How was Game 1 against the Red Wings?

You tell us, Sharks fans.

An adrenaline-pumped Shark Tank was ready to roll. From the onset, the Sharks played well, although a sneaky goal by Red Wing defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom in the first period kept the score 1-0 for the majority of the game. Until the third period, the Sharks were able to keep the Red Wings from scoring again, but had not been able to score themselves.

The Sharks peppered Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard with shots, as evidenced by the Sharks' shot tally of 46, compared to the Red Wings' 25. Unfortunately, without much screening the goalie and without having players open in good positions in front of the net, the Sharks were unable to score. Fortunes changed when the Sharks' own Joe "Pavs" Pavelski tapped in a Joe Thornton shot to tie the game on a third period power play.

Until the very end, the crowd was going wild, with intermittent cheers and jeering directed at Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard (mostly in retaliation for his sucker punch on Joe Pavelski earlier in the game). It only escalated from there as the eventual OT goal by birthday boy Benn Ferriero sealed the Sharks' victory.

The Sharks now lead the series 1-0.

Haley Goodlett's Closing Reception Today

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

You're invited to join the artist for her closing reception. In addition to a broad series of paintings, Haley will have new jewelery on display for your enjoyment.

Saturday, April 30th 12-5pm.

Gallery TEN10
1010 East Taylor St
San Jose

San Jose Rap Group Releases New Album

San Jose based Laid Back Music has just released their latest album and you can listen to it online for free right over here.

Round Two Begins Tonight!

That's right, Sharks fans, a repeat of last year's second round of the playoffs: the San Jose Sharks versus the Detroit Red Wings! As it had been last year, this will not be an easy road for the Sharks. Although the Sharks, as expected, beat the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference quarterfinals, it took six games to do it. (Granted, the Kings had the hot Jonathan Quick in net to impede their progress.)

The Red Wings, on the other hand, dispatched the Phoenix Coyotes in four straight games, ending their first series of games rather quickly and setting a tone they hope to continue during their nineteenth consecutive playoff run.

In the past, the Sharks have proven to be formidable Red Wing slayers, especially in the most clutch of situations. Judging by the way coach Todd McLellan has been playing his team, the Sharks are more than ready to take on the Red Wings yet again to make their way to the Conference Finals. It was evident in the Sharks' series versus the Kings that the Sharks continued their high puck control in the offensive zone and shot output, but lacked in effective shot percentages for essential goals. In the Sharks' 3-1 loss in Game 5, they managed to get 52 shots on net, as opposed to the Kings' 22. Unleashing over twice the number of shots on net as one's opponent yet still managing that kind of loss may be the sign of a hot goalie, but in playoff hockey, that is to be expected, and shots are necessary to be more lethal as a result.

Sharks fans alike, we all are in for quite a series, especially since it is the Red Wings we face. As the Sharks were seeded higher during the regular season, there will be home ice advantage. It is up to you, the fans, to represent, and show your support!

GO SHARKS!

Next SJ Dishcrawl!

This month's Downtown San Jose discrawl featured culinary delights from Fahrenheit (which has an impressive new slow foods menu), Loft Bar & Bistro, Oaxacan Kitchen, Whipps, and there was even a wine/dessert tasting at The 88. This month's event sold out quickly with 150 registrants, so if you want to attend the next one it might be a good idea to reserve now. The registration link is already up for June 28th!

Retail Briefs: New H&M and Right Aid Stores Come to San Jose

The second H&M in San Jose is slated to open on May 5th at Oakridge (the 1st location is at Santana Row). They specialize in inexpensive designer clothing.

In addition, a brand new "customer world" format Rite Aid is opening on April 28th at 3111 McLaughlin Avenue. The spin on the new format seems to be a focus on health and wellness products.

Lastly, the Yard House is now open at Santana Row. Expect an astronomical selection of beers on tap and a very long wait to get a table or bar seat.

For more information click here.

Baseball San Jose: Impact of Professional Sports for a Local Business

CALL FOR YOUR ART!

