Local artist Nick White works with acrylics to paint marine art, landscapes and figurative works. White, the historian with the Los Gatos Art Association, holds two artists' open studios each year, leads a plein aire group weekly, has won awards from annual art shows at the Los Gatos Museum of Art and held a one-man show at the Los Gatos Town Council Chambers earlier this year.
He and his wife, Rebecca, also a painter, have two daughters who graduated from Willow Glen High School.
White can be reached at nicknrebecca@earthlink.net.
Dining &
Entertainment
Tiny downtown Willow Glen, while mere blocks in area, offers a wealth of foods, both traditional and exotic, to diners of all types. Along Lincoln Avenue and off its side streets are eateries specializing in Indian cuisine, desserts, European dishes, alcoholic beverages and good ol' American fare. Downtown's many restaurants offered voters far more than enough options to choose from, but they managed to somehow zero in on the best. For locals and visitors alike, the following list is a general dining and entertainment guide that is sure to please.
BEST
Pizza
WILLOW STREET WOOD-FIRED PIZZA
Although it's added locations in Los Gatos and Westgate Mall, this trendy Italian eatery will always be known by a name reflecting its humble beginnings 12 years ago—Willow Glen. Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza occupies a brick building; the small size belies the large numbers of diners it sees every day.
The restaurant is best-known for pizzas baked over a white-oak fire, which imparts a mild yet distinctive smell and taste. Although the menu calls its pizzas "just right for one hungry person," many folks still end up with leftovers.
Available with thin or double-thick crusts, the pies run the gamut from traditional to international. Examples of the former include the hearty Combination, the thick Four Cheese and the delicate Thin Crust Mediterranean. The latter is exemplified by the tangy Thai Chicken, the spicy Santa Fe and the rich Garlic Prawn & Bacon. While many pizzas contain tomato sauce beneath their tasty toppings, other sauces include garlic cream, pesto, barbecue and peanut.
Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza, www.willowstreet.com, 1072 Willow St., 408.971.7080.
BEST
Sandwich, Deli
BERTUCELLI'S LA VILLA
"Mangia mangia!" In Italian, it's an encouragement to "eat, eat!"—but there's no need to encourage anyone to eat at Bertucelli's La Villa, as the food speaks for itself.
A Willow Glen institution since 1947, it was formerly called La Villa Delicatessen—and still is by many—but its official name reflects the past 15 years of ownership by Dave and Patty Bertucelli.
With more than 20 sandwiches on the menu, there's something for every palate. More traditional eaters can stretch their mouths for a meatball, pastrami, turkey, ham or tuna sandwich—with all the fixings, of course—while those with more daring taste buds can try sandwiches made with Toscana or Supresata salame, head cheese, liverwurst or hot coppa.
As a deli, La Villa distinguishes itself with hot and cold foods. Freshly made fruit, potato, pasta and garden salads are all here, as are marinated specialties like artichokes, mushrooms, mozzarella balls and even octopus. Then there's the homemade ravioli—for which patrons are known to line up outside—alongside other Italian favorites like lasagna, spaghetti, cannelloni, cannoli, biscotti and tiramisu. La Villa also offers shelves bursting with cans, jars , bottles and boxes of gourmet condiments, foods and treats.
Bertucelli's La Villa, 1319 Lincoln Ave., 408.295.7851.
BEST
Breakfast
BILL'S CAFE
It's a corner-turn off the beaten path of Lincoln Avenue, but that hasn't deterred the droves of diners who have alternately discovered or returned to this popular breakfast spot for years.
Patrons to this homestyle spot, founded 26 years ago by Bill Rizos, are first greeted by beautiful angel's trumpet flowers, hanging pendulously from vines outside the roomy patio. Upon entering the even roomier restaurant, they're greeted by the smells and sounds of good food and people enjoying it—not to mention the smiling faces of the waitstaff, who know most longtime customers by name.
Like any good breakfast joint, Bill's serves up eggs and omelettes every which way but loose, and always accompanied by hash browns, toast and jelly. Kid-friendly breakfast combos are also available. Pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles round out the major menu choices, along with sides like biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, oatmeal, cold cereal and muffins. There are also Mini Breakfast Specials weekdays from 7 to 11 a.m. for smaller appetites and Daily Specials from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for larger ones.
Bill's Cafe, 1115 Willow St., 408.294.1125.
