April - Silicon Valley Concierge Association

www.siliconvalleyconcierge.com
APRIL 2009
You and a guest are cordially invited to the
7th Annual Hospitality Awards Event
Presented by the Silicon Valley Concierge Association
Date: to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Location: Club Auto Sport Silicon Valley
521 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, Ca 95131
clubautosport.net
Magnolia Jazz Band
Wine & Hors D’Oeuvres
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Awards & Raffle
7:00pm – 9:00pm
A reply is requested on or before April 12th, [email protected]
NOMINEES FOR THE BEST:
7thHoliday
ANNUAL HOSPITALITY
Joy from AWARDS, being held at the CLUB AUTO
SPORT
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Headliner
Productions!
TH
, 2009
Special Holiday Entertainment Just for You . . .
An event recognizing hospitality’s best of the best in Silicon Valley!
BEST ATTRACTION
California Great America
Roaring Camp Railroads
Winchester Mystery House
BEST SPA
Burke Williams
Preston Wynne
Destino Spa
BEST CONCIERGE
Mimi Mozayeny, Peninsula Prof/Concierge Service
Pauline Cirimele, Quicksilver Concierge
Debbie Lew, Palace Hotel
Manon Dargis, Four Seasons
BEST HOTEL
Cypress Hotel
Hotel Los Gatos
Garden Court Vincci Hotel
BEST-KEPT SECRET
Winter Lodge Palo Alto
IFLY
Santa Cruz Wine Growers Passport Days
BEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Mosaic Limousine
Lone Star Limousine
Royal Coach Tours
BEST MUSEUM
Steinbeck Museum
San Jose Museum of Art
The Tech Museum of Innovation
BEST NIGHTLIFE
Loft Bar & Grill
Black Watch
Perfect Finish
BEST CASUAL RESTAURANT
19 Market
Wine Cellar
Vito’s New York Trattoria
BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT
Tanglewood Restaurant
Le Papillon Restaurant
A.P. Stumps Restaurant
BEST "NEW" RESTAURANT (OPENED PAST 2 YRS)
Billy Berks
Olio
Uwink
BEST WINERY
Flemmings Jenkins
Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery
Testarossa Vineyards
BEST VISITOR INFORMATION RESOURCE
Discover Silicon Valley Magazine
The Wave
What 2 Do Guide
BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP
Magnolia Jazz Band
Ballet San Jose
REMINDERS:
1) Voters must be from those within the Silicon
Valley Hospitality Industry.
2) Voters MUST cast votes for at least 10
categories to qualify their votes
TheatreWorks
BEST VENUE
Mountain Winery
Strike
Villa Montalvo
COME SUPPORT YOUR GROUP, BUSINESS, FAVORITES…………
Escape your worries, and go Downtown to Opera San Jose
As the Petula Clark song says, “When you've got worries, all the
noise and the hurry seems to help, I know – downtown, Just listen
to the music of the traffic in the city,Linger on the sidewalk where
the neon signs are pretty, How can you lose?”
We should be grateful that we have many fine venues in our
downtown, San Jose. And, what better way to forget all of our
worries with the current economy, is to drive downtown San Jose
and become mesmerized in the latest Opera San Jose show,
Cosi fan tutte.
If you know me, you might be chuckling right now, as I am not one,
which is familiar with opera. Yes, I am a novice, however, I must
say that after attending Cosi fan tutte at Opera San Jose in
February at the magnificent California Theater, and this was truly
an amazing show! I am a fan now!
Cosi fan tutte is a light, fun comedy and the meaning is “so do they
all” or, when it comes to women, none of them can resist
temptation, according to Mozart. It was performed in excellence of
which I laughed and was really moved by this show.
The next performance is Georges Bizet’s bewitching blockbuster,
Carmen. Eight performances are scheduled from April 18 through
May 3. This is one of the most popular shows in USA, although it
dates to 1875.
If you have extra time these first days of spring,
remember to go Downtown, to Opera San Jose, then
have dinner, drinks, or both at one of the incredible
nearby restaurant establishments. Music really does
soothe the soul!
(Portions of this article was taken from the Opera San Jose website)
Opera San José 408-437-4460
www.operasj.org
Donna West, Lighthouse Tours
Plans tours local and afar, and professional
Travel Writer “preparing for the rebound”
Gotta share this link (it’s a real ‘copter) latest new
http://hotelicopter.com/index.html with everyone ~
Check it out!
