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JANUARY 2018 "A Hospitality Networking Organization" WWW.SILICONVALLEYCONCIERGE.COM Congratulations

Recognition from the Santa Clara City Council in December of 2017 #SanJoseEATS takes place Jan. 15-28 as part of California Restaurant Month. Now in its eighth year, California Citti’s Florist was recognized for their years of Restaurant Month is a state-wide program sponsored by service to the City of Santa Clara serving the encouraging visitors to partake in California cuisine. Mission City for decades. Chris Citti accepting In 2016, travelers in California spent $33.9 billion on food and beverage (Source: Dean Runyan Associates), and 38 million the award. domestic visitors participated in fine dining throughout the state.

The SVO is a proud partner with SVO member Team San Jose on this event aimed at celebrating our diverse culinary offerings in San Jose. Below are the SVO members participating. Be sure to stop by and show them support.

EMC Seafood & Raw Bar LB Steak Santana Row Fountain Restaurant Olla Cocina Fogo de Chão Santana Row The Farmers Union Loft Bar & Bistro Dining with Bella!

I spent the week between Christmas and New Years in Palm Springs. The average daily temperature was 80 degrees with full sun. Swimming in January, lying by the pool with an adult beverage, all things I highly recommend in the dead of winter. Tried a couple of different restaurants while I was there.

TRIO

Best deal in town if you eat before 6:00 p.m. They have a three-course The CAMPBELL Chamber is looking for a welcoming person meal at 19.99 that is absolutely delicious. Opened since 2009, they are to fill our front desk position. Work in a friendly listed in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide on Travel Advisor so they environment, assist with telephones, various office needs, must be doing something right. assist Chamber membership team, event coordination, attend monthly luncheons, and create flyers and much more. I highly recommend this one, the wait staff was fabulous, the food was The right individual will have a positive attitude and willing to generous and very tasty and the environment is fun. take on new challenges. Kaiser Grill Knowledge of data base management software (we will train) We chose this restaurant for our New Year’s Eve dinner. They serve and Microsoft Office a plus. Able to work on a variety of tasks natural and hormone-free USDA beef, free range organic chicken and in an interrupt-driven atmosphere. Excellent communication sustainable/wild seafood along with fresh locally sourced vegetables. and customer service skills a must. They make their desserts, dressings and sauces in house.

This is a full time position. The first thing that caught my eye was that the majority of the restaurant is outdoors. They have indoor seating, but they also have an expansive Interested? patio. We chose indoor which was interesting because the tables are on Send resumes to [email protected]. different levels; we were in the back with a tall table. My side of the table had booth like seating for me and my companion, while a good friend was in a tall chair on the other side, allowing us all to be at the same height. Interesting interior and seating.

I started my evening with the Lobster Bisque, which was delightful. It’s not on their regular menu, so I won’t go into too much detail. My companion had the Burrata Mozzarella & Prosciutto - roasted apple, arugula, balsamic reduction, basil olive oil, crostini at 16.00 and was very Become a Digital Power User happy with the choice. Our friend had the Maryland Blue Crab Cake Capital Club | February 6 (17.00) which came with a celery remoulade and roasted lemon aioli. Join us for this power seminar to start the New Year with fresh The size of the cake was really large, was very fresh, and very good. prospects. Part of our seminar will focus on guiding you through our newly released 2018 Book of Lists. We will also For dinner I chose the Filet Mignon, 41.00 (8 oz. and very lean and share strategies, quick tips and action items to keep your sales tender) along with the lobster tail, 25.00. It was, after all, New Year’s pipeline full and get more out of your subscription to bolster Eve! The steak came with a cabernet reduction sauce that I absolutely your bottom line. loved. The meal came with whipped potatoes and fresh asparagus.

My dinner companions had the Pepper – Furikake Crusted Wild Ahi Tuna Tataki, pan-seared rare tuna, lemongrass ginger infused rice. Tempura green beans at 32.00.

For dessert I chose the Molten Lava cake. It was a little bland and didn’t havemuch in the way of “lava” but the rest of the meal was so good, I didn’t dwell on this course.

SILICONVALLEYCONCIERGEASSOCIATION The only drawback to our experience at this restaurant was the constant rushing we received from our waiter. Maybe because it was New Year’s Eve and he wanted to turn the tables as fast as possible, but we hadn’t even finished our appetizers when the meals arrived. We did tell him that Follow Us! it was very quick and his response was that it was “like magic”. We were unable to slow him down and felt pressured to eat and go. CIAO BELLA! Www.facebook.com/siliconvalleyconciergeassociation VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/ 2

Head to In-N-Out to try THINGS TO DO their first new menu item in 15 years

bayarea.com By Linda Zavoral

New Habit Burger Grill The famously limited menu at California’s iconic In-N-Out Burger has increased by one item — for offering free lunch Tuesday the first time in 15 years.

