Mezcal Restaurant in San Jose specializes in authentic Oaxacan cuisine, from the mole negro and mole coloradito—two of the seven famed Oaxacan chocolate sauces—to the chapulines, or grasshoppers sauteed in garlic, lime and salt. Umm… grasshoppers? “Why not?” owner Adolfo Gomez told San José Spotlight. “It’s a traditional item for us. People say we’re trying...
San Jose workers are not returning to downtown
The San Jose metro area ranks in the top 10 among the lowest in the country for employees returning to the office. San Jose sits in the ninth spot at 40.7% for return-to-office rates, according to a recent study by Kastle, a facilities security firm that tracks office visits by analyzing keycard swipes at buildings...
Will downtown San Jose church become historic landmark?
A downtown San Jose church is on the cusp of becoming a historic landmark, potentially ending a yearslong battle to shield the 1940s-era building from redevelopment. The San Jose City Council will vote in the next few weeks to designate Grace Baptist Church as a historic landmark—protecting it, ideally, indefinitely. Councilmember Omar Torres’ request for the...
The Biz Beat: Rollati Ristorante in San Jose serves one spicy pie
After two and a half years of planning, Rollati Ristorante has already established itself as a destination restaurant in the two weeks since its mid-September opening. Offering an elegant twist on classic Italian-American cuisine in downtown San Jose, it is the newest of the Vine Hospitality Group’s restaurants, which include Santana Row mainstays Left Bank,...
Downtown San Jose pub owner plans new restaurant and bar
A successful San Jose pub owner’s plans for a new restaurant and bar in downtown are moving forward after getting approval from city officials. The as-of-yet unnamed business is slated to open in two ground floor spaces in two buildings connected by a hallway at 189 and 177 W. Santa Clara St. near the corner...
San Jose landmark in danger of further deterioration
A blighted downtown San Jose landmark is at risk of further deterioration after the tarps and scaffolding that have surrounded it for years were suddenly removed. Preservationists are concerned about damage to the First Church of Christ Scientist building after a local business owner took matters into his own hands by removing coverings while conducting...
San Jose could extend Post Street closure
For three years, businesses and pedestrians have enjoyed the temporary closure of a downtown San Jose street to cars. City leaders are working to make that permanent. The long-term vision for Post Street, located between First Street and Lightstone Alley, is to permanently close it to traffic so it can stay a place where visitors...
San Jose studies how to best use curb space
While San Jose and the rest of society still hasn’t achieved the flying car future depicted in “The Jetsons,” city officials are hoping to make more efficient, safe and sustainable streets by studying how curb space is used. San Jose is receiving about $2 million in federal funding to address how to best use limited curb space in...
Pop-up brings flea market vendors to downtown San Jose
Berryessa Flea Market vendors are popping up outside San Jose City Hall. Their booths are loaded with Mexican candy, artisanal crafts and produce, welcoming city employees, residents and councilmembers to peruse colorful stalls and ask questions. The event marks a new location for vendors to sell goods outside the flea market grounds. It’s a first-of-its-kind...
San Jose weighs upping fines for neglected properties
The continued neglect of a downtown San Jose landmark is prompting politicians to increase fines for delinquent property owners. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Omar Torres, who represents downtown San Jose, and several residents spoke this morning outside the dilapidated First Church of Christ Scientist building about a proposal to raise maximum fines levied...