Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice Returns to San Jose
November 15, 2019 through January 12, 2020

Only in California! Ice skate in the sunshine and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the warm rays of the sun as Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice will be the highlight of the downtown San Jose holiday attractions. Join Kristi Yamaguchi, the 1992 Olympic gold medal winner in Women’s Figure Skating as she inaugurates the celebration of San Jose’s ice season on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

Yamaguchi adds her name to support the rink for the ninth time, and her Always Dream Foundation will again be a rink beneficiary. This will be Downtown Ice’s 16th year in the Circle of Palms and 24th year overall. More than 50,000 skaters and 120,000 of their friends are expected to visit the ice this season. As usual, the palms of the Circle of Palms will be lit with thousands of color-changing LED lights for skaters who pay one fee for unlimited skating time and skate rental. Proceeds from the Dec. 16 Santa Run Silicon Valley help support Downtown Ice. Sign up at santarunsv.com.

Tickets and Information
Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for children 10 years and younger
Seniors and Military: $15;
Admission includes ice time and rental skates. Bring your own skates: $10
408-610-4055
Details at downtownicesj.com
120 S. Market Street in Downtown San Jose

Photos courtesy of San Jose Downtown Association

Chopin, Champagne, and Chocolate with Virtuoso Pianist Katya Grineva
November 14 at 7 p.m.

Back by popular demand, acclaimed Russian pianist Katya Grineva returns to the Bay Area for a *Cancer CAREpoint performance in Saratoga. Known for her deep connection to the Romantics, Grineva is a distinguished Steinway artist and the only female solo pianist to have performed in the world-renowned Carnegie Hall Isaac Stern auditorium in New York a record 18 times. She will add her 19th season on Dec. 27, 2019.

Her playing has been described as having “warmth and seamless fluidity…class and charisma that draw her audience into her music” by the New York Times. Born in Moscow, she studied piano at the Moscow Music School, and then the School of Music at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. She moved to New York in 1989 and received a scholarship to enter the renowned Mannes School of Music graduate program. Don’t miss this unique concert where Grineva will definitely capture your heart and attention with her breathless, ethereal concert. *Cancer CAREpoint is a program that provides free non-medical services to cancer patients CAREpoint.org

Tickets and Information
Price: $55 per person
Saratoga Foothill Club
20399 Park Place in Saratoga
To purchase tickets please call 408-691-1222

Photo courtesy of G. Crawford

A Taste of Tuscany in Napa Valley
November 17 at 1 p.m.

No need to fly to Italy, at least not in November. The CIA at Copia is proud to present “A Taste of Tuscany,” featuring the wines and foods that make this region of Italy a premiere travel destination. Enjoy culinary gems from Giancarla Bodoni, the award-winning Executive Chef of Monteverdi Tuscany who will be preparing some of Monteverdi’s most prized and popular signature dishes. They will be paired with wines from the world-renowned Casanova di Neri winery, whose wines have repeatedly earned 100-points reviews from demanding wine critic Robert Parker.

During this event, Casanova di Neri will also be pouring the 2015 vintage of their various Brunello di Montalcino wines months ahead of their 2020 release. To add to this experience we will have Sensory Expert Orietta Gianjorio, who hails from Rome, but has called California home since 2008. She will present a new way of looking at, smelling, and tasting various olive oils. This is definitely a delicious gourmet getaway in Napa Valley. Ahh, I must go… Will I see you there?

Tickets and Information
$45 per person 707-967-2500
ciaatcopia.com
CIA at Copia
500 First Street in Napa

Photo courtesy of CIA

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on the San Francisco Belle
November 28 2:00 p.m. 

Be the belle of the ball at this year’s Thanksgiving celebration. Getting up at 4 a.m., cooking all day, and washing dishes till midnight.. sound familiar? Not this year! This year, say hello to a San Francisco Thanksgiving Day dinner and give thanks aboard a three-hour Hornblower’s Premier Thanksgiving Dinner cruise. Gather your loved ones and indulge in a seated multi-course meal. Sip on drinks from the hosted premium bar as you listen to live music complemented by a fabulous dessert buffet. With festive décor accenting priceless views of the San Francisco Bay, you can really get into the holiday spirit and enjoy it to the max.

Tickets and Information
Cost: $115-$179
hornblower.com
Pier 3, Hornblower Landing

Photos courtesy of Hornblower Cruises

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.