Phantom Galleries is looking for some new art to fill up the various installations they have throughout downtown. If you know an artist that may be interested, please pass on the info below. Thanks!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

In these trying times, it is the creativity and relentlessness of the artists that keep the pulse of a city fervent. Challenges fast become opportunities. We hope you'll join us in filling downtown San Jose with the art of those that thrive here - it is the only way to keep arts and culture alive and kicking....otherwise it's "out of sight, out of mind."
Current Phantom Galleries exhibition venues:
Caffe Trieste
Pho69 Noodle Restaurant
Good Karma Vegan Cafe
Camera 12 Cinemas (2 exhibition areas)
386 South First Street (2 doors down from Anno Domini Gallery)
66 South First St. (next door to Bella Mia Restaurant)
95 South Market St (across from St. Joseph's Cathedral)

We are looking for 2-D, 3-D, digital and site specific installation works. In addition to conventional sized work, we also have spaces that can accommodate large works (up to 8' or 12' tall)
- All venues have high visibility and foot traffic.
- Exhibition duration varies but is usually 2-3 months.
- Exhibits will be promoted through the Phantom Galleries blog as well as the South FIRST FRIDAYS marketing channels.
- Art work may be for sale - a 20% commission is requested on sold items (so work that into your pricing.)
- All work must be "appropriate for public domain"
- Although we do not have a problem with theft, vandalism or loss, this is "exhibit at your own risk"
- There is no fee nor cost to the artists to exhibit their work (white walls provided.)
- Some venues are suitable to host First Friday Artist's Receptions and will be included in the Art Walk.
This is a great time to get your work out there, contribute to your community in a meaningful way and have your work viewed by hundreds if not thousands.

Please SUBMIT the following to info@PhantomGalleries.com :
- 5-7 JPG images - 720 pixels on its longest side at 72dpi and/or your website URL
- a brief bio and synopsis about your work
- indicate if the typical size of your works
- an estimated time as to when you'd like to exhibit (immediately or 3 mos, or 6 mos down the line, etc)

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you and working with you!
peace,
Cherri & Brian
Phantom Galleries
KALEID Gallery

Two Fish Design
366 South First Street
San Jose, CA 95113
T: 408.271.5151 F: 408-271-5152
studio@twofishdesign.com
Tweet me: @Astrogirl

SJ Eats 2.0 - May 7th

Downtown San Jose's 2nd mass-food truck experience is coming on May 7th! Ryan describes some of the improvements below, but basically there are going to be even more food trucks to help keep the lines short, the lines will be managed much better, the area will be 3 times larger than before, and there is even going to be some music this time around. Every day they are announcing more trucks at their facebook page right over here. My recommendation would be to come early so you can sample as many trucks as possible! The lineup already looks pretty amazing.

Photograph by Andre Rubang

A Note from SJ Eats

Monday, April 4, 2011: Thank you for making SJ Eats the largest grassroots event ever held in Downtown SJ. Almost 10K people attempted to attend on Sat, April 2nd. We were set up to handle maybe half that. Many passed by only to leave in frustration due to extremely long wait times & chaotic lines. I want to sincerely apologize for the substandard experiences many of you endured. We have learned from Saturday and plan to implement several changes.

Long Wait Times — The massive attendance at SJ Eats is proof that San Jose has an incredible pent up demand for quality street food. The only way to meet this demand is to increase supply. For this reason, SJ Eats is immediately entering talks with City staff to start a weekly street food meet up in Downtown.

Line Management — We are investing in line management hardware to bring order to the chaotic system displayed at the lunch session.

These changes along with the addition of live music will help push SJ Eats to meet its true potential as a social connector for San Jose. If you have any suggestions, please comment HERE. We hope to see you in May at the next SJ Eats!

Ryan Sebastian, Organizer

Happy Easter San Jose!

If you're looking for a good egg hunt for the kids, the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is having hosting one from 10am to 3:30pm today. Some highlights from the event:

• 40 vendors selling rare plants, garden art, and other items
• Tours of the Heritage Rose Garden, which has the largest variety of roses in any public garden in the Western hemisphere
• "Green" presentations on clean energy

There is also a 5k run before the event at 9am. Everything starts at 438 Coleman. For more info, click here.

SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL CITY ANIMAL SHELTER: SAN JOSE ANIMAL CARE CENTER

Guest Post by: Melissa Lisbon

We live in the great city of San Jose, full of great sites, entertainment, culture and animal lovers! Did you know that San Jose hosts one of the largest dog festivals in the US? Bark in the Park, held in Naglee Park in September has been the host of dog events and festivities for over 15 years. Ironically, we also live in a city where many residents don't know where their local animal shelter is.  

As residents of San Jose, our local city shelter is the San Jose Animal Care Center. If you have been to this large shelter located on Monterrey Road, you will be able to attest to the fact that it is a very pleasant place to visit.  Natural light shines through this modern structure which was built in 2001. There is a reading room, classrooms, and places to lounge. For San Jose residents, this is our municipal shelter, the place that takes in stray animals and provides our city with numerous animal control services.  

What people might not realize is that the San Jose Animal Care Center has many wonderful animals up for adoption. They have dogs, cats and bunnies all in search of their forever home. These dogs, cats and bunnies range in ages and many are purebred and wonderful mixed breed animals. As you can imagine, given how large the city of San Jose is, no matter how large the shelter is, there is a limit to how many animals they can help. This is the primary reason why you should start your pet search at the San Jose Animal Care Center. You will not only be saving the life of the animal you adopt, but you will be opening up space for another animal to have a chance at adoption. Did you know that you can even register your breed interest on the shelter website and be notified by email when a dog/cat fitting the criteria stipulated comes to the shelter? To sign up for this service for dogs, click here; for cats click here. 

Not in the market for a new pet but are an animal lover? Consider volunteering some time at the San Jose Animal Care Center. You will be making a big difference in the lives of shelter pets.  

So check it out - the animals are waiting for you down at the San Jose Animal Care Center! Tell your neighbors, friends and family about this great resource in San Jose. The animals will thank you!

The Usuals One-Year Anniversary!

Illuskrate at The Usuals
New works by dNA

Friday, April 22nd
7:00p – 10:00p
On view thru May 23rd

We’ve made it through our first year here on The Alameda! Help us celebrate this milestone.

This time last year, dNA graced our walls with his pieces. dNA is back with new works in our year anniversary installation of Illuskrate.

In the back room, introduce yourself to a new collection from Closet Invaders. Closet Invaders has teamed-up with us to introduce a series of pieces for our ALLMIXEDUP projects. Make sure to check these out.

TREATBOT will be here! Bring your singing voice and an appetite for ice cream!

Music from our resident DJs…
Squareweezy and Cutso from The Bangerz
Beats to tantalize your earholes…
David Ma of nerdtorious.com
Hells Bells!!

Health & Fitness perks? YES!
The good folks at GO TEAM MO are raffling-off one free two-week voucher toward the upcoming bootcamps starting this May! [Offer applies to the first 2 weeks of the May 2011 season only. A $150 value.]

Food? Yes, of course! Grab a silog plate from The WOW Truck!!

Ice Cream?? Yes! As a matter of fact, it’s Ice Cream AND Karaoke…TREATBOT will be here.

Tea Sampling? Of course. Thanks to Tori and Staff at the Satori Tea Company for keeping the tea flowing!

Don’t miss the continued raffle frenzy…dNA is raffling-off two of his famed caricatures at opening night! Check them out here: illuskrate.blogspot.com.

It will be great to see all of you here!

Here’s a sneak peak:

San Jose Earth Day Events Next Week

Friday, April 29, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
San José City Hall Plaza – 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA

Bright Green Day is a one-day event held on April 29. The Showcase will feature an Efficiency and Solar Energy Fair on Saturday, April 30 for additional self-guided tours.

• Tours & Workshops
• Activities
• Music & Special Guests
• Local Food
• Receive a Free Reusable Bag
• Transportation
• Zero Waste Event
• Safety
• ADA Amenities
• Sponsors

This free event is a partnership between the City of San José and Department of Energy's Solar America Communities program.

For more info, click here!

Blendz is Back

It looks like Blendz (healthy quick food restaurant) in Downtown San Jose is back in business and under new ownership. It has been closed for quite some time, but I noticed employees in there over the weekend and their Yelp page is advertising a grand opening on April 28th, 2011 from 4-6PM. You can find the restaurant at 132 E. San Fernando Street right next to Whipps.

History ain't over till it's over.

