v08_i26_the_wave_magazine_120dpi by The Wave Magazine

CONTENTS F E AT U R E

2008 NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDE

It’s a big decision, so we break it down for you, listing the hottest NYE events in town.

INTERVIEW JIM CARREY

The comedic dynamo has positive vibes about his new movie, Yes Man.

DEPARTMENTS UPFRONT 06

SPOTLIGHT { local news }

HIT LIST { editors’ picks } 14 DAYS

46 48

50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR SOFA { top events } DINING Feature: The classic combination of caviar and champagne remains the ultimate indulgence. PLUS: Hot Spots restaurant profiles.

LIFESTYLE 34

STYLE & SHOPPING Feature: Wet weather footwear so cool, you’ll be praying for rain.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Feature: From the beauty gurus at Benefit: a step-by-step guide to creating glamorous eyes for that big holiday bash.

SPORTS & ADVENTURE Feature: Who knew there were so many waterfalls within hiking distance here in the South Bay?

HOME & DESIGN Feature: It’s all about analog with these sophisticated, high-tech turntables.

MOVIES Reviews: Yes Man, Seven Pounds, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button… and more. ARTS Feature: A roundup of all the holiday (and not-so holiday) productions hitting local stages this festive season. PLUS: Calendar listings for theatre, dance, classical music, opera, museums and galleries. FAMILY & COMMUNITY Feature: The increasing popularity of baby sign language is closing the communication gap between infants and parents. PLUS: Calendar listings for family activities, events and more.

COLUMNS 71

HOT TICKET { arts alert }

THE FINAL LAST WORD { opinion with Seanbaby } SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

SV GUIDES: 23 WINERIES 25 BARS & CLUBS 35 FASHION 81 SPORTS & ADVENTURE SV MARKETPLACE: 84 WEDDING PLANNING

72 THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

MASTHEAD

OUR PEOPLE W R I T E U S @ T H E W AV E M A G . C O M

The Wave Magazine Silicon Valley's Finest Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine Volume 08, Issue 26 | December 15-28, 2008

THE WAVE MEDIA President/Publisher: B. Peter Brafford Associate Publisher: Chris Rhoads

Vice President, Corporate Relations: Dan Ferguson Vice President, Sales: Bill Hargreaves

EDITORIAL Events Editor: Johnny Brafford Senior Editor: Jo Abbie Associate Editor: Mitchell Alan Parker Copy Editor: Ed Robertson

Contributing Writers: Seanbaby, Fred Topel, Michael J. Vaughn, Damon Orion, Kevin Lynch, Sharon McKinley Editorial Intern: James Chen

ART / PRODUCTION Design Director & Photographer: Chris Schmauch Graphic Designer: Jon Sontag

Contributing Designers: Ezra Gordon, Chris John

SALES / ADVERTISING Advertising Director: Bill Hargreaves Online Sales / Marketing: Chris Rhoads Traffic Manager: Yvonne Gonzalez

Marketing / Traffic Coordinator: Rebekah Hollister District Sales Managers: Ken Sorensen, Ray Klopp, Janette Deuerling, Carol Zimring, Carrie Vawter-Yousfi

CLIENT SERVICES Account Managers: Yvonne Gonzalez, Rebekah Hollister

ONLINE IT Support: Jenny Phan Design / Code: Chris Schmauch

Online Publishing: Jon Sontag, Ezra Gordon

CIRCULATION Director of Circulation: Matt Smith

Circulation Representatives: Javier Segura, Guillermo Merino, Heather Deveraux, Luis Barreto, Alberto Velarde, Rogelio Galvez, Bertha Fernandez

EMAILS Display Ads: advertising@thewavemag.com Marketplace Ads: marketplace@thewavemag.com Editorial: writeus@thewavemag.com Events: events@thewavemag.com

Design: design@thewavemag.com Employment: jobs@thewavemag.com Distribution: distribution@thewavemag.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Bill Hargreaves (408) 467-3260 advertising@thewavemag.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send to writeus@thewavemag.com or use the mailing address below.

P UBLICAT ION INFORMAT ION

SUBSCRIPTIONS to The Wave Magazine run

The Wave Media publishes The Wave Magazine.

$9.95 for 27 issues (one year). For more informa-

All content of this issue is copyright ÂŠ2008 by The

tion, call (408) 467-3200 or visit

Wave Media, Inc., and may not be reprinted in

http://subscribe.thewavemag.com

whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. The Wave is available throughout

ED IT O RIA L C O N T RIBU T IO N S

the Silicon Valley; one copy of each edition of

Unsolicited manuscripts and story ideas must be

The Wave is available for free. Anyone removing

accompanied by a stamped return envelope.

magazines in bulk will be prosecuted.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for lost artwork, photographs or manuscripts. Submit all

SUBSCRIP T ION INFORMAT ION BACK ISSUES of The Wave Magazine are available for $5. Please submit your request for a back issue to: 1735 Technology Dr., Suite 575, San Jose, CA 95110.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

manuscripts, artwork and photographs to: The Wave Magazine, 1735 Technology Dr., Suite 575, San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: (408) 467-3200 Fax: (408) 467-3401

MASTHEAD

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

SPOTLIGHT NOTEWORTHY

Dancing for the Holidays The Bay Area’s Cheryl Burke tells us what makes her dance.

heryl Burke may have finished a disappointing fifth last month on TV’s Dancing with the Stars, but that has hardly slowed her down. The Bay Area native, Menlo-Atherton High School graduate (Class of ’02) and two-time Emmy-nominated choreographer is not only busy expanding her Cheryl Burke Dance Studio in San Francisco, but recently partnered with Crest for its “What’s Your Catch Phrase?” contest, a national promotion that asks Americans to create a catch phrase that describes how the flavors of Crest’s new whitening products makes them feel. Burke’s catch phrase? “Makes me dance.” “My dad is a dentist,” she explains. “He doesn’t really relate to the dancing part of my career, but he was very excited that I teamed up with Crest.”

SPOT L IGH T

Burke and her TV dance partner this season, Olympic gold medalist sprinter Maurice Greene, will be among

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

NEWS

the cast of celebrities performing in 37 cities across the country this winter as part of Dancing with the Stars: The Tour, the live show based on the top-rated ABC reality competition series. The Wave: How’d you get involved with the TV show? Cheryl Burke: They wanted to recruit more dancers after the first season [2005], and they saw me dance at a dance competition. I was living in New York, so they came to New York and interviewed me. My dance partner and I, we were about to split up, it wasn’t working out, so it just happened all at the right time. TW: Your dance studio in San Francisco has group classes for different dance styles. Is one style more popular than the others? CB: Obviously, ballroom is the most popular, especially right now with Dancing with the Stars. But we do hip-hop classes, jazz classes; we do a lot of different things. For me, it’s important to not just have it be a

ballroom school, because dancing is everything; it’s all different types.... Plus, the studio is another way for me to help promote physical fitness. As you see on the show, you lose tremendous amounts of weight, just dancing. I think it’s important that we keep in shape, and dancing is a great way to do that. You don’t even realize that you’re working out; you’re having so much fun doing it. TW: Do you have any special group events lined up for the holidays? CB: I’ll be teaching a group class on Dec. 20. We’ll be in San Jose for the tour, and I’ll be staying the day after to teach at my studio. TW: Is there a particular dance that goes well for the holiday season? CB: [Laughs] No, not really. Every dance is good for the holidays. A lot of people gain weight during the holidays, and I think dance is a good way to go have fun with the family. Dancing with the Stars: The Tour, Friday, Dec. 19, 7:30pm, HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. For tickets, go to www.dancingwiththestarsontour.com. Cheryl Burke Dance Studio, 1830 Seventeenth St., San Francisco (415) 252-9000 www.cherylburkedance.com. Cheryl Burke will hold special holiday workshops on Dec. 20, 8-9pm (salsa dancing) and Dec. 26, also 8-9pm (jive).

SPOTLIGHT: NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SPOT L IGH T

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

SPOTLIGHT: NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SPOTLIGHT NOTEWORTHY

NEWS

City of San Jose council member Forest Williams presents Sandra Dailey with the proclamation of the African American Heritage House

Change Is in the House Antique San Jose building becomes home to new African American heritage center.

O SPOT L IGH T

n Sunday, Nov. 23, less than three weeks after Barack Obama’s electoral victory, San Jose brought some much-needed color to a white house of its own: the African American Heritage House (AAHH), the latest addition to History Park at History San Jose. The 140-plus-year-old Italianate farmhouse Zanker House is the home of this historic nonprofit establishment, which will be the site of community meetings, art exhibits, workshops, musical and cultural events, festivals, and theatrical presentations. As AAHH president and CEO Sandra Dailey notes, “We’ve never had any type of dwelling that we can actually showcase and educate our youth as well as different organizations on the heritage of African Americans here in Silicon Valley.” The AAHH was the dream of Dailey’s aunt, Lula Briggs Galloway, former CEO of the National

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Association of Juneteenth Lineage, Inc. and founder of the Juneteenth Creative Cultural Center and Museum in Saginaw, Mich., which commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves. The AAHH serves as a memorial of sorts to Briggs Galloway, a San Jose native who passed away in mid-November. “She’s not here physically, but her timing is good to be with us spiritually,” Dailey comments. The recent dedication of the building gave AAHH staff members an opportunity to discuss their plans for education, as well as to put out the call for assistance in developing the beautiful antique house. “There’s lots of work to do,” Dailey states. “We’ve got to do electrical work, we’ve got to do plumbing, and we’re looking for donations and contributions to help make this a successful place for everybody to come and learn about African American history throughout Santa Clara County.” In light of November’s election, this is an entirely appropriate point in history for the AAHH to be opening its doors. According to Dailey, the fact that the opening of the building coincided with Obama’s election is simply a happy accident. “The timing is wonderful!” she enthuses. “We’re very excited about being able to really make it all tie in together.” African American Heritage House (408) 398-8044 History Park/History San Jose, 1650 Senter Rd., San Jose (408) 287-2290 www.historysanjose.org

SPOTLIGHT: NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SPOT L IGH T

Private lanes • Executive chef • Group events

300sanjose.com

5420 Thornwood Dr. near Oakridge Mall

408.578.8500

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

SPOTLIGHT: NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SPOTLIGHT NOTEWORTHY

Jurassic Park: The Tour Walking with Dinosaurs brings yesteryear’s thunder lizards back to life.

SPOT L IGH T

f the idea of a bunch of makebelieve dinosaurs running around an arena sounds like kid stuff, think again. A quick look at the clips available at Dinosaurlive.com will show that Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular, which runs from Dec. 26-30 at HP Pavilion, is a mindblowing, edge-of-your-seat experience. Think Jurassic Park, only live and in your face. Based on the award-winning BBC-TV series of the same name, Walking with Dinosaurs depicts the entire evolution of dinosaurs throughout the course of 200 million years. The stars of the show are 15 incredibly lifelike animatronic dinosaur puppets, the largest of which is 36 feet tall and 56 feet long. The larger dinosaurs, which weigh more than a ton each, are brought to life by a group of puppeteers who control the creatures via radio frequencies. Projected images and a state-of-the-art audio system help recreate the landscape that the dinosaurs inhabited. 10

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

NEWS

Dinosaurs director Cameron Wenn explains that the creative team at Creature Technology Company (out of Melbourne, Australia, where the live show was originally created) encountered a bit of a challenge when it came time to putting skin on the giant lizards they were constructing. “In a film context, if you’re making a puppet like that, it would be latex,” he states. Due to the considerable sizes and weights of the puppets, however, the artists had to come up with something out of the ordinary. The solution they found was a spandex fabric treated with latex stenciling and then hand-painted. Naturally, a production of this magnitude requires an unusually large road crew. Twenty-seven tractor trailer trucks and a total of 65 people (everyone from skin technicians, engineers, sound people and lighting technicians to puppeteers, performers, and stage managers) are helping transform the various arenas on the show’s current North American tour into Jurassic kingdoms. Clearly, Dinosaurs will be an unforgettable event for the kids. But will it be a good time for the grown-ups as well? Wenn insists that it will. “A lot of marketing people will tell you that their show is ‘good for people from [ages] three to 93,’ but in the case of our show, it’s actually true!” he says. “The show works on many levels in terms of what it provides as an audience experience, so there’s something in it that appeals to all age groups.” Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular, Dec. 26-30 at HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 287-9200 www.hppsj.com

SPOTLIGHT: NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SPOTLIGHT NOTEWORTHY

NEWS

Updates on local business openings. PALO ALTO RICE THAI CUISINE

3924 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 812-0139

The Thai flavors of successful East Bay restaurateur Ricky Sudchaitham arrived in Palo Alto with the mid-November opening of Rice. Taking over what was once a ramen noodle joint and a Quiznos, the new owners have warmed up the space with new tables and long benches with comfy cushions. The menu features authentic Thai cuisine, including Rice’s signature dish: a whole pompano fish flavored with three Thai spices. SPROUT CAFÉ

158 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 323-7688 www.cafesprout.com

Sprout offers healthy options, including a popular build-you-own salad menu. Salads can be packed with fresh ingredients such as dried cranberries, apples, garlic croutons and shaved parmesan, plus a selection of meats and other premium salad toppings. There’s also a choice of six lettuces (baby arugula, mache, butter lettuce, red lettuce, Romaine and baby spinach).

Treehouse in the Glen

SAN JOSE TREEHOUSE IN THE GLEN

DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE FLAMES EATERY & BAR

88 S. Fourth St., San Jose (408) 971-1960

Already drawing big crowds to its new Downtown location just opposite the library, this latest addition to the Flames family forgoes the familiar tropical theme in favor of a more modern décor. In addition to a full bar, this new Flames offers an extensive menu, perfect for both late night or breakfast eats. On the popular breakfast menu, choose from more than 20 omelet creations, plus some creative takes on eggs Benedict and much more. PLUS: There’s an abundance of new eateries opening Downtown, including: Extreme Pizza at 30 E. Santa Clara St., which offers “freestyle” toppings on its awardwinning pizzas; Mescal Bistro and Bar recently opened up next door to Billy Berk’s at 25 W. San Fernando St., and will feature authentic Oaxacuan style bistro fare; Specialty’s Café and Bakery just opened in the City View Plaza, 115 S. Market St., and presents its array of fresh-baked, made-from-scratch breads, muffins, cookies, soups and sandwiches; Mosaic takes over from Paragon at the Hotel Montgomery, presenting California bistro cuisine in its American Brasserie style interior.

1275 Lincoln Ave. (408) 294-8699 www.toyskidslovenaturally.com

The latest addition to the increasingly kid-friendly stretch of Lincoln Avenue in downtown Willow Glen is Treehouse in the Glen. The store operates under the mantra of “Toys kids love naturally,” and that’s exactly what they sell – hand-crafted, natural wooden toys. The owners go to great lengths to ensure that all toys on their shelves are free of toxic chemicals, and offer free puppet shows and other entertainment for the delighted children who enter their store.

SANTA CLARA JASMINE FINE THAI CUISINE

1211 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara (408) 246-394 www.jasminefinethai.com

Jasmine Fine Thai Cuisine’s exciting take on Thai food offers diners unique new twists on traditional Thai fare, as well as exciting new dishes to enliven even the most jaded Thai diner who has grown tired of eating green curry chicken. The menu features an innovative fusion of Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese flavors as well as Thai, resulting in dishes such as drunken noodles (their take on the traditional pad thai), jasmine prawn and scallops (served in a creamy yellow coconut curry sauce), plus an enticing cocktail menu. TW

SPOT L IGH T

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» FEATURE

HitList

» FEATURE

Flip MinoHD To buy, go to Silicon Valley Locations of Best Buy, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart

Buccella Wines To buy, go to www.buccellawines.com On their first date, Bill and Alicia fell in love over a bottle of 1990 Gaja. Since then, they have been committed to invoking that moment into the delicately flavored wines produced from their Yountville vineyard in Napa Valley. Leading wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr., publisher of The Wine Advocate, has sung numerous praises for Buccella cabernet sauvignons, even giving the 2003 a 95 point rating, extolling its “dense, opaque black/purple color” and scents of “graphite interwoven with crème de cassis, charcoal, espresso roast and spice box.” Sadly, however, Buccella only produces a little more than 1,000 cases combined of their Cuvée Katrina Eileen, cabernet sauvignon and merlot varietals. We’re salivating over the cuvée, hoping that a bottle from one of the 76 cases produced will magically appear at our office in the very near future.

C O M P I L E D B Y M I T C H E L L A L A N PA R K E R

An HD video recorder small enough to fit in one’s pocket? Yes, please. With 4GBs of onboard memory, this handy little device is just what this media-addicted generation needs for saving precious moments. The MinoHD can record up to an hour of 720p resolution HD video, using power from a rechargeable lithium ion battery with enough juice for two hours of use. Built-in video editing software and a retractable USB connector make the MinoHD incredibly easy to use, allowing for quick uploading directly to AOL Video, MySpace and YouTube. And for the quality and versatility, they are inexpensive and produce great footage for online content. We used the non-HD Flip camera to create a video for our Sports & Adventure feature in Vol. 8, Iss. 25. Check it out at www.thewavemag.com. $229.99

ment of eye frame dominance doesn’t wrap around your head, but hangs on a wall. By communicating with radio frequency identification (RFID) on eyewear frames, the “Smart Mirror” responds with a bevy of unique interactive options, such as key features and specifications for the frames being worn. There’s even an option that lets you try out the frames in simulations of various lighting and airflow conditions. You can also take a photo of yourself wearing a particular frame and email the image to friends and family for their opinion on your new look. Unfortunately, an option that makes us look like our favorite movie stars is not included.

More Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic

HIT L IST

Multiple Silicon Valley locations www.morephysicaltherapy.com Olympic gold medalists, Super Bowl winners and hockey legends can all be seen receiving physical therapy at the More Clinic. But you’ll also see patients rehabilitating after car accidents, major surgeries and the general consequences of booze-fueled horseplay at certain office gatherings. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and attentive. There are numerous TVs playing nothing but sports, making the ice and electric stimulation treatments even more relaxing. Whether it is deep tissue massages, strength building exercises after an injury, or simply to alleviate strained muscles, the More Clinic has everything, and more. 12

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Stand Umbrella To buy, go to www.100per.com

N3L Smart Mirror N3L Optics, Hillsdale Mall, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo (650) 571-0271 N3L Optics has always been known for its audacious commitment to performance eyewear (also known as sunglasses, of which they have 900 frames from 21 brands). But their latest addition to the advance-

When entering a store, restaurant or visiting a friend, how often have you searched in vain for a stand on which to put your dripping umbrella? Enter the delightful Stand Umbrella, a clever device that not only shields its user from rain, but boasts a stand-alone feature that means no umbrella receptacle is required. It’s one of those inventions where you can hear a billion people slapping themselves on the foreheads (just as you did right now), as if to say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” With the rainy season fast approaching, this is a must-have. Around $50. TW

For your chance to receive a pass (good for two) to an advance screening of

head down to

BARNES & NOBLE (3600 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose)

on Tuesday, December 16, during normal business hours. One lucky winner at the screening will receive a copy of Bedtime Stories “Say What?”

A fun fill-in-the blanks activity book based on the movie. Now readers will control the stories just like the characters in the film!

Passes are in limited supply and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Limit one pass per person. Each pass admits two people This film is rated PG. Theatre is overbooked to ensure a full house. Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee admission and must be surrendered upon demand. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. EXCEPT FOR MEMBERS OF THE REVIEWING PRESS. No one will be admitted without a ticket or after the screening begins. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Walt Disney Pictures, Disney Press, The Wave, Barnes & Noble, Terry Hines & Associates and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost; delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors their employees and family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!

OPENS IN THEATRES ON CHRISTMAS DAY

HIT L IST

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

A guide to one last hoorah in the Bay Area.

et’s face it: The past 12 months have been chock-full of ups and downs. A roller-coaster year like this can only end in celebratory style. But with literally hundreds of ways to bid farewell to 2008, the question becomes which one to choose. With that in mind, we spent days and nights scouring bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, theatres and anywhere else hosting a party, to give you a comprehensive New Year’s Eve guide. Whether it’s a quiet, romantic evening over a bottle of nice champagne or an all-night, raging dance party, the Bay Area is the perfect spot to end strong before starting anew in 2009.

Dive Bar

BARS & CLUBS

CLUB SAVOY

THE BANK

THE SCENE: With a rich history, Club Savoy is touted as “one of the oldest lesbian nightclubs in the US.” Savoy also has karaoke, pool tourneys and DJs. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Food and drink specials, giveaways; see website for details.

14421 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-5155

THE SCENE: A proper dive bar ambience, and plenty of Guinness on tap. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Hors d’oeuvres and drink specials all night.

BRITANNIA ARMS – DOWNTOWN

2425 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell (408) 559-9880 www.courtslounge.com

THE SCENE: Pool tables, dartboards, brick walls, and bountiful quantities of drink. NEW YEAR’S EVE: New Year’s Eve dart tournament.

THE SCENE: San Jose’s premier British pub, and a master of fish ’n’ chips. NEW YEAR’S EVE: New Year’s Eve champagne party.

DIVE BAR

5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose (408) 266-0550 www.britanniaarmsalmaden.com

THE SCENE: Ice-cold draft beers and friendly clientele and service. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Reserve a dinner package for $29.99, including prime rib or beef or salmon Wellington, salad, dessert, party favors, glass of champagne and a New Year’s Eve party featuring live entertainment by Super Bad, a ’70s and ’80s party show band.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

COURT’S LOUNGE

173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 278-1400 www.britanniaarmsdowntown.com

BRITANNIA ARMS – ALMADEN

3546 Flora Vista Ave. (408) 244-6909 www.clubsavoy.com

78 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 288-5252 www.sjdivebar.com

THE SCENE: A dive bar more in attitude than appearance. Upscale ambience with an intimate atmosphere. NEW YEAR’S EVE: DJ Otrebor, drink specials, champagne toast and party favors. No cover before 10pm.

THE ESCAPE 2942 Bascom Ave., San Jose (408) 377-5436 www.escapebarandgrill.com

THE SCENE: Classic dive bar with a free pool table. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Drink specials, party favors, prizes, music and dancing, no cover charge. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Fahrenheit Ultralounge

FAHRENHEIT ULTRALOUNGE 99 E. Fernando Rd., San Jose (408) 998-9998 www.fahrenheitultralounge.com

THE SCENE: High sophistication and Asian fusion cuisine brings a whole new level to the concept of “class.” NEW YEAR’S EVE: A DJ lineup to last the entire night, a balloon drop at midnight, an all-night hosted premium open bar with admissions, live countdown on seven plasma screen TVs and a champagne toast at midnight.

GOOSETOWN COCKTAIL LOUNGE 1172 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 292-4835 www.goosetownlounge.com

THE SCENE: A small place made big by its rock ’n’ roll karaoke attitude, fireplace, two TVs and a dance floor. Voted runner up by Wave readers as the “Best Neighborhood Bar.” NEW YEAR’S EVE: All-night dancing, karaoke and party favors.

1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale (408) 732-2110 www.quarternote.com

THE SCENE: A local favorite for live bands and audiences alike. NEW YEAR’S EVE: A hot turntable performance and karaoke.

VAULT ULTRALOUNGE 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 298-1112 www.vaultultralounge.com

THE SCENE: A two-storied complex with a touch of decadence. One of the most famous night spots in San Jose. NEW YEAR’S EVE: The “Diva” New Year’s Eve party ushers in 2009.

WET NIGHTCLUB 396 S. First St., San Jose (408) 282-8938 www.wetsj.com

1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 293-7574 www.grapevine-wg.com

THE SCENE: A three-tiered Vegasstyle, glass-tank interior. The VIP service is recommended. NEW YEAR’S EVE: “The Greatest Show on Earth,” featuring DJ Fashen.

YE OLDE ROYAL OAK PUB

NUMBER ONE BROADWAY

1240 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara (408) 588-1111 www.meetmeattheoak.com

102B S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 354-4303 www.numberonebroadway.com

THE SCENE: London food and drink miraculously transplanted to the Bay Area. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Party hats and favors, featuring the Dangling Mangoes band. No cover charge!

