#svca

Dining out is an something we wholeheartedly miss. But with its extensive menu containing an incredible assortment of Portuguese tapas, take out from @petiscosadega sure felt like a culinary adventure. From the Michelin award winning team of Adega, this more casual, small plate restaurant occupies the corner of San Jose’s SoFA District which was previously home to patron favorites like Agenda, Bayonne, First to Market and most recently Tac-oh. Judging from the quality of our meal we can see this tenant being around for years to come. We tried some of the less “common” items on fine dining menus such as gizzards and pig’s ear salad which we enjoyed as much as the beef, cuttlefish and green beans. Word of advice...eat your take out deep fried items quickly! They are fried perfectly but don’t hold up so great after cooling down in sealed plastic to go containers. (We popped then in our air fryer to get them back to crispy deliciousness). Already mentioned, the gizzards are melt in your mouth tender with a very strong herb flavor. Just as the octopus at Adega shows up in most reviews, the chefs’ comfort with this ocean protein is impossible to overlook. We tried the roasted tentacle and the octopus salad and both were fantastic. We will be back to work our way through more of the menu as soon as we can. It is definitely going to be one our first visits when it is safe to return to in person dining. #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #food #octopus #portuguesefood #petiscos #tapas #dtsj #sofadistrict #dinelocal #foodieadventure #michelinintraining (at SoFA District) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKrZkhGjERO/?igshid=aebpmaj8rqsb

Celebrate democracy whatever your political views may be. We encourage everyone who is able to, to vote, and make your voices heard. #svca #siliconvalley #concierge #democracy #thefirsttuesdayinnovember #presidentialelection #hopeforthefuture (at Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHI_FadDsc4/?igshid=5j8w14ywkvjl

It felt like summer today so that made ice cream a totally justifiable food group. In ice cream shops that freeze their offerings to order using liquid nitrogen there is a feeling of being in a mad scientist’s laboratory except the result is creamy, delicious, frozen goodness. @cauldronicecream is such a shop with a variety of customizable flavors, toppings and of course puffle cones. This rose shaped milk & cereal ice cream served in a red velvet puddle cone was absolutely what my sweet tooth was demanding all day long. It was almost difficult to take that first bite given it’s resemblance to a work of art. Still, as the sign says...it’s not gonna lick itself. #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #icecream #foodpic #nomnom #food #sweettooth #cauldron #instafood #northside #madewithliquidnitrogen #frozen (at Cauldron Ice Cream) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-zrm3jRrB/?igshid=s29dn11ffx56

@shakeshackvf has opened at @westfieldvf and it’s perfect for those of us in the South Bay with pumpkin and Fall o our minds. This month’s shake is pumpkin featuring real pumpkin mixed in with the shack’s signature vanilla custard. While the weather outside was still fairly warm today, for our minds that have turned to cozy thoughts of autumn, we totally appreciate the (fairly new) spicy chicken added to the menu. Available as hot, extra hot and fire; connoisseurs of the chicken can get this on nuggets or sandwiches. The heat options extend to the fries which you can order with or without cheese sauce. Our question is...why would anyone ever choose without? Ordering is available on the Shake Shack website (not the app) or from touch less kiosks inside the restaurant. We had to wait well over 45 minutes after ordering on a Sunday so will definitely order on the website before driving over next time. Our take away from the experience? Be prepared to wait. Check your order before you walk all the way to your car. We didn’t get the cheese sauce for our fries we ordered so had to go back for it...which added time before eating. Hence more melted shake and cold food. The heat levels are serious. It’s not too hot to eat, but as someone usually disappointed by “spicy food” being not spicy enough, the fire was very enjoyable. Don’t forget to add heat to your fries. The pumpkin shake is more akin to pumpkin pie flavor (than pumpkin spice) and given that it’s made with custard it is extremely thick. However true pumpkin lovers will appreciate it. We did! Sorry pet owners, the west coast shacks don’t seem to offer dog treats like they do on the east coast. #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #shakeshack #pumpkintime #foodpics #valleyfairmall #nomnom #spicychicken (at Shake Shack) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF8CB9nDln0/?igshid=7stdeyh7ljtu

The patio is open and so are our mouths for some tasty brunch from @scramblzthealameda_ We opted to pick up our meals to enjoy at home because we’re taking the heat advisory seriously but there is plenty of shade and distanced seating on the patio for diners to enjoy eating out. Scramblz has great lunches too but with such a breakfast oriented name we keep associating it with breakfast and brunch when considering local options. The kitschy decor is still able to be enjoyed since all orders are placed inside at the counter. The breakfast secret weapon here? Why those are the angry potatoes of course. Country style potatoes with cheese and peppers elevate this breakfast starch far above your standard hash browns (which the crunchy lovers amongst us can still get). #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #patiodining #alfrescodining #brunchtime #breakfast #weekendvibes #heatwave #foodpics #nomnom #eggs #thealameda #rosegardenneighborhood #scramblz (at Scrambl'z On the Alameda) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6vGZ2j29h/?igshid=175v03s0zbn7m

We’ve all heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. With flavorful and hearty sandwiches like these at @hannahcoffeeteasweets we totally found a way to celebrate this crucial daily meal. Spicy sausage, thick bacon and perfectly cooked eggs were bookended by a buttery flaky croissant to hit the spot despite being gone entirely too quickly. Hannah’s always gives you a happy ending with a complimentary mini red velvet cupcake given with for each entree purchase. #svca #siliconvalleyconcierge #conciergepick #thealameda #food #breakfastsandwich #breakfastisserved #nomnom #putaneggonit #bacon #spiceoflife (at HannaH) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDl5Oc8jbwY/?igshid=pafgianx5wms

For the spicy food lovers out there, Hunan Taste is a hidden gem in its out of the way location on 4th and Younger Streets. For years a rumor persisted that this venerable restaurant avoided closure from the health department because so many city and county employees ate there regularly. Though we haven’t witnessed anything that has ever given us cause for concern eating here. In fact that rumor was likely started by devoted patrons trying to scare others away and reduce wait times. There is wide variety of cuisine in the menu but sweet and sugary Americanized versions of Chinese food are not very prevalent. Focus on savory flavors and if you like spice...order it spicy. Regular level spice is often at the higher end of the spectrum that gives mild food lovers pause. Our go to favorites include the noodles with spicy pork sauce and the Hunan special lamb. #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #foodpic #food #hunantaste #noodles #spicyfood #foodgasm #hiddengem #getinmybelly (at Hunan Taste Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhiL9BDa1i/?igshid=vy11e301yolm

So excited to use the contents of our first Butcher’s Box Order from @thegrandview and @grandviewfarmssj This is a great opportunity to support local businesses during the shelter in place orders. The shipments get delivered directly to you. For the vegetarian and omnivore eaters they also offer produce, pasta and wine boxes. While you might not have the “grand view” at home, you can still have the same quality ingredients. Ordering information is available on the restaurant website. Disclaimer: professional chef, suave servers and amazing views of Silicon Valley are not included. #svca #siliconvalley #conciergepick #grandviewrestaurant #meat #butchersbox #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #pandemicpanic #letsgetthroughthis (at Mount Hamilton GrandView Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SGoFyjVod/?igshid=13pz52t16yxm9