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")

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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