Dinner with Friends at Steamers Grillhouse in Downtown Los Gatos

Friendship is a tapestry woven with shared experiences, especially when it comes to fine dining. As Sarah, Cecile, Bill and I stepped into Steamers Grillhouse in Downtown Los Gatos (Spanish for the Cats), we felt the air of excitement and anticipation as we perused the menu of a restaurant that we all have all frequented on and off for the 40 years its been in existence. In recent years the restaurant has retained its charm while adjusting to evolving culinary trends.

The clicking of our glasses and being enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere instantly uplifted our spirits. The conversation flowed effortlessly, as we caught up on our recent activities, discussed our respective future plans, and exchanged anecdotes of our grandchildren. Aside from the camaraderie that makes dining out with friends fun, it's the culinary experience that unfolded before us.

Before ordering our preferred entrees. we decided to share an Artichoke Pizza with Pancetta, Organic Toy Box Tomatoes, Fontinas Cheese, and Roasted red Peppers. Cecile and Sarah had a Lemon Drop cocktail, and I had a White Aligash Belgian beer.

Steamers Grillhouse is known for its white tablecloth service, a range of seafood dishes and classic ambiance with a beautiful interior and great service. It also offers outdoor seating on the side of the building.

Family Brunch at Karen's Bakery Cafe in Folsom & Gazing Eye to Eye with Our Forever Smiling Grandson

“There’s nothing like a grandchild to put a smile on your face, lump in your throat and a warm feeling in your heart.”

—Author Unknown

Life is short, but Sunday brunch should be long, especially when you have a loving family who enjoy each other’s company. Cecile and I had a delicious Sunday Brunch with Jason, Michelle, Kyle and our Grandkids, Lyla, Emmy and Gus at Karen’s European-Style Bakery & Cafe located near the American River Bike Path. It is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious baked goods and is a popular spot for breakfast, brunch and coffee.

Kyle had the Grilled Carnitas Burrito filled scrambled eggs, sautéed Red peppers, onions, Oaxaca Cheese, Salsa Verde and Lime Crema with a side of fresh fruit. Jason had the Chilaquiles Verde with House made White Corn Chips tossed in Salsa Verde topped with Oaxaca Cheese, Lime Cream, Pickled red Onions and Cilantro topped with two Sunny-side Eggs. Cecile and I had Avocado Toast, and Michelle ordered a fresh plate of yogurt topped with sliced bananas, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries and sliced almonds and Quiche topped with a dollop of sour cream and a croissant that she shared with the kids. The presentation of the food prepared by the cooks was a work of art and the portions plentiful.

Postscript: The first thing that caught my eye aside from the glass cases filled with delicious looking bakery goods was what appeared to be a framed ornamental needlework called the "Ten Table Manners.” (See photo).

Saturday Farmers Market Around the Railroad Turntable & Public Plaza in Historic Folsom

After a light breakfast Cecile, Jason, and I went to the Farmers Market around the Railroad Turntable and Public Plaza in downtown Folsom. The Turntable-which helps to turn locomotive engines around- is the first of several to be used at Folsom, California, between 1856 and 1913 was one of two delivered to the Sacramento Valley Railroad via Cape Horn on the clipper Dashing Wave in June 1855.

Relaxing Sunday Brunch at Jack's Restaurant in San Jose

“There’s something about brunch that makes everyone feel like they’re on vacation.”

—Marisol Santiago

Cecile and I invited our son Jason’s partner Alex—who happened to be in town—to join us for brunch at Jack’s Restaurant. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Let’s do brunch.” Well, the concept of brunch is often credited to British writer Guy Beringer, who proposed the idea in 1895, in an article in Hunter’s Weekly. He suggested brunch as a late-morning meal combined with breakfast and lunch, offering a more relaxed, social alternative to the heavy, traditional Sunday lunch. He argued that it would help people recover from Saturday night’s festivities and create a cheerful, sociable atmosphere.

Cecile had Swedish Pancakes served with lingonberry butter which is out of this world. Alex had a cheese omelette with baby spinach with a side of hash browns and I enjoyed a Greek Scramble with egg whites, gyro meat, feta cheese, diced tomato, green onion, with hash browns and wheat toast.