THE SCENE: Boasting the only nightclub patio in town, patrons are invited to enjoy cocktails under the stars, watch live music, THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

QUARTER NOTE BAR

THE GRAPEVINE THE SCENE: An upscale wine bar with an eclectic nosh menu. NEW YEAR’S EVE: An exclusive New Year’s Eve party in downtown Willow Glen, limited to 40 guests.

play pool or enjoy singles mixers. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Party into the new year with dancing, party favors, hats and midnight balloon drop. $25 cover.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Cetrella

RESTAURANTS BELLA SARATOGA 14503 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 741-5115 www.bellasaratoga.com

THE SCENE: Intimate indoor and outdoor dining with plentiful pasta portions. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Offering a New Year’s Eve dinner menu to kick-start a tasty 2009. O F S AN J OSE /P ALO A LTO

24-H OUR C ALL C ENTER

BIRK’S RESTAURANT 3955 Freedom Cir., Santa Clara (408) 980-6400 www.birksrestaurant.com

CAB D OW E ELL IGNAT Y A S LET UR DE R O VE BE Y DRI

THE SCENE: A classic American interior complements the hardwood-grilled steaks and world-class wine list. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Offering a $35 three-course prime rib dinner.

BLOWFISH SUSHI Taxi’s Welcome! Reservations

T a x i ’ s : S E RV E A L L B AY A R E A A I R P O R T S .

PROVIDE

U P TO

PA S S E N G E R S F O R T H E P R I C E O F O N E .

408-777-7777 650-321-1234

T AXI ’ S A CCEPT CREDIT CARDS

Sunnyvale & Mountain View Served by Checker Cab Request cab online at www.foraride.com

TAXICAB 20

SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY SELF - EMPLOYED , LICENSED TAXICAB DRIVERS .

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

355 Santana Row, San Jose (408) 345-3848 www.blowﬁshsushi.com

THE SCENE: Modern design, anime playing on flat screens, and succulently fresh fish to delight. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Setting off the new year with a late-night DJ.

BLUE PHEASANT LOUNGE 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino (408) 255-3300 www.bluepheasant.com

THE SCENE: Try the breaded, deep-fried

crab cakes with aioli, or any of the other world-class appetizers. Dancing starts in the lounge at 7pm. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Offering a New York steak and shrimp scampi special, along with a DJ to see in the new year.

BRITISH BANKERS CLUB 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 327-8769 www.britishbankersclub.com

THE SCENE: A distinctly modern menu amid turn-of-the-century wood furnishings and bronze fixtures. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Enjoy a four-course dinner as a live art show and DJ sets off the festivities.

CAPERS EAT & DRINK 1710 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 374-5777 www.caperseatanddrink.com

THE SCENE: An upscale sports bar feel, complemented by steak, fries, and perfect pasta. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Party favors and live music, along with a special New Year’s Eve menu.

CETRELLA 845 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 726-4090 www.cetrella.com

THE SCENE: Award-winning Mediterranean cuisine, accompanied by exquisite wines from their private cellar and live jazz. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Featuring a fourcourse feast, live music and a midnight champagne toast. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Accepting reservations f o r N e w Ye a r s & C h r i s t m a s E v e

“Best New Restaurant 2008” Esquire Magazine

Michelin Guide - One Star

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

The Grill on the Alley

CIN-CIN WINE BAR 368 Village Ln., Los Gatos (408) 354-8006 www.cincinwinebar.com

THE SCENE: An intimate, high-class atmosphere focusing on Spanish, Asian and California cuisines, and the wines that best accompany them. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Offering a special New Year’s Eve menu.

CRAB LANDING 260 Capistrano Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 712-1288 www.crablanding.com

THE SCENE: The Rat Pack would feel at home here. Featuring classic American cuisine. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Extended evening hours.

ISLAND GRILL 1355 N. Fourth St., San Jose (408) 392-2405 www.theislandgrill.com

THE SCENE: Modern hotel with all the amenities. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Enjoy a delicious meal at the Grill, followed by live music from the Flashlight Flashbacks in the Bamboo Lounge.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

LA MERE MICHELLE

THE SCENE: Classic sophistication, and expertly done steak. Ask for wine pairings. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Featuring a special New Year’s Eve menu. THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

172 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 294-2244 www.thegrill.com

THE SCENE: A wide-open layout, and some of the best possible seafood in the Bay Area. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Fireworks, a special New Year’s menu, and complimentary drinks.

180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 329-8457 www.ﬂemingssteakhouse.com

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY

14467 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-5272 www.lameremichelle.com

THE SCENE: Elegant and intimate French dining, combining traditional ambience with modern amenities. NEW YEAR’S EVE: A special New Year’s dinner and dancing starting at 9pm. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

New Years Eve Gala 2008 Dinner $69.00 per person

Deluxe Party Package

Medley of Mixed Greens Pasta

$129.00per person & $199.00per couple

Entrées (Choice of Either)

In addition to our exclusive New Year's Eve Party, this package includes overnight accommodations at Mariani's Inn, with a full Country Breakfast served 8:00 am to 10:30 am. Take advantage of an early check-in starting at 11:am, and a late check-out at 1:00 pm.

Chicken & Gulf Prawns Filet Mignon Poached Filet of Salmon Our Delectable Dessert Tiramisu & After Dinner Coffee

(19.5 service charge and tax not included)

Dinner is served at 8:00 PM.

Steve Edwards, our feature entertainer begins at 9:00 PM (Advanced deposit is required)

ariani’s Restaurant A

S a n t a

C l a r a

T r a d i t i o n

(408) 243-1431 www.marianis.com 2500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

» SVGUIDE: WINE TASTING

VIEW SLIDESHOWS & PROFILES: WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/WINE WINERIES

WINE SHOPS

Cinnabar Winery Tasting Room

Savvy Cellar Wines

14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-1010 www.cinnabarwine.com We invite you to visit our beautiful tasting room. Located in the quaint, historical village of Saratoga, flanked by the magnificent Santa Cruz Mountains.

Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery 45 W. Main St., Los Gatos (408) 358-4949 www.flemingjenkins.com Wine Tasting: Tue-Sun Noon-6pm.

Pedrizzetti Winery 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill (408) 779-7389 www.pedrizzettiwinery.com Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (closed most holidays).

Rabbit’s Foot Meadery 1246 Birchwood Dr.,Sunnyvale (408) 261-1603 www.rabbitsfootmeadery.com Our famous cider is available at Whole Foods Markets and Oliver’s Markets.

Roudon-Smith Winery 2364 Bean Creek Rd., Scotts Valley (831) 438-1244 www.roudonsmith.com Wine Tasting: Sat Noon-4:30pm.

Thomas Fogarty Vineyards 19501 Skyline Blvd., Woodside (650) 851-6777 www.fogartywinery.com Wine Tasting: Thu-Sun 11am-5pm.

2048 Broadway St., Redwood City (650) 363-8737 www.savvycellar.com Experience top quality wines without having to spend an arm and a leg. Savvy Cellar Wine Bar & Wine Shop features wines from all the great wine producing regions of the world – all wines rated 90 points or higher and retail for $39/bottle or less. Check website for details on: wine classes, wine clubs, private events, tasting specials, live jazz and online sales (including gift certificates).

Vino Locale 431 Kipling St., Palo Alto (650) 328-0450 www.vinolocale.com Vino Locale is the perfect place to host a business or social event in an elegant and private setting. Open Tue-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun Noon-5pm.

Vintage Wine Merchants 377 Santana Row #1135, San Jose (408) 260-1115 www.vintagewinemerchants.com Open Mon-Wed 10am-9pm, Thu-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun Noon-8pm.

The Wine Room 520 Ramona St., Palo Alto (650) 322-1292 www.thepawineroom.com The Wine Room is located in the deLemos art & crafts building in the historic section of beautiful downtown Palo Alto. We serve up an eclectic variety of wines from around the world. Come in and sample a flight, have a glass, or share a bottle and a cheese plate off of our light fare menu with friends, family or clients. Whether before the show, after dinner, or an exciting first date, come and enjoy our comfortable, friendly ambience. Open until midnight or later seven days a week, it’s the perfect late night spot for an evening stroll or sinfully delicious dessert. We also host corporate events and private functions.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE: (408) 467-3200 THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Plumed Horse

MARIANI’S INN & RESTAURANT

happen twice – with countdowns for both the East and West coasts.

2500 El Camino Real, Sunnyvale (408) 243-1431 www.marianis.com

STRAITS

THE SCENE: Immaculate service and a tradition of fine dining, specializing in Italian and American cuisine. NEW YEAR’S EVE: A New Year’s Eve special, featuring a wonderful dinner, overnight accomodations, live entertainment, early check-in and a late check-out.

1100 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame (650) 373-7883 www.straitsrestaurants.com

MOSAIC RESTAURANT 211 S. First St., San Jose (408) 282888 www.hotelmontgomerysj.com

THE SCENE: American Brasserie cuisine in a lively, casual atmosphere. Feauring a stylish dining room, live jazz, and an outdoor patio. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Enjoy a fabulous fourcourse prix fixe dinner, and an exciting NYE bash from 9pm-2am.

PLUMED HORSE 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-4711 www.plumedhorse.com

THE SCENE: A Michelin star-rated luxurious French/American restaurant. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Make a reservation now for a chic and romantic end to 2008.

SINO 377 Santana Row, Ste. 1000, San Jose (408) 247-8880 www.sinorestaurant.com

THE SCENE: The opulent splendor of the Orient awaits diners at this sleek modern Chinese restaurant, which boasts sumptuous décor and a blend of Cantonese fare and fusion creations. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Celebrations at Sino will feature specialty cocktail and Veuve Clicquot champagne specials, plus specialty dishes, party accessories for guests, and bottle service. Better yet, New Year’s Eve will 24

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

THE SCENE: Southeast Asian cuisine in a sleek, sophisticated setting. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Paint the town red with Straits’ red-tie New Year’s Eve party. The bash, dubbed Rouge, is $100 per ticket, which includes free entry, eight drink tickets (all top shelf liquor), appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight, party hats and music from DJ Husky. The red event runs from 8pm to 2am. Call ahead to reserve a table for bottle service.

SPECIAL EVENTS CAMPBELL INN 675 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 374-4300 www.campbell-inn.com

THE SCENE: Europen-style romantic getaway NEW YEAR’S EVE: Weekend packages featuring in-room jacuzzis, fireplace and a full hot breakfast buffet.

DAVE & BUSTER’S 940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas (408) 957-9215 www.daveandbusters.com

THE SCENE: Dave & Buster’s has food, drinks and the most awesome array of modern and classic arcade games in the Bay Area. NEW YEAR’S EVE: A fun-filled, interactive murder mystery that includes dinner and performance. Audience memebers have a chance to win prizes and guess who did it!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

» SVGUIDE: BARS & CLUBS

VIEW SLIDESHOWS & PROFILES: WWW.SILICONVALLEYNIGHTLIFE.COM

The Bank 14421 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-5155 www.myspace.com/thebanklivemusic Monday-Friday: Happy Hour $1 off all drinks 5-6:30pm Thursday: Karaoke/Happy Hour $1 off all drinks 5-6:30pm

Court’s Lounge 2425 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell (408) 559-9880 www.courtslounge.com Monday-Friday, Sunday: Dart League Monday: Pool League Monday-Sunday: Nightly Drink Specials

Shoreline Billiards 1400 N. Shoreline Blvd., Ste. C1, Mountain View (650) 964-0780 www.shorelinebilliards.com Monday-Thursday, Sunday: Pool League

Zen Lounge 251 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 964-0780 www.vipzen.com Wednesday-Friday: The Ultimate Happy Hour till 10pm – $1 Beer, $2 Champagne, $3 Martinis, $4 Don Julio Shots

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE: (408) 467-3200

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

USS Hornet

DOUBLETREE HOTEL 2050 Gateway Pl., San Jose (408) 437-2898 www.sanjose.doubletree.com

THE SCENE: Enjoy a steak dinner at Spencer’s and then head over to the Gateway Ballroom or Club Max. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Enjoy Hitmen in the Gateway Ballroom, Ryze in Club Max, room packages, party favors, champagne toast and balloon drop. Tickets are $70; $75 at the door.

HILLBARN THEATRE 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City www.hillbarntheatre.org

THE SCENE: One of the oldest community theatres in the US. NEW YEAR’S EVE: A performance of Babes in Hollywood, a musical saluting Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney; first-class buffet dinner catered by Dino Casazza; live band; dancing and no-host full bar; complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

HOTEL DE ANZA 233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 286-1000 www.hoteldeanza.com

THE SCENE: Classy-style hotel in the heart of Downtown San Jose. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Party packages that include deluxe accomodations, entry to the Hedley Club, chilled champagne in room, breakfast buffet and a late check-out at 3pm.

HOTEL VALENCIA 355 Santana Row, San Jose (408) 551-0010 www.hotelvalencia.com

THE SCENE: Upscale bar on Santana Row. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Overnight party package that includes a night’s stay, entry to the Valencia Ballroom and Vbar celebrations, 26

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolates, souvenir champagne flutes, and a breakfast buffet.

LITTLE FOX 2209 Broadway, Redwood City (650) 369-4119 www.foxdream.com

THE SCENE: Premier concert venue. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Hard rock innovators (and Metallica and Motley Crüe influencers) Y&T will perform. Stand-up comedian Will Durst and company present the Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XVI (Dec. 30).

ROOSTER T. FEATHERS COMEDY CLUB 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale (408) 736-0921 www.rostertfeathers.com

THE SCENE: Laugh-out-loud comedy club. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Stand-up comedians Don Friesen and David Huntsberger, party favors, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

SAN JOSE IMPROV 62 S. Second St., San Jose (408) 280-7475 www.improv.com

THE SCENE: Dinner and a laugh at this premier comedy showcase. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Pablo Francisco leads the New Year’s countdown. Admission includes dinner and champagne.

USS HORNET 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda (510) 521-8448 x282

THE SCENE: A giant floating mass of steel and history in the shape of a US Navy carrier turned museum. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Three dance floors on a heated hangar deck, free dance lessons and a midnight countdown. TW

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

R]e\b]e\ aO\ X]aS T]` bVS V]ZWROga Â´ g]cÂ¸`S W\dWbSR 2]e\b]e\ 7QS 1V`Wab[Oa W\ bVS >O`Y EW\bS` E]\RS`ZO\R 5WTb ;O`YSb Ob EW\bS` E]\RS`ZO\R BVS <cbQÒQYS` 0OZZSb AO\ 8]aS 4O`[SàÂ¸ ;O`YSb 6]ZWROg 1ÒTb 4OW` 1V`Wab[Oa W\ AO\ >SR`] A_cO`S AQOdS\US` 6c\b

BV`]cUV 8O\ BV`]cUV 8O\ BV`]cUV 8O\ " BV`]cUV 2SQ ! BV`]cUV 2SQ & 4`WROg 2SQ ' BV`]cUV 2SQ !

dWaWb aXR]e\b]e\ Q][ T]` []`S V]ZWROg Tc\

^ZS\bg ]T ^O`YW\U b]] With more than 23,000 spaces in public and private facilities, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to find parking in downtown San Jose. Some lots or garages offer validated or free parking. To find out more, visit sjdowntownparking.com

downtown san jose for the holidays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit sjdowntown.com for more holiday fun

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Isn’t this why we live in California? HOLIDAY SALE ON NOW!

TOM’S OUTDOOR FURNITURE Voted #1 “Best On The Peninsula” 1445 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, 94063

650-366-0411 Open Every Day 10-5

tomsoutdoorfurniture.com

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

/FAN=JKALQ N=FM= &GK !9LGK c 408.354.9500 c OOO :D9;QK ;GE The Memoire Petite Prong collection â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from $5,000 to $100,000

» FEATURE

Style&Shopping

» FEATURE » SVGUIDE: FASHION

34 35

01 03

ST Y L E & SHOPPING

WHERE TO BUY

Slick Style Today’s hip galoshes and cool, colorful rubber boots have us longing for rain. BY JO ABBIE 34

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

ook on the bright side: When the rain clouds gather, it’s a great opportunity to don some fun, weather-resistant footwear. We found rubber rain boot designs that are so vibrant, they’re practically begging for a puddle in which to jump, plus gorgeous galoshes in designs that combine function and fashion. It’s good to know that protecting your precious shoes from a torrential downpour doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style. In fact, rain gear this cool is definitely worthy of a little dance. Now… where are those puddles? TW

Kamik Kamik’s Atrium series women’s rain boots feature vivid, cheery designs, including the psychedelic Bohemia and the cheery Hearts. Available from Nordstrom, REI and Sears stores, $59.95 Swims We love these mod galoshes from Norwegian company Swims. The designer came up with the idea when living in New York and braving Manhattan’s mean and slippery streets in the winter months. In the women’s range, the City Slipper protects that urban essential, stilettos, while keeping style intact – while the Ballerina can keep those suede Marc Jacobs flats out of harm’s (or puddles’) way. For the guys, there are the Swims Classics, which are perfect for protecting dress shoes or loafers while maintaining that flawless look, while the Mobster galoshes are higher around the ankle, which makes them great for protecting those precious limited edition Chuck Taylors. Available online at www.swimsstore.com, starting from around $80. Ed Hardy Ed Hardy’s edgy, tattooed designs have won many fans among the younger crowd – so much so, that many don their edgy rubber boots rain or shine, purely for the cool fashion statement. Available from Nordstrom, Dillards and Macy’s stores, $108, or go to www.edhardyshop.com. Western Chief This company’s Chooka line of rubber rain boots feature cutting-edge contemporary designs: everything from cupcakes (Cupcake City) to contemporary stripes (Julie Stripe) and mod graphics (Colleen Clash). $69.95 from REI stores or go to www.westernchief.com. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Ed Hardy Ranie Houndstooth boot, $108 Ed Hardy Love Hurts rubber rain boot, $108 Kamik Bohemia rubber rain boot, $59.95 Western Chief Chooka Julie Stripe rubber rain boot, $69.95 Western Chief Chooka Colleen Clash rubber rain boot, $69.95 Kamik Hearts rubber rain boot, $59.95 Western Chief Chooka Cupcake City rubber rain boot, $69.95 Swims Mobster galoshes, $130 Swims City Slipper galoshes, $80 Swims Ballerina galoshes, $100

ST YLE&SHOPPING: FEATURE

» SVGUIDE: FASHION

EXP. 12/29/08 VIEW SLIDESHOWS & PROFILES: WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/FASHION BOUTIQUES

Alta 1342 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 288-5940; 701 Laurel St., San Carlos (650) 596-9599; 779 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park (650) 326-7390; 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 354-0069 Alta has been carrying original contemporary clothing and accessories for the past 25 years. Visit any of their four locations and experience the excitement.

Amy B. Boutique Corner Stone Shopping Center, 15994 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos (408) 358-8600 Exceptional men’s and women’s contemporary clothing and accessories from Ted Baker, Diane Von Furstenberg, Oliver Peoples, James Perse, Vince and Paige Denim.

Flobell 14519 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 872-1647, 178 Prospect Ave., Danville (925) 855-1228 www.flobell.com SVSAVER: 15% OFF ONE ITEM FOR FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS Call 888-228-1359 on your cell to instantly receive this TEXT coupon

Shopping promotes self-esteem. Customers emerge from Flobell feeling like a million dollars and inevitably walking the part. A world of attainable luxury, Flobell offers luxury of selection, quality, services and convenience. Complimentary alteration and style management set us apart and attract customers that value personal style and service.

Infiniti Boutique 120 W. Main St., Los Gatos (408) 399-7071 This unique men’s and women’s boutique features contemporary brands, up-and-coming designers mixed with one-of-a-kind items from Europe and Japan. We carry urban, funky, sophisticated and modern styles from such designers as 2K, Diesel, Howe, Rex, Rojas, and Triple 5 Soul.

Kitsch Couture 20490 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd., Saratoga (408) 872-1104 www.kitschcouture.com Kitsch Couture wants fashion to capture your individuality. We have transformed a quaint historic church into a wonderfully distinct contemporary boutique, featuring an eclectic mix of fashion-forward pieces, unique accessories and gifts. Customers often leave saying, “There truly is something for everyone.” Brands include Free People, T-Bags, Trina Turk, Kensie and Michael Stars.

ST Y L E & SHOPPING

Bella James 1165 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 292-0000 350 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 866-9000 www.bellajames.com Located in the Garden Theatre in Willow Glen and now in downtown Campbell, Bella James features inspiring and affordable contemporary women’s clothing and accessories, including Michael Stars, Joe’s Jeans, Havaianas, Free People, Hudson, Citizens and more.

IBI Boutique 1231 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara (408) 261-2050 www.ibiboutique.com IBI Boutique is the modern woman’s dream closet! With a large selection of women’s clothing, accessories, footwear, jewelry and handbags. Located right in Franklin Square across from the Santa Clara Post Office.

Signature Lifestyle 519 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 370-3433 www.myspace.com/signaturelifestyle Features casual clothing for young guys and gals, with a large selection of accessories at very affordable prices. Complimentary gift wrapping is also available.

Ursula’s Boutique 140 W. Main St., Ste. B, Los Gatos (408) 395-1400 The wide range of clothing and styles at Ursula’s Boutique will have you dressed for any event. With an array of jewelry, handbags and accessories, Ursula’s Boutique is all you need to complete your outfit.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE: (408) 467-3200 THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» FEATURE

Health&Beauty

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

they tinted, primed and artfully applied makeup to create the ultimate “special occasion” face. First, Benefit’s lead esthetician, Alexis Martin, tinted Kildunne’s lashes and brows to enhance and warm up her eyes. Then, makeup artist (and boutique proprietor and esthetician) Lisa Wasylychyn built up the smoky eye, layer by layer. First, Wasylychyn prepared the skin for makeup with Benefit’s Do It Daily moisturizer, followed by a layer of That Gal brightening face primer, which not only smoothes the skin and ensures that makeup lasts longer, but gives the face a fresh, radiant glow. A touch of Some Kind of Gorgeous foundation (which was recently voted “World’s Best Foundation” by ELLE magazine) was added for a silky finish, plus a few dabs of Boi-ing (Benefit’s so-called “industrial strength” concealer), strong enough to cover blemishes or any other discolorations. Then, it was time for the eyes:

The Eyes Have It The beauty gurus at Benefit help us create a smoky eye look perfect for the holiday party season. BY JO ABBIE

uring the festive season, that everyday makeup routine (a quick swipe of tinted lip balm and a layer of mascara on the lashes) just won’t cut it. An intense, smoky eye is a great way to add glamour and drama to your look come party hour. And if you don’t have the budget for

a new pair of heels or a new purse this year, cosmetics can turn your eyes into your most fabulous new accessory. We took our makeup model, Ashley Kildunne, to Benefit Los Gatos, where the team there transformed her as

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Step 1: Benefit’s Erase Paste concealer is applied under the eyes to camouflage any dark circles. This product is designed specially for the eyes – it is the same texture as the skin and never “sets,” so it never results in that crepe-y under-eye look.

Step 2: A light dusting of Powderflage, a light-diffusing powder concealer, further minimizes the look of dark circles and fine lines, while also keeping the under-eye concealer in place.

» FEATURE » PROFILES

36 42

Step 3: The eyelids are primed with Lemon Aid, Benefit’s color-correcting eyelid primer, which really wakes up the eyes by neutralizing any redness, creating a blank canvas on which to build the smoky eye.

Step 4: A layer of Creaseless Cream eye shadow/liner, in a pretty pewter shade dubbed Skinny Jeans, is smudged onto the lower eyelid, then softly blended upwards and outwards, starting from the lower lashes and working up.

Step 5: A layer of Silky Powder eye shadow, in a dark fawn shade known as Bossy, is added to the eyelid for an even darker, smokier effect.

Step 6: Benefit’s BadGal jumbo eyeliner, a thick, soft, smoky kohl pencil, is dabbed into the lash line to make lashes look thicker and more defined.

Step 7: The smoky gray shade in the Babe Cake powderto-liquid eyeliner kit is used in its dry form and blended into the corner of the eye for added depth. The same product is used on the lower lash line to intensify the smoky look and make the gray shades really pop.

Step 8: Miss Popularity, a soft white shimmering highlighter, is used on the inner corner of the eye to open up the eyes (and to prevent the smoky look from making the eyes look too raccoonish).

Step 9: The plum tone of Benefit’s Bad Gal mascara may seem unusual, but it still shows up on Kildunne’s darkly tinted lashes, and thickens and separates each lash. The shade also shows off the wearer’s natural eye color.

