San Jose Ghost Tour Brings Eerie Tales to Life in Downtown San Jose

Happy Friday the 13th! A few weeks ago I had a chance to participate in one of the most unique walks I have ever taken throughout Downtown San Jose. I joined the San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. The guided one-mile journey takes participants past buildings steeped in decades of dramatic events and reported hauntings while at the same dropping tons of fascinating history of San Jose.

The experience began under the prominent arch at Paseo de San Carlos and wound through areas tied to everything from Wild West saloons and brothels to brewery tragedies to sorrows at San Jose State University. Stories shared included the former Sainte Claire Hotel, where spirits have remained active, and the last public lynching in the US at St. James Park.

I learned so many new things from the tour. I don't want to give too much away, but did you know Trials Pub used to have a jail in the basement where several people died, and the remnants of the cells are still there directly beneath the dart boards? Multiple people have reported ghost sightings at Trials as well as unexplained bruises when collecting darts.

On the other hand I also learned that the concept of quicksilver (mercury) mining actually came from Indian tribes. While there was so much fuss about the gold rush, more money was made mining quicksilver at the New Almaden Mine in San Jose than ANY individual gold mine in all of California.

This tour succeeded in blending in documented local history with accounts of shadow figures and unexplained phenomena. Anyone drawn to unique perspectives on local heritage will find this tour delivers in compelling fashion. The walk has offered distinctive way to experience Downtown San Jose after dark and the tour guide was fantastic!

All of the tours start at 8pm and are relatively kid friendly (ideal for older kids). Reserve your tickets at https://usghostadventures.com/san-jose-ghost-tour/ or https://lizzie-borden.com/ghost-tours/san-jose/

Holi Fest 2026 Brings Vibrant Festival of Colors to Discovery Meadow

San Jose will welcome an unforgettable burst of color when Holi Fest returns to Discovery Meadow on March 7. This largest Festival of Colors in Downtown San Jose runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 180 Woz Way and delivers nonstop excitement organized by the Association of Indo Americans.

Attendees will dance to energetic Bollywood music while tossing traditional gulal powder in every shade imaginable. Food booths will serve authentic Indian foods and live performances will keep the energy high across the park all afternoon.

Families will appreciate free admission for children under seven along with complimentary thandai (cold Indian drink made from nuts, spices, rose water, milk, and sugar) for the first thousand guests. The event keeps expanding year after year and shows exactly how San Jose embraces cultural traditions that unite everyone.

Diwali Carnival Illuminates Downtown San Jose This Weekend

Downtown San Jose will come alive with the spirit of Diwali on October 25 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Organized by the Association of Indo Americans, this free event invites everyone to join in the Festival of Lights, complete with colorful decorations that transform the area into a festive wonderland. Attendees can look forward to a mix of cultural elements that highlight Indian traditions, making it a welcoming gathering for families and friends across the community.

The evening features a live concert by Vidya Vox, whose energetic performances blend global sounds with South Asian influences, drawing crowds eager for music and dance. Alongside the show, visitors will find vendor booths offering shopping for clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts, plus a variety of street foods that capture the flavors of the season. Activities include interactive dances and displays that encourage participation, fostering a sense of unity and joy under the stars.

This carnival adds to San Jose's calendar of multicultural celebrations, showcasing the city's diverse heritage in the heart of Downtown. With over 20,000 expected participants, the event provides an accessible way to experience new customs and connect with neighbors.

Swades Festival Brings Vibrant Indian Independence Day Celebrations to Downtown San Jose

San Jose hosts the Swades: Celebrate India Festival and Parade on August 9 at Discovery Meadow, marking one of the largest Indian Independence Day events on the West Coast. Organized by the Association of Indo-Americans, this gathering draws thousands to honor India's 78th Independence Day with a mix of culture, patriotism, and community spirit. From 1:00 pm to 10:30 pm, attendees can immerse themselves in the festivities at 180 Woz Way, where entry costs range from free to just $3, making it accessible for families and friends to join in the joy.

The event kicks off with a flag hoisting ceremony and national anthem, followed by live performances featuring top local and national artists. Dance, music, and drama showcase India's diverse heritage, while interactive elements like carnival games, a kids zone, and face painting keep younger visitors engaged. Food stalls offer authentic Indian cuisine, a shopping bazaar displays unique items, and art exhibits add creative flair, creating a full day of discovery and connection in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

This festival strengthens San Jose's role as a welcoming hub for cultural exchange, where events like Swades foster unity among residents from various backgrounds. By participating, locals contribute to a lively atmosphere that highlights the city's commitment to diversity and celebration. Downtown San Jose transforms into a stage for global traditions, inviting everyone to experience the energy and build lasting memories.

