I worked my way through college at San Jose State during the late 60's and early 70's as a broiler chef at a Steak House in Town and Country Village, San Jose, called "The Loft". That location is now occupied by Santana Row.
Recently, my wife, Carla, asked my to digitize some old Kodachrome Slide Carousels and I was surprised to find it filled with the images of my fellow co-workers. With a little help from The Internet, it took me a few weeks to discover their current whereabouts and how to obtain from them a link to view the following film.
I found many of my old co-workers quite easily as we have stayed in touch over the years. Some were a little difficult, and more than just a few have passed away, while others, still, have remained quite illusive.
My phone conversations and email exchanges have been quite lengthy. I discovered many went on to become quite successful as adults, with a significant number opening restaurants of their own. Some of those eateries have faded away, however, many of them are still thriving globally, even after those who built-up their culinary history have regretably passed away.
Two such people, Sandy Saxten and Rob Thibaut, took their friendship formed at "The Loft" and turned it into TS Restaurants, a corporation better known by their individual creations: "Dukes" in Waikiki, La Jolla, Huntington Beach, and Malibu, also "Kimo's" in Lahaina, "Jakes" in Del Mar, "Hula Grill" and "Leilani's" at Ka'anipali, "Keoki's" at Poipu Beach, and "Sunnyside" in North Lake Tahoe.
These were incredible, memorable times for all of us. Thanks for the memories. If you could, please leave a comment or two on the RU-vid site about any experience you may have had at "The Loft". This is especially true for those who once worked there and whose names, I apologize, may have escaped me after 53 years.
Me ke aloha
Rick Helin
26 авг 2024
