Review: Kicking Crab in North San Jose

Cajun seafood places seem to be gathering popularity here in the Bay Area, and we found another one in North San Jose called Kicking Crab.  Located in a small strip mall, parking can be a challenge in the small lot, which can resemble parking in Taipei’s network of narrow alleys and tight streets.  The restaurant can …

Review – The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Livermore

Theresa and I have been to The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards a couple of times this past winter, so this is actually a review that takes place over 2 visits.  Like most California cuisine restaurant, the chefs create dishes based on seasonally available ingredients (including those from their own on property garden), so the menu …

Powell’s Sweet Shop, Willow Glen

Taking me back to my youth, this candy store is off the chart. Powell Sweet shop stocks a very wide array of candies. chocolates, and plain old sugary goodness.  Located in Willow Glen, it was fun to walk through and see the wide variety of sweets, both nostalgic…………. …..and modern candy. Then even have a …

Brunch at The Table, Willow Glen, San Jose

We went to The Table on a weekend walking trip to the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose when we were visiting Powell Sweet Shoppe.  They are mainly a dinner place, but serve brunch on weekends, which is when we stopped by. The Atmosphere Tables line the modern looking main dining area, with a couple of …

Bazille – Casual upscale dining at Nordstrom?

Looks like Nordstrom is following the trend of mall dining going upscale. In conjunction with a remodel of its Valley Fair location, Nordstrom had shifted the format of its cafe, renaming it Bazille. Gone is semi-table service format where you ordered at the counter, seated, and then served by a waiter. Now the restaurant is …

Napa Rose – Disneyland Grand California Hotel, Anaheim

Napa Rose is an upscale Californian style that uses seasonal ingredients in its offerings. The menu is changed every week based on seasonal ingredients and is targeted toward adults who need a break from the typical amusement park and chain restaurants. The restaurant located in the Grand Californian Hotel which is accessed from the Downtown …

Bruxie’s – Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches

Our friends suggested we try Bruxie’s while on our road trip to Southern California. Bruxie’s serves up waffle sandwiches, which replaces the bread with Belgian style waffles.   We went to the one in downtown Brea. The menu consists of savory and sweet sandwiches, with daily specials that differ by location (currently Bruxie’s has 6 locations …

Norton’s Pastrami and Deli – Santa Barbara

On a recent road trip to LA, we decided to take the longer scenic route along US 101 and stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. Norton’s Pastrami and Deli came up in our internet search of good lunch places to try and we decided to go to the original downtown location (there are now 2 …