Best Paletas
Paleta Planeta
Traditional Mexican ice pops sold from carts have taken on new excitement with contemporary flavor combinations, vibrant colors and bold fresh fruits. With a corner location across from San Jose City Hall, Paleta Planeta has become a civic fixture and regular presence at community events.
Best Himalayan Cuisine
Kathmandu Cuisine
138 S Main St Milpitas
Awash in a sea of Indian food and a growing number of Nepalese momo purveyors, Kathmandu stands out with an original, diverse and tasty menu. Open 7 days til 11:30pm makes it a welcome late dining option.
Best Strawberries
Rodriguez Farms
One stand at local farmers’ markets always seems to have a line and there’s a reason. Rodriguez Farms’ field-grown, certified organic strawberries have an unmatched sweetness and flavor. They’re grown without yuckies like methyl bromide and vine-ripened on the sea-misted coast. Look for the booth with a line at farmers markets in Los Gatos, Mountain View, Saratoga (West Valley College), Morgan Hill, San Jose (Oakridge and Santana Row).
Best New Cool Hotel
Treehouse Silicon Valley
1100 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale
The former Sheraton where Guns N’ Roses stayed during their Bridge School appearance has been reimagined as the eco-friendly TreeHouse Hotel. Imaginatively decorated with nostalgic flourishes, meandering gardens and found objects such as a moss-covered VW beetle in the lobby, it features a vinyl bar, the outstanding Valley Goat restaurant, an outdoor Beer Garden with live music and a poolside bar.
Best Speakeasy
Alter Ego Cocktail Club
66 S 1st St, San Jose
This dimly lit, mid-century speakeasy is improbably located in San Jose’s “Historic District,” such as it is, along the light rail “transit mall.” Tucked behind the Still O.G. vinyl DJ booth, this elegant retro-themed lounge crafts elevated cocktails and meticulously plated small bites such as hamachi crudo or sliced prime beef. After the parted curtain closes, you’ll quickly forget you’re in downtown San Jose.
Best Ethical Home & Beauty Products
The Source Zero
100 N Almaden Ave., Suite 171, San Jose
Bring your own bottle to this zero-waste store featuring liquid and hand-cut bar soaps, lip glosses, body oils, bulk shampoos and home cleaning products. The 100% female-owned business offsets the male swagger of the San Pedro Square Market it calls home, and everything smells really good too.
Best Vera Napoletana Pizza
Pizza Terún
448 California Ave., Palo Alto
Some excellent Naples-style pizzerias have sprouted up around the valley in recent years. Proliferating pizzaiolos have introduced locals to the authentic experience of pizza made with San Marzano tomatoes on a soft, chewy crust, artfully charred just the right amount. Pioneering fratelli Franco and Maico Campilongo deserve recognition for being early movers and for maintaining impeccable standards. Their cozy, authentic spot is always warm and welcoming.
