BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
Santana Row is the to-die-for
lifestyle shopping center in the Bay Area. Billed as an urban neighborhood,
it's a stone's throw from the South
Bay powerhouse, Westfield Valley Fair
mall. In order for anything of this size to compete, it would
have to be bold and different. That is what we found here. Most area
residents would consider this the place to see and be seen.
Atmosphere
Santana Row features architecture that is reminiscent
of a European village; you may feel as if you should
be speaking another language. Other buildings
evoke a feeling of turn-of-the-center millhouses.
Evident in the details, you can see great care was put into the design
of the center.
Stores
Most of the retailers are high-end, uber-chi-chi.
never-outside-of-San-Francisco, such as Gucci and Burberry. You can
also find Crate & Barrel, Best Buy, The Container Store, and
Anthropologie, among others. It wouldn't be high-end without a Salvatore
Ferragamo and Cole Haan.
The CineArts theater on the southend of the center
is a great place to see independent and foreign films.
Food
There is a number of moderate to high-end restaurants
throughout the center, some offering outdoor seating. Enjoy street-side
eating at
the El Jardin Tequila Bar & Restaurant and the Village California
Bistro & Wine Bar. Some favorites include Pluto's, The Counter, and
Left Bank Brasserie.
Parking
Parking wasn't much of a problem, but do expect
to park in a garage. The easiest is from Winchester Boulevard
where a well-advertised entrance leads you up into a garage. If you
are coming from Stevens Creek Boulevard, expect congestion and increased
competition due to Valley Fair mall across the street.
Location
Santana Row is located in San Jose, off I-880
at Stevens Creek or I-280 at Winchester.
In summary
Go to Santana Row! Fine stores and fine people
are worth a look, even if "just drooling."
|
