“We believe that all of one’s senses must feel the soul of the restaurant in order to capture its essence.”—Pete and Sylvia Foundas
When the Blue Door replaced the Chevy’s at Westgate Center in San Jose in the winter of 2016, I thought it was just another sports bar and never gave it a chance. “What’s with the blue” I thought? Hooking up with our neighbors and friends, Susan and Nelson Bye, I was about to find out. But first things first—the incredible food.
The four of us ordered the following from an extensive array of menu offerings:
Mediterranean Platter: hummus, eggplant, tzatziki and grilled Chicken Kebab; Curry Chicken Mac: with roasted chicken, sweet peppers, carrots, green onions, ginger, garlic, coconut milk and Thai basil; Pastichio: Greek Lasagna layered with seasoned beef, béchamel and elbow pasta and Lamb Sliders: with feta cheese, garlic-oregano aioli, pickled cucumbers and red onion. For dessert we shared a Berry Crisp with vanilla ice cream and Pistachio Creme Brulee that was recommended by our waiter Pedro. The food did not disappoint, the service was excellent and the ambiance was beyond what I expected. Yes, there is a sports bar in a separate section that offers early bird specials at great savings. They also serve breakfast and lunch.
In designing the 7500 square foot Blue Door, Pete and Sylvia Foundas, first-generation Greek Americans had a goal in mind: To create a comfortable, hospitable and joyful environment inspired by Costa Navarino, one of their favorite resorts in southern Greece.
As far as the significance of Blue” in the name "Blue Door," it is part of Greek folklore dating back over 5000 years. Greece is surrounded by a sea of blue and is also represented in it’s flag. In Greek mythology, blue is the color that wards off the “Nazar” or the “Evil Eye,” from someone who secretely wishes you ill-will due to jealously or envy. Its also been said that Greek wives would paint their front doors blue when their fishermen-husbands went off to sea, believing it would protect them from harm. People would also carry, wear, or pin a glass blue eyed charm on a baby’s clothing to keep them safe. I totally identified with this custom, since my grandfather was fisherman in Sicily, and the Evil Eye there is called (Malocchio). It was common for many Italians to wear a gold or silver colored horn on a necklace resembling a chili pepper to protect them from the evil spirits. In my younger years I used to wear one on Italian 18 karat chain. See photo with the evil eye painting between the nutcracker soldiers!
Photo Credit of Blue door in Greece: Stevetopper.com