By Linda Zavoral Could it be onion rings, made fresh right before your eyes as you inch through the drive-thru lane?

Nope.

Could it be a classic hot dog? A meat-free patty?

Nope and nope.

It’s hot cocoa for customers in the warm-weather states of California, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Nevada and Oregon, where In-N-Out operates, according to our colleagues at the Orange County Register. (You residents of the “bomb cyclone” The Habit Burger Grill, founded in Santa Barbara, is expanding to Cupertino and adding another San Jose location soon. (Photo courtesy of the Habit Burger Grill) states will have to wait for your Double-Doubles AND your hot chocolate.) If you thought you would stay at home Tuesday, Jan. 9, during Day 2 of the Bay Area’s first storm An employee in the city of Orange told reporter Nancy Luna that the beverage is made with hot of 2018, here’s reason to brave the rain: water, not milk, and is topped with mini- marshmallows. The 8-ounce drink sells for $1.60. The Bay Area’s newest Habit Burger Grill — in It’s available at select locations and has yet to be Cupertino — will offer free lunch starting at 11:30 added to the company’s website. a.m. to the first 200 people in line. Customers will get to pick a char-grilled meal from a pre-selected The last time In-N-Out expanded its menu of menu — could be the chain’s signature burgers, fries and shakes was about 15 years ago, Charburger or a char-grilled tuna or a salad when lemonade joined the array of drinks. topped with grilled chicken. (You’ll find out the choices upon arrival.) The SoCal-based In-N-Out Burger first opened in Baldwin Park in 1948 and remains a privately held This restaurant at 20735 Stevens Creek Blvd. is company. the sixth Habit in Santa Clara County and the first in Cupertino. A seventh South Bay location is coming soon — to 1510 Monterey Road in San Jose.

The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara in 1969. The chain boasts fresh, never frozen beef for its Charburgers.

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/4 THIS IS HOW WE CRUZ

Photo Courtesy of Frans Lanting ELEPHANT SEALS Año Nuevo State Park is the site for one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for the northern elephant seal, and lucky for us, it’s just 22 miles north of Santa Cruz along scenic Highway 1. Mating, birthing, nursing, fighting - - it all happens up close and personal on a 3 mile guided tour. Knowledgeable and passionate docents lead the way over sandy dunes to the best viewing spots, answering questions, COME TO SANTA CRUZ and sprinkling fun facts along the way. Although the elephant seals are present year round, guided tours are available daily from December 15 through March 31 for just $7 per person FOR A WINTER (children 3 and under are free). Persons requiring mobility assistance or the accompaniment of a service animal may make WILDLIFE reservations for special Equal Access Guided Walks.