BEST
Mexican Food,
Cocktails,
$5 Lunch
AQUI MEXICAN GRILL
In Spanish, "aqui" means "here." It doesn't get more appropriate than that, seeing as Willow Glen residents come here not just for the healthy, hearty food, but also for fast, inexpensive lunches and refreshing adult beverages. Although it's called a Mexican Grill, Aqui's considers itself "Cal-Mex," which they describe as a mix of influences from California, Mexico, the American Southwest and even a bit of Asia.
Traditional and modern favorites abound for both lunch and dinner. They include cheese quesadillas with meat or veggies; soft tacos filled with everything from Thai chicken to grilled salmon; chicken tamales and enchiladas; beef burritos; pork carnitas; beans and rice with ginger slaw and fruit; and, of course, appetite-piquing chips and salsa. A half-dozen salads are also served, including Aqui's signature Southwest Caesar with organic greens, corn, black beans, pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips and asiago cheese (for an extra buck or two, add chicken breast or salmon).
When it comes to cocktails, Aqui is the place to be. Along with the Aqui Margarita and Aqui Sangria, the bar also offers many additional specialty margaritas, martinis and other potent potables like the Chocolate Dream, Lemon Drop, Pacific Passion, Cactus Cooler and Road Runner.
Aqui Mexican Grill, 1145 Lincoln Ave., 408.995.0381.
BEST
Italian Food
VIN SANTO
For the second year in a row, voters have named Vin Santo—owned by Willow Glen residents Greg and Susan Russi—as the best place for an Italian flavor. And what a taste it is, complete with authentic Italian names for every menu item. Never fear: English descriptions are underneath.
The Antipasti platter (the name means "before pasta") is practically a meal in itself, comprising imported cheeses, roasted peppers, fritatta, smoked salmon, cured sliced meat and assorted olives. Other pre-pasta offerings include Zuppa del Giorno (soup of the day), which might be classic minestrone or something completely different. Insalata della Casa (house salad) is more original than its name implies, with delicate butter lettuce, piquant shallots, fresh tomatoes, croutons and oregano vinaigrette dressing.
For the main meal, diners can choose among several pasta dishes, from skinny angel hair to chunky orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta). Some pasta plates contain meat and some are vegetarian, but all are fresh and delicious. Other main dishes include Atlantic salmon filet with all the trimmings, osso buco, grilled steak, veal scallopine and roasted rack of lamb.
Vin Santo, 1346 Lincoln Ave., 408.920.2508.
BEST
Coffeehouse
STARBUCKS
As coffeehouses go, Starbucks has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Seattle, Wash., in 1971. It has since become a chain many thousands strong throughout the U.S. and in many foreign countries. And Willow Glen is part of that empire.
Just like in real estate, a prime location is important to coffeehouses, too, which means Starbucks couldn't get luckier than its posh digs at the highly visible and foot-trafficked intersection of Lincoln and Minnesota avenues. With its long hours and abundant indoor and outdoor seating, it's a perennially popular venue for Willow Glen residents (and often their dogs) to meet and greet, see and be seen, or just kick back and read with a comforting cuppa joe.
And who couldn't find something to like among the dozens of liquids available to fill those cups? While traditionalists imbibe cafe lattés, cappuccinos and espressos, more daring drinkers consume Caramel Macchiatos, Mocha Valencias, Chocolate Brownie Frappuccinos and Mocha Malts. Tasty coffee alternatives include fruity Tazo herbal teas, Tazo lemonade, caramel apple cider, hot chocolate and more. Almost any Starbucks drink is available hot or iced.
Starbucks, 1396 Lincoln Ave., 408.298.5272.
BEST
Asian Food
TAIWAN RESTAURANT
"We would not serve anything to our customers that we would not serve to our family."
That's what Taiwan's menu says, and that's what its owners mean. It's clearly a winning philosophy, as the restaurant has flourished in Willow Glen since 1982, including an expansion into the store next door. It has also earned numerous awards and glowing reviews over the years, which cover the walls of the entry area—a spot where patrons eagerly await their dining tables or their to-go orders.
Despite its name, Taiwan also serves Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese dishes. Between the myriad appetizers, soups (don't miss the winter melon soup), and dishes made with beef, pork, fowl, seafood, noodles and rice, there's an endless array of gourmet choices. The chef's specials alone can make the mouth water; they include Minced Shrimp in Lettuce Cups, Three Delights Kung Pao Style, Pineapple Fried Rice, Jimmy's Zesty Chicken, Honey Walnut Scallops and Garlic Snapper Eggplant.