For more information and for tickets, head over here.

Chayakada Brining Custom Chai to San Jose

San Jose gains a unique spot for tea lovers with the opening of Chayakada at 117 Bernal Road, Suite 80, where each cup of chai gets brewed from scratch on the stovetop to match individual tastes. Owner Aleena Thomas, hailing from Kerala in southern India, brings the concept of a traditional chayakada to life as a dedicated tea shop with snacks and bistro food, marking what she describes as the first of its kind in the United States. After leasing the 4,000-square-foot space in November 2024 and securing permits in May, the cafe welcomed guests starting June 1, filling a gap in personalized chai options often overlooked in favor of standard recipes at restaurants.

The menu extends beyond drinks to include dozens of homestyle meals and baked snacks, all prepared in-house by a five-person team without outside investors. Thomas envisions the space as more than a quick stop, incorporating a kids library, game room, lounge area, and multipurpose hall for events to encourage lingering and connection. On opening day, around 500 visitors arrived, leading to nearly 600 free cups of chai served, while the first week saw 1,000 people, five catering events, and hundreds more cups poured, as shared on their Instagram.

This addition highlights San Jose's growing diversity in culinary experiences, drawing from global traditions to create welcoming environments. With its focus on accessibility and customization, Chayakada invites residents to explore new ways to enjoy chai while fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Source: SVBJ

Tanishq Unveils a Gem of a Store in Santa Clara

San Jose’s South Asian community—and jewelry lovers across the Bay Area—have something special to explore with the arrival of Tanishq’s flagship store in Santa Clara. The 5,100 sq. ft. showroom, located at 3406 El Camino Real, opened its doors earlier this year and celebrated its official grand opening on May 8. The event brought a slice of Indian tradition to Silicon Valley with a lamp-lighting ceremony, a ribbon cutting, and a musical performance. Santa Clara’s mayor joined even local leaders and enthusiastic visitors.

The showroom dazzles with thousands of gold and diamond pieces, each one a testament to Indian craftsmanship with a modern twist. Collections like Rhythms of Rain and Tales of Mystique stand out, offering designs that tie into cultural heritage while marking life’s big moments such as weddings, festivals, or even a just well-deserved treat. 

What makes this opening exciting for the San Jose metro is how it adds to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for culture and creativity. The store’s luxurious vibe and focus on heritage invite everyone to discover something unique. 

List of New San Jose Restaurants

The Silicon Valley Business Journal has a full list of notable South Bay restaurants, both those recently opened in late 2024 and coming soon this year. Below is the list for San Jose, but you can check out the source link for all of Silicon Valley.

Tomorrow I'll have a full review of Eos & Nyx, San Jose's most highly anticipated restaurant opening in the past several months. From the list below, I'm super excited about the return of Adega as well as Augustine in Santana Row (their other restaurants are excellent). Campus Burgers gets the award for biggest surprise of 2024 for me. Who would have thought $2 smashburgers could be so good?

New San Jose Restaurants

Adega: San Jose's only Michelin-starred restaurant reopened in October after closing in December 2023. Serving Portuguese cuisine, owners Carlos and Fernanda Carreira had planned to turn the 1614 Alum Rock Ave. location into a second location for their Petiscos restaurant but had a most welcome change of heart. 

Augustine: The Bacchus Management Group's second restaurant in Santana Row will offer Mediterranean cuisine in two dining rooms across 8,000 square feet as well as a 3,000-square-foot patio space. The site, formerly a dim sum restaurant, will also have a reservations-only cocktail bar. 

Campus Burgers: Home of the $2 smash burger, this family-run burger stand opened in July offering students and locals an inexpensive alternative to the larger chains. Located across the street from San Jose State University at 108 Paseo de San Antonio, this little burger joint has become a student staple. 

California Fish Grill: Coming soon to the Evergreen Circle shopping center at 2394 Evergreen Place, this will make three Silicon Valley locations of the healthy fast-food chain. 

Caminos de Michoacán: Offering up authentic Mexican cuisine like goat birria tacos, menudo and enchiladas michoacanas at 5138 Monterey Road in San Jose. 

