Unless you made your reservation many days in advance, dropping in for dinner at the many world-class restaurants here in Los Gatos was almost impossible on Valentine’s Day.
The smell of coffee roasting, the fresh air that travels over from Santa Cruz and the amazing smells that waft through the air in Los Gatos, the gateway to the mountains, filled the town to the brim.
Around dinnertime, I decided to wander down Santa Cruz Ave. On this clear Saturday evening, the sidewalks were full of dogs, children, families and couples. Walking northwest, I came across many couples hand-in-hand, or with their arms around each other. Some were even kissing in dark doorways. There were couples who might be qualified for senior discounts doing exactly the same. I was looking for L-O-V-E; Los Gatos is so romantic. Maybe I can find a story.
The love that I was looking for was not for my individual self. It was all the love that was in the air and also in the hearts of Los Gatans. I was looking for couples who looked as though they were in deep, true, forever love. Not that my observations could discern true love. I had to ask questions.
On the corner
I started at Out of the Barrel taproom at the entrance to downtown, just off the backed-up traffic along Highway 9. A young, very good-looking couple were sitting outside the wall enjoying their nonalcoholic beers. I began asking relationship questions. “John Doe” said that they were “recovering from life.” Meanwhile, “Jane” gave him a book on relationships. Onward.
There were a few “dating” couples eating outdoors in the parkettes along the avenue. Many were enjoying a Valentine’s dinner outside in the cool air. The stand up gas heaters were on full-blast. Every restaurant seat in town was reserved. This was going to be a very fun night.
Black Watch
Under the Black Watch’s new sign I opened the door and peered in. The bar was full. Were all those here “looking for love,” too? I hope that they all find it.
Petroglyph
At Petroglyph, I approached a young couple on a date (it looked like the very first one). They would be painting ceramics together. He thought of it. Getting to know someone while being creative. How creative.
Jackpot at The Pastaria & Market
Further along, a couple happily posed for me to take photographs. Mr. Dan and Mrs. Michelle Racimo were standing in front of The Pastaria. It was one of their “special days.” I could tell that they must have many special days. Dan said, “I am so excited. Our special day is going to be captured, and by our local newspaper.” They are Los Gatan readers. Dan added, “We love the Pastaria, because it just brings so much, you know, great memories and good celebrations. So, we love it.”
While the Racimo’s were in their twenties, Dan proposed with a ring. “He proposed at home, but brought home dinners from here,” Michelle said. “Dinner was from the old location,” he said. “We have been together for thirty years, married for 22 of those.”
Taking moments to share a little extra love, this seems to be one of their secrets to being and staying in love. Dan then pulled me aside and reached into his coat jacket. He pulled out a small silk jewelry box, opening it to display an engagement ring and a wedding ring. The engagement ring was a very good-sized one. “Today is just Valentine’s Day, but about three weeks ago she bent the prong that held her big diamond,” he said. “So, I said let’s (meaning me) get it repaired. I took this opportunity to upgrade it, since it’s the diamond that I purchased when we were in our 20s. I still have the original diamond. It may go into a pendant, or for our son, when he finds the right girl.”
Los Gatos is also a town with present-day thinking. Many people eat out at least once a week. The diversity Los Gatos shows in the varied restaurants here. We have French, Italian (thank you for pizza), Persian, Asian, Mexican and American restaurants all represented. There are some restaurants so unique it would be impossible to associate them with a geographic location. And then there are the wineries around us that offer tastings in town, and just out of town. We now have a dedicated champagne sipping location.
These are spaces wrapped in fantasy that serve fare that defies ties to any earthly geographic locale, entertaining tourists who flock here—or maybe those on their way over the hill who hope to escape traffic for a while.
In February we mark 100 years of celebrating Black History. We also prepare for St. Patrick’s Day in March.
We have an Old World charm, but with contemporary thinking.
Los Gatans speaks poetically about food and love. How can we not be considering these finer things in life in a town that exudes the grace of times gone by? With this charm comes the charisma that brings—and keeps—extraordinary people here, in an extraordinary town.
Here’s to hoping another Michelin star will descend on Los Gatos soon.