Step 10: Brows are filled in with the Instant Eyebrow pencil’s medium/dark shade, and then set in place with the Speed Brow gel. 38

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: FEATURE

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: FEATURE

HEALTH&BEAUTY F E AT U R E 36

To complete the look, Wasylychyn dusted the face with Georgia Peach, a brightening powder that adds a healthy glow, and applied Benefit’s new Coralista blush to the apples of the cheeks. To finish the face, a sexy sweep of 10, a blush and bronzer, was added to the cheeks, nose and forehead. Lips should always be downplayed when the eyes are so dramatic, so here the lips were simply stained with Benetint, the iconic product that adds a “kiss proof ” ruby red tint to the lips, then highlighted with Gilded pencil, adding a golden touch that complements the coral color on the cheeks. Finally, a dab of Her Glossiness, a light lipgloss in a pale pinkish, shimmery mother-of-pearl shade known as My People, Your People, was added, and the pout was accentuated with the Cupid’s Bow lip shaping pencil. Now, these eyes are ready to party! TW

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

Benefit’s brow bar in the Los Gatos store offers eyebrow tinting, waxing, shaping and threading, as well as eyelash tinting and many other waxing services. The store is located at 7 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 399-4442; products are also available at Benefit counters in Macy’s stores. www.benefitcosmetics.com

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

[ C O N T. ]

Creaseless Cream eye shadow/liner in Skinny Jeans

Bad Gal mascara in Plum

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: FEATURE

C U P U N C T U R E

• H

E R B S

• E

N E R G E T I C S

Natural Healthcare Chinese Medicine treats over 80% effectively and naturally. Come and see for yourself why it has become America’s fastest growing choice for primary healthcare.

Five BraNches university medical centers Quarter Century of Excellence in Healthcare & Education Santana Row Campus Clinic Beach Harbor Campus Clinic 3031 Tisch Way, San Jose ■ (408) 260-8868 200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz ■ (831) 476-8211 www.fivebranches.edu Medi-Cal • Health Insurance • Personal Injur y • Visa/MC

I E T

• M

A S S A G E

For a quarter century Five Branches University Medical Centers have provided safe, effective medical care for over 80% of your healthcare needs. ■

Colds and Flu

■

Cardiology

■

Diabetes

■

Fertility

Complex Conditions

■

Digestion

■

Stress

■

Pediatrics

■

Neurology

■

Endocrinology

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

of your healthcare needs safely,

• D

FREE TREATMENT! New patients bring in this ad and your second treatment is free. Restrictions apply. Expires December 20, 2008. THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

December Special: Prepare for the Holiday Parties Spruce up your look with

25% oﬀ all services 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon - Thurs Men's Grooming Sets available Holiday Packages available Gift Certiﬁcates

Detox/O2 Bar Manicure/Pedicure Teeth Whitening Free Shoe Shines

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

Call 408.371.CLIPS or Walk-ins are available Foxyavenueclips.com

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: LISTINGS

HEALTH&BEAUTY » PROFILES

PROFILES = PRINT PROFILES & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/HEALTH

CHIROPRACTIC

ROZENHART FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 4620 Meridian Ave., Ste. B, San Jose (408) 979-9999 www.rozenhartchiro.com

During the past 18 years, the Rozenhart family has been helping thousands of people ﬁnd relief from back and neck pain, headaches, sleep troubles and stress, while working to fully improve patients’ quality of life. Services include chiropractic adjustments, nutritional supplements, lifestyle coaching, massage therapy and more.

DAY SPAS

MASSAGE ENVY 1040 Grant Rd., Ste. 110, Mountain View (650) 961-3689 www.massageenvy.com

Specializing in massage therapy for stress relief, relaxation, posture and circulation improvements, headache relief and more. Styles include trigger point therapy, Swedish, deep tissue, sports, reﬂexology, cranial sacral and hot stone.

NEW IMAGE SKIN CARE & DAY SPA 14432 Union Ave., San Jose (408) 371-5974 www.newimagedayspa.com

New Image Day Spa offers its clientele a smaller, more personal European experience with its full range of spa services and a full line of cosmetic products. Services include the full spa roster, including relaxing facials, blissful massage, waxing, electrolysis, manicures and pedicures, plus many more treatments that are both beautifying and pampering.

DENTISTRY

ATTUNED DENTAL CARE 1105 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas (408) 263-3090 www.attuneddental.com

The dental practice of Dr. Kim Luu offers both general and cosmetic dental services, from family checkups to cosmetic whitening treatments such as Zoom! Advanced Power, while his caring staff is renowned for being good with kids or those who ﬁnd the dentist’s chair a little daunting. The practice also offers convenient appointment times (after hours or on Saturdays).

BAY DENTAL

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

1180 Blossom Hill Rd., Ste. 4, San Jose (408) 978-2500; 1253 W. El Camino Real, Ste. B, Sunnyvale (408) 732-3000 www.baydental.com

Looking after Bay Area smiles since 1996, Bay Dental offers comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic services (such as Zoom! Advanced Power 2) and general dental care, dental implants, oral surgery, and orthodontics (including traditional and Invisalign braces). Expect state-of-the-art ofﬁces, highly trained staff and the latest technologies.

BRACES FOR PRETTY FACES 4010 Moorpark Ave., Ste. 105, San Jose (408) 244-4239; 6489 Camden Ave., Ste. 100, San Jose (408) 997-7772 www.beautifulsmile.us

Braces For Pretty Faces seeks to provide healthy, beautiful and conﬁdent smiles for people of all ages, offering clear ceramic braces as well as Invisalign treatment. By using the latest techniques and appliances, orthodontic specialist Dr. Stephen Yao is able to reduce discomfort, decrease the frequency of visits and shorten treatment time.

DR. JUSTINA AZCUETA, DDS 2020 Forest Ave., Ste. 3, San Jose (408) 287-9019

Dr. Azcueta specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry. Services include veneers, crowns, bonding, whitening, tooth-colored ﬁllings and more.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DR. MICHAEL BOUZID, DDS 10430 S. De Anza Blvd., Ste. 120, Cupertino (408) 253-0153 www.drbouzid.com

Comfort is the main priority at Dr. Bouzid’s ofﬁce. He specializes in sedation dentistry (in which years of dental treatments can be performed quickly and with little to no discomfort), cosmetic dentistry, gum disease, dental implants, smile design and more. They even speak French!

FERGUSON DENTAL CARE 1198 Meridian Ave., Ste. A, San Jose (408) 266-4242 www.robertfergusondds.com

For 16 years, Dr. Ferguson and his team have been providing quality family dental care. Services include crowns in one visit, periodontal laser therapy, Invisalign braces, bridges, dentures, implants, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and more.

WEST PARK DENTAL 1315 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose (408) 866-1819 www.westparkdentalcare.com

Providing general and family dentistry services, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, implants, gum surgery and more. Specialties include root canals, veneers, crowns and bridges and surgical wisdom tooth extraction.

EYE CARE

VISION INNOVATIONS OPTOMETRY 2063 Camden Ave., San Jose (408) 377-1479 www.vio-eyes.com

VIO’s highly trained staff uses state-of-theart technology to provide comprehensive eye exams for contact lens ﬁttings, laser eye surgery evaluations and more. They carry numerous designer lines, including Armani Exchange, Vogue, Gucci, Nike, Ray Ban, Oakley, and many more.

FITNESS & WEIGHT LOSS

DR. YOUBERT KARALIAN 5710 Cahalan Ave., Ste. 7A, San Jose (408) 281-2222

Through free consultations, Dr. Karalian offers a start to better health and appearance and the chance to lose up to ﬁve pounds a week. Services include physical evaluations, unlimited ofﬁce visits, appetite suppressants for 30 days and more.

HAIR SALONS

A VISIONARY SALON (408) 979-1195 www.sheleen.com

This appointment-only studio in San Jose specializes in Hairlocs brand hair extensions (a celebrity favorite) and the most current color techniques available. Owner Sheleen has over 18 years’ experience in the industry, including training with over 20 of the most prestigious hair care companies, working for three major cosmetic companies, plus working for MTV.

FOXY AVENUE CLIPS 1810 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell (408) 371-CLIPS www.foxyavenueclips.com

Foxy aims to create a masculine salon environment where men can feel comfortable and conﬁdent about receiving high quality hair care and other grooming services – hair wash and cut, skincare, anti-aging treatments, hand and foot detailing, shoulder and neck massage and more. Enjoy men’s magazines, complimentary beverages and TVs showing sports and business programs.

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: LISTINGS

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: LISTINGS

HEALTH&BEAUTY PROFILES = PRINT PROFILES & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/HEALTH 42

MANE EVENT SALON 1581 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 866-0208 www.maneeventsalon.net

The Mane Event Salon not only provides unique styling and skin regimens, they show their clients how to replicate these procedures from their own home. Services include color, cut, hair relaxers, hair extensions, skincare, wedding stylings and more.

MEDI SPAS

PAIZLEYS SALON AND SPA

ALMADEN VALLEY AESTHETICS – THE AVA SPA

10475 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino (408) 255-0059 www.paizleys.com

5965 Almaden Expwy., Ste. 140, San Jose (408) 997-1803 or (800) 494-0640 www.theavaspa.com

Paizleys’ professional staff is trained to provide the ultimate in customer service for hair, skin, body and nails. Their goal is to create an atmosphere where clients feel pampered and indulged, and leave feeling restored, conﬁdent and balanced. Services include hair styling, coloring and texturing, a range of facials and skincare treatments, massage therapy, nail care (manis/pedis and acrylic nails).

Specializing in relaxation and rejuvenation, Almaden Valley Aesthetics offers an array of aesthetic rejuvenation treatments as well as traditional spa services, all within a calming environment. Their service menu includes Botox, Restylane and Juvéderm, plus photo facials, laser hair removal, permanent makeup, massage, waxing and more.

SANCTUARY SALON

BEAUTY REDEFINED

790 Lincoln St., Santa Clara (408) 247-7785 www.thesanctuarysalon.com

2505 Samaritan Dr., Ste. 304, San Jose (408) 358-3585 www.beauty-redefined.com

Providing a relaxing refuge from the fast pace of your daily life, Sanctuary offers a wide range of hair, beauty and wellness services, including hair cuts, color, styling and treatments, nail care, massage therapy and spa treatments (facials, skincare treatments such as microdermabrasion, body scrubs and wraps, waxing). Owner Sandra Weber has over 30 years’ experience in the industry, and her salon prides itself on providing superior customer service.

HAIR REPLACEMENT

NEW LOOK INSTITUTE 1190 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 239, San Jose (408) 279-4247 www.newlookinstitute.com

These hair restoration specialists offer totally undetectable hair replacement hair systems for men and women suffering from hair loss, using state-of-the-art technologies and providing quality care for all clientele. They offer free, conﬁdential hair loss replacement consultations and provide customized hair replacement solutions that look and feel completely natural.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FIVE BRANCHES INSTITUTE 200 Seventh Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 4769424; 3031 Tisch Way, Ste. 5PW, San Jose (408) 2600208 www.fivebranches.edu

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

of bulk herbs, teas and spices available in the US today, with more than 1,000 medicinal botanicals, culinary herbs and spices, essential oils, fragrance oils, botanical tinctures and extracts, encapsulated herbs and custom blends, bulk tea bags and a wide variety of other packaged products.

Providing safe and effective medical care for 80 percent of all healthcare issues, including colds and ﬂu, diabetes, fertility, digestion, stress, pediatrics, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology and more. Services include acupuncture, herbal treatments, energetics, diet, massage and more.

INTERNAL SPA REJUVENATION CENTER

This medical aesthetic clinic offers an array of treatments and services to help clients look their best in a subtle way. Offerings include injectibles such as Botox, Restylane and Juvéderm, chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, plus pain-free hair removal and nonsurgical rhinoplasty.

EMERGE MEDI SPA 1639 Meridian Ave., Ste. A, San Jose (408) 445-7546 www.emergemedispa.com

Winners of Best Medi Spa in The Wave’s 2008 Readers’ Choice poll, Emerge offers a comprehensive menu of nonsurgical skin and body rejuvenating treatments, including Velashape cellulite treatment, laser skin rejuvenation, Botox, body contouring, Sapphire skincare, physiciandesigned facials and medical grade peels, as well as many other cutting-edge treatments. The spa also offers a wide array of therapeutic massage and body work, so clients can “emerge” relaxed and beautiful with improved well-being and vitality.

ETERNAL BEAUTY MEDICAL CLINIC 248 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd., Los Gatos (408) 354-3587 www.eternalbeautymedicalclinic.com

Born out of Dr. Forouzan Vaghar’s vision for a clinic that offered medical aesthetic services in a spalike setting, Eternal Beauty allows clients to enjoy the tranquil feel of a spa while experiencing treatments from an expert physician. In addition to the most advanced laser technology, this cutting-edge clinic also offers Botox and Restalyne treatments, plus IPL (Intense Pulse Light) facials, medical-grade microdermabrasion, enzyme facials and much more.

UNIVERSITY MISSION MEDICAL CLINIC 744 San Antonio Rd., Ste. 16, Palo Alto (650) 843-0600

Specializing in Vaser body sculpting with no general anesthesia needed. Services include permanent hair removal, ﬁllers and Botox, medically supervised weight loss, facials, waxing and more.

2055 Grant Rd., Ste. 100, Los Altos (650) 390-9727 www.bayareahealthspa.com

Provides a comfortable environment to detoxify and reduce stress safely through colonic hydrotherapy. The Center’s certiﬁed hydrotherapists offer increased vitamin and mineral absorption, a strengthened immune system and increased energy to reverse fatigue, constipation, skin problems, depression and mood swings.

SAN FRANCISCO HERB & NATURAL FOOD COMPANY 47444 Kato Rd., Fremont (510) 770-1215 www.herbspicetea.com

This business boasts one of the largest selections

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

NAIL SALONS

HEALTHIER SKIN & NAIL 480 W. Hamilton Ave., Campbell (408) 370-3930

This nail salon offers a comprehensive menu of pampering and beautifying services for men and women, including body massage and treatments, complete body waxing, European facials, microdermabrasion, spa manicure and pedicures, eyelash and brow tinting, and more. TW

HEALTH&BEAUT Y: LISTINGS

HE A LT H & BE AU T Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

50 Ways 7. SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK IN UNION SQUARE

children who have been interested, this is the perfect event for you. Adults and children are invited to this 30-minute workshop, followed by one hour of game playing: 6-7:30pm

Thru January 4: We don’t have frozen lakes in California… but we do have holiday ice rinks. Load up the family, strap on some ice skates and see who’ll be the first one in your house to complete a triple lutz.

12. HORNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

8. HOLIDAYS IN THE BAY AREA LEGO EXHIBIT

December 16: Nationally renowned horn group Quadre performs holiday favorites with special guest performances by local students.

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink, Powell & Stockton Sts., San Francisco www.unionsquareicerink.com

Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto www.moah.org

Thru January 11: It’s LEGO-train mania as the Bay Area LEGO Train Club and The Bay Area LEGO® User Group team up with the Museum of American Heritage for a mindbending LEGO showcase! 9. BABES IN HOLLYWOOD: THE MUSIC OF GARLAND AND ROONEY

Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City (650) 3496411www.hillbarntheatre.org

Thru December 31: A California premiere saluting the legendary careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, with songs such as “Over the Rainbow,”“You Made Me Love You,”“Strike Up the Band,”“Yankee Doodle Boy,”“Where or When,” and many more. 10. 38TH ANNUAL BERKELEY POTTERS GUILD HOLIDAY SHOW & SALE Berkeley Potters Guild, 731 Jones St., Berkeley (510) 524-7031 berkeleypotters.com/home01.html

Thru December 21: Nothing says Merry Christmas more than a piece of fine pottery. That’s why you surely cannot miss this year’s annual potters show, featuring unique and beautiful hand-crafted pottery: 10am

12/16 50 WAYS

TUESDAY

11. CHESS CLASS

12/15 MONDAY

1. MESSIAH SING

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 903-6000

December 15: The Schola Cantorum invites everyone to come and join them for a performance of this classic Handel masterpiece: 7:30pm 2. REINDEER ROMP AT THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Rd., San Francisco (415) 753-7080 www.sfzoo.org

Thru December 31: You’ll get a chance to visit a few of Santa’s reindeer, Holly, Velvet, Peppermint and Belle, along with all the other animals, and when you’re through enjoying the animals, go ice skating on the new 5,400-square-foot rink! 46

3. ONE WARM COAT

Drop oﬀ barrels throughout Santana Row, San Jose (408) 5514611 www.santanarow.com

Thru January 31: Attention! If you have any coats that you know you’re not going to wear, visit Santana Row and donate them to One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that distributes coats to people who need them. Donation bins are located throughout the shopping center. 4. THE GREAT DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City www.dickensfair.com

Thru December 21: Jet back to the Victorian era, where you’ll find hundreds of costumed players, dance parties, great food, gifts, the real Saint Nick, and even Charles Dickens’ London Town: 11am-7pm

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

5. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose www.sjrep.com

Joyce Ellington Branch Library – Community Room, 491 E. Empire St., San Jose (408) 808-3043

December 16: If you’ve ever thought of learning to play chess or have

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 903-6000 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa/ mvcpa.html

12/17

WEDNESDAY 13. THE CHEETAH GIRLS

17. PENGUIN FEEDINGS AT THE ACADEMY

California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco www.calacademy.org

Daily: If you want to have some family fun, then it’s all about penguins, and what better time to take part in some penguin fun than when it’s lunch time!: 10:30am & 3:30pm

12/18 THURSDAY

18. eWOMEN NETWORK “ACCELERATED NETWORKING” LUNCH EVENT Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St., Campbell (408) 288-8484 events.ewomennetwork.com

December 17: What can you say about the Cheetah Girls that hasn’t been said? Nothing, absolutely nothing: 7pm

December 18: Attention, businesswomen: It’s time to band together, enjoy a fabulous lunch, share ideas, take part in a raffle and network to your heart’s delight: 10:30am-1:30pm

14. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

19. CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland www.oraclearena.com

Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco www.shnsf.com

Thru January 11: Welcome to Paris in 1855, and a heart-wrenching story of love, self sacrifice, opera, and an acid-burned face. 15. WINTER MOVIES

California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose

December 17-28: Bring the whole family over to the historic California Theatre and enjoy some fantastic holidayesque films, such as Home Alone, Funny Girl, A Christmas Story, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Swiss Family Robinson, Mary Poppins, The Polar Express, The Music Man and many others. 16. STANFORD CARDINAL vs. NORTHERN ARIZONA LUMBERJACKS

Maples Pavilion, 655 Campus Dr., Stanford gostanford.cstv.com

December 17: Come on out and watch some high-flying basketball action as our very own Stanford Cardinal take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: 7:30pm

Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middleﬁeld Rd., Palo Alto (408) 646-9583 www.easystreettheatre.com

December 18-23: You can watch the film version on TV if you want, but this year it might be a nice change of pace to see Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale performed on stage.

12/19 FRIDAY

20. OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL ENSEMBLE HOLIDAY CONCERT

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 903-6000

December 19: This multiracial, interfaith ensemble brings everyone and anyone together through the power of music and song: 7:30pm 21. SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN Santa Cruz Boardwalk www.roaringcamp.com

December 19-22: Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz while sipping hotspiced cider and listening to carolers. You’ll even get to hang out with Santa Claus. Reservations strongly recommended.

Thru December 21: An epic globetrotting yarn rife with fast-tempo adventure when Phileas Fogg agrees to an outrageous wager to circle the world in just 80 days. 6. A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS

22. THE CHRISTMAS REVELS

Mission Santa Clara – Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara www.chanticleer.org

Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland (510) 452-8800 www.calrevels.org

December 15: This Christmas concert features the Grammywinning Chanticleer Chorus, an all-male, a cappella group who will perform medieval and Renaissance sacred works, traditional carols, African-American spirituals, and many others: 6 & 8:30pm

December 19-21: Celebrate the Winter Solstice with this nondenominational event featuring Scottish folk tales, stirring vocal and instrumental music, and plenty of traditional dance. 23. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose

50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR SOFA

34. THE NUTCRACKER

Heritage Theatre, One W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 866-2700 www.cityofcampbell.com/ heritagetheatre/events.htm

December 20-21: The whole family is invited to this holiday classic, as South Bay Dance Center presents their spectacular production of The Nutcracker!: 12:30pm & 6pm

12/21 SUNDAY

35. SANTA CRUZ HARP FESTIVAL

Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St., Santa Cruz

9 (408) 985-5500

December 19-January 9: Unlike the film version, when you heckle the actors in a stage version of Rocky Horror, they just might heckle back: Toast will not be provided [See Hot Ticket, page 71]. 24. GRYPHON CAROLERS ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Spangenberg Auditorium Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto (650) 325-6119 www.gryphonallstars.com

December 19: Join the Gryphon Carolers for their annual holiday concert, featuring amazing arrangements of a wide variety of seasonal music: 8pm 25. SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF HOLIDAY LIGHTS BOAT PARADE Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, San Francisco (415) 673-3530 www.visitﬁshermanswharf.com

December 19: Ahoy, land lovers! Prepare yourself for a wonderful display of more than 100 vibrantly decorated boats from the Fisherman’s Wharf Fishing Fleet and the St. Francis Yacht Club as they cruise by Pier 39.

SATURDAY

26. DECK THE HOLIDAYS Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 E. Charleston Rd. (650) 321-4262

December 20: The 66-voice Aurora Singers invite you for a special evening of music, from Handel’s Messiah and Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” (from A Charlie Brown Christmas) and many more! 27. SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS VS. NORTHERN COLORADO

San Jose Civic Auditorium, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose (408) 9247589 www.sjsuspartans.com

December 20: Mosey on over to the San Jose Civic Auditorium and witness the mighty Spartans basketball team squash the Bears from Colorado: 3pm

Montgomery Theatre, 271 S. Market St., San Jose www.hallelujahconcert.com

December 20-21: Enjoy a wonderful Christmas concert featuring various Christian churches and schools from the Bay Area – and don’t forget to bring a toy and some canned goods for Toys for Tots and the Second Harvest Food Bank. 29. METALLICA

Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland www.oraclearena.com

December 20: Prepare yourself for an evening of monster metal from The Sword, Lamb of God and, of course, METALLICA!: 7pm 30. WILLOW GLEN CARRIAGE RIDES

Bergmann Building, 1346 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

December 20: What could be more pleasant than taking a 20-minute carriage ride through the holiday decorated Willow Glen? Nothing, nothing at all: 5-8pm 31. SAN JOSE SHARKS VS. NEW YORK RANGERS Shark Tank, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose www.sjsharks.com

December 20: Okay, show of hands, who hates the New York Rangers more than the Wave staff. Nice – see you all at the game, fellow haters: 7:30pm

36. CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG

Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos (650) 254-1700 www.scholacantorum.org

December 21: Schola Cantorum invites you to get in the spirit of the holidays by joining them for Christmas carols, hot apple cider and cookies!: 3pm 37. MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER

Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino www.ﬂintcenter.com

December 21: Is an annual visit to a Nutcracker performance part of your holiday tradition? If not, you need to get over to the Flint Center and see what you’re missing. Those Russkies really know what they’re doing: 3pm

TUESDAY

38. LIL WAYNE

Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland www.oraclearena.com

December 23: The only way this show could get any better is if it was on Christmas Eve. Lil Wayne captures the true holiday spirit: 6pm 39. NUTCRACKER HIGH TEA

December 20: You’ll be dazzled by fashion from Black and Brown, Andrea Cabrera and Jasmine Gonzalez, along with live music from Panthelion and DJ Cutso. Opening and closing the event will be opera singer Ashley Lopez: 9pm

December 23: Ballet San Jose invites children to this special one-hour performance, followed by a chance to meet characters from the show, along with face painters, balloon artists and more: 1:30pm

33. DROP-IN COOKIE DECORATING

Cucina Bambini, 1041 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 564-7773 cucinabambini.com

December 20: Boy, oh boy, now this is an event everyone can appreciate. Show up from 9-10am for some cookie decorating, then eat them for breakfast! That’s the way Santa would do it.

12/25 THURSDAY

41. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE STAFF AT THE WAVE MAGAZINE!!

12/26 FRIDAY

42. WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose www.hppsj.com

December 26-30: Remember Land of the Lost, with Will, Holly, and Marshall, who were on a routine expedition? Great, cuz they have nothing to do with this. But you will get to see exciting, life-size robotic dinosaurs in action!

12/27

Sainte Claire Hotel, 302 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 288-2820 x204 www.balletsanjose.org

12/24

WEDNESDAY 40. CHOPSHTICKS: A TRADITION OF COMEDY AND CHINESE FOOD Ming’s Restaurant, 1700 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto

SATURDAY

43. CARLOS MENCIA

San Jose Civic Auditorium, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose www.ticketmaster.com

December 27: Join Carlos Mencia for an evening of gut-busting laughter and hilarity: 7pm

12/23 12/30

32. BLACK AND BROWN WINTER FASHION SHOW Empire Seven Students, 525 N. Seventh St., San Jose

December 24-25: This year’s performance features comedian Gary Gulman from Last Comic Standing, and let’s not forget the tasty Ming’s food!

TUESDAY

44. PHIL LESH & FRIENDS / BOB WEIR & RATDOG WITH JACKIE GREENE Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St., San Francisco www.livenation.com

December 30-31: What could be better than seeing Phil Lesh and Friends? Seeing them TWICE! 45. THE BIG FAT YEAR END KISS OFF COMEDY SHOW XVI FEATURING WILL DURST

Little Fox Theatre, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City (650) 369-4119 www.foxdream.com

December 30: Join Will Durst, America’s premier political comedian, for the Big Fat Year End Kiss-Off Comedy Show XVI!: 8pm

12/31

WEDNESDAY 46. BLACK COMEDY

35 EXPLOSION FEATURING MIKE EPPS

Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland www.paramounttheatre.com

December 31: Laugh your way into the new year with this comedy showcase featuring Mike Epps and other special guests: 10pm 47. NOON YEAR’S EVE

Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose (408) 298-5437 www.cdm.org

December 31: Don’t think New Year’s just is for grown-ups. Bring the kids by the Children’s Discovery Museum for an afternoon of fun and celebrating as they create their very own noisemakers and party hats for the big balloon drop at noon!: 10am-4pm

49. NEW YEAR’S ABOARD THE USS HORNET

USS Hornet, Pier 3, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda (510) 521-8448 x282 www.hornetevents.com

December 31: You’ll have an unforgettable evening aboard the USS Hornet, with live music from 3 O’Clock Jump, dancing, three dance floors, silent auction, food and more fun than anyone should have aboard an aircraft carrier: 8pm-1am

1/3

SATURDAY 50. CAVE OF THE SPIRITS

48. NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WITH Y&T

Byington Winery, 21850 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos www.cavemusic.com

December 31: There is only one true way to kick in the New Year and it’s with Y&T!: 9pm

January 3-4: It doesn’t get any cooler than listening to Christmas carols performed live on dulcimers, harps, flutes, drums and bells… in a CAVE! TW

Little Fox Theatre, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City (650) 369-4119 www.foxdream.com

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

50 WAYS

12/20

28. HALLELUJAH! AN INTERFAITH CHRISTMAS CONCERT

December 21: Join fellow harp lovers for a wonderful evening of music from Celtic, Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, African and Asian traditions on every kind of harp imaginable.

(650) 852-3509 www.paloaltojcc.org

» FEATURE

Dining

» FEATURE » HOT SPOTS

48 52

WHERE TO EAT CAVIAR Locally, the menu at Saratoga’s Plumed Horse is one of the standouts in the caviar realm, with its permanent caviar service offering Select California Estate Osetra (from Tsar Nicoulai, San Francisco), Siberian Osetra “Acipenser Baeri” and Russian Golden Osetra. The restaurant’s head sommelier, Robert Williams, says one of the best champagne pairings for caviar is the Canard-Duchêne from France. With its delicate green apple and fruit notes, it doesn’t overpower the caviar, and is currently the staff favorite. Williams also recommends with caviar the 1998 Pommery Cuvée Louise, the Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top, or a half bottle of Krug from the restaurant’s well-stocked champagne cart. Plumed Horse, 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-4711 www.plumedhorse.com

CAVIAR CAVEATS Never (never, ever) serve caviar with a metal spoon. Always use a bone or mother-of-pearl spoon. Why? Because metal reacts with caviar and produces a generally yucky taste. Also, caviar is highly perishable, so make sure before you buy that it has been stored properly, and ensure that it has been refrigerated from the time it was harvested to the time it reaches your lips.

DINING

Before heading out to spend what’s left of a dwindling retirement fund or maxing out the credit card on that perfect gift, consumers should know the following: There are three primary types of caviar. Ranked by quality from least to greatest, they are osetra, sevruga and beluga. All are eggs usually taken from live sturgeon that live in the Caspian Sea (a “sea” that is actually the world’s largest lake), though farmed roe is overtaking the wild not just in quantity but quality. Beluga is the best loved because of its slightly larger and cleaner tasting eggs. Prized above all is the extremely rare sterlet caviar. All caviars of any merit will bear the word “malossol” on their labels. The term refers to the roe being lightly salted, which it must be for preservation, but not oversalted so as to interfere with the flavor of the eggs.

Roe, Roe, Roe and Bubbles The classic combination of caviar and champagne is the definitive holiday indulgence. BY KEVIN LYNCH

nduring the anxiety and confusion we’re all facing amid today’s constant talk of economic crisis, there is but one food and drink combo that offers the necessary solace to staunch the pain as our fortunes hemorrhage. That remedy is, of course, a bottle of fine champagne and many ounces of world-class caviar. As the ultimate indulgence in the 48

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

best or worst of times, bubbles and roe (served, preferably, in crystal, on a silver platter) are universally recognized as the wine/food pairing that has soothed the aching egos of unloved czars, filled the tummies of fin de siècle harlots, and lent an undeniable air of wealth and sophistication to hordes of people who possess neither.

Caviar prices vary widely, but this is a commodity on which the cost-to-quality ratio is accurate. In other words, you get what you pay for. The lower the grade of roe, the more salty and fishy it will taste. There are inexpensive ($20) caviars available in grocery stores – these are made from “pressed” eggs that are oftentimes dyed and taste like granulated formaldehyde. Others, such as the Imperial Special Reserve Stellatus Caviar from Petrossian (a Russian/French-based purveyor of roes, smoked fishes and vodkas), goes for around $900-$1,000 for a 1.75-ounce portion – which is enough for you and a friend to have a little taste. Somewhere in between these two extremes, a person can experience richly textured and beautifully flavored caviar for around $100 to $200. Also, there is no shame in buying the farmed stuff. The farmed caviars of today are almost always sus50

The Fish Market’s Annual Dungeness Crab Sale December 15th thru 31st

Join us to celebrate the holidays with everyone’s favorite crustacean. 

Special case retail pricing on Whole Dungeness Crab.



Price Includes cracking and cleaning.



Load up with all of your favorites including our famous clam chowders and sourdough bread.



Custom party platters featuring prawns, smoked fish, sushi and more!



Fish Market Gift Cards make a perfect holiday gift.



Menu specials featuring Fresh Dungeness Crab.

PALO ALTO 3150 El Camino Real SANTA CLARA 3775 El Camino Real SAN MATEO 1855 South Norfolk Street ✰Featuring our Top of The Market Restaurant SAN JOSE 1007 Blossom Hill Road

650.493.8862 (TUNA) 408.246.3474 (FISH) 650.349.3474 (FISH) 408.269.3474 (FISH)

Please visit us on the web at www.thefishmarket.com Crab availability and pricing depends on weather and fishing luck. Check with us for current pricing and availability information. Sorry no rain checks. Crabs may not be reserved or pre-ordered during the sale period.

DINING: FEATURE

DINING F E AT U R E 48

[ C O N T. ]

RECIPE: QUICK BLINIS (MAKES APPROX. 32 BLINIS)

¾ cup buckwheat flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 large egg

1 ½ cups whole milk 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

z Add dry ingredients to a bowl and briefly mix with a whisk. z Put wet ingredients into a blender, and blend on low for two seconds. Add dry ingredients and blend on low for five seconds. Scrape down sides and blend for another five seconds or until smooth. z Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, and coat lightly with vegetable oil. Drop one tablespoon of batter into pan. Flip when bubbles appear on surface. Cook briefly on the other side. Repeat the same process with remaining batter. Cool and serve at room temperature. -Recipe courtesy of pastry chef and blogger Amber Share, www.ambershare.com

T A S T E

O F

S I N G A P O R E

tainably and humanely raised and, given the over-harvesting taking place in Russia and Iran at present, of better quality. Such over-farming in the Caspian and Black seas was the motivation for the US Fish and Wildlife service’s ban on the importation of beluga caviar (and fish) from these regions (the beluga sturgeon is protected as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act). Some local caviar purveyors are producing quality varieties here in California, including Sacramento’s Sterling Caviar, and San Francisco’s Tsar Nicoulai Caviar.

DINING

While a consumable, caviar is clearly an investment, and thus must be served properly. The traditional accompaniments are minced red onion, chives, crème fraîche, egg mimosa (an egg that has been hard-boiled and peeled, with the white separated from the yolk and both finely chopped). Blinis, or tiny buckwheat pancakes, are the caviar delivery device [See recipe above]. To prepare a serving, one slathers a blini with a layer of crème fraîche, adds a dollop of caviar and lightly sprinkles with a small amount of the remaining condiments. Pop the whole kit and caboodle in your mouth and expect to be wholly and utterly wowed – or if not wowed, then at least pretty privileged as a bite-long member of the moneyed elite.

SAN JOSE Santana Row (At Stevens Creek & Winchester Blvds.) 408.246.6320 SAN FRANCISCO Westfield San Francisco, 845 Market St., 4th Floor 415.668.1783 BURLINGAME 1100 Burlingame Ave. 650.373.7883 www.straitsrestaurants.com 50

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Washing down this mouthful of eggy goodness demands nothing less than good champagne from France. Not to knock the locally made stuff, but real French bubbles are usually leaner, crisper and more mineral-y in some instances (or tart, green apple in others), which means they work better than the oftentimes cheap and one-dimensional stuff that comes

out of some local houses. Also, do not be afraid to drink a demisec (half sweet) champagne with your caviar. Up until fairly recently, the wines that come from the Champagne region in France were higher in residual sugar than the wines many of us are familiar with now. And when the champagne and caviar pairing arrived some decades back, it was these sweeter wines that were being consumed. So in these lean times, treat yourself right and have some bubbles and roe. You’ll also endear yourself to those who will be holiday shopping for you by giving them a two-item wish list. TW NOTABLE SUGGESTIONS Bottles notable with caviar: Pierre Peters Cuvée Speciale N.V. (Around $40); Delamotte Brut ($50); 1999 Dom Ruinart Brut ($175); 1985 “Coffert Bois” Champagne Krug Collection ($760); 1999 “Vieilles Vignes Françaises” Champagne Bollinger ($999)

WHERE TO BUY CHAMPAGNE Beltramo’s Wine & Spirits, 1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 325-2806 www.beltramos.com K & L Wine Merchants, 3005 El Camino Real, Redwood City (650) 364-8544 www.klwines.com Vintage Wine Merchants, 377 Santana Row, Ste. 1135, San Jose (408) 260-1115 www.vintagewinemerchants.com

WHERE TO BUY CAVIAR Browne Trading Company, www.brownetrading.com Petrossian, www.petrossian.com Sterling Caviar LLC, Sacramento (800) 525-0333 www.sterlingcaviar.com Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Café LLC, 1 Ferry Building, Ste. 12, San Francisco (415) 288-8630 or (800) 95-CAVIAR www.tsarnicoulai.com

DINING: FEATURE

Join us for a nightly celebration of food, wine and memorable times.

THE FINEST PRIME STEAK & 100 WINES BY THE GLASS

180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto 650-329-8457 FlemingsSteakhouse.com

DINING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING

» HOT SPOTS

HOT

PRICE GUIDE: $[5-15]

SPOTS

$$[15-25]

$$$[25-40]

$$$$[40+]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS

Merlion

CAMPBELL

CAPERS EAT & DRINK $$ [American] 1710 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 374-5777 www.caperseatanddrink.com

Sports bar meets ﬁne dining at Capers, the perfect place to watch a game without the regretful unhealthy fare. Capers serves up an eclectic and wholesome menu of pastas, salads, sandwiches and steaks. The appetizer menu offers traditional chicken wings in addition to the upscale tastes of carpaccio and tuna sashimi. Head to the full bar for the extensive wine list and assorted martinis.

GRILL ’EM STEAKHOUSE $$ [American] 2509 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell (408) 371-8729 www.ugrillem.com

DINING

Grill ’Em is the best way to grill steaks and have fun without the cleanup. Dim lighting, comfy booths and music contribute to the lounge-y atmosphere, while a large communal grill allows patrons to cook rib eye, New York, top sirloin and ﬁlet mignon steaks any way they like. Appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and salads are available if you prefer a hands-off dining experience.

CUPERTINO

THE BLUE PHEASANT RESTAURANT & BAR $$$ [American] 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino (408) 255-3300 www.bluepheasant.com

Regulars return for the rich entrées like the rack of lamb and the beef Wellington, not to mention the famous crab cakes. The Blue Pheasant offers a warm, quaint atmosphere, and windows display views of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course. Complete the night in the lounge with dancing (DJ music ranges from swing and ballroom to salsa, hip-hop and old-time rock ’n’ roll).

MERLION RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR $$$ [Asian Fusion] 19628 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino (408) 777-8228 www.merlion.us

This modern yet cozy restaurant channels sophistication with its transparent wine cellar and iconic Singaporean décor, the Merlion (a lion head with a ﬁsh body). The food is a blend of Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Indian and Chinese

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

inﬂuences. Order family-style and choose an item from every category to entertain your palette. Peruse the extensive wine list to complete your meal, and don’t skip the exotic desserts.

WAHOO’S FISH TACOS $ [Mexican/Brazilian/Asian] 19626 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino (408) 446-0638; 2305 El Camino Real, Ste. A, Palo Alto (650) 330-1144; 3055 Olin Ave., Santana Row, San Jose (408) 244-399 www.wahoos.com

Surf’s up at Wahoo’s, a laid-back, beachlike restaurant reminiscent of north-shore Hawaii. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and bowls served with rice and beans combine Mexican, Brazilian and Asian flavors. Wahoo’s is all about the fish taco, but fillings also include chicken, carne asada, carnitas, mushrooms and banzai veggies (pan-grilled red and green peppers, onions, zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms and cabbage with teriyaki).

HALF MOON BAY

CRAB LANDING $$$ [American] 260 Capistrano Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 712-1288 www.crablanding.com

The romantic Princeton-by-the-Sea neighborhood in Half Moon Bay provides an intimate coastal escape for families and lovers alike, and Crab Landing, with its panoramic views of Pillar Point Harbor and the Paciﬁc Ocean, is the ideal place to dine on a gourmet feast. Crab, lobster, steaks, lamb, poultry, fresh seafood catches, and an oyster and sushi bar – all prepared with the freshest ingredients – provide epicurean delights for all appetites.

LOS GATOS

CIN-CIN WINE BAR $$$ [California, Modern American] 368 Village Ln., Los Gatos (408) 354-8006 www.cincinwinebar.com

Cin-Cin, an Italian toast meaning “to your health,” is no joke at this restaurant. In addition to producing its wine and food with sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods, Cin-Cin incorporates natural and recycled items in its décor to create a more eco-friendly environment. The menu offers eclectic ﬂavors from around the globe, as does the wine list. 54

DINING: HOT SPOTS

Celebrate New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve with an Elegant Dinner at

DINING

An elegant dining experience featuring: Almond Wood & Mesquite Grilled Prime Steaks Chops and Fresh Seafood In addition to our core menu of steaks, chops, and seafood we will be offering a 3-Course Prime Rib Dinner

$35 (Not inclusive of Tax & Gratuity)

Reservations Recommended Call now to reserve your table 5PM-9:30PM 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

(408) 980-6400 www.birksrestaurant.com

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING HOT

SPOTS

[ C O N T. ]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS 52

TAQUERIA LA BAMBA $

LITTLE LOU’S BBQ $ [Barbecue] 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., Ste. 111, Los Gatos (408) 356-5768 www.littlelousbbq.com

This tiny place packs a lot of meat and serves a hungry crowd. There are a few items for the light at heart (turkey burger, vegetarian burger, salads), but the majority of the pickins are traditional barbecue choices such as ribs, burgers, pulled pork and combo dinners named “Beef Lovers Feast.” The so-called “HungryMan” lunch (a quarter-chicken, two sides, garlic bread, and soda) is a popular weekday treat.

THREE DEGREES $$$ [Modern American, French] 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 884-1054 www.threedegreesrestaurant.com

Three Degrees is a universal delight and is praised for breakfast, lunch and dinner alike. Because they use fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms, the menu changes often. Expect a French twist on Modern American cuisine, and do not miss the champagne Sunday brunch, which features delectable dishes like tortellini in a mascarpone crème sauce. For dinner, rendezvous on the patio for a touch of romance.

WINE CELLAR $$$ [Modern American] 50 University Ave., Los Gatos (408) 354-4808 www.winecellarlosgatos.com

Whether dining inside among intimate custom ironwork and mica lighted booths, or on the outside patio with scenes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s certain you’ll be romanced at The Wine Cellar. The restaurant is well known for its wine and fondue (traditional Swiss gruyere and cheddar and ale), but be sure to leave room for the succulent starters, pastas, entrées and, of course, chocolate fondue.

MENLO PARK

BRITISH BANKERS CLUB $ [American] 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 327-8769 www.britishbankersclub.com

Initially built as a bank in 1922, the notable building now serving affordable and tasty treats and late night dancing has also been Menlo Park’s city hall, police department, jail and public library. A mahogany bar, stained-glass windows, Tiffany lamps and a solid brass chandelier create a historic feel, while a diverse menu of nachos, sandwiches and steaks is served.

DINING

MOUNTAIN VIEW

AMARIN THAI CUISINE $$ [Thai] 174 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 988-9323 www.amarinthaicuisine.com

This intimate, orchid-adorned Thai house serves an inexpensive yet delicious lunch menu, a separate vegetarian menu and savory house specials (crispy soft shell crab, forest curry with seafood in the hot pot), in addition to an array of authentic appetizers, soups, pork, poultry, seafood, rice and noodle entrées. Regulars love to eat outside while enjoying the house special of fried rice served in a pineapple shell.

CASCAL $$ [Pan-Latin] 400 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 940-9500 www.cascalrestaurant.com

Cascal is vibrant and airy while maintaining a warm and inviting, even festive appeal. The ambience is perfect for enjoying tapas with a group of friends. Share the wild mushroom empanadas, classic Spanish gazpacho and the banana leaf chicken. Feeling hungry for your own plate? Order a larger plate of Moroccan lamb, ceviche or paella. Finish it off with fried plantains and an espresso martini.

[Mexican] 2058 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View (650) 965-2755

Tucked away in this tiny taqueria are some of the biggest burritos this side of Texas. La Bamba’s super burrito comes with all the traditional ﬁxings, such as meat, beans, rice, cheese, sour cream and guacamole, and is big enough to feed two hungry people. La Bamba’s menu also offers a taste of El Salvador with its pupusas, wonderfully crispy tortillas ﬁlled with pork, beans, and cheese. These delicacies are not designed to go – gobble them up in-house as they emerge piping hot from the kitchen.

PALO ALTO

THE COUNTER BURGER $ [American] 369 California Ave., Palo Alto (650) 3213900; 3055 Olin Ave., Ste. 1035, Santana Row, San Jose (408) 423-9200 www.thecounterburger.com

Do you ever crave a 2/3-lb. turkey burger with horseradish cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers, spicy pepperoncinis, a fried egg, and roasted garlic aioli on an English mufﬁn? At The Counter, not only is there such a thing, but with ﬁve easy steps of choosing your meat, cheese, toppings, sauce and bun, anyone can create the ultimate personal burger. They also offer signature prefabricated burgers for those who are simply overwhelmed.

FISH MARKET RESTAURANT $$ [Seafood] 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 493-8862 www.thefishmarket.com

There’s a dish to satisfy any seafood craving at the Fish Market. Chowders, seafood cocktails, sashimi and sushi, raw shellfish, salads, smoked fish, steamed shellfish, baked shellfish, cioppino and pastas, sandwiches, fish ’n’ chips and mesquite grilled entrées are just some of the categories offered at this seafood paradise. The garlic cheesy bread is a must-have with your meal.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR $$ [American, Steakhouse] 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 329-8457 www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Prime beef reigns supreme at Fleming’s – marbled and aged for up to four weeks, then broiled at an unholy 1,600 degrees to seal in its flavors. Other indulgences include succulent seafood and chicken dishes and decadent desserts. More than 100 wines adorn the extensive list, including boutique wines, and all are available by the glass. A friendly, inviting atmosphere highlights this classic steakhouse experience.

MANTRA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE $$$ [Contemporary Indian] 632 Emerson St. , Palo Alto (650) 322-3500 www.mantrapaloalto.com

Mantra is seductive in its display of contemporary art, bright Indian colors, fresh food with bold spices, welcoming staff, and the Daru Lounge – a chic retreat in which to enjoy cocktails and small spicy dishes. Appetizers such as the cinnamon shrimp lollipops appear daring, but they’re guaranteed to tickle the taste buds and keep you on the edge of your seat for the main course.

SUNDANCE THE STEAKHOUSE $$$$ [American] 1921 El Camino Real , Palo Alto (650) 321-6798 www.sundancethesteakhouse.com

For more than 30 years, signature steaks and award-winning slow-roasted prime rib has made Sundance the Steakhouse the go-to place for an elegant steak dinner. An array of salads, fresh seafood, shellﬁsh, pasta and poultry also decorate the menu. Linger among the mahogany wood, forest-green booths and antique paraphernalia after dinner, and relax with a vintage martini for the ultimate Sundance experience. 56

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING HOT

SPOTS

[ C O N T. ]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS 54

19 Market

THAIPHOON RESTAURANT $ [Thai] 543 Emerson St. , Palo Alto (650) 323-7700 www.thaiphoonrestaurant.com

Thaiphoon serves traditional and contemporary Thai dishes with an elegant balance of spicy and sweet. Order the red curry pumpkin beef with pad Thai, stir-fried mango, veggie and cashew served with brown jasmine rice, and enjoy your meal on the tropical outdoor patio by the Buddha fountain with an exotic cocktail: We like the lychee martini or the lemongrass mojito.

REDWOOD CITY

SHOUGUN HOUSE $$ [Japanese] 911 Main St., Redwood City (650) 2577594 www.shougunhouse.com

With inviting, alluring Japanese décor (yes, two flat screen TVs count!) and some of the friendliest service around, Shougun is a hit with Redwood City sushi lovers. Where else can you enjoy live jazz music Thursday and Friday from 7-9:30pm while gorging on freshly prepared sushi? You can’t go wrong with their Dragon Roll: shrimp tempura, crab, cucumber, eel, avocado and flying fish eggs. Or if you’re feeling bold, ask for a Shougun Roll: soft shell crab topped with unagi.

DINING

DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE

19 MARKET $ [California-Vietnamese] 19 N. Market St., Downtown San Jose (408) 280-6111 www.19market.com

Unlike the bare-bones eat-and-run feel of so many Vietnamese restaurants, 19 Market shines with Zen-inspired earth-tone interiors and an equally agreeable menu. This bar and bistro not only dishes out familiar favorites like beef noodle soup (pho) and imperial rolls, but adds a Singaporean, Chinese, and California twist to Vietnamese fare. Try the shaking beef, or Chilean sea bass, simmered with caramel sauce in a clay pot.

BILLY BERK’S [Modern American] 99 S. First St., Downtown San Jose (408) 292-4300 www.maxsworld.com

It’s hard to describe the cuisine at Billy Berk’s – they literally have a bit of everything. From rustic ﬂatbreads to seafood (ranging from Thai chili salmon to spicy Louisiana prawns), sliders to sushi rolls, steaks to quesadillas and pasta to chop ’n’ toss salads, this place has all your cravings covered. The brick and timber building with large island bar is an ideal gathering place.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

FAHRENHEIT ULTRALOUNGE & RESTAURANT $$ [Modern American, Asian Fusion] 99 E. San Fernando St., Downtown San Jose ( 408) 998-9998 www.fahrenheitultralounge.com

Fahrenheit’s seductive ambience gives way to its equally chic menu of modern global cuisine. Share an assortment of small dishes to taste as much as you can. Try the Mandalay wraps with the green papaya and radicchio salad. And if you must have a plate all to yourself, large plates are available. We recommend any dish with the garlic noodles.

THE GRILL ON THE ALLEY $$$ [American, Steakhouse] 172 S. Market St., Downtown San Jose (408) 294-2244 www.thegrill.com

A hand-stirred dirty martini is a must-have at The Grill, a place reminiscent of a 1940s dinner club. The meatloaf, a simple American classic served with red skin mashed potatoes and vegetables, will blow you away as it melts in your mouth. Steaks, chops and poultry are also fantastic, and The Grill even manages to make something as down-toearth as fresh strawberries taste like heaven.

GUMBO JUMBO $$ [Cajun Fusion] 80 N. Market St., Downtown San Jose (408) 294-8626 www.gumbojumbo.net

Spicy ﬂavors abound at Gumbo Jumbo, where popular menu choices include crawﬁsh and traditional jambalaya (packed with tiger prawns, wild salmon, big eye ahi tuna, free range chicken, spicy sausage and a mix of veggies). The delicious Cajun soups are sure to complement any meal, especially the restaurant’s namesake Gumbo Jumbo or the seafood gumbo.

LOFT BAR & BISTRO $$ [Modern American] 90 S. Second St., Downtown San Jose (408) 291-0677 www.loftbarandbistro.com

Vibrant interior colors and a long bar, as well as the cozy patio furniture on the second-story patio, make this very metropolitan Loft an inviting place for dinner, drinks, and dancing. Entrées include a selection of pastas, seafood, poultry, steaks and appetizing low-carb entrées (shaved tri-tip, spicy cajun blackened salmon). The lunch menu features a large assortment of salads, sandwiches and wraps.

