ML Interest Tag: palo-alto

Insider’s Guide to the New Junior Museum & Zoo

by Christine Lai

After an impossibly long wait, the newly rebuilt and redesigned Junior Museum and Zoo is finally open! Funded entirely by local, private donations, this project is truly one that is community-based and for everyone-special care was taken to be inclusive of all-abilities and needs. At close to double the footprint of the original museum and zoo, the addition of three classrooms (two indoor, one outdoor), program space for birthday parties and a large courtyard and garden translates into a much needed expansion for the popular spot. Read on to find out why inquisitive little minds and hands will want to visit this astounding museum and zoo today!

The Museum
Everything about this museum encourages kids to be interactive and hands-on and this starts at the entrance. An outdoor play area with a Boulder Hop will greet kids along with “Sway”, a public art piece which encourages kids to climb on and...well, sway. Propelled by hydraulics, the artwork mimics the action of scissors and will undoubtedly be a highlight before you even step into the museum! 

If you can manage to pry the kids off and head inside, they will be met by the Ball Exhibits which encourage the exploration of gravity. A roller coaster for balls (complete with loops of course) sends balls rolling and twisting down its tracks before ending at a ball funnel. Kids can also build their own ball machine or work on moving balls through a giant machine in collaboration with others. 

The Dome features opportunities to investigate properties of energy and force through building circuits while the mesmerizing Magnetic Sand station allows kids to manipulate and move sand.  A Baby’s Meadow just for crawlers and tots at the corner of the museum allows for the youngest visitors to play safely without the prospect of getting bowled over by overzealous preschoolers. A climb up platform will give minis a much needed height boost and provide an eagle’s view to the museum.

Artem Nazarov

Because kids love crawling and hiding in small spaces, they will LOVE the Log! This enclosed crawl space juts out into the meerkat exhibit, providing an immersive experience. Here, kids can come face-to-face with these adorable creatures and feel like they are part of the exhibit—truly, who is checking out whom?! 

The Zoo
“Loose in the Zoo” was the vision when recreating this space and protected by a large net overhead, this large aviary is just that! Birds are allowed to roam freely as are turtles, peacocks and flamingos. At the center of the zoo is a treehouse with platforms, rope bridges, net tubes and ladders for the adventurous to navigate. A built-in elevator aids anyone who needs a lift getting to the top. 

Be sure to have kids crawl and make their way into the underwater tunnel to enjoy a different view of the freshwater tank and its inhabitants. Water Bird pond is where you will find most of the flamingos hanging out and a stop by Wildlife Circle will give kids the opportunity to meet animals and their zookeepers such as Sequoia, the zoo’s 33 year old resident bald eagle.  

Accessibility on-site
Recognizing that children have different abilities and strengths, the museum/zoo has implemented numerous inclusive features including:
- Wheelchair transfer stations
-Accessible bathrooms with adult-sized changing tables 
-Bronze, life-like animal statues that are touchable can be found next to animal exhibits with braille labels and QR codes for audio recordings coming in January 2022
-Portable hearing loops to assist with T-coil hearing aids
-An American Sign Language interpreter (free of charge, must be requested two weeks in advance) 
-Visitors with sensory sensitivities can borrow a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones or seek out quiet time in one of two Calming Nooks

Artem Nazarov

Super Family Sundays is a free event on the following days set aside by the Junior Museum & Zoo especially for families with children who have disabilities. RSVP required. 

November 21, 2021 – 8:30 to 10 am
December 12, 2021 – 8:30 to 10 am
January 9, 2022 – 8:30 to 10 am
February 13, 2022 – 8:30 to 10 am
March 13, 2022 – 5:30 to 7:00 pm

1451 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA

Hours: Fri.-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 1-1:30p.m. for sanitizing
To open Tue.-Sun. beginning Dec. 21
Online: juniormuseumzoo.org

—story and photos by Christine Lai (unless otherwise noted)
featured photo by Artem Nazarov

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Dinner Delivered: DIY Restaurant Kits & Family Meals That We Love

by Kate Loweth

Now that we’re spending a lot of time dining at home, it’s fun to try out new delivery and takeout options, especially when the kids can pitch in on the cooking. Lots of our favorite Bay Area restaurants are offering DIY dinner kits of menu favorites and heat-and-eat family meals that will stretch your dollar. Support our local restaurant community and plan your next dinner to-go today!

