Fun Facts About San Jose, California

Spectacular heights: The art scene is alive and well in San Jose

Since publishing my blog a few years ago, I often received a variety of invitations that take place in New York City - some of them cultural, some are travel-related. They are all very interesting, but I do confess that most of the time I'd rather hibernate through the cold season.

A few weeks ago, one particular invitation caught my attention.

The friendly request was for a visit to San Jose via ALDEA restaurant. What do you mean? It was a special media luncheon and wine tasting that included an introduction to San Jose tourism. The occasion called for a significant amount of high level wine tasting, which included lunch at the Michelin star gourmet restaurant, ALDEA, located in the heart of Chelsea. I'd like to go on record and note that the food was superb. I strongly recommend a visit to ALDEA.

George Mendes, Michelin star chef, and owner of ALDEA restaurant in Manhattan

The alluring coastal side of San Jose

The special luncheon was prepared by Chef David Costa and his fiancee, Chef Jessica Carreira from San Jose's ADEGA (another Michelin star restaurant). Consequently, ADEGA is the second Portuguese restaurant in the United States to be honored with a Michelin star. While speaking to them, it became clear that the owners have some ambitious plans for the future of ADEGA. Judging by their skills which translated to the quality of the food, I predict they are well on their way of becoming world renown.

Chefs David Costa and Jessica Carreira of San Jose’s first Michelin starred restaurant, ADEGA.

We enjoyed a full bodied Pinot noir, and Chardonnay (shown above) during the wine tasting hour, and later for our delicious lunch. Judging by the empty bottles (below) on the table, this Californian wine was a big hit! BTW: I only had two glasses (this signified a taxi home)

The mood last Wednesday was a particularly jovial one. The people gathered at ALDEA was a combination of media, and various representatives from the San Jose, and Monterrey business communities. Sitting opposite me were members of the Californian Tourism offices. A gentleman named Mike Fox, Kim Becker Aguirre, Julie Riera Matsushima from San Jose's Airport Commission, and a delightful New York writer Named Nancy Frick Battaglia. They all spoke with great passion and panache about the beautiful state of San Jose.

Mike Fox, President and CEO of GOODWILL, a Silicon Valley-based company.

Kim Becker Aguirre, Director of Aviation, San Jose International Airport

My table partners made the case that San Jose was one of the finest city to promote one's business. I loved being in the presence of passionate people, and I was intrigued by their ardent enthusiasm.

As a Brit, my knowledge of California was somehow limited to films, like the old classic, 'Bullet' starring Steve McQueen which was filmed in San Francisco

Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge (a great example of art deco), and the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, gave me the impression that San Francisco and Los Angeles were among the largest cities in California. Wrong!

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco, California

As the afternoon went by, it dawned on me that I was uninformed when it came to the facts about San Jose. Therefore, I asked a lot of questions and my hospitable table partners responded positively without a quizzical look. Great!

Did you know that San Francisco was fourth, size-wise, when it come to cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose? Amazingly I learn that San Jose is the 3rd best place to live in America, 3rd most educated city in America, and was named one of the Richest City in America. The residents' patriotism for their cities is such that they can boast that the brightest, most creative minds in science, technology, and entertainment can be found in San Jose.

 Mineta San Jose International Airport 

The Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is one of the most up-to-date airports in the United States. As a young boy, I loved visiting Heathrow and viewing all the aircrafts from around the world. That is probably why I still believe that the Concorde and the Space Shuttle were the No 1 engineering feats of the 20th century.

The Mineta San Jose International Airport also served global travelers from Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and Mexico. Even British Airways has a relevant presence in that part of the world. This is significant, because it means that my British patriots can now fly direct from Heathrow to San Jose. Excellent.

Kim Becker Aguirre (center with white jacket)

Silicon Valley is a place where the impossible is achieved.

Silicon Valley is where you'll find that a baby's first words are "Start-Up". Do I sense that San Jose is ready to step up to greater things? The world's airlines are flocking (no pun intended) to this town, and this could only means that's where all the smart people are heading, right?

At the start of the luncheon, a raffle was offered with the possibility of winning a trip (sponsored by Alaska Airlines) to the west coast. Sadly I didn't win. In life, you can't always get what you want.

Below are a few helpful links about visiting San Jose. Enjoy!
*https://www.ridgewine.com/wines/2014-estate-cabernet-sauvignon/
*http://www.aldearestaurant.com/contact/
*http://www.adegarest.com/#ip-container
*http://www.testarossa.com
*http://www.sanjose.org
*http://www.flysanjose.com/fl/
*http://www.foodgal.com/2016/11/a-celebration-of-wine-and-food-at-adega-san-joses-first-michelin-starred-restaurant/
*https://www.alaskaair.com
*Nancy Frick Battaglia: https://savingplaces.org/stories/architectural-fabric-historic-houses-newport-rhode-island#.WNK1QTu-RPN.
*http://www.goodwillsv.org