Jack’s welcomes guests with an extensive menu that reflects the Marcovici family’s Greek-American heritage bounty of their California home. It is known for being consistently delicious, with fresh ingredients, generous portions, friendly, attentive service. They provide a relaxed, casual atmosphere, with indoor or outdoor seating. It is one of our favorite places to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Attended the St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church Food Festival 2024

After briefly introducing myself to V. Rev. Vidoslav Vujasin, the parish priest yesterday, I took a tour of the inner sanctum that was adorned with stunning, revered iconographic images displayed in frescoes and photographed them. The style tends to follow traditional Byzantine influences with rich colors like gold, blue and red. Icon painting is a venerable and intricate part of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, holding a place of great spiritual significance since its inception in the early days of the Church. These sacred images, known as icons, not only serve as religious art but as theological texts in color and form, and one doesn’t necessarily have to be a believer to enjoy its beauty.

A 17-year old friendly altar boy shared some of the history of the church that is similar to what you would see in Greek and Russian Orthodox churches around the world. The creation of the church had humble beginnings. 3.5 acres was donated by Mijo R. and Anne Miljevich and family in November 26, 1961. In August of 2009 BCA Architects traveled to Herzegovina and Montenegro to visit limestone quarries in search of white stone from the homeland that was used in the contruction of the Church. It took many years to build, made possible by the generosity of its patrons.

Postscript: The friendly volunteers and members of the Church cooked lamb, pig riblits for the weekend Serbian Festival, along other foods. The festival included baked goods, beer and wine, fun activity for the kids like face painting, and music and dancing

A Nostalgic Sicilian Dinner with Friends at Palermo Italian Restaurant

“One of the greatest culinary marriages came about when dried pasta, introduced by the Arabs to Sicily in the 12th century, met tomatoes grown from seeds brought to 16th century Spanish Palermo after Hernan Cortez gathered them from Montezuma’s gardens."

—Robert Eliason, San Jose Spotlight

Cecile and I had dinner with our good friends and neighbors Bill and Sarah Rothenberg who recommended we dine at Palermo Italian Restaurant that specializes mostly in Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine and some Northern Italian dishes. It was a very nostalgic experience as Cecile and I used to frequent Palermo in our younger years when it was located at another location in San Jose. We took my late Sicilian mother, Maria and my dad Frank there in our younger years. We asked to be seated in the spacious covered patio surrounded by trees and overlooks the Los Gatos Creek trail that Bill and I have pedaled our bikes dozens of times over the years on our way to downtown San Jose.

Cecile and Sarah had their favorite Lemon Drop cocktail & I had a Peroni beer, after the friendly waiter brought us sliced sourdough bread and for starters we ordered Arancini (fried rice balls with asiago cheese, mushrooms and saffron.) for the table. It reminded me of my late Sicilian Zia Cettina who used to make them for us. Cecile and I shared a Sicilian Salad (mixed greens, oranges, tomatoes, shaved onions, anchovies and olives), and I had tortellini and meatball soup.

For our entrees Sarah and Cecile had Penne Palermo, Bill had a thinly sliced veal dish with pasta, and I had Palermo’s classic Chicken Parmigiana, with a double portion of veggies. The smooth rich red sauce is made with imported San Marzano tomatoes, which are the number one canned tomato in Italy.

Cecile and I shared a scoop of Pistachio and Cherry gelato Bill and Sarah shared a scoop of Vanilla and Chocolate gelato in a tall soda fountain-style glass.

The ambiance at Palermo is warm and inviting, featuring rustic decor, soft string lighting with vintage style art including a decorative two-wheeled, horse-drawn wooden Sicilian Cart (carretto) and horse. It symbolizes folklore, craftsmanship, nature, and is an ode to Sicilian history and the way of life on this beautiful island, that I have many fond memories of visiting throughout my life.

La bella vita, Italian for “to the good life."

A Taste of Africa from Nopnala Foods—Mama Africa Approved Cuisine was a Pleasant Take-Out Surprise

“A recipe has no soul. You, as a cook, must bring soul to the recipe.”

—Thomas Keller

In recent months I have joined my friend Bill on early Saturday morning bike rides that ends with a stop at the Farmer’s Market in Saratoga, CA. Earlier in the year I noticed a new food vendor: Nopnala Foods Mama Africa Approved. Having traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, and eating Ethiopian food in the the US, it peaked my curiosity.