Taiwan Restaurant, 1306 Lincoln Ave., 408.289.8800.
BEST
Bar
SHARKY'S OYSTER
BAR & GRILL
Sharky's isn't just a drinking person's bar—it's also a seafood lover's bar. Since food and drink are so closely tied at Sharky's, we'll assume voters nominated this narrow little restaurant for both reasons. The sports bar is at the back, through a door that keeps drinkers in and underage patrons out (children are welcome in the restaurant, however). Wine and many domestic and imported beers flow here; the full bar also serves mixed drinks and cocktails. For those who prefer not to sit below the cascade of autographed greenbacks at the bar, there are also long wooden tables suitable for carousing. An addictive touch-screen video game and a jukebox are welcome touches, too.
Up front in the restaurant, Sharky's proffers "the best chowder in town," along with oysters, crab cakes, salads, prawn cocktail, fish sandwiches, garlic prawns, mussels and clams by the bucket and Pasta con Nova, a signature dish of alderwood-smoked salmon blended in sherry cream sauce with linguini.
Sharky's Oyster Bar & Grill, 1151 Lincoln Ave., 408.279.0996.
BEST
Yogurt/Ice Cream
WILLOW GLEN FROZEN YOGURT COMPANY
When locals scream for ice cream, they're most likely doing so at Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Company, which owner Jeff Mullen opened in the spring of 2002 at the busy intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street.
The little building, which used to house a drive-up photofinishing shop, now houses the freezers and machines necessary to serve up (or crank out) an endless stream of creamy frozen treats. Approximately six flavors of soft-serve frozen yogurt and four flavors of ice cream rotate in and out each day. A plethora of toppings—from fruit to cookie bits to sprinkles—add to the customized options from which lickers must pick.
As if that delicious dilemma weren't hard enough, the shop has also added organic coffee and frozen custard to the menu. On warm summer nights and many weekend days, patrons cover the patio area like ants at a picnic. With colder weather approaching, there may be fewer outside eaters, but the community's favorite "cold" hot spot needn't worry—frozen yogurt and ice cream never go out of style.
Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Company, 1098 Lincoln Ave. 408.292.5961.
People &
Professions
Below is a group of people who come from different walks of life and different backgrounds, with differing ages, professions and even nationalities. But they have something in common: They love Willow Glen and they love its residents. And as a result, they are a major component in the fabric of the community. The winners in the People & Professions section excel at taking care of others in their respective categories and take pride in doing so. And that's exactly what makes them the best of Willow Glen.
BEST
Bartender
RICH BONDI
Rich Bondi at The Three Flames has been bartending for more than half his life and he's 63. He likes his job—and customers like him because he makes the new ones comfortable and he makes for a good chat with the regulars
"I probably talk too much," Bondi says. He reads three to four newspapers a day to stay current and be a good conversationalist. And after bartending for 37 years, he also has a lot to talk about.
He says the bar he works at attracts an older crowd and features the kind of music he likes: '50s, rhythm and blues, rock and swing. Bondi's been at The Three Flames for more than two decades and has a great relationship with the owners and his regulars that come in daily.
Like the music, customers think he's classic.
Rich Bondi, The Three Flames, 1547 Meridian Ave., 408.269.3133.
BEST
Teacher
SUE ROY
Former students of Sue Roy still talk about their beloved teacher 30 years later. People at the grocery store and high school remember being inspired by their first- and second-grade teacher at St. Christopher's School and go back to visit, says parent Susan Bernal.
"She has such a loving way, kids just light up," Bernal says.
Roy makes class lively by singing and playing her guitar and always has animals to delight her curious 7-year-olds. When children are allergic to furry pets, she acquires a lone hermit crab, turtles or duck eggs that hatch so that they can all enjoy classroom critters.
Not only does Roy incorporate fun and learning, she also helps prepare students for Communion, which is a very memorable part of the year.
Roy, a Willow Glen resident, has been teaching at the same school for 26 years. Her commitment to educating children over the span of her career is becoming a tradition for some families, as children of her former pupils become students.
Sue Roy, St. Christopher's School, 2278 Booksin Ave., 408.723.7223.
