Rain isn’t the only thing in the air – love is too
Like journalism, the restaurant industry isn’t one typically entered for big bucks. You do it because you love it.
And despite high restaurant turnover, every day people are still determined to spread their love of food and drinks by starting their own businesses.
To me, it’s clear that love is the driving force behind the Peninsula food scene.
This week I talked with three women who, driven by their passions, recently opened new businesses. MeeSun Boice combined her love of water sports and food to co-found waterfront restaurant Hurrica in Redwood City. Jessica Han combined her love of plants and coffee to open her second location of plant cafe Bloomsgiving in Redwood City. And Maya Fezzani’s love of Middle Eastern treats inspired her to open a new bakery in her hometown of Menlo Park.
Food is often how we show each other love. So it’s only fitting I also spent some time writing up a guide to Valentine’s Day dining along the Peninsula, so you can treat your loved ones to something special. Whether you choose to celebrate Galentine’s Day with a plant-based prix fixe menu or a whole Week of Love at Flea Street, you’ll find something for you and those you love.
Stay tasty,
Adrienne
You don’t need a yacht to eat at this waterfront restaurant
A waterfront restaurant with a floor-to-ceiling jellyfish aquarium, custom 6-foot hearth, glass kitchen and second-floor clubhouse is now open at Westpoint Harbor in Redwood City.
SPONSORED
Join us for our Mexican Brunch and libations
Sun of Wolf was born here–from the ardent desires, dreams, and blessings from our parents and their parents. With this project, we aim to embody the core of our Mexican-American upbringing, personal tastes, and experiences. We love to play with refreshing flavors and innovating with tequila and mezcal. The mole tacos featured during our brunch service is an ode to our grandfather, the founder of La Fiesta in Mountain View. 406 California Ave, Palo Alto. >LEARN MORE
Love bites: A guide to Valentine’s Day dining along the Peninsula
Prix fixe menus, specialty cocktails, complimentary bubbly and live music are just some ways local restaurants are celebrating Valentine’s Day along the Peninsula.
SPONSORED
State Street Market’s Super Bowl Watch Party – Sun Feb. 11
The whole family will cheer for State Street Market’s Super Bowl Watch Party on Sunday, Feb. 11th from 3 p.m. Enjoy game day eats from food vendors and Happy Hour prices at Murdoch’s Bar. Catch all the action on our BIG SCREEN. Reserve your tables for 15+ here. >info@statestreetmarket.com.
A new plant cafe, Middle Eastern bakery, fish market and micro food hall
- After over eight years serving wine, beer, cocktails and bites, Palo Alto wine bar Calave will have its final pour this Saturday.
- Mountain View-based flower, plant and coffee shop Bloomsgiving soft opened its second location in Redwood City last weekend.
- LeVant Bakery, a Middle Eastern cafe in downtown Menlo Park, is in soft opening and will have its grand opening Feb. 17.
- Mochiko Mochi Pizza will have its grand opening Friday in Palo Alto. In celebration of National Pizza Day, Mochiko will be giving away a free slice of mochi pizza per person Friday from 4-6 p.m. while supplies last. You’ll see me there!
- Menlo Park Chinese restaurant Yum Cha Palace recently had its alcohol license suspended after a second violation of selling alcohol to a minor.
- Lunar New Year is this Saturday! Explore regional differences in food eaten to celebrate this holiday.
- Saratoga plant-based bakery Tai Zhan is offering a limited edition Lunar New Year pastry box this week.
- San Bruno-based Mediterranean restaurant Mazra ranks #23 in the country on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat, 2024. Mazra plans to open its second location in Redwood City in March and will then temporarily shut down its San Bruno eatery for renovations.
- Che Fico Parco Menlo is hosting a Renato Fenocchio wine dinner Feb. 15.
- Seafood lovers rejoice – Pelagic Fish Market in Half Moon Bay, formerly Princeton Seafood Market, is opening tomorrow.
- San Bruno now has six new “restaurants” in the form of Local Kitchens, a micro food hall that opened in San Bruno Jan. 31. You’ll find Square Pie Guys, Sushirrito, Boba Guys, The Melt, Proposition Chicken and Nopalito Taqueria.
- Pacifica-based coffee truck Craftsman Coffee will soon have its own brick and mortar.
SPONSORED
Palo Alto Sol on California Ave., celebrates 30 years!
Hector and Helena Sol started the restaurant over 30 years ago with so much passion to share with the community the best of Puebla, Mexico. The tortilla soup, Sopa Azteca, has been a fan favorite for these past decades, this classic traditional soup hits the right chords of comfort and nostalgia. Our hope is for all the new members in the community to come by and be a part of our family history. >LEARN MORE
Egg and chicken tikka kati roll from Butter Chicken Social
Six Fifty editor Julia Brown and I grabbed lunch at Butter Chicken Social in Sunnyvale, a recently opened fast-casual Indian fusion restaurant co-owned by the owner of Madras Cafe.
Since I’m indecisive, I asked the cashier what she would recommend, and she told me I should try the egg and chicken tikka kati roll. So that’s exactly what I did.
I thought it was simple, yet delicious. The paratha was warm and flaky (reminiscent of a scallion pancake minus the scallions), the chicken well-seasoned and juicy (except for one bite that had a gristly chicken piece) and the green chutney packed a punch of fresh flavor with a mild spice.
Butter Chicken Social isn’t a place for aesthetic ambiance – it’s built within a renovated McDonald’s, and it still looks like a McDonald’s. But if you’re looking for a quick lunch with unique offerings, you may want to put it on your list.
For more on Butter Chicken Social, read my full article here.
Butter Chicken Social, 1169 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale; Instagram: @butterchickensocial. Open everyday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
SPONSORED
Join us at Vive Sol – an oasis of Mexican charm and margaritas – in Mountain View
Vive Sol is tucked away off the busy El Camino in Mountain View. It is an oasis of Mexican charm and a distinct way of making one feel like they are literally in a Mexican casita. What makes each location special is our team of staff members, some of whom have been with us since our beginnings. Pablo is a master margarita bartender and has been with us for 20 years. 2020 W El Camino Real, Mountain View. >LEARN MORE
Give me some sugar: 10 Peninsula chocolate shops to wow your valentine
From vegan truffles and salted bourbon caramels to brigadeiros and bars, find your fill of Valentine’s Day treats at Peninsula chocolatiers.
FROM THE FOODIST
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About the Peninsula Foodist
We cover the dynamic, under-the-radar food scene around the Peninsula through articles, interviews and eating excursions. Pass along tips, comments and recipes to PeninsulaFoodist@PaloAltoOnline.com.
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