Sri

736 Water St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Amy R. writes: Note:  This is not Indian food...nor is it Pakistani food...it is Sri Lankan food.

Driving in the car...
Amy R:  Sri...
Mr. Amy R: Must be Indian...oh no, Sri Lankan
Amy R:  What's Sri Lankan food like?  Is that the same as Indian food?  What do they eat…

Little Shanghai Chinese Restaurant

1010 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Marsha Z. writes: Mongolian BBQ is available (they claim to be the only restaurant in the area to offer this), along with a menu of standard and not so standard entrees.  Veggies needn't worry about ordering the usual tofu and vegetable type dish; they've got tempeh…

Walnut Avenue Cafe

106 Walnut Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

J G. writes: Nice scrambles, good potatoes. The french toast with bananas and walnuts and yogurt is off the hippie hook! Long wait usually unless you get there early. Zacharys, a few blocks down, has more of a selection though.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Swanton Blvd & W Cliff Dr
Santa Cruz, CA 95067

Beth W. writes: One of our family's favorite places to visit by far!  This state park/beach welcomes all to it's sandy shore with a wide variety to please even the pickiest person.  There are the picnic tables & bbq sets with ocean and park views.  An educational…

Castle Rock

Highway 9
Saratoga, CA 95070

Steve S. writes: I LUD DIS SPOT MANG! I'm talking about the big ass rock on this trail. Shiet, I was blown away the first time I went up here in high school. I thought we was just gonna find some spot in the mountains to smoke some weed, but this was some Indiana…

Kitsch Couture

20490 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070

Connie C. writes: Far from kitschy, this Downtown Saratoga funky shabby chic boutique is filled with cute and trendy clothes and accessories.

Carrying an eclectic mix of labels (including Free People, T-Bags, Michael Stars, Kensie, Pete and Trina Turk), the boutique…

Gene's Fine Foods

18850 Cox Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070

Colleen H. writes: I love love love this market! They have a huge wine cellar, with a helpful sommelier/liquor dept guy and they carry my very hard to find Robert Young Scion!

The Balzebu Balsamic Is the BEST and this is the only place around I can find it! It's a must…

Pavia Day Spa

12840 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070

Mary M. writes: Daniela - you're small in stature but gigantic with effect!

I whined about getting a massage for my birthday. Not just any massage. An Advanced Massage for Techies massage. Boyfriend delivered. Handed me a cute little puffy envelope with a certificate…

Uncorked!

14500 Big Basin Way
Ste A
Saratoga, CA 95070

Andrew C. writes: I've been here twice.  The first time was with some friends prior to chocolate doom at La Fondue; the second time was with Joy Monkey Adobo DYK Nymph Troll A.  We were looking for reasonably priced eats in downtown Saratoga and stopped in at this…

La Fondue

14550 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070

Marcella N. writes: L ovely
A phrodesiac

F laming
O rgasmic
N inety-nine million dollar bill
D elicous
U tterly decadent
E ntirely perfect date restaurant

(see pics)

The dessert fondue swept me off my feet and I want to go back as soon as possible!  Take me, take me!

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards

22645 Garrod Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070

Mami T. writes: 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon George's Vineyard is a steal for $35 / bottle.  

This wine (George's Vineyard) is from the oldest vines of the estate, and it is noticeably more complex, integrated and refined than other 2000 Cabs (Vally View Vineyard and Lone…

Cafe Cruz

2621 41st Avenue
Soquel, CA 95073

Arthur G. writes: This place is kind of tucked away among other small businesses off 41st and doesn't look all that great from the outside.  This place gets busy so I recommend making a reservation.  Parking is a huge bitch, so if you can't find any spaces behind the…

The Ugly Mug

4640 Soquel Dr
Soquel, CA 95073

vicky t. writes: I usually don't hang in the Soquel Village but after going to Charles Schwab a latte was in order. Decent soy latte.. I didn't take much of the atmosphere in (I wanted to get back to Santa Cruz to run other errands) but I can see why folks when I was…

Bangkok West Thai Cuisine

2505 Cabrillo College Dr
Aptos, CA 95073

Samantha M. writes: On the top of my list of favorites for their Panang Curry with Seafood. Their lunch buffet is always pretty good too, and a great bargain for $7.95. They also have a vegetarian buffet on Wednesdays.

Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd
San Jose, CA 95101

Kristina R. writes: This is the biggest frickin' mall I've ever been to in California.  WHO needs this much Mall, really?

By the third hour, I had lost my hubby and was wandering around like a kid who'd slipped away from his absent-minded parents.  It didn't help that…

Victoria's Secret

Vallco Fashion Park
10123 N Wolfe Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014

deb n. writes: These people are marketing mavens!  The store is so large, takes over two store fronts, one for body and bath and the other for lingerie.

Prices are higher then Frederick's of Hollywood, across the hall at the Cupertino Square (old Vallco Mall).

They…

Yoko's Japanese Restaurant

505 2nd Ave
San Mateo, CA 95015

Perci N. writes: Like visiting your obaachan for lunch. The decor is very "grandmother's living room," and everyone is a little old lady.

Lunch is pretty good, especially the daily specials. Servings are small, and Safeway has better side salads, but they have…

Lick Observatory

Mt Hamilton Rd
San Jose, CA 95101

David S. writes: The Lick Observatory surmounts Mt Hamilton in the East Bay, and is a great place to go to on a nice week-end afternoon. The drive there takes between 1 and 2 hours from most peninsula locations, and is quite pleasant (though very windy near the end).…

Mitsuwa Marketplace

675 Saratoga Avenue
San Jose, CA 95106

Linda L. writes: There is no where that has great chiffon cheesecake that comes in two great small portions!  They also have great cream puffs and in different sizes too! Their gyoza selection isn't too bad. And my mom's favorite section is the pickled vegetables.