BEST
Waitress
CINDE DAVIS
For the second year in a row, Cinde Davis at Siena, A Mediterranean Bistro has been voted best waitress in Willow Glen. The 25-year veteran of the restaurant business has all the right touches, her clients say. When customers want to escape the rush and bustle of Silicon Valley, they come to Siena to be taken care of by Davis, says customer Don Skipwith.
The upscale restaurant and friendly service provide a comfortable atmosphere and a feast for the palate. Her personal interest in the customer as well as her scrumptious menu recommendations are some of the reasons she's so popular with guests.
"She has a great attitude, and customers really appreciate that," says Siena owner Martha Duke. "She's very social, but she knows when to come and when to go."
Loyal customers hope that Davis will be around for a long time.
Cinde Davis of Siena, A Mediterranean Bistro, 1359 Lincoln Ave., 408.271.0837.
BEST
Dentist
MATTHEW BERNAL
After residents enjoy the cuisine from the various restaurants on Lincoln Avenue, they probably would love to meet Matthew Bernal to keep their teeth shining clean.
Bernal, 40, became interested in dentistry because his father, Robert, was a dentist in Willow Glen for four decades. After Bernal graduated from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry in 1991, he joined his father's practice and took the business over after the senior Dr. Bernal retired in 1996. "I just wanted to follow my father's footsteps," he says. "From my father, I learned to appreciate what dentists do for other people."
Bernal, one of the 250 accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, takes pride in spending time with his patients, many of whom come from all over the Bay Area to see him.
Born and raised in Willow Glen, Bernal had no difficulty deciding where he would open his dentist business or raise his five daughters. "Willow Glen is just a great place to live and raise children," he says. "I can go anywhere, but I prefer to stay here."
Matthew J. Bernal, www.bernal-dental.com, 1680 Westwood Drive, Ste. B, 408.269.4484.
BEST
Real Estate Agent
JOY GOODALL
Born and raised in Willow Glen, Joy Goodall knows best why people come to Willow Glen and can give newcomers the best real estate suggestions. "Willow Glen is such a wonderful family community," Goodall says. "The neighbors look out for one another. A lot of families raise their families here, and their children and grandchildren still live here."
Goodall, who has been a real estate agent for more than 30 years, says she loves helping people find their dream homes. "I help people in more ways than just buying their homes. I try to look at things from their eyes and help them with other details such as how to make their move easier," she says. "I can also visualize the potentials of their homes and organize the remodeling, redecorating."
Goodall says the young families have improved Willow Glen. "These young people take pride in their homes. Willow Glen actually looks better than it used to."
In addition to ordinary real estate management, Goodall is a senior real estate specialist.
Joy Goodall, Coldwell Banker of Willow Glen Office, 1712 Meridian Ave., 408.306.4663.
BEST
Letter Carrier
VICTORIA DOVE
Delivering mail along Lincoln Avenue is a dangerous thing for Victoria "Vicki" Dove. Dove, who has been a letter carrier along Lincoln Avenue for 18 years, has to resist the temptations of stopping at every cute store along the street. She also has to watch her weight after trying the different restaurants in downtown Willow Glen. In fact, Dove met her husband, who also works at the postal office on Meridian Avenue, at Giorgio's, an Italian restaurant in the Foxworthy Plaza Shopping Center
Businesses owners along Lincoln Avenue like Dove. "She is happy and makes friends with her customers," says Chris Carris, owner of Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company. "She is dependable and never misses her mail."
BEST
Member of
the Clergy
MONSIGNOR
JAMES WALSH
Monsignor James Walsh has been the pastor at St. Christopher Parish at Curtner and Booksin avenues for 14 years. Walsh, 59, was born and raised in Ireland. He decided to be a priest at an early age. "I met some great priests, and they seemed happy and content with their life. I thought it was a great place to help people. I still think so," Walsh says.
Shortly after graduating from seminary in 1969, Walsh came to the United States to join his priest uncle in San Francisco. He was assigned to be an associate pastor in Willow Glen in the early 1970s and was assigned to St. Christopher's as a pastor in 1989.
The priest says he loves Willow Glen and even asks his diocese to extend his time at St. Christopher's for an extra year instead of reassigning him. He anticipates retiring in a few years. He isn't sure if he'll stay in Willow Glen or return to Ireland but promises that no matter where he lives, he will come to visit. "Once a priest, forever a priest," Walsh says. "You can leave the administrative job, but you can never retire. You can always come back and help the priest who is on the job. People need a place to pray, to support one another and to be supported."
