I grew up going to downtown San Mateo often, a quick drive up 101 to Talbot’s Toyland (RIP), Central Park and the “new” library and movie theater that opened in the early 2000s. It was also a culinary hub for my friends and family, with longtime restaurants often playing a part. From burritos at Pancho Villa Taqueria and breakfasts at Bay Watch to bruschetta boards at B Street & Vine, it’s not hard to find a bite to eat from a business that’s served Peninsula families for decades.
Downtown San Mateo is still home to a range of veterans and newcomers among its restaurant community that serve a wide variety of cuisines. And Sushi Sam’s Edomata was the neighborhood’s go-to sushi spot until last December, when chef-owner Sam Sugiyama decided to retire and close the restaurant.
But much to the relief of its loyal customers, Sam’s nephew, niece and son-in-law are carrying on Sushi Sam’s legacy with Sushi Edomata, now located on 25th Avenue in San Mateo. Its head sushi chef, Koichi Ito, began working with his uncle Sam at Sushi Sam’s in 2004. He’s brought Sushi Sam’s menu to Sushi Edomata, but also adds specials on a nightly basis. Read about the next chapter for a Peninsula sushi staple in Jake Hutchinson’s food feature.
Riding the Central Park Mini Train,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Around the world in a weekend: Dance festival celebrates ‘mosaic of cultures’
The Peninsula International Dance Festival, taking place July 19-20, brings together 21 companies and 250 dancers, representing cultures on five continents.
Woodside artist’s works turn over a new leaf
Gold leaf illuminates Amy Rattner’s portraits of local wildlife in her ‘Simplicity & Elegance in Nature’ show at Los Altos’ Viewpoints Gallery.
Sushi Sam’s is reborn with familiar hands in a new San Mateo location
For 36 years, Sushi Sam’s Edomata served as the cultural epicenter for sushi on the Peninsula. When eponymous chef-owner Sam Sugiyama retired and closed the restaurant in December, there was a fear that perhaps another Bay Area culinary institution had been lost.
Congrats to Matt Woodward of Redwood City, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s downtown Redwood City!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Mocktails Mixer: July 18 Sample a menu of custom mocktails made with garden-fresh ingredients, along with snacks and information from Gamble Garden’s horticultural team.
The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Live: July 18 Hear the complete “Revolver” album presented live, plus the best of Badfinger, performed by an accomplished troupe of musicians.
Music@Menlo: July 18-Aug. 9 The annual summer chamber music extravaganza returns. This year’s theme is “Constellations: Ensemble Magic.”
July Meadow Dance: July 19 The HomePie String Band and caller Nina Berry lead an evening of joyful folk dance at Pie Ranch.
IMUA Hawaii Festival: July 19 Ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro is joined by friends, including Paula Fuga and Seven Suns, for a concert celebrating the sounds of Hawaii.
Menlo Park Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale: July 25-26 Find deals on tons of books in many genres and for all age groups, plus DVDs, CDs and more.
Pacifica History Walk: July 26 The Pacifica Historical Society leads a history walk through Pacifica’s Sharp Park district, followed by refreshments at the Pacifica Coastside Museum.
Jim Witzel Jazz Concert: July 26 Guitarist and composer Jim Witzel and his band perform an open-air concert in Pioneer Park.
Plan Ahead:
Skate Night: Aug. 1 Skate Open Spaces and Domenico Winery present an evening of skating and music with a theme of “Flower Power,” celebrating the groovy tunes and vibes of the 1960s and ’70s.
Vintage Computer Festival: Aug. 1-2 Get hands-on demos of historical computer systems and check out all manner of vintage computers at this annual showcase.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Birthday Party: Aug. 2 Celebrate 75 years of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA with games, gear, treats and adoption fees of only 75 cents.
Jane Austen is 250: Aug. 5 Kepler’s celebrates the genius of Jane Austen with an evening of trivia, treats, prizes and author talks. Regency costumes encouraged!
Maren Morris: Aug. 5 Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris comes to the Mountain Winery.
Shakespeare in the Park: Aug. 9-24 San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings its free Shakespeare in the Park production of the romantic comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona” to Redwood City for three August weekends of open-air theater.
Weird Al Yankovic: Aug. 22 The one and only Weird Al plays at Shoreline Amphitheatre, along with the “saddest clowns in town,” Puddles Pity Party.
Kings Mountain Art Fair: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Labor Day weekend favorite features arts, crafts, activities and treats under the redwoods, with all proceeds going to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and elementary school.
Summer Nights at Filoli: Through Sept. 18 On Wednesday and Thursday nights during the summer, Filoli is open late for sunset strolls, acoustic music, food trucks and sweet treats.
Desperately seeking soft serve: chasing down Mister Softee on the Peninsula
How one Redwood City resident brought sweet nostalgia to the Bay Area (and compelled us to stalk an ice cream truck)
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*
Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*
You can update your preferences and manage your groups, or if you really never want to hear from us again, including other emails from us you may have signed up for, you can totally unsubscribe from this list.
View this email in your browser
