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Dine DowntownThe restaurant scene in downtown San Jose keeps evolving, and Dine Downtown provides an affordable way to chart the changesby Stett Holbrook on Jun 02, 2010
SAN JOSE’S Dine Downtown event offers food lovers and bargain hunters alike an opportunity to sample the depth and breadth of restaurants in the city’s central district. The event comes at a key moment for downtown’s restaurant scene. Once upon a time, the rap on downtown San Jose used to be that is was a good place to eat lunch, but it became a ghost town with few restaurant options once the sun set. That was never completely true, but these days there has never been such a range of restaurants to choose from—day or night. More than 30 restaurants will offer special three-course menus from $20 to $40 per person during Dine Downtown, June 2–12. On the opening day of the event, downtown restaurants will offer complimentary samples of their food from 11:30am to 2pm. The recession may be starting to ebb, but good food deals are always in season. Given all the choices, the toughest part may be deciding where to go. For Italian food, La Pastaia, Il Fornaio and Bella Mia fit the bill. Steak lovers fare particularly well with restaurants like Morton’s, the Grill on the Alley and Arcadia, a modern steakhouse owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina. Modern Vietnamese food? 19Market and E&O Trading Co. have it covered. Or how about Cajun-Vietnamese fusion? Gumbo Jumbo is the place. Chinese food? Consider Pagoda and P.F. Chang’s. Fresh seafood? Hawg’s Seafood Bar is the place to go. Then there’s the Silicon Valley Capital Club, a private restaurant high atop the Knight Ridder building that’s open to the public for the Dine Downtown event. The views from the window and decks are worth the elevator ride alone. One of the recent trends downtown is the emergence of upscale ethnic food restaurants, traditional food from around the world served in a refined setting. Places like Mezcal, 19Market, Morocco’s and Azucar are introducing regional foods from Vietnam, Morocco and Latin America to a wider audience while still staying true to their culinary roots. What’s particularly exciting about downtown’s dining scene is its dynamism. It’s ever evolving. Five years ago, the restaurant scene looked different from today, and in another five years it will have changed further. The development of new high-rise condos and apartments is bringing an influx of new residents who crave urban amenities, good restaurants among them. The 50,000-square-foot San Pedro Public Market project currently under construction promises to offer a haven for independent restaurants, food carts and vendors. This is a good time to be eating in downtown San Jose, and it promises to get even better. In the meantime, Dine Downtown allows the current crop of local restaurants the chance to step up their game and try to woo new customers while diners get to eat at their pick of downtown restaurants on the cheap. Arcadia 100 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.890.2618 Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse opens its doors to guests of Dine Downtown with some real values. For $40, start off with a choice of either mushroom bisque, Cypress Grove cheese sampler or an Arcadia salad; next, choose from the braised short ribs, grilled Kurobuta pork chop or crispy Arctic char; and for the last course, a decadent pot de crème, carrot cake or Michael’s root beer float–complete with sassafras ice cream, root beer sorbet and chocolate chip cookies. Book a Table Azucar 71 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.912.1762 The lounge is known for its homemade infused mojitos and pan-Latino cuisine served in an intimate, candlelit room. The prix fixe menu ($30) features a first course of either ceviche, calamari or the plato de azucar (quesadilla, calamari and guacamole; an entree of lomo saltado (strips of beef with onions, tomatoes, peppers and plantains), pasta con pollo, enchiladas suizas or fajitas; and a dessert of creamy flan or tres leches cake, a Spanish favorite. Book a table Fahrenheit 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.728.9031 The $30 prix fixe menu at Fahrenheit begins with a first course of either Dungeness crab cakes, ahi tuna tartare tostadas or green apple and Asian pear salad; a second course of either honey-chile chicken, citrus-sake halibut or filet mignon; and a third course of chocolate decadence, orange