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING HOT

SPOTS

[ C O N T. ]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS 56

SAN JOSE

BLOWFISH SUSHI $$ [Japanese, Sushi, Asian Fusion] 355 Santana Row, Ste. 1010, San Jose (408) 345-3848 www.blowfishsushi.com

Experience a bit of modern Tokyo at Blowﬁsh Sushi, with DJ music and Japanese anime streaming across multiple video screens. Sushi, Japanese fusion appetizers, exotic entrées and intriguing desserts are sure to ﬂirt with your taste buds. Hang out in the liquor lounge with premium imported sakes and specialty cocktails like the sake cosmo or the lychee sidecar.

CHA CHA SUSHI $ [Sushi, Japanese] 547 W. Capitol Expwy., San Jose (408) 265-2416

Cha Cha Sushi is cute, chic and trendy with an extremely friendly wait-staff. You won’t ﬁnd a sushi boat at this restaurant, but you are guaranteed to ﬁnd fresh sushi made-to-order. The beef, salmon and chicken teriyaki plates are especially delicious for those who want a hot plate. Start out with Cha Cha’s signature tempura salad and a perfect, nottoo-salty miso soup.

THE FISH MARKET $$ [Seafood, American] 1007 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose (408) 269-3474 www.thefishmarket.com

Seafood aficionados don’t flock to The Fish Market only for fresh shellfish, crab and lobster – they come to enjoy the full-service oyster bar, sushi bar, retail market, romantic dining areas and cocktail bar and lounge. Have your dish served the way you like it: Shellfish can be ordered raw, steamed or baked; fish is smoked, mesquite grilled, pan-fried or skewered.

GINGER CAFE $ [Chinese, Asian] 398 W. El Camino Real, Ste. 114, San Jose (408) 736-2828; 8657 San Ysidro Ave., Gilroy (408) 847-2625 www.gingercafe.net

Named after an ingredient that’s dominant in Asian cuisine, the menu at Ginger Café draws inspiration from the region, blending Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese ﬂavors to perfection. Small plates are a great way to go if you can’t decide what to have, but popular picks include the tamarine jumbo prawns, ﬁlet mignon luc lac (tender cubes of beef and vegetables in a special house sauce), and signature sea bass (fried with a spicy mandarin sauce or steamed with ginger scallion). To wash down that perfect meal, Ginger Café offers a wide variety of beers, sake, wine, and cocktails.

DINING

HOUSE OF GENJI $$$ [Japanese, Steakhouse] 1335 N. First St., San Jose (408) 453-8120 www.houseofgenji.com

Tableside knife juggling is an everyday affair at the House of Genji, where your meal is cooked at the table. Upon choosing the combination of condiments, vegetables and meats (the ﬁlet mignon and prawns combination is popular), the adventurous chef will grill while spinning and cutting your meal in the air, followed by a ﬁnal act of tossing it on your plate in an artistic fashion.

ISLAND GRILL $$ [Hawaiian, Asian Fusion] 1355 N. Fourth St., San Jose (408) 392-2468 www.theislandgrill.com

It’s ﬁtting that this kitschy tiki-adorned restaurant is in the Clarion Hotel – having dinner here is like going on a mini vacation. Entrées include the festive haliakala salmon, mango tango pork chops and frutta del mar. Food is also served in the appropriately named Bamboo Lounge. Share the spicy samosas and ahi maki over tropical mixed drinks and unwind to the luau-esque ambience.

9060; 2307 McKee Rd., San Jose (408) 258-1155; 260 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose (408) 286-8808; 20363 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino (408) 446-5030 www.leessandwiches.com

Wave readers voted Lee’s as having the best sandwich in Silicon Valley. With its wide array of Asian and European sandwiches, it’s no wonder. The ﬁrst location opened in San Jose in the early ’80s, and people loved their sandwiches so much, they have since expanded to 31 locations throughout the country, including Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma. In addition to delicious creations such as the jambon and pork roll and the turkey club with bacon on a soft, buttery croissant, Lee’s also has appetizers such as egg rolls and even premium coffee drinks, smoothies, pastries and desserts.

MENARA MOROCCAN RESTAURANT $$$ [Moroccan] 41 E. Gish Rd., San Jose (408) 453-1983 www.menara41.com

An exotic Moroccan ambience, belly dancers, pillowed couches, and ﬁve-course prix-ﬁxe dinners with names like Le Diner Fantasy and Le Diner Casablanca are sure to enchant any guest of Menara Moroccan Restaurant. The lhram mrhosia (lamb with honey), b’stilla (boneless chicken pastry) and couscous aux legumes (vegetable couscous) are delectable. All dinners conclude with a serving of refreshing mint tea.

PEARL RIVER RESTAURANT $ [Chinese] 414 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose (408) 2255060; 2281 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 265-7066 www.pearlriverchinese.com

Pearl River maintains its good reputation with its fresh ingredients, healthy portions and vast assortment. Many regulars who fall in love on their ﬁrst visit have been ordering the same dishes for years, though there are more than a dozen types of beef, chicken, seafood, soup and noodles to choose from. Check out the specials for seasonal delights – and don’t forget, you can have dinner delivered.

ROSIE MCCANN’S IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT $$ [Irish, American] 355 Santana Row, Ste. 1060, San Jose (408) 247-1706 www.rosiemccanns.com

It doesn’t have to be St. Patrick’s Day at Rosie McCann’s to have corned beef and cabbage. It’s served all year ’round as a pub favorite, in addition to wild salmon ﬁsh ’n’ chips and shepherd’s pie. A large variety of pastas, soups and salads are also available, not to mention the revered appetizers. Have the Irish nachos with a pint of Guinness – you won’t regret it.

SIAM THAI CUISINE $ [Thai] 1080 S. De Anza Blvd., Ste. A, San Jose (408) 366-1080 www.siamthaicuisine.com

Lunch combos served with soup, salad, veggie egg roll and choice of pad thai or rice are especially popular at this small Thai house. And the options seem endless with more than two dozen combos to choose from. Can’t decide what to order? The prices are so reasonable, it wouldn’t be insane to order two combos for lunch and take the leftovers home for dinner.

SINO RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE $$$ [Modern Chinese] 377 Santana Row, Ste. 1000, San Jose (408) 247-8880 www.sinorestaurant.com

It’s hard not to order tons of the crab Rangoon (cream cheese, scallions, sweet vinegar reduction) appetizers and dim sum selections like the Maine lobster pot stickers. But room must be left for Sino’s entrées, which are stunning, mouthwatering recipes of modern Chinese cuisine. After dining in this chic, contemporary ambience and tasting the ginger beef ﬁlet mignon, you’ll never be tempted to order takeout again.

LEE’S SANDWICHES $ [Asian, European] 2471 Berryessa Rd., San Jose (408) 926-9888; 4060 Monterey Rd., San Jose (408) 281-

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING HOT

SPOTS

[ C O N T. ]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS

KOBE SUSHI $$

SPENCER’S FOR STEAKS AND CHOPS $$$ [American, Steakhouse] 2050 Gateway Pl., San Jose (408) 437-2170 www.spencersforsteaksandchops.com

Why simple, good steaks are so hard to come by, we’ll never know. Veterans of Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops, however, don’t know of that angst. Delivering juicy ﬁlet mignons and savory porterhouses is in their blood. The seafood is also to-die-for, plus all entrées can be accompanied with the likes of fries, green vegetables with hollandaise, and almond rice.

STRAITS CAFE $$ [Asian Fusion] 333 Santana Row, Ste. 1100, San Jose (408) 246-6320 www.straitsrestaurants.com

Straits personiﬁes Asian Fusion cuisine at its ﬁnest by blending culinary secrets from Indian, Chinese, Malay and Thai cuisines and presenting it in a warm, inviting environment. The menu is fresh, exotic and exquisite, featuring entrées to the likes of ayam rendang (chicken simmered in an Indonesian style spice galangal, lemongrass and coconut milk sauce) and green curry (seafood and vegetables in a spicy jalapeño-coconut sauce).

SANTA CLARA

CHATANOGA $$ [Persian] 2725 El Camino Real , Santa Clara (408) 241-1200 www.chatanogaonline.com

Every authentic Persian meal at Chatanoga is overﬂowing with ﬂavor. All stews, kebabs and special dishes are loaded with unique savory spices. The fesenjon, for instance, is a thick, rich sweet and sour stew made with chicken simmered in pomegranate sauce and walnuts, served with saffron and basmati rice.

THE FISH MARKET $$ [Seafood, American] 3775 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 246-3474 www.thefishmarket.com

DINING

Get to The Fish Market early for a counter seat at the oyster bar, where seats ﬁll up quickly, but be sure to leave room for a fresh, seasonal entrée. Starting with a cup of the New England or Manhattan chowder is a must, and don’t forget to ask your server to assist you in ordering the perfect glass of wine to accompany your meal.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

[Japanese, Sushi] 2086 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 984-5623 www.kobesushi.com

Tucked neatly into the Mervyn’s Plaza on El Camino Real, Kobe Sushi offers a lovely atmosphere and a quick and inexpensive sushi ﬁx. A Japanese garden and koi pond add a peaceful, Zen-like tone to the restaurant, which also houses a banquet hall, dance ﬂoor, and karaoke stage. In addition to the standard sushi fare, the restaurant also has a popular seared ahi tuna, as well as many teriyaki, tempura, and noodle soup dishes.

LA PALOMA RESTAURANT $ [Mexican] 2280 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 247-0990 www.lapaloma.ypguides.net

La Paloma may look like an ordinary Mexican restaurant, but you’d be wrong to pass it up. Traditional Mexican fare is served with authenticity, but what really keeps customers coming back for more are the new twists on old classics. Try the mango chicken quesadillas, crab tostadas or the spinach mushroom enchiladas, and wash your meal down with a top shelf margarita.

MARIANI’S RESTAURANT & INN $$ [Italian] 2500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 243-1431 www.marianis.com

A classic, half-century old dining establishment, Mariani’s presents gourmet Italian and American dishes in its romantic dining room, along with ﬁne wines, charming ambience and live entertainment. The dinner menu offers such dishes as gnocchi Italiano, chicken marsala and veal rollatini. A karaoke menu is also available, serving crispy prawns and spicy barbecued meatballs to accompany classic cocktails.

MEXICALI GRILL $ [Mexican] 3149 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara (408) 588-9865 www.mexicaligrill.com

Good times are to be had at the festive Mexicali Grill, where margarita choices are plentiful and “especiales” include mole rojo (chicken enchiladas covered with rich mole sauce made with 35 different ingredients) and fajitas (sizzling strips of sirloin or chicken breast marinated in tequila, lime juice and spices). No matter what authentic dish you order, be sure to save room for the Mexican fried ice cream.

DINING: HOT SPOTS

Let us take care of your upcoming Holiday

Dinner & Catering

All Banquets are based on 10 or more people Plan your menu in Advanced from our Dinner Menu or our Set Up Menu Private Room: seats 20-35 people.

Lunch Banquets Business Lunch

Corporate Lunch

$12.95 per person

$15.95 per person

Spring Roll

Fresh Roll w/Chicken Satay

Hot & Sour Veggie Soup

Coconut Milk Soup w/Chicken Honey Beef

Spicy Sweet Basil Chicken Green Curry w/Chicken

Yellow Curry w/Chicken Mango Chicken w/Cashew

Pad Thai Noodle w/Prawn

Pan-Fried Prawn w/Asparagus

Jasmine Rice

***Adjust Your Set Up Menu To Your Pleasure and Satisfactory.

Dinner Banquets Banquet Special

Banquet Deluxe

$16.95 per person

$19.95 per person

Spring Roll

Fresh Roll w/Chicken Satay Grilled Beef Salad

Hot & Sour Veggie Soup

Coconut Milk Soup w/Chicken

DINING

Som-Tum

4 Stars Grilled Chicken Breast

Honey Beef Spicy Eggplant w/Chicken

Mango Chicken w/Cashew Panang Curry w/Seafood

Green Curry w/Chicken

Spicy Sweet Basil w/Beef

Pad Thai Noodle w/Prawn

Tamarind Prawns

Jasmine Rice

***Adjust Your Set Up Menu To Your Pleasure and Satisfactory.

San Jose 5205 Prospect Road #110 | (408) 253-8424

Mountain View 174-176 Castro Street | (650) 988-9323

Santa Clara 4300 Great America Parkway #180 | (408) 988-2982 THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DINING HOT

SPOTS

[ C O N T. ]

= PRINT MENUS & VIEW SLIDESHOWS ON WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/MENUS

PLUMED HORSE $$$$

[French, American] 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-4711 www.plumedhorse.com

SUSHI O SUSHI $$ [Japanese, Sushi] 2789 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 241-1677 www.sushiosushi.com

Sushi neophytes are always more eager to take the plunge knowing the raw ﬁsh they’re about to eat has been raised naturally without antibiotics or growth hormones. Because they only use fresh and healthy ingredients, Sushi O Sushi’s patrons are hooked on their sashimi, nigiri, maki and temaki. Hot dinner plates of salmon, chicken, beef and tempura are also available, and equally fresh.

SARATOGA

BELLA SARATOGA $$$ [Italian] 14503 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 741-5115 www.bellasaratoga.com

Romantic Italian dinners and family-friendly Sunday brunches are popular at Bella Saratoga, a timeless Victorian home turned restaurant. The dinner menu features award-winning pastas, fresh ﬁsh and ﬂatbread pizzas. Brunch (served with music when weather permits) includes frittata, smoked chicken and sweet potato hash and a crab and shrimp melt, and selections include a fruit or house salad and a basket of cinnamon rolls.

Plumed Horse is contemporary yet incredibly romantic, with chic interiors, an eye-catching ﬁreplace and an amazing transparent glass wine cellar. The French/American menu is impressive and luxurious, so much so that we recommend the tasting menu (offering items like caviar and ahi tuna, seared artisan foie gras and wild Columbia river sturgeon) to make sure you have a chance to savor everything. We’re not the only ones who think this place is top notch – the Michelin restaurant guide awarded them a coveted star.

SENT SOVI $$$$ [French] 14583 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-3110 www.sentsovi.com

The food is as tasteful as the charmingly romantic dining room at Sent Sovi, a restaurant whose name means “sweet taste.” The menu changes seasonally and showcases French California cuisine, by way of natural ingredients. Entrées have included smoked paprika dusted scallops (with lemon boy tomato coulis, sunchoke puree, corn relish and brussels sprouts), and desserts such as the nectarine “Inside Out” baked Alaska with dark cherry-chocolate gelato.

SUNNYVALE

LA FONDUE $$$$ [Fondue, French, Swiss] 14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-3332 www.lafondue.com

La Fondue is an exquisite place to take a date. Fondue combinations – designed for two persons – include an appetizer, salad, chocolate fondue dessert, and entrées dubbed “Wild Thing” (alligator, buffalo, crocodile, ostrich, venison, wild boar) and “Le Freak C’est Chic” (a taste of everything La Fondue has to offer). Any combination of cheese and bourguignonne (meat dipped in hot oil) are offered a la carte.

LA MERE MICHELLE $$$

OCEAN BLUE SUSHI CLUB $$ [Japanese, Sushi] 1010 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale (408) 720-8840

Sleek, modern Asian décor and trendy music make the Ocean Blue Sushi Club a fun place to bring a date. Start out spicy with a ﬁrecracker roll (topped with sliced jalapeños and hot sauce) from the specialty sushi menu and share a sashimi platter. Hot Japanese fare, such as teriyaki chicken, tempura and an assortment of bento boxes is also available. TW

[French] 14467 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-5272 www.lameremichelle.com

The chairs are from italy, the beads of the magniﬁcent chandelier hail from the Czech Republic, and the larger-than-life painting in the main dining room is a tribute to the owner and his family. This storied setting is what draws patrons to one of Saratoga’s oldest French restaurants. Well, that and the food: Maine lobster tails and fresh scallops, ﬁlet mignon stuffed with Roquefort cheese, and don’t forget about dessert.

DINING

’07 & ’08 BEST BURGER —Palo Alto Weekly

BEST BURGER

—Oprah Winfrey Show

CUSTOM BUILT BURGERS FOR…

YOUR CUSTOM BUILT LIFE PALO ALTO 369 California Avenue SAN JOSE at Santana Row WALNUT CREEK 1699 N California Blvd Take Out Fax Menu Available Online thecounterburger.com 62

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

DINING: HOT SPOTS

DRY MARTINIS • PRIME CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF • COLD WATER LOBSTER FRESH SEAFOOD • CANDLELIT MAHOGANY ATMOSPHERE • AWARD-WINNING WINE LIST

1921 EL CAMINO REAL PALO ALTO • 650.321.6798 SUNDANCETHESTEAKHOUSE.COM

DINING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» INTERVIEW

Movies&TV

» » » »

INTERVIEW MOVIE REVIEWS & PREVIEWS DVD RELEASES CINEMA DIRECTORY

64 66 66 66

against the fact that I actually believe those things. So I’m always caught in the middle. We must laugh at ourselves. TW: How do you think this movie will go over in the middle of a recession? JC: I’m not in a recession. I’m doing well. I’m doing incredibly well. I just want to be honest. I really am kicking a**.

Yes, He Can Jim Carrey is positive his new movie will be the comedic lift audiences need. BY FRED TOPEL

MOVIE: Yes Man DIRECTED BY: Peyton Reed STARRING: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Terence Stamp

MOVIES & T V

STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures

t’s official. Jim Carrey can make even a single word funny. In Yes Man, he plays a downer who shuts everything out of his life until a self-help guru orders him to say yes to everything. This life change leads him into wild scenarios: learning Korean, partying all night, bungee jumping off a bridge. It must be rubbing off on Carrey in real life, because when we chatted with him, he offered a positive spin on everything from the economic crisis to religion. The Wave: You actually did that bungee jump for real. What were you thinking? Jim Carrey: Death, lots of death. You know, thoughts of crossing over were actually going through my mind. It was very strange. It was like, “Well, they do this all the time, they got this down, it’s no problem.” And then I got to the bridge and that was intense enough. I went, “Oh, my God, what have I done? What am I doing here?” But when I got my feet up on the ledge, it literally was like a freight train going through my veins, through my entire body, the whole

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

time, until I jumped. It was insane. It was unbelievable. I actually had posttraumatic stress after it. For about a week after, I dreamt of hitting the ground, all those things. So those people that do that all the time, they are addicted to some kind of adrenaline rush like you would not believe. TW: Would you jump again? JC: No. I did that. Cross it off the list. They didn’t want me to do it at all and I said, “Well, I’m going to do it once in my life, so you might as well get it on camera.” TW: When you look back at your own life, have you been mostly a yes man or a no man over the years? JC: I would say yes, even when I say no, because sometimes saying no is saying yes to your own self worth. Do you know what I’m saying? No, I like to enjoy life. I like to engage in life, so I would say I’m a yes man. I said yes to so many things, from a sex change to gastric bypass surgery. So, it’s always paid off for me. I’ve kept the weight off. I have. I work hard at it. TW: What message would you like people to get from this movie? JC: Mostly just to have a good laugh and to feel good in their heart. It’s not only a funny movie, but you really believe the love story and the friendships, and so there’s a lot to walk away with. But I guess the only thing is, if there is a message, it’s just engage in life. Say yes more than you do no, maybe a little bit more than you did before, and life kind of turns out all right. Usually you regret the things you say no to. TW: Was it hard to make fun of this positive philosophy, since you clearly believe in positivity? JC: No. Everything can be made fun of. [Even] the most serious things are ripe for making fun of. I have spiritual beliefs, but I could literally go out and make an entire comedy routine about, and tour as, some sort of spiritual guru – but that would kind of go

TW: Let’s say other people are in a recession. Will they be up for a movie like Yes Man? JC: I believe in them. I believe that they can create their reality. That weekend, they’re going to go, “You know what? There is no recession. There is no problem. I’m going to spend my money, I’m going to go in there, I’m going to walk out with a smile on my face and say yes to life as is.” How’s that? This is what comedy is about: to laugh at the pain, laugh at the confusion, whatever. I mean, you need it. Comedy is always welcome, but especially in times like this. It’s like, what else do you want to do? You want to have something positive happen in your life. I think this is it. This is the answer to everything. Yes Man is the answer. TW: Could you relate to your character in the beginning of the film, when he said no to everything? JC: Well, I go in and out of shut-in. My social life goes in bursts where I’ve got to get out and do something, man, I’ve got to do something. I’ll plan a trip and go on a motorcycle trip down the Baja for 900 miles and I’ll hang out with my friends for like a month, and then they’ll never see me for two months or three months or whatever, and I won’t answer any calls. So, different things, but I understand this character, definitely. TW: If you knew someone who was as down in the dumps as your character is at the beginning of the movie, what advice would you give them? JC: Kill yourself. Eat a ton of sweets and take your life. All right, Option 2: I would say hang in there, invite some people over. I think the devil works for God. That’s my concept. The bad times are supposed to force you into actually getting out of your shell and going out into the world and making friendships and having love. TW: What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said yes to in real life? JC: Sea Cadets. I was like 11 years old and joined the Sea Cadets, which is like a military version of the Boy Scouts. They shave your head and humiliate you and yell at you and parade you around in a uniform in front of the rest of the people you know in town. But you know what? If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t know that I’m a useless maggot. So I’m glad. Yes always leads to something good. TW Yes Man opens everywhere Dec. 19. For tickets go to www.cameracinemas.com or www.cineluxtheatres.com.

MOVIES & TV: INTERVIEW

RICHARD CORLISS,

“AN

EASTWOOD LEAD ROLE IS A MOVIE EVENT.

HE IS IN TOTAL COMMAND, DARING HIMSELF TO NEW DEPTHS.”

EMOTIONAL ᑹᑹᑹᑹ AN THUNDERBOLT.”

“

ANDREW SARRIS,

THE HOTTEST MOVIES, AT THE COOLEST CINEMAS

MILK

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Now Showing Camera 7

EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT STARTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 AMC Loews METREON 15 101 4th St 800/FANDANGO #705

CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORY OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED

FROST/NIXON Opens December 25: Camera 7

Opens December 25: Camera 7, Camera 12

Camera 7

Los Gatos

Camera 12

Camera 3

Pruneyard in Campbell

Downtown Los Gatos

Downtown San Jose

408.559.6900

408.395.0203

408.998.3300

Exclusive European Opera & Ballet Series Now at Camera 7 La Scala’s presentation of La Traviata on December 21 & 23. Complete schedule through May, 2009 available at cameracinemas.com. In HD Digital Projection with Dolby Digital Sound.

Avoid the lines. Online tickets now available

FREE PARKING

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

MOVIES & T V

CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTOM

» MOVIE REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

MOVIES&TV MOVIE REVIEWS BY FRED TOPEL

REVIEWS D

THE WRESTLER

S TA R R I N G : W I L L S M I T H , R O S A R I O D AW S O N , B A R R Y P E P P E R D I R E C T E D B Y: G A B R I E L E M U C C I N O

S TA R R I N G : M I C K E Y R O U R K E , M A R I S A T O M E I , E VA N R A C H E L WOOD D I R E C T E D B Y: D A R R E N ARONOFSKY

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH S TA R R I N G : K AT E B E C K I N S A L E , V E R A FA R M I G A , M AT T D I L L O N D I R E C T E D B Y: R O D L U R I E

There may be a wealth of message movies, but a film that actually dissects a dilemma – that’s rare. Nothing But the Truth takes inspiration from the Judith Miller/Valerie Plame case, only it explores all facets of the issue beyond real life. A reporter (Beckinsale) exposes a CIA agent (Farmiga), for which the government wants her to reveal her source. Fighting for the principle of confidentiality lands her in prison, with issues far beyond what the real Ms. Miller had to face. A compelling drama that asks difficult questions with no easy answers, Truth even manages to resolve things satisfactorily without violating its principles.

YES MAN S TA R R I N G : J I M C A R R E Y, Z O O E Y D E S C H A N E L , T E R E N C E S TA M P D I R E C T E D B Y: P E Y T O N R E E D

As noted in our interview [page 64], Jim Carrey can make anything funny. Even when a script is just plain average, he acts the hell out of it. Yes Man is just the standard Hollywood comedy with a gimmick: A downer recluse (Carrey) meets a guru (Stamp) who tells him to say yes to everything, the total opposite of his personality. » DVD RELEASES

Now that Adam Sandler’s fans have all grown up, he made a movie they can take their kids to. (Of course, The Waterboy and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan are still more childish.) Here he plays an uncle telling stories to his niece and nephew, so he gets to play a medieval knave, a cowboy, a gladiator and a spaceman – then all the stories come true in the real world. Bedtime is cute and magical, especially seeing the real world interpretation of each story, while Sandler does gibberish and other silly stuff. It may not be as outrageous as his other comedies, but at least it’s not all fluffy kiddie jokes.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON S TA R R I N G : B R A D P I T T, C AT E B L A N C H E T T, TA R A J I P. H E N S O N D I R E C T E D B Y: D AV I D F I N C H E R

Obviously, there’s a big awards push for Benjamin

TV DEC. 16 Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Collection Petticoat Junction – The Official Season One Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story (miniseries) Will Shakespeare (miniseries)

TV DEC. 23 10 Items or Less – Seasons One and Two (available Dec. 27) Voltron: Defender of the Universe – Collection Six: Air Team (Vehicle Force)

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

S TA R R I N G : A D A M S A N D L E R , K E R I RUSSELL, RUSSELL BRAND D I R E C T E D B Y: A D A M S H A N K M A N

MOVIES DEC. 27

BEDTIME STORIES

MOVIES DEC. 16

The Duchess Eagle Eye Ghost Town Resident Evil: Degeneration

PREVIEWS

Wrestling has never gotten the cinematic glory that seems to have been reserved for other sports. This engaging drama shows what an aging pro wrestler (Rourke) goes through night after night, taking beatings that still hurt despite being choreographed. With his body failing and no other skills, he doesn’t have many options. The Wrestler is not only fascinating as an industry piece, seeing the tricks of the trade and the brutal techniques that are standard, but also a tragic drama, since the thing that got the wrestler any love at all may no longer be available. Rourke is extremely likable, even at the character’s lowest, so the film is a real treat.

DVD RELEASES

Burn After Reading (available Dec. 21) The House Bunny (available Dec. 19) Mamma Mia! The Movie The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Whether it’s the nos or the yeses, Carrey adds hilarious dimension to what are otherwise contrived incidents. There is no real bite, certainly no satire of the self help industry, but as a vehicle for Carrey to go wild, Yes is as good as any.

SEVEN POUNDS

This is the most special episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air yet. Smith plays a suicidal man looking for good people to help, only this is no ordinary charity case – he provokes people viciously to test their character. His plan is mysterious, but not that hard to figure out. What matters are his intentions and the emotional weight of carrying them out. These Pounds may be controversial, but that’s good, because the movie will provoke a reaction. The themes are profound and really bold for Hollywood, plus it’s presented in a raw style, so the emotions are not overdone, but instead just offered up for the taking.

MOVIES & T V

REVIEWS

Button, an epic life story told through historical eras, war and romance. Born as a wrinkled elderly baby, Button (Pitt) ages in reverse. That makes childhood tough with decrepit old limbs, but middle age is all right. It’s all high quality, from production value to performances. People will love it and the movie will get plenty of award nominations. It’s just a little distant and uninvolving, as though the art overpowers any connection to the audience on a personal level.

MARLEY AND ME S TA R R I N G : O W E N W I L S O N , JENNIFER ANISTON D I R E C T E D B Y: D AV I D F R A N K E L » CINEMA DIRECTORY

CINEMA

CAMPBELL Camera 7 Cinema, 1875 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 559-6900 CineLux Plaza Theatre, 2501 S. Winchester Blvd. (408) 378-2425

Even if you’re not a dog person, Marley & Me is the best movie about relationships and family to come out of Hollywood in a while. John and Jenny Grogan (Wilson, Aniston) get a puppy after their wedding and the dog’s life shows the growth of their marriage and family. It is such a healthy portrayal of family, it should inspire all viewers to be good husbands, wives and parents. They deal with real issues in the right way: It’s not preachy or a downer, they just communicate. Life gets hard, but the movie shows you can weather through. Of course, the dog is adorable and does some awesome stunts. TW

DIRECTORY

M O U N TA I N V I E W Century Cinema 16 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd. (650) 960-0970

GILROY Platinum Theatres, 6851 Monterey St. (408) 84-MOVIE

PA L O A LT O Aquarius, 430 Emerson St. (650) 266-9260 Stanford Theatre, 221 University Ave. (650) 324-3700 Century CineArts at Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Bldg. #6 (650) 493-3456

HOLLISTER Premiere Cinemas 5, 581A McCray St. (831) 638-1800

REDWOOD CITY Century Park 12, 557 E. Bayshore Blvd. (650) 365-9000

M E N L O PA R K Guild, 949 El Camino Real (650) 266-9260

S A N TA C L A R A AMC Mercado 20, 3111 Mission College Blvd. (408) 871-2AMC

M I L P I TA S Century 20 Great Mall, 1010 Great Mall Dr. (408) 942-5550

SAN JOSE AMC Saratoga 14 Theatre, 700 El Paseo de Saratoga (408) 871-2AMC Cinelux Almaden Cinema 2306 Almaden Rd. (408) 265-7373 Camera 12, 201 S. Second St. (408) 978-2787

L O S G AT O S Los Gatos Cinema, 41 N. Santa Cruz Ave. (408) 395-0203

MORGAN HILL CineLux Tennant Station Stadium 11 750 Tennant Way (408) 778-6500

Century 20, Oakridge, 925 Blossom Hill Rd. (408) 225-2200 Century 21, 3161 Olsen Dr. (408) 984-5610 Century 22, 3162 Olsen Dr. (408) 984-5610 Century 23, 3164 Olsen Dr. (408) 984-5610 Century 24, 741 Winchester Blvd. (408) 984-5610 Century 25, 1694 Saratoga Ave. (408) 984-5610 Century Berryessa 10 1171 N. Capitol Ave. (408) 926-7091 Century Capitol 16 San Jose 3690 Hillcap Ave. (408) 972-9276 Century Capitol Drive-In Capitol Expwy. and Snell Ave. (408) 226-2251 CineArts@Santana Row 3088 Olsen Dr. www.cinearts.com Hackworth IMAX Dome 201 S. Market St. (408) 294-TECH India Movie Center 6 1433 The Alameda (408) 830-9999

MOVIES & TV: REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

LIFE AND LOVE WITH THE WORLD'S WORST DOG!

in theaters anytime Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday excluding holidays.

ÂŠ Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Limit one pass per person. Passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Passes will be valid Monday -Thursday excluding all holidays beginning Monday, December 29.

This film is rated PG-13. Run-of-engagement passes received through this promotion do not guarantee admission to the theatre. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Theatre is open to paying customers. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Lionsgate, Terry Hines & Associates, The Wave Magazine and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost, delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors their employees & family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!

IN THEATERS DECEMBER 25

Invites you and a guest to join us at a special advance screening on Thursday, December 18 in Milpitas! MOVIES & T V

Log onto www.thewavemag.com for your chance to win a free pass to see

For your chance to receive a pass (good for two) to this screening, text DOG and your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549) by Tuesday, December 16 by 8pm. No purchase necessary to enter contest. Passes are in limited supply and will be chosen by random of all eligible entries. Limit one pass per person/ household. Each pass admits TWO people. This text is free of charge; standard text messaging rates may apply. THIS FILM RATED PG. Please note: Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee you a seat at the theatre. Seating is on a firstcome, first-serve basis, except for members of the reviewing press. TICKETS RECEIVED THROUGH THIS PROMOTION ARE NOT FOR RESALE. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. 20th Century Fox, 43Kix, Terry Hines & Associates, The Wave Magazine and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost; delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors their employees and family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!

IN THEATRES CHRISTMAS DAY! THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» FEATURE

Arts

Pandemonium, Theatre on San Pedro Square

» FEATURE » EVENT LISTINGS » COLUMN: HOT TICK ET

68 70 71

Incorruptible Every Christmas Story Ever Told

THE NUTCRACKER, BALLET SAN JOSE Long Story Short

Rapunzel

ARTS

Festive Performances From seasonal classics to escapist fare, there are plenty of entertaining shows on offer during the holidays… and beyond. BY MICHAEL J. VAUGHN

f those empty calendar spaces around Christmas and New Year’s make you feel like you’re walking on the moon (i.e., you’re past the shopping, past the gatherings, but prevented by New Year’s Eve from getting back to normal), we prescribe the usual remedy: arts, arts and more arts. We offer the following for your “lunar time” consideration, along with our handy (and completely made-up) Holiday Relevance coding system.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD,

SAN JOSE STAGE COMPANY

Holiday Relevance: 10.0 Following the comedy-compression trend begun by The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), three of the Stage’s best players manhandle every pop culture holiday icon in the book: Frosty, 68

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

The Grinch, George Bailey, Scrooge, and, naturally, Gustav the Green-Nosed Reingoat. Thru Dec. 21, $20-$45, The Stage, 490 S. First St., San Jose (408) 283-7142 www.thestage.org

DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL,

NORTHSIDE THEATRE COMPANY

Holiday Relevance: 9.9 It’s the best (nonbiblical) Christmas story ever told, especially as done by the Northsiders, who have stuck to their traditional telling for 26 years – even as everyone else has been doing those Dickens parodies, from A Smurfalicious Christmas Carol to Dickens! In! Space! (Interesting to note the disappearance of said parodies from this year’s schedules). Thru Dec. 24, $15-$20, Black Box Theatre, 848 E. William St., San Jose (408) 288-7820 www.northsidetheatre.com

Holiday Relevance: 9.8 BSJ’s holiday tradition, an electric combination of Tchaikovsky’s lush music, Hoffman’s quirky story and Dennis Nahat’s lively choreography. Be sure to consider the hour-long matinees for younger children, an increasingly popular option. Thru Dec. 28 (children’s matinees 1:30pm, Dec. 23 and 27), $25-$85, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose (408) 288-2800 www.balletsanjose.org

WINTER’S GIFTS: SOLSTICE,

THE CHORAL PROJECT

Holiday Relevance: 9.5 Daniel Hughes’ adventurous Choral Project joins forces with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra for an evening of holiday works by Vivaldi, Vaughan Williams, Eric Whitacre’s Winter (for strings, harp, sitar and choir) and an appearance by Ann Licater, master of the Native American flute. Dec. 21, 7pm, $20-$30, Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 295-4416 www.choralproject.org

SEASON’S GREETINGS, BUS BARN STAGE COMPANY Holiday Relevance: 9.2 Playwright Alan Ayckbourn is up to his usual sly goofiness with this twisted Christmas card, a holiday gathering that degenerates into angst-ridden chaos (sound like your family?). The shopping list includes “a sloshed cook, an epic puppet show of the Three Little Pigs, and a spectacularly botched-up tryst under the Christmas tree.” Thru Dec. 20, $24-$30, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos (650) 941-0551 www.busbarn.org

ARTS: FEATURE

» EVENT LISTINGS

ARTS EVENT IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A LISTING, OR KNOW OF SOMETHING HAPPENING THAT YOU'RE AFRAID WE'LL OVERLOOK, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ARTS EVENT TO EVENTS@THEWAVEMAG.COM.

LISTINGS GALLERIES

more than 4,000 artifacts: Ongoing. SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF ART

ART OBJECT GALLERY

110 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 271-6840 www.sjmusart.org

THEATRE AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (408) 367-7255 www.sjrep.com

An epic globe-trotting yarn rife with fast-tempo adventure when Phileas Fogg agrees to an outrageous wager to circle the world in just 80 days: Thru 12/21. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Black Box Theatre, 848 E. William St., San Jose (408) 288-7820

Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future: Thru 12/24. A CHRISTMAS CAROL – THE MUSICAL

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (650) 463-4970

A dazzling musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, with scores by Tony Award winner Lynn Ahrens and Oscar winner Alan Menken: Thru 12/20. BABES IN HOLLYWOOD: THE MUSIC OF GARLAND AND ROONEY

Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City (650) 349-6411 www.hillbarntheatre.org

A California premiere saluting the legendary careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, with songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “You Made Me Love You,” “Strike Up the Band,” “Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Where or When,” and many more: Thru 12/31. CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (408) 646-9583 www.easystreettheatre.com

A must-see adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, presented by the Easy Street Theatre Company: 12/18-23. INCORRUPTIBLE

ARTS

Broadway West Theatre, 4000-B Bay St., Fremont (510) 683-9218 www.broadwaywest.org

Set in a dilapidated French monastery during the Dark Ages, monks get desperate as their saint’s relics haven’t produced a miracle in 13 years, causing them to seek the advice of a less than reputable character: Thru 12/20. LONG STORY SHORT

Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (650) 903-6000 www.theatreworks.org

Two seemingly polar opposites (one a socially inept East Coast Jew, the other a Los Angeles Asian-American) are taken along a roller-coaster romance in this new romantic comedy from TheatreWorks: Thru 12/28. MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS

Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Ave., Sunnyvale (408) 245-2978

It’s Christmas in the “old house in Paris all covered in vines,” and everybody’s in bed with the flu – except Madeline, who feels just fine. A musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelman’s children’s classic: Thru 12/20. RAPUNZEL OR HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW & HOLIDAY VAUDEVILLE REVUE

City Lights Theater, 529 S. Second St., San Jose (408) 295-4200 www.cltc.org

A hilarious and irreverent “fractured fairy tale” take on a classic story,

followed by the first ever Holiday Music Revue: Thru 12/21. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose (408) 985-5500 www.tabardtheatre.org

Brad and Janet are assimilated by a troupe of Transylvanians for the fourth and possibly last annual performance in San Jose. [See Hot Ticket, page 71]: 12/19-1/9. SEASON’S GREETINGS

Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos (650) 941-0551 www.busbarn.org

Typical of any holiday family gettogether, this Christmas celebration quickly degenerates into three days of slapstick holiday angst: Thru 12/20.

CLASSICAL MUSIC & OPERA HALLELUJAH!

Montgomery Theatre, 271 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 792-4145

Messages of the true spirit of Christmas, brought together in this interfaith concert. Admissions will be donations to Toys for Tots and Second Harvest Food Bank: 12/20-21. HORNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 903-6000 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa/ mvcpa.html

Nationally renowned horn group Quadre performs holiday favorites with special guest performances by local students: 12/16. WINTER’S GIFTS: SOLSTICE

Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 295-4416 www.choralproject.org

The Choral Project and San Jose Chamber Orchestra present a holiday concert: 12/21.

DANCE BEST OF THE ACPA REPERTOIRE

Smithwick Theater, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills (510) 676-4528

The Academy of Chinese Performing Arts brings out the best of traditional and folk Chinese dances: 12/20. MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER

Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose (408) 864-8820 www.flintcenter.com

Moscow Ballet’s world-famous presentation of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Cantabile Youth Singers and the Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale: 12/21. THE NUTCRACKER

Heritage Theatre, One W. Campbell Ave., Campbell (408) 866-2700 www.ci.campbell.ca.us/ heritagetheatre

South Bay Dance Center presents its 2008 production of this magical classic: 12/20-21. THE NUTCRACKER

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

(408) 288-2800 www.sanjose.org/ meetings/facilities/perf_arts.php

This treasured holiday classic returns for an extended run: Thru12/28.

MUSEUMS CANTOR ARTS CENTER

Palm Dr. at Museum Way, Stanford University (650) 7234177 www.museum.stanford.edu

A New 19th Century: The reinstalled Mondavi Family Gallery features newly acquisitioned works by Monet, Renoir, Sargent and more: Ongoing. Auguste Rodin Collection: The largest collection of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris: Ongoing. African Art in Context: Photography, dress and other artifacts: Ongoing. Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden: Wood and stone carvings of people, animals and mythical beings: Ongoing. Living Traditions: Arts of the Americas: A collection of work from diverse Native American peoples and times: Ongoing. Explore Outdoor Sculpture: Enjoy beautiful weather and the works of Auguste Rodin, Maya Lin, Beverly Pepper, Richard Serra and Andy Goldsworthy: Third Sunday of each month. Goltziu and His Circle: A demonstration of the master’s influence over artists of the period: Ongoing. Dürer to Picasso: Featuring 100 works from the Renaissance to WWII, from such European and American artists as Goya, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Edvard Munch and more: Thru 2/15. Timbuktu to Capetown: Featuring 50 of the most important African works acquired by the Center over the last decade: Thru 3/22.

Road Trip: An exhibition examining travel experience through photography, video, sculpture and more: Thru 1/25. Frida Kahlo – Portraits of an Icon: An exhibition of nearly 40 photographic portraits of the legendary Mexican artist: Thru 3/22. The Great Monkey Project: James Grashow displays 100 unique cardboard monkeys: Thru 1/4. This End Up: The Art of Cardboard: A multiartist exhibit of cardboard art, including works by Frank Gehry: Thru 2/15.

592 N. Fifth St., San Jose (408) 288-9305 www. artobjectgallery.com/about.htm

Four Two-n-Two Four: An exhibit of Mark Bryan’s satirically political yet poignant paintings, sculptures by Mattie Leeds and dazzling stone and glass sculptures by Ken Matsumoto: Thru 1/15. 420 S. First St., San Jose

UpRoar 2008: Heart of Chaos and South First Street Billiards presents one of the Bay Area’s largest local artist group exhibits of the year: Thru 1/29. 494 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 327-6325 www.modernbook.com

IDEA House: An interactive program space encourages you to formulate and synthesize like never before: Ongoing. Green by Design: Designs with a green approach, aiming to prevent environmental problems and improve lives: Ongoing. View from Space: Science made visible in an exhibit that displays weather, aircraft and daily patterns from space: Ongoing. Leonardo: 500 Years Into the Future: The largest and most comprehensive collection of da Vinci artifacts ever assembled, featuring more than 200 items from da Vinci and his contemporaries, including hands-on working models, interactive machines, multimedia presentations and more: Thru 1/4.

Brigitte Carnochan: Still Life: An exhibit of Carnochan’s internationally renowned hand-painted gelatin silver photographs of fruits and flowers: Thru 1/2. MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HERITAGE

351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto (650) 321-1004 www.moah.org

Music to One’s Ears: Musical Instruments in the Home, Band and Orchestra: Explore the basic principles of music making, technology and technique over the ages, from the hollow log to the electronic harmony: Thru 1/18.

F E AT U R E 68

CAMPBELL HISTORICAL MUSEUM

RAPUNZEL, OR HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW,

Ainsley Open House: All 15 rooms of this historical Tudor house have been decorated and transformed into a winter wonderland: 12/18-21.

Holiday Relevance: 7.4 Definitely a fairy tale on the fractured side for the irreverent hipsters at City Lights – plus the company’s first-ever Holiday Musical Revue, which is how they snuck into sixth place on our ratings (those sneaky sneaksters!) Thru Dec. 21, $30, City Lights Theater, 529 S. Second St., San Jose (408) 295-4200 www.cltc.org

300 Grant St., Campbell (408) 866-2758 www.ci.campbell. ca.us/museum

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

180 Woz Way, San Jose (408) 298-5437 www.cdm.org

Children’s Art Gallery: Established between the upstairs elevator and the CDMedia Studio, honoring the work and talent of local children’s work and talent: Ongoing. DE SAISSET MUSEUM

500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara (408) 554-4528 www.scu.edu/desaisset

Eye on the Sixties: Vision, Body & Soul: Focusing on one of the most vibrant and dynamic decades in modern history, this exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints by artists ranging from Frank Stella to Claes Oldenberg: Ongoing. MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HERITAGE

351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto (650) 321-1004 www.moah.org

Music in the Home, Band and Orchestra: Explore the basics of music making, technology, and techniques over the ages. Your time will be a sound investment: Thru 1/18. ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

1660 Park Ave., San Jose (408) 947-3636 www.egyptianmuseum.org

History of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Exhibit: This exhibit shows the museum’s transformation from one artifact in an office to a museum with

CITY LIGHTS THEATER COMPANY

BABES IN HOLLYWOOD: THE MUSIC OF GARLAND AND ROONEY, HILLBARN THEATRE Holiday Relevance: 5.2 OK, on initial viewing, this may seem like a stretch – though Garland did, after all, immortalize the Best Christmas Song of All Time (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”), while Rooney always did resemble an elf. Hillbarn also offers a New Year’s Eve Gala with postperformance buffet and midnight champagne toast (call for details). Thru Dec. 31, $17-$30, Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City (650) 349-6411 www.hillbarntheatre.org

INCORRUPTIBLE,

BROADWAY WEST

Holiday Relevance: 4.9 For the other side of the story, we go to Michael Hollinger’s dark comedy, in which a down-onits-luck monastery seeks advice from a larcenous one-eyed minstrel to outmaneuver a rival monastery in winning a visit from the Pope. Ah, the true holiday spirit.

The Miniature Worlds of Brian Metcalf: The debut of leading jeweler Brian Metcalf’s silver-and-wood examination of social, moral and political issues: Thru 12/21. In the Bigger Picture: Interpretive landscape exhibits highlighting Richard Misrach’s mastery of large format photography: Thru 12/21. SAN JOSE MUSEUM OF QUILTS & TEXTILES

HEART OF CHAOS

MODERNBOOK GALLERY

TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION

201 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 294-TECH www.thetech.org

PALO ALTO ART CENTER

1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto (650) 329-2366 www.paacf.org

520 S. First St., San Jose (408) 971-0323 www.sjquiltmuseum.org

Four Contemporary Fiber Arts Masters: Four solo exhibits by contemporary fiber artists Polly Barton, Eleanor McCain, Mary Anne Jordan and Mary Zicafoose: Thru 1/25. SAN JOSE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART 560 S. First St., San Jose (408) 283-8155 www.sjica.org

The Figure in Relief: An exhibit by famed figurative sculptor Manuel Neri, highlighting relief sculptures and related drawings: Thru 1/10. The Painted Room: Chris Dorosz displays a life-size installation of a living room made of dots of paint suspended on hanging wire, a take on the pixilation of digital imagery: Thru 1/10. Eureka!: Featuring the works of the 2005-07 winners of the prestigious Eureka prize: Ongoing. Medusa: Timothy Horn’s ornate chandelier, based on illustrations by Ernest Haecker: Ongoing. TW

[CONT’D]

Thru Dec. 20, $15-$22, Broadway West Theatre, 4000-B Bay St., Fremont (510) 683-9218 www.broadwaywest.org

LONG STORY SHORT,

THEATREWORKS

Holiday Relevance: 4.4 A Jewish-Asian love story from the musiciancreators of Striking 12 (the retelling of the classic tale of The Little Match Girl). Romance during the holidays? Why not? Thru Dec. 28, $28-$64, Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (650) 463-1960 www.theatreworks.org

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, SAN JOSE REPERTORY THEATRE

Holiday Relevance: 2.6 An epic adaptation of Jules Verne’s story by Mark Brown. Because, um, Santa Claus goes around the world in a single night, right? Thru Dec. 21, $30-$59, San Jose Rep, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (408) 367-7255 www.sjrep.com

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW,

ACTORS THEATRE CENTER

Holiday Relevance: 0.4 I don’t know. Wild bacchanalian parties? Having friends over for dinner (as dinner)? Ribald sexual misadventures? Doing the Time Warp... again? What’s not holidayish about Rocky Horror? Hot patootie, bless my soul! [See Hot Ticket, page 71] Dec. 20-Jan. 10, $45; $70 New Year’s Eve dinner gala, Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose (408) 985-5500 www.theatrecenter.biz TW

ARTS: HOT TICK ET Âť COLUMN: HOT TICKET

ARTS

TICKET

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Do the Time Warpâ&#x20AC;Ś Again Rocky Horror returns to San Jose, just in time for the holidays. BY MICHAEL J. VAUGHN

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Museum of San Jose 7OZ 7AY s 3AN *OSE s #! s s s WWW CDM ORG

Ex Ja t hibi nu hr t o ar ou pe y 1 gh n 9, 20 09

HOT

he Rocky Horror Show, the 1970s cult sci-fi sex classic with the longest running theatrical release in film history (33 years and counting), ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; too bad on the stage, either. Actors Theatre Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday rendition is back for a fourth year, and artistic director Jeff Hicks says that its utterly nonholiday theme is a primary reason for its success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People do come to our show for a break from the same old holiday standards,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been surprised by the sheer number of people who seek alternatives. We even have folks who come back year after year from around the world. They see their relatives and step in to see their Rocky family.â&#x20AC;?

Less remembered is that Rocky was originally a stage musical, created by Richard Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien (who played Riff Raff on both stage and screen) and performed in London in 1973, and Los Angeles in 1974. Not surprisingly, says Hicks, putting on the oddball musical is quite the challenge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finding the right synergy with the cast members, musicians and crew can be tough,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They must all trust each other. They are all wearing less than they do daily, need to keep the energy of Rocky Horror, and still understand that we are trying to produce something professional as well.â&#x20AC;?

