Best New Neighborhood Name
East Village, San Jose
Rebranded this summer as East Village, the district formerly known as East Santa Clara Street has embraced a cool new identity. With several vegan food spots, the down low Needle to the Groove records and an architecturally stunning modern Viet church given to grand seasonal displays, this underrated stretch of a grand east-west boulevard has a lot to work with.
Best Analog Photo Shop
Foto Express, 304 E Santa Clara St., San Jose
Henry Chang is a legend amongst a generation of photographers who have turned their backs on the ubiquitous digital image revolution to connect with a grand tradition. Foto Express sells equipment, film, processing services and passport photos, just like the neighborhood shops of a half century ago. He gives good advice too.
Best New Addition to Silicon Valley Art Scene
Cura Contemporary, Morgan Hill
This stunning architectural addition to a former suburban-agricultural backwater could turn this South Valley community into an international cultural destination. Already the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, named after Morgan Hill’s signature semi-precious stone, has turned heads in the cinema space. And now there’s a contemporary art gallery with a bespoke building along with a community engagement program that includes courses for kids with artists in residence.
Best Rooftop Patio
Copita, Willow Glen
This elevated perch overlooks tree-lined historic Lincoln Avenue at a central intersection in the Willow Glen neighborhood business district. Comfortable outdoor lounge furniture, umbrellas and margaritas set the tone, and Copita’s nuevo Latino menu delivers a solid culinary experience. Arrive five-ish to claim a good seat and stay to enjoy the sunset lighting and perfect evening weather in spring and summer months.
Best New Greek Spot
Barbayani Greek Taverna, Los Altos
There are a bunch of affordably priced Greek restaurants scattered around the valley, along with high-end staples Evvia and Dio Deka. One that opened a year ago on Los Altos’ Main Street does the best job of capturing the whitewashed relaxed atmosphere of the Greek isles and its simple, distinctive cuisine. Flaming cheese plates, lamb dishes and butterflied fish are served to a backdrop of traditional live music in the evenings on the sidewalk patio. During the day, Los Altos socialites meet for lunch amidst ear bud-wearing laptop jockeys.
Best Cacio e Pepe
Locanda Sorrento, Campbell
This simplest of pasta dishes, with only cheese, black pepper and a basil leaf to flavor the thick, long noodles, is Locanda’s signature dish, made tableside for theatrical effect. Rotated in a hollowed wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, the hot, thick pasta ropes are then dropped in an attractive clump in the middle of a plate. As is traditional with Amalfi Coast cuisine, limoncello finishes off a Locanda meal in proper fashion.
Best Boundary-Pushing Mexican Cuisine
Acopio, 399 South 24th St., San Jose
Acopio literally pushed the boundaries by locating a stylish Mexico City-influenced fine dining experience in a neighborhood populated by tow yards and muffler shops. This beautiful and friendly dining spot innovates with signature dishes such as nopales salads dusted in cotija cheese, a kampachi tostada with ancho chili aioli and tortilla-flavored ice cream (not a typo).