BEST
Community Volunteer
LARRY AMES
When Larry Ames sits down to list all his community volunteer work, it's exhausting. The 24-year Willow Glen resident and physicist definitely does not stay home to watch reruns on TV.
He prefers being active in the community to staying home. "You get to meet interesting people and make a change in your area," he says.
A member of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association since 1984, Ames has held positions as president and treasurer and is currently vice president while running the web page and email list and writing the newsletter.
Ames has also been a driving force behind the development of the Los Gatos, Coyote and Guadalupe creek trails. While creeks and parks are admittedly Ames' pet projects, he has also been involved in local business, city planning development, the water district, and a Victorian homes club. He's also been county park commissioner and throws his street's block party.
WGNA member Verne Ladd says if Ames' hours were "totaled up and converted to dollars, he'd be a billionaire."
While Willow Glen is much like some of its nearby communities—with a vibrant downtown and breathtaking neighborhoods—it's also different, offering ordinary, day-to-day services that don't require residents to drive out of the area to access them. The businesses, which are for the most part located in downtown Willow Glen, allow residents to run errands and browse for new clothing on a short stroll. And not only that, the goods and services are of the
highest caliber, as shown by each of the clear winners in the categories below.
A little piece of hair-styling heaven sits on Lincoln Avenue, but for those who want an appointment with its hair maestro, get in line, because Anthony Paéz's magic fingers are on a two- to three-month waiting list.
Antoni Paéz Hair Gallery has for the third time been voted by Willow Glen residents as the best hair salon. And it is not only the local community that is reaping the benefits of the salon's eight hair stylists. Paéz says one longtime client moved to Idaho and ever since, she has flown in specifically so that he could do her hair. And the salon sees clients from Sacramento and San Francisco. Clearly, once clients visit the salon, it is hard to leave the experienced hands of the stylists.
Loud, rhythmic musical beats drift throughout the salon as clients chat with stylists. The salon is small, but full of personality and high-quality hair stylists and products.
At Elite, employees believe it is the top-notch customer service that sets this business apart. Employee Celeste De Leon says after working at the business for five years, she knows most of the customers who come in and already has their clothes out by the time the customers reach the counter. And small children are given stickers when they come into the shop with their parents.
De Leon says it is the good customer service and solid customer base, along with the lack of complaints, that keeps residents coming back again and again.
The business also employs a seamstress who will tailor anything from wedding dresses to senior ball gowns.
Temporary banking center manager Jason DeVries has only been at the Willow Glen Bank of America for a couple weeks, but says his time there has been like a breath of fresh air.
And, it seems the community agrees with DeVries, voting it Willow Glen's best bank.
Most of the bank's employees have several years of experience, with one who has been at the Lincoln Avenue branch for 26 years.
It seems it is the personal touch that sets this bank apart from its competitors. Customers are greeted by smiling employees. With ATM machines, drive-up banking and banking tellers inside the bank, customers are never forced to wait in long lines. And Bank of America takes pride in its community involvement with the United Way and March of Dimes.
Eye-popping, elegant window displays lure customers into Casa Casa on Lincoln Avenue, voted once again as the best eclectic shop in Willow Glen. Fall colors abound in this home accents and furnishings shop. Those who entertain friends or family may find this shop to be especially fruitful. The warm-color palate and diverse patterns provide plenty of options for setting up an award-winning, five-star dinner event.
And residents not in the market for place settings can purchase furniture and home accents such as blankets, oversized armoires and reading desks, which are available in a range of styles.
Toward the back of the store, soaps, lotions and potions provide a variety of sweet scents, for those who aren't looking for home furnishings.
And don't forget to peruse the eclectic range of cookbooks, perfect for any home chef.
Locals looking for a little relaxation go to Sachs Day Spa, voted this year's best spa/salon in Willow Glen. And, with exotic-sounding treatments such as a heated stone massage, mango body polish or papaya enzyme facial, there is something for everybody.
The fragrance of sweet-smelling candles guides clients into the small but brightly lit waiting area. The spa is located on Lincoln Avenue, but inside the hustle and bustle of passersby seems to fade away, as the aromatic environment and helpful staff provide any information the client needs, from details of their spa procedure to products to use.
