Downtown San Jose is set to welcome a new all-day dining hotspot with the opening of Poppy & Claro next Thursday, October 16. Located at the ground floor of the 50 West tower, the eatery promises an accessible menu catering to the epicurean whims of locals, office workers, and downtown wanderers alike, from early morning caffeine kicks to hearty evening meals, according to a recent preview from SF Eater.
Executive Chef Christopher Littman, with a culinary lineage tracing back to the prestigious kitchens of Eleven Madison Park, has designed a menu reflecting a California meets New York style, as reported by The Mercury News; with a focus on seasonal ingredients and boldly-flavored dishes like Truffle Shuffle pizza and Dijon-Dill Seared Salmon, to feed hungry patrons from 7:30 a.m. to the early evening hook of happy hour, though not forgetting the establishment's offerings will include a range of lunch and dinner options served throughout the day until closing. Poppy & Claro stands out not only for its cuisine but also for its ethos of quality ingredients, using sustainably raised beef and locally-sourced produce.
Mornings at Poppy & Claro kick off with Sightglass Coffee, a suite of pastries from Manresa Bread, and assorted meals like chilaquiles and breakfast burrito. And, should you fancy something heftier, the hearth at the crux of the restaurant, a new fiery installation, is ready to serve up an array of dishes including the herb and garlic chicken, seared salmon, and artisanal pizzas like the Hot Rosa with tantalizing toppings like Fra'mani salami rosa and burrata doused in hot honey, lending the place a unique sense of gastronomic theater.
Come dusk, the restaurant transforms into a cozy haven for those seeking a liquid libation, serving California wines, local beers, and a lineup of signature cocktails. "We’re really focused on quality ingredients," Littman told The Mercury News, emphasizing the establishment's use of Cream Co. beef and distinctive black walnut in some of its offerings; meanwhile their Welcome Trolley cocktail, a whimsical take on the classic margarita, boasts unexpected notes of lemongrass tequila and pineapple gomme, splashed with absinthe and finished with a hint of sparkle from some effervescent wine, all of which can be savored at reduced prices during the restaurant's "social hour" stretching from 4:30 PM until the twilight tones of 7:30 PM.
While grand openings can often carry an air of pretense, Poppy & Claro appears committed to maintaining a casual atmosphere with its counter-service model that seamlessly melds expedience and quality, as revealed by SF Eater. Quietly hosting a "friends and family" event before opening, the new dining establishment is gearing up to debut amidst the bustling streets of San Jose, and with Littman at the helm, the city's gastronomic scene is poised for a noteworthy arrival.