Wednesday Wishlist: BART to San Jose

This is one Wednesday Wishlist we may achieve sooner rather than later. A couple of weeks ago, $900M in federal funds moved into the final stages of approval for the South Bay BART project. Groundbreaking is being earmarked for early 2012 and passenger service to Berryessa is expected by 2018. For more info, click here.

San Jose Sharks Mount Comeback of Legend, Win 6-5

The San Jose Sharks made an unbelievable comeback against the Los Angeles Kings, winning their game in overtime, and putting them ahead in the series, two games to one.

This must have been a very interesting day for “fair weather fans” of the Sharks. First, it started with “The Sharks suck. Here we go choking again!” to “The Sharks are awesome! They’re comeback kings!” (Yes, I read most of the social web site BS from people claiming to be from Silicon Valley.)

Even as a true Sharks fan, since their inaugural season in 1991, I will admit there were times I felt disappointed, but in no way did I lose my support and energy with hopes my favorite team would not give up. To watch the Los Angeles Kings escalate the score to a 4-0 lead, even the more supportive Sharks fans felt it was, yet again, not the Sharks’ day. After all, last Saturday, the Kings beat the Sharks by the same 4-0 tally at the Shark Tank to even the series at one game apiece.

The first period ended with a 3-0 advantage for the Kings. Likewise, I did not feel too bad, as the Sharks had overcome similar deficits in the past, and two periods could have been enough for at least a three goal comeback to tie the game. After the Kings’ fourth goal less than a minute into the second period, it seemed it would not be so easy. Many of my “friends” sent me text messages, informing me they had turned their televisions off and were heading to bed. Even coach Todd McLellan had enough of goaltender Antti Niemi (who, I admit, really was not on his game) and pulled him in favor of fellow Finn Antero Niittymaki.

“Not me! I am a true fan!” I replied to each message of capitulation. The Sharks didn’t quit, so neither did I.

Soon, Patrick Marleau put the first goal on the board for the Sharks, being set up by both Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton. A few minutes later, it was Ryan Clowe, and then another six minutes of hard-nosed play saw the Sharks score yet again with a goal by Logan Couture (who, by the way, was just revealed as a nominee for the 2010-2011 Calder “Rookie of the Year” Memorial Trophy).

With the score then 4-3, the Sharks were right back in it.

The Kings’ Ryan Smyth scored only fifteen seconds after Couture’s goal to calm the Sharks’ hot streak, but as the second period unfolded, the Sharks scored twice more: once by Ryane Clowe (again, for his second, from a beautiful setup by Dan Boyle), and another by Joe Pavelski with a great front of the net effort.

Sharks fans rejoiced with their massive comeback, and the seven goal second period left the game at a 5-5 between the two teams.

Although the third period saw some close chances by both teams, the period ended scoreless, forcing the game to be decided by sudden death overtime.

Three minutes in, after a three on two break by the Sharks, Patrick Marleau slid the puck over to Devin Setoguchi for a beautiful setup, allowing him to wrist the puck into the top corner of the net, beating Kings’ netminder Jonathan Quick and sealing the Sharks’ victory.

The epic surge by the Sharks was only the fourth time in NHL Playoff history a team mounted a comeback from a deficit of at least four goals.

Now all of you fair weather fans can wake up and pretend like you’re all excited.

TWO BUCK Tuesday Today!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

KALEID Gallery presents
Two Buck Tuesday APRIL 19th 7-10pm
You're invited to join us for our monthly $2 art sale and quirky people get together!
We have another great lineup of art, demos and hands on activities!

FEATURING:

Sandi Billingsley will show us how to make recycled styrofoam picture frames!

Maria's Make Ur Own Button station is back!
In a world filled with buttons, you can’t seem to find the right button...well come by our button making machine table! this month- Maria will help u design & make a button that is all YOU!.


Laura Callin Bennett will help us make Pysanky (Ukrainian Dyed Easter Eggs). These are not your typical pastel dyed eggs! You will be able to draw intricate designs in wax and use brilliant dyes to create one of a kind egg artwork.

San Jose is Lame Because You’re Lame calendar will be making the next month's diy calendar. If you have an event you'd like to add, let them know!


