Sunday, August 16, 2015

Santana Row August-October 2015 News and Events


San Jose, CA  - As summer winds down, Santana Row marks the end of the season with the opening of a sweets store, a benefit wine stroll for the Bill Wilson Center and the return of Hello Kitty Cafe truck! Also returning with the start of football season: shuttles to Levi’s Stadium, making game days an easy win for riders.

Summer Yoga Series
Every Saturday, through September 12
Registration at 8:30, yoga at 9 a.m., Park Valencia
Join yoga enthusiasts for free yoga every Saturday, presented by lululemon athletica.
Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine at Park Valencia, near Maggiano’s restaurant through September 12. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. each week. For more information, contact lululemon, 408.557.8721.

Hello Kitty Café Truck returns to Santana Row!
8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22 and 23
Follow the Kitty-clad crowd to the pink Hello Kitty Cafe truck, which rolls into Santana Row for a return weekend engagement.
The mobile café, bringing Hello Kitty treats to its fans, will be parked near Santana Row Park and Left Bank Brasserie..
The food truck is part of a tour to promote the first U.S. Hello Kitty Café, slated to open in Southern California. For information, go to: http://hellokittycafe.us 

Sugarfina
Opening late August
It’s a candy store for grown-ups who have a sweet tooth, both in selection and ambiance but attracts candy lovers of all ages. Sugarfina is a retail concept that offers select sweets from around the world in an elegant, boutique setting. The gourmet confections are beautifully presented and packaged. Customer favorites include Champagne gummy bears from Germany and Rainbow Kyoto Blossoms from Japan.
Founded by Rosie O’Neill and Josh Resnick in Southern California, Sugarfina’s
883-square-foot shop is scheduled to open next to Donald J. Pliner.

Cars & Croissants
August 22 and every fourth Saturday of the month
9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.

End of the Summer Wine Stroll, a Benefit for Bill Wilson Center
Saturday, August 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy a summer evening with a wine stroll and silent auction to benefit Bill Wilson Center, a nonprofit organization that provides direct services to more than 3,500 children, youth, young adults and families in Santa Clara County through our various programs that focus on housing, education, counseling, and advocacy.
Your $35 ticket includes;

  • Wine and food tastings
  • Exclusive discounts inside Santana Row shops and restaurants
  • A Signature Santana Row wine glass

*Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Tickets are available at the Santana Row concierge office or online at www.santanarow.com. Click on the events link.



A look ahead to September and October…

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too, “Superhero Day!”
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Park Valencia
The popular kids’ club features free entertainment, interactive games, hands-on activities and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Dress as your favorite superhero and meet other superheroes at The Row. Live musical performances by Andy Z, Silicon Valley Ballet School and Action Day Primary Plus. Also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Meet us in Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s to pick up your activity sheet.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon 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 visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Round Trip Shuttle to Levi’s Stadium on Game Days from Santana Row
Monday, Sept. 14, Niners vs. Vikings (departs at 5:20 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 4, Niners vs. Packers (departs at 11.25 a.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 18, Niners vs. Ravens (departs at 11:25 a.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 22, Niners vs. Seahawks (departs at 3:25 p.m.)
Avoid the headache of game day traffic! Take the shuttle from Santana Row to Levi’s Stadium for a hassle-free day that starts with easy parking and shopping and dining perks.
The shuttle registration begins about 30 minutes before departure time. Registration and shuttles are located near the CineArts Theatre.
Your $30 ticket includes:

  • Round trip transportation to Levi’s Stadium
  • Free parking at Santana Row
  • Santana Row shopping and dining incentives

Details:
When you arrive at Santana Row, park your vehicle in the designated, secured parking lot on Winchester Boulevard in the former Century 21 Theatre area. Walk across Winchester Boulevard to Olsen Drive where the registration table and bus will be waiting to load in front of the theater. The bus departs at the scheduled time (two hours prior to game time), and will not wait for passengers.
Levi’s Stadium drop-off and pick-up site:
The bus will park at the official shuttle drop-off location at the stadium. One hour after the conclusion of the game, the bus will depart from the same location. All passengers not on bus at the specified departure time, will not receive transportation back to Santana Row.
For more information, contact Santana Row Concierge at 408.551.4611.

Cars & Croissants
Sept. 26 and every fourth Saturday of the month
9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.

