 204 Capitola Ave.; 831-476-6644. www.oceaniacapitola.com] PACIFIC TRADING CO. SEE AD ON PAGE 103. Family owned and operated, this local women’s boutique has dressed Santa Cruz for over 30 years. A curated selection includes favorites such as Michael Stars, Eileen Fisher, Johnny Was, Free People, Sanctuary, Groceries, Velvet, James Perse and more. The extensive premium denim collection highlights Citizens of Humanity, AG, Paige, Mother and AGOLDE. Also find unique jewelry and accessories from designers such as Love Heals, UnoDe50, Sergio Liquid Metal, Orla Kiely, TOMS, Liebeskind and Hobo. Santa Cruz: Sun-Thurs, 10-7:30; Fri-Sat, 10-8. Capitola: Daily, 10-6:30. [Downtown Santa Cruz: 1224 Pacific Ave.; 831-423-3349. Capitola: 504-C Bay Ave.; 831-476-6109] SUPER SILVER SEE AD ON PAGE 103. With multiple locations throughout California, Super Silver has over 100,000 sterling silver, rings and thousands of charms, earrings, bracelets, pendants, exotic stone jewelry and so much more. Their friendly staff can help you find anything for any budget! Open daily at 10am. [Santa Cruz: 1301 Pacific Ave.; 831-460-9696. Capitola: Capitola Mall: 831-477-1932. Capitola Village: 214 Capitola Ave.; 831-462-9696. supersilversantacruz.com]

DINING GUIDE SOUTH BAY 64 THE PENINSULA 77 SANTA CRUZ 109 HALF MOON BAY 116

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 63

DINING: SOUTH BAY

LE PAPILLON

AMERICAN, COMFORT BARREL 19 BISTRO & BAR SEE AD ON PAGE 133. Located at the Sunnyvale Golf Course, this casual restaurant and bar offers tasty American fare in a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a meal in the bistro or catch your favorite sporting team on TV at the bar where you can choose from 10 beers on tap. In warm weather, enjoy patio seating overlooking the golf course. An elegant ballroom is available for special events. Wed-Fri, 11-7; Sat-Sun, 8-4. Happy hour: Wed-Fri, 3-6. [Sunnyvale: 605 Macara Ave.; 408-481-9685. barrel19.com]

SOUTH BAY DINING RESTAURANT LISTINGS FOR: CAMPBELL CUPERTINO LOS GATOS SAN JOSE SANTA CLARA SARATOGA SUNNYVALE

DOUBLE D’S SPORTS GRILLE SEE AD ON PAGE 74. Start with a menu full of classic favorites made with quality ingredients, combine it with a lively atmosphere and 32 large-screen TVs displaying all major sports events, and you’ve got the perfect spot to watch your favorite team. After all, it’s been voted Silicon Valley’s best sports bar for over 15 years. A diverse menu features burgers, pizzas, pastas, seafood and more, with the full bar offering more than 10 beers on tap. Great for team parties. Open daily from 11am through dinner. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 3-6. Late-night happy hour: 9-11. Breakfast: Sat-Sun during NFL and college football season. [Los Gatos: 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-395-688. doubleds.com] EUREKA! Elevated American fare, craft beer and small-batch spirits are served in a bustling, stylishly rustic environment. Lunch and dinner daily. [Cupertino: 19369 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 669-266-6752] FLIGHTS Small plates, cocktails, wine and beer are all served as trio flights, with food meant to be enjoyed family style in a communal atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. Sunday brunch. [Los Gatos: 165 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd.; 408354-3434. Campbell: 368 E. Campbell Ave.; 408-364-1564] HENRY’S HI-LIFE SEE AD ON PAGE 69. Barbecued ribs have reigned supreme for over 55 years at

64 EXPLORE

this well-loved establishment, as well as steaks and chicken—all prepared to perfection in portions for healthy appetites! Located in a landmark old roadhouse and decorated with antiques, this popular spot in Little Italy is a great place to watch sports on TV or to enjoy the festive atmosphere before or after a Sharks game or event at the SAP Center, just a short stroll away. The full bar offers 16 beers on tap (including regional craft brews), local wines and a large selection of bourbon and scotch. Lunch: Tues-Fri. Dinner nightly. Extended hours for arena events. [San Jose: 301 W. St. John St.; 408-295-5414. henryshilife.com] LA FONTANA SEE AD ON PAGE 74. Winner of the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award, this casually sophisticated restaurant at the Hilton Santa Clara features all-day dining. Patio seating is available, looking out to Levi’s Stadium and Great America. A menu of fresh, regional specialties includes seafood, steaks and pasta dishes, as well as heart-healthy options. Dietary requests are gladly accommodated and lighter fare is available in the lounge. Large parties and private events welcome. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. [Santa Clara: Hilton Santa Clara, 4949 Great America Pkwy.; 408-330-0001] LAZY DOG Global comfort food in a lodgelike environment includes stir-fries, pot roasts and pastas served alongside cold beer and hot chocolate. Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [Cupertino: 19359 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-359-4690] SUPER DUPER BURGERS The slogan for this popular local burger chain is “fast food made with slow food values.” Juicy medium-rare burgers are prepared with all-natural Brandt beef, ground fresh daily; the buns are made by a local bakery; and milkshakes and soft serve are made with organic Straus Family Creamery milk. Open all day. [San Jose: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-985-1352. Los Gatos: 15991 Los Gatos Blvd. Building 3; 408-356-0684]

DINING: SOUTH BAY

“Vivildly ﬂavored, brilliantly executed food that transcends ethnicity but still tastes Greek.” -Gourmet

Short-rib Moussaka

F I N E H E L L E NIC C UI SINE

210 E. Main StrEEt, LoS GatoS 408.354.7700 | diodEka.coM

DINING: SOUTH BAY

CENTONOVE

AMERICAN, CONTEMPORARY ARCADIA Culinary surprises abound at this stylish eatery in downtown San Jose—precisely what you’d expect from acclaimed chef Michael Mina, known for his innovative twists on American classics. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 100 W. San Carlos St.; 408/278-4555]

Happiest Happy Hours We’re all at our happiest with a discounted drink and snack in hand. We’ve got the details on some of the area’s best happy hours for both food and drink.

BIRK’S Drinks and appetizers—think oysters and truffle fries—are offered at nice prices at this buzzing steakhouse tucked away in an office park. Mon-Fri, 3:30-6pm; Sat, 5-7pm. Santa Clara; 408-980-6400 CENTONOVE Enjoy reduced-price wine, beer, Italian bites and pizzas at the counter of this well-loved neighborhood trattoria. Mon-Fri, 5-6pm. Downtown Los Gatos; 408-384-4007 CIN-CIN WINE BAR Happy-hour specials include nice nibbles such as wild mushroom arancini and ahi crudo. Mon-Sat, 4-6pm. Downtown Los Gatos; 408-354-8006 FIREHOUSE NO 1 GASTROPUB Bar snacks and selected drinks are half off during happy hour at this lively downtown pub. Mon-Fri, 3-6pm. Downtown San Jose; 408-287-6969 MORTON’S Great deals are offered on drinks and bar bites at this clubby steakhouse. Daily, 4:30-6:30. Downtown San Jose; 408-947-7000 NOMIKAI Happy hour at this stylish lounge features exotic cocktails and diverse sakes with Japanese bites. Mon-Sat, 5:30-8:30. Downtown San Jose; 408-287-7199 PAPER PLANE Discounts on drinks and food are offered at this popular bar known for its creative cocktails. Daily, 4:30-7pm. Downtown San Jose; 408-713-2625 ROOTSTOCK WINE BAR Enjoy wine, beer and bar bites at friendly prices. Mon-Fri, 3-6pm. Downtown Los Gatos; 408-354-7668 SAN PEDRO SQUARE Between Blush Raw Lounge, Three Sisters Bar, Vino Vino and the SPSM Bar, you’ll find a choice of special deals in the late afternoon. Downtown San Jose SCOTT’S SEAFOOD Take in views of the city skyline from the sixth-floor dining room or rooftop patio with craft cocktails, premium wine specials and tasty small plates such as clams and crab cakes at happy prices. Mon-Fri, 3:30-6:30. Downtown San Jose; 408-971-1700

THE BASIN This relaxed, upscale eatery serves American fare with Spanish and Italian influences, focused on organic and sustainable ingredients. Patio seating available. Dinner daily. [Saratoga: 14572 Big Basin Way; 408-867-1906] CIN-CIN SEE AD ON PAGE 67. A hidden gem in downtown Los Gatos, this stylish neighborhood restaurant and wine bar features contemporary American cuisine, a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and innovative cocktails. Fresh seasonal ingredients are incorporated into artfully created dishes, including fan favorites such as wild mushroom empanadas with manchego cheese and truffle oil, yellowtail ceviche and 38 North Duck. Dinner nightly. Happy hour: Mon-Sat, 4-6. Latenight happy hour: Thurs, 9-10; Fri, 9-11. All wines by the bottle at half price on Tues nights. [Los Gatos: 368 Village Ln.; 408-354-8006. cincinwinebar.com] NICK’S NEXT DOOR This stylish and lively neighborhood haunt, run by chef Nick Difu, offers an elevated American bistro experience with an outstanding wine selection to match. Lunch and dinner: Tues-Sat. [Los Gatos: 11 College Ave.; 408-402-5053]

SP2 COMMUNAL Craft cocktails and creative appetizers are served during happy hour at this trendy spot with an expansive patio. Mon-Sat, 3-6pm. Downtown San Jose; 408-299-2000 THE OXFORD Specials on drinks and California-inspired food in a British pub atmosphere. Daily, 4-6. Downtown Sunnyvale; 408-245-8503 THE TABLE This contemporary American restaurant offers several happy hours throughout the week, including late night on weekends. Sat-Tues, 4-5:30; Wed-Fri, 2-5:30. Willow Glen, San Jose; 408-638-7911

66 EXPLORE

CIN-CIN

ORCHARD CITY KITCHEN Michelin-recognized owner/chef Jeffrey Stout provides ingredientdriven small plates in a casual environment. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner daily. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [Campbell: 1875 S. Bascom Ave.; 408-340-5285] PARCEL 104 SEE AD ON PAGE 11. A venture of renowned chef Bradley Ogden, this farm-to-table restaurant features an inspired menu showcasing local growers, ranchers and dairies. Traditional American favorites are given a contemporary twist for a unique culinary experience; classic desserts, too, get a whimsical spin. Understated yet elegant in design, Parcel 104 boasts an exhibition kitchen, a comfortable lounge, outdoor patio seating and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Private dining rooms and a chef’s table are available. Breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner: MonFri. Available for private events: Sat-Sun. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 2-6pm. [Santa Clara: Marriott, 2700 Mission College Blvd.; 408-970-6104. parcel104.com]

DINING: SOUTH BAY

ASIAN FUSION MINT LEAF Creative Asian fusion entrees and noodle dishes are served in a bohemian atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. [Saratoga: 14420 Big Basin Way; 408-872-3763] PROVINCE Asian fusion meets New American at this stunning new restaurant at Bay 101—the latest venture for Chris Yeo of Straits. Lunch through dinner daily. [San Jose: 1788 N. 1st St.; 408-796-1699] PARCEL 104

THE VESPER This bistro and cocktail bar offers small plates and craft cocktails in an artsy, loungelike setting. Dinner nightly. [Campbell: 394 E. Campbell Ave.; 408-680-0401]

STRAITS Chef Chris Yeo’s Asian fusion cuisine captures the fragrant and diverse flavors of Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and Nonya cuisine. Edgy and modern, the restaurant offers bar and table seating, along with patio dining. Lunch through dinner daily. [San Jose: 333 Santana Row; 408-246-6320]

AUSTRIAN, CONTEMPORARY NASCHMARKT RESTAURANT Fine renditions of traditional Viennese dishes are given a California aesthetic at this family-owned restaurant. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [Campbell: 384 E. Campbell Ave.; 408-378-0335]

BRAZILIAN FOGO DE CHÃO All-you-can-eat meat is carved tableside the gaucho way and enjoyed alongside an extensive salad bar. Full bar. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [San Jose: 377 Santana Row; 408-244-7001] TAURINUS This steakhouse and wine bar serves slow-roasted meats rodizio-style, with waiters providing continuous service, carving

meats at your table. Salad bar included in the prix fixe menu. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 167 W. San Fernando St.; 855-586-9288]

CAFÉ/BAKERY/ PATISSERIE ALEXANDER’S PATISSERIE SEE AD ON PAGE 4. This traditional European patisserie and bakery offers an exquisite selection of savory and sweet treats using only top-quality ingredients, accompanied by La Colombe coffee. The croissants are almost legendary, and the wide range of macarons and chocolates are a constant rave. Pastries and gourmet sandwiches are also on the menu, and their custom cakes are works of art. Open all day from 8am, TuesSun. [Cupertino: 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd #100; 408-886-3333. alexanderspatisserie.com]

RESTAURANT

Oven-fired pizza, pastas & Italian mains Gluten-free options available JOIN US MONDAYS FOR

Mon-Thur • 5-6 PM JOIN US TUESDAYS FOR

50% OFF all wine by the bottle 408.384.4007 109 W. MAIN ST., LOS GATOS

50% OFF all wine by the bottle REGULAR HAPPY HOUR

MON-SAT, 4-6pm LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR

THURS, 9-10PM • FRI-SAT 9-11PM

CENTONOVELOSGATOS.COM

BOOK YOUR RESERVATION TODAY

ONLINE RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED

408.354.8006 • cincinwinebar.com • 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 67

DINING: SOUTH BAY

night scene. Lunch through dinner daily. [San Jose: 377 Santana Row; 408-247-8880] DARDA SEE AD ON PAGE 76. Specializing in halal Chinese cuisine, this casual family restaurant uses nine unique cooking techniques to prepare its tasty and wide-ranging menu. Specialties include a variety of soups, mu shu, warm pots of fish, beef or lamb stews, chow mein, fried rice, bean curd dishes, dim sum and family-style entrees, with ample choices for vegetarians. Don’t skip the green onion sesame bread—it gets unanimous raves. Lunch and dinner daily. [Milpitas: Milpitas Square, 296 Barber Ct.; 408-433-5199]

LE PAPILLON

MANRESA BREAD A spinoff of Manresa restaurant in Los Gatos, this bakery makes excellent bread, pastries and baked goods. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 276 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-402-5372] BIJAN BAKERY & CAFÉ Known for its pastries, cookies, European-style croissants and sandwiches, this is one of San Jose’s premier European bakeries. Open daily all day. [San Jose: 170 S. Market St.; 408-971-8000] CAFFE FRASCATI Sip a cappuccino and try a tasty panini at this Italian-style café, also offering beer, wine and live music. Open daily all day. [San Jose: 315 S. First St.; 408-287-0400]

CALIFORNIA/SEASONAL LEXINGTON HOUSE This modern spot for seasonal cuisine is also known for its classic cocktails and fine spirits. Dinner: Mon-Sat. [Los Gatos: 40 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-354-1600] 68 EXPLORE

MANRESA With three Michelin stars to its name, chef David Kinch’s farmto-table eatery offers a nightly tasting menu showcasing the finest of the season’s produce. Dinner: Wed-Sun. [Los Gatos: 320 Village Ln; 408-354-4330] PLUMED HORSE This destination for special occasions serves creative fare in a swank setting. Dinner nightly. [Saratoga: 14555 Big Basin Way; 408-867-4711]

chain’s first Northern California location. Lunch and dinner daily. [Santa Cara: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-248-1688] SINO Traditional Cantonese cooking techniques are infused with modern Chinese fusion touches at this dining space with a happening

MAYFLOWER SEAFOOD SEE AD ON PAGE 75. Since 1991, Mayflower has earned a reputation for serving the finest Cantonese cuisine. As well as its fresh seafood, it is renowned for its sumptuous dim sum, with over 100 varieties served at lunchtime. The menu highlights a wide variety of seafood specialties— including live crab, lobster and shellfish—along with appetizers, soups, barbecue items and dishes served in winter melon. Private rooms, corporate delivery and takeout are available. Dim sum, lunch and dinner daily. [Milpitas Square, 428 Barber Lane; 408-922-2700. Union City: 34348 Alvarado Niles Rd.; 510489-8386]

THE TABLE Rustically chic, this urban neighborhood joint is focused on seasonal ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails and progressive wines. Brunch: Wed-Sun. Dinner nightly. [San Jose: 1110 Willow St.; 408638-7911]

CHINESE DIN TAI FUNG Be prepared to wait for the popular xiao long bao soup dumplings and noodles at the Taiwanese

MAYFLOWER SEAFOOD

DINING: SOUTH BAY

CREOLE THE BYWATER This New-Orleans-inspired eatery, co-founded by David Kinch of Manresa, serves up southern staples. Lunch: TuesFri. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [Los Gatos: 532 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-560-9639]

CREPERIE WHISPERS CAFÉ & CREPERIE SEE AD ON PAGE 73. Crepes are the specialties here, from the savory Alcatraz—with shrimp, avocado, mozzarella, cilantro, mushrooms, onions and garlic—to the sweet Whispers, filled with strawberries, bananas and Nutella. But choices extend to full egg breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees such as a New York steak or pan-seared salmon. In other words, there’s something tasty for everyone. Coffee

“ THE

BEST BBQ

STEAKS, RIBS & CHICKEN IN SAN JOSE ” Since 1953!

drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, beer, wine and margaritas complement your meal. Happy hour: Fri-Sun, 3-7pm. Mon-Thurs: 8am-3pm; Fri-Sun, 8am-9pm. [San Jose: 150 S. 2nd St.; 408297-2850. whisperscafe.com]

FRENCH, CONTEMPORARY BLACK SHEEP BRASSERIE Classic French-inspired cuisine is given a modern California twist at this swank spot, with French wines, craft beers, and a good spirits selection. Dinner: TuesSun. Sunday brunch. [San Jose: 1202 Lincoln Ave.; 408-816-7251] ÉLYSE Located downtown, this modern French-Vietnamese restaurant offers everything from frites and spring rolls to braised short ribs Bourgogne and pho. The drinks menu focuses on signature cocktails more than wines. Lunch and dinner: Mon-Sat. [San Jose: 151 S. 2nd St.; 408-899-2762]

LE PAPILLON SEE AD ON BACK COVER. A long-lived rarity in the competitive Silicon Valley dining scene, this exceptional restaurant has epitomized fine dining since its founding in 1977. Californiainspired modern French cuisine is beautifully presented in an elegant, quiet setting. Chef Scott Cooper’s innovative menu and culinary talents have garnered numerous accolades over the years. Reflecting his passion and dedication to world-class cuisine, as well as inspiration from his global travels, Cooper’s prix fixe and tasting menus change seasonally in order to incorporate organic and sustainably grown local ingredients. Expect a high level of excellence, whether for dinner or catered events. Private rooms available. Dinner nightly. [San Jose: 410 Saratoga Ave.; 408296-3730. lepapillon.com] LEFT BANK With a simple, seasonally changing menu, this bustling Parisian-style brasserie features

authentic French cuisine in a casual, elegant setting with sidewalk seating. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 377 Santana Row; 408-984-3500]

GASTROPUB FARMERS UNION This gastropub dishes up American fare from a wood-burning oven, charcoal grill and rotisserie, along with over 50 craft beers on tap, quality wines and cocktails. Lunch and dinner daily. Sunday brunch. [San Jose: 151 W. Santa Clara St.; 408-277-0545] THE HALFORD This restaurant/taphouse offers 71 world-class beers, emphasizing local brewers, along with a variety of shared plates. Mon-Thurs from 3pm. Fri-Sun: lunch through dinner. [Santa Clara: 1494 Halford Ave.; 408-243-1290.]

PRIME AGED TO PERFECTION

Henry’s Hi-Life 16 LOCAL & CRAFT BEERS ON TAP

★ BEST STEAKHOUSE ★ BEST BBQ ★ BEST PRE-GAME SHARKS SPOT -Metro’s Hall of Fame

CATCH YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS ON 12 BIG TVS! LUNCH Tues-Fri DINNER Nightly FULL BAR TO-GO AVAILABLE 408.295.5414 HenrysHiLife.com 301 West St. John St., San Jose

DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE 177 Park Avenue. • 408.947.7000 Mortons.com

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DINING: SOUTH BAY

GERMAN LUDWIG’S GERMAN TABLE Expect a fun experience at this spirited locale offering traditional German fare and beer. All tables are communal—both inside and out in the beer garden—encouraging conversation. Wed-Sun from 4pm. [San Jose: 261 N. 2nd St.; 408-771-9871]

IRISH

Outdoor Dining With the Bay Area’s generally temperate climate, al fresco eating is an option almost yearround. Check out our picks of some of the best outdoor dining spots in the South Bay. SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET This meeting spot with over 20 food vendors offers a large outdoor seating area perfect for warm weather. Downtown San Jose SANTANA ROW Stroll the row and take your pick from the huge array of dining choices with outdoor seating, European-style. San Jose SCOTT’S SEAFOOD You can’t beat the city views from the wide rooftop terrace at this seafood eatery, complete with a huge fireplace. Downtown San Jose LUDWIG’S GERMAN TABLE An outdoor beer garden, complete with communal seating outside the historic Germania Hall, transports you to Germany. Downtown San Jose PARCEL 104 The shaded patio here is perfect for savoring farm-to-table cuisine on summer days. Santa Clara Marriott. NICK’S NEXT DOOR This neighborhood bistro has a patio that oozes charm, with food to match. Downtown Los Gatos WINE CELLAR A spacious outdoor patio with mountain views draws crowds on warm days to enjoy carefully sourced American cuisine. Old Town Los Gatos CLAUDINE’S WINE EXPERIENCE Sip wine and nibble charcuterie by gas fire pits on the cozy patio. Big Basin Way, Saratoga 70 EXPLORE

ROSIE MCCANN’S SEE AD ON PAGE 76. Blend traditional Irish food and hospitality with a contemporary California flair and you get this casually elegant restaurant and pub. Using farm-fresh, organic ingredients, favorites such as fish and chips (with true Alaskan cod) and the signature burger share space on the menu with grilled coriander salmon, seared scallops, savory steaks and more. But food is not the only draw—the warm pub ambiance, a full bar and lounge, TV sports screens and live music or DJs all mean fun is guaranteed. Happy hour daily: 3-6:30 (Sun ‘til midnight). Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [San Jose: 355 Santana Row; 408247-1706. rosiemccanns.com]

ITALIAN CENTONOVE SEE AD ON PAGE 67. It’s all about a love for Italy—this neighborhood trattoria transports guests to the mother country through its warm hospitality,

cuisine and wines. A menu of wood-fired antipasti and pizzas, house-made pastas and other Italian specialties, such as ossobucco and branzino, is matched by a noteworthy list of Italian wines and beers, also featuring local breweries on tap. Lunch: FriSun. Dinner nightly. Open all day Fri-Sun. Happy hour: Mon-Thurs, 5-6. All Italian wines half price by the bottle on Tues. [Los Gatos: 109 W. Main St.; 408-384-4007. centonovelosgatos.com] DOPPIO ZERO Genuine Italian food and hospitality are on offer at this stylish pizzeria, restaurant and bar, where the chef, the owners, the cuisine and even the brick oven come direct from Naples. Lunch and dinner daily. [Cupertino: 10088 N. Wolfe Rd.; 408-863-0308] ENOTECA LA STORIA This classic Italian wine bar offers a wide selection of wines and beers, plus small plates to go with the drinks. Open daily. [Los Gatos: 416 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-6257272. San Jose: 320 W. St. John St.; 408-618-5455] GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA SEE AD ON PAGE 75. Modestly tucked away in a row of storefronts, this friendly, relaxed restaurant is a community favorite. Owned and operated by Sicilianborn Rosario Spatola and his wife, Georgina, it justifiably earns rave reviews for its tasty, thin-crust New-York-style pizza. But there’s more than pizza on offer here, including tempting pasta dishes, along with veal, chicken, seafood and meat entrees. Appetizers, PAESANO

salads, soups and sandwiches round out the offerings, with beer and wine to slake your thirst. Banquet facilities for up to 80. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. [Sunnyvale: 1127 N. Lawrence Expwy.; 408734-4221. giovannisnypizza.com] IL FORNAIO A stylishly informal setting with an exhibition kitchen, classic Italian fare and a focus on Italian and Californian wines are all part of the signature style here. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 302 S. Market St.; 408-271-3366. Santa Clara: 2752 Augustine Dr.; 408-217-8844] IL POSTALE This popular Italian-American bistro in Sunnyvale’s lively downtown area offers appetizers such as carpaccio and bruschetta, a wide range of tasty entrees and pastas, plus a great dessert list. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner daily. [Sunnyvale: 100 S. Murphy Ave.; 408-733-9600] MAGGIANO’S With its laid-back atmosphere, Maggiano’s is noted for its robust and lavishly sized servings of southern Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: Santana Row, 3055 Olin Ave.; 408-423-8973] PAESANO RISTORANTE ITALIANO SEE AD ON PAGE 71. Located in a refurbished, early 1900s home in San Jose’s Little Italy, this charmingly informal eatery is the place to go for well-loved classics such as fried calamari, lasagna and veal parmigiana, plus original dishes made with Sicilian flair. Sit in the cozy dining area and bar, or out on the shaded patio in fair weather. An easy walk from the SAP Center on the edge of downtown, Paesano is an ideal stop on the way to or from a Sharks game or other event. Private event seating for up to 150. Ample parking. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [San Jose: 350 W. Julian St.; 408-217-9327. paesanolittleitaly.com]

DINING: SOUTH BAY

“Best Italian Dining in San Jose” -Metro

Paesano Ristorante Italiano

lunch | dinner | full bar

a true Sicilian experience In Little Italy: 350 W. Julian St., San Jose 408 217 9327 www.paesanolittleitaly.com

KYOTO

PALACE

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

IN CAMPBELL AT THE PRUNEYARD

Voted BEST STEAKHOUSE, Silicon Valley!

Prime Certified Angus Beef Tajima Black Waygu | Fresh Seafood Monthly 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu Patio Dining | Private Dining Rooms

LOS GATOS: 206 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 408.395.6434 | Dinner Nightly DANVILLE: 200 Sycamore Valley Rd West 925.552.0505 | Lunch M-F; Dinner Nightly

www.forbesmillsteakhouse.com

Your Destination for Great Food,

Drinks & Entertaining Teppan Grill Full Lounge | Flat Screen TV for Sports Sushi Menu | Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7

PERFECT FOR CELEBRATIONS!

408-377-6456 WWW.KYOTOPALACE.COM

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 71

DINING: SOUTH BAY

DIO DEKA

KYOTO PALACE

VITO’S TRATTORIA SEE AD ON PAGE 76. Genuine Italian food and hospitality come together at this charming restaurant owned and operated by George Nobile and his son Anthony. Founded in 2002, and commonly referred to as “San Jose’s best-kept secret,” Vito’s is located near San Jose airport, just minutes from downtown. The freshest of ingredients are used in dishes from pasta to veal, seafood and steaks. The wine list includes selections from Italy and California. This is a terrific destination, whether for a business dinner, family gathering, celebration or intimate evening. Full bar, private room and catering available. Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11-2:30. Dinner: Mon-Fri, 4:30-9; Sat, 5-9. [San Jose: 90 Skyport Dr.; 408-4531000. myvitos.com]

what has made it so popular for over four decades—delicious food and entertaining pampering! Using top ingredients, house specials such as steak and lobster are prepared at each table by expert chefs who slice, cook and serve your meal right before your eyes. Try the Genji Combination of steak and jumbo prawns—it’s a long-time favorite! Sushi is also available, as is a full bar. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [San Jose: 1335 N. 1st St.; 408-453-8120. houseofgenji.net]

GOCHI FUSION TAPAS Traditional Japanese dishes are blended with contemporary flavors and served as small plates perfect for pairing with sake. Lunch: Tues-Fri. Dinner: Mon-Sat. [Cupertino: 19980 Homestead Rd.; 408-725-0542]

KYOTO PALACE SEE AD ON PAGE 71. Whether you come for the entertainment, the teppan-grilled food, the sushi or the cocktails, it’s always a fun time at this Silicon Valley icon. Professional chefs amaze you with their shows of culinary artistry as they slice, chop, dice and toss your meal right in front of you, from lobster and scallops to filet mignon. Or sit at the sushi bar and choose from a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, tempura and teriyaki. Banquet facilities available. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 4-7. [Campbell: Pruneyard Shopping Center, 1875 S. Bascom Ave.; 408-377-6456. kyotopalace.com]

HOUSE OF GENJI See ad on page 73. Visit this destination for teppan-grill dining to experience

OZUMO San Jose’s outpost of San Francisco contemporary Japanese restaurant offers sushi, izakaya,

JAPANESE

72 EXPLORE

and shareable tapas. Dinner nightly. Lunch thru dinner: SatSun. [San Jose: 355 Santana Row #1010; 408-886-3090]

MEDITERRANEAN DIO DEKA SEE AD ON PAGE 65. This classic Michelin starred restaurant is noted for its innovative Hellenic cuisine utilizing seasonal, imported and local ingredients. One side of the menu features refined spins on Greek classics, such as a deconstructed short-rib moussaka, grilled octopus and feta-brined chicken. The other side tempts with double-cut lamb chops and USDA Prime steaks from Allen Bros. of Chicago—the only Bay Area menu featuring them—grilled to perfection over a mesquite grill. Dio Deka’s impressive wine cellar carries over 1,200 labels from all over the world, including rare Burgundy and Bordeaux, and is replete with show-stopping Napa cabernets. The bar’s offerings of premium spirits include legendary Louis XIII Black Pearl cognac. Dinner nightly. [Los Gatos: Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E. Main St.; 408354-7700. diodeka.com]

MEXICAN LUNA MEXICAN KITCHEN At this popular spot for tacos, elote, margaritas and more, watch the staff making fresh corn tortillas and chips using locally farmed, non-GMO corn. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 1495 The Alameda; 408-320-2654] MEZCAL RESTAURANT & BAR SEE AD ON PAGE 75. The brick exterior, metalwork, heavy wooden furniture, Oaxacan art and beautiful bar make this one of the most distinctive dining rooms in San Jose. As urbane as the design is, however, the authentic menu offers tasty food as you would find it Oaxaca itself. Or if you’re looking for more traditional Mexican cuisine, that is also available. The full bar showcases a wide range of mezcales. Patio seating. Catering and banquets/ private parties for up to 120 available. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [San Jose: 25 W. San Fernando St.; 408-283-9595. mezcalrestaurantsj.com]

DINING: SOUTH BAY

Savor the tastes of Morocco...

SINCE 1977

Japanese Teppan-Yaki: The FUN Way to Dine 1335 N. First St., San Jose 408.453.8120 | www.houseofgenji.net

Dine on delicious Moroccan food... Watch the belly dancers swirl... Have your own “Casablanca” adventure... Lunch Mon-Fri, 11:30-2 • Dinner Daily, 6-10 Belly Dancing Thurs-Sat • Full Bar Catering • Banquet Facilities for up to 250

41 E. Gish at North 1st St., San Jose • 408.453.1983 • www.menara41.com

Terrific crêpes, both sweet and savory... Plus breakfast items, sandwiches and dinner entrées, too!

whisperscafe.com SAN JOSE: 150 S. 2ND ST.; 408.297.2850 | MON-THURS 8-3, FRI-SUN, 8-9 | HAPPY HOUR FRI-SUN 3-7 BELMONT: 390 EL CAMINO REAL; 650.594.0000 | MON-THURS 8-3 & 5-9, FRI-SUN 8-9 | HAPPY HOUR MON-THURS 5-7 & FRI-SUN 3-7

DINESHOPPLAY.COM 73

DINING: SOUTH BAY

BIRK’S RESTAURANT

SCOTT’S SEAFOOD SAN JOSE

entree choices of chicken with lemon, lamb and honey, rabbit with paprika, fish with green chermoula, prawns with red chermoula, lamb shank and a vegetarian dinner. Full bar and banquet facilities for up to 250. Located near Light Rail station, close to downtown. Belly dancing: ThursSat. Dinner daily from 6. [San Jose: 41 E. Gish Rd. at N. 1st St.; 408-453-1983. menara41.com]

MENARA MOROCCAN

MOROCCAN MENARA MOROCCAN SEE AD ON PAGE 73. You’ll think you’re dining in Casablanca in this exotic arched and tiled restaurant, serving sumptuous Moroccan cuisine and mesmerizing belly dancing for over 40 years. The menu offers five six-course dinners, with

PORTUGUESE ADEGA This Michelin-starred bistro offers contemporary Portuguese fare and wines in a warm atmosphere. Dinner: Wed-Sun. [San Jose: 1614 Alum Rock Ave.; 408-926-9075]

La Fontana Exceptional dining includes California and Mediterranean Riviera-inspired selections. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily.

At the Hilton Santa Clara 4949 Great America Pkwy Santa Clara • 408.330-0001 lafontanarestaurant.com

Winner of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice award... 74 EXPLORE

SEAFOOD EMC SEAFOOD & RAW BAR Ceviche, soft-shell crab sliders, uni pasta and lobster rolls are among the fusion dishes at this seafood chain. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: 378 Santana Row Suite 1100; 408-296-6048] SCOTT’S SEAFOOD SAN JOSE SEE AD ON PAGE 7. Known for its high-quality seafood, this downtown restaurant is a Bay Area tradition. Enjoy views of the city skyline from the sixth floor dining room or rooftop patio. Featuring fish and shellfish delivered fresh daily, menu offerings include crab cakes, oysters, Petrale sole, lobster and cioppino, along with USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, pastas and house-made desserts. Events for 10 to 300

guests can be accommodated. The Sunday morning brunch buffet offers a seafood bar, a prime rib carving station, breakfast courses, a dessert bar and live music. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Happy hour: Mon-Fri. [San Jose: 185 Park Ave.; 408971-1700. scottsseafoodsj.com]

STEAKHOUSE ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 4. Melding innovation and tradition, this swank restaurant is a refined interpretation of the classic American steakhouse, interlaced with creative Japanese techniques and influences. With its own dry-aging room, Alexander’s features Greater Omaha and imported Wagyu beef. Utilizing the

VOTED BEST SPORTS BAR IN SILICON VALLEY

A True Sports Bar

32 LARGE SCREEN TVS WITH ALL DIRECTV SPORTS PACKAGES 10 BEERS ON TAP • FULL BAR • BURGERS, PIZZA, SALADS & MORE • HAPPY HOUR

354 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos • 408.395.6882 •doubleds.com

DINING: SOUTH BAY

Sa b Oaxaocraa!

MEXICAN RESTAURANT & BAR

LUNCH - DINNER - KID’S MENU - CATERING - BANQUETS FOR UP TO 120 HAPPY HOUR - FULL BAR - TEQUILA BAR - PATIO SEATING

408.283.9595 | 25 W. San Fernando St., Downtown San Jose mezcalrestaurantsj.com

ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE

finest products, the menu includes prime seafood and is matched by an award-winning wine selection. Lunch: Tues-Sat. Dinner nightly. [Cupertino: 19379 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408-446-2222. alexanderssteakhouse.com] BIRK’S RESTAURANT SEE AD ON PAGE 9. Known for its outstanding hardwood-grilled steaks, chops and seafood, this first-rate establishment with a vibrant city feel has evolved into a South Bay dining icon since its inception in 1989. Whether for a power lunch, a special occasion or a casual meal, the atmosphere of relaxed elegance sets the stage for a stellar dining experience, complemented by a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, craft beers and cocktails. Located at Highway 101 and Great America Parkway, near Levi’s Stadium. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Bar menu: 2:30-9:30. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 4-6; Sat, 5-7. [Santa Clara: 3955 Freedom Circle; 408-980-6400. birksrestaurant.com] DIO DEKA SEE AD ON PAGE 65. Noted for innovative Hellenic cuisine, this Michelin-rated dining destination also tempts diners with double-cut lamb chops and USDA Prime steaks from Allen Bros. of Chicago—the only Bay Area menu to feature

them—grilled to perfection over a mesquite grill. For more details, see under Mediterranean (page 72). [Los Gatos: Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E. Main St.; 408-354-7700. diodeka.com] FORBES MILL STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 71. Head to this award-winning restaurant for the finest of steaks— Prime Certified Angus Beef—as well as Wagyu and grass-fed beef. This stylish steakhouse and bar also offers fresh seafood including lobster tail, sea bass, salmon and ahi tuna. House-made desserts and a Wine Spectator Best of Excellence Award-winning wine list round out your experience, along with beers, hand-crafted specialty cocktails and an extensive spirits

Gio van n i’s Pizzeria New York-Style Thin Crust Pizza

Plus Pastas, Entrées, Sandwiches & More

1127 N. Lawrence Expwy., Sunnyvale 408.734.4221 | www.giovannisnypizza.com

NEW STYLE, INNOVATIVE CHINESE CUISINE

DIM SUM, LUNCH & DINNER DAILY • CORPORATE DELIVERY • CATERING MILPITAS SQUARE 428 Barber Lane, Milpitas 408-922-2700

UNION CITY HONG KONG FLOWER LOUNGE 34348 Alvarado Niles Rd 51 Millbrae Ave., Millbrae 510-489-8386 650-692-6666

www.mayflower-seafood.com

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DINING: SOUTH BAY

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

A W O N D E R F U L TA S T E O F L I T T L E I TA LY. . .

A Local Favorite for Traditional Italian Food Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11-2:30. Dinner: Mon-Fri, 4:30-9; Sat, 5-9.

90 Skyport Dr., San Jose • 408-453-1000 • www.myvitos.com

The Bay Area’s Best Restaurant for

Chinese Islamic Seafood

DARDA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Also Specializing in

Northern Chinese Cuisine Open daily for lunch & dinner VIP Rooms for Meetings & Gatherings

Milpitas Square, 296 Barber Ct, Milpitas • 408-433-5199 76 EXPLORE

collection. Banquet rooms and patio dining are available. Dinner nightly. [Los Gatos: 206 N. Santa Cruz Ave.; 408-395-6434. Also in Danville: 200 Sycamore Valley Rd.; 925-552-0505. forbesmillsteakhouse.com] THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY Modeled after the great grills of New York in the 1930s and ’40s, this classic steakhouse offers a menu to suit all tastes. Extensive wine list. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Jose: Fairmont Hotel, 172 S. Market St.; 408-294-2244] MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 69. Located in downtown San Jose, Morton’s prides itself on quality and consistency, featuring USDA Prime aged steak, fresh seafood, hand-picked produce, delicious appetizers and decadent desserts. Witness the hustle and bustle of the technology industry’s elite as you dine in the luxurious and sophisticated dining room or, for a more casual experience, in the bar or outside on the patio. Private dining spaces accommodate groups both small and large. Mon-Thurs, 5:30-10pm; Fri, 5:3011pm; Sat, 5-11pm; Sun, 5-10pm. [San Jose: 177 Park Ave.; 408947-7000. mortons.com/sanjose]

WINE BAR DISTRICT SAN JOSE This communal spot brings together a menu of small plates and house-made charcuterie with an extensive wine and whiskey selection. Mon-Sat evening ‘til late. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [San Jose: 65 N. San Pedro St.; 669-292-5252]

BEST VEGAN & VEGETARIAN IN THE SOUTH BAY

More and more restaurants are adding meat-free options to their menus, but these spots are strictly devoted to vegan and vegetarian fare. LOVING HUT This well-known international vegan chain offers a wide-ranging menu. San Jose (Oakridge), Santa Clara (Valley Fair) and Milpitas (Milpitas Square); lovinghut.us THE HAPPY HOOLIGANS Vegan takes on bar bites at this no-frills cafe range from chili cheese fries with nut cheeses to Mexican food (hello, jackfruit carnitas). South San Jose; happy-hooligans.com GOOD KARMA ARTISAN ALES Global vegan food and craft beer are the focus at this well-loved downtown spot. Downtown San Jose; goodkarmasj.com VEGETARIAN HOUSE This longtime organic vegan restaurant offers a range of tasty dishes from around the globe. 5 mins from downtown San Jose; vegetarianhouse.com GOLDEN BAMBOO One of San Jose’s many Vietnamese restaurants, this vegetarian option has an expansive menu. Southeast San Jose; 408-270-8350 URBAN REMEDY Fresh, ready-toeat plant-based meals, juices and snacks are available at this retail location. Downtown Los Gatos; urbanremedy.com

DINING: PENINSULA

KINCAID’SFISH, CHOP & STEAKHOUSE

AFGHAN KABUL AFGHAN CUISINE SEE AD ON PAGE 84. Exquisitely flavorful Afghan cuisine awaits you in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Afghan home, with beautiful rugs, draperies, colorful costumes and dramatic photos. Favorites include the combination kebab, featuring two generous skewers of grilled lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp or fish on a bed of basmati rice, as well as the Korma Challaw Badenjah—tender chunks of beef and eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger and herbs. Wine and beer available. Private room for up to 35. Lunch daily, 11:30-2. Dinner nightly, 5:45-9:45. [San Carlos: 135 El Camino Real; 650594-2840. www.kabulcuisine.co]

AMERICAN

PENINSULA DINING RESTAURANT LISTINGS FOR: BELMONT BURLINGAME LOS ALTOS MENLO PARK MOUNTAIN VIEW PALO ALTO REDWOOD CITY SAN CARLOS SAN MATEO

ALANA’S CAFÉ SEE ADS ON PAGE 80. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, these two neighborhood gems prepare comfort food with gourmet-quality ingredients. The owners believe in using only fresh seasonal produce for the utmost in flavor, offering a diverse menu that ranges from egg scrambles and Swedish oatmeal pancakes to sandwiches, salads, soups and daily lunch specialties. Whether in Burlingame’s cozy spot or at Redwood City’s quaint historic Victorian house with intimate dining rooms and garden seating, the setting is equally pleasant. Catering and private parties in the evenings offered in Redwood City. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, with breakfast served ‘til close. [Redwood City: 1020 Main St.; 650-366-1498. Burlingame: 1408 Burlingame Ave.; 650-3480417. www.alanascafe.com] BUCK’S OF WOODSIDE This local institution has been serving up comfort food in a funky setting since 1991. Open daily. [Woodside: 3062 Woodside Rd.; 650-851-8010] EUREKA! Elevated American fare, craft beer and spirits are served in a stylishly rustic environment. Lunch and dinner daily. [Mountain View: 191 Castro St.; 650-426-0582]

FLIGHTS Small plates, cocktails, wine and beer are all served as trio flights, with food meant to be enjoyed family style. Lunch and dinner daily. [Mountain View: 800 California St.; 650-386-6424. Burlingame: 1100 Burlingame Ave.; 650-513-6059] KINCAID’S FISH, CHOP & STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 79. Fresh seafood, quality steaks and a waterside setting have long made this a favored dining destination on the Peninsula. Picture windows offer wonderful views of San Francisco Bay—a perfect setting to enjoy a menu ranging from lobster bisque, oysters and seasonal fresh fish to rock-saltroasted prime rib and grilled steaks. You’ll also enjoy handprepared salads and hand-crafted desserts. Top off your evening with a nightcap in the lounge with its floor-to-ceiling mirrored bar. Happy hour daily. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner daily. Located just minutes south of San Francisco International Airport. [Burlingame: 60 Bayview Pl.; 650-342-9844]

AMERICAN, CONTEMPORARY ALL SPICE RESTAURANT Husband-and-wife team Sachin Chopra and Shoshana Wolff have turned a 1906 Victorian house into a dining destination blending New American cuisine with Indian and other influences. Dinner nightly. [San Mateo: 1602 S. El Camino Real; 650-627-4303] BIRD DOG The high-quality cuisine in this minimalist bistro reflects a spectrum of global flavors, with an emphasis on Northern California and Japanese. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 420 Ramona St.; 650-656-8180] CAMPER San Francisco chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel brings his culinary chops to the Peninsula with this dining spot focused on refined comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. Lunch and dinner: Mon-Sat. [Menlo Park: 898 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-321-8980]

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MADERA Market-driven cuisine is prepared on a wood-burning grill. The handsome setting features outdoor seating with mountain views. Lunch: Mon-Sat. Brunch: Sun. Dinner nightly. [Menlo Park: Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel, 2825 Sand Hill Rd.; 650-561-1540]

OAK + VIOLET A buzzy new hotel restaurant with food and drink not to be missed, Oak + Violet honors California produce, meat, seafood, wines and beer in a slick atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch on weekends. [Menlo Park: 1400 El Camino Real; 650-304-3880]

OAK + VIOLET

Outdoor Dining

With the Bay Area’s generally temperate climate, al fresco eating is an option almost year-round. Check out our picks for some of the best outdoor dining spots on the mid Peninsula. BRITISH BANKERS CLUB The renovated BBC offers one of the few rooftop options in the area, with both food and drinks available (21 and over only). Downtown Menlo Park; 650-382-3191 CASCAL Come summer, outdoor tables on the terrace are in high demand at this fun tapas spot. Downtown Mountain View; 650-940-9500 DINAH’S POOLSIDE GRILL Grab a drink and a bite to eat poolside at this long-established but still hidden gem. Palo Alto; 650-798-1314 JOYA A covered patio opening up to the street offers prime people watching to go with the Latin tapas. Downtown Palo Alto; 650-853-9800 VINO LOCALE Pair wines with seasonal fare in a garden setting, with live music on many evenings. Downtown Palo Alto; 650-328-0450 MAYFIELD BAKERY & CAFE Eat under an oak tree at this bakery’s patio at Town & Country Village. Palo Alto; 650-853-9200 CAFE BORRONE There are plenty of outdoor tables at this European-style cafe, plus a great bookstore next door. Downtown Menlo Park; 650-327-0830 MADERA Seasonal cuisine is served with mountain views on the terrace at this upscale place. West Menlo Park; 650-561-1540

PIACERE RESTAURANT A menu of locally grown produce, premium meats and fresh seafood can be enjoyed in the open-air lounge, on the patio or sidewalk, or in the elegant dining room. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Brunch: Sat-Sun. Dinner nightly. [San Carlos: 727 Laurel St.; 650-592-3536] PROTÉGÉ RESTAURANT Awarded a Michelin star in its first year of business, this brainchild of a former chef and sommelier from famed The French Laundry offers inventive dining in an à-la-carte lounge or more formal, prix fixe dining room. [Palo Alto: 250 California Ave.; 650-494-4181] THREE CRAFT KITCHEN & BAR A communal atmosphere provides an enjoyable setting for a diverse global menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. [San Mateo: 50 E. 3rd Ave.; 650-344-9444] TOWN Premium steaks and chops, local seafood and creative cocktails are all part of the draw at this happening spot. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [San Carlos: 716 Laurel St.; 650-595-3003] VAULT 164 SEE AD ON PAGE 83. It may be located in downtown San Mateo’s old Crocker Bank building, but there is nothing outdated about this place. Relax in the vibrant, hip atmosphere and enjoy contemporary American cuisine—from innovative appetizers, salads, small plates and seafood dishes to aged steaks and ribs. Or catch the action at the bar, with handmade cocktails, a large selection of beers on tap

ALANA’S CAFÉ The charming garden is a perfect setting for tasty brunches and lunches. Downtown Redwood City; 650-366-1498 LV MAR Enjoy cocktails and tapas on the sidewalk, with heat lamps to kill the chill when needed. Redwood City; 650-241-3111 OAK + VIOLET Plush couches, heat lamps, craft cocktails and bar bites make the open-air patio well worth a stop. Downtown Menlo Park; 650-304-3880 PIACERE An open lounge and heated patio make this downtown restaurant comfortable for outdoor dining year-round. Downtown San Carlos; 650-592-3536 PIZZERIA DELFINA Enjoy a thin-crust pizza and glass of Italian wine on the lush, trellis-lined patio at this casual eatery. Palo Alto; 650-353-2208 SIXTO’S Sidewalk seating means diners can enjoy the festive summer atmosphere of the avenue at this bustling Mexican spot. Downtown Burlingame; 650-342-7600 78 EXPLORE

THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE

and over 20 wines by the glass. Private room for up to 64. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner daily. [San Mateo: 164 South B St.; 650-348-8164. vault164.com]

BRAZILIAN ESPETUS Authentic Brazilian food is served rodizio style, with different cuts of spit-roasted meats carved at your table. Full bar. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Mateo: 710 S. B St.; 650-342-8700] PAMPAS This swanky churrascaria offers unlimited portions of spitroasted meats. A side salad bar is included in the prix fixe menu. Full bar. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 529 Alma St.; 650-327-1323]

CALIFORNIA/SEASONAL MAYFIELD BAKERY & CAFE The wood-fired rotisserie and grill take center stage in preparing rustic seasonal cuisine. Outdoor seating. Breakfast and lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch: Sat-Sun. [Palo Alto: Town & Country Village; 650-853-9200] THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 82. Take a scenic drive to this ridgetop haven in the redwoods and enjoy a memorable meal in a rustic atmosphere. A menu of California and American cuisine highlights fresh seafood and game specials, along with steaks, pasta and homemade desserts. Dine in the elegant, candlelit dining room or the forest room.

DINING: PENINSULA

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DINING: PENINSULA

CHEF CHU’S

Gourmet comfort food in a historic Victorian home with a tranquil garden setting Breakfast, Lunch, Catering & Private Events 1020 MAIN ST., REDWOOD CITY 650.366.1498 WWW.ALANASCAFE.COM

Authentic Regional Mexican Cuisine Those in a more casual mood can order a meal or appetizers beside the stone fireplace in the friendly “come as you are” bar. Private dining available. Half-hour drive from I-280 on the mid-Peninsula or from Half Moon Bay. Dinner: Wed-Sun. Sun: Bar open from 2. [Woodside: 13808 Skyline Blvd.; 650-851-8541. themountainhouse.com]

Handcrafted Cocktails | Patio & Sidewalk Seating Private & Semi-Private Dining

ST. MICHAEL’S ALLEY Once a bohemian beatnik café, this is now a refined spot for modern California fare. Outdoor seating available. Lunch: Tues-Fri. Dinner: Tues-Sat. [Palo Alto: 140 Homer Ave.; 650-326-2530]

Open daily at 11:30am 1448 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame 650.342.7600 www.sixtoscantina.com

VIOGNIER It’s all about quality and refinement at this trusty dining establishment dedicated to fresh, seasonally inspired cuisine. The award-winning wine selection provides the final touch. Dinner: Mon-Sat. [San Mateo: 222 East 4th Ave.; 650-685-3727]

CHINESE ESTABLISHED 1993

Gourmet comfort food in a cozy & charming neighborhood setting. Breakfast, Lunch & Catering

1408 BURLINGAME AVE. BURLINGAME 650.348.0417 WWW.ALANASCAFE.COM 80 EXPLORE

CHEF CHU’S SEE AD ON FACING PAGE. This Peninsula favorite hasn’t skipped a beat since opening in 1970, still drawing both crowds and accolades for its food. Charismatic owner and chef Lawrence Chu continues to supervise the restaurant, now joined by his son Larry. Delivering authentic renditions of the four famous Chinese gastronomic cuisines—Sichuan,

Beijing, Shanghai and Canton— the menu includes such delicious choices as baked miso-glazed sea bass and wok-seared tangerine beef. Full bar, extensive wine list, catering, banquets and food to go available. Lunch and dinner daily. [Los Altos: 1067 N. San Antonio Rd.; 650-948-2696. chefchu.com] HONG KONG FLOWER LOUNGE SEE AD ON PAGE 82. Just minutes from San Francisco airport, this well-established dining destination is renowned for its dim sum lunches and Cantonese seafood specialties, offering a balance between contemporary and traditional. The Chinese-style banquet hall bustles with lunchtime crowds, business dinners, family reunions and special celebrations, with private rooms and facilities for up to 200. Patrons can also enjoy a full bar and cocktail lounge. Reservations recommended. Open daily for dim sum, lunch and dinner. [Millbrae: 51 Millbrae Ave.; 650-692-6666. mayflower-seafood.com]

CREOLE NOLA With seven unique dining areas, this lively New-Orleans-themed spot offers a menu of Creole, Cajun and Southwestern cuisine. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 535 Ramona St.; 650-328-2722]

DINING: PENINSULA

CREPERIE

GASTROPUB

WHISPERS CAFÉ & CREPERIE SEE AD ON PAGE 73. Crepes are the specialties here, from the savory Alcatraz—with shrimp, avocado, mozzarella, cilantro, mushrooms, onions and garlic—to the sweet Whispers, filled with strawberries, bananas and Nutella. But choices extend to full egg breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees such as a New York steak or panseared salmon. In other words, there’s something for everyone. Coffee drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, beer, wine and margaritas complement your meal. Happy hour: Mon-Thurs, 5-7pm; Fri-Sun, 3-7pm. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. [Belmont: 390 El Camino Real; 650-594-0000]

MARTINS WEST Both pub and restaurant, this relaxed spot highlights seasonal cuisine and Scottish pub fare along with hand-crafted cocktails. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner: Mon-Sat. [Redwood City: 831 Main St.; 650-366-4366]

FRENCH

GEORGIAN BEVRI A rare Georgian eatery in the Bay Area, Bevri is known for its khinkali dumplings, khachapuri (cheese-filled bread with butter and egg), kebabs and many Georgian wines. Dinner daily. Lunch on weekends. [Palo Alto: 530 Bryant St.; 650-384-6500]

GREEK

BAUMÉ Combining classic traditions with experimental techniques, chef Bruno Chemel’s seasonal prix fixe offerings are savored in an intimate dining room. The French chef holds two Michelin stars. By reservation only. Lunch: Thurs-Sat. Dinner: Wed-Sat. [Palo Alto: 201 S. California Ave.; 650-328-8899]

EVVIA ESTIATORIO Signature Greek dishes are found alongside local interpretations of traditional Hellenic favorites at this charming downtown restaurant, so popular you may have trouble making a reservation. Lunch: MonFri. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 420 Emerson St.; 650-326-0983]

CHEZ TJ Located in an intimate Victorian home, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a prix fixe meal of contemporary French cuisine by chef Jarad Gallagher. Dinner: Tues-Sat. [Mountain View: 938 Villa St.; 650-964-7466]

TAVERNA Two former Evvia employees have teamed up to open this fresh take on traditional Greek food, with a strong emphasis on seasonality and hospitality. Lunch and dinner: Mon-Sat. [Palo Alto: 800 Emerson St., 650-304-3840]

CUISINETT This counter-service restaurant offers French comfort food. The menu may not be extensive, but the tasty choices—from mussels to coq au vin—have made this a local favorite. Outdoor seating available. Lunch daily. Dinner: Mon-Sat. [San Carlos: 1105 San Carlos Ave.; 650-453-3390]

INDIAN

LEFT BANK With a simple, seasonal menu, this Parisian-style brasserie showcases authentic French cuisine in a casual, elegant setting. Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor seating available. [Menlo Park: 635 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-473-6543]

A PENINSULA TRADITION SINCE 1970

RASA From dosas to curries, modern South Indian coastal cuisine honors India’s culinary heritage while celebrating California’s agricultural bounty. Lunch and dinner daily. [Burlingame: 209 Park Rd.; 650-340-7272] ZAREEN’S This small, casual joint offers both familiar and innovative halal spins on Indian and Pakistani cuisine. [Mountain View: 1477 Plymouth St.; 650-641-0335. Palo Alto: 365 California Ave.; 650-600-8438]

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

-Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto Daily, Metro Newspaper, 2019

“...PACE-SETTING GOURMET CHINESE FOOD” -Zagat Guide

“...A LANDMARK OF BAY AREA DINING” -Metro Newspaper

LUNCH & DINNER • COCKTAILS BANQUETS • GOURMET FOOD TO GO

1067 N. San Antonio Road at El Camino Real Los Altos | 650.948.2696 www.chefchus.com

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The Mountain House -RESTAURANT & BAR-

ITALIAN DONATO ENOTECA This urban restaurant offers contemporary seasonal cuisine and a wine list focused on Italian boutique wineries. Outdoor seating available. Lunch and dinner daily. [Redwood City: 1041 Middlefield Rd.; 650-791-1000] DOPPIO ZERO It’s all about Italian food and hospitality at this stylish restaurant and bar. The chef, the owners, the wood-fired pizzas and the cuisine come direct from Naples. Lunch and dinner daily. [Mountain View: 160 Castro St.; 650-938-4147]

A Destination Restaurant in the Redwoods Casual Bar & Lounge | Elegantly Rustic Dining Room | Open Forest Room Open Wed-Sat from 5pm; Sun from 2pm.

13808 Skyline Blvd, Woodside • 650.851.8541

(Located 6 miles south of Hwy 92; 1 mile north of King’s Mtn Rd)

www.themountainhouse.com

HONG KONG

IL FORNAIO Classic Italian food is served in a stylishly informal setting with an exhibition kitchen. The wine list focuses on Italian and Californian. Lunch and dinner daily. [Palo Alto: 520 Cowper St.; 650-853-3888. Burlingame: 327 Lorton Ave.; 650-375-8000] PAUSA Wood-fired pizzas and authentic Italian fare made from scratch are paired with an all-Italian wine list at this stylish trattoria. [San Mateo: 223 E. 4th Ave.; 650-375-0818] RISTORANTE ROCCA SEE AD ON PAGE 10. Whimsical murals, a lofty Florentine ceiling and a Venetian-style balcony provide a pleasing ambiance to complement fine northern Italian cuisine, inspired by California influences. Located just minutes from airport hotels, Rocca offers delicious, trattoria-style dishes including veal, chicken, seafood and beef, as well as signature house-made pasta dishes. Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive yet affordable list of Italian and domestic wines. Afterwards, linger over a rich tiramisu and enjoy la dolce vita. Full bar. Private events for up to 130 guests. Lunch: Mon-Sat. Dinner: Mon-Sun. [Burlingame: 1205 Broadway Ave.; 650-344-3900; ristoranterocca.com]

DIM SUM, LUNCH & DINNER DAILY | CATERING 51 Millbrae Ave., Millbrae | 650-692-6666 www.mayflower-seafood.com 82 EXPLORE

TERÚN This Italian-owned eatery specializes in pasta, southern Italian entrees and wood-fired pizzas.

RISTORANTE ROCCA

Outdoor patio dining. Lunch and dinner daily. [Palo Alto: 448 California Ave; 650-600-8310] VESTA This neighborhood restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas (try the sausage-honey pie) and small plates. Lunch and dinner: Tues-Sat. [Redwood City: 2022 Broadway St.; 650-362-5052] VINA ENOTECA Hearty farm-to-table Italian food checks off all the classics here— cacio e pepe, Bolognese, Margherita pizza. Lunch and dinner: Mon-Sat. [Palo Alto: 700 Welch Road; 650-646-3477] VIVACE Northern Italian cuisine and fine wines are served in a warm setting at this local favorite. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [Belmont: 1910 Ralston Ave.; 650-637-0611]

DINING: PENINSULA

JAPANESE NOBU Peruvian-accented Japanese food provides an upscale option for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. [Palo Alto: Nobu Hotel, 180 Hamilton Ave.; 650-666-3322] SEIYA Fresh, contemporary Japanese cuisine is served up in a small, stylish dining area. Lunch: TuesFri. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [San Carlos: 741 Laurel St.; 650-508-8888] SHIKI SUSHI & JAPANESE CUISINE SEE AD ON INSIDE BACK COVER Traditional Japanese cuisine is given a vibrant touch at this group of restaurants. Expert chefs prepare a wide range of fresh sushi, along with appetizers such as grilled scallops, agedashi tofu and tempura. Menu favorites include sesame-seed-crusted seared tuna and Snow Dragon Roll (crab meat with tempura shrimp, topped with fresh tuna, salmon and crab meat), but you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong with anything you order here. Lunch and dinner daily (San Mateo Hillsdale Blvd. closed Sun). Full bar, private room and extensive wine list at San Carlos. [San Mateo: 1332 W. Hillsdale Blvd.; 650-341-8988. Also: 1040 Park Place; 650-2123688. Half Moon Bay: 20 Stone Pine Rd.; 650-712-8886. San Carlos: 825 Laurel St.; 650-5932275. Foster City (opening 2019): 1100 Foster Square Ln. #145. www.shikirestaurants.com]

Best Steaks & Martinis in Town SINCE 1974

1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto | 650.321.6798 | sundancethesteakhouse.com

Eclectic, Contemporary American Cuisine In the Heart of Downtown San Mateo

SHIKI SUSHI

164 S. B Street, San Mateo | 650.348.8164 | www.vault164.com

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DINING: PENINSULA

CASCAL

BLACK PEPPER RESTAURANT

SUSHI SAM EDOMATA The sushi alone draws throngs to this no-frills joint. Sit at the bar for the omakase experience. Lunch and dinner: Tues-Sat. [San Mateo: 218 E. 3rd Ave.; 650-344-0888] SUSHI YOSHIZUMI Master chef Akira Yoshizumi crafts omakase tasting menus, savored in a chic environment. Dinner: Wed-Sun. [San Mateo: 325 E. 4th Ave.; 650-437-2282]

LATIN AMERICAN/ SPANISH CASCAL SEE AD ON PAGE 79. Old-World taste meets New-World appeal at this lively and stylish restaurant in downtown Mountain View. Cascal brings together the culinary traditions of Spain, South America and Mexico. Bold flavors and warm hospitality are matched

with sexy cocktails, vibrant music and epicurean delights—from tapas and ceviches to traditional paellas and hearty entrees. The festive dining room is the backdrop for a fun and casual dining experience, while the heated outdoor patio offers al fresco dining. Lunch and dinner daily. [Mountain View: 400 Castro St.; 650-9409500. cascalrestaurant.com] JOYA RESTAURANT A menu of contemporary panLatin-American tapas and creative cocktails is the draw at this sleek space with a covered patio. Open daily from 11:30. [Palo Alto: 339 University Ave.; 650-853-9800] LV MAR Artisanal cocktails and creative tapas make up the innovative menu at this downtown spot. Open daily for lunch and dinner. [Redwood City: 2042 Broadway St.; 650-241-3111]

Family owned and operated since 1965! Full bar & banquet facilities. Open daily.