Amaretto cheesecake or a selection of sorbettos and gelatos. The Grill on the Alley 172 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.294.2244 The restaurant at the Fairmont weighs in with a first course of either a mixed green salad, soup of the day or a crab cake; for the second course, choose from a cedar-plank salmon, filet mignon or grilled-shrimp pomodoro; the dessert options are chocolate mousse pie, key-lime pie or seasonal gelato. $40. Book a table Loft Bar and Bistro 90 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.890.7001 Good views and good food are on tap the Loft. For $30, choose one of three salads; a second course of either chicken marsala, pesto salmon or teriyaki beef short ribs and a third course of either crème brûlée, New York cheesecake or chocolate mousse. Book a table Mezcal 25 W. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.283.9595 Mezcal celebrate the cuisine of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. For $30, Mezcal’s prix fixe menu features calamari, table-side guacamole or the soup of the day, a second course of sesame-crusted salmon, rib-eye steak or chiles rellenos; and a third course that includes a choice of either table-side crepes, bunuelo or a seasonal fruit tart. Morocco’s 86 N. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1509 Enjoy a complimentary glass of house-made Sangria at Morocco’s while perusing its lively prix fixe menu. For the first course, a choice of either eggplant-purée salad, spinach nut and fruit salad or a Mediterranean salad; for the second, a beef tagine, chicken m’rouzia or a vegetarian r’fissa; and for the third course, a choice of selected briwatts or warm chocolate cake. 19 Market 19 N. Market St., San Jose; 408.280.6111 The contemporary Vietnamese bistro has been gaining followers since award-winning chef Hanna Pham took over. Many of the dishes have a traditional base but get an updated look. For Dine Downtown, 19 Market will be offering a prix fixe menu for $20 that starts with a choice of spring rolls or Vietnamese chicken salad; a second course of either lemongrass chicken, spicy ground pork with tofu, seared Mekong basa or eggplant with tofu in curry sauce; and a cool tropical pudding for dessert. Book a table 71 Saint Peter 71 N. San Pedro St., San Jose; 408.971.8523 Sip on a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé while anticipating the four-course menu at 71 Saint Peter, one of downtown San Jose’s most intimate and romantic restaurants. First up: a trio of Spanish tapas, followed by an early-summer vegetable risotto. Third course is a succulent bacon-wrapped top sirloin with sea scallops, served with a pink grapefruit beurre blanc and manchego cheese potato tart with Rioja reduction. For dessert: a mini–chocolate crème brûlée topped with seasonal berries. A steal at $30. Affinity Hilton Hotel, 300 Almaden Blvd., San Jose; 408.947.4444 Affinity restaurants blend European flavors and techniques made with local ingredients. For $30, the prix fixe menu starts off with a choice of Dungeness crab cakes, marinated ahi tuna tartar or a mini–beef Wellington; either the Affinity crepe, sautéed chicken with mushroom in cream sage sauce or a grilled New York steak with peppercorn sauce for the second course; and for dessert, pick from tiramisu, New York cheesecake or a refreshing Italian lemon-cream cake. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.3991 SoFA district’s stalwart Agenda has been creating a buzz with its new chef and menu. For Dine Downtown, the $30 prix fixe menu begins with a choice between “This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Caesar Salad” or “Calling the Kettle Black” (house-made soup); second course is a choice of either Chef Gator’s chicken Baton Rouge, Uncle Willie’s roasted pork loin with Apple Jack brandy gravy, Grandpa Fate’s pan-roasted catfish or the “always a vegetarian special.” Dessert is good ol’ comfort food, with a choice of Aunt Helen Jean’s warm chocolate bread pudding or Chef Gator’s famous bananas Foster for two. Bella Mia 58 S. First St., San Jose; 408.280.1993 Intimate and welcoming, Bella Mia is of downtown’s top picks for refined Italian food. For Dine Downtown, the restaurant serves a first-course choice of two salads; entree is a choice of either petite filet mignon and prawns or crab stuffed salmon; and a dessert of white-chocolate cheesecake or moist tiramisu. All for $40. Billy Berk’s 99 S. First St., San Jose; 408.292.4300 Good-times restaurant Billy Berk’s