The Downtown Grocery Outlet is Open!

Finally, a grocer has occupied the former Su Vianda space next to City Hall and is servicing the Downtown community. I swung by here a couple weeks ago and they did a great job with the place. It is clean and well organized both inside an out, the prices are reasonable, and the staff was friendly. I think Grocery Outlet will be an asset to the area. The icing on the cake is that the husband and wife owners were born and raised in San Jose.

For more info have a look at the press release below or check out this particular store's website over here.

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GROCERY OUTLET BARGAIN MARKET EXPANDS SAVINGS TO THE SAN JOSE AREA
WITH 5TH CITY LOCATION

Husband and Wife Owner/Operators to Host Grand Opening Celebration of Brand New Downtown San Jose Grocery Outlet on Saturday, November 3

Berkeley, CA – – Local husband and wife entrepreneurs Darren and Chevonne Johst are proud to announce the opening of their brand new Grocery Outlet store in downtown San Jose, California. The largest “extreme-value” grocer in the U.S., the Downtown San Jose Grocery Outlet is the third of three new Bay area locations to open this fall and the fifth location of the grocery brand in the city of San Jose. The Johst’s will host their free-to-the-public official Grand Opening celebration on November 3 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. San Jose residents are invited to attend the event to enjoy an array of fun, family entertainment, food and special prize giveaways.

"Grocery Outlet's move to open a new location in downtown San Jose was really predicated on the tremendous amount of email requests we received from residents," says Vice President of Real Estate, Marc Drasin. "After determining that the area was indeed a 'food desert,' we made the decision to bring in a more affordable shopping destination to downtown metropolitan San Jose."

San Jose State University students, residents and employees in the Downtown San Jose area can now expect to pay much less on brand name, quality foods and merchandise at the new Grocery Outlet. With over 165 independently-owned and operated store locations, including two additional locations that opened in Milpitas and Santa Clara in late September and October, Grocery Outlet continues to experience tremendous growth by consistently offering customers the opportunity to achieve considerable savings on brand names and high quality items.

Not only is Grocery Outlet expanding extreme savings in San Jose County and beyond, it’s also creating local job opportunities. The Johst’s have hired over 40 full-time and part-time employees to fill positions ranging from merchandisers and cashiers, to department managers and leads.  Many of these new employees are local students attending the nearby university and city colleges.

The brand-new Grocery Outlet will open in the space formerly occupied by Mercado Su Vianda, a Mexican market that has stood vacant for several years. The shopping center, situated on East Santa Clara and Seventh Streets next to San Jose City Hall and across the street from Horace Mann Elementary, also boasts another venerable family-owned business, Lee’s Sandwiches, and the very popular Tung Kee Noodle House.

Both born and raised in San Jose, the Johst’s along with their five children, are thrilled to have the opportunity to own and operate their own business in the heart of the city they have called home their entire lives - Grocery Outlet’s "family" ethos echoes the Johst’s sentiment. With an extensive background in grocery retail, Darren entered the industry at a very early age as a bagger for Safeway at the age of 17. Working his way up over the next 14 years, Darren eventually became one of the youngest Store Managers in the company. Darren’s deep understanding of the grocery business complements Chevonne’s degree from Santa Clara University and background in organizational analysis and business management. Together, the couple is looking forward to ownership success by creating a customer-friendly environment where real savings and quality merchandise are easily obtained under one roof.

At approximately 22,000-square-feet total, the completely renovated space will feature nine spacious aisles of product offerings, including an expanded Grab & Go section for students and nearby professionals, a high-quality selection of USDA-certified meats, fully stocked organic, beauty, health, and fresh produce departments, as well as an enhanced wine and beer section.

An institution amongst bargain-seeking loyalists, Berkeley-based Grocery Outlet specializes in opportunistic sourcing, buying discounted close-outs of excess inventories from national brand-name manufacturers and private-labels. With over 170 independently-owned and operated store locations, including two additional locations that opened in Milpitas and Santa Clara in late September and October, Grocery Outlet continues to experience tremendous growth by consistently offering customers the opportunity to achieve considerable savings on brand names and high quality items.