Deb & Omar Barba Do you love musical instruments? Want to make one? Come join us and construct your own Diddley Bow. The original, single string slide guitar! Materials to build, and demonstrations on how to play one is all provided!


Joanne Yada & Courtney Thiesen will teach us how to turn plain ol’ photos into surreal ol’ photos using a bleach pen! Create new reds, oranges, and glowing whites by drawing with a Clorox stain removing pen directly onto photographs. More fun than doing yer laundry!


Alan Hackler will teach you to hand tie your own white sage incense smudge, using deer grass cordage. We will have a DIY demo and allow people to create their sage smudge from materials that will be provided. White sage and deer grass starter plants will be on sale as well, so participants can create smudges from material in their garden. Other plants will also be on sale for $2!

LIVE PAINTING by:
Kori Thompson
Jehoiakim Santos
Morgan Richardson
MUSIC by: DJ Coco
Enjoy Easter Candy compliments of Two Buck Crew!
As always, $2 art will be on sale throughout the evening!
Tuesday, April 19, 7-10 pm - free & all ages welcome!

KALEID Gallery
88 South 4th Street
Downtown San Jose
www.KALEIDgallery.com
(408) 947 1785

New Art Show Coming to The Usuals this Friday!

Dion Bello at The Usuals

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

Leon by Dion Bello

Dion Bello's charicatures (Illuskrate) will be the next art show up for viewing at The Usuals on Friday April 22nd which is also The Usuals' 1 year anniversary!

1020 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
www.ShopTheUsuals.com

Largest Sikh Temple in the US Opens in San Jose

Last week the largest and most expensive Sikh Temple in the United States was fully completed. The ornate building up in the Evergreen hills is 110,000 sqft and contains a prayer hall, classrooms, apartments, and a vegetarian kitchen. Total cost of construction was $32M. For more information, click here.

Tesla Santana Row - Grand Opening Weekend

My favorite car company is having their grand opening at Santana Row starting today. This is their 18th "store" and is the first to utilize a new concept that encourages customers to come in and fully customize a virtual vehicle inside and out. The feel is more like an Apple store than a dealership. In fact, they are encouraging everyone to come in and play with the cars--even those that can't afford a $100k roadster. They want people to keep Tesla in mind when cars roll of the line with more accessible price ranges, so I don't think you're going to get the same level of pretentiousness that you would at a luxury dealer. It's a new model that I hope other car manufacturer's will adopt in the future (Saturn is the only other company that I think came close to a low-pressure experience).

SJBound: Temple Bar & Lounge

Sharks Take Game One, Lead Series 1-0

The California rivalry matchup ended with a 3-2 victory for the Sharks, as clutch player Joe "Pavs" Pavelski scored with 14:44 into the overtime period to seal the victory, giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Kings, although missing their regular season scoring leader Anze Kopitar, recently got forward Justin Williams back from injured reserve after he suffered a dislocated shoulder. Williams had been the second leading scorer for the Kings during the season, with Kopitar being the first. Kings' goaltender Jonathan Quick had played a phenomenal game for the Kings, definitely keeping them in the game, as Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi had similarly done for the Sharks. Given both teams' goaltenders strong performances, scoring goals for either team had to rely on strategic in-zone passing plays and very accurate shots.

Joe Pavelski's high glove shot on Quick clearly had been no exception, as far as accurate shots go.

During the game, the Sharks controlled the first period, scoring right away with a Dany Heatley goal just 28 seconds in, although a very chippy and physical playing style led to strong defenseman Ian White getting injured by a blatant cheap shot by Kings forward Jarret Stoll. Through video replays, Stoll was clearly seen targeting Ian White's head, driving it into the boards from behind. Currently, the NHL is looking into it, and given an infraction is fairly dealt, I see no less than a four-game suspension.

The Sharks slowed down their playing style during the second period, which the Kings took advantage of, allowing them to score twice, although an equalizer goal by rookie star forward Logan Couture (with a fantastic five hole shot) left the score 2-2 by the end of the second period.

The third period saw no scoring, however an exciting overtime period followed. For those of you playoff newbies out there, no shootout occurs in the NHL Playoffs, so the game continues until the next goal. Fortunately for the Sharks, the Kings typically dominated in shootout wins during the regular season, and given no shootout occurrence in the playoffs, the Sharks could work their overtime period magic.

That they did, with Joe Pavelski scoring the final goal to give the Sharks the win and the series lead.

The Sharks play again at the Tank this Saturday (the 16th) for Game 2! GO SHARKS!

Special Note: James Hetfield (of Metallica fame) was in the building, and apparently a Sharks fan. (He was given a special nod on the jumbotron.) ALL RIGHT! ROCK ON!

The Indomitable Quest

Sharks versus Kings, baby - the playoff craze begins tonight!

With the Sharks' home ice advantage, fans are due for a fantastic run this year, with a revamped team, defensive lines, Stanley Cup winning talent, and a strong will to win (we can all hope, of course). Many players previously on the injured reserve list are back and ready to help the Sharks deliver this year.

The game begins at the Shark Tank at 7:00pm Pacific (just over a half hour from now).

In honor of the upcoming playoff season, here is a little something I call the Indomitable Quest:


The voices of vict’ry come calling,
As the stars of fortune align.
Twenty years of fruitless stalling
Will come to rest, it is now time.

As certain as our desire,
Our hunger within shall reveal,
Intensity potent as fire,
And true hearts emblazoned in teal.

The momentous push begins today –
All opponents look and cower!
It is dominance we shall display,
For the Cup is within our power!

An adroit display of true skill
It what all fans alike shall see.
Tenacity, boldness, and will –
The atmosphere will all agree.

While the LA Kings are the first
To visit the dreaded Tank,
Their progression is only cursed –
The San Jose fans there to thank.

It is time to make our marks
To boldly start our epic run.
For our team spirit, for the Sharks,
We shall persist until we’ve won.

Veggielution Fundraiser Tomorrow

Veggielution's AVANT GARDEN 2011

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

It’s a farm practically under a freeway yet Veggielution is a thriving community farm in urban San Jose. Their food and art fundraiser Avant Garden 2011 brings together chefs and artists to raise funds for the nonprofit whose mission is “cultivating education, community, and social justice through sustainable agriculture.”

The celebration at KALEID Gallery on Friday, April 15, in downtown San Jose will feature five chefs (Laura Stec,Liane Herrick, Joe Gaudet, Jessica Rene Krause and Mike Borgenhagen) cooking from the spring harvest at Veggielution. Some of the produce used: freshly picked kale, radishes, fava beans, garlic, arugula, baby lettuces, beets, carrots and spring onions. The farm’s chickens are even contributing their eggs.

Tickets are available for $10 online and at the door. Food tokens will be sold for $3 each to sample some of the chef’s creations, which include Grilled Spring Veggies and Chipotle Hemp Seed Aioli, Crispy San Jose Tofu or Baby Lettuce and hot sauce, Peruvian Purple Potato and Lacinato Kale Galette with Fava Bean and Green Garlic Chutney.

Along with the delicious food will be a silent auction of farm-inspired art by local artists. Check out the 20+ artists participating in Avant Garden and a sample of their work here.

Veggielution Avant Garden 2011 Fundraiser
Friday, April 15, 2011, 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: $10 online here or at the door; $3 per food token

KALEID Gallery
88 South Fourth Street
San Jose
www.KALEIDGallery.com

The Italian Cultural Center Presents Mark Leslie: Beyond the Pasta

The IAHF Italian Cultural Center on 4th Street is hosting a series of culinary programs this spring and summer. The first one features Mark Leslie, which is promoting his new book "Beyond the Pasta." Tomorrow, he'll be speaking about his experiences and will offer a tasting of his cooking based on age-old family recipes along with a wine pairing. To see the full list of culinary events at the Italian Cultural Center, have a look at the press release below.


Event:
Mark Leslie: Beyond the Pasta
http://www.mark-leslie.net/

Date/Time:
Thursday, April 14, 7:30-9pm

Venue:
IAHF Italian Cultural Center
425 N. Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Free parking onsite

Tickets:
$15 IAHF members; $18 non-members
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165722
(or go to brownpapertickets.com and search for "IAHF")

******************************************************************** 

SAN JOSE ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION BEGINS

NEW SERIES OF PUBLIC CULINARY PROGRAMS

(San Jose, CA) March 22, 2011 – This April, San Jose Italian American Heritage Society (IAHFSJ) initiates an exciting new series of culinary programs curated by Massimo Chisessi to be held at the Italian Cultural Center near downtown San Jose. Starting with four initial evening programs, April–July 2011, these evening programs, including lectures, demonstrations, and actual cooking experiences, are open to IAHF members and the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com, or by calling the IAHF office at 408.293.7122.

