Ricky's Mariott is a pain to get to during weekdays, and is *really* spread out. It's ok for events, not great.

The SC Convention Center shares an enormous lot and garage with the Westin Hotel (there's a Hilton across the street, too). It's wonderful, and about 5 blocks from my home. It's also across the street from Paramount's Great America amusement park. There's a great (but spendy) restaurant in the hotel, and also a very nice bar.

Tied House or Gordon Biersch are fine places to eat/meet, but parking may be sparse depending on the day/time.



If you like sushi/Japanese, there's a wonderful place called Kobe in the Mervyn's Plaza shopping center in Santa Clara on El Camino Real. The same shopping center also has a Chinese place called Chop Stix. Both can accomodate large groups, and there's a big parking lot (shared) in front of both. There's also a Baskin-Robbins next to both for dessert.