On behalf of everyone here at Discover San Jose, we want to wish you a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!!!
Just a friendly reminder, DSJ will be closed on Christmas day, Thursday, December 25 and again on Thursday, January 1st. After the New Year, we will resume our regular hours Monday- Thursday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 8:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Stay warm, have fun, be joyful!
San Jose Sharks return to SAP for three in a row
With a big win against the Anaheim Ducks last week, the San Jose Sharks seemed to get tighter as a team and they are now back on track to become the mighty force we know they can be, especially after playing the best 60 minutes of hockey so far this year.
Not only did they sn
ap a their own four game losing streak, but they broke a seven game winning streak by the division leading Ducks, showing the entire hockey community that they can and do mean business
Sharks fans can now look forward to a three game home stand, starting on Saturday, November 2 against the Coyotes, followed by matches against the Sabres on the 5th and the Canucks on the 7th.
So Sharks fans, we know you are the loudest in the NHL, why not be the most stylish too!
Stop by Discover San Jose for the latest in Sharks gear for men, women and children–from Jerseys to T-shirts, all new lace-up and cross cut style sweats, signature beanies and the classic Menace snap back caps. We have all new inventory just in time for this latest home stand. While you’re here, let us help you get some early Holiday shopping done with souvenir limited edition stadium series and player hockey pucks, plush toys, glassware and more!
We hope to see you soon. Go Sharks!!!
After moving to San Francisco in 2012, Chef Jake Blaine and his partner Clint realized that Jake can’t make a small batch of anything. So, Clint suggested that Jake start his own business doing what he loved. After looking at all of the amazing produce that is so readily available in the Bay Area, he decided to use his skills and adventurous palate to create a unique line of jams. Thanks to the California Cottage Food Act, that went into effect in 2013, Jake’s Castro Kitchen was born in February 2013.
And what an adventurous palate he has! From Bourbon Hot Fudge Sauce, to Carrot Cake Butter and Smoked Jalapeno Jam, it seems that nothing is taboo for this inventive chef. There’s also the inciting and intriguing sweet flavors like Butterscotch Caramel Sauce, Nectar of the Gods Jelly and, my personal favorite, Blueberry Meyer Lemon Jam. Don’t those just sound yummy?
Jake says that he began cooking as soon as he could reach the counter and he never stopped. His earliest memories are helping prepare summer peach jam with his grandmother on her farm in Northern Utah. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Jake was the executive pastry chef at Oasis and Faustina Restaurants in Salt Lake City. In 2010, Jake received the Best of State Award for Pastries for his work at Backerei and Eis at the award-winning Zermatt Resort.
But most of all, Jake says that he hopes each jar of his jams and sauces makes his grandmother proud. Come in today and try something new! Your taste-buds will thank you.
Visit the Jake’s Castro Kitchen homepage:
jakescastrokitchen.com
Follow him on Facebook:
facebook.com/JakesCastroKitchen
Or, Twitter: @JakesCastroKchn
It might still be a little sunny here in California, but don’t be fooled. All of those cool, drizzly days of autumn are close at hand. Honestly, what is better on a fall day than a cup of tea, a rainy window-seat, and a good book? Now is best time to make sure your autumn reading list is fully stocked. Here’s a cozy little gem you might not know about, written by a San Jose local!
Clockwork Twist is an escapist adventure series set in a steampunk version of 1878. Follow Twist—the unassuming and anti-social clockmaker with a fear of heights—as he is swept away on a harrowing journey across the globe. He finds himself trapped aboard an airship full of sky-pirates, accidentally falls into the Caspian Sea, visits the flying section of Venice at Carnevale, and wakes up in a strange hotel room in Hong Kong, all while trying to rescue a mythical clockwork princess. The first 2 books in this 12-part novel series, Book One: Waking and Book Two: Trick, are both available right here at Discover San Jose. The third book will release on Nov 17th, as well!
The Clockwork Twist series is written by Emily Thompson, a self-published author from downtown San Jose. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese from SJSU, and says she still remembers a few phrases. Her favorite books growing up were always the classics, from Verne and Wells, to Wilde and Poe. Now, her writing is heavily influenced by those great old familiar stories. Along with reading classics and writing, Emily also enjoys traveling, playing (far too many) video games and searching for the best cappuccino in the city.
Come in and support your local authors today, right here at Discover San Jose!
