Not just a deli: Lutticken’s 45-year run leaves a big impact on the Midpeninsula
“It simply won’t be the same without them.” Those were the words state Sen. Josh Becker emailed me when I asked him about Lutticken’s closure.
Earlier this month, my colleague Arden Margulis broke the story that the 45-year-old Menlo Park institution was planning to close Sept. 30. And the community response was overwhelming, with longtime customers and employees alike devastated by the news.
For regular Mary Zarucchi, Lutticken’s evening operation, known as After 5, was her “Cheers” bar, she said, explaining that the restaurant felt like a second living room to her and her husband. Night manager Carlos Magana has been with the business for 15 years and said that owner Bob Lutticken is like the father he never had. And for daytime manager Judy Congdon, who’s been with them since the very beginning, it’s now time for retirement.
“I’m just very proud of what we accomplished there,” said Bobby Lutticken, the son of Bob Lutticken. “My dad was a very generous man. He helped out a lot of people behind the scenes.”
Stay tasty,
Adrienne
As Menlo Park deli Lutticken’s faces its final days, regulars reminisce about its legacy and hope for a revival
After 45 years of deli sandwiches and community building, Menlo Park institution Lutticken’s will permanently close Sept. 30. But with the future of its storefront undecided and a longtime employee expressing interest in taking over the business, the Lutticken family needs to “sit back and figure out where we stand,” said Bobby Lutticken, the son of founder Bob Lutticken.
The Bay Area’s first Northeast Indian restaurant, ‘Top Chef’ alums revamp Palo Alto menus and a highly anticipated Japanese restaurant begins its soft opening
- Northeast Indian restaurant Khaar recently opened in the former The Oxford Kitchen & Gastropub space in downtown Sunnyvale.
- Sekoya on Cal Ave and Horsefeather in Town & Country Village are both revamping their menus with “Top Chef” alumni.
- Yutori in Palo Alto is debuting its full-service restaurant and bar Thursday.
- Naya Dessert Cafe, a local Asian dessert chain that started in San Francisco, is opening its first Peninsula outpost in the former Luluyum space in San Mateo.
- The Rotary Club of Belmont, San Carlos and Starlight is hosting its Taste of Nations event at the Belmont Senior & Community Center Sunday, with contestants competing for the best barbecue.
- Gigglemugs, a candy shop and bookstore in Burlingame, will permanently close Oct. 21.
- Donut Delite’s San Mateo outpost permanently closed Sunday after 25 years. Its Menlo Park and Redwood City locations remain open.
- Takahashi Market in San Mateo is celebrating its 120th anniversary Sunday with pop-up vendors in its parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cha La One, a Thai tea cafe operating out of Sunny’s Food Hub, is permanently closing after its final day of service Sept. 30, according to a recent Instagram post.
- Hashi Market, a Japanese supermarket and department store with an existing location in San Mateo, is opening a Cupertino store Oct. 9.
Ice cream flight at Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream
If you love tea and you love ice cream, you now have a reason to visit the sleepy city of Belmont. Conveniently located near the Caltrain station, Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream is not your typical ice cream shop.
For one, it’s in a historic 1910 building that feels like stepping inside someone’s house. It’s charming, cozy, peaceful and super adorable. And you won’t find standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors here: Every ice cream is infused with tea. (And yes, you can go ham with the samples.)
I opted for the flight of four mini scoops ($11) because how can you limit yourself to just one or two flavors when they all taste so good? But if I had to pick a standout flavor, I’d likely select the Chocolate Smoke, a lapsang suchong-infused chocolate ice cream. The Orange Cardamom Chai and Rose Pistachio flavors worked very well together, with the rose pistachio absolutely packed with chopped pistachios (and none of that almondy fake pistachio flavor). And if you’re looking for something more refreshing, the Arnold Palmer sorbet is spot on.
Note that the ice creams at Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream aren’t your super decadent, craving-quelling ice creams. All flavors are not too sweet, and actually leave you feeling light after eating them.
Jolly’s Old-Fashioned Teas Cream, 1110 Old County Road, Belmont; 650-287-5562, Instagram: @jollysteacream. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Zola and BarZola owner Guillaume Bienaimé is bringing new life to The Old Pro, a longtime downtown destination for sports fans
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