Remembering Historic San Francisco, San Jose Area @YC Café, Where Women Wrestlers Dined

October 26, 2023,

One of the mysteries and tricks of life is to recognize, in the present, what will become so precious in the future.

In terms of memories.

In terms of never being repeated again.

We were thinking about that as we drove to San Francisco to pick up Daisy Ducati.

The year was 2014.

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco and we found Daisy’s San Francisco residence pretty easily. Her loved one came to inspect to make sure she was okay.

Understood.

As we drove south towards San Jose, Daisy was great company with a wonderful sense of humor.

Growing up in Daly City, we remember when San Jose was a smaller market bedroom community.

Not anymore.

San Jose, is the largest city in Northern California by both population and area.

We can remember when San Francisco held that position and it wasn’t even close.

With a 2020 population of 1,013,240, San Jose is the most populous city in both the Bay Area and the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland Combined Statistical Area, which has a 2015 population of 7.7 million and 9.7 million people respectively, the third-most populous city in California after Los Angeles and San Diego, and the 12th-most populous in the United States.

Very impressive.

San Jose is notable for its innovation, cultural diversity, affluence, and sunny and mild Mediterranean climate.

Its connection to the booming high tech industry adds to its global power and wealth.

Having said all of that, driving south, down the freeway, past the mighty San Francisco Airport, that was the last thing on our mind. We were with a famous female submission wrestler on a sun kissed day and everything was wonderful.

It was about to get much better.

We all agreed to meet at our favorite café in San Jose.

It was called @YC.

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Simple is always better.

Daisy and FCI arrived early, so we relaxed with some coffee and Daisy let us in on another inside scoop.

Daisy described herself as a coffee snob and was very particular about the coffees she loves.

One coffee she spoke of was Jamaican Blue Mountain.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a classification of coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The coffee was introduced to Jamaica in 1728.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is an Arabica variety of the coffee bean that is called Typica that originated in southwestern Ethiopia.

The best lots of Blue Mountain coffee are noted for their mild flavor and lack of bitterness.

Over the past few decades, this coffee has developed a reputation that has made it one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. Over 80% of all Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is exported to Japan.

Appreciate that Daisy.

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Others would soon arrive, our great recruiter, Isamar in particular.

We all relaxed, sat around and talked before we drove over to the legendary Academy studio with the blue mats.

Oh, the memories at the relaxing neighborhood coffee shop. The owner’s unique touch made it special. If our memory serves us correctly, it was open from 6am to 2pm. Better get there early.

Others loved @YC as well. Here are some reviews.

“@YC was a staple when we moved in across the street at Mio Apartments. Sad to see it close, and regret posting this review post-closing. Owner was assertive but it was strangely part of the charm of this place. We would always get their sandwiches and sometimes venture out to try their biscuits and gravy.

It was sad to learn of the closing when we were in the neighborhood and walked past the now empty storefront. Thanks for being our go-to Sunday hangover spot, the great sandwiches, and all the memories. @YC will be missed.”

Another

“Cute little cozy cafe with great service. I really liked their Dutch crunch pastrami sandwich with some piknik and dill pickle on the side. Sad that they're now permanently closed but glad I was able to try this place while they were still around.”

Let’s keep the memories coming.

“The best sandwiches!! I’m not a big sandwich person but this place has amazing sandwiches and comes with crispy potato sticks. My husband ordered the BLT on sourdough, and says it’s the best BLT ever. I ordered the turkey egg sandwich on everything bagel and man that's amazing, it’s not dry or mostly egg, the turkey is in every bite. Their house made hot sauce is so good, has a smoky flavorful taste, I can eat that on anything! Also the owner a cool guy! This place is a must stop by whenever I'm in the area.”

One more.

“In the mood for a sandwich? YC Cafe's got you. They offer sandwiches on croissants, bagels, and bread options like Dutch crunch, sourdough, wheat, and the others. They also have coffee, mochas, teas and other drinks to pair with.

The sandwiches are decently sized (I can only finish half in one sitting) and they load on the meats and toppings.

I've only done pick up since it's currently covid times, and I just call ahead and my sandwich has been ready within 7-10 minutes both times. When I've called, it's been pretty straight to the point - "hello, what's your order" ... and then "alright it'll be ready in 10 minutes." It's quick a quick transaction which is great for my lunch breaks.

There aren't too many sandwich options around Japan town area without having to go further into downtown, so YC Cafe is a solid pick for sandwiches in the Japan town neighborhood.”

Oh, the memories.

As far as we can tell, Isamar, Kait Snow, Olivia D’Angelo, Poppy, Bella Rossi, Samantha Grace and Penny Barber are no longer wrestling consistently. Daisy has moved out of the area.

It is so easy to keep holding on to yesterday. Especially when, at least for us, it was such an enjoyable time.