SIXTO’S CANTINA

MALAYSIAN/ SOUTHEAST ASIAN BLACK PEPPER RESTAURANT SEE AD ON PAGE 85. This handsome restaurant highlights traditional and modern Southeast Asian flavors, featuring Malaysian cuisine, with touches of Thai, Indian and Chinese. Treat your taste buds to delicious dishes such as wok-seared

KABUL Afghan Cuisine “Fabulous food” “Deliciously different”

-TRIP ADVISOR

MEXICAN RESTAURANT celiasrestaurants.com

“Fantastic lamb dishes” “Wonderful kebabs” -ZAGAT

135 El Camino Real, San Carlos 650.594.2840 kabulcuisine.co

rempah calamari, Singaporean black pepper beef tenderloin, coconut jumbo prawns, sambal scallops, curry laksa and mee goreng—and be sure to save room for the wonderful homemade desserts. Craft cocktails and a full bar add to the fun. Catering available. Lunch and dinner: Mon-Sat. [Menlo Park: 1029 El Camino Real; 650-485-2345. blackpepper-usa.com]

DINING: PENINSULA

MEXICAN CELIA’S SEE AD ON PAGE 84. Celia’s is all about tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere without pretenses, prepared with passion and attention to healthy cooking. Salsa, guacamole and hand-made tamales are prepared fresh daily, and artisan margaritas are fixed to order. Home-style Mexican specialties range from albondigas soup and fajitas to seafood platters and steak à la Mexicana. Lunch and dinner daily. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 3-7, at the bar and patio. [Palo Alto: 3740 El Camino Real; 650-843-0643. Menlo Park: 1850 El Camino Real; 650-3218227. San Mateo: 504 Peninsula Ave.; 650-343-5886. Also in San Mateo: 3190 Campus Dr.; 650-349-0165. San Bruno: 201 El Camino Real; 650-877-8245. Daly City: 379 Gellert Blvd.; 650-755-6213. celiasmexicanrestaurants.com] QUINTO SOL Stylish and inviting, this downtown restaurant and tequila bar serves upscale Pueblan cuisine. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [Redwood City: 2201 Broadway St.; 650365-5765]

THE SEA BY ALEXANDER’S

PATISSERIE ALEXANDER’S PATISSERIE SEE AD ON PAGE 4. This traditional European patisserie and bakery offers an exquisite selection of savory and sweet treats using only top-quality ingredients, accompanied by La Colombe coffee. The croissants are almost legendary, and the wide range of macarons and chocolates are a constant rave. Pastries and gourmet sandwiches are also on the menu, and their custom cakes are works of art. Open Tues-Sun. [Mountain View: 209 Castro St.; 650-864-9999. alexanderspatisserie.com]

MADEMOISELLE COLETTE This French patisserie specializes in pastries as well as salads, soups and brunch items. Open daily. [Palo Alto: 499 Lytton Ave.; 650-272-6873. Menlo Park: 816 Santa Cruz Ave.; 650-644-8469]

PERUVIAN LIMON ROTISSERIE Peruvian cuisine at this vibrant spot highlights ceviches and rotisserie chicken. The yucca fries should not be missed—better yet with a pisco sour. Lunch and dinner daily. [Burlingame: 1101 Burlingame Ave.; 650-727-0050]

SEAFOOD THE SEA BY ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 4. The Bay Area’s premier seafood dining destination distinguishes itself by focusing on rich, sumptuous morsels from the sea, prepared with modern technique and flair. The talented culinary team blends Japanese sensibility and ingredients with contemporary cuisine to transform its menu into something extraordinary. Be sure to try the hamachi shots. Dinner nightly. Social hour: Mon-Fri, 5-6. [Palo Alto: 4269 El Camino Real; 650-213-1111. theseausa.com]

REPOSADO This eating house and bar offers high-end Mexican fare with great margaritas to boot. Lunch and dinner daily. [Palo Alto: 236 Hamilton Ave.; 650-833-3151] SIXTO’S CANTINA SEE AD ON PAGE 80. This lively restaurant with colorful, hacienda-style décor invites you to enjoy inspired Mexican cuisine rooted in Jaliscan tradition and made with fresh, seasonal California ingredients. Proprietors Teresa Lindhartsen and Francesca Tashjian (also of Alana’s Café) opened this restaurant to showcase the creative talents of their chef Benjamin Prieto. Pair your meal with artisanal cocktails made with top-quality spirits and tequilas, and infused with fresh juices and herbs. Outdoor seating is available, as well as a private event space. Open daily for lunch and dinner. [Burlingame: 1448 Burlingame Ave.; 650-342-7600. sixtoscantina.com]

Delicious Malaysian & Southeast Asian Cuisine

Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Menu Available

Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat | Full Bar 1029 EL CAMINO REAL, MENLO PARK | 650.485.2345 | WWW.BLACKPEPPER-USA.COM

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DINING: PENINSULA

STEAKHOUSE FLEMING’S The menu at this high-end steakhouse features aged prime beef and classics such as lobster tails and pork chops. The wine list includes 100 wines by the glass. Dinner daily. Sunday brunch. [Palo Alto: Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino; 650-329-8457] SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE SEE AD ON PAGE 83. Since opening its doors in 1974, Sundance The Steakhouse has been one of Palo Alto’s top dining destinations. Earning critical acclaim for both its classic steakhouse cuisine and extensive wine list, Sundance is well-known among food and wine connoisseurs, who enjoy a comfortable yet lively dining experience, delivered with professional service. Savor exclusively aged prime steaks along with the house specialty—slow-roasted prime rib. The menu also features succulent fresh seafood, jumbo cold-water lobster tail, appetizing side dishes and decadent desserts. Handcrafted cocktails, local brews and premium wines by the glass can also be enjoyed in the vintage sports lounge. Lunch: Mon-Fri.

Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 1921 El Camino Real; 650-321-6798. sundancethesteakhouse.com]

VIETNAMESE TAMARINE Modern Vietnamese cuisine at this sleek dining spot is served with a selection of fine wines and great cocktails. Lunch: Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 546 University Ave.; 650-325-8500] SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUE

PACIFIC CATCH This local mini chain focuses on sustainable seafood with a California bent. Lunch and dinner daily. [Mountain View: 545 San Antonio Rd.; 650-941-1810. San Mateo: 243 S B St.; 650-389-2482]

WINE BARS CASK WINE BAR Locals love to mingle at this lively wine bar, where the diverse selection of wines can be enjoyed with a menu of cheeses, charcuterie, burgers, fish, pastas and more. Sidewalk patio seating is available year-round. Lunch and dinner daily. [San Carlos: 782 Laurel St.; 650-610-0438] CRU This modern and rustic wine bar and bistro dishes up tasty small plates for pairing with artisanal wines. Open daily. [Redwood City: 900 Middlefield Rd.; 650-362-3535] VINO LOCALE Specializing in Californian wines and seasonal cuisine, this European-style wine bar offers live music nightly. Lunch: Tues-Sun. Dinner nightly. [Palo Alto: 431 Kipling St.; 650-328-0450]

SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE

Happiest Happy Hours

We’ve handpicked some of the best spots to find good deals and fun times during happy hour. B STREET & VINE All wines are half off at this wine café. Mon-Fri, 12-5pm. [San Mateo: 320 S B St.; 650-347-8463] CALAVE This neighborhood wine bar offers wines and bar bites at lowered prices. Daily, 4-6pm. [Palo Alto: 299 California Ave.; 650-521-0443] CASCAL “Mojito Madness” happy hour at this spirited, colorful spot includes sangria and tapas. Mon-Fri, 3:30-6:30. [Mountain View: 400 Castro St.; 650-940-9510] LV MAR Craft cocktails and a wide variety of tasty pan-Latin tapas can be had at friendly prices at the bar/patio. Mon-Fri, 3-6pm. [Redwood City: 2042 Broadway; 650-241-3111] MORTAR & PESTLE “Social Hour” at this hip spot features Indian-spiced craft drinks and street food. Daily, 4-6pm. [San Mateo: 130 Main St.; 650-830-5310] NOLA Drink and eat at special prices as you party New Orleans style. MonFri, 4-6pm; Fri, 11:30am-6pm. [Palo Alto: 535 Ramona St.; 650-328-2722] PAUSA Catch “Spritz Hour,” with discounted drinks and bites at the bar and on the patio. Daily, 5-6:30pm. [San Mateo: 223 E. 4th Ave.; 650-375-0818] SAVVY WINE CELLAR Pop in for themed happy hours at this cozy wine bar at the train station. Tues-Thurs, 4-6pm; Fri, 2-6pm. [Mountain View: 750 West Evelyn Ave.; 650-969-3958] SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE The clubby sports lounge at this well-established steakhouse is a perfect place to gather for fun at the end of the day, with happy prices on drinks 4-6pm and appetizers 5-6pm. [Palo Alto: 1921 El Camino Real; 650-321-6798] TACOLICIOUS Head to this trendy Mexican favorite for discounted tacos and drinks, including the T-Lish Prix-Fixe special—a shot of tequila, a can of Tecate and a taco for just $13. Mon-Fri, 3-6pm. [Palo Alto: 632 Emerson St. 415-649-6077] TRATTORIA DA VITTORIO There’s plenty of action at the bar of this Italian restaurant for generously priced drinks and appetizers during happy hour. Daily, 3-6pm. [San Carlos: 617 Laurel St.; 650-591-5700] VINO LOCALE This intimate European-style wine bar and bistro offers special wine flights and tasty bar food. Mon-Fri, 5-6:30pm. [Palo Alto: 431 Kipling St.; 650-328-0450]

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From craft cocktail bars and casinos to jazz and comedy clubs, there are plenty of options for fun after dark.

AFTER HOURS BARS & LOUNGES SOUTH BAY 55 SOUTH This bar and lounge is known for its craft cocktails as well as its extensive wine list and whiskey selections. It’s said that regulars come here just for the Moscow Mules. Mon-Sat, 4pm-2am; Sun, 7pm-2am. [San Jose: 55 S. 1st St.; 408-288-6000] THE CONTINENTAL Located in a historic 1917 brick building, this airy bar with an outdoor patio is furnished with comfy sofas. Sip on craft beers and cocktails while enjoying sports on TV as well as a DJ or live music. Open ‘til 2am nightly. [San Jose: 349 S. 1st St.; 408-982-3461] EL JARDIN TEQUILA BAR Relax in a Mexican hacienda patio beneath a California oak tree while enjoying a selection of blue agave tequilas, either straight or infused into specialty cocktails. Nightly in summer; Wed-Sun in winter. [Santana Row, San Jose; 408-246-1744]

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AFTER HOURS

HABERDASHER This below-ground, speakeasystyle bar is focused on highquality cocktails and whiskeys. Tues-Sun, 5pm-midnight. Fri-Sat, ‘til 1am. [San Jose: 43 W. San Salvador St.; 408-792-7356] HEDLEY CLUB LOUNGE This classic lounge at the Hotel De Anza serves up cocktails and bar bites in a 1930s atmosphere, with live jazz Fri-Sat, ‘til 12:30am. [San Jose: 233 W. Santa Clara St.; 408-286-1000] THE LOBBY LOUNGE The Fairmont San Jose’s luxurious lounge offers creative cocktails and a menu of tapas and sushi, along with live music Wed-Sat, beginning at 9pm. [San Jose: 170 S. Market St.; 408-998-1900] MINIBOSS Play old-school arcade games with a cocktail in hand at this new venture from the owners of Paper Plane. Opens at 5 daily. [San Jose: 52 E. Santa Clara St.; 408-520-4909] PAPER PLANE With its long bar and “alcohol wall” as a backdrop to the exposed brick interior, this relaxed spot is the place to go for both classic and creative cocktails and bar plates. Sun-Tues, ‘til midnight; Wed-Sat, ‘til 2am. [San Jose: 72 S. 1st St.; 408-713-2625]

LG CIGAR CLUB Enjoy your favorite pastime in a unique getaway—a classic and elegant cigar club with a luxurious lounge, up-to-date air filtration, and an amazing cigar selection. Join locals from all walks of life and professions and watch your favorite sports on three HDTVs or just sit back in a leather seat for a relaxing read. Premium and rare cigars are for sale on site. Mon-Wed, noon-10pm; Thurs-Sat, noon-11pm; Sun, noon-8pm. [San Jose: 565 W. Alma Ave.; 408-395-7800. lgcigars.com] 88 EXPLORE

PAPER PLANE

ROSIE MCCANN’S For fun in a friendly atmosphere, this Irish pub and restaurant offers a full bar with Guinness and signature cocktails, as well as live bands and DJs nightly, and karaoke on Mondays. Dance to your heart’s content ‘til 2am. [San Jose: 355 Santana Row; 408-247-1706] SAN PEDRO SQUARE MARKET With an open-air plaza and over 20 food vendors across three interior spaces, this public market offers a hangout with a lively atmosphere for libations and bites. Sun-Wed, 4-10; Thurs-Sat, 4-midnight. [San Jose: 87 N. San Pedro St.; 408-444-7227] SP2 BAR & RESTAURANT With a rustic-chic interior and large patio, this lively evening sipping spot is known for its handcrafted cocktails. Mon-Thurs, ‘til midnight; Fri-Sat, ‘til 2am; Sun, ‘til 8pm. [San Jose: 72 Almaden Ave.; 408-299-2000] TANQ This chic, underwater-themed lounge located inside the San Jose Marriott offers a full bar menu and an ever-changing cocktail list. Open daily from 4. [San Jose: 301 South Market St., 408-280-1300]

BAY 101

MID-PENINSULA BARRELHOUSE Downtown Burlingame’s neighborhood bar serves a wide selection of beer, wine and craft cocktails—plus empanadas and charcuterie. Opens at 3pm daily. [Burlingame: 305 California Dr.; 650-340-8642] THE BLACKSMITH Old-fashioned meets modern at this bar and lounge with leather banquettes, a brick fireplace and sports TV—a go-to for the afterwork crowd. Daily from 3pm. [Redwood City: 2048 Broadway St.; 650-365-3320] CALAVE This classy bar and lounge serving global wines and craft beer offers a relaxing, fun time. ThursSat, ‘til midnight. [Palo Alto: 299 California Ave.; 650-521-0443]

GRAPE & GRAIN Focused on craft beers and small production wines, there’s always a good time brewing at this casual warehouse-style bar. Mon-Thurs, 3-midnight; Fri-Sat, 3pm-1am; Sun, 3-10pm. [San Mateo: 227 S. San Mateo Drive; 650-342-9463] MORTAR AND PESTLE BAR The cocktail spinoff of Indian restaurant Curry Up Now, Mortar and Pestle Bar’s drinks take inspiration from Indian ingredients, like the Bangalore Old Fashioned with garam masala and Indian rum. Beer, wine and food are also on offer. [San Mateo: 130 Main St.; 650-830-5310] THE WINE ROOM Housed in an adobe building, this cozy bar pours global vintages by the glass. Two lounge areas provide comfortable seating. Daily, 4pm-midnight. [Palo Alto: Ramona St.; 650-462-1968]

AFTER HOURS

SANTA CRUZ AREA CROW’S NEST Located on the beach at the harbor, Crow’s Nest has long been the most picturesque venue for live entertainment in Santa Cruz. The spectacular upstairs lounge offers live music and dancing to a variety of styles including rock, soul, blues, reggae and Latin rhythms. Sunday is comedy night, featuring nationally known headliners. [Santa Cruz: Yacht Harbor, 2218 East Cliff Dr.; 831-476-4560] FRONT & COOPER Housed in the downtown Abbott Square Market, this vintage-style bar highlights local craft beers, small batch wines and handcrafted cocktails. Mon-Thurs, ‘til 10pm; Fri-Sun, ‘til midnight. [Santa Cruz: 725 Front St.] ROCKROOM LOUNGE Located at Shadowbrook Restaurant, this is a popular destination for those seeking light fare, later hours and mellow live music. Joe Ferrara, voted Best Santa Cruz area entertainer, performs Fridays at 6:30pm, following happy hour. [Capitola: Wharf & Capitola Rd.; 831-475-1511]

LIVE MUSIC SOUTH BAY CAFÉ STRITCH This San Jose hot spot is a destination for live jazz and indie performances. Wed-Sat, 4pm-2am; Sun, 4pm ‘til midnight. [San Jose: 374 S. 1st St.; 408-280-6161] POOR HOUSE BISTRO Live music daily at this casual New–Orleans-style joint highlights blues and jazz, with regular acts Mon-Wed and a rotating line-up of bands Fri-Sun. Mon, Wed, 6-9pm; Tues, 7-10pm; Thurs-Sat, 6-10pm; Sun, 3-8pm. [San Jose: 91 S. Autumn St.; 408-292-5837] THE SADDLE RACK This nightclub with multiple dance floors offers live music, with everything from local bands to national touring acts performing both

country and rock music. WedThurs, 7pm-midnight; Fri-Sat, 7pm1:30am. [Fremont: 42011 Boscell Road; 510-979-0535]

MID-PENINSULA CLUB FOX This cabaret-style nightclub with a dance floor and two full bars hosts a steady stream of live shows. [Redwood City: 2209 Broadway St.; clubfoxrc.com] SAVANNA JAZZ This laid-back club offers cocktails and casual bar fare along with nightly live jazz. See the calendar at savannajazz.com. [San Carlos: 1189 Laurel St.; 650-453-3683]

SANTA CRUZ THE CATALYST One of the oldest and most revered music venues on the local coast, this club showcases underground bands. [Santa Cruz: 1011 Pacific Ave.; 831-423-1338] KUUMBWA JAZZ This highly regarded jazz center attracts artists of national and international renown for concerts at its intimate 200-seat venue. [Santa Cruz: 320-2 Cedar St.; 831-427-2227] MOE’S ALLEY This club sizzles as a showcase for live music, with blues and soul among the specialties. 4pm-2am on show days. [Santa Cruz: 1535 Commercial Way; 831-479-1854] RIO THEATER A former movie palace, this Santa Cruz location has been revived as a venue for famous touring groups, focusing on indie bands with Americana leanings. [Santa Cruz: 1205 Soquel Ave.; 831-423-8209]

OPAL NIGHTCLUB Glamorous furnishings, lounge seating and artistic video displays bring Hollywood flair to this upscale nightclub with multiple bars, an elevated DJ booth and great dancing. Fri-Sat. [Mountain View: 251 Castro St.; 650-318-6732]

favorite teams play on flat-screen TVs, and enjoy food and beverage service at all gaming tables, 24/7, or next door at the luxurious modern Asian fusion restaurant, The Province. Ample free parking available. [San Jose: 1788 N. 1st St.; 408-451-8888. bay101.com]

