While Cupertino and Palo Alto have immediate name recognition for technology buffs, San Jose is considered to be the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. With thousands of technology companies having headquarters or offices in the area, San Jose is an affluent community that is always on the cutting edge of innovation. Since Silicon Valley is in the global spotlight and has a mild climate, private aviation is busy all year long.
Silicon Valley’s technology giants are serviced by several airports, including Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), Palo Alto Airport (PAO), Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV), and Livermore Airport (LVK). Since San Jose is a business aviation hotspot, in-flight caterers are busy, no matter the season. If you are in town for a technology- or business-related event, it is best to plan catering and in-flight amenities in advance, since these events create a spike in air traffic.
While you are in San Jose, there are several interesting and educational activities to consider. The Lick Observatory, Tech Museum of Innovation and San Jose Museum of Art all give visitors plenty to absorb. There are also many parks and gardens in the area, such as the Heritage Rose Garden, Alum Rock Park, Japanese Friendship Garden (Okayama, Japan, is San Jose’s “Sister City”) and Almaden Quicksilver County Park (exciting trails with historical mining and railroad sites).
Santana Row is San Jose’s top destination for upscale shopping and dining. Gucci, Free People and Anne Fontaine are just a few of the many global brands featured at this popular location. Santana Row also has several boutique shops in which to browse, which gives visitors a more unique shopping experience. Other shopping malls in the area include the Eastridge Mall, Westfield Oakridge Mall and the Capitola Mall.
San Jose also provides a variety of highly rated restaurants that pretty much guarantees that, no matter your tastes, you will find the perfect place to eat. Amber India Restaurant is locally owned and has a few locations throughout the Silicon Valley area, including Santana Row. The Vegetarian House is an “Organic Vegan Restaurant” that boasts a GMO-free menu with gluten-free options. Le Papillon is a French restaurant that keeps organic, local and sustainable ingredients at the forefront of their cuisine. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant brings the bold flavor and spice of their traditional cuisine to San Jose. (Be sure to ask about the coffee ceremony.)
After you’ve explored and had your fill of local cuisine, if you are a cabin crew member who will be staying overnight, you will find plenty of hotels available to suit your needs. The Dolce Hayes Mansion, one of the top-ranked hotels in San Jose, features several luxury amenities, including InSpa and an 18-hole golf course. If you are operating to the San Jose Airport, the La Quinta Inn & Suites offers affordable convenience. If you had a rough flight and are in need of deep relaxation, Burke Williams Day Spa at Santana Row, Strada Day Spa and La Choza Day Spa are some of the top-rated spas in the area.
San Jose, and the entire Silicon Valley area, has a lot more to offer than just office tours of the hottest tech giants. While you are between flights, you will find plenty of activities, global cuisine, shopping and chances for relaxation. It is best to remember that when operating to Silicon Valley, you can expect it to be busy year-round, so plan ahead for your in-flight catering needs.
Questions?
If you have any questions about inflight catering in San Jose, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.