Dough Burger: Big burgers, shakes and fries at 1721 Old Bayshore Highway. "All meat is Hand-Slaughtered Halal," they brag on their website. 

El Amigo: Family-style Mexican food and beverages located in Santa Teresa Village, in South San Jose. Regulars love the wet burrito as well as breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros and machaca. 

Eos & Nyx: This Mediterranean-inspired two-story dining complex comes from MO Hospitality Group, the folks driving Downtown San Jose's revival with MiniBoss, PaperPlane, Still O.G., and Alter Ego. The restaurant opened this past November as part of Urban Catalyst’s Paseo project. 

Hey Chicken: This fried chicken fast-food joint opened at 670 River Oaks Pkwy. last year. 

La Korita Restaurant: Offering up a combination of traditional Mexican street foods like tacos and quesa birrias in what was formerly Tony P's Park Ave Bar & Grill, La Korita also offers a Mexican seafood menu. 

La Más Querida Cantina & Cocina: Located at King and Story Road, this Mexican bar and restaurant that aims for a festive, fiesta feel. 

Los Arcos Restaurant: Traditional Mexican food and entertainment that's been open for more than a year on Tully Road. Live entertainment, big portions, and plenty of parking.  

Mendocino Farms: The sandwich shop opened its fourth location in San Jose at the Westgate Center offering up its trademark "fast-casual" fare of gourmet sandwiches and salads. 

Moonwake Coffee Roasters: What began as a pop-up cafe out of the back of a Tesla Cybertruck, husband and wife team of Ming Wood and Mabel Yeung opened a cafe proper at 1412 Saratoga Ave. in West San Jose this past fall bringing a little Apple Store atmosphere to coffee culture. 

Mylapore South Indian Restaurant: Opened in April in the Westgate Mall, Mylapore offers quick, easy, and inexpensive vegetarian dishes like dals, dosas, and jaggeries. 

Pizza Guys: The Sacramento-based chain opened its fourth San Jose location at 2471 Berryessa Road, Suite 2 in September as part of its plan to open eight more franchises in the state. 

The Pressroom: Located at the intersection of Santa Clara and North Almaden Ave., this upscale restaurant and bar will be the latest addition to restaurateur David Mulvehill's San Jose mainstays, Five Points craft cocktail bar, O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, Dr. Funk Rum House, and Hella Good Burger. Done in partnership with Nuvo Hospitality Group, it's expected to open in early 2025. 

Pho King Restaurant: Celebrating chicken noodle pho, this Vietnamese restaurant at 385 Kiely Blvd. also celebrates traditional pork chops and spicy beef noodle soup. 

Raising Cane's: The fried chicken finger chain, founded in Louisiana in 1996, plans to open later this year at the Evergreen Circle shopping center. 

Shake Shack: The New York-based gourmet burger chain opened a third location in San Jose at the Westgate Center at 1640 Saratoga Ave. with a rumored fourth location to be on the way in 2025. 

Taelynn Cafe: A modern Vietnamese coffee shop located in the Sun Plaza offers a variety of teas and coffees with some small bites like beef and rice and banh mi sandwiches. 

Tang's Asian Vegetarian Restaurant: A Vietnamese specialty restaurant — an all-vegetarian menu — opened on the site of Champa Kitchen, a halal-style Vietnamese restaurant. Foodies on social media praise Tang's use of meat alternatives like mushrooms and bean curd as well as being one of the more sensibly priced veggie restaurants in the area. 

Wowmia Pizza: Recently opened pizza joint that offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet as well as its signature pizzas at 2951 Monterey Rd. 

Source: SVBJ

Swades Indian Festival today

In addition to the Jazz Festival, there is a second major event happening Downtown today to celebrate Indian Independence Day. It features tons of food, live music, cultural performances, a Bollywood open air concert, and a night market with over 100 vendor booths.

Admission is $10 per person and it is kid-friendly (kids under 12 are free). For more info, click here.

Yelp ranks a San Jose Indian restaurant as #2 in the United States

Yelp has put out it's very first ranking of the best Indian restaurants in the US, and the second one on the list is none other than Kadhai Kitchen in North San Jose. It actually started out as a food truck and is a small hole in the wall shop that serves a short menu of vegetarian options. 

I ordered almost the entire menu today on Doordash and was really impressed. In fact, I forgot it was vegetarian. Their specialties are pavs, kind of like Indian sliders using homemade buns stuffed with a potato fritter and a variety of sauces. Many people say it's as good as what you can get in Mumbai.

I ordered Pav Bhaji and Ragda Pattice along with Thums Up (an Indian soda similar to Coke that is now ironically owned by Coke). They also had a corn cutlet which is a corn and potato croquette that my wife and I loved. Their eggless date & walnut cake and a mango lassie were a great way to finish the meal. It wasn't expensive or overly spicy, and the flavors were outstanding. I think it's a perfect option for a quick meal or snack and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I'm already looking forward to ordering again--or better yet going in person.

Only two Indian restaurants in California made the list, which is surprising to me. Kadhai Kitchen did San Jose proud!

Kadhai Kitchen is located at 2678 Cropley Avenue and is open from 4:30pm to 9pm Tues-Fri and 4pm to 8:30pm on Sat-Sun.

Source: The Mercury News

Taste of India Festival this weekend

As I was walking through Downtown San Jose today, I saw that a major event was being setup in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Now I know what that event is, the Taste of India Festival! It will feature over 150 varieties of Indian Food, nonstop entertainment, an open air Bollywood Glow Party, and a celebrity appearance.

The event goes from noon to 10pm both today and tomorrow is is completely free. All of the details are below.

Event Description: Experience the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of India right here in the Bay Area at the Taste of India Festival! For the first time ever, this grand celebration of Indian cuisine and entertainment is coming to Plaza de Cesar Chavez on July 6th and 7th.

Join us for two unforgettable days filled with:

• Culinary Delights: Savor over 150+ varieties of delicious Indian food, from street food favorites to gourmet delicacies.
• Live Performances: Enjoy non-stop entertainment with over 300+ artists showcasing diversified range of Indian music, dance, and performances.
• Bollywood Glow Party: Dance the night away at the first-ever Open Air Bollywood Glow Party, an electrifying experience you won't want to miss!
• Celebrity Appearance: Meet and greet one of Bollywood's biggest stars, Preity Zinta, and capture memorable moments with her.

Event Details:

• Dates: July 6th & 7th
• Time: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113, USA,
• Entry: Absolutely FREE

Gather your friends and family for a weekend of food, fun, and festivity. Don't miss out on the largest food festival of North America right here in your city. Mark your calendars and get ready for a spectacular Taste of India!

BollyBE: Uniting Communities and Overcoming Barriers through Dance

There are so many excellent resources, events, and free classes offered by San Jose libraries. I'm starting to take advantage of them myself with a toddler running around. 

Below we have a guest post from Anusha Upadhyayula. The library played a crucial role in shaping her identity as an Indian American. Inspired by all of the great multicultural events local libraries host, the author founded BollyBE, a community-driven initiative that uses Bollywood dance to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity. BollyBE workshops at the Morgan Hill Library have been well-received, with attendees praising the multicultural environment and the fun, easy-to-follow dance routines. Anusha's goal is to spread the joy of Bollywood dance and create a welcoming space for all to learn and celebrate South Asian culture, aiming to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity.

You can sign up your kids for free classes hosted by BollyBE over here. Even if you are not interested in dance, it's a great story that showcases one of the many benefits of living in a diverse city.

BollyBE: Uniting Communities and Overcoming Barriers through Dance

The cozy book-lined walls of the library and the memories of the time I spent there attending “Family Time” story sessions and “Mommy & Me” dances are forever etched in my mind. The library helped expand my boundaries as I participated in Lunar New Year and other cultural events and learnt about cultures of the world. Slowly, as I grew older, my sense of identity became increasingly complex. As an Indian American, I struggled with which part of that word I resonated with more closely. Should I embrace my Indian heritage? Or should I be just American? The lack of representation of my South Asian heritage in my community made me feel that it was an insignificant part of who I was. That’s when I fell in love with Bollywood music and dance.

When we listen to a song, regardless of the language, the human body naturally responds, whether it’s tapping feet or swaying to the rhythm. Rhythm, music, and dance transcend language barriers and cultural divides. They possess a unique power to convey entire stories without the need to understand the words themselves. Through Bollywood dance and music, with its soulful melodies and energetic beats, I discovered a way to connect with my heritage. Bollywood movies played a significant role in this discovery, as they seamlessly intertwined dance and music with cultural storytelling. Attending Indian weddings and community events further deepened my love for Bollywood dance, as I witnessed how dance and music were not only integral to the culture of South Asia but also to the community. 