SPLASH BAR This gay nightclub offers two levels for dancing, along with video screens and a rooftop smoking bar. Open nightly. [San Jose: 65 Post St.; 408-292-2222]

CASINO M8TRIX Just minutes from San Jose airport, Casino M8trix is a 24/7 entertainment destination with games including Blackjack, Baccarat, Three-Card Poker, Texas Hold ’em and more. Hungry? Try Zone 8 Sports Bar & Grill for food and drinks from the full-service bar while watching sports on HD TVs. [San Jose: 1887 Matrix Blvd.; 408-244-3333]

VINYL ROOM This hip lounge and nightclub offers dance karaoke on Wednesday, salsa on Thursday, and DJs spinning dance hits to fill the floor, Friday and Saturday. Wed-Sat. [Burlingame: 221 Park Rd.; 650-347-7656]

CARD ROOMS BAY 101 SEE AD ON INSIDE FRONT COVER. This popular casino/card room offers an exciting card-room environment 24 hours a day, every day. Catch all the action at 49 tables of games such as Texas Hold ’em, 21st Century No-Bust Blackjack, EZ Baccarat, Three-Card Poker, Pai Gow Tiles, Fortune Pai Gow, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em and more. The wide variety of buy-ins and betting limits allows everyone, from novices to seasoned players, to experience the best gaming action in Northern California. Play in daily tournaments, watch your

FOR LAUGHS COMEDY SPORTS Teams of comedians compete for audience laughs while improvising imaginative scenes that may even include operas and musicals. Fri-Sat. [San Jose: Camera 3, 288 S. 2nd St.; 408-985-LAFF] THE IMPROV This comedy club and restaurant has long been a popular venue for both rising and established comic stars. Thurs-Sun. [San Jose: 62 S. 2nd St.; 408-280-7475] ROOSTER T. FEATHERS Catch acts by comedians seen on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show” and Comedy Central. Wed-Sun. [Sunnyvale: 157 W. El Camino Real; 408-736-0921]

DANCE CLUBS LVL 44 This luxe lounge with bottle service features DJs spinning hiphop and R&B, with live music after midnight. Thurs-Sat. [San Jose: 44 S. Almaden Ave.; 408-331-8419]

A unique and friendly atmosphere for cigar lovers MENTION THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY DAY PASS

565 W. Alma Ave., San Jose 408.395.7800 lgcigars.com EXPLORE 89

On Tap o From Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, the craft beer scene is in full brew. by ELENA KADVANY

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ilicon Valley has been home to an exploding craft-brew scene for more than a decade, but the growing number of new beer makers are carrying out a rich local tradition. This region’s beer roots run deep, stretching back before—and through—Prohibition. The Eagle Brewing Co. launched in San Jose in 1851, Mayfield Brewery opened in what is now Palo Alto in 1868, Fredericksburg Brewery in San Jose the following year and Half Moon Bay’s Schubert’s Brewery in 1873, to name just a few. All of their founders would have reveled, beer in hand, in the sheer number and diverse style of craft breweries that populate the region today. Lucky us. From the northernmost part of the Peninsula down to San Jose and out to the coast, this part of the Bay Area is almost overflowing with examples of well-made, unique and exciting craft beers—so much so that the region launched its own Silicon Valley Beer Week six years ago. The days-long event celebrates beer in all its forms, with tap takeovers, food pairings, brewmaster dinners, new releases and seminars for both experts and novices. (It takes place in July if you happen to be in the area; go to svbeerweek.com for more information.) From English-style ales to sour brews amped up by locally sourced fruit (hello, Ghostwood Beer Co.’s Stargazer with mangoes, strawberries, peaches and cara cara orange zest) to the boundary-pushing weekly Bullpen series at Strike Brewing Company, there’s something on tap for everyone. You can explore some of San Jose’s breweries and taprooms via a pedal-powered, 15-passenger cycle with the San Jose Brew Bike (sanjosebrewbike.com) or check out Santa Cruz in Brew Cruz’s refurbished forest green Volkswagen bus (scbrewcruz.com). Both offer public and private tours. What is almost better than the beer itself, dare we say, is the strong sense of inclusivity and community that defines the local beer scene. Whether established favorites or newcomers, traditionalists or boot-strapping disrupters, craft breweries create communities where they didn’t exist before. Many go out of their way to welcome kids, dogs and outside food, setting a new standard for what drinking establishments can be like. Check our curated list of breweries to get to know our varied and wonderful world of beer.

Beer Stops SOUTH BAY UPROAR BREWING San Jose; uproarbrewing.com A San Jose beer tour might well start with this downtown spot with beer primarily aged in wine barrels sourced from wineries in Sonoma and Napa. The food menu comes with a beer pairing guide—fish tacos go well with a golden beer, while the farmhouse burger is best consumed with a sour beer. Open daily. CAMINO BREWING CO. San Jose; caminobrewing.com Just south of downtown is this relatively new craft brewery with over 10 beers on tap inspired by co-owners Nathan Poulos and Allen Korenstein’s 1,900-mile bike pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. “Balance, brightness, freshness and drinkability is what we strive for at Camino,” the owners say. Camino often hosts food pop-ups, including Taco Tuesdays. Open Tues-Sun. CLANDESTINE BREWING San Jose; clandestinebrewing.com This passion project of a group of local home brewers is just a few blocks from Camino Brewing. There’s a rotating list of beers on tap, from Hefeweizen and various ales to a hybrid IPA-cream ale. Open Wed-Sun. SANTA CLARA VALLEY BREWING San Jose; scvbrewing.com Continue heading south to land at this friendly brewery with a philosophy informed by the agricultural history of Silicon Valley. Each beer and its ingredients are richly described according to their earthy connections and flavors. Along with a hearty selection of IPAs and pales, there is a particularly strong showing of traditional European-style brews like Hefeweizen and Belgian Tripel, along with a great variety of stouts and porters. Open Wed-Mon. HERMITAGE BREWING San Jose; hermitagebrewing.com Farther along the beer trail, Hermitage Brewing proudly identifies itself by what it is not: a mainstream brewery. American sour ales, a Scotch-style ale, a year-round selection of IPAs and an imperial stout, along with limited-edition

releases, all offer a “retreat from the ordinary.” Known as a Silicon Valley incubator, this is where several local brewers cut their teeth before starting their own ventures. Open Tues-Sat. STRIKE BREWING CO. San Jose; strikebrewingco.com The roster at this well-loved brewery— you final stop, perhaps, on the San Jose beer trail—includes a half-dozen yearround ales, some limited-edition collaborations, and the Bullpen series—a 20-gallon experimental batch of new brews served on tap nearly every week. The beer names, from Bleacher Seats lager to Colossus of Clout, are a natural fit for owner-brewer Drew Ehrlich, a former pitcher for the Stanford University baseball team. Open daily.

HERMITAGE BREWING

HAPA’S BREWING San Jose; hapasbrewing.com Housed in a large, open space—once a fruit cannery—just east of downtown, Hapa’s offers not only excellent beer (don’t miss their hazy IPAs) but also cornhole, board games, comfortable couches, food trucks, live music and an incredibly welcoming vibe. Hapa, the Hawaiian word for “mixed,” works on two levels here: the mixing of ingredients to make beer, and mixed cultural heritages. Simply put, all are welcome at Hapa’s. Open Tues-Sun. GOLDEN STATE BREWERY Santa Clara; goldenstate.beer Concocting classic beers in a classic Silicon Valley architectural gem (the old Memorex building) is fitting for this neighborhood brewery which claims to be Santa Clara’s first brewery since Prohibition. A year-round lineup ranges from blondes and reds to double IPAs and stouts, and you can also try seasonal brews like Strawberry Smash or Pumpkin Pie Milk Stout. Open daily. LOMA BREWING COMPANY Los Gatos; lomabrew.com Located in the heart of downtown Los Gatos, Loma Brewing is a low-key brewpub with something for everyone: German, American and wheat ales; a rotating sour beer; a rotating cider; cocktails and an ample food menu. In the mornings, Loma Brewing doubles as a coffee bar, serving Loma’s own roast as well as breakfast. Open daily.

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BREWERIES

Think English malt and house yeast combining to make a West Coast pale ale or a dark-mild session beer inspired by an ale from Bank Top Brewery in Bolton, England. Pair a pint with pulled pork potato skins or fish and chips. Open daily.

PENINSULA

DEVIL’S CANYON BREWING CO. San Carlos; devilscanyon.com Make this 15-year-old craft brewery your last stop of the day, or perhaps the first of the weekend; it’s only open to the public on Fridays from 4 p.m. Devil’s Canyon has perfected a wide range of core and seasonal beers, from a California Sunshine Rye IPA to an American red ale brewed with house-smoked habanero peppers. Given their limited public hours, they make sure to “throw the biggest and best neighborhood party in the world” on Fridays, with food trucks, live music and root beer brewed on site. Open Fridays only.

FREEWHEEL BREWING COMPANY Redwood City, freewheelbrewing.com English-style cask-conditioned ales are the specialty here, all made on site.

FIELDWORK BREWING San Mateo; fieldworkbrewing.com Fieldwork is a darling of the Bay Area craft beer scene, having grown from one location in Berkeley to six, including one here in San Mateo. At any

SANTA CRUZ AREA DISCRETION BREWING Soquel; discretionbrewing.com Only in the Bay Area: Discretion proudly makes organic-only, solar-powered beers, prioritizes water conservation and sends its spent grain to local farms as food for pigs rather than to landfills. The family-owned brewery has up to 12 beers on tap; its core beers are an IPA, German-style Schwarzbier and German-style Pilsner. If you’re hungry, a full menu offers beer-focused, farm-to-table comfort food. Open daily. NEW BOHEMIA BREWING Santa Cruz; nubobrew.com Head out toward the coast and New Bohemia, which is devoted to European-style craft lagers and ales. It aims to produce more than 20 unique offerings every year, from stouts to blondes, with an emphasis on a less aggressive IPA style with a crisp, European quality. Open daily. SANTE ADAIRIUS RUSTIC ALES Capitola; rusticales.com The original Sante Adairius brewery is in Capitola and its newer tasting room is about halfway between Soquel and the west side of Santa Cruz, where more breweries await. The brewery’s philosophy is “one of whimsy, highly inspired by the Belgian tradition, but also in harmony with brewers all over the world who push against boundaries of

RITA VANDERAA (TOP LEFT)

GHOSTWOOD BEER Redwood City, ghostwoodbeer.com Started by two local residents who just wanted a fun place to drink good beer, this is very much a neighborhood brewery. Ghostwood (the name alludes to Redwood City’s history as a lumber town) serves mainly traditional American craft-style brews plus some sours and stouts. The pours are as enjoyble as their creative names: Forrest Trump, Hazeless Bastard, and Please and Dank You, to name a few. Outside food, kids and dogs are welcome. Open daily.

BLUE OAK BREWING COMPANY San Carlos, blueoakbrewing.com Pair your Devil’s Canyon visit with a stop at Blue Oak, only a five-minute drive away. The microbrewery focuses on Belgian beers, lagers and ales, made by Alex Porter, who left behind a biotech career to pursue his home-brewing hobby full-time. The results include hazy and dank IPAs as well as sours with fruit like cherries, passion fruit and guava, brewed in three seven-barrel tanks on view in the small, industrial space. Outside food is welcome, but if it’s a Friday, there’s a good chance a food truck will be there. Open Wed-Sun.

given time, there are several dozen brews on tap, which are also available to go in growlers, crowlers and limited-release cans with creatively designed labels (a must for the current can trend). A large outdoor beer garden, firepits and bocce ball courts make Fieldwork a great choice for groups. Open daily.

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style with a nudge, not a shove.” The beers are often barrel-aged and, if not on tap, come in bottles with distinctive and beautiful labels. Open Tues-Sun. SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN BREWING Santa Cruz; scmbrew.com Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, a certified organic brewery led by a female brewer, takes pride in its unfiltered, unpasteurized brews that are free of genetically modified ingredients. The lively West End brewery produces seven flagship ales, as well as seasonal brews, hard cider, root beer and kombucha. It’s located at Swift Street Courtyard, which also houses several wineries, the excellent Kelly’s French Bakery, a butcher and a number of retail stores. Open daily. HUMBLE SEA BREWING Santa Cruz; humblesea.com Steps away on Swift Street, this popular hangout focuses on “West Coast hop-forward” ales, Belgian-style ales and German lagers amongst other beer styles. Its beer descriptions are not only detailed and helpful but a

sheer pleasure to read, like the Short Shorts Citra single hop pale ale— “more refreshing than a cool breeze on your upper thigh on a hot summer day.” (Pro tip: There’s an electric Jump bike dock outside if you want to make your way to the beach afterwards.) Open daily.

HALF MOON BAY HALF MOON BAY BREWING COMPANY Half Moon Bay; hmbbrewingco.com One of the stalwarts that has been holding the fort for close to two decades, this brewing company has a repertoire of Kolsch, ales, stouts and IPAs. There are also rotating special and seasonal brews like the Pumpkin Harvest Ale and Juicy Gossip, an American-style IPA, all best enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking the harbor. Open daily. HOP DOGMA BREWING CO. Half Moon Bay, hopdogma.com A hop, skip and a jump away from Half Moon Bay Brewing, this brewery pours

around 12 “exquisitely unbalanced” brews. If the Pyro’s Prost Chili Beer is on the menu when you visit, order it; the beer won first place at the California State Fair in 2018. Open daily. SACRILEGE BREWERY + KITCHEN Half Moon Bay; sacrilegebrewing.com This is an ideal lunch stop, given the beer-obsessed owner previously worked for 16 years in Bay Area restaurants and the chef hails from Jalisco, Mexico. Grab a bite and try a flight of house beers or explore the guest taps, often featuring lesser-known Bay Area brews. Open Wed-Sun. HIGHWAY 1 BREWING COMPANY Pescadero; highway1brewing.com If you have time, continue south on the Pacific Coast Highway toward Santa Cruz and make a pit stop at the Highway 1 Brewing Company. Given its somewhat remote location, the focus is on low-A.B.V. beers that allow you to quench your thirst, then continue to explore the coast by car. Open Thurs-Mon.

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Dungeness Crab A Local Tradition by MARLENE GOLDMAN 94 EXPLORE

DAVID PESCHEL

very November, the waiting game begins. Crabbers at Pillar Point Harbor along the Half Moon Bay Coastside, as well as nearby grocers, chefs and an endless stream of local patrons, await the green light from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the start of Dungeness crabbing season. Named after a small fishing village in Washington State, Dungeness crabs possess a succulent meat that mobilizes the masses. Locals line up at Pillar Point Harbor’s dock to greet the first catch, while markets stock up in the flurry of demand for Dungeness for the holidays. Restaurants redesign their menus to include everything from Dungeness crab cakes to crab cocktails. Up and down Northern California, in support of local causes, hungry crab lovers flock to all-you-can-eat crab feeds, including the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation Crab Feed and the San Mateo Cioppino Feast, supporting the Peninsula Scholarship Foundation. From December to at least March, Half Moon Bay’s Portuguese I.D.E.S. hosts its highly anticipated monthly crab cioppino dinners at its downtown hall. Dating from 1970, people from across the Bay Area don bibs and dive in, devouring nearly 2,000 pounds of crab at each event. Dungeness crab, scientifically known as Metacarcinus magister or Cancer magister, ranges from the Aleutian Islands to Southern California. California crabbing dates back more than a century, believed to have started in San Francisco around 1860. Today, Dungeness crab is big business, with the industry contributing an estimated $50-$60 million to the state’s economy.

RITA VANDERAA (CENTER & BOTTOM)

Local recreational fishers get an exclusive first crack at catching their own crabs from Johnson Pier starting early in November, since the commercial crabbing season doesn’t begin until November 15 and sometimes later, depending on conditions. The captains and crews of more than 50 boats at Pillar Point Harbor, the only working fishing harbor between San Francisco and Monterey, prepare their crabbing pots, lines, buoys and other gear for the opening and what they hope will be a lucrative year. The season is short so as soon as crabbers get the signal, the boats are off. “Generally, at the start of the season, the crabs are practically jumping into the pots and everyone goes nonstop,” says Barry Day, captain of the Rosella in Pillar Point Harbor. “It’s sleepless nights—pull, pull, pull. In a good year, I can catch 30,000 pounds of crab. That can either move up or down—sometimes even up to 50,000 pounds.” Day, who hails from Napier, New Zealand, an old whaling station, worked in the California construction industry until the economy bottomed out in 2008 and he decided to buy a commercial fishing boat. He now ventures out to sea for crabs, as well as salmon and tuna. His permit allows him to put 250 crab pots into the water, and his boat can hold 5,000 pounds of crab at one time. While that may sound like a lot, bigger vessels are capable of stowing five or six times as much. Day sells Dungeness crabs to the public off his boat at the start of the season and then again during the peak times of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. “It gets pretty busy at the dock. If we have too much, we sell some to suppliers, but I earn more money selling directly to the public, cutting out suppliers, transport, shipping and costs,” says Day. Sales from his boat alone can hit as much as 2,000 pounds of crab a day, with prices generally hovering around $7 per pound and often spiking higher during the holiday rush. “The public loves their crabs.” His crabbing strategy depends on the vagaries of the year. “If we’re constantly bringing in crabs, we do a turn and burn, where we immediately unload them to a supplier and go back out.” When the season is in full swing, locals and tourists alike flood the Pillar Point Harbor dock for

TOP TO BOTTOM: DUNGENESS CRAB, COOKED AND CLEANED, FOR SALE; FISHING BOATS DOCKED AT PILLAR POINT HARBOR DURING CRAB SEASON; BARRY DAY, CAPTAIN OF THE ROSELLA. FACING PAGE: SELECTING A CRAB FOR A CUSTOMER ON THE DOCK

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fresh catch. Boats are typically docked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and how much is sold varies each day. Aficionados can call the Pillar Point Harbor Fish Phone or check the FishLine website (650-726-8724; fishlineapp.com) before heading to the harbor, to find out what’s on sale that day, from crabs to salmon, halibut or rock cod, depending on the time of year. Prices at the dock generally run lower than at stores. Not only that, but after picking out your crabs or fish there, you can head over to Princeton Seafood Company where they will clean and fillet anything purchased from the boats. Timing is key for catching Dungeness crab. In 2018/2019, some boats reported hauls of 7,000 to 8,000 pounds of crab in a single run at the beginning of the season. However, within a few months, their average catch had dwindled to about 1,000 pounds from the same number of traps “soaking” (baited and set out) over the same number of days. Luckily, despite these large hauls, the crab numbers are sustainable, as California laws ensure the population is not decimated, says Paul Toste, captain of the FV Adventure—a fishing vessel he comes down from Alaska to operate in the winter months. Crabs cannot be harvested commercially until they reach a minimum size of 6¼ inches across, to assure them of at least one year of reproduction before being put at risk, and more often two. Regulations also require that only male crabs are harvested. All females must be immediately released and are left to reproduce throughout their life span. “Crabs are kind of a strange animal,” Toste says. “Dungeness seem to reproduce almost like house flies; the more you harvest, the more they seem to rebound.” Early in the season, when crabs are feeding 24 hours a day, Toste makes sure to get to work early. “Short days are 16 hours; long ‘days’ can be 36-48 hours. I stay up the whole time. It’s a crazy lifestyle. 96 EXPLORE

A FRESH HARVEST OF CRAB; CAPTAIN DAY’S PIER AT PILLAR POINT HARBOR

“I started crab fishing in 1990 in the Bering Sea, the place that inspired the TV show ‘Deadliest Catch,’” Toste recalls. “It was more dangerous than here, but I made tons of money as a young man.” Toste’s job is hard because it entails hauling up crab pots that can weigh 100 pounds or more while battling the wind and sea, but he appreciates the spectacular setting of his work. “The best part about crabbing is just being out in the ocean,” he says, “where I have humpback whales and porpoises in my office.” Both Day and Toste see environmental issues as the biggest challenge to the local industry. Climate change is another factor with its more intense storms. The 2017/2018 season started on time, but a year of big storms made it hard for smaller and mid-size boats to get out. The fleet’s most troublesome season was 2015/2016, when a historic toxic algae bloom delayed the opening of Dungeness crab fishing more than three months because of concerns for food safety. That season also saw a sharp rise in whale entanglements, as unusually warm, nutrient-poor waters pushed marine animals closer to shore for feeding. Lines and pots wrapped around whales’ fins and flukes, causing the creatures significant pain, injury and sometimes even death. California policymakers and fishermen were quick to respond and are working with researchers and environmental groups to reduce risks to whales. As a result, recorded entanglements were down 81% in 2017. Hopefully, this cooperation will continue, and for the foreseeable future Pillar Point Harbor will remain the go-to spot for local Dungeness crab lovers, provisioned by a prosperous fishing fleet.

