Yes, this is another food-related post. I like food, so back off.
Raising babies (and beyond) is hard work, and sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) I just need a little coffee break. Casa Vicky in San Jose provides me with that little vacation – they have the most amazing Cafe de Olla, Mexican coffee spiced with cinnamon, cloves, a hint of citrus, and lightly sweetened with piloncillo. A taste of their coffee helps me relax immediately. Throw in a $20 1-hour foot massage from one of those seemingly sketchy Asian foot massages that are so popular in Cupertino, and I’m in heaven. But seriously, you need to try their cafe de olla.
Oh, and they also have great house-made flour tortillas. (They also have whole wheat and corn tortillas, but I think the flour tortillas are the star.) They’re made fresh daily, and are soft and well-flavored. (I don’t even think that they use lard, and in case some of you purists balk at this revelation, trust me, their tortillas are good.)
The rest of their fare is okay – certainly nothing to write home (or blog) about. They have standard steam table Mexican food – burritos, enchiladas, tortas, tamales, etc. I’m sure there’s more authentic Mexican food elsewhere in San Jose. But if you stop by for cafe de olla and get the munchies, their food will certainly satisfy your hunger. And if you eat in, you get free house made chips and salsa.
If you can’t get to Casa Vicky’s on your own for a much needed break, by all means, bring the kids. It’s a very family-friendly place – their tables and chairs can be rearranged easily, and they have high chairs and booster seats.
They also cater. And they have a cute little banquet “house” next door that can be reserved (I believe) for free. In fact, my sister threw my bridal shower there years ago, and I threw her baby shower there the next day. Their prices were very reasonable, the staff was accommodating, and you can order the cafe de olla by the carafe.
Oh, and if you know of any other restaurants that have great cafe de olla (especially in the East Bay), let me know. I haven’t managed to find any yet…
Karen, we found a place today, as a matter of fact! Tacubaya’s http://tacubaya.net/
It is a taqueria run by the same owners of Dona Tomas. Very reasonable in price, very good food, and a very family friendly atmosphere. We saw lots of families with their young children both indoors and out.