Yoga on The Row for the Third Year in a Row!
Sunday, Sept. 27, 8:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start
Bring your mat and your best yoga form for Yoga on The Row! Athletic lululemon athletica presents the popular event, a fundraiser for the Art of Yoga Project, an organization that works to rehabilitate teenage girls in the juvenile justice system by teaching them art, yoga, and journaling. lululemon athletica will donate $1 to the organization for each participant who attends this complimentary yoga event. The goal this year is to get 1,000 yogis and their mats to line the main street of Santana Row and the park.
Registration will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and class begins at 9 a.m.
Please arrive with a mat, towel, and a smile! All levels welcome.

Glass Pumpkin Festival at Santana Row
Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, Santana Row Park
Experience the magic of glass! Stroll through thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by BAGI (Bay Area Glass Institute) artists and renowned glass artisans from around the country. The pumpkins are unique gifts for friends and family and are a perfect addition to fall decoration. Some even make beautiful year-round display pieces: the pumpkins will be available in an assortment of colors, sizes and a range of prices. This is a once-a-year event, so come early and find the perfect glass pumpkin!
Details: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, October 10; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11. The event takes place at Santana Row Park, across from Left Bank Brasserie.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Halloween Family Fun Fest!”
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon, Park Valencia
Trick-or-treat around The Row and enjoy pumpkin decorating, live musical performances and other activities during this popular fall event for children.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too is a free kids club held on the second Tuesday of every month (except October) from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit SantanaRow.com.

Cars & Croissants
Oct. 24 and every fourth Saturday of the month
9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.

Twitter Promotion @SantanaRow invites Tweets and Instagram tags
For a Chance to Win Gift Cards to Restaurants at The Row
Santana Row’s Twitter campaign and photo contest continues through the @SantanaRow Twitter handle. The contest invites anyone at Santana Row to Tweet or Instagram photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then tag it with the hash tag #LifeonTheRow. Every month, Santana Row will post an album on Facebook with all of the photos with the #LifeonTheRow hash tag. The person who took the best or most original photo will win a gift card to a Santana Row restaurant.



About Santana Row
Santana Row, a 647,000 square foot mixed-use development in San Jose, CA, is Silicon Valley’s premier destination for shopping, dining, living and working. Santana Row features over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, a boutique hotel and movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail & restaurant collection, Santana Row offers 615 luxury rental homes, 219 privately owned condos and 65,000 square feet of Class A office space. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.santanarow.com.

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Founded in 1962, our mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply.  Our expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities.  Federal Realty's 90 properties include over 2,600 tenants, in approximately 21 million square feet, and 1500 residential units. 
Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 47 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.FederalRealty.com.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Rock-N-Cook: Pop-up Dining Experience with Live Music Tomorrow

The South Bay is getting a brand new kind of event called Rock-N-Cook, which features a 10 course gourmet tapas meal served between two sets of music by local bands. The intimate event is for no more than 100 people and is hosted at a private residence in Campbell. The entire event will also be filmed to stoke up interest in a Rock-n-Cook TV show (perhaps for Food Network or VH1). 

Pricing is quite reasonable for a 10 course meal and live music, just $50. For more information and tickets, click here.


Friday, August 14, 2015

Haberdasher Review (Singlebarrel 2.0)

When I first heard Singlebarrel was changing their concept, I was very concerned. Immediately I thought that the best bar in Silicon Valley (and perhaps the Bay Area) was in jeopardy. Seriously, what are the chances that they could actually improve on such an outstanding product?

I'm happy to say that my worries were not warranted one bit. I finally checked out Haberdasher last week and was completely blown away!

Haberdasher means to make or manufacture with skill and careful attention to detail, and is most commonly used in reference to tailoring--explaining the theme. Walking in, the ambiance was already a big improvement. You'll find classy dimmed Edison lights hanging from the ceiling and hidden inside bollard hats. There is more bar space, most casual seating, and comfortable seating for reservations (more on that in a moment). The soundproofing is also amazing. People can talk at a normal volume now and the hushing has been replaced with some nice music.

One of my favorite upgrades is that the huge line outside and the 6-person party limit are completely gone! Haberdasher is designed to provide quality craft cocktails more efficiently than before while maintaining the same quality and level of service as Singlebarrel, if not exceeding it.

You have two options when drinking at Haberdasher: 1.) Make a reservation. You'll get the best seats and the bartender will come to your table for fully custom-tailored craft cocktail experience, usually with multiple "courses." 2.) Casually walk down to the bar area and order off of a menu of the best craft cocktails Singlebarrel had.

