The Village Bistro - San Jose

Santana Row is different things to different people. Some people go there for the high end shopping, some for the fantastic spa, and yet others for the fantastic food, drink and people watching opportunities.

Village Bistro is a popular destination most days, they seem to be especially busy on weekends when people sit outdoors and celebrate the good weather with good food, and good wine. Their wine list deserves a special mention, they have a really diverse selection to pick from, and source lesser known wines from all over the world!

One of my favorite things is that their menu changes with every season, so theres always something new to look forward to. They also offer small plates, so you can get a few different things and share it with your group. 

Lunch, below, consisted of  Summer Mix Grill with Lemon Garlic Prawns, a well conceived dish, with great falvors, Turkey Ruben (yep! Turkey) great, but on the sweet side, and the Vegetarian Cobb which was a hit. The Caipirinha Cooler was refreshing, and complemented the meal well.

Village Bistro
(Clockwise from Top Right: Summer Mix Grill with Lemon
Garlic Prawns, Turkey Ruben, Vegetarian Cobb, and
the Caipirinha Cooler) 

Go for brunch, go for dinner, just go! Most importantly, save room for dessert, especially their seasonal creme brulee. It is a must do.

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Trendy

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes

Vintage Wine Bar - San Jose

Wine bars are all the rage now, or have been for a while. They are right up there with froyo places, and cupcake shops. One big difference though, a glass of wine lasts longer (most times), and with the right company, it can be one of the most relaxing things to do.

Vintage Wine Bar in Santana Row is one such example of a place where time seems to stand still. The have 2 locations there, one in the middle of Santana Row park (near Pinkberry), and the other, more of a store, but they also serve wine (by Amber - the Indian restaurant).

Our favorite location, obviously, is the tasting room in the park. What better way to enjoy this wonderful weather, than to sit outdoors and enjoy a good glass of vino! And on a cold night, there is nothing cosier than sitting indoors, and people watching through the large windows.

They have a selection to suit every palate, and inspired wine flights. Best of all, if you love what you got, you can buy it at the store!

Vintage Wine Bar
(Top Right: 2010 Laroche Petit Chablis Chardonnay,
2011 Monchhof Estate Riesling,
Bottom Right Back: 2009 Frescobaldi Cabernet-Merlot Blend)

Let the Vintage Wine Bar transport you to a place where time stands still. So go, get a glass of wine, maybe even 2, and be sure to order their cheese plate. Better yet, invite your friends to join you!

Bottom Line:
Price - $$
Ambience - Intimate

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes