Corner markets aren’t the first places you’d normally seek out produce — unless you need something basic and fast.
Brian Collentine is seeking to change that.
When the economy fizzled, the freelance creative director found he had too much time on his hands. So he came up with the idea to set up displays of fresh, organic produce and flowers inside San Francisco neighborhood bodegas where you’d normally be hard pressed to find a squishy onion amid the six packs and cigarettes.
Instead of jumping in cars to shop at supermarkets miles away, city dwellers in certain parts of the San Francisco now can walk around the corner or a mere block away to buy just-picked potatoes, peaches, and figs from Yolo County farms.
Read more about Collentine’s fresh and delicious endeavor in my story in the October issue of San Francisco Magazine.
While you’re perusing the magazine, also check out my other story on San Mateo’s lively downtown, which has managed to thrive when other downtowns on the Peninsula have suffered untold business closings this past year.
With its sprawling 70 blocks, downtown San Mateo is an intriguing mix of centuries-old businesses (Wisnom’s hardware store opened its doors in 1905) and new, unique attractions. It’s where both YouTube and Napster got their starts, too.
You’ll also find the largest mystery bookstore on the West Coast here. M is for Mystery boasts more than 1,000 titles, including rare ones. You’ll also find the only store in the country specializing in petite-size lingerie, Lula Lu.
For a snack, head to Sweet Breams for adorable, tiny fish-shaped Japanese waffles filled with Nutella, sweet red bean paste, or the special flavor of the week.
When you need to take a load off, head to the tranquil 16-acre Central Park, which not only boasts a koi pond, but one of the most highly regarded Japanese tea gardens in the country.