Archive for the ‘El Camino Real’ Category

El Camino Real Derby

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Turf Race at Golden Gate Fields

Saturday, February 12, 2011 was the 30th running of the El Camino Real Derby, a 1 1/8-mile grade 3 horse race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. This race has been held at scenic Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley for the past three years, but it originated at historic Bay Meadows in San Mateo, just off El Camino Real. Bay Meadows closed for racing in 2008.

This year’s derby was an exciting one. The winner, Silver Medallion, trailed in fourth place on the far side before coming from behind in the final furlong in a dramatic upset, paying $15 on his 1:50.45 time. Early favorite Comma to the Top floated him wide but failed to answer the challenge as Silver Medallion mounted an impressive drive, scoring 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Jakesam who flattened against the inside rail but held on along with Positive Response to finish in the money. I have no idea what I just said but a secret fantasy of mine is to learn to speak horse-racing-ese. It’s way cooler than pirate. Watch the entire race below:


[YouTube]

This was Silver Medallion’s second and biggest win, earning $120,000 out of the total $200,000 purse for owner Michael J. Ryan. His trainer is Steve Asmussen. His jockey, though, is no stranger to the El Camino Real Derby winner’s circle. Saturday he was ridden by the great Russell Baze, who has won this event eight times, more than any other rider by far. He is in fact the winningest jockey in North American history—11,000 victories and counting—and an inductee in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.

Silver Medallion, Russell Baze

The El Camino Real Derby is aptly named after the Royal Road because the derby is on the path to the coveted Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Past El Camino winners have gone on to win one Kentucky Derby, five Preakness Stakes, and one Belmont Stakes. Silver Medallion is off to a great start. Let’s see if he can continue to bring in the gold.

The City with Heart

Monday, February 14th, 2011

When you start a blog about a street, you end up spending a lot of quality time in Google Maps. I have literally covered every mile of El Camino Real with my mouse, paging up and down the state. It’s a form of virtual tourism, a poor man’s hot air balloon ride giving me a bird’s eye view of my favorite road, one I can’t easily get any other way. I was doing just that a while back, mousing up the Peninsula towards San Francisco, when I spotted something that gave me pause: a heart-shaped neighborhood in San Bruno. It’s no accident. The cross street piercing the top like an arrow is called Cupid Row.


View Larger Map

The neighboorhood is subtly laid out with a pleasing graphical design. The heart itself is made of two streets, Carlton Ave and Terrace Ave, joined in a perfectly symmetrical valentine, dimpled at the top and pointy at the bottom. Cupid Row intersects it through its axis, continued by Texas Pl on the other side. It’s encased in the larger loop  of Florida Ave and Georgia Ave, and the whole thing is cleverly mirrored  by Taylor and Chapman avenues. The heart itself is not duplicated though. Kensington Ave and Garden Ave approximate it but lack the dimple. They form more of a shield shape with Mastick Ave, which opens up many possibilities for poetic interpretation. All this is just a block off El Camino Real opposite the termination of Crystal Springs Rd.

San Bruno is proud of  its romantic little secret. I found this article from circa Valentine’s Day, 2004 giving its history.

[SF Gate]

As it turns out the neighborhood was laid out on land formerly occupied by Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the longtime El Camino landmark rest stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach route. It’s not clear to me if the streets were created 100 years ago, or post World War II. The latter makes more sense. Perhaps the “Heart Area” was designed to attract newlywed returning G.I.s.

According to the article the Cupid Row tract inspired a motto for the city, “The City with Heart,” which implies a little dig at their Industrial neighbor to the north. El Camino has much to offer loving couples celebrating Valentine’s Day today—fine dining, flowers, candy, gifts, even secluded getaways. But San Bruno has really taken the holiday to heart, as they’ve taken it to the streets.

This post is dedicated to my own  true love. Happy Valentine’s Day, Paulette!

Sweet Memories

Monday, January 24th, 2011

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You should probably know something about me: I have a big sweet tooth. I love sugary treats like candy, ice cream, cookies, and cakes. It stands to reason then that I love sweet shops, especially the old-fashioned kind with displays of hand-dipped chocolates, bins of bulk gummies, shelves of packaged novelties, and a freezer full of rich flavored ice creams. Whenever I pass a place like this my sugar sense starts tingling. That’s exactly what happened when I first saw Sweet Memories Confectionery in Millbrae out the bus window on my transit trip down El Camino Real last year. I saw that big pink-and-white sign, my heart skipped a beat, and I knew I was going to be back.

