Blush Raw Bar and Lounge, at San Pedro Square Market, is the newest club in San Jose, having hosted its grand opening just last Thursday evening. The party was well under way by the time I arrived, at 9pm, and Blush was crowded elbow to elbow with an eclectic mix of patrons, young and old wearing everything from black tie to no tie.
Suits mingled with plaid shirts, evening dresses with jeans. Some chatted with friends and new acquaintances, shouting to be heard over the music, while many drank in relative silence, eyes glued to the Shark’s game on the flat-screen TV. Waitresses skillfully and unhesitatingly meandered through the human wall, weaving arms laden with menus and drink trays through the throng of people, occasionally stopping to answer questions and flirt.
Blush has three main parts, each with a distinct vibe. The dining area almost feels like a work-in-progress: Small four-person tables are scattered around the sushi bar. Adjacent to the open dining section is the main bar. This area has a glitzy techno-industrial feeling to it, with a high ceiling, exposed metal girders and an exposed air duct, along with hanging lanterns, color-changing LEDs embedded in the wall and a neat LED display over the bar proper, proclaiming “Blush” in glowing red.
The porch is where the club truly shines. This outdoor deck area has some Pacific Rim influence to it: backless wicker booths are scattered around knee-high tables. Tall, propane lanterns with child-size flames light the tables, while high above, Christmas tree lights are wrapped around tree trunks.
By the bar, a waitress told me about a new kind of drink that will, she assures me, make the club famous; the slush cocktail. Slush cocktails are alcohol and ice concoctions; flavored vodka or rum and cubed ice form the base, on which rests a layer of pured frozen fruits. I try the strawberry mojito version. The sips were harsh at first with a strong minty taste, but they softened quickly as a nice strawberry aftertaste lingered on the tongue.
Blush Raw Bar and Lounge
100 N. Almaden Ave., #160, San Jose
408.477.2191
.Barfly: Blush Raw Bar and Lounge opens at San Pedro Square Market
