First Taste of Hayward celebrates city’s cuisine

DINING SCENE

West Coast Sourdough keeps its sweet and savory cranberry turkey sandwich on the menu all year round. The chain’s newest location is in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood . courtesy of West Coast Sourdough

Buffalo Bill’s will serve samples of its chicken wings, jalapeno poppers and spicy mac and cheese at the Taste of Hayward event. Dai Sugano — Staff Photographer

Image

By Linda Zavoral

lzavoral@bayareanewsgroup.com

The inaugural Taste of Hayward event Oct. 9 invites foodies downtown to explore the city’s restaurant cuisines.

From 4 to 8 p.m. that Thursday, attendees can stroll through downtown and stop at more than 15 establishments for bites and sips. The event, sponsored by the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association, will be a self-guided walking tour.

“We’re proud to launch the first-ever Taste of Hayward as a new way to celebrate the incredible diversity of our city’s food scene,” the organization’s Nick Yoo said in announcing the event.

The participants range from Hayward classics to newcomers and hidden gems. Among those already scheduled are Acqua e Farina, Buffalo Bill’s Cerveceria, Golden Safari, The Bistro, Craft Pizzeria, Mujiri, Casa del Toro, Gurkha Kitchen, Erik’s DeliCafe, Khao Hom, Metro Taquero, Once Tea, Rockit Char Grill, Snappy’s Cafe, Susie Q’s and Tang Jip.

Tickets, $35, may be purchased online at https://downtownhayward.com/events/taste-of-hayward.

Starting at 3:45 p.m. on the day of the event, ticketholders should check in with their QR code or printed ticket near the fountain at City Hall, 777 B St., to receive an event “passport” with map and addresses.

West Coast Sourdough brings sandwiches , soups to Willow Glen

The rapidly expanding West Coast Sourdough chain has opened its second San Jose sandwich shop — just in time for fall/winter soup season.

The new location is on Meridian Avenue near Willow Street. The first is at the Market Center on Coleman Avenue.

West Coast Sourdough specializes in sandwiches made with freshly baked sourdough rolls — their clever slogan is “San Francisco Born and Bread” — in three sizes, 4 inches, 6 inches or 8 inches long. Gluten-free bread is also available.

The 20-sandwich menu features a French Dip with au jus; Tuna Salad and Chicken Salad, both made inhouse; Garlic Turkey Pesto; Buffalo Chicken (with jalapeno coleslaw); and seasonal specials.

Supplementing the sandwiches are side dishes customers may order in cup, bowl or bread bowl sizes. Clam Chowder, Tomato Bisque and Mac & Cheese (white cheddar, parmesan) are all offered daily. Soups in rotation include Chicken & Poblano Pepper (Monday and Friday); vegan-friendly Fire-Roasted Vegetable (Tuesday); Chicken Noodle (Wednesday); Cream of Potato with Bacon (Thursday and Sunday); and Cream of Broccoli (Saturday).

The five salad options are Caesar, Cobb, Greek, Italian and Southwest Chicken.

Founded in 2020, West Coast Sourdough already has about 40 Central Valley locations, from Bakersfield north to Chico, along with Bay Area shops in Walnut Creek, Fremont, Brentwood and Rohnert Park. Several more are in the works throughout California.

Details: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1087 Meridian Ave., San Jose; www.wcsourdoughl.com

Send restaurant news tips to Linda Zavoral at lzavoral@bayareanewsgroup.com, Kate Bradshaw at kbradshaw@bayareanewsgroup.com, John Metcalfe at jmetcalfe@bayareanewsgroup.com or Jason Mastrodonato at jmastrodonato@bayareanewsgroup.com.