From single-malt whiskeys and freshness-focused cocktail programs to beloved bakeries and fine fare, this is what’s new and now in Silicon Valley and beyond.
DINE
A new fine dining concept in Westfield Valley Fair, iCHiNA, is inspired by China’s ancient imperial palaces. The chef-driven menu balances refined, modern interpretations of the country’s cuisine with the integrity of traditional flavors, paying homage to its eight culinary regions—think spice-packed dishes from Sichuan and intricate sauces from Guangdong. For a truly immersive experience, the VR Realm, Silicon Valley’s first virtual reality dining room, lets guests dine among bamboo forests, cherry blossom gardens, water lantern festivals and more. 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste. 1891, Santa Clara, 408.352.5405, ichinarestaurant.com
Chef Andrew Whiteside, the new executive chef at Four Seasons Silicon Valley, uses local ingredients, including honey, in the food program’s extensive menu.
EXPERIENCE
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley recently welcomed new executive chef Andrew Whiteside, who will preside over contemporary Italian eatery Quattro, the lobby cafe as well as in-room dining. Chef Whiteside explores simple Californian cuisine that focuses on freshness and quality ingredients, with a certain sticky-sweet substance playing muse: honey. An avid beekeeper, he reveals, “I’m very excited about the potential of bringing honeybees to the hotel.” 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, 650.566.1200, fourseasons.com/siliconvalley
Bloomingdale’s at Valley Fair celebrates grads and dads on June 18.
SHOP
Bloomingdale’s celebrates its one-year anniversary at Westfield Valley Fair, where shoppers can find the best in fashion, designer accessories and fine jewelry from noted brands like Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Moncler, Baccarat, Burberry, David Yurman and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. (Insider tip: Don’t shop till you drop—personal shoppers take the guesswork out of finding the season’s trendiest pieces.) On the ground floor, AnQi Shaken & Stirred modern bistro and noodle bar serves up tasty fare, including its signature garlic noodles. To add to the festivities, the store salutes Father’s Day and recent graduates June 18 with a custom Letterholic Calligraphy card with any purchase over $150. 2847 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.878.6200, bloomingdales.com
Oysters at Coastal Kitchen
Truffle tortellini also has won over local gourmands.
ROAD TRIP
Coastal Kitchen is a stunning new addition to the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Executive chef Michael Rotondo’s six-course tasting menus feature delectable bites like heirloom beets with tangerine and citrus lace; truffle tortellini with moonflower, roasted cabbage and parsnip milk; and wagyu strip loin with black forbidden rice, charred arrowhead cabbage and onion soubise. Enjoy wine pairings curated by sommelier Conrad Reddick served with uninterrupted views of picturesque Monterey Bay. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, 831.920.6710, montereyplazahotel.com/coastal-kitchen
Vishal Gauri and Virag Saksena
The 10th Street Distillery is one of the few local distilleries that makes its whiskey all the way from grain to bottle. Founders Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri start with high-alkaline, mineral-rich water, typically a combination of Sierra Nevada snowmelt and ground water, and skip the osmosis stage, preferring to keep the water’s natural mineral profile. Acidic custom-peated malt imported from Scotland complements the hard water, while the distillers allow naturally occurring yeasts to interact with the mash, unifying the liquor’s unique flavors. The result? A stunning collection of signature single-malt and blended libations that showcase the distinct character and terroir of California. 442 N. Fourth St., San Jose, 408.458.5163, 10thstreetdistillery.com
Wildseed’s bright Palo Alto dining room
Spicy yellow curry
TASTE
A well-known San Francisco fave, plant-based restaurant and bar Wildseed has finally made its way to Silicon Valley. The goal? To serve hearty, vegetable-forward California cuisine with global flavors and techniques alongside local beers and organic, biodynamic wines. Even the craft cocktail program keeps it clean, highlighting fresh juices, herbs, homemade extracts, tinctures and shrubs. Wildseed is also committed to keeping its footprint minimal. Feel-good food that’s good for you? Sign us up. 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 408.781.0112, wildseedsf.com
The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa celebrates 20 years, along with 100 years of the great cartoonist.
VISIT
The Charles M. Schulz Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, as well as the beloved cartoonist’s 100th birthday this November. A two-part exhibition, Spark Plug to Snoopy: 100 Years of Schulz, will kick off the centennial jubilee with a blast from the past. This exhibit allows guests to explore the original works of artists who inspired Shultz’s journey into cartooning—from Popeye to Mickey Mouse. Be sure to stay tuned for the follow-up exhibit detailing Shulz’s impact on the world of cartooning and the future artists that he inspired. Through Sept. 18, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707.579.4452, schulzmuseum.org
Delicate and delicious confections from Manresa Bread are now at Town & Country Village.
TREAT
Lauded Bay Area bakery Manresa Bread has debuted its fourth location in Town & Country Village. The cafe serves up the same beloved house-milled sourdough breads, laminated pastries, quiches, sandwiches and seasonal salads alongside delicious new items— think mini carrot cakes with pineapple jam; bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches; and an almond rye blueberry tartlet, among others—and convenient grab-and-go offerings. Pro tip: Order in advance for same-day pickup to make sure favorite treats don’t sell out (hint: They usually do). 855 El Camino Real, Ste. 138, Palo Alto, 650.384.6462, manresabread.com
Robert Massey is the new general director of Symphony San Jose.
HEAR
Tune in this season: Robert Massey is the new general director of Symphony San Jose. Massey has a reputation as a dynamic, visionary and entrepreneurial leader in the music industry. He has served as chief executive of the Jacksonville Symphony, Opera Festival of Chicago, Louisville Orchestra, Orchestra Iowa and the Washington Bach Consort. 325 S. First St., San Jose, 408.286.2600, symphonysanjose.org
An exciting season awaits.
Photography by: COURTESY OF ICHINA; COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS; COURTESY OF BLOOMINGDALE’S; COURTESY OF MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA; COURTESY OF MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA; COURTESY OF 10TH STREET DISTILLERY; BY ROY MENCONI; COURTESY OF WILDSEED; COURTESY OF WILDSEED; COURTESY OF WILDSEED; COURTESY OF THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM; COURTESY OF MANRESA BREAD; COURTESY OF SYMPHONY SAN JOSE; COURTESY OF SYMPHONY SAN JOSE