I…

Music in the Park

Cesar Chavez Park
St. James Park
San Jose, CA 95109

Mark a p. writes: You have to love free events, especially music. San Jose has such an event with a good lineup this year. Started off with English Beat and upcoming acts include Tony, Toni, Tone and Mandy Moore.
I headed down to catch the White Album Ensemble doing…

Tampico Kitchen & Lounge

820 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Tracey W. writes: Those of you who have been following my reviews know that all I really want is a place that I feel at home, where I can get a cheap drink and some decent food and has a bathroom. I was doing the the Xmas cha cha (buy two presents get a drink, buy two…

Chefworks

1527 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Shanna K. writes: Great stuff here.  Something for everyone whether you're a total beginner or serious cook... or just looking for a nice gift.   From All Clad to cast iron to teapots to more gadgetry and cookie cutters than I've ever seen in one place.   It slices,…

The Golden Fleece

303 Potrero St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Maryanne R. writes: This is like the Baskin Robbins of yarn stores - so many flavors!!  It's located in a little industrial park just off of River St. (along with the Pacific Cookie Co. factory, which is definitely worth a side trip) and has a modern workshop feel to…

Caffe Pergolesi

418 Cedar St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dandy D. writes: this is the kind of place that you would have found me hanging about a lot in college. it would have been 1996 & i would have been reading walter pater & wearing plaid thrift store pants in some really alarming color, a tight 60s racing stripe shirt…

Palace Art & Office Supply

1407 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Carleen W. writes: Wow so I really like the layout of the store and the things they sell are reasonably priced...but the service is very much a WOW thing for me because it was strange!!!

I have been here a few times and the other times the people who work there are very…

Sockshop & Shoe Company

1515 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

mary a. writes: far out variety of excellent, expensive, some stylish & unique brand shoes which some of them are quite cheaper than the big known department/shoe stores!!!

the socks are all sort of colors, length, texture & fabric...and some could be a little bit…

Los Gatos Brewing Company

130 N Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Natalie D. writes: Came here with Ali C. after we had a few drinks, and I'm pretty sure both of us were drunk but not admitting it- here's a recap of our meal:
Calamari appetizer comes out:
Ali C.: "I don't like the testicles. Do you like the testicles??"
Me: "Oh yeah!…

Starbucks Coffee

200 Saratoga Ave
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Amber G. writes: This is by far the most friendly place in town to get your morning cup of joe!  They greet almost everyone by name and always a big smile!  They do a great job on my drink and service with a smile makes it all the nicer.  

I try to avoid Starbucks…

Santa Clara University

500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Flor D. writes: So...I can't believe I am reviewing this University...considering that I am a SMC GAEL...it's almost painful.

However, I can appreciate awesome technological beauty when I see it.  SCU...I give I give...that library is an amazing creature.  Not…

The Red Room

1003 Cedar St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Jeremy S. writes: The Red Room was what I expected from a Santa Cruz drinking establishment: a relatively low-key, but friendly crowd in a comfortable atmosphere. Sure it's not uber-trendy or sceney, but it has that classic old-school feel. Our bartender was friendly…

Forbes Mill Steak House

206 N Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030

calivanilla c. writes: It's official, I'm an aged steak kind of gal. If you save enough space, be sure to sample their Kona Coffee Creme Brulee, quite an endorphin-enriched way to top off the meal.

Sur La Table

23 University Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Mara T. writes: I already love Sur La Table in general, but the Los Gatos store is the favorite cooking & baking playground for my wallet.

Took a class there...little tables set out with cheese, crackers, salami, ice water, iced tea. Tres chic. Volunteers milled…

A Matter of Taste

35 E Main St
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Michele R. writes: I felt like I was back in Paris (where I spent many years). This is a true french bistro. They have their menu on a huge chalk board (alhough thankfully for those of us visually challenged they have started to provide printed menus.Their fries (pomme…

Caffe Sienna

26 E Main St
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Barb B. writes: Nice, airy cafe with great espresso, sandwiches and the best damn biscotti I ever had. The pannini sandwich was fabulous with melted cheese, fresh turkey, tomatoes with a salad on the side. Very tasty!! Very relaxing atmopshere and nice friendly…

The Pastaria

49 E Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Beth W. writes: One star off for spotty service that I observed towards other customers (in the tiny dining room and those waiting)....fortunately, the times we have been here the service for our table has been attentive.

We've been going here for many years when…

Infiniti Boutique

120 W Main St
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Jennifer Thanh-Mai T. writes: The owner of this store, June, is SO passionate about fashion.  I would never have thought to wear half of the clothing there because they're so unique and urban, but June would persuade me to try something on, and it would look great.  

There are…

Three Degrees Restaurant

140 S Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030

kim n. writes: My friend and I were just basically looking for a new place to eat and while playing Opentable Roulette, this is what came up. The restaurant is located inside the Tollhouse hotel; on the far southern side of Santa Cruz Ave in Los Gatos. This part of…

Main Street Burgers

20 S Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Mary T. writes: After having some froyo at TCBY, Mai and I decided to get some more froyo at Main Street. I dunno what came over us, but we ended up sharing a cup while Cal got a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

The girls who served us probably thought we were crazy or…

Thai Spice

337 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Ben D. writes: Thai Spice may be my new favorite Thai restaurant. I had a cup of Tom Kha soup with chicken and it was the best I've ever had! The amount of chicken, baby corn, and mushrooms was quite generous, and I've never before seen my favorite coconut milk…