will be offering a first course of either rustic flatbread, shrimp cocktail, guava glazed ribs, fried zucchini, lil’ chopper salad or lil’ Caesar salad; second course is either the steakhouse Cobb, tri-mushroom pasta, pan-seared rustic salmon, Tuscan chicken, blackened ribeye or spicy Louisiana prawns; and for dessert, one can opt for either a bread pudding, chocolate-chip cookie pie, key-lime brûlée or hot fudge sundae. There is also 25 percent off of all bottles of wine when ordering off the prix fixe menu. Prices range from $20 to $40 per person depending on selections. Book a table Britannia Arms 173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400 You know you’re in a pub when the first course includes beer. The Brit offers a starting choice of either beer, house wine or a well drink; a second course of fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash; and a dessert of Mum’s apple pie, traditional rice pudding or New York cheesecake. $20. E&O Trading Company 96 S. First St., San Jose; 408.938.4100 The prix fixe menu is a showcase of Southeast Asian flavors. First course choices include any grilled satay, pork and shiitake mushroom lettuce cups or crispy shrimp; a second course of either shaking beef, hardwood grilled ahi or shiso pepper grilled salmon and any dessert from the list—all for $30. Book a table Emile's 545 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.289.1960 For $30, Emile’s prix fixe menu includes something for everyone. First course presents a selection of soups and salads; second course, either the beef brochette, grilled lamb chops, house-made saucisson, chicken picatta, fillet of trout Grenobloise, Emile’s tortellini or sautéed potato gnocchi; and for the third, a choice from five different decadent desserts. Book a table Eulipia 374 S. First St., San Jose; 408.280.6161 The $30 prix fixe menu at Eulipia begins with either Caesar or house salad; a second course of blue cheese fettuccine, Atlantic salmon roasted with cashews, chicken breast with melted Brie or grilled hanger steak with mushrooms and caramelized onions; to finish, Eulipia tempts with either New York cheesecake or flourless chocolate torte. $30. Gumbo Jumbo 80 N. Market St., San Jose; 408.294.8626 The pairing of the Creole-inspired menu with the festive, Mardis Gras décor offers a unique dining experience in downtown San Jose. It’s the only place where it’s fun to “work” for one’s food. Gumbo Jumbo’s prix fixe menu offers a first course of either Dungeness crab stuffed mushrooms, fried catfish or fried crawfish; for a second course choose from either the seafood jambalaya, blackened catfish or prawns with garlic noodles; and for dessert, an array of beignets, chocolate mousse cake or warm bread pudding. $20–$30 depending on selections. Habana Cuba 238 Race St., San Jose; 408.998.2822 Habana offers a good introduction to Cuban cuisine, with a first course of either yucca frita and tostones combo, avocado salad or chicken soup; a second course of ropa vieja (beef), fricassee de pollo (chicken) or championes a la Habana (vegetarian); and a dessert of either flan, arroz con leche or tres leches cake. $20. Hanuman Thai Cuisine 1 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.286.2482 It isn’t visible from the street, but Hanuman’s dining room upstairs is a beauty, which complements the good cuisine. For $30, start with either chicken satay, angel wings or fresh spring rolls; a second course of pad thai with chicken or tofu, garlic and pepper chicken, panang salmon or crying tiger/Hanuman fish salmon; and a third course of either fried banana and ice cream or mango sticky rice. Add a bottle of Edna Valley Chardonnay of BV Merlot for $15. Hawgs Seafood Bar 150 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.287.9955 This popular seafood bar will serve some of its crowd favorites on the $20 pre fixe menu. First course is a choice of either clam chowder, Caesar salad or Hawgs salad; a second course of linguine and clams, chicken and prawns or panko-crusted tilapia; and a dessert of either New York cheesecake, vanilla or chocolate gelato or seasonal sorbet. Il Fornaio Sainte Claire Hotel, 302 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.271.3366 Il Fornaio is a showcase of regional Italian food, and for Dine Downtown it will offer a $30 prix fixe meal that celebrates the food of Sardinia. Choices include fresh crab and vegetable soup, fresh ricotta, potato and mint ravioli topped with sliced artichokes and blueberry custard. Book a