Boogie Bowl—Palo Alto

These Palo Alto brothers are passionate about cooking. They have their own business providing pizza kits, naan kits and condiments, and we are down for it! They offer delivery within 10 miles of Palo Alto.

Choose from: 

  • Pizza Kit 1: Dough for 4 pizzas, Jar of Garlicky Tangy Tomato pizza sauce | $20
  • Pizza Kit 2: Dough for 4 pizzas, Jar of Garlicky Herby Creamy pizza sauce | $25
  • Naan Bread Kit: Comes with dough, garlic ghee and your choice of za'atar or sumac.
  • They also offer ghee by the jar along with a number of condiments. 

Online: boogiebowl.com/shop

Jessie & Laurent

Jessie & Laurent

Save your sanity and order up some gourmet meals from Jessie & Laurent for your family. This San Rafael-based company has delivered delicious, chef-made meals to the Bay Area for nearly 40 years and parents need their service more than ever now that we are all cooking at home. 

With weekly rotating dishes that include family favorites like Braised Hungarian Beef Stroganoff and Fresh Baked Salmon with Curried Spinach, there's something that will satisfy even the pickiest toddler. Customers are easily able to tailor their selections to fit their dietary restrictions and preferences, with an assortment of family-sized and freezer-friendly options also available. All meals are heat and eat, and they recently added brunch as an option. Don't miss the cookie dough of the week to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Pro tip: Think ahead and get Jessie & Laurent to deliver this year's Thanksgiving feast! 

Online: jessieetlaurent.com

Noodles & Company Family Meals—Concord, San Jose & Vacaville

Noodles & Company

When it comes to meals, parents want their families to eat healthy nutritious options, especially for dinner after a long day of work and school. And for days where there just isn’t enough time to meal prep, turn to Noodles & Company’s family meals to do the heavy lifting. Noodles & Company has a handful of family meal options that serve a family of four, and whether you go for the Mack Pack, Italian Classics or Asian Bowls, there’s an option sure to satisfy even the pickiest of the bunch. 

We recently tried out the Asian Bowls and it was more than enough food for our family of five, plus enough leftover for lunches the next day. 

Bay Area locations: Concord, San Jose & Vacaville
Online: noodles.com/familymeals/

Burger Kits from Balboa Cafe—San Francisco

Balboa Cafe

Balboa Cafe’s famous and beloved Balboa Burger, on its signature baguette (now with a baguette from Jane the Bakery) with house made pickles and pickled red onions, is available for take-out and delivery for $25.

Balboa Cafe’s at-home Balboa Burger Kit for two includes:

  • Two eight-ounce vacuum-packed custom burger blend patties, ground in-house in the signature oval shape, ready for customers to grill at-home 
  • House made pickles and pickled red onions served in mason jars
  • Half of a baguette baked by local baker, Jane the Bakery
  • Recipe card includes seasoning, tips and guidance on making fries at home

Online: balboacafesf.com

Paella Kit from Telefèric Barcelona—Palo Alto

Telefèric Barcelona

Telefèric Barcelona, known for its authentic Spanish cuisine and atmosphere, has launched its new online market, El Merkat (and mobile app) full of Spanish market goods to-go—including DIY paella making kits—available for pick up at Teleferic Palo Alto and for delivery within a 10 mile radius.

El Merkat is adjoined to the Teleferic Barcelona Palo Alto restaurant and offers a variety of imported goods from Spain, perfect for creating Spanish feasts at home. Now conveniently online, the new online shop showcases Telefèric’s favorite prepared dishes to-go as well as market items for purchase. For those seeking an interactive experience with the family to spice up dinner, or just cook a Spanish inspired meal at home, Telefèric Barcelona’s paella making kits provide all the necessary tools to make authentic paella. Customize each kit to feed your family’s needs, with options including paella pans in a range of sizes, bomba rice, saffron seasoning and a complete paella kit. Simply add any vegetables or meat that you have in the fridge or freezer for a complete meal.