Beginning the series on Thursday April 14 is Mark Leslie, author of the cookbook/memoir “Beyond the Pasta: Recipes, Language & Life with an Italian Family.” In 2005 Leslie left his job as a theatrical producer and went on a journey that changed his life forever. He lived with an Italian family for a year, completely immersing himself in the culture. Each day, the family’s Nonna, (meaning “grandmother”) showed him how to prepare age-old Italian recipes while her daughter taught him colloquial Italian. In this very special evening, Leslie chats about the recipes and experiences he shared with this kind-hearted and often dramatic family, and their uniquely “Italian” way of looking at the world. There will be a small tasting of his cooking, paired with an appropriate wine.

In a two-evening series on Thursdays May 5 and 12, Viola Buitoni, a noted chef and expert on the history of Italian food, will present the historical and healthful aspects of the Mediterranean diet and discuss the principle elements of the Italian larder now available in California. Buitoni, a member of Italy’s famed pasta-making family, is the mother of a six year-old and knows first hand how to cook meals that are quick, healthy, delicious and Italian. She’ll illustrate the many tasty variations that can be inspired by these ingredients. Each evening, you will have the opportunity to taste one of her creations, and you’ll bring home her list of pantry items for future reference.

On Thurday June 9 Massimo Chisessi will teach a one-night course on how to produce Limoncello that’s easy, fun and addictively tasty. Participants will learn Massimo’s personal “secret” recipe, gain resources for the basic materials and begin production on their very own bottle of one of Italy’s favorite drinks. They’ll also go home with one of Chisessi’s liquores in a decorative bottle, perfect for gift-giving or a special evening at home.

Rounding out the initial series on Thursday July 14 It’s one of Italy’s most iconic foods. But did you know that this ubiquitous ingredient is not even native to the Mediterranean? In this panel discussion, you’ll learn about the history and mythology of the tomato. We’ll discuss the selection and cultivation of heirloom varieties that flourish in our microclimates, traditional and innovative preservation techniques and IAHF members will relate their memories of how immigrant parents and grandparents taught them to grow and prepare this delicious fruit. We’ll end the evening with a tasting of 10-12 types of heirloom tomatoes to illustrate the versatility of one of our favorite foods.

(More)

IAHF SPRING 2011 CULINARY PROGRAMS

All events are held at the IAHF Italian Cultural Center, 425 N. Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95112.

Mark Leslie: Beyond the Pasta

Thursday, April 14, 7:30-9pm

$15 members; $18 non-members

Tickets URL: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165722

The Italian Pantry in California

2 sessions:

Thursday, May 5, 7:30–9pm

Thursday, May 12, 7:30–9pm

$24 members, $30 non-members

Tickets URL: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165929

Limoncello

Thursday, June 9, 7:30–9pm

$15 members; $18 non-members

Tickets URL: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165935

Tomatoes!

Thursday, July 14, 7:30–9pm

$15 members; $18 non-members

Tickets URL: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/165939

Dishcrawl San Jose - April 26th!

Dishcrawl's latest Downtown San Jose culinary adventure is going to focus on the San Fernando corridor. If you still haven't attended one of these, they are a tremendous amount of fun and are definitely worth you time! The value for the amount of food you get to try is astronomical. As a nice added bonus, this month's run includes a wine reception at The 88's Club Room. Tickets will sell out, so get them while you can right over here.

San Jose's "Restaurant Row" Dishcrawl: Exploring San Fernando Street (SJ, Ca)

We're bringing familiar downtown favorites and new finds together!  

Begin this Dishcrawl with a wine reception compliments of the 88 San Jose as we enjoy their gorgeous club room.  Then, get ready for gourmet Oaxacan cuisine from the new food truck, Oaxacan Kitchen!  