Along with great views from the rooftop patio, downtown San Jose’s airy and spacious SCOTT’S SEAFOOD offers a variety of Dungeness crab specialties including its popular Dungeness crab ravioli with cream of tomato or garlic white wine sauce. For lunch, try the jumbo wrapped prawns and Dungeness crab with mushrooms and spicy peanut sauce. San Jose; scottsseafoodsj.com

15 SPOTS TO FIND YOUR DUNGENESS The classic Dungeness crab, boiled or steamed with butter sauce, is just one of the many options for serving this delectable crustacean. Local chefs get creative with their Dungeness menus, from the popular cioppino to—believe it or not—even a Dungeness crab martini. Here are some of the best places to sample these culinary highlights during crab season, generally November through spring. Be sure to check ahead to make sure it’s on the menu.

Elegant LE PAPILLON, with impeccable service to match its fine cuisine, adds a French twist to its seafood specialties, including a Dungeness crab soufflé with lemon saffron beurre blanc (butter sauce) and caviar. San Jose; lepapillon.com

Located on a former Bartlett pear orchard, PARCEL 104 is the Santa Clara Marriott’s showpiece fine-dining restaurant. Featuring local cuisine, seasonal highlights include the Dungeness crab cioppino. You can also dig into Dungeness crab with house-made tagletelle pasta, Dungeness crab ravioli or sweet gem lettuce with handpicked Dungeness crab, avocado, cashews and yuzu vinaigrette. Santa Clara; parcel104.com

Known for its vast and worldly wine list as well as its refined décor, upscale seafood haven THE SEA BY ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE showcases Dungeness crab in season. Chef Yu Min Lin’s original specials include dishes like Dungeness crab with corn grits, saffron and collard greens. Palo Alto; theseausa.com

Pick how you would like your Dungeness crab prepared at long-established CHEF CHU’S in Los Altos—salt and pepper, golden garlic, or ginger and scallions? Silicon Valley’s favorite Chinese restaurant is celebrated as much for its food as for its chef and owner Lawrence Chu, who has been running the show going on 50 years. Los Altos; chefchu.com

Festive LV MAR is a local hot spot for its tapas and cocktails. Enticing lunch items include the quesadilla de camaron y cangrejo—sauteed white shrimp and Dungeness crab meat, Oaxaca cheese, wild mushrooms, onions and roasted poblano chiles. Or try dinner tapas like the tostada de cangrejo con aguacate—fresh Dungeness crab, avocado, citrus supreme, shallots, ancho chile sauce and crispy tortillas. Redwood City; lvmar.com

ABOVE: COOKED CRAB AT HALF MOON BAY BREWING CO.; CRAB SOUFFLÉ AT LE PAPILLON IN SAN JOSE

Some of the area’s freshest catch can be found at the aptly named FISH MARKET. Dungeness crab graces the menu in all its popular forms, from crab cakes and cioppino to Dungeness crab cocktail, or simply straight from the shell. San Mateo; thefishmarket.com With views of the waterfront, Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. focuses on its house-made brews as well as a wide range of brunch

and dinner items enjoyed either inside or on the outdoor patio. Savor the Dungeness crab omelet with Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar and bacon, topped with avocado, or the Dungeness crab roll with butter and garlic on sourdough, topped with a sweet and spicy remoulade. Half Moon Bay; hmbbrewingco.com

Sprawling SAM’S CHOWDER HOUSE packs in the masses with its award-winning sustainable seafood. During the season, it offers whole local Dungeness crab, steamed or with chile and garlic, as well as other options such as crab cioppino; Dungeness crab salad with celery root, Fuji apple and lemon creme fraiche dressing; and Dungeness crab tagliatelle with Calabrian chile and herbs. Half Moon Bay; samschowderhouse.com

Rustic-style IT’S ITALIA is known for its pizzas as well as weekend brunch. Menu options include Dungeness crab Benedict on polenta cakes, a crab and Brussels sprouts omelet with goat cheese and, during the holidays, a Dungeness crab martini. Half Moon Bay; itsitaliarestaurant.com

Its panoramic ocean view from high above Montara Beach is the perfect backdrop for Peruvian-style LA COSTANERA. Specials include Aji Amarillo, featuring whipped and chilled potato with avocado and fresh Dungeness crab; mac ‘n’ cheese cooked with smoked bacon, topped with fresh Dungeness crab; and a whole boiled crab served with Peruvian chimichurri Andino. Montara; lacostanerarestaurant.com

Seasonal specialties at NAVIO at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay include spaghetti chitarra with Dungeness crab, fennel and saffron. Dungeness crab is also on the menu at The Conservatory, another of the hotel’s three restaurants, which offers a baked Dungeness crab dip with parmesan, as well as a cioppino. Half Moon Bay; ritzcarlton.com/hmb

Family-run DUARTE’S TAVERN started as a saloon and barbershop in the late 1890s and has been a Pescadero dining institution since the 1920s. Its American country-style cuisine includes chilled cracked Dungeness crab as well as Dungeness crab cioppino. Pescadero; duartestavern.com

Along with its seaside views, CROW’S NEST RESTAURANT knows how to create original in-season Dungeness crab specialties. For dinner, start with a Dungeness crab martini or the Dungeness crab cakes with lemon saffron aioli. You can also begin your day with crab cake Benedict or Dungeness crab cakes. Santa Cruz; crowsnest-santacruz.com

Touting more than 20 kinds of fresh seafood daily, STAGNARO BROS. wharf-side restaurant is a Santa Cruz institution. Along with its whole fresh crab, it serves up specialties like Dungeness crab melt, broiled open face and topped with cheddar cheese. Santa Cruz; stagnarobrothers.com

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Santa Cruz Siren Song of

by CHRISTINA WATERS

ITS BEACH, ON THE WEST SIDE OF POINT SANTA CRUZ 98 EXPLORE

The very words “Santa Cruz” bring smiles to savvy visitors from all over the world. Filled with such diversity of atmosphere, landscape and activities, the region is a uniquely enchanting destination. The Santa Cruz region has cast its spell for generations, and for good reason. Spectacular beaches, forests and backcountry roads offer endless temptations for the inquiring visitor, as do the area’s coastal towns, which are dotted with breweries, wineries, bistros and artisanal shops. Europeans founded the first Spanish settlement here more than 200 years ago. Since then, the coast has intrigued legions of bohemians, entrepreneurs and sun worshippers, all drawn to the sea, scenery and incomparable climate.

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

COASTAL LURES An ideal mix of location and lifestyle

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

ack-to-the-land hippies populated the small towns in the nearby mountains until the University of California opened its Santa Cruz campus in the mid-1960s. Then students and their well-traveled professors began redefining and refining the

region’s tastes. These have been further broadened more recently by an influx of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs making Santa Cruz their second home. Santa Cruz’s location at the northern tip of Monterey Bay protects the local coastline from turbulent waves, and the city’s appealing geography makes it a natural maritime center. The Yacht Harbor at the southern end of town is an ideal port, from which a number of charter boat companies offer cruises as well as fishing and whale-watching trips. O’Neill Yacht Charters attracts whale watchers and sail enthusiasts who come for the sunset sails on Monterey Bay. The sleek catamaran of Chardonnay Sailing Charters offers winemaker cruises as well as champagne brunches on the water. Santa Cruz Wharf—a spacious pier that’s home to shops, seafood restaurants and tour boat companies—boasts the colorful sights and sounds of open-air fish markets along with a boisterous population of seals and sea lions. The scene is crowned by the early-20th-century silhouettes of the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the turrets of the nearby Beach Boardwalk’s casino.

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Santa Cruz makes a persuasive case for being the location of America’s earliest surfing. In 1885, three visiting Hawaiian princes with hand-hewn wooden longboards introduced the sport to eager Santa Cruzans at Lighthouse Point close to the town’s main beach. These days, international surfing competitions attract the young and fearless, who gather in all weathers to test their acrobatic skills against some of the best-riding surf the West. From almost any spot along the popular West Cliff Drive, visitors can watch surfers of all ages slice through those world-class waves on their aerodynamic shortboards.

SANTA CRUZ LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM AT THE MARK ABBOTT MEMORIAL LIGHTHOUSE

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

PACIFIC AVENUE

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ An appealing blend of edgy and laid-back

nchored by the popular Bookshop Santa Cruz on one end and the celebrated music venues of Kuumbwa Jazz Club and the Catalyst on the other, downtown Santa Cruz is a shopper’s paradise. Offering prime people-watching, vibrant Pacific Avenue is lined with

one-of-a-kind stores selling everything from unique clothing and footwear, designer jewelry and handmade crafts to bamboo home goods and artisanal skateboards.

Surfing apparel shops—including the legendary O’Neill Surf Shop— are the place to go for that “only in Santa Cruz” souvenir. The carnival atmosphere of the Wednesday farmers’ market adds to the action, as do wine-tasting rooms, such as the artisanal Birichino, while the historic art deco-style De Mar Theatre draws audiences for mostly indie films. Santa Cruzans are religiously devoted to their coffee rituals, and coffeehouses of all descriptions seem to sprout up on every corner. On the dining side, ethnic eateries, such as the eclectic India Joze and gourmet vegetarian restaurant Malabar, share the turf with sushi bars, pizza pop-ups, gastropubs and classic burger spots like Betty Burger. At Laili, a contemporary Mediterranean menu with Middle Eastern inflections has attracted a following among local foodies who love dining in the secluded courtyard. Hand-crafted ice creams in a fantastic spectrum of flavors can be enjoyed at the Penny Ice Creamery, across from romantic Gabriella Cafe (a Santa Cruz legend), and at Mission Hill Creamery a few blocks away. Great burgers are also available at the sophisticated new Alderwood steakhouse and restaurant, where the happy hour menu’s galaxy of craft cocktails provides something for every taste. Specialty food boutiques, ranging from wood-fired pizza and glamorous cocktails to astonishing pastries and designer salads, make Abbott Square Market a popular meeting spot. Rendezvous inside to enjoy the cozy industrial interior or take your drinks out onto the spacious deck.

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Santa Cruz boasts a robust art scene, especially on the first Friday of each month when shops, galleries and wineries open their doors and treat visitors to adult beverages, eye candy, and the chance to meet colorful residents. During the summer, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages six weeks of performances in the outdoors amidst eucalyptus groves. Another prime summer event is the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in August—a two-week series of avant-garde performances by international stars such as the Kronos Quartet.

Sin ce the beginn in g...

Established 1952 SANTA CRUZ CAPITOLA Downtown: 110 Cooper St | 831.469.4377 Surf Shop: 1115 41st Ave | 831.475.4151 Boardwalk: 400 Beach St | 831.459.9230 Outlet: 1149 41st Ave | 831.479.5613

Shop Where the Locals Shop... With Up to 60% Off!

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Capitola Mall Capitola Village Santa Cruz 1301 Paciﬁc Ave. Across Food Court 214 Capitola Ave. 831.462.9696 831.477.1932 831.460.9696

Michael Stars • Velvet • James Perse Alternative • AGOLDE • Bailey 44 Stateside • AG • Splendid • Mother Denim Citizens of Humanity • Free People

www.supersilver.com

Sacramento 1100 2nd St. 916.443.2801

Roseville San Luis Obispo 850 Higuera St. 1151 Galleria Blvd. 916.771-2420 805.784.0462

Mediterranean Flavors with an Afghani Twist Elegant Patio Dining LUNCH & DINNER TUES-SUN

101-B COOPER ST. DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ 831.423.4545 LAILIRESTAURANT.COM

Yumi Kim • CP Shades • Paige Johnny Was • Wilt • Sanctuary Lucky Brand • Jag • Cut Loose Nic & Zoe • Indigenous • Eileen Fisher

Locally Owned Since 1972 Santa Cruz • 831-423-3349 • 1224 Paciﬁc Ave Capitola • 831-476-6109 • 504C Bay Ave

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

CAPITOLA-BY-THE-SEA A quintessential beach town with all the charm

ucked away in a sheltered cove just minutes south of Santa Cruz, the quaint village of Capitola-by-the-Sea has lured vacationers since way back in the 1880s when it sprang into being as a rustic retreat for wealthy San Franciscans.

Atmospheric beach cottages dot the Esplanade and the little alleys that adjoin it, many filled with boutiques selling everything from arts and crafts and designer jewelry to fashionable apparel, beachwear, surfing gear and, of course, souvenirs. Wine bars and an attractive gathering of restaurants line the curving beachfront. Have a quick slice of pizza, a leisurely alfresco meal on a patio, or simply a creative cocktail or a cold brew in the sun—all with the sounds of surf and the azure panorama of Monterey Bay as your backdrop. During the warmer summer months, beach and water activities crank up. Surfers hit the waves; kayakers paddle the calmer waters; the sandy beach turns into a patchwork quilt of sunbathers; and fishermen toss their lines from the rocks or wharf. Just up the hill from Capitola’s popular beach, the landmark Shadowbrook Restaurant perches on Soquel Creek’s steep northern bank. Featuring fine dining in a romantic Old-World setting, this historic establishment is reached either by its unique hillside “cable car” or via a winding pathway through lush hillside gardens. Nearby, the Pleasure Point beach neighborhood is enjoying a vigorous new boom of chic coffeehouses complete with laid-back surfing culture vibes.

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Experience CAPITOLA VILLAGE UNIQUE SHOPS, GALLERIES, RESTAURANTS, AND SEASIDE LODGING BY THE SEA

UNIQUE GIFTS CERAMICS | ART GLASS | JEWELRY CANDLES | WOODWORK

The Beach Boutique A Local Favorite Since 1981!

JAG JEANS, XCVI, JESS & JANE, DOLMA, LULU B, INOAH, AND MANY MORE 209 Capitola Ave., Capitola Village • 831-475-4466 • www.craftgallery.net

Open daily | 204 Capitola Ave., Capitola-by-the-Sea | 831.476.6644 | oceaniacapitola.com

THE CRAFT GALLERY

SEAGLASS JEWELRY EXOTIC WOOD JEWELRY BOXES CANDLES & SCULPTURE 207 Capitola Ave., Capitola Village 831.475.3788 www.craftgallery.net

Home Decor • Local Art • Fine Jewelry

112 CAPITOLA AVE., CAPITOLA VILLAGE 831.295.6647 www.LUMENGAL.com

Six-time Winner “Restaurant of the Year” “Best Restaurant in Santa Cruz County” “Best Appetizers in the County!!” “Best Bartender!” -Good Times

PARADISE BEACH GRILLE Island Fusion Cuisine • Exotic Drinks On the Beach • Open 7 days 215 Esplanade, Capitola • 476-4900 www.paradisebeachgrille.com

WWW.CAPITOLAVILLAGE.COM

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NORTHWEST SANTA CRUZ A destination with allure all its own

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SHARK FIN COVE

he western edge of Santa Cruz is home to a distinguished and expanding cluster of wineries, breweries, food trucks and specialty shops clustered around the much-loved Kelly’s Bakery.

Centered around two renovated and streamlined warehouses known as Swift Street and Ingalls Street Courtyards, the action never stops here. On Saturday mornings, a thriving farmers’ market provides a true frontier atmosphere. Live music, the morning’s harvests and freshly made breakfasts make for hours of entertainment. The drive up the coast heading north threads through vast fields of organically grown Brussels sprouts, artichokes and exotic lettuces hugging the cliffs opposite stands of cypress and eucalyptus trees. Overlooking the Pacific on Highway 1, the manor houses and barns of Wilder Ranch State Park pop into view, providing a network of hiking and biking trails as well as a glimpse of the region’s history. The sprawling ranch, surrounded by overgrown gardens and containing the ruins of an 18th-century adobe, is a popular starting point for cyclists and hikers following trails that crisscross 5,000 acres of coastrange wildlife habitat. Continuing north, visitors will find the tiny village of Davenport, home to renowned Lundberg Studios, whose hand-blown art-nouveau and Tiffany-style creations are found in leading museums the world over. Perched nearby on Highway 1, the handiwork of winemaker Randall Grahm rewards adventurous wine tasters with premium varietals at the memorable Bonny Doon Vineyard tasting room. A handful of restaurants and cafés prized by locals and visitors alike are clustered next door. The bluffs of Davenport, once the site of an active whaling station, invite easy access to dramatic, uncrowded beaches. This jagged coastline is a destination in itself, with stunning stops such as Shark Fin Cove and Panther Beach. From December through May, the annual migrations of giant gray whales south and then back north bring prime whale watching close to shore.

ON THE REDWOOD TRAIL

eave the seaside and drive into the mountains up Highway 9—a curvy masterpiece of 1930s engineering—to find the hamlet of Felton.

It offers farmers’ markets, “backwoods” coffeehouses, a village landmark turned brewpub, the splendor of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Roaring Camp Railroad’s old-fashioned steam locomotive excursions, including an exceptionally scenic round trip along the San Lorenzo River Canyon, all the way to Santa Cruz and back. Above the quaint mountain village of Boulder Creek, the awe-inspiring Big Basin Redwoods—California’s oldest state park—preserves some of the largest trees on the planet. The primal beauty of the park’s mountainous 18,000 acres, a sanctuary for groves of ancient first-growth trees, lures intrepid hikers, campers, rock climbers and trail runners. Once a bustling logging town, Boulder Creek maintains its relaxed, 1960s hippie ambience. Drive through fern-lined canyons along the sinuous curves of nearby Bear Creek Road for a panoramic “shortcut” linking the laid-back mountain and coastal lifestyles to Silicon Valley—so close and yet, in many ways, worlds apart.

SOQUEL

The historic town of Soquel, just south of Santa Cruz, was originally settled by way of 18th-century Spanish land grants. Wildcat loggers then rushed to harvest its great forests in the early 19th century. Watched over by the graceful mansion of Gold Rush pioneer John Daubenbiss, the heart of today’s village is rich with antique shops and collectibles barns, as well as wineries such as Bargetto and Soquel Vineyards. Worth a visit are the tiny VinoCruz wine-tasting shop, specializing in playful appetizers and all Santa Cruz Mountains wines, and the dinner house Home, whose menu offers original variations on California cuisine. Café Cruz, also in Soquel, has long been a favorite local dining spot; sit on the patio or fireside in the lively and welcoming dining room for top-quality comfort food.

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SANTA CRUZ AREA

Experiences

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From playing tourist and visiting attractions to enjoying a range of outdoor activities, you’ll find a bonanza of fun ways to spend the day.

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Grateful Dead Memorabilia Get high on the vast collection of Grateful Dead memorabilia at McHenry Library’s Dead Room at UCSC.

Catch A Wave Take a half-day surfing lesson at Cowells Beach where longboarding was born.

“Skywalk” In The Redwoods Zip-line and “skywalk” in the redwoods. Get your adrenaline fix in the treetops at Mount Hermon.

Ride A Roller Coaster Amuse yourself with thrills, games, and family fun. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the oldest seaside amusement parks in the country. Lots of fun for the whole family. 108 EXPLORE

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Go Paddle Elkhorn Slough is a top spot for wildlife viewing—rent a kayak and savor the natural beauty of the central coast.

Sail On Monterey Bay Catch a sunset, observe migrating whales or just enjoy a fresh margarita on one of many sailing cruises offered from the Yacht Harbor.

Tap Into The Craft Beer Craze Sample local specialty brews at the many microbreweries and taprooms. Handmade beers have come a long way from mere pub fare.

Stroll The Santa Cruz Wharf Browse the tourist shops or step into a colorful dining spot to enjoy a dish of seafood linguine with an ocean view.

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Indulge In Wine Tasting Spend an afternoon at the Westside of Santa Cruz where a dozen artisanal wineries wait to be sampled.

Go For A Hike Whether at Wilder Ranch Park looking out over the sparkling Pacific Ocean, or through the redwoods at Henry Cowell Park, there are scenic trails for all fitness levels. A memorable stroll can be had taking in waves, surfers and matchless sunsets on West Cliff Drive.