_______________________
It is the story of a love triangle (yes, love triangles simply are not
new today) between a mesmerizing gypsy woman, a young soldier,
and a handsome bullfighter. This woman, living on the fringes of
society, possesses great inner strength and self-respect. She
inspires blind passion, and then dashes all hope. Her allure is
powerful, yet she is vulnerable to the constraints of a society run by
men.
Opera San José is a professional, regional opera company that is
unique in the United States. Featuring fresh, new talents in the first
years of their careers, Opera San José’s performances are always
dramatically stimulating and vocally accomplished.
The 1,100-seat auditorium in the California Theater joins the select
ranks of the world's most intimate opera houses.
This was a refreshing experience and, yes, I really enjoyed the
performance. I urge everyone to go and see for themselves.
Opera San Jose has Tuesday Previews, Introduction to Opera,
and Opera History course; for those of us who may not quite be upto-date in the opera world.
It is easy to understand and, of course, music is great to escape our
daily acts of life through. Yes, there are corporate or group plans of
which one should inquire.
The 4th Annual Express Orchid Exhibition to be held
May 29-31, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Express hotel 1350 N. 4th
St. in San Jose, CA will be a celebration and continuation of our
successful efforts, involving not only a hotel, orchid society and
orchid growers, but award winning wineries, top rated
restaurants, local attractions and San Jose merchants. Those
in attendance at the fund raising reception will enjoy the fine
catering of Vito’s New York Trattoria southern Italian cuisine
and Sushi Coast Japanese cuisine. Dessert is sponsored by
Godiva Chocolatier Westfield Valley Fair coupled with the
award-winning wines of Mirassou Wineries, Chateau Marie
Antoinette Wines and Sunset Cellars. California’s Great
America Theme Park and The Winchester Mystery House have
each donated generously to enhance our auction. The kick-off
of the private fundraising auction & dinner reception will be
on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 5:30pm and is open by
advance reservation only to those who wish to support
OCA. Space is limited. For information contact:
[email protected]
Downtown San Jose's Newest Late Night
Happy Hour Hotspot! Announcing San Jose's newest late night
hot spot...19Market Restaurant & Lounge will stay open to 3am every
Thursday, Friday & Saturday's night.
Explore earth, ocean and space – all in one place by visiting the
‘Greenest Museum’ in the World. The California Academy of
Sciences is the only place in the world to combine a natural history
museum, aquarium, planetarium and world-class research facility
under one roof. All housed in the world’s largest public green building
topped with a 2.5 acre living roof, it blends seamlessly into San
Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. The Academy will inspire
lifelong curiosity for the natural world as you experience the depths of
a Philippine coral reef, climb into the canopy of a Costa Rican
rainforest and fly to the outer reaches of the Universe.
55 Music Concourse Drive, L1West
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
www.calacademy.org
Santana Row invites you to
A POOLSIDE SOIREE
Exclusive Summer Fashion Show
Saturday, May 2nd, · Shows at Noon & 3 p.m.
Tickets on sale now
Late Nite Happy Hour Specials:
10pm-12pm THUR, FRI & SAT
$3 Draft Beers, $5 Bar Menu
& $5 All Well Drinks
19Market Restaurant & Lounge
19 North Market Street
Downtown San Jose
(408) 280-6111
www.19market.com
_____________________________________________
It’s time again to support sexual assault awareness in our community!
The YWCA of Silicon Valley is again hosting its unique event to call
attention to the staggering statistics: one-in-three women and onein-five men, regardless of socio-economic status, will be
sexually assaulted in their lifetime! We need to rally together and
make a difference in changing that statistic and prevent sexual
assault in our community!
The SEVEN of us have eagerly agreed to co-chair this year’s 7th
Annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event on Wednesday, April
22nd, 2009, that takes a light-hearted approach to building awareness
of the impact of sexual assault on individuals and families right here
where we live. Proceeds from this event will support the YWCA’s
Rape Crisis Center and our other assault-prevention services.
“Walk a Mile” has men walking in women’s shoes (that the YW
provides us), beginning at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San
Jose and ending at the beautiful and newly-renovated Crowne Plaza
Hotel, where we can all enjoy a festive reception and marvel at our
accomplishment!
