Some people are going to cringe when I say this, but it does have a lot of similarities to Santana Row. The attention to detail in the Market is impeccable, from the hummingbirds hanging from the ceiling to the flower selection in the courtyard. It has great open-air dining options, including the incredible courtyard with the Peralta Adobe. There is live music and entertainment. And, it is being progressively elaborated. Santana Row wasn't built in a day, in fact it is still being built. With SR, I always enjoyed going there and discovering what is coming next. There were always new surprises to discover, and now the same is happening with the Market.
Before I get into the updates, let me tell you where The Market and Santana Row are different. 1.) Instead of national anchors and restaurants, every tenant in The Market is a local small business where the owners are incredibly passionate about what they do and are striving to deliver the best possible product possible. SR venues go for consistency, the Market is going for excellence and innovation (can give you examples of innovative concepts from every food vendor). 2.) Price. The Market has the best value proposition imaginable for dinner. Pay "lunch" prices all day long, mix and match foods from vendors, no reservations needed, and it's both kid and adult friendly (three bars by summer). 3.) History. There is actual historical value in the venue itself. It is more than retail in a box. The Market will actually help preserve some San Jose history and make it more accessible to the public.
Okay, now for the good stuff. Here are the updates since the last time I posted about the Market:
- On a Roll is now open right at the front of the Market. They serve Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle plates, spring rolls, tofu, and several other items. I've tried it already... the noodle plate with the pork is fantastic. Great addition!
- New seating has been added outside the Market and adjacent to On a Roll.
- The Crepe place (Crepe-Paris) is about 2 weeks away from opening. They'll have both savory and sweet crepes and be right between Vino Vino and On a Roll. Also, they will likely stay open late to provide food for the post 10pm bar crowd.
- A new awning has been added in the courtyard, as well as some new festoon lighting.
- A new sign has been added for Blush, which also looks like it's getting a roll-up door on the side of the building.
- Building #2 (Lusardi) is 4-6 weeks away from opening. Unlike Building #1 (El Dorado), it's likely going to open mostly full with the following vendors:
- Treatbot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck
- Veggiebox - fresh, local veggies and prepared dishes
- Blush - Sushi, oysters, and a really unique bar
- Showroom - Boutique apparel, including I<3SJ shirts
- Ay Dios Mio - Mexican
- The Little Cheese Shop - Cheese, Charcuterie, and Gourmet Foods
- San Pedro Square Seafood
- Loteria Taco Bar will be coming to the original building later this year.
- New Saturday San Pedro Farmers Market which will wrap around the Market and kick off April 7th!