Hajj, the friendly owner-entrepreneur who operates the kiosk has drawn a lot of attention. Since he has been following me on Instagram, I thought it was about time we get personally acquainted. After introducing myself, he said “You really travel a lot.” He even told some of his customers about my love of travel. Hajj will be the first one to tell you that his cooking background was inspired by his long journey and experiences through his travels.

Some of his popular dishes that come fresh-chilled or frozen are African Gumbo, African Peanut Stew, and green Chicken Curry. I decided to buy a quart size of African Peanut Stew, a rich flavorful melody of 100% Sonoma County Grass Fed Beef, Yams, Snap Peas, regular sweet peas and Corn with Coconut Peanut Sauce. Cecile and I had it for dinner last evening over a bed of brown rice and a fresh salad and it was delish. For those who live locally, you can speak to him at the Farmer’s Market or message Hajj and he’ll set aside what you need.

@saratoga.farmersmarket from 8:30am to 1pm

#africancuisines #africa #delicious #soulfood

Amazing Dinner at Bevri Georgian Cuisine in Los Altos with the Rothenbergs

Cecile and I and good friends Sarah and Bill enjoyed a savory and delicious dinner at Bevri, a popular Georgian restaurant known for offering authentic dishes from Georgia, a country at the strategic crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making it the hub for diverse cultures, trade and conflict. Bevri is celebrated for its use of fresh herbs and spices and hearty flavors. The ambiance is warm and inviting, often reflecting elements of Georgian culture, including its rich culinary traditions and artistry.

Rather than order an entree, we ordered an array of starter plates (tapas-style): Pkhali Sampler Baby spinach and beets pkhali with walnuts and herbs served with eggplant rolls; Artichoke with Baje: fried artichoke, walnuts sauce, tashmijab (cheese melted into mash potatoes), red adjika oil and svaneti oil; Lamb Khinkali Dumplings; Khachapuri Adjaruli: Boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and an egg. It is so good it became their logo. I created a short video of our waiter preparing it for us. Their menu states: No tipping necessary, but we gave our very capable and friendly young waiter a generous cash tip anyway. We walked two blocks to the Penny Ice Creamery for dessert.

Postscript: After we finished our meal, I saw this unusual woolen head covering. The bartender encouraged me to try it on. “It’s called a ‘papakha’ which means ‘hat’ he said. Apparently, it is part of the rich tapestry of Georgian traditional attire that evolved over centuries influences by a complex history and interactions

with neighboring cultures. It is a sign of honor and dignity. Former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, brought the papakha to the world stage (see photo). Honoring the traditions of his Dagestani ancestors, he wore the white woolen hat to all his fights and weigh-ins. Many of his wrestler’s fans would also wear the hat to support him.

A 23-mile Lunch Ride to the Historic San Pedro Square Market in San Jose

Bill and I rode our bikes on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, a mile from our homes to his cousin Del’s home in Willow Glen who joined us for the ride. We then hopped on the Three Creeks Trail nearby. A replica water tower sculpture with the number 3 marks the entrance to pedestrian and biking trail. The Three Creeks refers to Coyote Creek, Los Gatos Creek and the Guadalupe River.

San Pedro Square in San Jose is a vibrant spot known for its mix of historical charm and casual, communal setting. Glowing red letters above the entrance announced our destination. It is recognized as a thriving community hub and a great place for food lovers to discover different ethnic cuisines. There is plenty of outdoor seating with a relaxed open-ambiance. When you step inside to place your order, you’ll discover a fashionably industrial interior with transparent warehouse-style doors, modern fixtures, and weathered brick.

The Peralta Adobe, the oldest building in San Jose, is located in the square providing a sense of the area’s past. Located in downtown San Jose. It’s location makes it accessible to the SAP Center, tech museums and theaters. Bill treated us to lunch. Del had the chicken noodle soup and Bill and I had an abundant and delicious Chicken Banh Mi sandwich from a Vietnamese eatery called “On A Roll.”

