You know an old-school diner when you see one. Massive laminated menus, heaping plates of pancakes or burgers and shakes, tchotchkes and old photos adorning the walls. It’s comfort food with a homey vibe at an affordable price — what’s not to like?
Sadly, old-school diners aren’t as plentiful as they used to be. One of my favorites growing up, Nini’s Coffee Shop in San Mateo, was a neighborhood diner (literally in the middle of a residential neighborhood) that served generations of families before closing in 2020. I spent countless mornings sitting on the benches outside Nini’s among fellow patrons sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, waiting for my family’s name to be called so I could go inside, order breakfast and stare at all the sports memorabilia and knickknacks on the walls.
Just as Nini’s was family-run, so is its successor, Kiki’s Coffee Shop. The new name pays homage to Nini’s and, like its predecessor, is a tribute to the owners’ mother. Siblings Jacob and Sarah Marotta are Burlingame natives who grew up going to Nini’s, and while they plan to put their own stamp on Kiki’s with afternoon teas and homemade pastries, they also intend to keep some familiar nods to Nini’s. Edwina Dueñas spoke with Sarah to find out more about the plans for Kiki’s. She also put together the below guide to Daly City’s Mission Street neighborhood that has a whopping 20 spots to check out – don’t miss it!
Happy dads and grads weekend!
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Mission Street mainstays: What to eat, see and do along the Daly City corridor
Local favorites, diverse eateries and homegrown businesses line the street that straddles San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
From Nini’s Coffee Shop to Kiki’s: A new take on a neighborhood institution arrives in San Mateo
Five generations of the Marotta family dined at Nini’s Coffee Shop, a beloved neighborhood institution in San Mateo that closed in 2020. Now, siblings Sarah and Jacob Marotta are making the space their own as Kiki’s Coffee Shop.
Local author takes readers back to the ’90s with ‘Lily Xiao Speaks Out’
Menlo Park’s Nicole Chen writes children’s books that celebrate multiculturalism and honor the Asian American experience.
Congrats to Armando S., who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s McCormick House Inn in Pescadero!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win swag from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Second Friday Art Walk: June 14 The Main Gallery and Gallery House hosts an art walk with nearly 40 artists in downtown Menlo Park.
Tatreez 101: June 14 Learn the fundamentals of tatreez, the art of Palestinian embroidery, at a workshop led by Amanne Sharif from Min Amanne Designs.
National Learn to Row Day: June 15 Always wanted to try your hand (er, arms) at rowing? Bair Island Aquatic Center will offer a free day of learning rowing basics, including time on the water with a coach, in honor of National Learn to Row Day.
Bobby Jo Valentine: June 20 Portland-based singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine, whose “intelligent thoughtful lyrics” have drawn praise from luminaries like Stephen Schartz, will perform a free acoustic concert in downtown Palo Alto.
Solstice Family Fun Ride: June 21 Celebrate the summer solstice with a family-friendly evening bike ride on Stevens Creek Trail.
Juneteenth Community Festival: June 22 Head to Los Altos for the free Juneteenth festival featuring food, drinks, music and performances.
Bark n’ Brewfest: June 22 The proceeds from this annual beer, cider and wine-tasting event go to the Peninsula Humane Society.
Plan Ahead
Early Bird Jazz For Kids: June 29 A beloved tradition of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Dr. Dave Hart and the Zookeepers offer a fun, family-friendly introduction to the joys of jazz.
All-Star Sumo: June 29 Watch some of the world’s best sumo wrestlers at the Cow Palace.
Apricot STEM Fair: June 29 Folks of all ages can learn about steam-powered trains, the science of roller coasters, how to sun-dry apricots, launching projectiles and more at the Los Altos History Museum’s Apricot STEM Fair.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy: June 29 Catch two California pro soccer teams competing at Stanford.
Nudie Records Showcase: June 30 Local label Nudie Records hosts a night of music at Winters Tavern in Pacifica, featuring Travesura, Kailey Rocker and Underground River.
Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration: Through June 30 TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents a world-premiere revue tribute to the work of the late musical theater great Stephen Sondheim.
New Kids On The Block: July 3 Still got the “Right Stuff”? Boy band New Kids On The Block has a new album and will be in town to perform as part of their Magic Summer 2024 Tour.
Jigsaw Puzzling Competition: Aug. 31 Duos will race against each other to complete a 500-piece puzzle the fastest. Prizes awarded to winning teams. Bring a puzzle to trade.
Filoli’s Summer Nights: Through September On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Filoli hosts food trucks, acoustic music, special pop-ups and garden talks and more, all summer long.
From Saison to Dad’s Luncheonette: Scott Clark on leaving behind fine dining for a caboose
Half Moon Bay’s coolest new eatery operates out of a train car
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