It took a few months but I finally got my chance. On Saturday, December 11, 2010 Sweet Memories  celebrated their first anniversary. It was not a hard sell to convince my family to make the trip up to check it out. I had them at “ice cream.” As it so happened that was the same day of the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, not at all far from Millbrae. We had two excellent reasons to head deep into San Mateo County, so off we went.

Sweet Confections put a flyer and coupon up on their Facebook page which I printed out. We drove up and easily found the spot at 1395 El Camino Real. I’m still learning the ropes of this blogging gig and one thing I always have trouble with is interviewing people at the places I visit. How do I introduce myself? What probing and insightful questions can I ask? How do I get these folks to take time from their busy day to answer my questions, especially the ones that fall short of being probing and insightful? All these anxieties were gripping my mind as I approached the woman behind the counter at Sweet Memories, but happily I needn’t have worried because the woman was Elsie.

CIMG0773Elsie is a delightful lady with a warm smile and chatty disposition. I think I got as far as saying, “hello,” then off she went, giving me a rundown on the anniversary celebration, the variety of treats available, and the history of the business. I told you it was their first anniversary, but as Elsie explained to me, that’s not the whole story. The sweet shop has been at that location for 78 years and is a Millbrae institution. It began as Shaw’s, then changed names to Sweet Charlotte, then Charlotte Confections, then West Coast Confections. In 2009 it changed owners and changed its name again to Sweet Memories, hence the one-year anniversary. This also explains the big “Shaws Plaza” sign out front, an immutable reference to the original business. Elsie herself has been there for fourteen years. As generous as she was with her information, bless her heart she was too shy to let me take her picture. The best visual I can offer you is this one. You get the idea. Pun fully intended, she’s a real sweetheart.

The earlier incarnations of the business used to make candy on premises but currently they do not, instead retailing premium treats from vendors local and away. Examples include Jelly Bellies from Fairfield, fudge from Z. Cioccolato in San Francisco, and gorgeous jewel-toned ribbon candy from Hammond’s in Denver.

CIMG0770The big draw of the anniversary celebration was $2 single-scoop sundaes. We each had one. Elsie served me mine with peppermint stick ice cream covered with hot fudge. And whipped cream. And a cherry. Heaven. Afterwards we lingered, tasting various fudges and picking out some holiday gifts for friends and family and (forgive us) a little something for ourselves.

Sweet Memories is a happy place, bright and shiny with tables laid out in front of big floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a perfect spot for kids from Capuchino High School around the corner to congregate, or for generations of Millbraeners to bring their kids just like their parents brought them, or for anybody to just sit and destress and watch El Camino roll by. Sweet Memories offers free wi-fi too so it’s even great for bloggers. Especially bloggers with a sweet tooth.

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Viva The Alameda

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

CIMG0344I’ve been on a little hiatus since Christmas but yesterday was 1/11/11 which I have on good authority is an auspicious time for new beginnings. Let’s get it started! Yesterday for lunch I stopped by the Louisiana Territory Cajun food truck for a Po’ Boy, selecting a “Pepper Picker” with sausage and peppers and onions and special sauce. Mmm…so good! This truck has serious El Camino cred and is a friend of this blog. My new buddy Cherie who manages the truck hipped me to this article in Metro last week about The Alameda. I hadn’t seen it. Thanks, Cherie! [Update: corrected to spelling of Cherie’s name.]

The article “Street of Dreams” by Gary Singh is about recent changes on The Alameda, focusing on A Plan for “The Beautiful Way” which came out of the community meetings and planning process I was privileged to participate in from 2009-2010. He calls out some of many businesses which make The Alameda so awesome: The Usuals, Crema, and newcomer Black & Brown.