table La Pastaia 233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.286.8686 Located inside the De Anza Hotel, this standout Italian restaurant participates with a $30 prix fixe menu that starts with either calamari, mista salad or carpaccio; a second course of either lamb osso buco, grilled pork chop or the fish of the day; and a third course of gelato, tiramisu or decadent chocolate crème brûlée. Book a table Morton’s 177 Park Ave., San Jose; 408.947.7000 Morton’s marinated steaks and complimentary onion bread are local favorites. For $40, Morton’s offers a prix fixe menu that begins with a choice of two salads. The second course is a choice between single-cut filet mignon, broiled salmon filet or chicken Christopher. For dessert: double chocolate mousse or creamy crème brûlée. Mosaic 211 S. First St., San Jose; 408.282.8888 Located inside of the Hotel Montgomery. Mosaic’s simple but sophisticated prix fixe menu is a first course of roasted asparagus and fennel salad, a second course of day-boat scallops and gelato for dessert. $30 to $40 depending on selections. Book a table Motif 389 S. First St., San Jose; 408.279.1888 Motif, which incorporates a variety of Asian flavors, will offer a $30 prix fixe menu. The first course is a one of three distinctive salads; the entree is either braised Korean barbecue, stuffed tempura-battered squash blossoms and pasta, or Asian cioppino; and a dessert of crème brûlée tiramisu, banana lumpia with vanilla ice cream or lycee pineapple sorbet. P.F. Chang’s 98 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.961.5250 The modern Chinese bistro offers a comprehensive prix fixe menu at $40 for two people. It includes a first course of either hot-and-sour or egg-drop soup; a second course of either crispy green beans, chicken/vegetarian lettuce wraps, salt and pepper calamari, dumplings or crab wontons; a third course (choose two) of Chang’s spicy chicken, honey chicken/shrimp, Mongolian beef, dali chicken, ginger chicken with broccoli, kung pao chicken/beef/shrimp, orange peel chicken/beef/shrimp, beef a la Sichuan, Cantonese shrimp, almond and cashew chicken or sweet and sour chicken/pork; and for dessert, choose two minidesserts. Pagoda Restaurant 170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900 The ritzy Pagoda at the Fairmont will be hosting a $20 prix fixe menu. First up: crispy spring rolls, Peking-style pot stickers or hot-and-sour soup. Next comes honey-walnut prawns, kung pao chicken or braised tofu. To finish: hazelnut chocolate and coffee silk cake, giant almond cookie or crème brûlée. Paolo’s 333 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.294.2558 Paolo’s serves exemplary Italian food in a beautiful dining room. Prix fixe choices for Dine Downtown include soup of the day, pasta with roasted chicken and mushrooms, veal osso buco, house-made tiramisu and chocolate torta. $20 to $30 depending on selections. Book a table San Pedro Square Bistro & Wine Bar 20 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.298.9463 For $30, San Jose’s newest wine bar will serve a menu that includes a choice between bistro salad or crab cake for the first course; a choice of either pork tenderloin, certified Angus New York steak or grilled salmon for the entree; and for dessert, gelato or chocolate torte. Silicon Valley Capital Club 50 W. San Fernando St., Suite 1700, San Jose; 408.971.9300 This private club for Silicon Valley’s business elite will open its doors to the public for Dine Downtown with a grand $40 prix fixe menu. For the first course, a choice between seared U-10 scallops, sautéed oysters or the soup/bisque of the day; for the entree, a grilled wild salmon or a roasted lamb rack; and for the dessert, enjoy a half-baked chocolate, coconut ice cream and port elixir or a chilled plum soup with ginger sorbet and candied brazil nuts. Sonoma Chicken Coop 31 N. Market St., San Jose; 408.287.4098 For $30, downtown diners can begin with any beer or house wine of choice. Then for the first course offering, choose between crispy calamari or chicken drumettes; for the second course, choose between a house-made salad or soup; for the third course, select either a barbecued tri-tip steak, grilled salmon risotto or Sonoma seafood pasta; and for dessert, choose between shark attack chocolate puck or dark-chocolate fondue. by Stett Holbrook on Jun 02, 2010 |
 BILLY BERK'S s one of 32 restaurants offering special menus for Dine Downtown San Jose. |
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