Online: telefericbarcelona.square.site

Carnitas Meal Kit from Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar—San Francisco

San Francisco historic favorite Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, located on the Embarcadero, now offers delicious, prepared meal kits that are easy to cook at home and enjoy without the hassle of grocery store lines. Choose from meal kit options like crab cakes, Dungeness crab mac n' cheese and fish tacos. We think families will really love the carnitas meal kit that comes with one pound of roasted carnitas to be reheated, a pint of loaded mashed potatoes, a pint of braised greens, one cup pineapple chili glaze, one cheesy bread and for dessert, four fresh oatmeal cookie dough balls. Tip: add a five-serving cocktail jar of prepared margaritas.

Meal kits are available for pre-order before 3 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Wednesday-Sunday.

Online: pier23cafetakeout.square.site

MYO Pizza Kit from Fiorella—San Francisco

If you are craving some Fiorella's Pizza that's hot out of the oven, this kit is for you! You can make your very own Fiorella-style Margherita pies with dough, sauce, three cheeses and condiments (basil, red chili flakes, oregano, chili oil) for two or four pizzas. Your little pizza chefs can get right to work making their masterpieces in the time it takes you to preheat your oven.

Online: fiorella-sf.com

Family Meals from Curry Up Now—SF, San Mateo, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Jose

Curry Up Now

Curry Up Now, the Bay Area's beloved Indian eatery, has just launched three new Family Meals that make feeding the entire family simple, cost-effective and crowd pleasing. The three packages are designed to feed from 4-8 people (for $55, $79, $101, respectively) and each comes with three entrees, turmeric rice, samosas, naan, chutneys, pico kachumber and cookies. Families can choose from Curry Up Now favorites like Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala and even their best-selling Tikka Masala Burritos!

All five of Curry Up Now's locations in the Bay Area are serving the new Family Meals for takeout, which can be ordered by phone, online, or the Curry Up Now app.

Online: curryupnow.com

Family Meals from Saison Smokehouse—San Francisco

Saison Smokehouse, an all-new to-go barbecue restaurant from Saison Hospitality, is now offering family meals for four ($135) and for two ($72). Meals come with smoked chicken, spice-rubbed pork ribs, pastrami brisket (choice of two proteins for the two-person meal), biscuits with honey, pickles, sauce and sides. End the meal with an embered caramel frosty. 

Guests can order via Tock. Saison Smokehouse is open Tuesday-Saturday from 3-8 p.m. with contactless pick up at Angler (132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105). Follow on Instagram at @SaisonSmokehouse.

Online: saisonsmokehouse.com

Brunch Kit from Lazy Dog Restaurant—Concord, Cupertino, Dublin, Newark

There is nothing better than waking up at home to the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen! This kit from Lazy Dog Restaurant includes everything you need for an awesome breakfast at home. Cook eggs your favorite way, brown up the breakfast potatoes and get ready for the pancakes of your dreams with all the fixin’s! Whether it’s weekend brunch or breakfast for dinner, dreams will come true with this kit.

They also offer a backyard BBQ kit, a pizza night kit and a home essentials kit (chicken breast, eggs, milk, bread, potatoes and more)

Online: lazydogrestaurants.myshopify.com

Little Lao Table from Farmhouse Thai—SF and Oakland

Who wants a party at home?! Order the Little Lao Table for a delicious feast in the comfort of your own home. Choose from the regular menu or vegetarian menu that includes fresh rolls with peanut sauce, samosa, Mieng Kum bite, papaya salad, grilled Snake River Farm wagyu beef flank steak, Hat Yai fried chicken, shrimp fries rice, Pad Thai with fried egg and more. You'll also get two free kids meals and your choice of two Thai ice tea or two Singha beers. 