WE WANT YOU (and your friends) TO PARTICIPATE and we’re
making it easy!
Contribute $100 yourself…and plan to be at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
at 4:30pm on April 22nd to walk with us (walk begins at 5pm)
…OR…You can raise the $100 by asking friends, family and
colleagues to contribute to your $100…we have pledge forms you can
use to collect walker money. If that doesn’t work, just contribute what
you can and meet us at the park at 4:30pm!
If you’re walking, you will receive a tee shirt to keep and wear during
the walk…and if you’re with a group of walkers, feel free to carry
banners or wear name-recognition clothing, as well.
You will need to register by filling out and faxing the registration form
available on the YWCA website at www.ywca-sv.org. Be sure to
include your shoe size, means of payment and complete contact
information. If you have any questions please email
[email protected] or call (408) 295-4011 x217.
Tickets are $30 per person, per show and are
on sale now at the Santana Row Concierge
(408-551-4611) and online at santanarow.com.
Rob Davis,SJ Police Chief
Darryl VonRaesfeld, SJ Fire Chief
Wayne Davis, Dir of Operations AMR
Daniel Fenton, CEO-Team San Jose
Chris Johnson, Photographer
John Southwel, VP Hotel Ops DiNapoli Capital Partners
Mike Maionchi, Lockheed Martin
Spring has sprung and with it the tourist season has begun. This is a
joyous time a year despite the somewhat shaky economic situation in the country
and in California. Let’s all hope that the stimuli - bestowed on and paid for by all of
us - will yield the projected results.
Much of the recovery will depend on our collective willingness to save,
yet spend as much of our disposable income as is prudent, in order to jump-start
the economy. In order to make this happen, here are some comments and
suggestions on what to do in and around San Jose for your visitors and you.
I am glad that San Jose’s former mayor is making a major effort to round
up support to expand and improve the San Pedro Square area and to create a
shopping and entertainment hub that will – so we are led to believe – compare
favorably with Santana Row. Given the increase in residents in downtown San Jose
this ‘remedial’ move is much needed.
There are, of course, the detractors who are sure that this project is
negotiated behind closed doors and lacks the transparency that is so much talked
about these days.
Two events are approaching rapidly and you may want to mark your calendar:
Ballet San Jose’s
It will be performed from May 7th — 10th, 2009 under the direction of
Dennis Nahat, Artistic and Executive Director.
Wine Tasting Event
1st Fathers Day Chili Cook-Off and Car Show
This charitable event is presented by California’s Great America and
NACE – Silicon Valley Chapter (NACE stands for ‘National Association of Catering
Executives) and benefits the Mission City College Scholarship Foundation.
Prize monies for the first three winners in the Professional and Amateur categories
are $1,000 for first, $500 for second, and $250 for third price. They will be donated
to this worthwhile cause on behalf of the winners
If you want to toss your hat in the ring, the deadline for entry is April 15,
2009. There is a 30-team maximum and the entry fee is $200 ($150 for NACE
members). For details on the rules for the Cook-Off, send an e-mail to Jennifer
Dahlen, Director of Sales at ARAMARK Corporation:
[email protected]
I welcome your comments or
suggestions on ‘Insiders’ Track’
GUS HOLWEGER [email protected]
Invitation will be sent after April 14th
rd
Thursday April 23 2009
5-7pm
Tessora's Barra di Vino
.
In the Pruneyard Shopping Center
1875 S. Bascom Campbell
408. 340. 7272
Jazzed about April
In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, San Jose Jazz and the
Tech Museum have joined forces to present a series of four free
lectures on April 7, 14, 21 & 28 about the art of creating and listening
to this popular musical genre. Lectures include “Music and
Technology: The Intersection and Impact” (Apr 7), where panelists
discuss how technology has changed jazz; “Listening to Jazz: How
Music is Selected for the San Jose Jazz Festival,” (Apr 14), where
you’ll learn how musicians and jazz aficionados listen to jazz; “Jazz
Outside the United States,” (Apr 21), where international musicians
talk about how the global jazz community is influenced by the U.S.
scene, and vice versa; and “How Did You Take That Picture?” (Apr
28), where photographers reveal stories behind iconic jazz photos. By
the end of the series, you’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of this
dynamic music tradition. 7pm. (San Jose: Tech Museum of
Innovation, 201 S. Market St.; 408/288-7557)
In Full Bloom: Exploring the Area’s Gardens Whoever said that April
showers bringwww.dinahshotel.com
May flowers obviously hasn’t spent much time in the South
Bay and Peninsula, where gardens can bloom nearly year-round. Virtually
every variety of gardens can be found—from cactus and succulents and
roses to Japanese and European-style—if you know where to look.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful setting for a stroll or looking for
inspiration for your own garden, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to
cultivate your botanical appreciation here in the area.