Read the first 3 chapters of her books for free at: clockworktwist.com
Follow the Clockwork Twist Facebook page: facebook.com/CWTwist
Or, follow Emily and Twist on Twitter: @CWTwist or Tumblr: cwtwist.tumblr.com
Back in 2008 when Myra and Vincent Verret decided to start a garden, they never imagined that it would “grow” from a hobby into a business. What started as a small summer backyard garden of fruit, vegetables and herbs for their family table quickly turned into something much bigger than they ever imagined.
Pepper plants are quite prolific in the amount of fruit they produce. So what is one to do with pounds and pounds of them? Well, with the help of Vincent’s mother-in-law, they decided to bottle the fruit, while their Chili and Surf sauces were born! They became an instant hit, with people asking how they might get their hands on these savory treats.
The story of Oso Pepper Company takes us from that humble backyard garden in the summer of 2012 to a full-fledged business. Now the Oso Pepper line is available online and right here at the Discover San Jose. We are happy to carry a number of their spicy creations, from the Raspberry Chipotle BBQ and Siracha Chili sauces to Spicy Pickle Spears, Roasted Garlic Salsa and more!
Come in today and spice up your day!
You can find out more about the Oso Pepper Company on their website: osopeppercompany.com
Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/OsoPepperCompany
Follow them on Twitter: @OsoPepperCo
Katherine Brigantino Winkelman is the oldest of eight children and was raised with Italian traditions, music, food and art, thanks to her Italian-born grandparents, who lived next door to an apricot and walnut ranch where Katherine’s family worked during the summer months. Her family background comes from Piemonte in the north of Italy, Tuscany, Salerno, Lago in Cosenza, and Sicily.
While attending Santa Clara University to gain a Masters in Business Administration, Katherine took the opportunity to live in Italy and study Renaissance Art History as well. As a travel agent, she returned many times with her Italian relatives to visit some of her family living there. She became good friends with several of the artists, many of whom she still works with 40 years later, and through them she has met many new artists.
Katherine founded the Gioia Company in 2006 with Lee Marie to support a new generation of Italian artisans, both in Italy and the United States. “Gioia’ means “Joy,” a perfect name for the Company designed to bring joy to others through the beautiful arts and traditions of Italy. They specialize in Italian gifts that are still manufactured by family businesses or single artisans, guaranteeing unique gifts where no two items are exactly the same. It’s like a “walk through an Italian Piazza” experience.
When you purchase something from Gioia Company at Discover San Jose, you are also supporting an Artist in Italy or here in San Jose, while also supporting the traditions of this beautiful art. Discover San Jose and Katherine would both like to say “Grazie mille amici!” or “Thanks so much friends!”
For more information on Gioia Company, please visit gioiacompany.com
You can also follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/gioiaitalianartandproducts
William Snell and Michael Mouton started Ohayo Cali Brand 50 Fingaz as a way to represent a California lifestyle that’s universal in its roots and logo. William creates the art, while Michael runs with the branding and printing. As mentors, fathers and older brothers, they both work with the youth in our community to encourage them towards positivity. They had dreamed of owning their own business for years, and clothing seemed like just the right niche.
But what is the meaning behind the design? “Ohayo Cali” means “Good Morning Cali” in Japanese. Anytime you can hear or say those words you’re blessed to live life. 50 Fingaz represents the value of having the world in your hands with the help of others. The Ohayo Cali logo represents this idea in the shape of a hand, with each finger depicting the diversity in our community.
Ohayo Cali Brand (OCB) reflects a philosophy of “Do Not Sleep Your Life Away” with clothing and accessories for youth and adults. They provide good quality products mixed with the latest trends and colors. The variety of wear is also offered in different sizes and is comfortable to wear.
Ohayo Cali has said, “We want our customers to value each day wherever their journey in life takes them and to realize they are unique.” Here at Discover San Jose, we’re all about unique designs and local artists, so Ohayo Cali is a perfect fit!
Come in today to see what we have to offer!
Follow Ohayo Cali on Facebook: facebook.com/OHAYOCALIBRAND
Follow them on Twitter: @OHAYOCALI
Hway-ling started Sweetdragon Baking Company intending to make pies but took a detour after the owners of a food truck asked if she could make peanut brittle for them to sell. She was not excited by the idea. Most of us have tried (and been disappointed by) brittle that consists of a few measly peanuts tied together with a webbing of too hard, too sticky, too sweet and uninteresting hard candy. But since they asked, she decided to give it a try.
