Return Visit to The Blue Door Restaurant With Good Friends: An American Greek Dining Experience

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”—Franz Kafka

The evening began at the beautiful home of our good friends and neighbors, Mark and Marleen Brodsky that overlooks Silicon Valley. We were joined by Ruth and Stan Litwin and Tina and Wayne Levenfeld. We had wine and an assorted tasty appetizer plate.

For dinner my wife Cecile had recommended The Blue Door Restaurant in San Jose which offers up classic American favorites with a Greek inspired twist. After doing a review of our experience here last year and publishing it on my blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net I emailed it to Sylvia Foundas who along with her husband Pete founded the restaurant. Responding to my review she thanked me and added that she believed it spoke to the essence of what they were trying to achieve when coming up with the concept, design, and theme for their eatery and bar, which was to create an environment where guests could feel comfortable and “feel the soul of the restaurant in order to capture…it’s essence.” Being first-generation Greek Americans, and having traveled several times to southern Greece, they wanted to bring a “little slice” of it to San Jose. Apparently, they succeeded. In 2016, The Eater Staff listed The Blue Door as one of “The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Silicon Valley.” Following that first review Sylvia had invited us to ask for her whenever we returned. Since Cecile and I arrived first we asked the receptionist to let Sylvia know we were here. After welcoming us back we informed her that we recommended the Blue Door to our friends who would be joining us shortly. We were escorted into one of the private dining rooms. It turned out to be a perfect venue to relax and enjoy the evening. Tina and Wayne generously brought two bottles of wine, while some of us ordered cocktails. Our charming young waiter, Wesley was attentive and his overall service was excellent. We ordered lamb burgers, Natural Cheeseburger topped with a friend egg, Chicken Kebabs with rice pilaf and tabbouleh salad and Fish and Chips. Following our dinner Wesly brought us Churros with caramel and chocolate dipping sauce, compliments of the manager.

As I mentioned in my earlier review last year, choosing the name: The Blue Door had always puzzled me. But, I came to find out that the color blue reflects the shimmering, deep blue color of the Mediterranean, the azure sky and the colors of the Greek flag. It also is the color that the wives of Greek fisherman painted on the front doors of their homes to protect their husbands from misfortune so they can return home safely. As we left the Blue Door, there was a Live Latin Jazz band playing in their swanky bar as there is every Friday at 7:30 PM. Mark and Marleen, the dancers in the group, gave it a whirl that inspired other patrons to get up and dance. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening amongst friends.

The Foundas Restaurants include the Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco and the Boulevard Cafe' in Daly City.

Photo Credit: Sylvia and Pete Foundas, The Blue Door website
Photo Credit: A blue door in Greece by romtomtom

Dining with Friends at The Blue Door Restaurant: Greek Inspired Touch on American Classics Cuisine

“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