Plus, an IndepenDANCE party.
 
07.03.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.
 

Food

Where has all the Sriracha gone?
Three shelves full of sriracaha bottles.
And to think we took this sight for granted last year. | Photo by Paul Narvaez via Wikimedia Commons
Last year, we heard word from Huy Fong Foods that a Sriracha shortage was on the horizon. Now, it seems we’re in for another Sriracha drought — quite literally.

Droughts in Mexico — where Huy Fong Foods sources its chilis — have affected supplies. In an interview with Food & Wine, the company recently revealed that the sauce shortage comes as a result of an “unexpected crop failure from the spring chili harvest.”

So what about those who crave capsaicin? (Think: the chemical that gives spicy food that burning sensation.) Unfortunately, there’s no end to the shortage in sight. And — since it doesn’t sell to stores directly — Huy Fong Foods can’t predict when products will return to shelves.

But you could try your luck on a site like Amazon, where Forbes reported a pack of two 17-ounce bottles was recently listed for $94.99. There are also bottles listed for over $40 on eBay.

Bottles of the Xot Be Long sauce.

This locally made sauce can be found at Zanotto’s Markets.

|

Photo via @xotbelong

Our advice is to go local. Here are three sauce sources we’re raving about:
  • Xốt Bé Long is a savory, tangy, and garlicky sauce made in the East Side and is meant to be paired with anything — especially Vietnamese + Mexican cuisine. It’s vegan and small-batched every week.
  • Hoppin Hot Sauce comes from an East Side SJ native named John Hoppin who mixed chilis, his grandpa’s Meyer lemons, garlic, and various spices to create the now-locally popular and award-winning hot sauce.
  • Oso Pepper Company is run by husband-and-wife duo Vincent and Myra Verret, who make various versions of their “Cry Out!” hot sauce. Their latest offering is actually a ‘Sriracha’ chili sauce that is made with less sugar + less sodium.
Asked

Where have you spotted Sriracha bottles in SJ?
Report any Sriracha sightings in San Jose. (And how much it’ll cost us.) We may feature your sauce-spotting in an upcoming newsletter.
Lost in the sauce
 
Events
Monday, July 3
  • Tahiti Fete | Monday, July 3 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose | $30 | Watch dancers showcase traditional and contemporary choreography, highlighting the rich history and tales of the Polynesian people.
  • Trivia Night | Monday, July 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Free | Bring a team of up to six people to this weekly event hosted by local comedians.
  • Red, White & Bollywood | Monday, July 3 | 10 p.m.-2 a.m. | Fuego Sports Bar and Club, 140 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale | $20-$400 | Enjoy this IndepenDANCE Day Bash with one of the Bay’s top Bollywood DJs, Salim J.
Tuesday, July 4
  • Rose, White and Blue Parade 2023 | Tuesday, July 4 | 9 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | The Alameda, San Jose | Free | Watch a lineup of classic cars, bands, local dance groups, and other community organizations wind its way from Dana Avenue to The Alameda.
  • Local Fourth of July celebrations | Tuesday, July 4 | Times vary | Locations vary | Prices vary | Check out some Independence Day happenings in and around San Jose — as well as safe fireworks shows.
Wednesday, July 5
  • Music Fun Under the Sun Series | Wednesday, July 5 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose | $16-$18 | It’s going to be an explosion of music, dancing, and snapping to the rhythms of summer.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
News Notes
Development
  • The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is developing a 195-unit affordable apartment complex next to the Berryessa Transit Center. Residents making 60% or less than the county’s median income will be able to move in, and will be given a BART + VTA pass to encourage ridership. (San José Spotlight)
Announced
  • San José Works announced its 2023 summer program, which will offer 375 local youth from low-income communities for a six-week work experience program. Youth ages 14-18 will have a chance to work in information technology, finance, healthcare, and construction. The participants are referred through local youth organizations + school districts.
Sports
  • The San Jose Sharks recently acquired forward Anthony Duclair from the Florida Panthers in exchange for SJ’s 2025 fifth-round selection and forward Steven Lorentz. The team also traded defenseman Artemi Kniazev for Winnipeg Jets’ defenseman Leon Gawanke. Find more trade coverage on the Sharks’ website. (NHL)
Fun Fact
  • The Winchester Mystery House celebrated 100 years of tours over the weekend, and part of the festivities included burying a time capsule to be opened 100 years from now. Find out what items San Joseans will find in the capsule in 2123. (The Mercury News)
Community
  • The Alum Rock Counseling Center will be increasing its efforts to educate youth about drug use alternatives + fentanyl overdoses this summer. The organization will plan activities and field trips to Santa Cruz — head to its website for upcoming events. (CBS News)
Regional
  • Santa Clara County now has a new CEO and executive director. James Williams, the first person of color in the county’s top position, began work this month and replaced former CEO Jeff Smith who sat in the role for 13 years. (San José Spotlight)
Biz
  • Tech giant Apple is expanding its Silicon Valley footprint by purchasing a Cupertino office located ~2 miles from its headquarters at Apple Park. The 161,000-sqft building at 10200 De Anza is expected to accomodate 650-800 employees. (The Mercury News)
Eat

🌱 San Jose through the eyes of an herbivore

Vegan and vegetarian eats in San Jose, CA
LaTierra
De La Tierra’s vegan asada burrito is a must-try. | Photo via @woowoo.eats
Planning a meat-free day? We’ve got the perfect itinerary:
  • De La Tierra Vegan Food, 326 Commercial St. | Indulge in “asada” crunchy tacos, loaded breakfast burritos, and soyrizo street tacos at this 100% plant-based food truck.
  • Loving Hut, 925 Blossom Hill Rd., Ste. 1746 | This Asian-fusion spot lets you try a little bit of everything — wontons with soy protein, satay bites made from vegan nuggets, burgers + melts, and even ramen, pho, and pad thai.
  • DiLac Vegetarian Cuisine, 2850 Quimby Rd., Ste. 125 | Come hungry, because portions are large here. Many Yelp fans rave about the imitation meat tasting just like the real deal.
  • The Vegan Lasagna Garden, 17 S. Fourth St. (inside Kronas) | These gourmet lasagnas will knock carnivores off their feet. The menu features a truffle mushroom lasagna, a vegan cheese + cashew cream lasagna, and even a Mexican lasagna with grilled veggies.
Have you eaten at a local vegan or vegetarian restaurant recently? Let us know.
 
Share SJtoday
 

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_27}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_27}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
The Wrap
 
Alyson Chuyang headshot

Today’s edition by:
Alyson
From the editor
The Sriracha shortage is really messing with me because the other day, I was so close to buying a bottle off of my mom. When she showed me she had a whole other real Sriracha bottle... I almost went feral. My housemates and I have been debating about if we should buy a knock-off bottle, but it truly isn’t the same. Boo.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Subscribe     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY