INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the third edition of this guide. Once again the book has continued to grow and improve. This edition contains over 60 new restaurant listings, while eliminating a score or more of establishments that have gone out of business.

The response to the previous two editions has been fabulous, and I hope you find this edition even more handy and useful.

Whether you just need a quick phone number to check hours or make a reservation, or whether you want to choose a restaurant by price, rating, or cuisine, this guide will fill the bill. Detailed street maps and plottings of the major downtown San José neighborhoods and destinations will also be of good use. The various Best Of lists will help you choose the perfect restaurant for some particular occasion, whim or need.

I ve tried to be as accurate and honest as possible in my evaluations of the restaurants listed. I ve also continued to work closely with a broad range of local gourmands, connoisseurs and industry insiders to make sure my recommendations and evaluations matched those of others with knowledge and criteria.

Nonetheless, a restaurant is only as good as the last meals it has served. The restaurant business is notoriously fickle. Restaurants open and close (or change their hours, owners, or menus) with startling frequency. Staff and chefs change quickly and quality can fluctuate radically and rapidly.

Discerning diners are essential in maintaining quality and variety. If you find you agree, disagree or have any particular comment on a restaurant listed here (or one you think should be) feel free to drop me an e-mail at:

restaurantguide@ticotimes.net

Eliot Greenspan