SANTA CRUZ AREA

Dining

CAFÉ CRUZ This welcoming gem just south of Santa Cruz offers the perfect package—a lively scene, a warm atmosphere with Tuscan fireplaces and a heated patio, flavorful California cuisine and an excellent wine list highlighting Santa Cruz Mountain wineries. Café Cruz uses the freshest local produce, sustainable seafood, free-range chickens and source-verified beef, complemented by other top-notch ingredients. The interior features an open kitchen, a rotisserie and a full bar. Lunch: Mon-Sat. Dinner nightly. Afternoon menu: MonSat. [Soquel: 2621 41st Ave.; 831-476-3801. cafecruz.com] CROW’S NEST Wall-to-wall windows offer stunning ocean and harbor views. The friendly, casual atmosphere and exceptional food have made this restaurant a local favorite since 1969. The menu features a delicious variety of the freshest seafood, Midwestern aged beef, shellfish, pasta and an abundant salad bar, along with fresh house-baked breads, desserts and pastries daily. A kids’ menu comes complete with a prize. The upstairs grill serves appetizers and casual meals throughout the day, with live music and dancing evenings in the lounge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Next door, the Crow’s Nest Beach Market features food to go— wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, beer and wine, desserts and more—as well as unique home

décor and gifts. [Santa Cruz: On the Beach at the Santa Cruz Harbor; 831-476-4560] LAILI Savor beautifully spiced Mediterranean cuisine with an Afghani flair at this chic downtown restaurant. Sit in the open dining room with its exhibition kitchen or out on the heated garden patio. Kebabs, Afghani dumplings, and chicken and lamb dishes share the menu with vegetarian and vegan options including pumpkin boranee and pomegranate eggplant. The combination of fresh local ingredients with herbs and spices from around the world results in supreme flavors. A specially crafted wine and beer list complements the menu. For dessert, the cardamom crème brûlée is a favorite. Lunch and dinner: Tues-Sun. [Santa Cruz: 101 B. Cooper St.; 831-423-4545. lailirestaurant.com] PARADISE BEACH GRILLE Six-time winner of “Best Restaurant of the Year” in Santa Cruz County by the Good Times, and voted the 18th most romantic restaurant in the world by gogobot.com, this dining spot along the Esplanade in Capitola offers panoramic ocean views overlooking Soquel Creek and Capitola Beach. Featuring California cuisine with an island twist, the menu includes attractive salads and appetizers, fresh local and Hawaiian seafood and Braveheart steaks. The extensive list of California wines

showcases the fruits of over 15 local wineries and more than 45 wines by the glass. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Happy hour: Mon-Fri, 4-6. [Capitolaby-the-Sea: 215 Esplanade; 831-476-4900] ROSIE MCCANN’S Located in downtown Santa Cruz, this restaurant and pub blends traditional Irish food and hospitality with a contemporary California flair. Enjoy favorites such as fish and chips (made with true Alaskan cod), shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, along with Angus filet, grilled salmon and more. Fun is a certainty, with the warm pub ambiance, a full bar and lounge, live music Thursday-Saturday, trivia on Monday and comedy on Wednesday. Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch: Sat-Sun, 9:30-2. Open ‘til late. [Santa Cruz: 1220 Pacific Ave.; 831-426-9930. rosiemccanns.com]

SHADOWBROOK RESTAURANT This world-famous restaurant has been on every visitor’s “must-do” list for over 70 years. The tradition of fine food and drink in an atmosphere of Old-World charm continues to this day. A quaint hillside “cable car” and meandering garden path lead you down lushly landscaped gardens with waterfalls and rock walls above Soquel Creek. The beautiful grounds, comfortable lounge and intimate dining areas make this a local favorite for gatherings and celebrations. Award-winning fare includes nightly specials as well as traditional offerings of prime rib, fresh seafood, pastas and oak-fired, brick-oven pizzas. A children’s menu is also offered. Light entrees and wood-fired pizza are served in the lounge, 4-10pm. Dinner nightly, including holidays. [Capitola-by-the-Sea: 1750 Wharf Rd.; 831-475-1511. shadowbrook-capitola.com]

Lively and Local

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HALF MOON BAY

magnet for both locals and tourists in search of an urban detox, Half Moon Bay inspires with a magic all its own. A

BY MARLENE GOLDMAN

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COASTAL BLUFFS, PACIFIC VISTAS, TOWERING REDWOODS and an abundance of wildlife may take the spotlight on this stretch of the Pacific coast, but myriad shopping and culinary treasures tucked into its seaside expanse also distinguish this stretch of the San Mateo County coast, midway between San Francisco and San Jose. Half Moon Bay’s agricultural riches encompass everything from pumpkin patches and green fields of artichokes and vibrant flowers to roadside fruit and berry stands, while its marine setting yields seafood treasures from fishing boats brimming with harvests of salmon and Dungeness crab. The region’s bounty of fresh food from land and sea makes Half Moon Bay a dining hot spot, and there’s even a growing brewery and distillery scene making its mark downtown. Towns south of Half Moon Bay, such as Pescadero and San Gregorio, are just as endearing, whether promoting quirky trends like goat yoga or hosting local live music at a general store.

GRAY WHALE COVE BEACH WITH MONTARA BEYOND

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HALF MOON BAY

With its charming downtown, surrounding flower fields and farms, and fishing harbor, Half Moon Bay is an irresistible retreat from its big-city neighbors along the San Francisco Peninsula’s eastern Bayside shore. Melding Norman-Rockwell-like Americana, a pioneer spirit and a Left Coast ethos, Half Moon Bay still hangs on to vestiges of its past with a scattering of historic downtown buildings, such

Drivers heading to Half Moon Bay over the Coast Range Mountains on Highway 92 or along the shore via Highway 1 are following the ancient trails of the Ohlone Indians, whose villages thrived here until the 1700s, when Spanish soldiers and missionaries built a string of settlements reaching from Mexico to San Francisco. Originally named San Benito and then Spanishtown, by the late 1800s the hamlet had already become a thriving fishing and ranching community. Then an influx of Italian, Portuguese, Irish and Chinese immigrants broadened the ethnic mix, with the town being renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874. During Prohibition in the early 1900s, the local coast became a haven for smugglers as Canadian rum runners took advantage of the hidden coves and thick cloaks of fog to land their boatloads of illegal booze destined for San Francisco. Today, Half Moon Bay’s economy centers on fishing, agriculture and tourism fueled by the coast’s many amenities.

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as the 1920s-era City Hall, which formerly served as a bank. The town’s original two-cell jail now houses both the Mary Vallejo History Center and the Spanishtown Historical Society Museum. The restored 1855 James Johnston House overlooks the Pacific just south of town, standing apart with its New England saltbox construction. It is open to visitors, as is the 1905-built Mosconi Hotel with its original oldtime saloon, now an inn named the San Benito House. Half Moon Bay boasts plenty to discover in its compact downtown. Galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops, and arts and crafts stores are interspersed with wine-tasting rooms, a gastropub, bakeries, cafes and a number of appealing dining options, from Italian to Japanese. An expansive feed store on Main Street still reflects the region’s agricultural roots, drawing ranch hands from the surrounding countryside, while the restaurant menus showcase locally grown and organic harvestings from the region’s agricultural and seafood bounty. A handful of refurbished Victorian B&Bs add to the charm. Miles of beautiful beaches stretch north and south, with the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail running alongside from Pillar Point Harbor to the Ritz-Carlton. TO THE NORTH

Oceanfront restaurants, a picturesque harbor sheltering a commercial fishing fleet, coastal hikes, surfers’ beaches, tide pools and equestrian riding trails all await you on the stretch of coast north of Half Moon Bay.

Miramar Beach, the site of the old Amesport wharf built in 1868, was among the famed drop points during Prohibition, when smuggled liquor was offloaded at Miramar’s Ocean Beach Hotel. Today, Miramar is home to the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, which has been drawing legions of fans for Sunday afternoon jazz concerts since 1964. A little further north, El Granada lures beginner surfers to the aptly nicknamed Surfer’s Beach, its waves forgivingly gentler than those of more exposed beaches along the Half Moon Bay coast. More experienced board riders head north, with the most intrepid surfers of all drawn to Mavericks, a world-famous surfing site where cresting swells from winter storms are thrust upward by a shallow reef, creating gigantic breakers 50 feet or more in height. Day-to-day activities at Pillar Point revolve around the harbor’s commercial fleet, whose annual catch totals up to 10 million pounds of fish. Visitors in

DAVID PORTER (FAR LEFT); RITA VANDERAA

PILLAR POINT HARBOR; DOWNTOWN HALF MOON BAY

FRANK BALTHIS (LEFT); RITA VANDERAA

search of fresh seafood in season, such as Dungeness crab and salmon, can either buy it straight off the boats, with the added bonus of chatting with the grizzled skippers, or step into one of several eating spots for a meal. Fishing charters and kayaking companies also operate from the harbor, as do whale-watching tours in winter and spring—an ironic twist, in that Portuguese sailors from the Azores ran a whaling station here during the 1800s. Moss Beach, founded in the 1880s, once attracted celebrities like Jack London to fish and dive for abalone. The town’s Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a protected tide-pool area, is a place where kids and adults alike can wet their feet searching for starfish, sea anemones and other small sea critters. A historic landmark in neighboring Montara is the Point Montara lighthouse, established in 1875 as a fog signal station after several ships ran ashore in the late 1860s. It is now home to a hostel. Montara State Beach, a beautiful twomile stretch of sand bookended by coastal bluffs, is popular with surfers because of its strong swells. Rising up behind the beach is McNee Ranch State Park’s 1,898-foot Montara Mountain. Hikers and trail bikers ascend this northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains for its endless coastal views on clear days and possible whale sightings in winter. The trails can also be accessed from sheltered and clothing-optional Gray Whale Cove State Beach, where the beach’s leviathan namesakes can sometimes be spotted close to shore. North of Montara, the Devil’s Slide Trail debuted in 2013 when a precipitous segment of Highway 1—notorious for sliding off into the sea during storms— was finally closed down, replaced by a tunnel under Montara Mountain. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders can now traverse the rocky heights of Devil’s Slide for panoramic bird’s-eye views of the crashing waves below.

open vistas of the Pacific giving way first to farms and rolling hills, then redwoodforested mountains in the interior. Just south of Half Moon Bay, a turn onto Miramontes Point Road leads to a luxuriously modern anomaly on the largely rural, laid-back coast. The imposing Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, with its Georgian-revival-style architecture, perches atop a low bluff overlooking Manhattan Beach. Golfers flock to its 36 holes of oceanfront links with sightlines to the Pacific. Non-stop scenery beckons as you drive farther down the coast, sharing the road with touring cyclists. San Gregorio State Beach is notable for its steep grassy bluffs, deposits of driftwood after winter storms and a sheltered estuary that’s a refuge for a wide variety of birdlife. Not far inland, the picturesque village of San Gregorio, named after Pope Gregory I, charms visitors with its nostalgic small-town flavor. In the 1850s, elites ventured south from San Francisco via stagecoach to the old San Gregorio Hotel for fishing, swimming and sailboat racing. Today, the rustic 1889-era San Gregorio General Store draws people from all walks of life—from local farmhands to bikers, cyclists and wandering tourists—who stop in to browse or have a drink. Past the sandstone bluffs of Pomponio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach’s mile-long shoreline offers fishing, tide pooling and prime sunset viewing. Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise for the myriad species that flock to use it as a feeding and nesting spot. Don’t miss Pescadero itself, just a few minutes’ drive inland. The town’s old frame houses and steepled

churches, such as the 1867 Pescadero Community Church, are reminiscent of an old New England village. The tiny downtown’s main street holds galleries, wine tasting, crafts shops, artisan food markets and old-time Duarte’s Tavern, owned by the same family since the early 1900s. Towering above the coastal artichoke farms south of Pescadero, the picturesque 115-foot-high Pigeon Point Lighthouse stands as one of the tallest and most photographed lighthouses in America. In use since 1872, it is currently closed to the public, though visitors can wander around the grounds. Beaches cradled by impressively rugged cliffs hug the coast south of Bean Hollow State Beach, whose tide pools are home to anemones, crabs and sea urchins, and onward to Año Nuevo State Park, where much larger sea specimens await. The wildlife stars of the South Coast are the 10,000 elephant seals that return annually to breed, molt and give birth among the dunes of Año Nuevo’s Natural Preserve. From mid-December to the end of March, visitors who sign up for guided tours can witness gigantic bulls battling for dominance and females nursing their pups, or simply watch these creatures bask quietly in the sun.

TO THE SOUTH

Isolated beaches, secluded nature preserves, timeless small towns and views of wildlife mark the stretch of coast heading down toward Santa Cruz, with RIGHT: PESCADERO VIEWED FROM HIGHWAY 1; HISTORIC ARCANGELI GROCERY CO. IN PESCADERO

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Experiences

From outdoor activities to sampling local offerings, there’s never a dull moment when in Half Moon Bay.

Hop aboard a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and make your way around the harbor, or watch seabirds and harbor seals at play on a sunset excursion. Rentals are available at Half Moon Bay Kayak or Maverick PaddleSports (SUP only).

Taste Local Wines Spend an afternoon wine tasting at La Nebbia Winery, and triple the fun with a game of bocce ball and a picnic. Hint: On a warm day, the sparkling wine will hit the spot. More tasting options can be found on Main Street at Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese, Vinoteca and Barterra Winery.

Hit the Links Play a round of golf at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Dramatic ocean views more than make up for the frequent chill factor at this challenging links course. 114 EXPLORE

Stop and Smell the Roses Make a stop on Highway 92 to enjoy the flowery temptations at a variety of nurseries along the way. Wander through the blooms with resident felines at Half Moon Bay Nursery, learn about California’s native plants at Yerba Buena Nursery, and find out about a range of carnivorous species at Predatory Plants.

Pick up Fresh Produce Stop at one of the local farm stands along Highway 1 and other byways for treats such as artichokes, Brussels sprouts, fava beans, berries and—the ultimate Half Moon Bay icon—pumpkins.

Explore the Coastal Trail Walk, jog or bike the oceanfront trail. Running from Pillar Point Harbor to the Ritz— past secluded beaches, along dramatic bluffs and through open grasslands—this makes for a perfect outdoor excursion.

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Taste Locally Distilled Spirits Tour the craft Half Moon Bay Distillery to sample and learn about vodka and gin. Mixology classes are on order too!

Get Creative The whimsical Oddyssea shop on Main Street invites all ages to dabble in its garden. Try sand art, make a terrarium display, craft a sailor bracelet or engage in other entertaining creative fun.

HALF MOON BAY KAYAK (1)

Paddle at Pillar Point Harbor

Buy Fresh Catch At The Docks

Head over to Pillar Point Harbor to buy fresh-caught seafood straight off the boat—from Dungeness crab (winter through spring) to salmon (late spring through summer). Want to be part of the action yourself? Book your spot on a sport fishing charter boat.

Cozy Up To An Old-Time Bar

Zoom In On Tide Pools

GARRICK RAMIREZ (4, 6 & 11)

Drop by the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach at low tide to get up close to small sea creatures, and keep a watch out for harbor seals, too.

Bring the Kids Families with youngsters can stop by Lemos Farm for pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses and seasonal attractions such as the Halloween Haunted Zone.

Sample Craft Beers Sip and savor with pub food at Sacrilege Brewery & Kitchen; catch ocean views while enjoying a beer at Half Moon Bay Brewery; and discover award-winning suds at Hop Dogma Brewing Co.

Visit A Goat Farm Buy goat cheese and goat milk lotions or take a tour of the Harley Farms Goat Dairy, a restored 1910 dairy farm house.

Warm up by a pot-bellied stove for a live bluegrass set on weekends at the 1889era San Gregorio General Store. You can also happily lose time browsing through everything from fishing gear and hardware to books, tools and cookware.

Go Bird-Watching Hike the 235-acre Pescadero Marsh Bird Refuge and keep an eye out for the more than 200 species of birds—including blue herons and snowy egrets—that inhabit the marsh or stop over during migrations.

Catch the Sunset For a perfect way to end your day, bundle up and find your spot to watch the sun set behind the ocean.

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HALF MOON BAY AREA Private Events Wine Tasting Daily 10-5 Bocce Ball & Picnic Area Hwy 92, Half Moon Bay | 650.726.9463 | LaNebbiaWinery.com

EXPERIENCE A HALF MOON BAY TRADITION Welcome to the “Disneyland of Pubs” where it’s always time to have fun!

CAMERON’S

PUB&RESTAURANT Great Company. Tasty Food. Historic Pub Atmosphere. 1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay | 650.726.5705 | cameronsinn.com

NEW HOTEL & RV PARK ON SITE

Dining

THE BARN AMERICAN This rustic, tastefully renovated barn is a burger restaurant, beer garden and coffee shop all at the same time. Open lunch through dinner Wed-Sun. [Half Moon Bay: 3068 N. Cabrillo Hwy.; 650-560-8363] CAMERON’S AMERICAN, BRITISH PUB With its English pub atmosphere and warm hospitality, Cameron’s serves up an old-fashioned, British-style good time. This family-friendly spot offers tasty pub grub—from fish and chips to clam chowder and burgers— along with 19 beers on tap and what may be a world-record collection of more than 2,000 beer cans on the wall. Order a pint, play a game of darts, catch your favorite sports on one of the many TVs, or relax by the fire. Open daily. [Half Moon Bay: 1410 South Cabrillo Hwy.; 650726-5705. cameronsinn.com] DAD’S LUNCHEONETTE BURGERS, COMFORT FOOD In a historic train caboose, the former chef of a Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurant now turns out impeccable hamburgers on white sandwich bread, with homemade potato chips, herb salad and rotating soups and desserts. Thurs-Sun, from 11. [Half Moon Bay: 225 South Cabrillo Hwy.; 650-560-9832]

Japanese Cuisine, Sushi & Cocktails 20 Stone Rd., HALF MOON BAY 650.712.8886 SHIKIRESTAURANTS.COM 116 EXPLORE

HALF MOON BAY BREWING COMPANY BREWERY RESTAURANT Overlooking the harbor, this brewery and restaurant offers California coastal cuisine, craft beers, live music on weekends and an expansive patio area with fire pits. Open lunch through dinner daily. [Half Moon Bay: 390 Capistrano Rd.; 650-728-2739]

IT’S ITALIA ITALIAN This downtown eatery dishes up rustic California-Italian cuisine complemented by a wellselected list of Italian and California wines. Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch: Sat-Sun from 11. [Half Moon Bay: 401 Main St.; 650-726-4444] LA COSTANERA PERUVIAN This oceanside restaurant with spectacular views of the Pacific offers modern fusion Peruvian cuisine, from ceviches to paellas. Full bar. Dinner: Tues-Sun. [Montara: 8150 Cabrillo Hwy.; 888-370-6801] PASTA MOON ITALIAN Contemporary Italian-inspired farm-to-table dining focuses on fresh seafood, fine meats, thincrust pizzas and house-made pastas, matched with Italian wines. Lunch and dinner daily. [Half Moon Bay: 315 Main St.; 650-726-5125] SAM’S CHOWDER HOUSE SEAFOOD Reminiscent of a New England seafood house, this restaurant overlooking the harbor is known for its lobster rolls and outdoor patio seating. Open lunch through dinner daily. [Half Moon Bay: 4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy.; 650-712-0245] SHIKI JAPANESE CUISINE JAPANESE This downtown restaurant brings a vibrant touch to traditional Japanese cuisine, with expert chefs preparing a wide range of fresh sushi, along with appetizers and entrees. Lunch and dinner daily. [Half Moon Bay: 20 Stone Pine Rd.; 650-712-8886]

Silicon Valley

Sipping BY SUSAN HATHAWAY “Wine country” has become synonymous with the well-traveled byways of Northern California’s renowned Napa and Sonoma regions, but there are many other wine districts in or near Silicon Valley—a pleasant surprise for most visitors. The area’s multiple microclimates and outstanding growing conditions result in lots of enticing wines being made in an area better known for its high technology, and local winemakers are delighted to show off their creations to visitors.

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SAVANNAH-CHANELLE WINERY

GUGLIELMO WINERY

Because of this challenge, a new trend has emerged—urban wineries are carving out little niches in the middle of cities and suburbia where the sipping is dandy. Meanwhile, less intensely developed areas, such as the rolling hill country south of San Jose and the steep Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, are home to many passionate winemaking operations that welcome visitors. For those in the know, all this local enological activity presents abundant wine-tasting opportunities and much shorter drives than the long, traffic-snarled haul to the better-publicized regions north of San Francisco.

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IN & AROUND SAN JOSE Remarkably, there are even reputable wineries to visit amid the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley itself. These may lack majestic views from rolling vineyards, but they can’t be beat for friendliness and dedication to winemaking, making use of grapes grown in nearby regions.

Sipping Stops The oldest and largest of this crew is J. Lohr Vineyards, a family-run operation in San Jose with a handsome tasting room and friendly pourers. The company has abundant vineyards located elsewhere and a large selection of well-priced wines can be tried. A few blocks away, Coterie Cellars offers some exciting pinot noirs, tasty viogniers and other wines in a comfy tasting room entered via that mainstay of the urban winery—a roll-up garage door. Nearby in Campbell, Travieso Winery is the passion project of a local geologist and plastic surgeon who joined forces to focus on Rhone-style wines such as a mouth-filling syrah and an alluring blend of viognier, chardonnay and roussanne. A few miles eastward, in the rolling hills above Milpitas, Big Dog Vineyards perches on a promontory overlooking Silicon Valley. Grapes from both the estate and nearby regions come together in enjoyable wines like a big cabernet and other lusty reds.

FRANK BALTHIS (BOTTOM)

he history of winemaking here is a long one, starting in 1802 when Franciscan monks began cultivating vineyards in Santa Clara Valley using fine European varietals. The local wine industry was bowed but not broken by parasitic vine infections and Prohibition, recovering handily by the mid-20th century. Alas, today the booming economy of Silicon Valley has created a new threat to growers as sprawling office buildings and ever-expanding suburbs gobble up agricultural land.

SANTA CLARA VALLEY VINEYARDS

SOUTH OF SAN JOSE Cruising south of the valley a few miles on Highway 101 unveils a bucolic region where the area’s farming history comes immediately into view. The towns of Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy are reminders of a time not so long ago when San Jose and its environs were known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” due to the ideal farming conditions.

Sipping Stops The third generation of a longtime Morgan Hill farming family now runs popular Guglielmo Winery, which captivates visitors with its elegant courtyard tasting area complete with burbling

fountains and attractive landscaping. Echoing the family’s roots, tasters can sip intriguing Italian varietals like charbono, dolcetto and barbera, along with more mainstream wines. Another Morgan Hill winery worth a visit is Sycamore Creek Vineyards, with a picturesque environment; the winery produces a range of wines like a fruity grenache and well-crafted sparkling wine. In a beautifully pastoral corner of San Martin, Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery is a lovely, friendly operation with views to savor as much as its tasty Rhone-style wines. Nearby, in an equally attractive spot, Clos la Chance offers a rich lineup of wines including those made on the 150-acre estate. Pinot noir and chardonnay are featured at Sarah’s Vineyard in Gilroy— another location with breathtaking views—while rustic petite

“Our Family-Owned Winery has been Serving Great Wine and Good Times since 1925” After 90 years of winemaking in the rich and fertile Santa Clara Valley our dedication and expertise shines!

Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff offer tours and classes, complete with tastings of course!

Our versatile event venue provides unique and relaxing settings for intimate private dining or large corporate functions and wine club events. Our rustic and cozy tasting room warmly welcomes guests from around the world, seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm.

Hundreds of happy couples have “tied the knot” in the breathtaking beauty of our outdoor and indoor event areas.

Visit www.guglielmowinery.com or call us at 408-779-2145 For further information on our Events, Private Tours and come fall in love with our family’s award-winning wines! 1480 E. Main Ave, Morgan Hill, CA | www.facebook.com/guglielmowinery

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REGALE WINERY

sirah and other Rhone varietals are the focus at nearby Ayer Family Vineyards. For an out-in-the-country atmosphere and tasty wines, another local winner is Martin Ranch.

SARATOGA & CUPERTINO Best known today for pricey real estate and as the headquarters of Apple Computer, respectively, Saratoga and Cupertino actually have a storied history of grape growing stretching back to the 1800s. With their boundaries soaring up into the Santa Cruz Mountains, these bedroom communities have long attracted serious winemakers as well as visitors.

Sipping Stops A delightful string of wine-tasting opportunities has emerged recently along Big Basin Way, Saratoga’s main street, rich with top-tier restaurants. Mountain-grown pinot noir and chardonnay are the highlights at Cinnabar Winery’s attractive front patio. Next door, Big Basin Vineyards focuses on rich Rhonestyle wines like a lusty syrah with a pinch of viognier for interest. Shared tasting rooms are a feature of this cute street, including a facility presenting well-made wines by Silvertip Vineyards and Ser Winery that show off terrific fruit from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Close by, the town’s newest tasting stop is a shared room where one can sample complex, Bordeaux-style reds from Lexington Wine along with estate-grown pinot noir and chardonnay produced by Mindego Ridge.

lovely picnic facilities and outstanding wines such as cabernet sauvignon and rich zinfandels are well worth the long, twisty drive. Along the way, tasters can stop to try the estate cabernet at R&W Vineyards, a minuscule winery run by a passionate and dedicated husband-and-wife team. Further down the hill, Picchetti Winery’s peacocks, friendly staffers and old-vine zinfandel and estate cabernet make it a picnic heaven.

LOS GATOS The city of Los Gatos, with its charming downtown filled with superb restaurants and a bonanza of shops, extends far into the adjacent Santa Cruz Mountains. Tasting opportunities abound, from the main drag to the wooded hills, offering many adventures for wine lovers.

Sipping Stops On main street, Santa Cruz Avenue, Left Bend Winery pours both a subtle cabernet franc and an intriguing cabernet/syrah blend. A short drive away up a forested hill, a historic Jesuit seminary long dedicated to winemaking is home to Testarossa Winery. Lovely grounds, a cafe, live music and excellent wines are its calling cards.

A short drive west on Big Basin Way leads to Savannah-Chanelle, an appealingly rustic winery in a historic property high atop a ridge where visitors can sample rich cabernet or heady port while enjoying a self-catered picnic. Nearby, The Mountain Winery—once the original estate of Paul Masson—has become a renowned concert venue and is also a lovely spot to try chardonnay and pinot noir while enjoying panoramic valley views. Stunning vistas can also be found at nearby House Family Vineyards, a boutique operation that takes cabernet and chardonnay production seriously. Another noted winery, Ridge Vineyards perches on a Cupertino mountaintop. Bewitching views, 120 EXPLORE

BIG BASIN VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM IN BOULDER CREEK

South of town, sinuous Highway 17 leads up into the redwoodforested Santa Cruz Mountains. Summit Road, which runs along the top of the ridge separating the valley and coastal sides of the mountains, is home to some particularly alluring wineries. With its graceful Tuscan-style main building, bocce court and flower-filled grounds, Regale Winery matches captivating wines with stunning panoramic views as far as the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime spot for weddings and corporate events. Providing you the best products, services Specialties here include the estate-grown pinot noir andand cabernet sauvignon. Next-door neighbor School Vineyards & amenities in a warm and Burrell revitalizing style. Winery has an unpretentious, friendly tasting operation, while, in addition to its wines, nearby Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery offers a nice patio, bocce court and views. The friendly owners of Villa del Monte, another boutique Summit Road operation, proffer big red wines. Venturing further into the forested hills leads you to Loma Prieta Winery, known for its patio, views and pinotage—an unusual red specialty.

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Several respected wineries occupy the green hills on the northern side of Highway 17. Byington Vineyard & Winery features views, handsome facilities, manicured landscaping and a commitment to fine pinot noir. Fine pinots are also the longtime mission at David Bruce Winery, where guests sip while overlooking lush vineyards.

EQUINOX TASTING ROOM IN WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ

dozen warehouse-style tasting rooms all within a few blocks of each other, allowing for a leisurely afternoon of tasting without driving.

Sipping Stops

Just outside downtown Santa Cruz, Storrs Winery has a long Facials • Massage • Body Treatments • Hair Salon history of elegant European varietals, with pinot noirs and

SANTA CRUZ TO BONNY DOON

intriguing red blends well worth sampling.

The coastal side of the Santa Cruz Mountains is scattered with The gathering of tasting rooms at the western end of Santa Cruz TheSpaLosGatos.com • (408) 354-5901 • 100 S. SANTA CRUZ AVE. scores of small but distinctive wineries. A concentrated taste of in Ingalls Street Courtyard—known as the Surf City Vintners OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-9 SATURDAY 9-6 SUNDAY 9-5 • Convenient Off-Street Parking their wines can be experienced at the west end of town, with a Collective—includes MJA Vineyards, which brings some

RITA VANDERAA

An experience centered around the artful craft of wine.

Tasting Saturday 11-4 & Sunday 11- 5 • 24040 Summit Road • Los Gatos, CA Unique wine themed corporate events • (408) 353-2500 • www.RegaleWine.com Spa_Regale_Explore_full_2109.indd 1

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SILICON VALLEY SIPPING

BARGETTO WINERY

BONNY DOON VINEYARD

Across the street, Rexford Winery is known for its delicious merlots and pinot noirs, while a short walk from the Ingalls Street complex, teensy Stockwell Cellars pours mouth-filling reds like syrah and zinfandel. Fabled local winemaker Randall Grahm remains an iconoclastic visionary, and his thought-provoking creations can be tried at Bonny Doon Vineyard’s tasting room in Davenport, north of Santa Cruz along the coastal highway. Definitely sample his lush Rhone varietals. Also in woodsy Bonny Doon, Beauregard Vineyards makes elegant pinot noirs, tasty fizzes and a yummy sangiovese.

SOUTH OF SANTA CRUZ Heading farther south along the coast will take you to other tempting wineries, some which are multi-generational enterprises, as well as more recent arrivals set up by entrepreneurs 122 EXPLORE

RUSSIAN RIDGE WINERY IN SAN CARLOS

who transitioned into winemaking from earlier, unrelated careers. These are centered around the towns of Soquel and Corralitos, the latter being a less touristy area with rolling green hills and occasional McMansions built by well-heeled Silicon Valley escapees.

Sipping Stops Family-run for many decades, Bargetto Winery in Soquel has been spruced up significantly by the newer generation. Its spacious tasting room amidst pretty grounds offers respectable, often well-priced wines such as a special red blend of Italian grapes called La Vita. Award-winning Soquel Vineyards boasts great views from its hilltop patio along with sumptuous reds and chardonnays that will appeal to the pickiest connoisseurs. Also in Soquel, relative newcomer Wargin Wines has a mellow country location and serves nicely crafted Italian varietals. South of Soquel, the beach town of Aptos is home to ambitious Nicholson Vineyards, a producer of fruity pinot noirs and old-vine zin which can be enjoyed at a shaded picnic table. Further south, a wine trail meandering around the little burg of Corralitos is worth exploring. Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery offers a tasty, forward merlot and fruity rosé de pinot noir accompanied by superb views from the patio. Higher up and with even more expansive views, Windy Oaks Estate Winery makes a lovely sparkling viognier and fruity chardonnay.

GARRICK RAMIREZ (TOP LEFT); RITA VANDERAA

humorous naming to its tasty varietals—Dirty Old Man, Flirtatious and Frisky, to name a few. Here, patio seating and live music on weekends add to the draw. A longtime pinot producer, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards offers sample pours of this complex varietal as well as unusual wines made from Spanish and Portuguese grapes under the Quinta Cruz label. Next door, Sones Cellars provides big zins and complex white blends, while Equinox offers a change of pace with its well-established array of sparkling wines, as well as hearty reds under the Bartolo label. Focused on sustainable pinot noirs and similar varieties, Silver Mountain Vineyards shares its tasting room with Bottle Jack Winery, dedicated to complex wines and intriguing blends.

THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY

WOODSIDE & HALF MOON BAY REGION Today’s billionaire retreat of Woodside, where horses are rumored to outnumber the human population of the town’s genteel estates, has a history in the winemaking business dating back to 1884 when a local vineyard planted cuttings said to be from the renowned French winery Chateau Margaux.

Sipping Stops

MATT WALKER (TOP); RITA VANDERAA

The truly breathtaking views from Woodside’s Thomas Fogarty Winery display the Bay Area in all its glory, making this venue a popular event site. Tasters can drink in the great scenery while sipping a gewürztraminer or mountain-grown pinot noir. Neighboring Portola Valley, also home to many sprawling mansions, holds tiny Portola Vineyards, a father-daughter operation that lets appointment-only visitors sip on pinot noirs and chardonnays from mountain-grown grapes. Over the mountains on the nearby coast, the rustic tasting room at La Nebbia Winery has friendly servers and flavorful wines like a mouth-filling zin and unusual black muscat. After the tasting, stay for a picnic or a round or two of bocce ball. A few minutes away in downtown Half Moon Bay, Barterra Winery offers wines from many top California regions. In a small warehouse a few miles north, Trojak’knier Winery specializes in fine varietals from Napa.

THE MID-PENINSULA The mid-Peninsula wine scene has exploded in recent years. An increasing number of small wineries, relying on grapes purchased from various winegrowing regions, has turned the bedroom community of San Carlos into a burgeoning wine

destination. Other nearby cities have also experienced recent openings of similar warehouse-style wineries.

Sipping Stops Domenico Winery was an early pioneer of the San Carlos scene. Its spruced-up warehouse location, offering wines crafted from Italian grapes, has been further enhanced recently by a handsome remodeling of the tasting room and the addition of Italian tapas. Nearby, weekend tastings are available at Flying Suitcase Wines, which pours a delicious syrah, while neighboring Russian Ridge Winery showcases some delectable Bordeaux blends. Around the corner, elegant reds are also the focus at Cuvée Wine Cellars. Weekend sipping is also to be enjoyed in Menlo Park at the tasting room of Woodside Vineyards—the oldest winery in San Mateo County, known for its premium cabernet wines. This may well be the region’s most unusual facility as it also houses an impressive collection of exotic automobiles.

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The

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Hundreds of square miles of open space preserves, countless trails, spectacular scenery, and moderate year-round weather all blend together to create an ideal playground for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Options vary from ridgetop trails with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Silicon Valley on the other, to winding paths through oak-studded meadows and meditative wanderings beneath the sheltering towers of majestic redwood trees. Glimpses of wildlife are common, from deer and hawks to the less frequently spotted coyotes and bobcats. Add to this a stunning, pristine coastline and a wide range of ocean activities, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a feast of outdoor enjoyment for all.

RUSSIAN RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

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TRAIL TIME BEST REDWOODS & OCEAN VIEWS California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods, is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient old-growth redwoods south of San Francisco—some more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty! Enjoy a hike in the cool shade of the redwoods or venture on past beautiful waterfalls and up to the open ridgetop for ocean views. [Boulder Creek: Big Basin Way] Off the beaten path, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park provides a retreat from the busy towns and beaches along Hwy. 1 near Santa Cruz. Visitors come to picnic near Aptos Creek or to hike, jog, or bike on 30 miles of trails through the park’s semi-rugged wilderness. An 11-mile creek-side loop leads through a canyon to the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake, while panoramic views of Monterey Bay await ambitious hikers at Sand Point Overlook. [Aptos: Aptos Creek Rd.] Wilder Ranch State Park includes beaches, redwood and eucalyptus groves, and inland canyons. The easy Ohlone Bluff Trail follows the bluff overlooking the ocean. Fresh ocean air, crashing waves, and marine wildlife sightings make this a memorable hike. [Hwy. 1, north of Santa Cruz] Pescadero Creek County Park, adjoined by Memorial, Sam McDonald and Heritage Grove Parks, features an extensive network of hiking trails leading through oldgrowth redwoods; Pescadero Creek flows year-round. [La Honda: Pescadero Rd.]

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve’s loop trail climbs 1,600 feet from Half Moon Bay to the ridgetop. Shaded by redwoods as it follows a fern-bordered creek, it opens up at the upper end to offer panoramic coastal views. [Half Moon Bay: Higgins Purisima Rd.]

BEST MOUNTAIN VISTAS With a lush forest crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking trails, Castle Rock State Park is a popular place to hike thanks to its unusual rock formations tailor-made for climbing. The big destination is Goat Rock—a sandstone outcrop with stunning vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains. [Los Gatos: Hwy. 35] Henry W. Coe State Park is one big wild and open space— 89,000 acres of natural beauty, to be exact! The largest state park in Northern California, its terrain is rugged and beautiful, with lofty ridges and sheer canyons that make it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. [Morgan Hill] On the Peninsula’s eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Huddart County Park offers trails through oak- and redwood-shaded canyons and ridges. [Woodside] Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve offers trails through open grassland hills with views of the Peninsula and San Francisco Bay to the east, and forested mountains and the ocean to the west. [Los Altos: Alpine and Page Mill Rds.]

BEST VALLEY & BAY VISTAS Just outside Saratoga, Fremont Older Open Space Preserve is a gorgeous preserve with forested hillsides, open hayfields, and Hunters Point—a 900-foot hilltop with panoramic South Bay views. It adjoins Garrod Stables, which offers horseback tours through the preserve, as well as Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards. [Cupertino: Prospect Rd.] Lushly wooded Sanborn County Park offers scenic trails and picnicking facilities. Start your hike near Peterson Grove, a stand of redwoods surrounding a small pond; then follow signs for the John Nicholas Trail which leads to sweeping views of the bay from north to south and across to Mount Diablo. [Saratoga: Sanborn Rd., 2 miles west of Hwy. 9] Rancho San Antonio Preserve may be the Peninsula’s most frequented spot, with 23 miles of trails through open meadows and oak woodlands leading to vantage points for views. [Los Altos: 22500 Cristo Rey Dr.] Further north on the Peninsula, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve presents a challenging hike through open grasslands and forests of redwood, fir, and oak, with wide-spanning bay views as a reward. [Enter from Portola Rd. in Portola Valley or Skyline Blvd.]

For more information, visit www.openspace.org or www. parks.ca.gov

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MOST SCENIC

Grab a camera along with your sunblock and shades. These photogenic beaches are Instagram-licious!

MAIN BEACH (SANTA CRUZ)

BEACH TIME The long stretch of beaches lining the coast from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz, most of them uncrowded and pristine, offers something for everyone. From primo surf locations and pictureperfect cliffs to hidden coves and wide expanses of wave-washed sand ideal for beachcombing, all you need to do is choose your sweet spot.

As one of the most photographed beaches in the state of California, Natural Bridges State Beach on the northwest side of Santa Cruz may well look familiar when you see the famous rock arch that gives this moon-shaped beach its name. Head north along Hwy. 1 (preferably in a convertible if it’s a warm day) for a scenic drive that takes you to a gorgeous stretch of beaches, though don’t expect to be swimming; the surf can be dangerous and the water is famously ice-cold. With a backdrop of sandy cliffs, the secluded (and clothing-optional) Panther Beach (about seven miles north of Santa Cruz) is picturesque and peaceful, with caves to explore. A mile or so north, just past Bonny Doon Road, you’ll find Shark Fin Cove— a small pocket beach with spectacular sea stacks. While best known for its iconic “Shark Fin” (a large rock formation jutting out of the cove à la “Jaws”), it offers amazing views in every direction. Nestled in a protected cove is Davenport Beach, a choice spot for surfers. The paths down to it offer incredible viewing areas, as the sea cliffs overlook the Pacific Ocean at a 100-ft. drop (don’t venture too close to the edge!). Continue north to reach the cliffbacked Greyhound Rock Beach, popular for whale watching and tide pooling. The beach is named for the colossal formation made of ancient mudstone, which protrudes into the cove, and offers a shoreline view when tides are low. Or venture on to the open, peaceful, duned Gazos Creek State Beach, an ideal spot for long, solitary walks. Continuing north, Bean Hollow State Beach is a beautiful, secluded cove beach that invites tide pooling and beachcombing; at its northern end, Pebble Beach is known for its tafoni rocks—honeycomb-like sandstone rock formations created through weathering—as well as its water-worn pebbles. Closer to Half Moon Bay, the state beaches of Pescadero and San Gregorio offer long stroll-worthy stretches of sand following dramatic bluffs, while north of Half Moon Bay, the wide, curved Montara Beach is cradled by imposing bluffs and popular with surfers. Steep trails at the northern end of the beach lead to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, a sheltered clothing-optional cove.