Holiday pop-up bar Miracle on 1st returns to downtown San Jose
Downtown cocktail lounge Paper Plane -- and its menu -- has again been transformed into a winter wonderland.
There was an abundance of holiday spirit in downtown San Jose on Monday night and an abundance of holiday spirits, too. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and his favorite bar is back.
That would be Miracle on 1st, the holiday pop-up transformation of cocktail lounge Paper Plane at 72 S. First St. A huge Christmas tree stands by the door, the walls are filled with colorfully wrapped boxes and glittering garland, and you’ll spot a few Hanukkah decorations, too). Lights twinkle throughout, and even the bartenders dress for the theme.
It’s not just Paper Plane’s decor that gets a North Pole makeover for five weeks; the Miracle on 1st cocktail menu has been re-written by Santa’s elves with seasonal concoctions like the Jingle Bells Nog, the Gingerbread Flip and the Christmapolitan. If you’re feeling more naughty than nice, a few of the drinks borrow their names from less treacly holiday flicks, e.g. the Bad Santa and another we’ll just call the Yippee Ki Yay.
But nothing beats the SanTa Rex, a spiced apple slushie served in a mug shaped like a green dinosaur wearing a Santa hat. It’s 21-and-over, though, so you’ll have to leave the kids home for this one.
Paper Plane co-owner George Lahlouh said there was never a doubt that Miracle would return to San Jose, as it was a hit with both customers and staff and was just a great way to be part of the holiday festivities downtown.
“To really embrace the holiday spirit for five weeks straight doing a completely menu that’s focused on the holidays, how can that not be a fun thing?” he said. “The cocktails have interesting but approachable flavors. They definitely embody what you expect out of the holidays, with spiced apple, baking spices, gingerbread. Everything’s very rich and very comforting.”
The “Miracle” pop-up is taking place at more than 100 bars around the country, including Pacific Cocktail Haven in San Francisco and Brewster’s Beer Garden in Petaluma. Miracle on 1st will be serving up the holiday menu though Dec. 29, opening at 4:30 p.m. daily.
SWEET TIME AT OPERA SAN JOSE: Opera San Jose’s delightful production of “Hansel and Gretel” at the California Theatre is winding up its run on Dec. 1, and it’s been a real treat for families. Volunteers from Friends of Opera San Jose have been handing out small toys and treats to kids in the lobby, where the little ones can mingle with costumed characters or pose for a photo in a gingerbread cookie cutout.
Khori Dastoor, Opera San Jose’s incoming general director, has been thrilled with the response. “We have seen an unprecedented number of kids in the audience for this production, all being introduced to opera with this fun and very accessible production,” she said. And it’s apparently been a delight for the volunteers, too, who delivered a check to Opera San Jose to cover the cost of the treats. Tickets are still available for this weekend’s shows, performed in English with English supertitles, at www.operasj.org.
SCOUTS SCORE WITH CELEBRATION: As if this season hasn’t been enough, it was a 49ers fan’s dream last week as developer Jim Mair, his wife Gretchen Mair, and their family were honored at Levi’s Stadium with the Distinguished Citizens Award from the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
The Niner Noise Drumline welcomed guests, the Gold Rush Girls cheerleaders and the 49ers’ five Super Bowl trophies were available for photos, Sourdough Sam led tours of the 49ers museum and 49ers President Al Guido served as master of ceremonies. The event was the fundraising equivalent of a touchdown, too, raising $444,000 for the 13,000 youth who participate in scouting in the region.