Our busy take-out lifestyle has helped childhood obesity become epidemic, and I was shocked to hear the recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that cholesterol-fighting drugs be given to some young children. Luckily, DooF (food spelled backwards) the new PBS program that is all about helping kids to make healthier food choices will begin airing in 2009.

DooF-a-Palooza 2008:
Help raise funds for DooF while having family fun - A DooF-a-Palooza admission ticket includes hands-on activities, games, food, music, free stuff, and a silent auction for the adults.

The place to be with the kids this Saturday: Purchase Tickets and Information

Google Headquarters
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View
Saturday, July 12, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

If you’re in your 20’s and eagerly anticipating the upcoming Starcraft 2 game:

If you’re under 12 and can’t spell (or if you were born in the 80’s and can’t spell):

If you don’t know what either of the above pictures refer to:

Then, you’ll probably want to visit Koi Sushi in Union City.

Starbucks Press Room: On April 22nd Starbucks will donate 5-cents to Conservation International for every purchase made that day with a Starbucks Card. Read about it here. If you bring your travel mug (save the paper) into the Starbucks on Los Gatos Blvd today and tomorrow you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a fantastic Earth Day Basket. 14801 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Between Samaritan Dr/Burton Rd and S Bascom Ave - Look around back for the underground parking garage

History San Jose is currently presenting “Lou’s Village Online Exhibit” that covers the 60-year history of this famous San Jose restaurant.

There is a plethora of information including the three generations involved in running Lou’s Village, devoted staff, menus, entertainment, celebrities, a photo gallery, and more. Click the photos throughout the online exhibit for a closer view.

Lou’s Village opened in 1946 by Lou Santoro and Paul Polizzi, former firefighters with the City of San Jose, along with Lou Ferro. They offered barbecued dinners and buffet style ($1.85 a plate) dinning in the early years then switched to a seafood menu in the late 1960s.

Due to the size and responsibility of managing and maintaining the business and that none of the 4th generation was interested in the restaurant business, in 2005 the decision was made to close Lou’s Village after sixty years.

Lou’s Village Online Exhibit

Lou’s Village Web Site

History San Jose

Iranian New Year - Norouz means “New Day” and is a celebration of life festival at the beginning of spring.

Iranian-American community activities include Spring cleaning, buying new clothes, painting eggs, giving presents, being with family, friends and neighbors.

* The 1st Annual Iranian New Year Parade of Northern California:

Sunday March 30th - 10am to 4pm
Downtown San Jose – Intersection of Market Street and Park Ave.
The parade will be followed with singing and dancing in the park.
(Admission is free)

* The 5th Annual Norouz Festival and Concert:

Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6 - 10am to 7pm
Vasona Park in Los Gatos
Entrance from Blossom Hill Road or University Ave.
Persian foods, dance groups, family entertainment.
And someone to get excited about: Rushid - is confirmed.
(Admission is free)

Eggs, representing fertility, are boiled and painted with colorful images then placed on the Norouz table.
Photo credit goes to Alireza Najafian. Please look at his beautiful work on flickr.

Norouz Festival

The city of Campbell was once known for fruit orchards, drying yards, and canneries. It even claims to be the birthplace of fruit cocktail. Canning pioneer John Ainsley’s home was located at the corner of Hamilton and Bascom Avenues which is now home to eBay.

From the Campbell Chamber of Commerce site we learn that “Campbell is the ‘Heart” in the “Valley of Heart’s Delight’.” And, that the city has been able to retain a small town feeling…

On any weekday a stream of eBay employees can be seen jaywalking across Hamilton Ave. on their way to the wholesome Whole Foods. This spring will the stream flow in a more risqué direction when Hooters comes to town?

From the Hooters site: ‘ Hooters characterizes itself as a neighborhood place, not a typical family restaurant.’

I wonder if a city wanting to keep that ’small town feeling’ will be able to do so with this type of so-called neighborhood place?

Hooters 

Do you know about Beard Papa’s? And if you do, why didn’t you tell me? What is it all about? Fresh’n natural cream puffs to die for, that’s what it is all about.

I first heard about Beard Papa’s on flickr where they have their own group. They looked so good in the pictures I just had to try some. I found a Beard Papa’s store across the street from the new Cupertino Square (formerly Vallco) near an Elephant Bar restaurant.

I purchased a 6-piece box of 3 vanillas and 3 strawberries. They don’t make the Mango Ice Shower drink at this store, and I knew that all six cream puffs wouldn’t make it home, so I settled for a coffee. My bill was just over $14.

Yes, they were worth every penny.

Beard Papa’s

19748 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-2300

Oakridge Mall
925 Blossom Hill Road
San Jose, CA 95123

Soon in town: 116 Paseo de San Antonio, SJ

Flickr  Beard Papa’s

Coming from Canada, I’m use to seeing Girl Guide cookies every year. Heck, I use to be one (a Girl Guide, not a cookie) and always made my mom purchase them from me. We had two, count ‘em, two kinds to sell: Classic cookies (vanilla and chocolate, they come mixed in a box) in the summer and Chocolately Mint Cookies in the winter. Good times.

Well all this week, the Girl Scouts of Northern California are selling their cookies so look for them at your friendly neighbourhood hang out spots. They seem to go for about $3.50 a box.

I am completely overwhelmed by the choices, and need help deciding which one to buy. Thin Mints? Shortbread? Samo-wha???  I have no idea why we need so many different kinds here south of the border.

Which is your favorite Girl Scout cookie, and how do you like to eat them?

The Mynt was recommended to me a long time ago and finally we decided to go there for Valentine’s Day. (Yes, I’m late on the post too!) As the name suggests, it is an Indian restaurant with a twist. While the basic dishes are Indian, they infuse inspiration from all over the world. “Fusion Indian food” might be a good term to sum it up.

On the day we went, we had no option but to go for their special meal. So, our experience is limited in that sense.
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A Freebie at Santana Row!

Today, what’s left of it, and all day tomorrow buy any 6-inch Subway sandwich and get another one for free.

(I didn’t ask but it is most likely: Get another of equal or lesser value for free.)

SUBWAY
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
Ph. 408-984-7821