The spa carries Jan Marini and DDF facial products and several products from the Essential Elements line.
According to a receptionist at the spa, customers favor the papaya enzyme treatment facial and Spa Pure body treatment—a facial for the body that cleanses and exfoliates and includes a sauna mask and aromatherapy massage.
If names like Chanel, Prada and Kate Spade aren't enough to lure fashion-savvy customers to Our Secret, the low prices will be the clincher.
Our Secret, a new and gently used clothing, shoe and purse boutique, was voted as best recycled clothing in Willow Glen for the third consecutive year.
Owner Julie Painchaud says her boutique is already known as one of the top five consignment boutiques in California. She has received merchandise from as far away as Maine and dry-cleans all the merchandise before placing it for sale in the shop. The shop is the only one of its kind on Lincoln Avenue, providing only designer labels to residents.
Bargain hunters are probably already aware of this downtown Willow Glen gem, but now everyone will be let in on Our Secret.
Bold aromas of potpourri, candles and fresh flowers lure customers to D'Annas Gifts and Flowers.
For 15 years, this shop in the Dry Creek Shopping Center has provided residents with high-quality floral arrangements, with roses, lilies and other eminent flowers—customers won't find any carnations at this shop. On only a day's notice, gift baskets can also be put together, filled with chocolates, wine, gourmet cheeses or sausages.
"We are known for having more European-style arrangements, with fruits and high-end flowers," co-owner Dana Parker says. The store is also known for its garden-style approach to its arrangements.
D'Annas strives to please the customer and will create uniquely artistic arrangements to match each person's distinct taste. The flower shop relies on word-of-mouth advertising by loyal customers.
Although Details is known for its goods catering to the female, women visiting the store can invite their significant other to shop too, because there is something for all tastes and both genders. The men may favor Tommy Bahama, while the women may be drawn to youthful label Free People.
And this is just the way owner Robyn Levine likes it. She relishes the store's social atmosphere and happily describes one instance when two women who didn't know each other were shopping and chatting. Weeks later, one of the women came in to tell Levine that the two became friends in her shop and still keep in touch.
Levine tries to pay close attention to her clientele and buys clothes for the store that match the attitudes of her customers—one of the things, no doubt, that's contributed to Details' eight-year history on Lincoln Avenue.
Bally's general manager Stan Thomas likes to think it is the clean environment and quality customer service that sets Bally's in Willow Glen apart from other nearby fitness centers. And residents seem to agree, naming it the community's best exercise studio.
The fitness club sees between 600 and 700 devoted exercisers every day and has popular classes like yoga and tae kwon do. Bally's boasts nearly 24,000 square feet of exercise space, filled with stationary bikes, stair-stepper machines, a weight room and other exercise equipment.
The club has a warehouse feel, with lots of open space and tall ceilings. It includes a steam room for a little post-workout relaxation time.
Kids Stuff
A side from the adult-oriented food and drink mentioned in previous sections, there's plenty for the whole family to do in Willow Glen. There are parks for children from ages 1 to 91 to play in, programs that can accommodate youngsters while parents are busy, and stores like Petroglyph and Hicklebee's, which kids and grown-ups can equally enjoy. A community that prides itself on its past and carefully prepares for its future, Willow Glen can rest assured that its various child-geared activities are developing the best of tomorrow's leaders.
BEST
Place to Take Kids,
Playground
LINCOLN GLEN PARK
The reason 2-year-old Anna Paganucci begs her mom to take her to what she calls the "water park," better known as Lincoln Glen Park, is because she loves getting soaked and having fun.
The park's 6.2 acres of green grass and creative-play structures draw families from all over the South Bay for everything from birthday parties to just an afternoon picnic.
The park features well-maintained landscapes and clean bathrooms and is wheelchair-accessible. There's a canopy area for shade and a foam-like material made from recycled tires spread beneath the playground structures for safety. One of the park's structures is designed for older children and the other for toddlers. Both are fenced to prevent children from wandering away from their parents.
But the slides, ropes, pulleys, tunnels and wheels aren't what kids like most about that park. A water play area includes a 17-inch-high wall that serves as the base of a mini-waterfall. Giggles and excitement ensue when children push a button on a 3-foot-high pole and water shoots out at them. In addition, giant green frogs spit water every 20 seconds into the sand play area, aiding in the invention of sandcastles.
Lincoln Glen Park, the corner of Curtner and Radio avenues.
