Is San Jose a good place to live for you? (to move, kids)

[Billy Millennium]

Originally Posted by bobby_guz_man

Why do we always mention SF in San Jose forum....

And I do agree, it's not a great restaurant destination for general cuisine, but for a few ethnic cuisines, it would be tops, especially Vietnamese.

I took my parents out to Slanted Doors in SF many years ago. Needless to say, after the visit, I was banned from picking Vietnamese restaurants to go out to In fact, that ban is still on. Whenever I mention some new Vietnamese restaurants, either in SJ or anywhere else, they would look at each other, say "Slan Do" (accent), and then proceed to laugh in my face

Parents can be so cruel sometimes...

Haven't heard that place mentioned in awhile. Love the outdoor patio overlooking Treasure Island I believe. Friends dragged me there a couple years ago. Nice place, unfortunately the soup was about the only item on the menu within my "budget" so to speak .

I'm not a fan of Vietnamese (granted Pho was my lone experience) but I'm sure there's top notch places for those into it. Tully road area especially.

[bobby_guz_man]

I agree on Slanted Doors being way-overpriced, even for the view. I actually prefer Butterfly close by instead of Slanted Doors. They're both Vietnamese fusion restaurants but at least Butterfly seems to be more "earnest" in their efforts.

For Vietnamese food in San Jose, it would be Tully and Story. Back in my birth country, Pho is like egg mcmuffin, you'd eat it mostly for breakfast. Only here in America, we elevated it slightly to lunch/dinner main dish. And yah, Pho is barely scratching the surface

Basically, I stay away from any Pho restaurant that offers "fish Pho" or "veggie Pho". That's a BAD sign right there.

[silverkris]

For Indian and Korean food, I'd say the Valley tops out San Francisco in variety and breadth.

If you want more upscale Indian food, try Amber India, Shiva, or Sakoon, all in Mountain View. Or you can go for a more reasonably priced alternatives there or in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara as well. Not to mention lots of chaat cafes here and there.

Korean food - your first destination would be El Camino Real in Santa Clara/Sunnyvale, roughtly between Lawrence Expressway and San Tomas Expressway.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

This part is very true. People in the Bay tend to be scattered around and the distance means you always seem to be driving 45 min to an hour to visit with people.

SJ is the 3rd densest metro area in the country and SF is the 2nd...if you can't find very many people worth visiting within 45 minutes then I don't know what to tell you.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by easybay

DH was actually LAUGHED at (in the workplace) for saying we went out to Red Robin for a burger. And wine is just BORING - everyone swirling and sticking their noses in their glasses

Your second sentence sounds just as judgmental as what's being done in the first.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by bobby_guz_man

Why do we always mention SF in San Jose forum....

And I do agree, it's not a great restaurant destination for general cuisine, but for a few ethnic cuisines, it would be tops, especially Vietnamese.

I took my parents out to Slanted Doors in SF many years ago. Needless to say, after the visit, I was banned from picking Vietnamese restaurants to go out to In fact, that ban is still on. Whenever I mention some new Vietnamese restaurants, either in SJ or anywhere else, they would look at each other, say "Slan Do" (accent), and then proceed to laugh in my face

Parents can be so cruel sometimes...

What is "general cuisine," though? New American? Diners? $100/pp restos?

I agree that SJ tops SF for certain ethnic cuisines--in fact I'd say most Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. In addition to Vietnamese, Korean, and Indian...I'd also say Japanese, Persian, Afghan (though more Fremont), and even some types of Chinese. Mexican too, in my opinion.

[easybay]

Your second sentence sounds just as judgmental as what's being done in the first.

Yup - you are right. But you have to agree it's pretty pretentious the whole foodie/wine thing though?

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by easybay

Yup - you are right. But you have to agree it's pretty pretentious the whole foodie/wine thing though?

Ok, I'll give you that.

[Athena2c]

Originally Posted by easybay

Yup - you are right. But you have to agree it's pretty pretentious the whole foodie/wine thing though?

LOL! And wineries and wine tasting is one of the only things I really miss about living in the Bay Area.
At least I've never called myself a foodie

[bobby_guz_man]

Originally Posted by Radical347

What is "general cuisine," though? New American? Diners? $100/pp restos?

I agree that SJ tops SF for certain ethnic cuisines--in fact I'd say most Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. In addition to Vietnamese, Korean, and Indian...I'd also say Japanese, Persian, Afghan (though more Fremont), and even some types of Chinese. Mexican too, in my opinion.

General cuisine, I suppose, would be more mainstream cuisines. New American, custom burgers, wineries, Italians/Germans, Chinese, bars, those types of restaurants/cuisines.

I suppose you could say the South Bay is home to the "newer" ethnic groups' foods. Though, I don't mind the craft beer scene growing in downtown right now