San Jose Area Fans of Asian-style gardens shouldn’t miss Hakone
Gardens. This gorgeous sanctuary is the oldest Japanese estate garden in
the Western Hemisphere. Hakone is a horticultural masterpiece, with
Japanese maples and hinoki cypress; daphne and jasmine; a wisteriacovered arbor; and much more. The grounds also feature tearooms;
arched bridges; and koi ponds. (Saratoga: 21000 Big Basin Way; 408/7414994; open Mon-Fri, 10-5; Sat-Sun 11-5)
The Japanese Friendship Garden is another great example of Japanesestyle horticulture, and is modeled after the famous Korakuen Garden in
Okayama, Japan, one of San Jose’s sister cities. (San Jose: Kelley Park,
Senter Rd. and Story Rd.; 408/277-2757; 10am to one-half hour after
sunset)
Eat Up at Buca di Beppo
As if you needed more reasons to visit Buca di Beppo this month, the
famous family-style eatery has added six more savory dishes to its
menu for patrons to enjoy, including the Chianti-Braised Short Ribs in
a Chianti tomato sauce reduction; and the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, which
features garlic shrimp in a spicy rosa sauce with penne pasta.
Chicken lovers will appreciate the Chicken Carbonara, with spaghetti
in a creamy Alfredo sauce with prosciutto, peas and chicken breast;
the Penne Basilica, with chicken breast, broccoli and a light pesto
cream sauce; the Penne San Remo, with chicken breast, artichoke
hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and peas in a white cream sauce; and
Prosciutto-Stuffed Chicken, baked and covered in marinara sauce on
a bed of pesto cream sauce. Come with friends and family for a true
Buca feast!
Eulipia: Hitting All the Right Notes
East meets West at Overfelt Gardens, which contains a fragrance garden
full of aromatic plants; an area dedicated to California native plants; and a
cypress tree said to be a descendant of the tree in Greece under which
Hippocrates taught his medical students. The most distinctive part of the
park is the Chinese Cultural Garden.(San Jose: 368 Educational Park Dr.;
408/251-3323; 10am to sunset)
Rose lovers should put the Heritage Rose Garden at the top of their list.
Nestled in San Jose’s Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, this collection of
over 3,700 antique, modern and miniature roses contains more varieties
than any other rose garden in the Western Hemisphere. Visit on April 25,
10-3, for the Spring Celebration to see the roses at their peak. (San Jose:
Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Spring and Taylor Sts.; 408/277-5904;
open daily from dawn until dusk)
The Municipal Rose Garden features mostly newer varieties, and is home
to more than 4,000 rose shrubs representing 189 varieties, including
hybrids, miniature roses and climbers. The garden’s colorful and showy
blooms start coming out in April, and stick around until November. (San
Jose: corner of Naglee and Dana Aves.; 408/277-2757; 8am to one-half
hour after sunset)
Running a restaurant is a bit like leading a jazz band: A lot of
preparation, practice and presentation go into each nightly
performance, and if you do it right, you’ll attract a cadre of loyal fans.
Eulipia in downtown San Jose has refined the process into an art
form, serving mouthwatering New American food for more than 30
years. With its elegant atmosphere, bend-over-backwards service and
innovative menu, it’s no surprise that Eulipia has garnered and held
an enthusiastic following.
Named after Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s song, “Theme for the Eulipions,”
Eulipia’s affinity to jazz is apparent the moment you step through the
doors: Smooth music floats above the low chatter of diners in the loftlike dining room, whose exposed-brick wall, candlelit tables and jazzthemed wall artwork lend an urbane yet unpretentious air.
Start the evening off right with drink from the full bar, such as the
Fletch, a lemon and raspberry martini, or a selection from the
extensive wine list.
The Peninsula No garden tour would be complete without a visit to Filoli.