TICKET INFO

The Rocky Horror Show, Actors Theatre Center, Dec. 19-Jan. 9, $25-$30 ($70 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve dinner gala), Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose (408) 985-5500 www.theatrecenter.biz. This year, the production is on the move, from the Historic Hoover Theatre to the Theater on San Pedro Square. Hicks foresees the Downtown location drawing new people to the show, as well as motivating his company to keep the production fresh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one challenge we have had is trying to retrain our creative minds to think in terms of the intimacy,â&#x20AC;? he says of the former comedy club, â&#x20AC;&#x153;where the audience surrounds three sides of the stage. Rocky Horror was originally created at a proscenium [standard stage] venue.â&#x20AC;?

ARTS

The film version of Rocky, a 1975 rock musical featuring such future stars as Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon and Meat Loaf, centers on mad scientist Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry), a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sweet transvestiteâ&#x20AC;? intent on spreading his brand of debauchery to the world. But the property didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really take off until April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 1976, when its first midnight run began at New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waverly Theater. Audiences began to interact with the movie: talking back, bringing props to throw at key moments (toast, rice, squirt guns, playing cards), and even dressing up like the characters and pantomiming the action in front of the screen.

Discover a fascinating world that inspires curiosity and helps make the unknown more familiar, maybe even logical, and certainly fun!

Asked for his theory on Rocky Horrorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible longevity, Hicks comes up with an amusing take. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think its appeal, especially during the holidays, lies in the fact that the show really has no substance. Anyone can relate to a guy who is just trying to do the best that he can to make not only himself, but also everyone around him as happy as possible. Frank just happens to do it through sex, drugs and good oldfashioned rock â&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll. But we can all desire that!â&#x20AC;? TW THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» feature

Family&Community

» FEATURE 72 » EVENT LISTINGS 74 » FARMERS MARK ETS 74

LET YOUR HANDS DO THE TALKING

Ten signs to get you talking with your babies. Hungry: Form a backward letter C with your right hand (fingers together, thumb and fingers facing each other) with the fingers pointing towards the body. Move the hand from underneath your throat down the center of your body. Drink: Form a backward letter C with your right hand and move the hand in a short arc towards the mouth, as though tipping back a cup. Moms and babies learning in Cecilia Robles’ Time to Sign class at Willow Glen store Baby Buzz

Look Who’s Talking The growing trend toward sign language means you’ll always know what’s on baby’s mind. BY SHARON MCKINLEY

FA MILY & COMMUNIT Y

ommunicating with infants can be challenging, to say the least. As parents and guardians, we all want our children to be happy, comfortable and well cared for. Until they learn to speak, though, parenting can be full of guesswork as we try to determine when our children need changing, when they’re in pain, when they’re hungry and when they’re scared. Fortunately for new moms and dads, that’s beginning to change, thanks to the emergence of baby sign language – a creative and fun way of communicating with children from infancy upwards that opens up a whole new channel of communication. Cecilia Robles, a child development specialist, teaches Time to Sign, a Mommy and Me Introduction to Sign Language class at Baby Buzz in San Jose. She believes the benefits of introducing children to sign language are enormous. “Parenting with sign language eliminates the frustration a lot of parents experience in communicating with their infants,” explains Robles, who also runs a childcare program in Morgan Hill. “The first signs we teach are for ‘milk’ and ‘food,’ which allows the child to say whether they’re hungry or thirsty. We also teach signs for ‘more,’ and we teach the signs for ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ which reinforces that special bond between parent and child.” Besides running her own childcare program, Robles is a mother to four-year-old twins, so she appreciates

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

the benefits of sign language when communicating in a hectic and often noisy family environment. “When you have a group of young children all trying to tell you what snack they want or when the twins are looking for attention, and I’m on the phone, for example, sign language comes in very useful. It’s a means of being heard without actually saying anything, and any parent will testify to that being a very useful tool.” Developmentally, sign language gives children an invaluable head start by engaging both the left and right side of the brain from an early age. It also encourages memory skills and helps with learning new languages, while children who are exposed to sign language tend to have a much wider vocabulary when they do acquire speech. “We teach sign language for children through play and interaction, it’s not like an adult class – it’s fun and engaging for the children,” Robles continues. “What we also find is that by exposing kids to both language and sign language from an early age, you stimulate both the kinetic and the visual sides of the brain. Children will then store one word on two formats, in two different parts of the brain. This helps build more connections within the brain, which is invaluable to their learning and education. It’s like adding to their memory space.”

Full: Take your right hand, palm open and facing the floor in front of you. Move your hand to underneath your chin. Mommy: Place the thumb of your right hand on your chin with the fingers spread. Daddy: Place the thumb of your right hand on your forehead with the fingers spread.

Hot: Form a backward letter C with your right hand and place your thumb and fingers on either side of your mouth. Twist your hand to the right and remove it from your mouth in one swift motion. Cold: Make two fists with your hands and shake them in front of you, hunching your shoulders. Please: Place your open right hand over the center of your chest with the palm facing your body and move it in a circular clockwise motion. Thank you: Touch the fingers of your right hand to your mouth and move the hand away and in front of you while smiling. Love: Cross your arms in front of you with your palms facing your body. Hands can be open or in fists.

Of course, like most educational trends, baby sign language isn’t without its skeptics. Some experts have raised concerns that sign language could be responsible for delaying the development of speech. Robles, however, believes that the opposite is true in most cases. “From my experience, exposing children to sign language at an early age inspires a real curiosity in them for communication and encourages them to want to express themselves more efficiently. Sign language also opens up entire new means of communicating with other children who might have special needs or children who speak a different language.” In theory, then, sign language for children sounds like a great idea. But how many busy parents have the time to devote to the project? Well, believe it or not, most parents have already started to encourage the basics of baby sign without even realizing it. Babies and parents naturally employ signs such as shaking the head to say “no more,” raising the arms to ask to be picked up, pointing to objects that interest them, and waving good-bye. Children naturally mimic the adults around them and follow a natural set of visual signals. With a little practice and a conscious effort, baby sign can become second nature to the whole family. TW Cecilia Robles’ sign classes take place weekly at Baby Buzz, 1314 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. For more information, call (408) 885-9870 or go to www.babybuzzcafe.com.

» EVENT LISTINGS

FAMILY&COMMUNITY EVENT Santa in the Plaza, Los Gatos, 12/21

LISTINGS WILLOW GLEN CARRIAGE RIDES: 12/20

Bergmann Building, 1346 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

What could be more pleasant than taking a 20-minute carriage ride through the holiday decorated Willow Glen? Nothing, nothing at all: 5-8pm DROP-IN COOKIE DECORATING: 12/20

Cucina Bambini, 1041 Lincoln Ave., San Jose (408) 564-7773 www.cucinabambini.com

Boy, oh boy, now this is an event everyone can appreciate. Show up from 9-10am for some cookie decorating, then eat them for breakfast! That’s the way Santa would do it.

Explore the pros and cons of owning and operating a franchise: 1-2:30pm

FIRST ANNUAL GLASS ORNAMENT SHOW: THRU 12/31

FA MILY & COMMUNIT Y

Connect, 420 S. Pastoria Ave., Sunnyvale (408) 773-2365

eWOMEN ACCELERATED NETWORKING LUNCH: 12/18

Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St., Campbell www.ewomennetwork.com

Enjoy a delicious lunch and network with fellow businesswomen: 10:30am-1:30pm

CLUB MEETINGS FUN TIME SINGERS: WEDNESDAYS

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 12770 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga www.funtimesingers.org

A lively and diverse community choir invites men and women to join their group: 7:15-9:30pm

FESTIVALS & EXPOS CYCLE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW: 12/19-21 74

Kaleid Gallery, 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose (408) 947-1785 www.sjgaa.org

If you want a mind-blowing tree this year, there is only one way to get there, and it’s with hand-blown ornaments. Kaleid will be showcasing the works from more than 30 glass artists from the San Jose Glass Artist Alliance, along with jewelry, vases and more: Noon-7pm

FAMILY ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PRINCESSS TEAS: 12/1517

Lisa’s Tea Treasures, 1145 Olsen Ave., Santana Row (408) 247-3613

Bring the kids to a day just for them, with a magic show, dancing, singing and storytelling: 4-5:30pm WINTER MOVIES: 12/17-28

California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose

Bring the whole family over to the historic California Theatre and enjoy

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: THRU 12/17

Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo (650) 345-8222 www.hillsdale.com

Take your family pet to Hillsdale Shopping Center for a personal photo with Santa: 5:30-9pm GILROY GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS FEATURING A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: 12/19-23, 26-28

Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy www.gilroygardens.org

The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, themed rides, photos with Santa, arts and crafts workshop and, of course, Charlie Brown! SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN’S WHARF HOLIDAY LIGHTS BOAT PARADE: 12/19

Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, San Francisco (415) 673-3530 www.visitfishermanswharf.com

Prepare yourself for a wonderful display of more than 100 vibrantly decorated boats from the Fisherman’s Wharf Fishing Fleet and the St. Francis Yacht Club as they cruise by Pier 39.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: 12/26-30

Circle of Palms, 170 S. Market St., San Jose www.sjdowntown.com

All 15 rooms will be decorated by local designers, decorators, florists, and volunteers who will transform the house into an enchanted holiday wonderland.

HOLIDAY TRAIN EXHIBIT: THRU 12/26

Santa Cruz Boardwalk www.roaringcamp.com

Check out the latest sport bikes, dirt bikes, dual sports, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and more.

DOWNTOWN ICE: THRU 1/11

Hundreds of wintertime holiday displays, live entertainment, food, and Saint Nick!

HOLIDAYS IN THE BAY AREA LEGO EXHIBIT: THRU 1/11

SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN: THRU 12/22

EXPLORE FRANCHISING SEMINAR: 12/15

Load up the little ones and get them on over to Hillsdale Shopping Center, where they’ll have a chance to get their order into Santa and have a photo taken to document the meeting!

The family will be blown away with these exciting, life-size robotic dinosaurs in action [see Spotlight, page 10]!

Santa and his elves will be in the Town Plaza Park and would like to invite everyone to come, visit and just have a jolly ole time: 11am-3pm

some fantastic holidayesque films, such as Home Alone, Funny Girl, A Christmas Story, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Swiss Family Robinson, Mary Poppins, The Polar Express, The Music Man and many others.

Hillsdale Shopping Center, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo (650) 345-8222 www.hillsdale.com

WINTER WONDERLAND AT THE AINSLEY HOUSE: THRU 12/21

Town Plaza Park, Main and Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos www.losgatoschamber.com

BUSINESS

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: THRU 1/1

Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market St. between San Carlos & San Fernando, San Jose www. christmasinthepark.com

Practice your triple lutz at South Bay’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Don’t forget your muffler!

SANTA IN THE PLAZA: 12/21

San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St., San Mateo www.motorcycleshows.com

PHOTOS WITH SANTA: THRU 12/24

their very own noisemakers and party hats for the big balloon drop at noon!: 10am-4pm

HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose www.hppsj.com

Ainsley House, 51 N. Central Ave., Campbell (408) 866-2758

IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A LISTING, OR KNOW OF SOMETHING HAPPENING THAT YOU'RE AFRAID WE'LL OVERLOOK, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR COMMUNIT Y EVENT TO EVENTS@THEWAVEMAG.COM.

carriage and visit some of the town’s most beautiful historic homes along downtown’s festively decorated North Santa Cruz Avenue.

Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz while sipping hot-spiced cider and listening to carolers. You’ll even get to hang out with Santa Claus. Reservations strongly recommended. NUTCRACKER HIGH TEA: 12/23

Sainte Claire Hotel, 302 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 2882820 x204 www.balletsanjose.org

Ballet San Jose invites children to this special one-hour performance, followed by a chance to meet characters from the show, along with face painters, balloon artists and more: 1:30pm HOLIDAY CARRIAGE RIDES: THRU 12/23

Los Gatos carriagerides. losgatoschamber.com

You can cruise around Los Gatos in an honest-to-goodness horse-drawn » FARMERS MARK ETS

Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St., San Jose (408) 998-3916

This, without a doubt, is the season’s greatest electric train exhibit, featuring model villages depicting locales in the United States, England, the Netherlands, Russia, Germany, Mexico, France, the Philippines and Switzerland. REINDEER ROMP AT THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO: THRU 12/31

San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Rd., San Francisco (415) 753-7080 www.sfzoo.org

You’ll get a chance to visit a few of Santa’s reindeer, Holly, Velvet, Peppermint and Belle, along with all the other animals, and when you’re through enjoying the animals, go ice skating on the new 5,400-squarefoot rink! FANTASY OF LIGHTS: THRU 12/31

Vasona Lake Park, 333 Blossom Hill Dr., Los Gatos (408) 3552201www.parkhere.org

Vasona Lake County Park will once again be transformed into a Fantasy of Lights, featuring an evening drive-thru tour of 37 holiday-themed light displays, including an exploding volcano!: 6-10pm NOON YEAR’S EVE: 12/31

Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose (408) 298-5437 www.cdm.org

Bring the kids by the Children’s Discovery Museum for an afternoon of fun and celebrating as they create

FARMERS

Campbell: Sunday 9am – 1pm (year round) Campbell Ave. at Central & First Sts. (510) 745-7100 Cupertino: Friday 9am – 1pm (year round) Vallco Fashion Park Parking Lot, 10123 Wolfe Rd. (800) 949-FARM Los Gatos: Sunday 8am – 12:30pm (year round) Montebello Way & Broadway Extension (408) 353-5355 Mountain View: Sunday 9am – 1pm (year round) Hope & Evelyn (800) 806-FARM Palo Alto: Sunday 9am – 1pm (year round) California Ave. & El Camino Real (800) 806-FARM

Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto www.moah.org

The Bay Area LEGO Train Club and The Bay Area LEGO® User Group team up with the Museum of American Heritage for a mind-bending LEGO showcase! RAIN FOREST WEEKNDS: 1/3-3/29

Roaring Camp, Graham Hill Rd., Felton (831) 335-4484 www.roaringcamp.com

Take a tour through the beautiful redwoods on an actual steam locomotive: Saturdays & Sundays: 12:30pm

FUNDRAISERS & DONATIONS ONE WARM COAT: THRU 1/31

Drop-off barrels throughout Santana Row, San Jose (408) 551-4611 www.santanarow.com

Attention! If you have any coats that you know you’re not going to wear, visit Santana Row and donate them to One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that distributes coats to people who need them. Donation bins located throughout the shopping center. BEARDS FOR TEARS: THRU 4/6/09

Visit www.beardsfortears.com for info and donations

Help Greg Miller and Jon Sontag with 76

MARKETS

San Jose: Sunday 10am – 3pm (year round) Stevens Creek & Winchester (800) 949-FARM San Jose: Friday 10am – 2pm (year round) Kaiser Santa Teresa Parking Lot (800) 949-FARM San Jose: Friday 10am – 2pm (May 2 - Dec. 19) San Pedro St. between Santa Clara & St. John Sts. (408) 279-1775 San Jose: Sunday 8:30am – Noon (year round) Japantown, Jackson between Sixth & Seventh Sts. (408) 298-4303 San Jose: Sunday 10am – 2pm (year round) Princeton Plaza, Kooser & Meridian (800) 806-FARM

Santa Clara: Thursday 10am – 2pm (year round) Santa Clara Kaiser Parking Lot (800) 949-FARM Santa Clara: Saturday 9am – 1pm (year round) Jackson St. between Homestead & Benton (510) 745-7100 Saratoga: Saturday 9am – 1pm (year round) Saratoga West Valley College, Fruitvale & Allendale Aves. (800) 806-FARM Sunnyvale: Saturday 9am – 1pm (year round) S. Murphy Ave. at Washington and Evelyn (510) 745-7100

FAMILY & COMMUNIT Y: EVENT LISTINGS

FA MILY & COMMUNIT Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

FAMILY & COMMUNIT Y: EVENT LISTINGS

FAMILY&COMMUNITY EVENT

LISTINGS

Drop-In Cookie Decorating, Cucina Bambini, San Jose, 12/20

AC U P RE S S U RE â&#x20AC;˘ T U I NA â&#x20AC;˘ M ED I CA L Q I G O N G 200 H OUR ASIAN BODY WORK

Five Branches University presents

Asian Bodywork CEU & Certification Programs

Realize the Healing in Your Hands Five BraNches university Graduate School of Traditional Chinese Medicine 3031 Tisch Way, ste 507, San Jose, CA 95128 â&#x2013; www.fivebranches.edu For more information, please contact Mimi Latno (408) 260-0208, sjextension@fivebranches.edu

your weekly pledges and donations and help them raise enough money to build a water well in Africa. And what part are they playing? They have committed to stop shaving for seven months! Hence, beards. Log on to check out their growth and make a donation.

HEALTH

Mr. Zapata will be signing copies of his new book, Desperate Lands: The War on Terror Through The Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier: 4-8pm

VOLUNTEER BECOME A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER

(408) 876-4193 www.emp.org

Hav e dur a part ing y win on Fri ter bre day or SAV ak and (See

FA MILY & COMMUNIT Y

web site for d etai ls)

The party place that has it ALL! Have your evFOU BU UIF QBrty EFTUJOBUJPO everyPOeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talkJOH BCPVU +VNQ PO HJBOU PCTUBDMF HBNFT IOWJUBUJPOs, partZ DPBDIFs, BOE Qrivate party rPPNs we take DBre of it all AwFTPNF fPPE GrPN for kJEs, tFFOs, HroXOVQT tPP at Silver Creek SporUTQMFY t &NCFEEFE WaZ t 4BO JPTF t JOfo@LOLparties DPN

w w w. LOLpar ties.com 76

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

FREE HEALTH EXPO: 12/20

San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose

Become a mentor and be a positive influence on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll only cost you two hours a week! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA BICYCLE RACE

There will be free glucose screening, blood pressure screening, massage, food samples, consultation, health literature, stress test, sleep test, exercise test and more: 2-5pm

Apply online at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

READINGS & BOOK SIGNINGS

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

BOOK SIGNING WITH REGULO ZAPATA: 12/20

Borders Books, 356 Santana Row, San Jose (408) 241-9100

CHESS CLASS: 12/16

Joyce Ellington Branch Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Community Room, 491 E. Empire St., San Jose

(408) 808-3043

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever thought of learning to play chess, or have children who have been interested, this is the perfect event for you. Adults and children are invited to this 30-minute workshop, followed by one hour of game playing: 6-7:30p WINTER JUNIOR RENEGADES YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP: 12/20-22

For info, contact Coach Jordan Twohig (510) 659-6194 www.ohlonebaseball.com

Daily instruction focusing on hitting, bunting, base running, throwing, fielding, and strength and conditioning programs: Ages seven to 14. INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING: 12/20

REI, 400 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose (408) 871-8765 www.rei.com

A perfect chance for beginners to learn the basics of vertical climbing: 8:45am TW

FA MILY & COMMUNIT Y

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

» FEATURE

Sports&Adventure Holly Kulak of WeekendSherpa.com at Golden Cascade Falls, Big Basin Redwoods State Park

» FEATURE 78 » SVGUIDE: SPORTS & ADVENTURE 81

Here are some of the best local spots where you can hike to see waterfalls in all of their gushing winter glory. We may not choose to honor them with songs or paintings, but with so many of these wonders within hiking distance, there’s no excuse not to at least pay one a visit.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Ste. 406, Boulder Creek (831) 338-8860 www.bigbasin.org

Twenty-three miles northwest of Santa Cruz, we find California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods, home of an 11-mile loop of trails that leads to a series of raging cascades. Featuring approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain during its second half, this hike offers an eyeful of flora and wildlife on the way to the waterfalls, which are considered by many to be the finest in the Bay Area. While they generally run throughout the year, the cascades are especially powerful during the rainy season. There’s the multitiered Golden Cascade Falls (which, as its name suggests, gives off a striking golden sheen due to its iron-stained rocks); the majestic Cascade Falls, which boasts a mighty 80-foot drop; Silver Falls, which has rock stairs that allow you to walk just below the waterfall, bathing in the mist as you use a handrail for balance; and the 70-foot Berry Creek Falls, considered by many people to be the best waterfall on the California coast.

Castle Rock State Park

SPOR T S & A DVEN T URE

15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos (408) 867-2952 www.parks.ca.gov

One of the many natural treasures of the Santa Cruz Mountains is Castle Rock State Park in Los Gatos, which, along with offering several opportunities for rock climbing and hiking, boasts the memorable Castle Rock Falls. A viewing platform makes it easy to get a peek at the waters of King’s Creek, spilling approximately 75 feet over a massive vertical sandstone slab. When the waterfall is in full force during late winter and spring, you’ll begin to hear its waters from a distance as you approach from the nearby hiking trail.

Chasing Waterfalls A hike to a stunning waterfall is closer than you think. BY DAMON ORION 78

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

or ages, artists have been paying tribute to majestic waterfalls. Painters such as Henri Rousseau and Georgia O’Keeffe have captured their likeness in oil; wordsmiths such as Carl Sandburg and Mary Oliver have invoked their image in poetry; and musicians as diverse as Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, the Stone Roses, Electric Light Orchestra and TLC have all sung their praises. With all the poetic whimsy surrounding them, it’s easy to forget that waterfalls are actual, tangible phenomena of nature – not to mention the fact that we have a wealth of them right here in our Bay Area backyard.

Edgewood County Park Edgewood and Old Stage Rds., Redwood City (650) 368-6283 www.co.sanmateo.ca.us

At five feet in height, Sylvan Trail Falls is hardly the largest waterfall on the list. But the fern-covered rocks that surround it make for pleasant viewing, while visitors will enjoy a laid-back, family-friendly trek through Edgewood County Park in Redwood City, best known for the colorful wildflowers that cover its grasslands and hillsides in the springtime. 80

SPORTS&ADVENTURE: FEATURE

offer expires 12/31/08

SPOR T S & A DV EN T URE

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

SPORTS&ADVENTURE: FEATURE

SPORTS&ADVENTURE F E AT U R E 78

Forest of Nisene Marks Aptos Creek Rd. and Soquel Dr., Aptos (831) 763-7062 www.parks.ca.gov

SPOR T S & A DVEN T URE

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy this Santa Cruz County forest, famous for being at the epicenter of the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. A nine- to 10-mile round-trip hike via Aptos Creek Fire Road and the Aptos Creek Trail will reward visitors with an up-close view of Five Finger Falls, spilling 20 feet into Aptos Creek. Also known as Aptos Creek Falls and Monte Vista Falls, Five Finger Falls gets its name from the proliferation of five-finger ferns growing nearby. Also at Nisene Marks is Maple Falls, accessible via a challenging hike dotted with natural obstacles.

Memorial County Park 9500 Pescadero Creek Rd., Loma Mar (650) 879-0238 www.eparks.net

La Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redwood-rich Memorial Park is the site of Pomponio Falls, which finds Peterson Creek dropping 24 feet onto Pescadero Creek. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there, be sure to visit the eightfoot Upper Pomponio Falls. Also in

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

[ C O N T. ] Black Rock Falls, Uvas Canyon County Park, Morgan Hill

La Honda is Portola Redwoods State Park, home of Tiptoe Falls, a cascade that is usually between five and eight feet in height.

Uvas Canyon County Park 8515 Croy Rd., Morgan Hill (408) 779-9232 www.sccgov.org

Rumored to be an excellent dating spot, Uvas Canyon County Park, located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill, sports no less than seven small waterfalls that are best viewed in late winter. Five of these falls are listed on park maps: Granjula Falls, Basin Falls, Triple Falls, Upper Falls, and the triple-tiered Black Rock Falls (which, at approximately 55 feet, is the largest of the bunch). The mile-long Waterfall Loop that runs along Swanson Creek is an easy hike, while more challenging climbs along the canyon are also available for more adventurous hikers. The canyon can make for cold journeying, so bring extra layers (or someone to cuddle). TW For a slideshow of Bay Area waterfalls, go to www.thewavemag.com.

SPORTS&ADVENTURE: FEATURE

& Recreation for the whole family... all under one roof! SOCCER MARTIAL ARTS LACROSSE ROLLER HOCKEY DANCE FITNESS SWIMMING & MORE! Save on gas TQFOE MFTT UJNF SVOOJOH arPVOd, stay warm and dry, and enjoy frFF XJrFMFTT BOE B great rFTUBVrant! We havF TPNFUIJOH for everyPOF JO the GBNJMy, from tots to teens to BEVMUs. YPV Iave tP TFF JU tP CFMJFvF Jt, so cPNF DIFDL JU PVU 800 Embedded Way, San Jose 95138 t JOfP!4JMverCreekSporUTQMex.com

w w w.S ilverC reekSpor ts plex.com

VIEW SLIDESHOWS & PROFILES: WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/FITNESS DANCE STUDIOS

Western Ballet 914 Rengstorff Ave., Unit A, Mountain View (650) 968-4455 www.westernballet.org Western Ballet provides an atmosphere of care and dedication for all levels, from absolute beginner to professional dancers. Students range in age from four to 95. FITNESS CENTERS

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center 14855 Oka Rd., Ste. 201, Los Gatos (408) 356-4973 www.svjcc.org The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center is open to all faiths and backgrounds. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love our 20,000-square-foot fitness center, heated swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, more than 60 group exercise classes each week, personal training, massage, full gymnasium with indoor basketball, quality childcare and preschool, sports leagues, after-school programs and so much more!