Lunch with Cecile at Meso Modern Mediterranean Cuisine in Santana Row

After a little shopping at Westfield Valley Fair, Cecile and I went to Santana Row (SR), tucked in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose. It is a great place to shop and dine, and enjoy the California sunshine, with palm-tree lined streets, colorful hanging flower pots on lampposts, and plenty of cafes and restaurants with outdoor patios to satisfy any palate.

We decided to have lunch on the outside patio of Meso Modern Mediterranean Cuisine that delivers genuine hospitality, a stunning environment and what is described as a "deliciously curated selection of Mediterranean fare, all in the service of creating a modern oasis at the center of urban life on Santana Row.” They even have a beautiful waterfall fountain and a sculptured frog garden, a hit for kids and adults alike.

Cecile and I shared a Spiced Lamb Flatbread with yogurt, sumac onions, spicy Zhoug, oven roasted tomato, and sprouts; and a bowl of Roasted Carrot and Cucumber Salad with avocado, feta, dill, and dukkah. Meso is one of our top places to go for dinner.

A Full Day Pedaling Across the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge & Around Angel Island with Friends

Bill and I met our friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter under the Golden Gate Bridge as the starting point for our all day 36-mile bike ride. Riding across the bridge is a thrill like no other. We’ve done this invigorating ride many times over the years. We were about 220 feet above the choppy waters of the San Francisco Bay. The gusty cold wind ruffles your hair, fingers of fog tickle your cheeks, and a little bit of sun is enough to illuminate the bright red suspension bridge that has been described as an engineering “Wonder of the World."

We continued our ride toward Sausalito and all the of San Fransisco’s iconic landmarks across the skyline. The Golden Gate Bridge from one end to the other remains one of the most romantic and photographed bridges in the world. One of the main highlights of the adventure aside from crossing the Gold Gate Bridge was taking a ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island State Park and continuing our ride around it and stopping to see some of the old army barracks no longer in use. The island sits in the “center” of San Fransisco Bay, and features great across-the-water views of San Francisco, a wide swath of the East Bay, Tiburon, Belvedere, Mt. Tamalpais, and the rest of lower Marin County.

Biking on Angel Island is very safe because there is no public motor-vehicle traffic to be concerned about. The old Immigration Station and its museum is referred to as the Ellis Island of the West Coast. The main trail is the paved Perimeter Road that traces the outline of the island near the shore with mind-blowing views. After spending two and an half hours on the island, Jimi and Jen treated Bill and I to lunch at “The Cantina” in Ayala Cove, before we taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

Lunch with Cecile at Siam Taste Thai Cuisine in Historic Downtown Sunnyvale

“Thai food is feast for the soul—colorful, aromatic and insanely spicealicious.”

Though a few restaurants were closed for Labor Day, we had plenty of eateries to choose from. We decided we were in the mood for authentic Thai food and after looking at their menu, we decided on Siam Taste Thai Cuisine. It was a nice breezy sunny day so Cecile and I decided to eat in the spacious outdoor patio made possible as one whole block of historic Murphy Street is closed to traffic.

We shared a fresh Papaya Salad with a spicy kick to it and a Thai Italian Fusion: Salmon grilled to perfection with noodles and a lightly-spiced Yellow Curry. Having traveled to South East Asia multiple times we simply love Thai food known foor its bold and complex flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements in a single dish.

Siam Taste Thai Cuisine is located at the historic Murphy Avenue, a trendy and colorful destination for a number of international restaurants and cafes, late-night drinks at an Irish pub, small specialty shops, historic buildings, a local movie theater that gives the downtown destination—that accomodates pedestrian traffic—a unique sense of characther.

Sunset Photos I took at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay & A Inspiring Poem by Mary Oliver

“Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.”

—Kristen Butler

An Adaptation of "The Sun" by Mary Oliver

Have you ever seen anything in your life more wonderful than the way the sun,

Every evening, relaxed and easy, floats toward the horizon

And into the clouds or the hills, or rumpled sea, and is gone…

And have you ever felt…such wild love—

As the sun reaches out, as it warms you as you stand there,

Empty-handed—or have you too turned from this world—or have you too

Gone crazy for power, for things?

The late Mary Jane Oliver is a beloved American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize found inspiration for her work during solitary walks in nature. A collection of her works sits on my library shelf.