This early 20th-century Georgian-style country estate belonged to the
prominent San Franciscan, William Bowers Bourn. Garden tours and
docent-led hikes on trails around the area are offered. (Woodside: 86
Cañada Rd.; 650/364-8300; open Tues-Sat, 10-3; Sun, 11-3:30)
Tues-Sat, 5:30-10; Sun, 4:30-9.
Eulipia is also available for events; a separate room is available for
private dining; catering services are offered.
Location:
372 S. First St., San Jose
More info:
408/280-6161; www.eulipia.com
The famed Sunset Magazine Garden offers inspiration for aspiring
landscapers. The grounds are divided into climate zones: The Northwest;
Northern California; Central California; and the Southwest Desert and
Southern California. Explore a variety of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials
and more. (Menlo Park: 80 Willow Rd.; 650/321-3600; Mon-Fri, 9-4:30)
Smaller in scale but just as charming is the Elizabeth Gamble Garden, an
urban estate set on 2.5 acres of land that features a historic home, a
carriage house and tea house surrounded by formal and demonstration
gardens. (Palo Alto: 1431 Waverly St.; 650/329-1356; open daily during
daylight hours)
--Stephanie Soong, Discover Silicon Valley Magazine
[email protected]
SUPPORT
OUR SPONSORS
BOARD OF MEMBERS
Airship Ventures
www.airshipventures.com
Executive Board
Mori Mandis
President
[email protected]
Artsopolis
www.artsopolis.com
Chateau Marie Antoinette Wines
www.cmawines.com
Children’s Discover Museum of
San Jose
www.cdm.org
Anthony Aguilar, V.P.
Director of Communications
& Membership
[email protected]
Director of Administration
Marianna Khienkina
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Mori Mandis
[email protected]
DISCOVER SILICON VALLEY MAGAZINE
[email protected]
Gus Holweger (Insiders' Track)
[email protected]
Clarion Hotel San Jose Airport
www.clarionsj.com
David Erskine
Director of Finance
[email protected]
Dinah’s Garden Hotel
www.dinahshotel.com
Randy Zechman
Director of Marketing
[email protected]
Redevelopment City of San Jose
[email protected]
Discover Silicon Valley Magazine
www.explorepublishing.com/
Advisors to the Board
Shozo Kagoshima
Winchester Mystery House
Anna Morris
Past President
Hyatt Regency – Santa Clara
Donna West (Off the Beaten Path)
Lighthouse Travel & Tours
www.lighthouse-tours.com
E&O Trading Company
www.eotrading.com
El Paseo Limousine
www.elpaseolimo.com
Board Members
Shawna Dedrick
Lynn Dyche
Nathan Emmett
Gus Holweger
Maria Lange
Jeffrey Phillips
Lillian Scoyen
Missy Singer
Victor Solanoy
June Suzuki
Donna West
Garden Court Vincci Hotel
www.gardencourt.com
Gilroy Visitors Bureau
www.gilroyvisitor.org
Guglielmo Winery
guglielmowinery.com
JoMar Labs
www.jomarlabs.com
SVCA Membership
Los Altos History Museum
www.losaltoshistory.org
Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce
www.morganhill.org
Royal Coach Tours
www.Royal-Coach.com
Santa Clara CVB & Chamber of
Commerce
www.santaclara.org
San Jose CVB
www.sanjose.org
Silicon Valley Tour Guides Association
408-978-9543
Silvercreek Sportplex San Jose
www.silvercreeksportsplex.com
SVCA Member
$50.00
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Non-Profit Groups
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Sponsors
$150.00
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FAM events invitation
(Up to 5 attendees)

Listing on Website
& Valley Access Recognition
Associates
Complimentary
 Valley Access E-Magazine
Marianna Khienkina,
SVCA Web-site
www.SiliconValleyConcierge.com
Convention Information Site:
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
and Cultural Facilities
(408) 277-5277
www.sjcc.com/
Santa Clara Convention Center
www.santaclara.org/conventioncenter/cal
endar.cfm
Contact Information & Dues:
Anthony Aguilar
V.P. Communication & Marketing
65 Washington Street #113
Santa Clara, CA 95050
E-Mail: [email protected]
Your Personal Concierge
www.pattianderson.com
E-MAIL: [email protected]
DEADLINE TO SUMBIT ARTICLES FOR E-MAGAZINE, IS THE LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH