During this past month, I had the chance to sample some new restaurants. The first, Casa Teresa, is located at 6039 Snell, near the corner of Snell and Santa Teresa in San Jose. I sampled their vegetable burrito, which included beans, lettuce, rice, etc. I found the burrito to be pleasantly filling, but it lacked the spiciness that I had expected. My husband chose the chicken enchiladas in red sauce, and the bite I stole was very good. I also loved their fresh salsa and chips.

Earlier in December, I visited Cucina Poblana in Emeryville for my company's Christmas party. (They're located at the corner of 65th and Hollis Streets). I had my pick of a number of salsas: a fresh green; a red with yellow corn; a roasted, creamier pale red; and the like, all paired with bowls of fresh chips. After snagging a perfectly rendered margarita, I dug in to the salsas. Afterwards, out came hors d'oeuvres: white cheese quesadillas with peppers and onions; shrimp, crab, or chicken-topped pieces with cabbage, cilantro, and lime; salads of veggies and raw tuna seasoned up and drizzled with more lime....It was absolutely fantastic. I'll definitely return if I'm in the Emeryville area...

Hip Hop and the Arts in San Jose

Rosie McCann's Irish pub in Santana Row will be giving away 4 tickets to the upcoming Kanye West & Rihanna show. Give them a call for details on the drawing--or better yet, stop by and sample their delicious Irish fare and drinks.
Details:
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant
355 Santana Row #1060
San Jose, CA 95128
Ph: 408 247-1706
Fax: 408 247-1870

Mr. I Got It, San Jose's newest hip hop clothing store, will be opening this Saturday. Located at the corner of Capitol Expressway and Vistapark Dr., it's nestled in a strip mall with a Togo's and a Baskin Robbins. I was also told that the staff just finished filming a commercial, so be on the lookout for that as well.

Details:
Mr. I Got It
Corner of Capitol Expressway and Vistapark Dr
San Jose, CA 95136

Experience Art!
San Jose is hosting the 01SJ: A Global Festival of Art on the Edge. The festival will run until June 8th, and includes music, art, and other forms of media and participation-based activities throughout downtown. (The interactive Antarctic weather station dress is particularly interesting). If you're visiting Santana Row, there's even a rain exhibit that you can splash through--just don't forget to grab an umbrella! Check out the website for more information:

http://01sj.org/

Check out the VEP!

Image courtesy of the VEP website

I've always loved the fact that my SJ neighborhood has a corner of unspoilt land, part of which is bordered by Branham Lane and Snell Avenue. I recently learned that this parcel is called Martial Cottle Park, and that the VEP (Vistapark Echo Valley Parkview Valley) Community Association has been fighting to preserve it. The VEP does many things for the community, including tree planting, environmental awareness education, and even presents graduating high school seniors with awards for service. Their meetings often feature local service officials, such as those in law enforcement or politics.

If you're interested, you can visit the VEP website at http://www.vepca.net/