Mindfulness Meditation teacher Fay Adams once commented on this poem: “What could be more tragic than turning

our backs on the ineffable, beautiful, life-bestowing majesty of the sun? The wonder of life is offered to us every day on a universe sized platter, but we still turn our backs…’Have you too gone crazy for the power of things?’ Well, I confess I feel I’m still preoccupied with things a little too much for my conscience to rest easy, but I’m working on it!"

A Parisian-Style Dinner at Epernay Bistro Hosted by Kim and Al Chien

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

—Opera Winfrey

Cecile and I were treated to an extraordinary dinner at Epernay Bistro and Champagne Bar—in honor of my birthday—on Main Street in Los Gatos. The Parisian-style eatery has received a lot of praise for creating a chic, cozy, and romantic ambiance, and providing excellent service, and authentic French-inspired cuisine.

We share a special bond with the Chiens, as Kim’s son Kyle is married to our beloved daughter Michelle and the blessings of that union are three very special and adorable grandchildren: Lyla, Emmy and bay Gus. Though we have enjoyed many family holiday events at Kim and Al’s home, we treasure the times we’ve gotten together as couples and friends.

Bon Appetit!

Postscript: Dear Kim and Al, thank you for the lovely birthday card, your love, your generosity, and the gift card to Teleferic Barcelona restaurant.

Enjoying a Relaxing & Casual Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay

"Today is your birthday. We're gonna have a good time..."

—Paul McCartney & John Lennon

Having lunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay is a luxurious experience, offering stunning coastal views. Cecile and I chose to dine on the Ocean Terrace. We shared Chicken Tacos and a Harvest Salad. The waitress had forgotten to bring a place setting and felt so bad she insisted that we choose a dessert on the house. Rather than order two desserts we shared a chocolate mousse and chocolate sorbet. The Ritz-Carlton is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the golf course. It is a great choice for a leisurely and relaxing lunch.

The Ritz-Carlton offers direct access to coastal trails, so after lunch we took a stroll along the cliffs, after which we sat on the deck chairs absorbing the beautiful surrounding making it a full experience of luxury and nature.

Relaxing at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay

Cecile and I are at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay for a few days, a great place to relax and rejuvenate. We have an ocean front room with a cozy balcony with table and chair just steps from sand and sea, tucked between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines in California. It is favorite getaway destination. After enjoying European-style hors d’ oeuvres with a glass of wine from a Sonoma Coast wine bar, and later house-made chocolate and oatmeal cookies we took a walk along the beach walk watching people walk and okay with their dogs, and ride their bikes. We returned to our room and gazed upon the Pacific Ocean and let the soothing sounds of the crashing waves lull us into blissful relaxation while watching the golden sunset behind the coastal clouds.

Riding Over the Stylistic Don Burnett Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge & Lunch at Nick the Greeks & Visiting Bubba the Bear

We began the bulk of our 20-mile ride along side the Union Pacific Trail that runs by the railroad tracks beginning from Saratoga to Cupertino where we and walkers, runners and bikers have exclusive access to unpaved roads without having to stop stop for cars. We enjoyed majestic oaks along the way. Bill took a photo of me seated in a bulldozer at the side of the trail, to add to my collection over the years riding oon roads less traveled. We then made our way through the 112 acre De Anza College in the heart of Silicon Valley, with award winning building arranged around a series of open plazas.

We then headed to Cupertino’s Don Burnett (Mary Avenue) Bike Pedestrian Bridge. We crossed over the 500-foot span cable-stayed steel bridge over the 280 freeway. Used by pedestrians and cyclists, including jogger and walkers of all ages. It is a popular placer for children to lear how to ride a bike or a scooter. Mid-span, we enjoyed a view of the valley and the old Quarry next to the Steven’s Creek Reservoir that Bill and I have frequently rode our bikes. The bridge is a social and artistic magnet that draws photographers searching for a compelling artistic photograph.

I started taking photos immediately of the metal birds atop a larger boulder at the Mary Ave/Meteor Drive entrance to the Don Burnett Bridge. After retracing our way back we stopped for lunch at Nick the Greeks in Sunnyvale. On the way home we stopped to see the famous "Bubba the Bear" on Bubb Avenue in Cupertino that was carved out of a 45-year old drought-stricken pine tree by Glen Sievert from Humboldt.

Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show at Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos

“Tropical nights and hula delights, this luau ignited our island flights."

Having vacationed in Maui annualy for almost 50 years, the invitation from the Rinconada Hills Association (RHA) to attend a Hawaiian Luau dinner on our Clubhouse Lawn within walking distance of our townhome was too good to pass up.

"Bring your own Aloha spirit and join us for a night of fun, delicious food, and festivities,” it read.”! Be enchanted by the captivating moves of Hula Dancers “Island Spice.” Dance the night away with the beats of “Wesside.” Tiki Mai Tai Bar, cocktails, wine and beer bar, and a Feast Fit for a Chief” Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, authentic Kalua Pig, and a lavish Hawaiian buffet with neighbors and friends." Upon arrival we were given a Lei, a symbol of friendship and love, a big part of the Hawaiian tradition, used for celebrations of all kinds.

The excitement kicked in when the Island Spice Hula Dancers began the show dancing to the catchy theme song of the iconic TV show Hawaii Five-0 that captivated audiences for over a decade with a fictional portrayal of a elite police task force solving crimes in beautiful Hawaii. The picturesque landscapes and stunning beaches showcased in Hawaii Five-0 had a profound impact on tourism in Hawaii, inspiring many viewers to visit the islands.

Thanks to Dee Blumenthal, head of the social committee for organizing the event and to Mike Yarman, the general manager of RHA and his assistant manager, Ray Ramirez who both have put their culinary school skills in service to our gated-community to give it’s owners and guests a starlit evening under the majestic palm trees to remember.

Mahalo!

Note: See Video Clip with Island Spice Hula Dancers dancing to the iconic Hawaii Five-0 TV show theme song!

Visiting the Montalvo Arts Center Installation Honoring The Ohlone Indigenous Tribe

During our 10-mile bike ride Bill and I decided to visit a new installation at the non-profit Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga which also includes a park, hiking trails and the historic Villa Montalvo, an Italian Mediterranean mansion nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

For me Villa Montalvo has high sentimental value. The now defunct Saratoga Community of Painters, a plein air watercolor group I belonged to used to paint on these magical, peaceful, and meditative grounds. We even showed our work there and I was lucky enough to have the director of the arts purchase one of my paintings of the mansion.

Just short of the mansion we saw a neon sculpture with boldly stitched words, TURTLE ISLAND, by artist Marie Watt. I would later find out it was meant to “catch people off guard and encourage deeper inquiry and understanding.”

According to Wikipedia Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, used by some American Indigenous people. It is based on a common creation story or myth.

We then spotted the Hummingbird statue by San Jose artist Francisco Graciano that also honors an indigenous tribe’s creation story—in this case the Ohlone tribe whose offspring still walk prominently among us.

Bill who also has an appreciation of art, and creates whimsical art forms such as sun dials, and wind chimes from bicycle parts, asked me to feed the hummingbird. Hence, I lifted my palms upward just under its beak, creating a real time interactive piece of art of a living or animate being (yours truly) with an inanimate being, (the hummingbird).

Postscript: When we approached the Amphitheater, Bill spotted some wild turkeys which added authenticity to the exhibit.

Exploring the Iconic Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose

“The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into ancient Egypt, presenting one of the finest collections of artifacts outside of Cairo.”

—Time Magazine

Cecile and I, and her sister Sherry participated in a 30-minute docent led tour of the Egyptian Museum located at Rosicrucian Park in the Rose Garden area of San Jose, just four blocks from where we used live in 1975 when we first moved to California. It is one of San Jose’s most treasured unique landmarks.

The museum founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis in 1966 is truly a magical place, blending history, mystery, and spirituality. With over 4,000 artifacts, it houses the largest collection of authentic Ancient Egyptian on display in Western North America. This magnificent educational system complex also included a Planetarium, Labyrinth, and Library. The grounds outside the museum are as much of a wonder as the collection inside.The Peace Garden has a tranquility pond, Egyptian-style structures, and winding walkways adorned with unique and exotic plant-life. The Mystery-shrouded Labyrinth was designed after the Chartres Cathedral in France.

The museum hosts more than 100,000 guests per year, including 26,000 school children. The central feature of Rosicrucianism is the belief that its members possess secret wisdom that was handed down to them from ancient times.