CIMG0274Then he goes on to gripe a bit about the plan, the 100-page document BMS Design Group produced after studying current conditions and collecting community input. Singh’s biggest concern is that the plan will drive out the funky eclecticity of the Town Center stretch south of Lenzen by imposing homogeneity with matching lampposts and coordinated newspaper racks. I think his fear is unfounded. It’s not like some developer is razing the buildings to the ground and building from scratch because then, sure, you might end up with something like Santana Row which is perfect and commercial but inauthentic. The whole purpose of the community meetings was to hear from the people who live and work there what needs to be fixed (traffic!) and what needs to be preserved (bells!). I was very pleased with how BMS ran the meetings and I am more than satisfied that the plan captures the soul of The Alameda. All the technical details are designed to make the Town Center a more accessible and inviting place that will draw visitors and impart to them the special and historic character of the place.

All the same it’s great to see press about El Camino and I’m glad people are noticing all the positive changes happening. It’s noteworthy that Metro Newspapers is itself located on El Camino, in San Jose’s SoFA district. The Alameda and SoFA are like bookends on downtown, and both are blossoming into urban treasures. The Alameda has a ways to go but they have a beautiful road map.

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Read “Street of Dreams” by Gary Singh, Metroactive.com, January 5, 2011.


Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 25th, 2010

Christmas in the Park

Our family tradition for Christmas Eve is to enjoy Chinese food at P. F. Chang’s downtown San Jose and stroll through Christmas in the Park before heading home for last-minute preparations and a longish winter’s nap. Last night was no exception, though there were little differences. We hit Christmas in the Park first to beat any bad weather (we needn’t have worried, it was a beautiful evening). DessertI always buy a wad of raffle tickets and fail to win a mountain bike, but this year they had no raffle! Flabbergasting! At P. F. Chang’s I usually opt for one of their mini desserts, but this year I…went in a different direction.

Everything evolves but the light in the heart never changes. It was a magical night. We wish you a very Merry Christmas full of all the joys of the season!

Season's Greetings 2010

El Camino Calendar

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

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Not too much on the El Camino radar this weekend. I even had a couple last-minute cancellations. I have every confidence you’ll find ways to keep yourselves occupied. I hope it involves the indoors; this weekend is supposed to be a wet one. Don’t forget to check out the El Camino Calendars page for a list of venues all up and down El Camino Real which always have a variety of activities going on.


DIY Art: Festive Family Fun

Saturday, December 18, 2010
12 — 3 pm

Free with Museum admission

Celebrate the season of lights by using LEDs to make a high-tech holiday decoration. Bring the whole family for festive art-making. Art materials will be provided.

San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113

http://www.sanjosemuseumofart.org/event/diy-art-festive-family-fun-0


Brandi Chastain: a Tribute to a Champion

Special screening
Thursday Dec. 16th
7-8 p.m.
Mayer Theater
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Admission is free
http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=0cdde11b432388f981bc17c08&id=2b1715b28e&e=7a1612bc64


Wreaths Across America

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

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Remember. Honor. Teach. That is the mission of the annual Wreaths Across America event which just occurred on December 11, 2010. On that day over 100,000 fresh holiday wreaths were laid on the graves of American veterans from all branches of service at over 150 National and State cemeteries around the U.S. and overseas. A ceremony was held here in the Bay Area at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, between El Camino Real and I-280.

This event started in 1992. Morrill Worcester, a holiday wreathmaker in Maine, had a surplus so he brought 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and laid them on graves. The striking image captured national attention so the effort continued every year and grew. In 2009 the Wreaths Across America non-profit foundation was formed and now covers every military cemetery.

We weren’t able to attend the early morning ceremony but my family had occasion to be up that way later that afternoon so we stopped by the cemetery to view the wreaths. I’ve driven by it many times on I-280 and have always been humbled by the sight of the orderly rows of white tombstones as far as the eye can see. This was my first time inside.

We weren’t sure where to go so we drove around, taking it all in. At first we only saw a few wreaths scattered among graves. My guess is they were placed there deliberately by family members of the deceased. Finally we found the chapel. In the burial section adjacent every grave had a wreath. I expect that was the focal point of the ceremony. I parked and took several photos and reflected on the service and sacrifice of the men and women honored there. The festive scent of the freshly cut balsam wreaths added warmth to the stark white marble tombstones and the cold ground.

Ironically the wreaths covered up most of the info on the the tombstones. I could read names, but not service information or birth or death dates. That made it impossible to determine the context of the section. Were these all soldiers, or eligible family members? Were they killed in action, or did they die after completing their service? In the end I think it didn’t matter. Every person buried there was a distinct individual with his or her own unique existence, but the act of laying the holiday wreaths temporarily erased their differences, highlighting the sacrifices they all made which now unite them. The community came together to lay each wreath indiscriminately.  Children are often involved, providing a teaching opportunity. It was a day of grace on which we, the people, could remember and honor them, our armed forces. Mission accomplished.