The Johst’s are also passionate about giving back to their community and look forward to benefiting local non-profit organizations. With Halloween right around the corner, the Johst’s are hosting a special in-store “Trick or Treat” costume event for the over 600 students of Horace Mann Elementary. From 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, trick-or-treating students are invited to visit special “goodie” stations located throughout the store to fill their bags with holiday treats, crayons and coloring books. In December, a joint venture between the Downtown San Jose Grocery Outlet, Olinder Food Group and Roosevelt Neighborhood Association will help provide gift certificates to struggling families redeemable for grocery items to make their special holiday meals.

For more information on the San Jose Grocery Outlet, please visit: www.groceryoutlet.com or visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DowntownSanJoseGO.

2,000 New Homes Coming to Communication Hill

KB Homes is in the process of purchasing 300 acres in one of the largest undeveloped areas in San Jose, Communication Hill. 75 of those acres are going to be used for a whopping 2,000 homes. I know this location is not ideal for many of the people that read this blog, but the development will be close to Lightrail, Highay 87, and has easy access to Downtown. The density should be on par with or greater than KB Homes' other project on Communication Hill, Tuscany Hills (760 units).

The complete plan for Communication Hill includes 4,000 residential units, 60,000sqft of retail, a 50 acre industrial park, and huge chunks of open space and trails. The overall vision is a dense neighborhood that is very walk-able, similar to Telegraph Hill in SF. This leaves about 1,200 homes to be developed after this project is complete, so it will be interesting to see the end result.

Source: SJBJ

78 Degrees Spirit Tasting and Food Pairings

There are many restaurants and organizations that do wine tastings and pairings but not very many that do spirit tastings. A new local company called 78 Degrees has just launched and they specialize in just that. Their events teach the art and history behind fine spirits and how their pair with different cuisines.  Their first event was a cognac pairing at Fahrenheit and it looks like it was a big success. You can check out the recap right over here.

Their next San Jose event is a Johnnie Walker tasting and food pairing at Mosaic on November 17th. 78 Degrees is featuring all 5 major Johnnie Walker variants, including the exclusive and expensive Blue label. For information on this event and to buy tickets, just click here. Also you can use the discount code SJBLOG to get early-bird pricing even through it is past November 10th (again, the event is on the 17th).

Come try all the Johnnie Walker labels with thoughtfully paired hors d'oeuvres.  Check out the menu below:

Johnnie Walker Red Label paired with a special appitizer
Johnnie Walker Black Label paired with a spicy hors d'oeuvre
Johnnie Walker Green Label paired with a fruit inspired dish
Johnnie Walker Blue Label paired with a savory meat dish 
Johnnie Walker Gold Label paired with a creamy dessert 

The San Jose Holiday Art Market at Reed House

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

The San Jose Holiday Art Market
Saturday November 10th 12noon-6pm and Sunday November 11th 12noon-6pm

Held within the beautifully restored Victorian home known as the Historic Reed House in the Hensley District of San Jose, this unique art and crafts gift fair exhibits the extraordinary work of a select group of talented artists in an intimate salon setting providing an excellent and fun opportunity to get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Handmade original works range from assemblage, collage, dolls, jewelry, paintings, photographs, poetry, sculpture, textiles and much more. Raffle prizes awarded and sweet treats served throughout both days.

The Historic Reed House
328 North Sixth Street
San Jose, CA
http://sjartmarket.wix.com/sj-holiday-art-mkt

SJ Beerwalk - Nov 17 @ Willow Glen

If you have yet to attend a SJ Beerwalk, you are missing out. It's a great way to sample dozens of different craft beers while exploring various parts of the community and meeting the area's burgeoning beer masters. The next Beerwalk is coming to Willow Glen one week from tomorrow. It will likely sell out, so if you're interested I would recommend getting tickets in advance. All of the details are below.

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SJ Beerwalk—Coming To A Neighborhood Near You
Next Stop:  Willow Glen

Saturday, November 17th, 2pm – 6pm

To satisfy the growing thirst in the Bay Area, SJ Beerwalk is coming to downtown Willow Glen in San Jose.  If you somehow missed the first three sold-out Beerwalks in Japantown and downtown Campbell, SJ Beerwalk will be bringing the same thoughtfulness in beer selection and strong emphasis on community to Willow Glen.  The focus of the first Willow Glen Beerwalk will be seasonal/winter brews.

“Willow Glen has one of the best downtown areas in San Jose.  The environment is so relaxed and quaint, yep, I said quaint” says Beerwalk Co-Founder Charlie Mann (Jack’s Bar, San Jose) who lived and worked in Willow Glen for over 7 years.  Taking place on Lincoln Avenue (between Minnesota Ave. and Lester Ave.), ‘Beerwalkers’ will be invited to discover and explore twenty-five charming venues, from exclusive boutiques to unique restaurants.

Although at first glance beer seems to be the focus, it was the desire to create a stronger connection between locals and their communities that inspired SJ Beerwalk.  Each event is a walk-around tasting with carefully selected local and import breweries pouring samples of their finest at each small business location on the walk.  Co-Founder Jordan Trigg (Jack’s Bar, San Jose) explained that the main goal of SJ Beerwalk is to introduce South Bay residents to their local business districts, inviting them to check out shops they otherwise might never have set foot in.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $30 online at www.sjbeerwalk.com. In the case the event does not sell out, tickets can be purchased day of for $35. Registration begins at
1pm. Event runs from 2 to 6pm.

For more information visit www.sjbeerwalk.com
For up-to-the minute information, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sjbeerwalk and follow us on twitter @sjbeerwalk

SJ Beerwalk’s mission is to provide a social outlet for the community and neighborhoods, while highlighting small businesses and raising funds for the non-profit business associations throughout the great city of San Jose and beyond.  Every few months, come walk through a different San Jose business district and visit local stores and restaurants while tasting over 20 beers from local and import breweries.

Oversocial MoFo Revue Tomorrow

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

The next Oversocial MoFo Revue is on for Friday, November 9th at Anno Domini. Featured artists this time include Kaitlin Gill on comedy and uppercuts, Wiggy Darlington on music and mystery meat, and David Sullivan on poetry and saving America.

Join the event page here.

Line up: 7:30pm / Show: 8pm
$5 bucks plus the ceremonial die roll (you pay between $6 and $11....depending on your luck.)
www.oversocialmoforevue.com

Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design
366 S. 1st Street
San Jose, CA

New Luxury Apartments in Japantown

A former La-Z-Boy furniture distribution warehouse on North 10th Street is going to be redeveloped into 166 luxury apartments by The Core Companies and Republic Urban Properties. They are going for the aesthetic of an urban boutique-hotel and plan amenities such as a pool with cabanas, game areas, a yoga room, conference rooms, and a community room. Construction could start next year and build-out would take between 14 and 16 months.

If that was not enough, the developer ROEM Corp is planning to start on a 106 apartment project in mid 2013 just a few blocks away. The increased population density will definitely help the Japantown community continue to thrive and expand.

Source: SJBJ

Santana Row November/December 2012 News

Below is the latest news and events related to Santana Row. As mentioned last week, Lavazza is now open and it is the very first such cafe on the west coast. However, there is yet another Northern California premier opening this month, and that is The Veggie Grill. This is a very well reviewed vegetarian restaurant that first started in LA.

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place November 13th and will feature a performance by American Idol's DeAndre Brackensick (who is a San Jose native). For more events and some promos like free Nutcracker tickets, just check out the press release below.

Santana Row November 2012 Happenings

And A Look Ahead to December and January

Events, Promotions, New Openings at Silicon Valley’s Premier Destination


San Jose, CA  (Oct. 25, 2012) – It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at Santana Row with events and celebrations that include shopping specials on Black Friday, charity drives and a performance by  American Idolcontestant DeAndre Brackensick at this year’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 13.

New at the Row: the opening of Lavazza Espression and The Veggie Grill.

Coming in December and January: Santa PAWS, Menorah Candle Lighting, Holiday Wine & Dine Around benefit for Second Harvest, Mommy & Me, The Nutcracker gift-with-purchase and the start of Rainy Day Rewards.

Opening Oct. 30: Lavazza Espression, a café with European ambience

Lavazza, known as “Italy’s favourite coffee,” opens its first Bay Area shop at Santana Row. Lavazza Espression brings a contemporary and European approach to coffee and food. It’s a place where customers can experience an extraordinary blend of coffee creations as well as eclectic dining in an artfully designed environment. The menu ranges from traditional Italian coffee drinks to fresh baked goods, panini sandwiches, pizza, pasta, chocolate drinks and gelato. Wine and beer are also on the menu. Lavazza’s history goes back 110 years when founder Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery store in Turin, Italy. He is credited with inventing the concept of the blend, the art of mixing coffee of different origins to obtain a flavorful brew.

Lavazza is located on the first floor of 300 Santana Row next to LB Steak.

Opening early November: The Veggie Grill, Offering Tasty, Meatless Meals

Dining gets healthier and lighter with the menu items at The Veggie Grill. Classic American favorites like soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients are among the offerings.

Named one of L.A.’s “can’t miss” cheap-eats by Los Angeles magazine, The Veggie Grill offers vegetarian fare and gluten-free and soy-free choices, too.

The Veggie Grill’s first San Jose location is at 3055 Olin Ave., across from Park Valencia.

American Idol contestant and San Jose native DeAndre Brackensick is Featured Performer  At Light Up the Row! Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tuesday, Nov. 13

Santana Row kicks off the 2012 holiday season with its annual Light Up the Row Tree Lighting Ceremony. The highlight: a performance by Deandre Brackensick from the most recent season of American Idol. Brackensick, who graduated from Oak Grove High School in San Jose, is expected to sing seasonal songs and crowd favorites.

The day of festivities include Santa photos, children’s activities, hot chocolate samplings, live music, carolers, costumed characters, special guests, including the Cat in the Hat, performances by local theater groups and the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, making this one of the most exciting holiday events in Silicon Valley.

Schedule:  Festivities are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tree lighting at 7 p.m.

3 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Photos with Surfin’ Santa in Park Valencia

5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – pre-show featuring The Dance Zone, Ballet San Jose, The Harker School and more

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony in Santana Row Park

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Live music, choirs, carolers, hot chocolate sampling and activities for children and families throughout The Row

Where:  Tree lighting takes place at the center of Santana Row Boulevard by the fountain and giant chess board.

Get your holiday shopping done, or get started!  Guests will receive an exclusive shopping card good for 20 percent off any one item at select shops and restaurants on The Row, valid through Sunday, Nov. 18. Pick up a card at Vera Bradley or the Concierge Center from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mommy & Me remind kids to “Give Thanks,” Tuesday, Nov. 13

The holidays remind us to pull together and help those less fortunate and November’s program encourages kids to bring a canned food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Holiday fun includes face painting, balloon animals, Arts & Crafts with Action Day and mini manicures for little ones by Lavande nail spa. Moms and kids will be entertained by music and performances by Broadway San Jose, the Harvest Scarecrow and Andy Z. Snacks are provided by Happy Family Brands and there’s a drawing to win a $50 gift card from The Container Store.

When:  10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visitwww.SantanaRow.com.

Rainy Day Rewards, November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013

When there’s a 70 percent or greater chance for rain, shoppers and diners braving bad weather will be rewarded with discounts that include 15 percent off purchases at participating shops and restaurants, a free signature Santana Row golf umbrella for customers who spend $150 anywhere on The Row and a $20 gift certificate to a participating shop or restaurant for customers who spend $300 on a designated Rainy Day.

No need to get wet:  On all rainy days, customers can pick up a complimentary umbrella to use while shopping and dining and then return it before leaving. The yellow umbrellas are conveniently located throughout The Row - outside Concierge, Via between Village California Bistro and Lark Creek Blue and the valet parking lot in the Winchester Parking

Garage.  

The Nutcracker Gift with Purchase Promotion, Nov. 13-25

Spend $500 in one day at Santana Row and receive two tickets to a holiday tradition: A performance of “The Nutcracker” by Ballet San Jose. Customers must present their dated receipts to the Santana Row Concierge. Tickets are available while supplies last.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, the Mania Continues on Nov. 15

Twilight saga fans will be thrilled to know they can see the much-anticipated cult movie the day before it officially opens. CineArts Theatre at Santana Row is hosting pre-shows  at 10 p.m. and midnight on Nov. 15.

Those who have yet to see any of the Twilight movies can get caught up with the Twilight Marathon that begins at noon on Nov. 15 and ends with the 10 p.m. screening of the new release. Tickets are $25 and include all the movies and special concession deals. More details at  www.cinemark.com.

Also offered: $20 limited edition Twilight T-shirts, exclusively designed for Cinemark.