Photo Courtesy of Jim Capwell

Santa Cruz is known for its phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. Year round whale watching, birding, otters and elephant seals, and seasonal monarch butterflies have put Santa Cruz County on the map for many nature enthusiasts! But in December and January there seems to be a crescendo of wildlife that makes Santa Cruz a wintertime must-see! Migrating gray whales, breeding elephant seals, wintering monarchs, and upwards of 400 species of birds make these months the perfect time to get out and enjoy nature. And a major bonus to your winter getaway -- many hotels are partnering up for some great deals for your stay! So check out some of our wintertime wildlife must-sees, grab a FREE Wildlife Watch Kit, and start Photo Courtesy of Matthew Foreman planning your trip to Santa Cruz. MONARCH BUTTERFLIES Seasonal visits to Natural Bridges State Park, California's only The winter season marks the start of the best wildlife state park butterfly preserve, allow visitors an intimate look at watching on the California coast and Santa Cruz County is no the majestic monarch butterfly. Fall marks the return of exception! Migrating whales, fluttering monarchs, active thousands of monarch butterflies that spend their winters in a elephant seals, and birding galore, make the winter months the protected grove inside the park, with most departing by the first perfect time for a wildlife adventure. And to top it off, there are week of March. Famous for both their grace and stamina, the some amazing hotel deals that will make your winter getaway monarchs make an extraordinary migration of thousands of even better! miles, flying from summer habitats in the United States to Visit Santa Cruz County is inviting visitors to experience this warmer climates in Mexico and California for the winter. Take a annual event with some great lodging discounts! The Winter peaceful self-guided walk among the eucalyptus trees for Wildlife Watching Getaway Promotion features hotels, B&Bs, viewing or join in on a free weekend guided tour of the monarch and vacation rental properties offering guests an array of butterfly grove by park docent naturalists. savings. VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/5 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Office: 650-903-6000 | mvcpa.com A Banner Year For SJC 2017 Brought Contact: Shonda Ranson 650-903-6551 New Routes & New Airlines to SJC | [email protected] 2017 has been a banner year for SJC! We provided lots of smart new choices for our passengers by adding two new airlines and launching five February 2018 EVENTS new nonstop destinations. In all, SJC added 174 additional flights each week and 1.1 million more departing seats! Find YOUR destination at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley flysjc.com/destinations Our Great Tchaikovsky Here’s what launched in 2017: Written and Performed by Hershey Felder New Nonstop Destinations Directed by Trevor Hay Long Beach – JetBlue, 4x daily January 13 - February 11 Morelia – Volaris, 2x weekly Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:30 pm Newark (New York) – United, daily; Alaska, daily Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm Tucson – Alaska, daily Saturdays at 2 and/or 8 pm Zacatecas – Volaris, 2x weekly Added Competition Sundays at 2 and/or 7 pm Austin – Alaska, daily (also Southwest) Burbank –Alaska, 2x daily (also Southwest) Peninsula Youth Theatre Chicago – United, 2x daily (also American and Southwest) Stories on Stage Denver – Frontier, daily (also Southwest and United) Guadalajara – AeroMexico, 6x weekly (also Alaska and Volaris) Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Las Vegas – Frontier, 4x weekly (also Delta and Southwest) Sneakers Los Angeles – Alaska, 4x daily (also American, Delta and Southwest) Friday, February 16 at 9:30 and 11 am Reno – Southwest, 2x daily (also Alaska) Saturday, February 17 at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm Added Frequency Atlanta – Delta, now 3x daily Vancouver – Air Canada, now 3x daily Stink Moody just knows that his sneakers are a shoe-in to win “The All- New Airlines Time World’s Worst Super-Stink Sneaker Contest,” and the grand AeroMexico prize: the Golden Clothespin! A world-premiere adaptation of the Frontier hysterical book by Megan McDonald Thank you to our great airlines, Silicon Valley travelers, and our millions of Lamplighters Music Theatre visitors for supporting SJC’s tremendous growth. The Gondoliers Saturday, February 17 at 8 pm Global Entry "Enrollment on Arrival" Sunday, February 18 at 2 pm Now at SJC! Two handsome gondoliers suddenly become kings, and humor abounds as they attempt to adjust to their new social status. Set by the sun-dappled waters of the Grand Canal, this joyful operetta allows Gilbert to skewer issues of social equality and class with his usual brilliant wit and groundbreaking lyrics, alongside Sullivan’s lovely, lilting score.

Smuin Contemporary Dance Series 01 Getting your time-saving Global Entry card just became A LOT easier. U.S. Thursday, February 22 at 8 pm Customs and Border Protection have just added SJC to the list of Friday, February 23 at 8 pm international airports where conditionally-approved Global Entry applicants Saturday, February 24 at 2 and 8 pm can complete their in-person interview (the final step in the enrollment Sunday, February 25 at 2 pm process) while clearing Customs processing upon return from an international flight. No appointment needed. That's WAY simpler than what Smuin’s Dance Series 01 features Michael Smuin’s classic Frank had been a multi-month wait for an appointment at the Enrollment Center Sinatra tribute Fly Me to the Moon; the West Coast premiere of in internationally acclaimed artist Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s magnificent Requiem for a Rose; and the return of Garrett Ammon’s playful and quirky Serenade for Strings, set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score. VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/6 RAIN FOREST WEEKENDS AT ROARING CAMP January 6 – March 25 (weekends only)

Learn about California’s own rain forest…its forests of coastal redwoods. Roaring Camp is offering weekend excursions of the Rain Forest by rail January 6 to March 25.

Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains just a few miles from the ocean, the forest flourishes in moderate temperatures and a year-round water supply To improve your experience and better protect the park, the provided by frequent Pacific systems and dense fog. is launching a parking and shuttle In winter, California’s rain forest is most dramatic. Storms whip branches; reservation system. foliage glistens; and the air is filled with the aroma of California bay laurel and tanbark oak. As guests ride at branch level through a virgin forest by Muir Woods is open 365 days a year. Beginning in early 2018 steam train, a guest narrator will provide interesting information about the reservations will be required. Parking and shuttle reservations eco-system of California redwood forests and local area. open January 1, 2018 at 12 pm (noon) PST through GoMuirWoods.com or by calling 1-800-410-2419. Rain Forest weekend trains operate Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm from January 6 through March 25. Regular Redwood Forest trains depart Muir Woods is very popular and parking is extremely limited. Take Mondays-Fridays at 12:30 pm. the Muir Woods Shuttle (seasonal), carpool, and arrive early (between 8-9am) or late (one to two hours prior to closing) and read our other suggestions for making your visit a peaceful one.

