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Girls Getaway in San Jose

August 14, 2014
Recently I spent a wonderful long weekend with several other Macaroni Kid publishers and friends in sunny San Jose, California. We explored all the city had to offer -- from culinary adventures to arts and theater. 

One of my favorite experiences was a night out at the San Pedro Square Market. The Market has more than 20 indoor restaurants, a full bar and desserts. Visitors can order food from any of the vendors and then choose a table indoors or in the open-air plaza with picnic tables, sand and entertainment. We sat outside and enjoyed the fun, family-friendly atmosphere while listening to a great live band. My choices included Loteria Taco Bar which offered the most amazing mahi mahi taco complete with pineapple guacamole and the Vino Vino Wine Bar with a wall of over 13 wines on tap and wonderful cheesecake. 

Another culinary delight included a cooking class at Savory Kitchen where we enjoyed fantasic wine while learning great tips to prepare meals for our families. My group worked on a Grilled Nectarine and Mozzarella Caprese Salad, a refreshing and easy recipe that compliments many summer meals. You can find the recipe below. 

We stayed at The Fairmont San Jose, a lovely hotel with a fun rooftop pool that is centrally located to shops, restaurants and several theaters. We enjoyed fabulous happy hour prices in the Lobby Lounge (the potato skins were a hit and they had a kick!).

Just a short walk from The Fairmont is La Lune Sucree, a European pastry cafe with an incredible menu packed with options. I sampled their amazing France crepe (one of many crepe options) that a friend ordered and enjoyed a delicious egg sandwich. Our meal came with two different scones, a peach scone and a chocolate scone which was the best scone I've ever had. I wish they would deliver to Ohio!

We also made a stop at J. Lohr San Jose Wine Center for a fun wine tasting class. It was neat to watch the "Lavern and Shirley" style wine bottling process happening in the distribution room and of course, the wine was fabulous. 

San Jose is filled with fun events, including cultural activities, amazing restaurants, theatre, rich history and more. It was a fabulous girls weekend away. If you are interested in visiting San Jose, visit our friends at Team San Jose to find out more about the best activities and events happening when you are in town!



Grilled Nectarine and Mozzarella Caprese Salad from Savory Kitchen

Serves 4

•1 cup Mozzarella
•4 Nectarines
•½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
•1 Tbs Brown sugar
•10 basil leaves

Squeeze the liquid off mozeralla, to drain away excess. Preheat a grill pan, or the grill to Med-high. Season or oil if necessary. Slice the nectarines½” thick and place on oiled or seasoned grill pan. After 1 minute turn nectarines 45 degrees so grill marks create a criss cross. Repeat with the other side. In a small sauce pan heat the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar until lightly simmering.  Leave for 10 minutes, or until mixture has reduced and is a thicker consistency of syrup. Layer the nectarines and sliced mozerella with basil. Drizzle with the reduced balsamic. Serve immediately.