BEST
Day Care/ Preschool
ST. ELIZABETH'S DAY HOME
St. Elizabeth's Day Home, in operation since 1907, is a well-kept secret in Willow Glen that focuses on developmental play for toddlers, preschool-aged children and after-school care. Executive Director David Keller says the staff aims to provide everything a child would normally do at home.
The three-acre facility serves about 150 South Bay families and includes children ages 1 to 12. There are 10 classrooms, seven playgrounds, snake-like bike paths, a library, science, art and music activities, as well as carpentry classes, an outdoor amphitheater and even an orchard and garden planted by children.
The kids are served breakfast and lunch meals such as hot dogs, watermelon, grapes and milk that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition guidelines and save parents from having to pack daily brown bags. There's no religious component to the day home, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
St. Elizabeth's Day Home, www.StElizabethsDayHome.org, 950 St. Elizabeth Drive, 408.295.3456.
BEST
Children's Program
STORY TIME AT THE WILLOW GLEN BRANCH LIBRARY
Kids know where to run the minute they get to the front door of the Willow Glen library at 10:30 a.m. every Friday—to story time. The parking lot is always full, and strollers are lined up outside.
Children's librarian Kathy Boyd knows how to draw a crowd for preschool story time at the library. About 50 to 75 people usually come every week. And every Friday for the past 28 1/2 years, Boyd has read three stories to infants and children up to age 5 and their mothers. Boyd also adds in one more book that's sung, as well as singing the ABCs and tunes that feature hand motions and clapping. Boyd changes the pitch of her voice, using wide, darting eye contact and individual interaction with her audience to keep the kids hooked and the babies from crying.
Boyd has transferred to the Rosegarden branch of the San Jose Public Library system, but story times at 10:30 a.m. Fridays, 7:15 p.m. Mondays and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays will continue with librarian Susan Eby.
Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157
Minnesota Ave., 408.998.2022.
BEST
Restaurant
for Kids
AQUI MEXICAN GRILL
There's a room just for kids at Aqui Mexican Grill. The kid-friendly space in the restaurant has real cowhide seats, beyond-the-border decor, upbeat Spanish music and lots of booster seats and highchairs.
This special room for families makes eating children's cheese quesadillas, red potato enchiladas and the popular chicken bowl all the more delightful. And every item on the children's menu is under $3. There's also an outdoor eating area with a fountain.
For mother Cori Smith of San Jose, the restaurant is a dream come true, because her two children can chose food they like to eat, and they can be as noisy as they want; the restaurant owners expect it. The restaurant is also famous for its margaritas—but those are for adults only.
Aqui Mexican Grill, 1145 Lincoln Ave., 408.995.0381.
Places & Spaces
There's no doubt about it: Willow Glen is a gorgeous community. From the architecture of its businesses and homes, to its many parks and other open spaces, to its tree-lined streets, to its public facilities, Willow Glen exudes quaint, charming and beautiful. While a community is made by the people there, the appeal of Willow Glen is definitely due in part to its aesthetics. But even that is a result of the people—thanks to city maintenance and residents, the facilities and open spaces are kept functional and attractive for the community.
BEST
Place to Walk the Dog,
Place to See & Be Seen,
Remember Old Willow Glen, Shopping Center
DOWNTOWN WILLOW GLEN/
LINCOLN AVENUE
Did someone stuff the ballot box? Did the other candidates get lost in some randomly alphabetized list of names? Did hanging chads throw off the election results?
Political humor aside, downtown Willow Glen definitely deserves to feel proud, because it obtained its honors the old-fashioned way: it earned them.
While some dogs and their humans tend to congregate at Starbucks on the corner of Lincoln and Minnesota avenues, many canines and company frequently stroll up and down the entire "downtown strip." And why not? With all the sights, sounds and smells to take in, it's a dog's dream—not to mention a great way for its humans to see and be seen.
Speaking of the senses, downtown Willow Glen offers something for all five of them. With bookstores, thrift shops, clothing boutiques, bars, delis, restaurants, day spas, travel agencies, florists, dry cleaners, banks, realty offices, law practices and beauty shops, just to name a few, one could practically live here and never have an unmet need.
Even the need to reminisce is satisfied downtown, since many buildings—in shopping strips and as stand-alones like the Buffington House—have been in the community seemingly forever. No high-rises or business multiplexes will ever crowd out the old-fashioned feel of Lincoln Avenue, and no one would ever want them to.