Under El Camino

Friday, December 10th, 2010

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InMenlo.com has published a really cool story about the El Camino Real bridge over San Francisquito Creek on the Santa Clara – San Mateo county line. There are several such bridges where El Camino crosses over all the creeks that flow out of the mountains into the Bay. They offer unique opportunities to literally get under the road and experience it from a completely different perspective. The creeks are frequented by the homeless and by graffiti taggers. Generally I’m not in favor of public graffiti, but tucked away down here it seems wholly appropriate. Click the headline below to read the article and see some of InMenlo’s celebrated photography.

Under Menlo: El Camino Real crosses San Francisquito Creek — InMenlo

El Camino Calendar

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

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A bit of the traditional and a bit of the unexpected this weekend. Don’t forget to check out the El Camino Calendars page for a list of venues all up and down El Camino Real which always have a variety of activities going on.


Santa-Go-Round

Sunday December 12th
CONTESTS! CRAWLS AND CRAZINESS!

Have fun and support a great cause. Santa-Go-Round is part toy drive, part costume contest, part pub crawl and all fun. Come to the Circle of Palms and bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to InnVision and participate in what is going to be one of the most talked about events in downtown San Jose since Zombie-O-Rama.

Come dressed as Santa and get discounts on Ice Skating and drink or dinner specials at one of 19 participating businesses.
Downtown San Jose
http://www.santagoround.com/


2nd Annual San Jose Short Film Festival

Opening Night Premiere and Screenings Coming December 2010

Buy tickets online at Camera 3 Cinemas or visit the Camera 3 Cinema Box Office.:

Thursday December 9th Opening Night:
$10 (tickets are limited: includes premiere screening, meet the movie makers forum after screening, pre-show mixer. 6:30pm mixer, 7:30pm screening

Saturday December 11th:
$8 tickets 1pm and 4pm screening times

Sunday December 12th:
$8 tickets 1pm and 4pm screening times

Camera 3 Downtown
288 S. Second Street | San Jose, CA 95113
http://www.sjshortfest.com/
http://www.cameracinemas.com/shortfilmfest.shtml


Deadstök X

Friday, December 10 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm

The Usuals
1020 The Alameda
San Jose, CA

We are bringing-back all Deadstök designs made in 2010!

Expect to see new version t-shirt designs by dNA, Everyday Debauchery, Lost San Jose, Kori Thompson, Lacey Bryant, Michael Foley, Anabella Pinon, Force 129, Wadl, Jane Doe, and more!

Say good-bye to STREETBOT! Say HELLO to the WOW Silog Truck! YUMmmm…

Squareweezy and Cutso from The Bangerz will provide beats in the backroom where we’ll have more to nibble and sip.

Join us for our end of the year EXTRAVAGANZA!

Facebook event
http://www.shoptheusuals.com/


The Nutcracker

Santa Clara Ballet Company
37th Annual, Full-length, Traditional Version

Saturday, December 11, 2010—2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, December 12, 2010—1:00pm & 5:00pm

The Santa Clara Convention Center Theatre
5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
http://www.santaclaraballet.com/


Sweet Memories

Sweet Memories Confectionery
Is Celebrating Its First Anniversary and You’re Invited!

That’s right, we’ve been open a year now and want to celebrate this milestone with YOU.

When: Saturday, December 11, 2010 10am – 10pm
Where: Sweet Memories Confectionery
1395 El Camino Real, Millbrae
What: Anniversary Celebration!

  • Happy Hour All Day (single scoop sundae for just $2!)
  • Free Popcorn
  • Free Hot Tea & Spiced Cider
  • Great Holiday Gifts and Decor!

We hope to see you there!

http://www.sweetmemoriesconfectionery.com/
Facebook flyer


Wreaths across America

Golden Gate National Cemetery
1300 Sneath Lane
San Bruno, CA 94066

The ceremony for the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno is on December 11th. The ceremony begins at 8:45am. Plan to be there a bit earlier to find the exact location. As you enter the main entrance go to the left to find other vehicles near the ceremony area.
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Locations/California/30-Golden-Gate-National-Cemetery-San-Bruno/View-details.html


Wine & Dine

Vedas Indian Restaurant
Invites You to a Special Evening
Fri., Dec. 10
6:30-9:30pm

A Fabulous Night of the Finest Wines Paired with Exceptional Indian Cuisine
Live Music, Featured California Wineries, Select Indian Dishes

Make your reservations TODAY!!!

