Tag Archives: where to eat in downtown San Jose

Anchor Steam In Cans, San Jose Restaurant Week & More

Anchor Steam's flagship beer is now available in cans.

Anchor Steam’s flagship beer is now available in cans.

Anchor Steam Now In Cans

No doubt you know Anchor Steam for its bottles, barrels and kegs. Now, for the first time in its 122-year history, its flagship beer comes in cans.

Not just any cans. But big 19.2-ounce ones.

The new cans are enough for two moderate drinkers to share or one thirsty person to enjoy more than a beer and a half.

It’s the same copper colored brew with malty, hoppy, deep caramel flavors that’s been made since Fritz Maytag acquired and revived the brand in 1965, making it the first hand-crafted beer to be brought back in the United States after Prohibition, launching today’s craft beer movement.

The tall distinctive gold cans with a big blue logo anchor retail for $2.49 each. Just in time for summer barbecues, picnics and camp-outs, the iconic beer is now easier to tote.

Hungry for A “Little Taste of San Francisco”?

If you are, then you’ll want to pick up a copy of the adorable and compact “A Little Taste of San Francisco” (Bluestreak Books) by Bay Area food writer Stephanie Rosenbaum Klassen.

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The 72-page book, of which I received a review copy, serves up more than 30 of the city’s quintessential recipes — from “Clam Chowder in A Sourdough Bread Bowl” and “Irish Coffee” to “Tofu Banh Mi” and “Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches.”

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Hola to Olla Cocina

Duck carnitas tacos -- a must-order at Olla Cocina.

Duck carnitas tacos — a must-order at Olla Cocina.

 

The weather outside may be wet and dreary at this time of year, but you’d never know it from the inside of downtown San Jose’s Olla Cocina.

The casual Cal-Mexican eatery opened last summer after the building was revamped, giving it a playful design that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the terrace of a hacienda even if you’re completely protected from the elements. On a beautiful summer day, though, the glass garage doors at the front retract to let the sunshine in.

The soaring space was designed by restaurateur Doug Washington of San Francisco’s Town Hall fame. The colorful dining room is set off by a patterned tile floor, a reclaimed wood pergola, painted cinder-block wall, shoes hanging from overhead wires, and eye-catching Dia de los Muertos wallpaper. There are even a couple of swinging rattan egg-shaped chairs that just beg to be sat in.

Day of the Dead wallpaper.

Day of the Dead wallpaper.

Bringing the feel of the outdoors in.

Bringing the feel of the outdoors in.

There’s also a private dining room upstairs with a massive wood table, an old church pew, and framed historical photos on the walls.

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