BEST
Architectural Beauty
HICKS MANSION
While the Hicks Mansion is privately owned and is not open for touring, anyone can stroll the sidewalk along its locked front gates for a beautiful glimpse of days gone by.
The building truly is a mansion, with its striking white columns, stately steps, verandahs, stained glass front door windows, semicircular driveway and gabled roof. In fact, it looks like it stepped right out of the Old South. The manicured landscaping only adds to its appeal, including the tall Canary Island date palms on either side of the front entrance and a peacefully babbling waterfall to the side.
It's unclear just how old the mansion is, and like a classy elderly lady, it's not about to reveal its age. However, the original main house was constructed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, according to Old Willow Glen: A Photographic Sketchbook, written in 1977 by Elizabeth Giarratana.
Hicks Mansion, 1550 Hicks Ave.
BEST
Park
WILLOW STREET FRANK BRAMHALL PARK
Everyone calls it Bramhall Park, but its official name is much longer. The name size suits the park, as this 18-acre gem of Willow Glen offers a sizable number of things to see and do.
Some of its most popular attributes are its two playgrounds, highly visible with equipment in cheerful red, blue and yellow. Whether kids like climbing, swinging, sliding, hiding or seeking, they'll have fun here; the younger visitors will enjoy the separate toddler area.
While the equipment is sturdy enough for bigger bodies, teens and adults may prefer the park's other attributes: one softball field, two basketball courts and six tennis courts. Visitors of all ages appreciate the abundant barbecues, picnic tables and garbage cans, not to mention the restroom facilities. Mature redwoods and oaks provide much-appreciated shade for those who simply want to flop on the grass and snooze.
Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park, corner of Willow Street and Camino Ramon.
BEST
Hangouts
for Seniors
WILLOWS SENIOR CENTER
The Willows Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Due to budget cuts from the city of San Jose, Saturday programs have recently been discontinued and will remain so indefinitely.
During business hours, office staff and volunteers cheerfully answer questions about programs and services, register seniors for classes and trips, sell discount BART and bus passes, hand out brochures and keep the free coffee brewing. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, the Willows Boutique—one of the center's best-kept secrets—is open to the public. The small room is bursting with arts, crafts and gift items, all handmade by seniors.
Numerous activities take place at Willows. On any given weekday, senior visitors might find bingo, dancing (ballroom, country, square and chorus line), meditation, movies, exercises, financial advice, blood-pressure checks, haircuts, computer lessons, chess, woodcarving, quilting, stamp collecting and many types of card games. There's also an honor-system library. And beginning at 11 a.m., nutritionally balanced hot lunches are served at a tasty price: $2 per senior 60 and older, $5 for guests under 60.
Willows Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Ave., 408.448.6400.
BEST
Landscaped Street
CHERRY AVENUE
There's not much to be said about this avenue that hasn't been said before, seeing as it's earned the "best landscaped" honor for three years running. However, since homeowners come and homeowners go, it's worth mentioning that despite this natural Cherry turnover, new and old homeowners alike take great pride in their street.
Some front yards have exquisitely manicured landscaping, while others opt for the more natural look. Either way, the trees, flowers, vines, shrubs and lawns are well-maintained and attractive. In fact, perhaps Sunset magazine should come down to Willow Glen some time to check out this street.
The city of San Jose contributes to the aesthetics as well, by maintaining the mature street trees that give so much of Cherry's shady and peaceful appearance. Among them are some mighty large ginkgoes, known not only for their fanned leaves but for the beautiful gold those leaves turn almost overnight—just before they cascade gracefully to the ground.
BEST
Suggestion
for Next
Year's Ballot
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT
(tie)
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Voters' suggestions were all over the map for this category. Some had multiple ideas, while others named Best ofs that were too much like existing categories. Some, however, were innovative and interesting, and we'll consider them for next year.
The two that received the most votes were Best Overall Restaurant and Best New Business. With so many eateries already in the Dining & Entertainment section, residents will have a hard time next year picking a favorite among them. But with so many new businesses coming into Willow Glen on a regular basis, voters should have no trouble choosing the best.
So, come next October, ballots for the Best of Willow Glen 2004 will arrive—along with some new categories for voters to choose from.
Painting of a Willow Glen neighborhood by Nick White
