Closing out a prosperous decade in Sausalito, the gluten-free Mexican fixture Copita has established its second outpost in San Jose, launched on October 30, an expansion covered by Eater SF. Spearheading the new venture are Copita's chef Joanne Weir and restaurateur Larry Mindel, who asked chef Azari Cuena-Maitret to head up the kitchen at the new San Jose venue.
Two years in the planning, Copita Willow Glen occupies an impressive 6,300 square feet in a recently constructed building. An arrangement similar to Sausalito’s location featuring a comprehensive menu encompassing large plates has been devised for the first level, while the second level extends to a roof terrace specializing in smaller plates and libations, accented by the inviting warmth of firepits and comfortable tables scattered across a spacious area.
With the aesthetics drawn from San Miguel de Allende, the expanse uses tiles in lively shades of blue, white, and tangerine. According to Eater SF, Chef Weir expressed that the design intent is to foster a "fresh, clean, warm, [and] bold" milieu, intended to transform the restaurant into a buzzing hub for the Willow Glen community.
In both locations, Chef Cuena-Maitret has benefitted from his direct partnership with Weir, a notable figure thanks to releasing her PBS show and cookbooks to share her culinary expertise. They've ensured the menu sports a mix of existing favorites from the original eatery, augmented by newer introductions. To uphold the authenticity of Mexican cooking, on-site production of tortillas is employed and menu offerings are invigorated by a seasonal Californian spin. Some standout dishes endorsed by Weir include breaded cauliflower tacos, huitlacoche-stuffed empanadas, and roasted Brussels sprouts paired with a citrus chipotle salsa.
Independent bars, each bearing a unique lineup of libations, are perched on both levels of Copita Willow Glen. Around 10 signature drinks, beyond the scope of agave-infused ones, are usually on offer, featuring meticulously curated tequila and mezcal flights among others. The Loteria cocktail, a fusion of Tanqueray, lemon, orgeat, and passionfruit, beside the Cinnamon Espresso Martini that mixes Ketel One, Mr. Black, cold brew, and cinnamon, are some of the beverage highlights. Weir voiced her delight at being able to include an assortment of Mexican wines along with an extensive variety of beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
The centerpiece on the drinks menu remains the classic Copita Margarita, blended smoothly with Herradura Silver. Weir gives us a peek behind the scenes, recounting how Herradura Silver was crowned the perfect accompaniment for their signature margarita through a blind tasting of 40 tequilas, a decision reinforced before inaugurating the Willow Glen branch as mentioned by Eater SF.
Presently, Copita Willow Glen has commenced dinner service, with the intent to roll out lunch and weekend brunch service in the following weeks. The operational timetable spans from 5 to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Monday and 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. They are not accepting reservations at this time.
The address is 1098 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, the unveiling of Copita Willow Glen represents a significant notch in the brand's continued production, hinting at promising prospects for additional expansions and a brighter specter in the gastronomic sector.