Inspired by the key role dance and music play within a culture and a community and eager to share my own South Asian culture with the rest of the world, I founded BollyBE. From there, it only felt fitting to give back to the library community and share a piece of my own identity in the place that played such a key role in developing it throughout the years. BollyBE is not just about teaching dance steps; it’s about creating a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn, and celebrate South Asian culture.

When I first taught a beginners’ garba routine (a dance style from the state of Gujarat in India), many attendees were eager to delve into the complexities and historical roots of the dance, highlighting the appreciation people have for South Asian art forms and cultural representation. The overwhelming love and enthusiasm for our workshops, especially at the Morgan Hill Library, is a testament to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create at BollyBE. Durdana, who attended one of our Bollywood dance classes, shared her experience, highlighting the unique and multicultural nature of our events: “I attended Anusha’s Bollywood dance class in Morgan Hill, CA. My friends and I had decided to go because we thought it might be fun. We are Pakistani, so we are very familiar with Bollywood music and dance. It was very interesting to see a very diverse group of people turn up for the dance class - not just Indian/Pakistanis. Everyone had a lot of fun, and I think it was great as a multicultural immersion event.”

BollyBE not only provides a platform for cultural immersion but also offers a free and enjoyable way to incorporate physical exercise into people’s routines. Dance experience doesn’t matter at BollyBE; it’s easy for beginners, and participants are encouraged to have fun while dancing. This inclusive approach was highlighted by Kiran R., who attended a BollyBE workshop at the Morgan Hill library with three friends. Kiran shared, “We had a blast. It was fun, great music, easy steps (for women with not so great hearing and body coordination). Anusha broke down the steps and made them easy to follow and didn’t mind the giggles we dissolved into while laughing at ourselves. She is a fantastic teacher, can’t wait to take another class with her.”

As I continue teaching in different library branches across Santa Clara County, my goal is to spread the joy of Bollywood dance and create a welcoming space for all to learn and celebrate South Asian culture together. Through BollyBE, I aim to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity. I believe that by sharing the beauty of Bollywood dance, we can inspire people to embrace and celebrate their own cultural identities while appreciating the richness of other cultures. In this way, BollyBE is not just a dance initiative; it’s a cultural movement, bringing people together through the universal language of dance.

-Anusha Upadhyayula

sjDance presents the Spring DANCE Festival this weekend at Eastridge Center

WHEN: Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 12 Noon to 5:00pm. “Professional Programming” segments are 15-minutes each on the half-hour (1:30pm, 2:30pm, etc.), and free 15-minute dance classes are held every hour, on-the-hour (both days).

WHERE: Eastridge Center Mall, 2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose, CA 95122, off Capitol Expressway and Tully Road. The festival stage is located on the main level of the mall.

WHY: Celebrating National Dance Week - and a cornerstone of Bay Area Dance Week.  The festival is also the kickoff to sjDANCEco’s 21st Season. Everything is free.

Over 60 choreographers and Bay Area dance organizations (from young children to professional companies and everything in between) present many styles of dance on the Eastridge festival stage during a free non-stop 5-hour program each day. The professional dance portions of the show are at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and on the half-hour all day long. Free dance classes will be offered at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and on-the-hour throughout the day. The celebration is part of Bay Area Dance Week and National Dance Week (April 26- May 5, 2024) and showcases the diversity of the Bay Area dance community. 

Professional Dance Groups:

·      sjDANCEco   Contemporary

·      Rosangela Silvestre (from Brazil)  Afro-Brazilian

·      N'fungola Dance Company (New Orleans)  West African

·      Abhinaya Dance Company (San Jose)  Indian Classical Dance

·      Tachiria Flamenco (San Francisco)  Flamenco

·      Diablo Ballet (Walnut Creek)  Ballet

·      Monsoon Dance Company (Palo Alto)  Contemporary Indian

·      Magnetic Pole Fit (San Jose)  Contemporary Pole

·      Hermosura Dance Productions (Fremont)  Social Latin

·      Aboriginals (Manteca, CA)  Hip Hop/Breakdance

·      Kyleigh Brine (Arcata, CA)  Contemporary

·      Agua Doce Dance (Santa Cruz) African-Brazilian Contemporary

·      Los Lupeños de San José    Mexican Folk Dance

·      Jenni Hong Dance (Palo Alto)  Contemporary

·      Noorani Dance (Menlo Park)   Kathak

Other Dance Groups Include:

