Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

Mt. Hamilton Grandview Restaurant

Posted by Andrew On May - 3 - 2009

grandviewrestaurantview1

Want a blast from the past, unique option for a date, or just a spot to dine on good food with even better views?

If you’ve never been to the Mt. Hamilton Grandview Restaurant before, you’ll most likely walk in and think you need to turn around.  The historic musty smell and the dated furniture will make you think you’re walking into a warped time zone.  You may even expect to see Read the rest of this entry »

Wine Tasting at the Mountain Winery

Posted by Andrew On March - 15 - 2009

If you haven’t been to The Mountain Winery off of hwy 9, I highly recommend it.  While I know there are plenty of other wineries all over the area, the view, the wine, and the ambiance of this place is unlike no other.

When Friday roles around and you’re thinking of something fun to do, think about starting the afternoon off right with a nice drive up hwy9 to The Mountain Winery, a little wine tasting, and ooing and aahing over the view.  It really is beautiful up there.

In case this is the first time you’ve heard of the  Mountain Winery, I felt it would be a good idea to introduce you to the other major appeal of this wine palace.  For starters, The Mountain Winery boasts an incredible outdoor amphitheater where performers such as Styx, Kathy Griffin, Chris Isaak, Los Lonely Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and many others have performed.  And those were just some of the names from the 2008 Concert Season.

The Mountain Winery Construction

The Mountain Winery Construction

With the 25 million dollar renovation project nearing its end make sure to check out the concert schedule to get more information on upcoming shows and events.

Do you go to Erik’s Deli downtown? I don’t

Posted by Andrew On February - 27 - 2009

Erik's DeliCafe Napkin?  You've got mustard on your face dude!

Erik's DeliCafe Napkin? You've got mustard on your face dude!

Ok, well maybe I went once with my buddy Bennie after a Sharks Game.

You know, as grateful as I was that they were open (we were hungry) I still can’t seem to think of how smart of a business decision it is to be open THAT late after a Sharks Game or any day in general.  It is a lunch time specific sandwich shop right?  Togo’s isn’t even open that late most stores.

The way I see it is that most people eat before and during a Sharks game.  They aren’t really going to have the munchies afterward I’m sure.  I could be wrong though!

The downtown Erik’s Deli at 2 North Market St. got lucky with us.  We were the only one’s in there and they had a staff of 3 and a half people (one didn’t seem all together with it if you know what I mean).  It just didn’t seem wise to over staff so late at night.

Erik’s sandwiches are actually pretty good though!  If you haven’t tried it or it has been a long time since you have, I personaly DO recommend it.  I’m not trying to put them down by any means.  Is it just me though, or are there really not that many people that go there?  Each time I’ve been there (or any Erik’s) for the past 5 years has been practically empty.  And I’ve gone and prime lunch times.

So is it just me or is Erik’s hitting a decline in customers?  Give ‘em a shot folks.  It is actually pretty good for a decent value.  You also get a MONSTER pickle slice with your sandwich too.

So what’s your take?  Any thoughts?

The London Fog Tea Latte at Starbucks is a HIT!

Posted by Andrew On February - 26 - 2009

starbuckslogoThe London Fog Tea Latte at Starbucks is FANTASTIC!   Sure at first it smells and tastes like sweaty socks, but then it sort of grows on you.

Don’t ask me what it is that makes it so great (Tea, steamed milk, and some vanilla) but it sure hits the spot, especially on a foggy day.  I’ve been up all night working on the computer and now at 9am I am going to treat myself to a fantastic sip of yumness.  I highly recommend it folks.  Give it a shot.  But by all means make sure they stir that stuff up.  Last thing you want to do is to add a bit of Splenda to it and over do it.

Just make sure they stir it up a bit and you’re golden.  Also, off and on I get told that we’re supposed to let it sit for 10 minutes to enhance the flavor?  Who is actually going to order, then stare at it for 10 minutes.  Not I said the sheep!

I’m off to the Starbucks on 2nd street, downtown next to the camera 12 theaters (which don’t let you bring in your damn latte – lame) with my pal Eric.  He’s a great photographer and flash developer so check out his work at dizzypixel.smugmug.com.

Ciao fellow San Jose folks.  Let’s have an amazing day shall we?  I’ll post a photo of the latte on twitter.