560 N Abel Street, Milpitas, CA – 95035
http://www.vedasrestaurant.com/Events.php


AllCamino Gift Guide

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

I had this great idea for a blog post: the AllCamino Gift Guide. This is the season for a lot of things, not the least of which is giving. I thought I’d make a little list of lovely El Camino gifts, either stuff related to or available on our favorite road. That’s when I hit a snag. Whom is this list for? If, like me, you have an abiding affection for The Royal Road, then of course you read this blog avidly and you’re reading this post at this very moment, which means the surprise will be ruined for you if you are lucky enough to receive anything on this list. All I can suggest is that you stop reading now, but we both know that’s not going to happen. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for the El Camino enthusiast in your life, then you’re probably married to me, and remember we agreed on a dollar amount limit this year, Dear.

Joking aside, these are some items off the top of my head that I think would make great gifts now or anytime. It’s limited in geographic scope because I do spend most of my time in Santa Clara County, so that’s what I know. Over time I hope to find treasures in other regions. I’ll let you know in next year’s list. These are presented in no particular order.

I ♥ SJ Gear

CIMG0734Get your tee shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies at The Usuals on The Alameda in San Jose. This iconic design by Mike Millares of Deadstök is blowing up; don’t miss the excitement. Here’s a challenge: upload or email to The Usuals an unusual photo of yourself wearing your shirt. We’re trying to start a movement. (This picture of me doesn’t count as unusual; the movement hadn’t started yet when we took it.)

As it just so happens, The Usuals is hosting a party Friday, December 10 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM showcasing favorite Deadstök designs. It’s a sign! Beats by The Bangerz and grub by the WOW Truck.

Simon Malls Gift Card

Great MallI know, I know, gift cards are the last refuge of the uninventive and the desperate, but you know they work and they’re always appreciated. Here’s the beautiful thing: if you get a Simon gift card, the recipient can use it at either the Great Mall or Stanford Shopping Center, both of which are within the AllCamino jurisdiction. They’re good at Gilroy Premium Outlets too, which is pretty darn close to Monterey Road. How Camino is that?

Mixed Pastel Chocolate-Covered Fruits from Olson’s

C. J. Olson Cherries: Mixed Pastel Chocolate-Covered Fruits - 8 oz.:Ah, C. J. Olson Cherries, jewel of Sunnyvale. I’m crazy about the summer fruit they sell at the fruit stand, but when winter rolls around I’m all about their dried fruit. In particular I love the mixed pastels: Bing cherries, pears, blueberries, and Olson’s famous apricots dipped in creamy chocolate and sealed in a color-coded candy coating. Toothsome and tasty. Look for them at the San Jose and Oakland airports if you need to grab a quick gift on your way out of town.

The El Camino Book

California's El Camino Real and Its ... - Google BooksThis one is for the real El Camino afficionado: the book California’s El Camino Real and Its Historic Bells by Max Kurillo and Erline Tuttle. This is the only book I’ve read to date solely about the road and it contains history and photos you won’t find anyplace else. You can order it directly from California Bell Company.

Stanford A Cappella CD

Merchandising!Stanford University is a hotbed of collegiate a cappella music with nine diverse groups on campus at last count. They all have recordings available, and I’m pretty sure you can find their latest and greatest CDs at the Stanford Bookstore. If not, you can contact the groups directly, and some even sell their recordings through Amazon.com and other outlets. Check out “Through the Roof” by my old group, Fleet Street. Yes I’m shameless, but it’s my blog and I’ll plug if I want to.

See’s Candies Polar Bear Paws

Chocolates & Chocolate Gifts | See's CandiesAh, I just thought of something from San Mateo County! See’s Candies is headquartered in South San Francisco right on El Camino. Their retail stores, of course, can be found everywhere. I’ve actually never had their Polar Bear Paws but they sound awesome: white chocolate, roasted peanuts, and caramel. The perfect holiday treat.

Happy shopping!