But she had never made candy before. She reviewed lots of recipes, read candy-making texts, watched YouTube videos and even consulted a Ph.D chemical engineer who told her that so many variables affect candy-making; that the only way to determine whether something worked was to, “try it and see.” After lots of experiments (family and friends kindly ate the failures), she came up with some recipes that hit her flavor and texture profile goals.
One of her first flavors was a black sesame brittle, inspired by her grandmother who didn’t eat sweets except for a black sesame seed filled bun that she made herself. In 2013, it won a Good Food Award. Along with her Black Sesame, Hway-ling’s peanut brittle flavors now include Serrano and peanut, chocolate stout, and even pumpkin ale! She also makes wonderful ginger and Black Sesame caramels, along with delicious almond cookies that fit with a Paleo diet.
We carry an ever-changing array of Sweetdragon treats at Discover San Jose. Never overly sweet and made with all natural ingredient, these brittles, caramels, and cookies make great gifts for anyone with a sweet-tooth! Or, you could always pick up a small, indulgent treat for yourself… We won’t tell.
Get more info at Sweetdragon’s website: sweetdragonbaking.com
Follow Sweetdragon on facebook: facebook.com/sweetdragonbaking
JaniceT began to write poetry at the age of 11. One morning, her sixth grade teacher placed a small mound of dirt on each of his students’ desks and instructed them to write about it. In response, she crafted a prosaic piece citing the soil as mother and the seed a child, and handed it in. To her surprise, the teacher exploded with enthusiasm and ran down the hall declaring, “I have a poet in my class!”
Out of curiosity, she went through her father’s modest library to find out more about these “poets.” There she found The Oxford Book of English Verse. The poems in this thick volume were written between 1250 and 1918, and included the works of the Lake District Poets. They immediately became JaniceT’s new teachers, her template, as she began to write her own poems in earnest.
Although her first poem was written in prose form, JaniceT says that her muse has always preferred the Victorian voice. Trying her hand at other poetic forms, in order to stretch and grow, only brings her back to home base; improved but never truly converted. Now JaniceT is on a mission to prove that rhyming poetry is not old-fashioned but classic, and is still as powerful and important an art form as it ever was.
Here at Discover San Jose, we are proud to carry both of her wonderful collections of Victorian style rhyming poems, Echoes and Echoes II. Both small books are packed tight with poetry that simply drips with style, wit, and elegance. Here’s a taste of JaniceT’s style, which she wrote only a few weeks ago!
Pluviophile
I pull the curtains back
From windows clear and wide
In earnest, hopeful stance
To search the open sky
For merest wisp of cloud
In arcing ever blue
Until I burst aloud,
”The rain is long past due!”
Where is that swollen scent
When sea birds fill the air
And moisture not yet spent
Is lurking everywhere
Why do they stay away
This season’s call defy
Oh how I miss those days
When all the sky would cry.
Isn’t that just lovely? Come in to Discover San Jose and thumb through her books today!
For more info about JaniceT’s work, visit her blog: janice-t.weebly.com
Follow JaniceT on Facebook: facebook.com/JaniceTPoems
Or on Twitter: @JaniceTpoems
Sueli grew up in a household of crocheting. She’s been crocheting since she was a little girl, but says it all started with her grandmother. No one loved crochet more than her grandmother did. After watching her grandmother and her mother crochet, it only seemed natural for her to pick up the art form as well. Crochet, as all other crafts, is now a relaxation therapy for her. When she’s crocheting, she doesn’t think about anything else.
Her mother made a few beanies last year to give to the grandchildren, and so Sueli decided to make some, too. At Christmas they each gave out their beanies and Sueli says she will never forget her mother’s face when she saw her work. Her mother turned to her and said “With these beanies you just humiliated mine.” Although she started by crocheting hats for the grandchildren, they were so popular that she started making them for all their friends and family as well. Everyone loved them and started telling her that she should sell her work.
One day, after having lunch at Original Joe’s, she decided to go for a walk in downtown and stopped at Discover San Jose. After finding out that we are a shop for local artists, she arranged to start sell her beanies here, and that’s how this started. Discover San Jose is proud to be the first and only store where Sueli’s lovely work is available.
Come in and take a look at our selection, today!
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