How is #2 even possible without a huge line you may ask? Their most popular craft cocktails are on draft. They make them from scratch in large volumes before opening the bar each day. You can still order a customized cocktails at the bar, but their "craft on draft" handles a large number of the orders. I can vouch that the Old Fashioned on draft is just as good if not better than Singlebarrel's. There is also a Moscow Mule where you get to keep the copper mug, Gin & Herb Tonic, Whiskey Ginger, and Montenegro Amaro on tap. There are 8 "house fittings" drinks that are more complex and are made to order from scratch. My wife opted to get a Singlebarrel classic that was not on the menu... the Rum Flip. Not only was it as good as it has always been, but they brought it out in an old-fashion mini milk jug. Nice touch!

Other additions to the menu include outstanding non-alcoholic craft sodas, low alcohol drinks, craft beers, and snacks (brisket jerky, chicharrones, garlic almonds, etc.).

So in summary, go check out Haberdasher! The best bar in Silicon Valley is now even better. They managed to further innovate the local craft-cocktail scene!

Haberdasher is located at 42 W. San Salvador St. For more info and for reservations, head here.







Thursday, August 13, 2015

How Downtown San Jose's Streetscapes Can Benefit From Ideas Used in Montreal and Quebec City

Mark from Think Bigger San Jose has just returned from a ten day trip to Montreal and Quebec. He has brought home some souvenirs in the form of ideas to make San Jose a stronger city. His recap of the trip includes tons of great photos as well as five main streetscape take-a-ways. Check out Mark's excellent post over here!


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Sourisseau News: Arnold Del Carlo (The Valley's Photographer)

In the latest edition of Sourisseau news, learn about a photographer that has been documenting the transformations in the valley across multiple decades. Even at 94 years old, Arnold Del Carlo is still taking photos to this day. The Sourisseau academy is even planning to release a documentary film on his fascinating life and work--more to come on that in the future.

DelCarlo - The Valley's Photographer from TAW on Vimeo.

EDITORS NOTE: The Del Carlo Photograph Collection resides at the Sourisseau Academy for State and Local History and spans a remarkable 30+ years. Few professional photographers exhibit Del Carlo’s versatility, making the collection all the more unique. And at 94, Del is still shooting pictures. Many thanks from all of us at Sourisseau Academy!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The Westin San Jose is Now Open!

After two years of renovation, the historic Sainte Claire Hotel is now the Westin San Jose. It has 171 rooms, 10,000 SQFT of meeting space, and an Il Fornaio Italian Restaurant. Many details such as the original moldings on the ceiling of the early 1900s building have been preserved. The location is stellar, across the street from the San Jose Convention Center and a block away from SoFA and Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

The Westin San Jose will really appeal to are business travelers. That has always been Westin's sweet-spot, and what better place to locate a business oriented hotel than in Downtown San Jose across from the convention center and walking distance to hundreds of companies.

This will be the second Westin in Silicon Valley (the other is in Palo Also) and the second Starwood Hotel in Downtown San Jose--the first was the Four Points which coincidentally is also in a historic building.

Source: MarketWatch


Monday, August 10, 2015

Apple Purchases "N1" Development Site in North San Jose!!!

It looks like Apple is doubling down on San Jose even before they move into the 290,000 SQFT of office they leased at 101Tech. Doubling down would be putting it lightly since this time around they are not renting... they are buying.

Apple is purchasing the entire development site for the N1 Office Campus off of First Street and Component Drive in North San Jose! The $138 million deal will buy them 43 acres ripe for an epic project. 1.8 million SQFT of office was already planned for the site, with a grand total of 2.8 million SQFT entitled. That theoretically means that Apple could build the same amount of office space in San Jose as their new spaceship in Cupertino.

Nathan Donato-Weinstein from the SVBJ even got an official statement from Apple:

"As we continue to grow, we're planning to build R&D facilities and some additional office space in San Jose," spokeswoman Rachel Wolf said in an emailed statement. "The property isn't far from the future home of our new campus and we're looking forward to expanding our presence in the Bay Area."

If this purchase isn't a huge vote of confidence for the San Jose market, I don't know what is! I just hope that Apple will opt for an iconic office design now that they own the land.

Sources: SVBJ, SocketSite



Sunday, August 9, 2015

San Jose Indie Hip Hop Artist Lucid Optics

Lucid Optics has just released his latest album called SADLIBS. The San Jose artist began playing guitar at eight years old and quickly fell in love with music. His style is a blend between indie and hip hop and he's known for his sarcastic whit and honesty. By 21, he booked his first tour covering the western states.

SADLIBS is the first album where live instruments play a key role in Lucid's production. The album was written and produced entirely by Lucid Optics, with one guest verse from Cauzndefx on the intro of "Seamless."

Below is "Miss No Plans," track 1 from the SADLIBS. For more information on Lucid Optics and links to all of his albums, head here.