Techies will love this Dishcrawl- bring your smart phones to light up the 88 SJ building!  

Venture down the way for a stop into Loft Bar n Bistro... and we'll keep you guessing for the rest. :)  Follow us on Twitterand Facebook for hints!

We will take you through four culinary destinations and maybe a surprise detour or two all in one night!

Boredom is not an option. Dishcrawling is a new way to discover your local food neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors over an exciting culinary adventure. It's delicious and fun! Price of one ticket reservation includes all food for one patron.

To reserve your seats, please register quickly. Tickets tend to sell out.

For those of you lucky to get in, see you soon!

**TO NOTE***
The meeting location will be revealed 2 days before the event via email.

We're sorry, but cancellations are only taken if done 48H in advance. Thanks for understanding!

Email hi@dishcrawl.com with questions.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Metro's Best of Silicon Valley 2011

A quick mention that Metro's Best of Silicon Valley 2011 is available right over here. A lot of my favorites made the cut, such as The Usuals, Andy's Pet Shop, Pho 69, and Anno Domini. Definitely worth a look.

PhotoSeries 0: Speed Art Crawl

Nothing like a night in Downtown San Jose. Josh and I went for the First Friday Art Crawl and in record time too.

I hadn’t been to one before so I brought along my camera to catch some of the crazyiness. Starting with a great view and dinner from the Knight Ridder building.

We caught a petty cab from KALIED all the way down to the SLG Gallery. Now, let me tell you a petty cab is the way to go. It’s like a mini-adventure. Here we are speeding down the street.

Mike White, show below, the author of Amity Blamity was at SLG working away. He was giving out personal sketches and papercrafts. Had a quick chat with him and it turns out he was heading up to WonderCon on Saturday too.

On our way out, Josh bumped into fans of the blog, Vanessa and Jared. Maybe we should have tweeted about each place we were heading to so we could meet up with more people. A tweet mob.

After hitting up a few more places we discovered…a KOALA~! Well it’s more of a koala butt, but you get the picture. [ah, see what I did there? ;) ]

It was great night for a speed art crawl. It’s wonderful being able to see a diverse amount of art mediums. Now some of you are probably wondering, where are the photos of the art?! 3 parts to that. A. I wasn’t sure some of the artist would like me taking photos of their work. B. The studios might not like it. C. It’s FREAKING Art Crawl! You need to get out there connect, talk, hear and see the art and people (I left off taste, unless you want to lick the art which is probably a no-no). So show your support for these local artists.

On our way back to the car I noticed these strange alien mushroom plants. Such a nice color. For the rest of our Art Crawl photos you can check them out @ here on Facebook.

Now others of you might also be wondering, who’s entry is this? Well, it is I Alvin. I’m a photographer from true2lifepix.com, you can check us out on facebook.com/true2lifepix too. One night after dinner Josh and I both talked about wanting to do a series of documentary street photos about San Jose and so we finally got together for first the series, South First Friday Art Crawl. You’ll eventually start to see more sets on the site from us. Let us know what you think!

SJ Metblogs: Museum of Art Lunchtime Lectures

Sounds really interesting for those that work downtown. There is another one coming up on May 4th.

San Jose Museum of Art Lunchtime Lectures

from San Jose Metblogs by Gary Wiens

Jehangir Sabavala - Marine Encounter

The free Lunchtime Lecture series takes place on the first Wednesday of the month beginning at noon in the Charlotte Wendel Education Center.

Bring your lunch or purchase from the Museum’s Cafe.

This Wednesday (4/6/11) Santhi Kavuri-Bauer, who teaches modern and contemporary Asian art history at San Francisco State University, will look at modern Indian art from the 1900s to the 1980s in the context of Indian history, culture, and politics in her talk, “A Historical Survey of Indian Modern Art.”

Visit the exhibition Roots in the Air, Branches Below: Modern and Contemporary Art from India (for which regular Museum admission applies).

San Jose Museum of Art
Charlotte Wendel Education Center
110 South Market Street, San Jose
408.271.6840

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

April 6, 2011 – A Historical Survey of Indian Modern Art
May 4, 2011 – Difference and the Politics of Identity in Contemporary Art

Lecture Admission: Free