With the holiday season here, check out my holiday guide of some charming spots in the Richmond District for out-of-the-box gift ideas for friends, family or yourself!
Holiday Shopping Guide: Richmond District
Arizmendi Celebrates a Quarter Century on Ninth Avenue in the Inner Sunset
Arizmendi Bakery, Inner Sunset’s beloved co-op, celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. For the first half of October, the bakery offered special pastries, like chocolate pecan rolls and chili crisp bialys in the store. They also celebrated with the community at the Inner Sunset Flea Market on Oct. 12, hosting a bustling booth with birthday cake, cookies and special prizes – bringing in old neighbors and new customers alike.
‘Around the Corner’: Butter Love Bakeshop
The holidays are almost here, which means that family-friend gatherings, parties and potlucks are upon us. Don’t yet know what to bring as a guest, or to provide as a host? I have a holiday suggestion that won’t let you down.
Merchant News: Exploring the Neighborhood
Pacific Catch is enhancing its Tiki Terrace with new tropical décor and putting the finishing touches on a seasonal fall menu. Inspired by flavors of the Pacific, the restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced seafood. Stop in for the daily Aloha Hour as well as half-priced wine on Tuesdays. Pacific Catch is at Lincoln Way and Ninth Avenue.
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, Richmond Institution, Celebrates 60 Years
Founded in 1965 by husband-and-wife duo Tomas “Tommy” and Elmy Bermejo, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant is a small, family-run establishment in the Richmond District that has been featured several times on the “world’s 50 best bars” list. Last month, the iconic restaurant, which sits on Geary Boulevard at 24th Avenue, celebrated 60 years.
‘Around the Corner’: Boa’s CVC: Euro-Summer in SF
Who says you can’t have a European-inspired summer in San Francisco? After all, we know summer really starts in September.
‘Family Meal’: Ham & Cheese Deli
When thinking about what kind of place he would want to run, Grant Schley, owner of Ham & Cheese Deli, asked himself, “Where would I want to go?”
40 Years of Inspiring Children at West Portal’s Growing Up Art & Craft Store
Growing Up Art & Crafts at 248 West Portal Ave., in the heart of the West Portal District, celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.
Europa Plus: A Cultural Lifeline for Eastern European Immigrants
Due east from the historic Alexandria Theater, on the northeast corner of Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue, sits Europa Plus, a grocery store serving San Francisco’s Eastern European immigrants with a source of familiar foods, and for many, a cultural lifeline to their homeland.
Letter to the Editor: Link to Informative ‘State of Small Businesses’ Discussion
I happened upon the live June 23 San Francisco Small Business Commission Meeting being aired on SF GOV TV. Agenda item #3 was: ‘State of Small Businesses’ Discussion when the Commission heard brief presentations from San Francisco merchant groups on the challenges, priorities, and opportunities in their corridors.
Great Wall Hardware Begins to Rise From the Ashes After Arson Fire
Nine months after arson and burglaries devastated the Outer Sunset’s Great Wall Hardware store, owner Albert Chow said, thanks to community support, he is recovering, although he still has a long way to go.
Arguello Market: An Inner Richmond Favorite Since the ’50s
On a typical weekday morning at Arguello Market, you might find a few people meandering the well-stocked grocery aisles or someone buying a sandwich wrapped in deli paper that says “Home of the world-famous turkey sandwich.” You also might spot a regular of more than 30 years, Joan Meehan, sitting near the window.
Après Vous Restaurant Owner Aims to ‘Make People Happy Through Food’
Nestled on a quiet corner at Taraval Street and 14th Avenue with its unassuming window display of floral bouquets in tin can vases, Après Vous invites customers to journey to Europe as they step through its doors.
Designer Creates ‘Living Art’ at Engrafft, His Clement Street Shop/Studio
Building a foundation for his dream, Hanneman spent more than three-and-a-half years studying art, graphic design and business at Monterey Peninsula College, all the while never forgetting the joy he felt customizing his friends’ shoes. In 2014, he launched his own brand of wearable art. He named it “Engrafft.” The title says it all for Hanneman.
Merchant News: New Inner Sunset Businesses
The Inner Sunset is known for its culinary and bar scene.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 