American Kickboxing Academy 1830 Hillsdale Ave., Ste. 2, San Jose (408) 371-4235, 168 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale www.akakickbox. com The American Kickboxing Academy offers top-level

public instruction for men, women, and children. In addition, AKA provides private professional training.

AlaVie Fitness 120 W. Campbell Ave., Ste. D, Campbell www.alaviefitness.com Cutting-edge outdoor fitness boot camps for all ages and fitness levels. Ten Bay Area locations. 5K/10K training and other fitness events and services. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, coed and corporate programs.

LA Boxing San Jose 3469 E. McKee Rd., San Jose (408) 729-5269 www.laboxing.com/sanjose LA Boxing San Jose offers cardio boxing and kickboxing classes, jiujitsu, and mixed martial arts training for men, women and children.

Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way, San Jose (408) 225-1843 www.silvercreeksportsplex.com The 240,000-sq.ft. facility is the largest under one roof in North America â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a truly unique, state of-the-art complex catering to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s active families and individuals.

South Bay Athletic Club 271 Houret Dr., Milpitas (408) 946-0600 www.southbayathleticclub.net South Bay Athletic Club has always been a leader with innovative fitness programs, and yet we always keep the old favorites around â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like racquetball and swimming!

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE: (408) 467-3200

» FEATURE

Home&Design 02

HOME & DESIGN

Turn, Turn, Turn A well-made turntable can make even that warped Donna Summer record sound like a dream. BY MITCHELL ALAN PARKER

very home needs a decent sound system, but let’s be honest: a tiny iPod docking station with a few softball-size speakers isn’t going to cut it. We’ve said time and again that the sound quality of vinyl is unmatched. Not only is there something cool, nostalgic and idiosyncratic about putting on a record, but the process is wholly tangible and engrossing – something you just can’t get from thumbing a digital device. But before delving into establishing yourself as an audiophile, there are some things to consider. Brian Hartsell, owner of the Analog Room in San Jose, says it’s best to stick with the main brands: Rega (www. rega.uk.co), Music Hall (www.musichallaudio.com) and 82

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

Pro-Ject (www.project-audio.com). Hartsell, a less-ismore kind of guy (i.e., fewer parts means better sound quality), recommends three things to look for in purchasing a turntable: The quality of the tone arm and its counterweight; the mounting of the platter motor and how quiet it is; and whether it has a belt drive or a direct drive. Analog Room not only swears by belt drive tables, it’s the only kind they sell. An entry-level turntable, says Hartsell, will set you back about $400, although some high-end turntables can cost well more than $100,000. Do people actually buy such expensive turntables? “More than you’d care to think about,” says Hartsell. TW

WHERE TO BUY The Analog Room, 1416 Fruitdale Ave., San Jose (408) 971-6158 www.theanalogroom.com Audiohigh, 201 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View (650) 964-4000 www.audiohigh.com Sounds Unique, 1721 Little Orchard St., Ste. A, San Jose (408) 287-3002 www.soundsunique.com The New Audible Difference, 805 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 328-1081 Sumiko Audio, 2431 Fifth St., Berkeley (510) 843-4500 www.sumikoaudio.net Urban Outfitters, 355 Santana Row, Ste. 1055, San Jose (408) 244-3329 www.urbanoutfitters.com 01 Clearaudio Ambient, $6,000 at Analog Room 02 Music Hall MMF 2.2LE, $499 at Analog Room, Audio High, Sounds Unique and The New Audible Difference 03 Rega P1, $400 at Analog Room 04 Crosley, $160 at Urban Outfitters 05 Nottingham Space 294, $3,999 at Analog Room 06 Pro-Ject Xpression III, $699 at Sumiko and Analog Room 07 Basis Audio Debut Diamond Signature Series, $15,900 at www.basisaudio.com 08 Pro-Ject Debut III, $349 at Sumiko and Analog Room

HOME & DESIGN: FEATURE

Specializing in Built-to-Order Sheds & Studios Ideal Forâ&#x20AC;Ś e Home & Garden Storag Workshop Playhouse Hobby Room Home Office Art Studio

New Showroom now open in Sunnyvale 858 E. El Camino Real (1 blk West of Wolfe Rd)

(408) 773-1138 M-F 9-5; Sat 10-4 www.shedshop.com

HOME & DESIGN

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

SVMARKETPLACE » COLUMN: HOME WORK

WEDDING

VIEW SLIDESHOWS & PROFILES: WWW.THEWAVEMAG.COM/WEDDINGS

PLANNER is exclusive to our boutique for all of Northern California. Our philosophy is to offer a wide variety of high quality gowns in a no-pressure environment so that every bride may enjoy her personal experience of finding her dream wedding gown. BELLA MIA BRIDE Westgate Mall, 1600 Saratoga Ave., Ste. 407, San Jose (408) 374-0400 www.bellamiabride.com Bella Mia Bride is truly a full service boutique offering everything a client needs to look perfect for her special event! Our specialty boutique offers on-location hair and makeup services, in addition to wedding, Quinceañera and evening gowns, shoes, veils, tiaras, hair pins, purses, jewelry and more! HONEYMOON PLANNING CRUISE PLANNERS 308 E. Main St., Los Gatos (408) 354-9308 www.parlour308salon.com Professional, comfortable and discreet. Your tan is applied by hand, using an airbrush. The solution is customized for every client to create a natural sun-kissed tan. INSURANCE

Photo by GoodEye Photography + Design

TO ADVERTISE IN SVMARKETPLACE WEDDING PLANNER, CALL: (408) 467-3200 B AC H E L O R E T T E PA R T I E S

FLORIST

JEWELSEXPRESSION 1445 Foxworthy Ave., San Jose www.jewelsexpression. com Jewelsexpression offers exotic dancing classes with a softer touch. Designed for women of all shapes, sizes and ages, you’ll learn the art of the “walk,” floor performing, and faux pole and chair dancing. Great for bridal showers and bachelorette parties.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP BY TIFFANY (408) 242-8154 www.beautyexperttiffany.com Camera-ready bridal and wedding makeup service specializing in customized color matching foundation and mineral powder just for you. We’ll make sure you have a flawless complexion and the perfect makeup for your special day. SHANGRI-LA LOTUS 413-A Monterey Avenue, Los Gatos (408) 354-5901 www.jennysbeauty.com Look your very best for your day. We provide the perfect makeup for your entire wedding party – bride, attendants and both mothers. Flawless makeup complements your dress and location, allowing your photographer/videographer to provide you with the best memories. Whether you come to us or we come to you, everything will be done to your satisfaction. T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

GOODEYE PHOTOGRAPHY + DESIGN Serving the Bay Area and Beyond (408) 431-4808 www.goodeyephotography.com Specializing in a candid style, GoodEye will not only leave you with a wedding album that will be the envy of your friends, but make the whole experience effortless and enjoyable. GoodEye’s photojournalistic approach will connect with you and your guests in a way that makes every shot look natural. What makes GoodEye stand out from the rest? Genuine talent and a passion to perfectly capture your momentous day.

HOTEL LOS GATOS & SPA 210 E. Main St., Los Gatos (408) 335-1700 www.hotellosgatos.com Offering Mediterranean ambience and luxurious banquet facilities for events and weddings to accommodate up to 130 guests in our Indoor Monte Sereno Ballroom, and Outdoor Courtyard & Pool Terrace. ABERCROMBIE FLOWERS 120 S. Sunnyvale Ave., Sunnyvale (408) 245-0130 www.abercrombieflowers.com Luscious wedding bouquets, distinctive reception and exotic centerpieces for your luxurious and lavish soiree. Corporate gifts, funerals, and events are other areas of our expertise! FLOWER DIVAS 3283 De La Cruz Blvd., Studio F, Santa Clara (408) 7274416 www.flowerdivas.com Each wedding is distinctive; we can only provide a general price sheet. Each wedding is designed and orchestrated by your floral artist, no two are ever alike. We can only give you an approximate cost before we meet with you. You can request a price sheet by email or by phone to get you started.

R E N TA L S LYNN’S WEDDING SERVICES Milpitas (408) 398-2199 www.lynnweddingservices.com Full service chair cover rental and much more! Chair cover and linen rental, wedding flowers, candelabras, party rentals, hall and stage decorations, hair and makeup.

AMBASSADOR’S ROLLS 674 Picasso Terrace, Sunnyvale (888) 989-0185 www.ambassadorsrolls.com With service throughout the Bay Area, the fleet here includes a variety of antique classics, ranging from a 1953 “Gatsby Style” Tuxedo Two Tone Wraith Rolls-Royce with flat-floor design doors engineered for graceful entries and exits, to a 14-passenger convertible limousine. VENUES

S A L O N S , S PA S & M A K E U P

GOWNS & TUXEDOS

E N T E R TA I N M E N T THORO-BREAD ENTERTAINMENT (650) 248-3803 We provide DJ services for all occasions, and offer a wide range of music, including today’s greatest hits, hiphop, reggae, dancehall, soul, oldies, Spanish music and much more. So next time you’re thinking about having a party, give us a call and leave the music to us!

NICOLETTE COUTURE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 15 El Toro Ave., Morgan Hill (408) 779-6146 www.nicolettecouture.com Nicolette Couture Bridal boutique is located in charming downtown Morgan Hill. It is owned by mother and daughter partners Nicole and Sue Castro. We are currently offering four gorgeous designers, one of which 84

NIRVANA AVEDA CONCEPT SALON 224-B N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 354-7979 www.nirvanasalon.com Nirvana is an award-winning Aveda Concept Salon located in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Gatos. We specialize in advanced hair cutting and coloring, bridal and event styling, makeup and hair spa services. All services include our signature aromatherapy scalp massage featuring Aveda Singular Note essential oils.

RECEPTIONS

C AT E R I N G

PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY & THYME 795 S. Second St., San Jose (800) 798-8388 www.psrt. com While we cover all aspects of event planning, the essence of PSRT is and always shall remain the food. We are always working in the kitchen, creating new flavors, old tastes with new twists, and innovative combinations. The food is always the most memorable aspect of our events, and we intend to keep it that way. Don’t look to us for “run-of-the-mill caterer’s fare”; you won’t find it on our menus.

VALERIE VEDDA 181 Metro Dr., Ste. 290, San Jose (408) 930-1290 Learn about the value of your insurance coverage through a friendly review of your current policies and benefit from our multiline discounts for home, auto and life insurance. CA License 0F86939

makeup artistry for weddings, commercial photography, fashion shoots, runway and all phases of makeup for stage, motion pictures and television.

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

AYOMA LIFESPA 355 Santana Row, Fifth Floor, San Jose (408) 423-5424 www.ayomalifespa.com This restful haven inside the Hotel Valencia is the only Ayurvedic (a 5,000-year-old healing system from India) wellness spa in the Bay Area. Using this holistic healthcare system, the staff here assesses each client’s mindbody constitution, and treatments are tailored accordingly. The spa’s inviting lounge makes it a great place to head with a group of friends for a day of prewedding rejuvenation. LE HAIR & MAKE-UP SERVICES Serving the Bay Area (408) 718-3945 www.lehairandmakeupservices.com Quang Le’s Hair and Makeup Services offer premier specialty hair styling and

DOLCE HAYES MANSION 200 Edenvale Ave., San Jose (408) 226-3200 www.hayesmansion.dolce.com Dolce Hayes Mansion offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception venues, fabulous menus, vendor referrals, guest rooms, spa services, and can accommodate spectacular events from 20-400 guests. Surrounded by lush emerald green lawns, gardens of vibrant, colorful flowers and wonderful towering palm trees, the 100year-old estate has been renovated, upgraded and transformed into a luxurious resort and spa, an amazing wedding venue. HOTEL LOS GATOS 210 E. Main St., Los Gatos (866) 335-1700 www.jdvhotels. com/los_gatos A vibrant hybrid of Mediterranean elegance and California flair, Hotel Los Gatos is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is walking distance from the charming galleries, restaurants, and boutiques of downtown Los Gatos. Take advantage of the 372-square-foot, grandiose Vasona Room with adjoining outdoor balconies, and the on-site Preston Wynne Spa.

THE FINAL LAST WORD B Y S E A N B A B Y - S E A N B A B Y @ T H E W AV E M A G . C O M

Online Dating: Boldly Going Where No One Should Ever Go…

wise person once said, “You always find love when you’re not looking for it.” But nobody listens to wisdom anymore, so we’ve turned the internet into one giant love-finding resource. Meeting people without the web is like trying to find your way to the hotel by standing on the bow of your rental car and screaming Thor’s name into the fog. Bars are too noisy, holes in bathroom stalls are too risky, and blindly hoping to run into your soul mate is too unlikely. We could try to do it like our parents did: grab the first available anything, then scream at him to change for the next 20 years. Either that, or find a woman who shuts up when the TV is on. So it is that the internet has become the answer to all our dating problems. But what if you want to limit your dating to very specific circumstances? Either you fill out a dating profile with your actual hobbies rather than the things that make you sound interesting, or you go to a specialty dating site. For example, if you can’t figure out where the check box is for “Giant Brain” on your eHarmony profile, just go to Intellectconnect.com, the site for high IQ singles. The joke’s on you, though, brainiac, because it’s 17.8 times harder to trick genius women into sleeping with you. If you don’t want your brain to be the cornerstone of your sex life, here are some other sites I’ve found:

Trekpassions.com – Sci-fi personals

If you had asked me about this idea 15 years ago, I would’ve told you that women who like Star Trek probably also like polio medicine and bed sores. Ask me about it today, and I’ll tell you that Nintendo has raised a generation of nerds with almost the same chance at hotness as regulars. And if you ask me about this idea 15 years from now, I’ll shoot you in the chest with a laser blast – because that’s how I’ll answer EVERYTHING in the future.

Adultfriendfinder.com –“Meet real sex partners tonight!”

At first glance, this seems to be a place where you order hot, naked women from your area right this moment. It sounded crazy to me, so I decided to research it further, but after a couple of sessions of vigorous investigations into the videos of actual members, I suddenly but joyfully lost interest. I just don’t know what I’d talk about with these women: “Did you read World War Z? I heard – Oh, you’re pleasuring yourself in front of your webcam. I know that’s how we met, but I thought that was an every-now-and-then kind of thing. I mean, we’re at Olive Garden.”

Equestriancupid.com – The dating site for horse lovers, cowboys and cowgirls

After the depravity of Adultfriendfinder. com, I was very relieved at the PG level of this site for “horse singles” and “horse art collectors.” I’m hung up on one thing, though. Ladies, if your perfect date is talking about ponies and trying to find all the hidden Indian heads in the rock face of your Bev Doolittle print, your perfect date is a third-grade-age girl. Also, you’re under arrest.

Chubbychase.net – Blarg!

Large and lovely, curvy and hammy... however you refer to these undersea monsters, they are waiting to read your profile. I imagine mine will be getting a lot of traffic, since I answered yes to the question “Are you two thin brownie wafers surrounding rich caramel-marbled ice cream?”

Farmersonly.com

Toyboywarehouse.com

– Social networking for farmers and farmerlike folks

– “Online dating for gorgeous women and younger men.”

Tired of seeing that look of disappointment when you pick your date up on a wheat thresher? Maybe you’re meeting ladies at the wrong place. Nothing builds sexual tension like a tractor injury or clearing the feces out of an animal’s water supply. So if your idea of a refined man is one who knows which wine goes with a rooster attack, start building your future here.

Where was this cougar website when I was 16? These divorcées and low-priority organ donation candidates are so desperate, I got laid before I was done listing my favorite movies. And since my favorite movies are anything with Faye Dunaway, Angela Lansbury’s workout movie, and Abbot and Costello Enter the Mummy’s Tomb, my dance card is full! I’d better figure out how to undo posture-support body shapers fast. TW

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

PHOTO CREDITS D E S I G N @ T H E W AV E M A G . C O M

1, Cover (Jim Carrey) / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, 6, Cheryl Burke / Courtesy of Cheryl Burke, 8, 2008 Thanksgiving AAHH Dedication / Courtesy of AAHH, 10, Dinosaur / Courtesy of Walking with Dinosaurs, 11, Treehouse in the Glen / by Chris Schmauch, 12, 2006 Merlot Cab / Courtesy of Bucella Wines, MinoHD Hero Family / Courtesy of Flip, N3L Smart Mirror / Courtesy of N3L, Stand Umbrella / Courtesy of 100percent.com, More Clinic / By Sam Fontejon, 34, Aqua Sock / Courtesy of Ed Hardy, Black Monster Foran / Courtesy of Swims, Chooka Colleen Clash / Courtesy of Western Chief, Chooka Cupcake City / Courtesy of Western Chief, Chooka Julie Stripe / Courtesy of Western Chief, Ed Hardy LOVE KILLS Boot / Courtesy of Ed Hardy, Picture 39979 / Courtesy of Swims, Pink Product 1 ny / Courtesy of Swims, W Bohemia LIL / Courtesy of Kamik, W HEARTS RUS / Courtesy of Kamik, 36, Ashley Before / By Chris Schmauch, Ashley Final / By Chris Schmauch, Closed Eyes / By Chris Schmauch, Erase Past Lesson USE Step 1 Only / Courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics, 38, Bad Gal PLUM / Courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics, Creaseless Crème eyeshadow in skinny jeans / Courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics, 46, Calchess Championships / Courtesy of iStock, Until Now / Courtesy of Gallery Ad, Walking With Dinosaurs 2 / Courtesy of Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment, 47, Babes in Hollywood / Courtesy of Hillbarn Theatre, Carlos Mencia / Courtesy of Carlos Mencia, 48, Caviar and Champagne / Courtesy of iStock, 52, Merlion / By Chris Schmauch, 56, 19 Market / By Chris Schmauch, 64, Jim Carrey in Yes Man / Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, 66, Brad Pitt / By Merrick Morton, 68, Every Christmas Story Ever Told / Courtesy of Dave Lepori, Incorruptible Wall Board 44 / By Dan Sparks, Long Story Short / Courtesy of Suellen Fitzsimmons, Rapunzel / Courtesy of City Lights Theater Company, 71, Rocky Horror Show / Courtesy of Theater on San Pedro Square, 72, Baby Sign Class / By Chris Schmauch, 74, Santa / Courtesy of iStock, 76, Cookie Decorating / Courtesy of iStock, 78, Goldend Cascade Falls / By Brad Day, 80, Black Rock Falls / By Srinivasan Varadharajan, 82, Ambient Lacquer 1 / Courtesy of Musical Surroundings, Crosley Turntable / Courtesy of Urban Outfitters, Debut Diamond Series / Courtesy of Basis Audio, Debut 3 Blue / Courtesy of Sumiko, MH 2-2LE / Courtesy of Music Hall, Nottingham 294 / Courtesy of Audiophiles Systems, Rega P1 / Courtesy of The Sounds Organization, Tapping Step 2 / By Anne Ward Ernst, Xpression III / Courtesy of Pro-Ject, 85, Seanbaby / by Chris Schmauch

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008

ADVERTISER INDEX S A L E S @ T H E W AV E M A G . C O M

19 Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 300 - San Jose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 9x9 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Accent on Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . .41 AlaVie Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Amarin Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Art-n-Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Attuned Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Avalon Art & Yoga. . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 AVA Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 A Visionary Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Ayoma Life Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Ballet San Jose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Baloonatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Bank, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Bay Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Beauty Redefined. . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Bedtime Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Bella Saratoga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Billy Berk’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Birk’s Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Blacy’s Fine Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . .33 Blowfish Sushi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Blue Pheasant Lounge. . . . . . . . . .55 Bottomley Distributing Company22 Braces For Pretty Faces . . . . . . . . .37 Branham Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Bridal Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Bridal Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Britannia Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 British Bankers Club. . . . . . . . . . . .60 Camera Cinemas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Campbell Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Cantor Arts Center, Stanford. . . . .69 Caper’s Eat & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Cascal Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Century Graphics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Cha Cha Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Chardonnay II Santa Cruz . . . . . . .79 Chatanoga Persian Cuisine . . . . . .51 Children’s Discovery Museum. . . .71 Chrysalis Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery Center. . .10 Cin-Cin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Cinelux Theatres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 CJ Olsen’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Club Savoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Cookies by Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Counter, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Court’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Crab Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Current Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Debbie Lyn’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Designers Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Diva Sharon’s Divine Vintage . . . .30 Dive Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Dr. Hoang K. Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Dr. Justina Azcueta. . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Dr. Michael Bouzid . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Dr. Tony H. Pham, M.D. . . . . . . . . .43 Dr. Youbert Karalian . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Emerge MediSpa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Emerge MediSpa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Escape Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Eternal Beauty Medical Clinic. . . .11 eWomen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Fahrenheit/Eight Group Inc. . . . . .14 Fish Market, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Five Branches Institute . . . . . . . . .39 Five Branches Institute . . . . . . . . .76 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. . . . .51 Flobell Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Foxy Avenue Clips. . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Fred Astaire Dance Studios of San Jose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza . .75 Ginger Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Goosetown Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Gran Torino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Grill ‘Em Steakhouse. . . . . . . . . . . .59 Grill on the Alley, The. . . . . . . . . . .62 Gumbo Jumbo Cajun Cuisine . . . .29 Haniway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Happi House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Harmonie European Day Spa . . . .31 Healthier Skin & Nail . . . . . . . . . . .41 Healthy Ways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Hillbarn Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Hotel De Anza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 House of Gengi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 iFlySFBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 iFlySFBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 infobayarea.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Insignificant Others . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Internal Spa Rejuvenation Center 38 Island Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 iSwing Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Jane Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Jelly Belly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Kane Company, The . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Kobe Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Koji Sake Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Kushlani Hall Fine Jewelry . . . . . .30 Lamas Western Wear . . . . . . . . . . .81 La Mere Michelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 La Paloma Restaurant . . . . . . . . . .53 Lee’s Sandwiches . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Limon Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Little Lou’s BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 LJM Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Loft Bar & Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Los Gatos / Willow Glen Meats. . .30 Maceio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Magical Moments. . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Magic Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Mane Event Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Mantra Palo Alto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Mariani’s Inn & Restaurant . . . . . .23 Marketplace - Wedding Services 84 Marley & Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Massage Envy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Menara Moroccan. . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Merlion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Mix 106.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Mosaic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 New Image European Skin Care & Day Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 New Image European Skin Care & Day Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Nickel City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Off Ramp, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Olio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Paizley’s Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . .39 Patio Bar, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Paul & Eddies Monta Vista Inn . . .20 Pearl River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Picasso’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Pierre Silber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pinn Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Pleasures from the Heart . . . . . . .35 Plumed Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Quarter Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Rage Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Ray’s Ultimate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Relax the Back, Sunnyvale . . . . . .31 Riley’s Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Robson Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Rosie McCann’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Rozenhart Family Chiropractic. . .41 Salvation Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Sanctuary Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 San Francisco Herb & Natural Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 San Jose Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 San Jose Downtown Association 28 San Jose Museum of Art . . . . . . . .75 San Jose Repertory Theatre . . . . .29 San Jose Saberkittens . . . . . . . . . .87 Santa Cruz Big Trees . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Satura Cakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 SCVURPPP / Watershed Watch. . .83 Shed Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Shoe Fetish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Shoreline Billiards. . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Shougun House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Signature Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Silvercreek Sportsplex . . . . . . . . . .76 Silvercreek Sportsplex . . . . . . . . . .81 Simply Smashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 SINO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Sky High Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Sol Tan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 South First Billiards. . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Spencer’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Spirit, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Straits Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Sundance, The Steakhouse. . . . . .63 SuperSlow Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Sushi O Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Tech Museum of Innovation. . . . .29 Tom’s Outdoor Furniture Style . . .31 Trailsloggers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Trash Sack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Treehouse in the Glen . . . . . . . . . .75 Treehouse in the Glen . . . . . . . . . .30 University Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 University Mission Medical Clinic 40 Valley Transportation Authority. . .6 Vena’s Skin & Body Treatments . .32 Vision Innovations Optometry . . .45 Wahoo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Westpark Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Westwood Family Chiropractic . .32 Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Willow Glen Ace Hardware. . . . . .83 Wine Cellar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Yellow Cab Company . . . . . . . . . . .20 Ye Olde Royal Oak Pub. . . . . . . . . .59

THEWAVEMAG.COM DECEMBER 15-28, 2008