There is NO cell service or WiFi at Muir Woods. If you plan to take a ridesharing or taxi service, schedule your return transportation BEFORE you arrive at the park. Arranging a ride by pay phone on- site is very costly and may take several hours.

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/7 diameter first-order Fresnel lens comprised of over 1,000 prisms, powered by a five-wick lard oil lamp. The original lens is still in place though no longer used; a more modern lamp now guides ships safely. The lighthouse is closed for renovations following the collapse of a portion of its exterior, but can still be viewed from the grounds which are also home to Touring Local Lighthouses hosteling facilities that include a cliffside hot tub (available for hostel guests only. (Pescadero: 210 Lighting the Way: Nearby Pigeon Point Rd., Hwy. 1; 650-879-2120; grounds open Lighthouses from 8am to sunset daily). Posts by Karen Grafe

Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, overlooking Monterey Bay, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Built in 1855, the now-automated lighthouse features a third-order Fresnel lens and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its most famous lighthouse keeper For centuries lighthouses have held a fascinating appeal, and for was Emily Fish, who served from 1893 to 1914 and good reason: they tend to be located in scenic places along the was nicknamed the “Socialite Keeper,” since she liked coast, and are shrouded in the mystery of the stormy seas and to entertain guests at the lighthouse. (Pacific Grove: shipwrecks that caused them to be built. It’s only a short drive from Asilomar Ave.; 831-648-3176; Thurs-Mon, 1-4) Silicon Valley to the coast, so take your camera along and get ready to capture some memorable photos. Three notable area lighthouses are strung out along scenic Highway 1, starting just north of Half Moon Bay and ending in Pacific Grove.

Located between Montara and Moss Beach in San Mateo County, Point Montara Lighthouse was established as a Fog Signal Station in 1875. The historic, conical lighthouse originally came from Cape Cod and was put into service in 1928. Now fully automated, it can be visited by the public. Operated by Hostelling International in cooperation with the U.S. Coastguard and CA State Parks, the property also offers overnight accommodations for low-budget travelers. After touring the light station, you can also visit the nearby James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve with its shale reefs that are home to a wide range of marine life. (Montara: Hwy. 1 at 16th St.; 650-728-7177; grounds open from 9am to sunset daily). RITA VANDERAA Discover Silicon Valley -Explore Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero is noted for its [email protected] dramatically scenic setting as well as for being one of the tallest lighthouses in America. Built in 1872, this picturesque, 115-foot tall New England-style structure originally had a 17-foot tall, 6-foot

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/8 Box Office: 408.679.2330 or www.tabardtheatre.org/tic kets

Legendary cello master Lynn Harrell returns to Symphony Silicon Valley WHO: Symphony Silicon Valley presents WHO: sjDANCEco presents WHAT: Lynn Harrell WHAT: "On The Edge" Returns WHEN: Friday, February 16 and WHEN: Saturday, January Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 20th at 8pm 2:30pm & 7:00pm Sunday, January 21st at WHERE: SJSU Dance Theater; 2:30pm SPX 216. WHERE: The California The theater is located in the Spartan Theatre, 345 South First Complex building on the San Jose State University Campus at One Street, San Jose, CA Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95113 95112 near 4th Street and San WHY: Famed cellist Lynn Carlos. Harrell returns to perform Inexpensive parking is available at one of the most beautiful the City garage on San Carlos concertos ever written for between 2nd and 3rd Streets. his instrument, Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor.

