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Whether you’re at Cinequest for wall-to-wall flicks or just a couple of movies, you’re going to need sustenance. Think quick bites if you’re racing from one theater to another, but take the time for a proper sit-down meal if you need to discuss with your pals just what that filmmaker meant by the movie’s cryptic ending.
The March 5-17 screenings are scheduled at three San Jose theaters (the California, 3Below and the Hammer) as well as the 20-screen Century Redwood City Downtown. Here are dining options convenient to all:
SAN JOSE
SoFA Market: If you’re between movies, then a Cuban sandwich, poke bowl or burrito might be just the ticket. This 7,500-square-foot food hall is home to a United Nations’ worth of locally owned kiosks, including Habana Cuba (relocated from Race Street), Hawaiian Poke Bowl, Tacos Los 3 Hermanos, Vietnoms, Pizzetta 408, Sticks N Greens, Vero’s Coffee Bar, VitaminA Juices & Blends; and the Fountainhead bar. 387 S. First St., www.sofamarketsj.com.
Elyse: For a fine-dining break, you can mix and match French and Vietnamese dishes at this fusion restaurant located near the Hammer and 3Below theaters. Chef Baoky Ngoc, born in Vietnam, earned his Michelin-star cred in Brussels. Start with a salad Nicoise or grilled spring rolls. Interested in a beefy entree? The menu boasts both braised short ribs Bourguignon and bowls of pho made with American Wagyu steak. 151 S. Second St.; make reservations at 408-899-2762 or www.elyse-restaurant.com.
Culinary Corner Bistro: New since last year’s festival is owner-chef Hung Tu’s place on South First Street near the California Theatre. You’ll find pan-Pacific flavors mingling on the menu created by this Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef: Think chicken satay, potstickers, ahi tuna rolls, lemongrass pork, seared salmon with garlic noodles, red Thai chicken curry — plus lots of vegan dishes. 321 S. First St.; www.culinarycornerbistro.com.
Maverick Meet-ups: Other great choices for meals are the downtown restaurants, clubs and lounges hosting these late-night get-togethers where Cinequest attendees can mingle with other film lovers. Maverick Meet-ups run from 8:30 p.m. till late and are open to all ticket-holders. Venues include Il Fornaio, Cafe Stritch, Forager, Aura, Rookies, Social Policy, San Patricio’s/Chacho’s, the Glasshouse, Loft Bar & Bistro, Scott’s Seafood, Mosaic and SP2. Find the nightly schedule at www.cinequest.org/cinequest-parties.
REDWOOD CITY
Downtown’s Theater District: If you haven’t been to downtown Redwood City lately, you’ll be bowled over by the number of dining options near the movie theaters. There are a dozen options on this block of Middlefield Road alone, including the Timber & Salt gastropub, Portobello Grill for Italian and seafood, Mexican fave Quinto Sol, salad and wrap specialist West Park Farm & Sea, and several fast-casual options (Pizza My Heart, Green Leaf Asian Bistro, Vitality Bowls, Cafe La Tartine). www.downtownredwoodcity.org
The Courthouse 2021: High-end steaks and chops rule at this restaurant named in honor of the legal eagles who work downtown. The menu features half a dozen aged beef choices, plus a heritage pork chop and rack of lamb. Other popular dishes on the menu by executive consulting chef Munther Massarweh include the sake-steamed Mediterranean mussels with red curry and the fried chicken board, which comes loaded with creamed spinach casserole, buttermilk cornbread, asiago potatoes and a little pitcher of gravy. 2021 Broadway; reservations at www.thecourthouse2021.com.
Chef-driven favorites: These two noted chefs have two restaurants each in downtown Redwood City — and all four are within walking distance of the theaters. At chef-owner Donato Scotti’s Donato Enoteca, the best-selling dish is the bigoli pasta with Nebbiolo-braised oxtail; his CRU wine bar serves charcuterie and cheese plates, plus Roman-style pizza. Chef Manuel Martinez’s closest option for theater-goers is LV Mar, where he takes an upscale approach to tapas and cocktails. At his more casual place, La Viga, check out the many variations of ceviche.
RWC Hangouts: The San Jose part of the festival has its Maverick Meet-ups; on the Peninsula they’re called RWC Hangouts, with discounts on select small bites and cocktails. Two other differences: These gatherings are held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and are limited to pass holders. Participating venues include LV Mar, Arya Steakhouse, the Old Spaghetti Factory and the Cyclismo Cafe (the cafe will offer coffee discounts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). Find the schedule at www.cinequest.org/rwc-hangouts.