Get Ready, Get Set, Let’s Shop! Black Friday events at Santana Row, Friday, Nov. 23

The day-after-Thanksgiving shopping tradition at Santana Row includes discounts, door buster morning specials and treats throughout the day. Many stores are offering customers 25 percent to 70 percent off merchandise all weekend with giveaways such as free totes, gift cards with purchase and holiday refreshments throughout the day.

Santana Row hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Black Friday, with many stories extending hours during the Black Friday weekend. For a comprehensive listing of retail and restaurant events and offerings, check  SantanaRow.com  during Thanksgiving week.

“One Warm Coat” Drop-off at Santana Row begins on Black Friday, Nov. 23

Donate a new or gently used coat and it will be given to a needy family this winter. Drop it off on Black Friday and receive a special gift: a lawn chair with a Santana Row logo! (While supplies last.) The coat drop-off location is in front of Pinkberry. You’ll spot KTVU-Channel 2 reporter Rosie Chu, who will be doing live broadcasts from Oak Tree Lounge from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The charity coat drive continues through Dec. 31.

Other drop-off locations include  CineArts Theatre, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table and the Santana Row Concierge.

For more information:  call 408.551.4611 or visit  www.santanarow.com.

“Barefoot Contessa” Ina Garten and Chef and Restaurateur Thomas Keller

at Sur La Table for Personal Appearances and Book Signings

Nov. 13 and Nov. 16

Food Network’s Ina Garten is promoting her new book, “Barefoot Contessa Foolproof” with a stop at Santana Row at noon Nov. 13. Tickets are given to those who purchase the $35 book and gives customers the option of meeting the author and get it signed.

Star chef Thomas Keller’s new book is “Bouchon Bakery” and he’ll be at Santana Row at noon on Nov. 16. Tickets to get the book signed are offered to customers who buy the $50 book. To purchase tickets, contact a sales associate at Sur La Table.

Santana Row holiday hours:

Thanksgiving: Closed

Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas: Closed

New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A Look Ahead to December and January

Shop, Enjoy and Give: Holiday Wine & Dine Around: A Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank, Dec. 4, 11 and 18

Help those in need while you complete your holiday shopping during Santana Row’s “Shop, Enjoy & Give” event that benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Purchase a $10 ticket on  SantanaRow.com  or at the Concierge center and receive complimentary food and wine tastings in Santana Row shops and restaurants between 6 and 8 p.m. Also included: a signature Santana Row wine glass and exclusive holiday shopping discounts. Bring a donation of canned food when you purchase your ticket and receive $2 off the ticket. (Customers must be 21 years or older.)

Santa Paws, a Benefit for Humane Society  Silicon Valley, Dec. 9

Bring your canine and feline friends to Santana Row's Park Valencia for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $20 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. in Park Valencia. Photos are taken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Menorah Lighting at Santana Row Park, Sunday, Dec. 9

Santana Row celebrates the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights with Kosher treats, entertainment and activities that include decorating dreidels, Jewish story time, arts & crafts and the lighting of the Menorah. The evening is co-hosted with the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and The PJ Library.

The celebration will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Santana Row Park.

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Booths open to offer crafts projects and games for children, taste treats and giveaways.

There will be musical performances by Congregation Shir Hadash's Cantor Felder Levy and youth, Temple Emanu-El's children with Rabbi Magat and Cantor Simerley, Yavneh Day School choir, Congregation Beth David Religious School and Rabbi Ohriner, Congregation Sinai's children and Rabbi Berkenwald.

Mommy & Me invite children to “Celebrate the Season,” Dec. 11

The last Mommy & Me for the season includes live entertainment from Andy Z, story time with Mrs. Claus, sampling from Happy Baby Brands, mini manicures from Lavande nail salon, a raffle from The Container Store, arts and crafts with Action Day Primary Plus, Balloon Animals and Face Painting and more!

When:  10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 11 in the lobby of CineArts Theatre. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visitwww.SantanaRow.com.

New Year’s Eve at Hotel Valencia, Dec. 31

Ring in the new year with style at Hotel Valencia with a package for two that includes champagne upon arrival, the Valencia Gala party with a live band, DJ and party favors, champagne toast and dessert at midnight, a deluxe breakfast on the first day of 2013 and a late checkout. Rates begin at $350. Call 408.423.5405 for more information.