I love Coffee Society in the Pruneyard

Posted by Andrew On February - 22 - 2009

coffeesoc_rightCoffee Society in The Pruneyard is an awesome place to go if you need to get out of the house or office in order to get work done.

I personally can’t think of a better place to get work done when I either can’t focus, need a caffeine pick me up, or just need to be around other people.  Great perks include Free Wifi which is usually very strong, amazing gourmet coffee, seriously good iced tea (great pick me up), great music (sometimes loud so bring headphones if you want to tune it out), and just a great ambiance.

Coffee Society is also located in Cupertino at 21265 Stevens Creek Blvd (across from De Anza College) and has just as nice an ambiance as the Pruneyard spot.  But I still enjoy Campbell over Cupertino any day.

One other key review is the hours!  Open till 11am even on Sunday.  Don’t ask me how early they open as you won’t catch me awak before 9am.

Visit their website if you want to know more Coffee Society Website.

I’ll be here till they close tonight so feel free to stop by.  I’m the tall handsome guy in a long sleeve white shirt.  Very sexy ;)

Andrew

You’ve got to try Blendz downtown

Posted by Andrew On February - 19 - 2009

club-blendzBlendz is the best possible smoothie shop you could imagine.

So yea, I’m a little biased because I live in the building above it. But I’ve been a die-hard fan of this place since they opened up in downtown Campbell.

I think I just may be their number 1 customer. I’d have to say my girlfriend and I eat there at least once a day. Sometimes even twice!

My favorites include the Breakfast Blendz, Natural Buzz, Going Nuts, and especially the Red Bull Blendz. You really do have to try this place.

Which are 3 your favorite Blendz smoothies?

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moonbeansMoonbeans is one of my favorite coffee shops located next door to the 24 Hour Fitness off of Cottle near the Santa Theresa Kaiser Hospital. Mainly because while my girlfriend hits the gym, I can relax with an awesome hot tea and work on my laptop with free wifi. Normally this is a great experience.

The other factor that set this place apart was the great employees. The sister of the owner and her daughter worked her for a long time and they made it a very enjoyable time. Even after they would close at 8pm, they would let me stay while they cleaned, allowing me to keep working until my girlfriend finished doing her cardio.

It just isn’t the same now. While the new employees (the owner’s sister in law and a 17 year old high school student) are fine, they don’t hold a candle to the former two. And on this Monday evening, the environment took a dive for the worst. The sister in law’s 2 kids decided it was a good idea to just run around making the loudest of noises and gleeful squeels.

Don’t get me wrong, I love kids! It’s fun watching children play and be silly. But when I can’t even hear myself think, it ruins the whole joy of coming here. And now as 8pm rolls around, I’m packing up to go sit in the car to wait for girlfriend. Ah the joys of being a good boyfriend and helping her carpool in order to dodge vast amounts of traffic. I’m off!

-Andrew

Eat well – Eat at Flames in downtown San Jose

Posted by Andrew On February - 18 - 2009
Flames Restaurant in San Jose

Flames Restaurant in San Jose

For over a year we’ve seen the signs for the new Flames restaurant saying “Coming Soon!”
So we waited, waited, and waited.Well I sure waited.I was stoked about the new Flames that was being built.I met the owners of the Flames on Hillsdale when I used to work at a 24 Hour Fitness across the street.It was always a great place for food.A bit tacky at times but always pretty good.

The suspension for the new Flames was getting crazy. I was even more teased than most as I knew that the new spot was going to be a whole new concept on the Flames establishment. I couldn’t wait…
And now that it’s open, you can regularly see me down there having a beer from tap at the awesome bar or chowing down on a great New York strip steak.

Now I know I’m excited they’re there, but why aren’t you?Have you been yet?How often?Did you like it? Dislike it?I can’t seem to understand why they aren’t as busy as other venues in the area.

Given, they don’t have the awesome garlic fries of Gordon Biersch but they have so much more.I suggest you go back in and give it a try.Don’t let this killer breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot drop off the radar.

So next time you’re stuck wondering what to eat for dinner, you’ll know the answer… Flames on 4th and San Fernando Street across from Bank of America and the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.And remember, parking couldn’t get any easier!They’re located under a huge parking garage, which always has room for more cars. Look forward to seeing you there!

Andrew