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/9 OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS

OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS

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Pruneyard Plaza PY Kitchen DRY CREEK GRILL tacolicious

TOLL HOUSE SUPPORT OUR PARTICIPATING SVCA SPONSORS (If your logo does not appear please send to: [email protected])

Alameda Family Funeral &Cremations Magnolia Jazz Band AreaOwl Inc. Maple Tree Inn Balloonatics Marriott Hotel – San Jose Boudin Bakery Mineta San Jose International Airport Buca di Beppo Mission College Business Women of Silicon Valley with/Maggianno's Monopoly in the Park Cal Coast Kettle Corn Mosaic Global Transportation Campbell Chamber of Commerce Moving Green Today Canine Companions Olla Cocina Cannella Spirits Pier 39 Catered Too! Plaza Suites cb photo design studio Prime 109 Steaks Celestial Face & Body Painting Residence Inn & SpringHill Suites SJC Christmas in the Park Residence Inn/ Marriott San Jose Cupertino Cinnabar Hills Golf Club Rexford Winery Citti's Florist Ritas of Campbell ComedySportz Inc. Roaring Camp Railways Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards Roudon Smith Winery Corinthian Transportation Sal’s Airport & Limousine Service Curry Roots San Jose AV Rentals Dali17 Museum San Jose Downtown Association & Foundation Discover Silicon Valley San Jose Marriott Hotel & Arcadia Restaurant DJMB Entertainment DoubleTree By Hilton Campbell- Pruneyard Plaza & PY SVO Kitchen San Jose Theaters Dry Creek Grill Santa Clara Convention & Visitors Bureau Center Santa Clara Convention Center Equinox Winery Brewing everyCircle Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Growers Association Fairfield Enterprise Sedona Pies Fairmont Hotel San Jose See's Candies Fitz Place Silicon Valley Business Journal Fogo De Chao Silicon Valley Capital Club Fortino Winery Starbright Theater Garden Court Hotel Strike Brewery Gilroy Welcome Center Sushi Confidential Graphic All Ways tacolicious Guglielmo Winery TapSnap1050 Hammer Theater Team San Jose Handheld Catering Testarossa Winery Happy Hollow Zoo The Cocoa Exchange Hermitage Brewery The Hermitage Brewing Company The Tech Museum of Innovation Holiday Inn San Jose Silicon Valley The Ultimate Benefit Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose North Tico Coffee Roasters Hornblower Cruises & Events Toll House Hotel & La Pastaia Restaurant Tony’s Caterers House Family Vineyards Uproar Brewery Il Fornaio San Jose Visit San Jose (Team San Jose) J Lohr Winery Visit Santa Cruz Kemper Sports Walt Disney Museum Last Call Band What Up! Silicon Valley LB Steak Left Bank Women's Networking Alliance LvL44 Wright Station Vineyard & Winery VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Executive Board Members Mori Mandis [email protected] Mori Mandis, President [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS TO VALLEY ACCESS E-MAGAZINE

Christopher Citti, V.P. Communication/Events Chair Bayarea.com [email protected] Roaring Camp Joanne Hirasaki [email protected] Robbie Schlosser, Director of Administration [email protected] Dining with Bella

Marianna Khienkina, Director of Finance Discover Silicon Valley Magazine [email protected] Rita Vanderra & Karen Grafe – Explore Publishing

Stacee Novelli, Santana Row Concierge Michael Mulhern, Director of Sponsorship [email protected] [email protected] Lee Kopp, [email protected] Members of the Board Marilyn Watts, [email protected]

Robert Robledo, Liaison SV Business Journal [email protected] [email protected] Mountain View Center of Performing Arts

SVCA Web-site www.SiliconValleyConcierge.com Nathan Emmett, Attractions Chair [email protected] Valley Access E-Magazine (VAM) [email protected] DEADLINE TO SUMBIT ARTICLES FOR E-MAGAZINE, IS THE LAST FRIDAY OF Lillian Scoyen, Educational/Seminar Chair THE MONTH NOTE: ARTICLES AND SPECIAL DATES APPEARING IN THE VAM [email protected] ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Victor Solanoy, Technology Chair [email protected]

Phillip Jaw, Hotel Liaison SVCA Membership [email protected] SVCA Student $25.00 Karen Hennessy, Welcome Committee SVCA Member [email protected] $50.00

Business Sponsorship Carla Bohnett $150.00 SVCA Photographer Platinum [email protected] $500.00 Diamond Jana Levic $1,000.00 Fall Festival 2017-Events jana@balloonaticsevents Info & Membership:

SVCA - Membership [email protected] P.O. Box 2545 Marketing Outreach Coordinator Saratoga, CA 95070-0545 PAY PAL NOW AVAILABLE for Film and Photography Michael Mulhern SVCA (membership@siliconvall MEMBERSHIP The organizers may film and photograph the event. eyconcierge.com) These materials will be used online and offline to www.siliconvalleyconcierge.com promote Silicon Valley Concierge Association and to Membership includes advertise future events. One complementary By attending the event you agree to appear in such beverage and raffle films and photographs. coupon for each member and one guest upon check-in at applicable events.