·      Calpulli Tonalehqueh of San Jose   Ancient Aztec Dance

·      Flying Colors Dance & Fitness (Hollister)  Jazz

·      Los Gatos Ballet (Los Gatos)  Ballet

·      New Ballet (San Jose)  Ballet

·      Monsoon Dance  (Palo Alto)  Contemporary Indian

·      Yerba Buena High School (San Jose)   Jazz

·      San Jose State University    Modern

·      Los Lupeños Juvenil   (San Jose)  Mexican Folk Dance

·      Cal Poly Humboldt (Arcata)  Contemporary

·      Lin HH School of Dance (San Jose)  Contemporary

·      SBCC Dance Company (Santa Barbara)  Modern

·       Lara Jean Choreography (Los Gatos)  Contemporary

·      Concept o4 (San Francisco)    Contemporary

·      Latizmo Hi Hop Productions (San Jose)  Modern

·      DBDC (Capitola)  Hip Hop/Breakdance

·       Veksler Academy  (Sunnyvale) Hip Hop/Breakdance

·      NDS Nijikko Dance School (San Jose) Hip Hop/Breakdance

·      IndepenDance (San Jose) Contemporary

·      Dance Academy USA (Cupertino) Jazz

·      The Ruby Slippers (Santa Clara) Kpop

·      Dance Expressions (Sunnyvale) Pom

·      East West Music and Dance (San Jose) Lyrical

·      Ace Dance (Sunnyvale) Jazz

·      Ako Ballet Dance School (Cupertino)  Ballet and Lyrical

Free Classes offered in various styles:

• West African
• Flamenco
• Classical
• KPop
• Salsa
• Symbology of the Orixas
• Hip Hop

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPENING CEREMONIES:

Calpulli Tonalehqueh of San Jose will be presenting the Art of Ancient Aztec Dance to open the festival on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 12:30pm. The opening ceremony is a ritual with drums which calls the four elements (wind, water, fire, earth) and the four cardinal directions...North (Tezcatlipoca), East (Quetzalcoatl), South (Huitzilopochtli), and West (Xipe Totec) along with the Great Cosmos, Mother Earth, and the Center - Our Hearts. Traditionally, dancers carry the elements in the form of the atecocolli (a conch shell) which is played to call in the winds, popoxcommi (which carries fire), and copal (a sacred incense) is burnt which carries scented prayers on white smoke to the ancestors. The ritual is a ceremonial way to ask permission to be present and to call the gods of the directions to help guide and protect the space.  

This ritual is in deep respect of Mother Earth and the Cosmos, recognizing that we walk the Red Road (living life with purpose) and are of the elements. It is profoundly deep and important work in reconnecting us to our home - this planet.

ABOUT US: sjDANCEco is a year-round contemporary dance company based in San Jose, California that produces world premieres by its core and guest choreographers, and presents the very best of Contemporary and Classic Modern Dance and Masterpieces of the American Modern Dance Repertory. In addition to a full season of dance concerts, sjDANCEco also is a major participant each Spring in free outdoor dance presentations during National Dance Week, international dance festivals, and has a full schedule of contemporary dance classes for the advanced and professional dancer.   sjDANCEco ignites the spirit of dance.

sjDANCEco is a registered 501(c)(3)

Fitoor is now open, bringing high-end Indian cuisine and late-night music to Santana Row

The San Jose food-scene continues to evolve and reach new heights. Fitoor (which is the word for passion in Hindi) is brining Indian food back to Santana Row in the same space that housed Amber India for years. However, Fitoor is a much higher-end concept than Amber and is run by serial entrepreneurs that also own the Michelin-recommended Rooh in Palo Alto.

Fitoor's ambiance and food look exquisite and I can't wait to try it for myself in early May. For now, I'll just have to savor these photos from The Merc.

Another twist on traditional Indian cuisine is their take on nightlife. On Friday and Saturday nights the lounge portion of the restaurant features DJs, fire dancers, and a more clubby vibe. It's certainly a unique addition to the Row and seems like a step up from what was there before (and I really liked Amber).

In other restaurant news, the expanded Elyse featuring French Vietnamese cuisine--and a local San Jose chef--has their official ribbon cutting tonight. More on that later this week.

Source: The Mercury News