Online: farmhousethai.com

Pizza Kit from Giovanni's Italian Specialties—San Francisco

Inspired by his customers who are seeking easy meals to make with the whole family, 13-Time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani is offering pizza kits from his artisanal retail shop: Giovanni Italian Specialties. The kits include pizza dough, sauce and cheese (for only $7.50), with the option to add Genoa Salami ($12.50)—making for a delicious and easy-to make family activity for those hunkering down at home. They also have a dinner for two option that includes a pound of fresh pasta, sauce and a bottle of wine. Add on some cannoli for the best Italian meal you've had in months. 

Online: giovannispecialties.com

Carnitas Meal Kit from Nopalito—San Francisco

The Broderick Street location of Nopalito is offering ready-to-heat-and-eat meal kits for pick up and delivery. The carnitas kit come with Nopalito's famous carnitas served with Mexican rice, rancho gordo beans, salsa cruda, pickles and six handmade tortillas. They also offer a pozole kit, birria de res kit and a vegetales a la plancha vegetarian kit. 

Online: nopalitosf.com

Noosh Feast—San Francisco

Audrey Ma

Noosh is open for business and offering family-style meals and select Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu items a la carte, including salads, soups, house-made spreads and desserts. Options include the Noosh Feast ($54), which offers a selection of family-style favorites meant for sharing, like Noosh’s signature chubby pita, a selection of sides and spreads, a choice of grilled chicken and lamb or spiced cauliflower (vegetarian), and chocolate muhullabia pudding for dessert. A la carte items include flavorful spreads and sauces like whipped hummus, smoked yogurt, red pepper muhammara and lemon garlic tahini sauce—the perfect pairings for a side of fresh-baked chubby pita! The restaurant’s house cocktail, the Noosh Mule, is also available to-go along with a selection of wine and beer by the bottle.

For the latest updates on hours, services, and menu offerings, follow Noosh on Instagram and Facebook.

Contactless curbside pickup is available every Wednesday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. Delivery is available via Caviar from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday

Online: Curbside pickup orders can be placed here. Delivery orders available through Caviar.

Make-Your-Own Sushi Kit from Sushi Confidential—Campbell

Not only can you satisfy your sushi cravings with this hands-on kit from Sushi Confidential, but you can teach the kids a new skill! You'll get all the ingredients you need to make California rolls, spicy tuna rolls and whatever else you can think up. The kit makes up to eight rolls and serves four for $99.

Online: sushiconfidential.com

Crab Feasts and Family Meals—Boudin Bakery

Boudin

Grab a taste of Fisherman's Wharf at home from Boudin Bakery. Boudin has recently debuted its at-home fresh Dungeness Crab Feasts along with new take-out offerings including Sourdough Saturdays and Family Meals.

Diners wanting to indulge in the quintessential San Francisco meal have the opportunity to pre-order the fresh at-home Dungeness Crab Feasts for pick-up at their neighborhood Boudin location. The feast includes: a loaf of Boudin’s world-famous Original San Francisco Sourdough™, classic Caesar salad, pasta marinara, fresh steamed Dungeness Crab served with drawn butter and homemade cocktail sauce and of course, crab bibs. To order Boudin’s fresh at-home Dungeness Crab Feasts, please call 1-877-988-1849 anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.  Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Thursdays for pick-up on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Boudin has also launched Sourdough Saturdays, gifting diners a free one-pound Original San Francisco Sourdough™ loaf with purchase of a take-out order of $15 or more. Or, try one of Boudin's three new Family Meals for take-out including salad and sandwich, salad and bread bowl soup, or sandwich and bread bowl soup. These can all be ordered online. 

Online: boudinbakery.com

DIY ShackBurger Kit from Shake Shack—Nationwide

If you've got a craving for a Shackburger, get yourself a DIY Shackburger kit delivered to your home, pronto! Shake Shack has teamed up with goldbelly to get this deal to your door. Each kit features ingredients to make eight ShackBurgers (including their custom blend of 100% Angus beef, Martin’s potato rolls, American cheese and their secret ShackSauce).

Online: goldbelly.com/shake-shack

For An At-Home Date Night

Gourmet Bento Boxes from ONE65 Bistro—San Francisco

If you have an anniversary or other celebration coming up, consider a gourmet bento box from ONE65. You'll get a four-course meal: appetizer, entree, cheese and dessert with selections like beef cheek wagyu with gratin pommes puree and lobster bisque with espelette cappuccino. Add on a charcuterie board and you will be ready to celebrate!

Online: trycaviar.com

—Kate Loweth

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5 Inspiring Bay Area Kids Who Are Doing Good in Our Community

by Kate Loweth

Let’s give thanks this Thanksgiving for these Bay Area kids and teenagers who are showing us that even the smallest voices can make a world of change. We hope that you share these stories with your kids and let them be inspired to do good in their community. Giving back to your community doesn’t have to be a big effort, kids can start small with many different opportunities for kids to volunteer at home. Our community thanks you!

Teddy's for Tots—Cali Martire

Saratoga 4th grader Cali Martire started Teddy's For Tots when she was just five years old with a mission to make sure all children at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital received a teddy bear for Christmas! It all began with a question: “How does Santa get the toys to the sick kids in the hospital?" From this moment, Cali made it her mission to make sure that every child at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford had a Teddy Bear on Christmas morning. Since 2016, Cali has inspired the donation of 2,500 teddy bears (and counting!)

Now in its fifth year, Teddy's for Tots has expanded in 2020 to provide gifts to children in the Santa Clara County foster care system. You can support this worthy cause by shopping the Teddy's for Tots donation page through December 1 and spreading a little holiday cheer!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Musuboy (@musuboykitchen)

Musuboy Kitchen—Owen Fong

Palo Alto teenager Owen Fong has been delighting neighbors with his spam musubi for months now, many finding it to be a highlight of quarantine. Owen sells spam musubi, egg musubi, and spam and egg musubi and delivers them on Mondays throughout Palo Alto. All of his profits go to charity with a different one selected each month.

Order here. 

The Giving Fruits—Jean-Pierre Mouloudj

Melanie Hyde

Bay Area insiders know that if you want the freshest produce and local products (like pastries, honey and fresh-made ice cream), you need to get in on the bi-weekly group orders from Giving Fruits. This Palo Alto group blossomed out of a community desire to support local farmers who weren't able to get their precious products to customers due to COVID-19. 

The weekly management from compiling orders to organizing volunteers is all done by Palo Alto High School senior, Jean-Pierre Mouloudj. Jean-Pierre has really taken the reigns on this massive project even when school went back into session this fall. He also started a club at Paly to support Giving Fruits and get other high schoolers involved. 

Not only does purchases through Giving Fruits support local farmers, but profits from the purchases go to support frontliners and food trucks, two other groups greatly impacted by COVID-19. They also support local shelters like LifeMoves and Women’s Shelter by hhcollab.org, the South Palo Alto Food Closet, Dreamers Road Map and starting this week the Ecumenical Hunger Program. 

Join the Facebook group to find out what's on the menu for this week's pickup! 

 

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A post shared by The Justice Kids (@thejusticekids) on

The Justice Kids

Sometimes the smallest voices are the most powerful. Meet 8- and 10-year-old siblings Walt and Naima who are better known as The Justice Kids. These young Daly City residents are literally leading the charge on social and racial justice reform in the Bay Area. They were greatly impacted by the death of Elijah McClain and, with the support of their mother, organized a march on the Great Highway in July. Follow their Instagram page for action ideas on how kids can get involved in the social and racial justice movement from sending postcards to easy-to-use scripts for calling your representatives to demand change. 

Read their story here. 

 

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A post shared by Oakland Zoo (@oaklandzoo) on

Andy Soulard

When 6-year-old Andy Soulard learned that the Oakland Zoo was in jeopardy of closing permanently due to COVID-19 she went into action. Starting with $5 she had received from the tooth fairy, Andy started a fundraising campaign that raised over $225,000 for the zoo. For every donor who donated over $25, Andy would send them a bracelet and drawing that she made. She also recently asked for Oakland Zoo donations in lieu of gifts for her 7th birthday. Talk about an inspiring kid! 

Got an inspiring kid in your neighborhood? Send us an email at kate.loweth at tinybeans.com so we can add them! 

—Kate Loweth

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Bay Area Garden Stores That Are Open & Delivering

by Kate Loweth

The warm weather is in full effect and it looks like we will be spending lots of our summer in our backyards. Now is the perfect time to explore your local nursery and garden center, many of which are offering curbside pickup and even delivery. Whether you want to plant some window boxes with flowers, start some seeds or grow a victory garden, these stores have you covered!

Sloat Garden Center—Various Bay Area Locations

This long-time Bay Area garden center with over a dozen locations is open for business in most of its locations. They offer online ordering with contactless pickup or delivery at some of their locations for those who are immune compromised. Check here for the current opening status and hours. 

Locations in San Francisco, Contra Costa and Marin Counties
Online: sloatgardens.com

Planterday—San Francisco

Matt Day, the founder of Planterday, opened his dream plant shop that curates and teaches just as Coronavirus hit. Support this small business by ordering his unique plants for delivery in the Bay Area. We especially love these Kokedamas (a Japanese term for "moss ball") and the test tube cuttings that both come with an awesome display. Order via the link on the Planterday IG page. 

Online: instagram.com

Succulence Life and Garden—San Francisco

Succulence is a boutique garden and gift shop specializing in succulents. During the COVID-19 crisis, Succulence storefronts are closed to foot traffic but they are offering virtual shopping experiences using FaceTime, Zoom or Skype (your choice!). They are also offering curbside pickup, Bay Area courier service or USPS shipping.

Online: thesucculence.com

West End Nursery—San Rafael

Nestled in the heart of historic San Rafael, West End Nursery has proudly been a Marin County landmark for over 100 years. They are open shortened hours (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) for shopping with new veggies arriving daily. Bonus: they are a Big Green Egg authorized dealer if you need to up your BBQ game. 

1938 5th Ave., San Rafael, CA
Online: westendnursery.com

SummerWinds Nursery—Palo Alto, Campbell & Cupertino

A mother and kids garden as an outdoor family activity
iStock

The three locations of SummerWinds are open to the public and selling vegetable, annuals, fruit trees and more to eager gardeners on the Peninsula and South Bay. They will continue to offer home delivery and you can shop their online catalog to see what's available. 

Online: summerwindsnursery.com

Yamagami's Garden Center—Cupertino

Christine H. via yelp

Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Michelia Champacas and so much more! You can find these and helpful staff at this Cupertino garden center that has been a part of the neighborhood for generations. They offer delivery all over the Bay Area. Swing by to see what's in stock for this year's victory garden.

1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA
Online: yamagamis.com

—Kate Loweth

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OpenTable Reveals List of 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Dining out with kids can be a delicate balance of choosing between a decent meal and a place where the whole family feels comfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of places across the country where you can have both and OpenTable’s list of the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America is a good place to start.

The 2019 list of the best places for families to eat includes restaurants in 16 states and is compiled based on user reviews collected from Jul. 1, 2018 to Jun. 30, 2019.

Washington, D.C., Florida and New York are tied for first for most mentions on the list at seven each, followed by Hawaii with six and California and South Carolina with four each.

“When you’re dining out with kids, you want to find a restaurant that has something for everyone––a menu that appeals to younger diners, great cocktail options for the adults and, of course, the ambiance to match,” said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer at OpenTable. “Whether you’re a family of foodies celebrating something special or you’re avoiding doing dishes on a weeknight, these restaurants have a fun family-friendly vibe and fare that’ll hit the spot.”

Here are the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2019 according to OpenTable diners, in alphabetical order:

Aquarium Restaurant – Multiple Locations         

Becco – New York, New York 

Benihana – Multiple Locations

Bill’s Bar and Burger – New York, New York 

The Boathouse – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Buddy V’s at The Venetian – Las Vegas, Nevada 

Cap City Fine Diner & Bar – Grandview – Columbus, Ohio

Carmine’s – Multiple Locations

Cattle Company Steakhouse – Pearl City – Pearl City, Hawaii     

Columbia Restaurant – Multiple Locations

The Dead Fish – Crockett, California 

Farmers & Distillers, Washington, D.C. 

Farmers Fishers Bakers, Washington, D.C. 

Fire + Ice Boston – Boston, Massachusetts

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar – Charleston, South Carolina

Founding Farmers – Multiple Locations

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Frankenmuth, Michigan

Hard Rock Cafe – Multiple Locations

Hell’s Kitchen – Caesars Palace Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Henry’s Louisiana Grill – Acworth, Georgia

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – Orlando – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Keoki’s Paradise – Koloa, Hawaii

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – Multiple Locations

L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge – Lincolnwood, Illinois   

Little Goat – Chicago, Illinois

Loveless Cafe – Nashville, Tennessee    

Maggiano’s – Multiple Locations

Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii

Max Brenner – Multiple Locations

The Mill House – Waikapu, Hawaii

Monkeypod Kitchen – Multiple Locations

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner – Buena Park, California

NINJA NEW YORK – New York, New York 

Old Lady Gang – Atlanta, Georgia

Old Oyster Factory – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Pirates’ House – Savannah, Georgia 

Raglan Road Irish Pub – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Rainforest Cafe – Multiple Locations

Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant – Hilton Head, South Carolina 

The Smith- Lincoln Square – New York, New York 

Sugar Factory – Multiple Locations

Tavern on the Green – New York, New York

Tony’s Di Napoli – Midtown – New York, New York 

True Food Kitchen – Palo Alto – Palo Alto, California

Ulele – Tampa, Florida

Uncle Julio’s – Multiple Locations

Virgil’s Real BBQ – New York City – New York, New York

Wolfgang’s Steak House – Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth – Frankenmuth, Michigan     

You can check out the full list and details on each restaurant here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Open Table

 

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Watch This Single Mom Make “Shark Tank” Investors Cry with Her Powerful Pitch

by Shahrzad Warkentin

It’s not often that contestants on ABC’s Shark Tank elicit a shocking reaction from the investors, but a single mom managed to leave them in tears with her incredible story.

On a recent episode of Shark Tank, mom and entrepreneur Whitney Lundeen from Palo Alto, California pitched the investors on a stake in her clothing company, Sonnet James. As Whitney explained, the idea for her company came about when she got tired of mom-look staples like yoga pants and wanted to come up with something fashionable, but easy to clean.

“I was going through a difficult time in my life, and so I had this idea of making a dress that my mom could have worn that could have reminded her to play with me when I was little,” Lundeen says. “And I said, ‘Alright, this year, I’m going to take the idea, and I’m going to teach myself how to sew, and I’m going to pattern draft.’ And every night, I would pretty much sit on the kitchen floor crying, trying to teach myself how to do two things I didn’t know how to do.”

The Sharks asked Lundeen to explain what she meant by the idea of the dress reminding her mom to play with her. Holding back tears, Lundeen says that she had a challenging childhood that included some abuse. “My parents did the best they could with what they had,” she explained. “I found when I became a mom, I couldn’t engage with my kids as much as I wanted to. And I wanted something that could help me be the mother that I had always wanted to be, and something that could remind me every day when I put it on what my priorities were.”

Her words sent several of the Sharks into tears. “How fantastic that you took adversity, and you said, ‘That’s not going to pull me down, it’s only going to rise me up,’” investor Lori Greiner responded. Needless to say, Lundeen walked away with a happy ending and the investment she was hoping for.

Check out all the super chic collections of Lundeen’s dresses at the Sonnet James website.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Take the Plunge! Best Bay Area Swimming Pools

by Kate Loweth

Summertime means swim time so get those swim suits packed up and ready for a day at the pool. From north to south we’ve gathered some of the best spots for you to get your guppies splashing. Cool off at a pool near you!

photo: Yatmandu via flickr

San Francisco

Charlie Sava Pool
Named after a famous local swim coach from the 1940s, Sava Pool is clean and well maintained and has an outdoorsy feel thanks to its glass ceiling and windows; special noise-reducing equipment keeps the echoes down. The water is four feet deep at its shallowest. Recreation swim times are Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 12:30-2 p.m. and Sundays 1-2:30 p.m.

2695 19th Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hamilton Swimming Pool
This indoor recreation center has been voted one of the cleanest and most popular public pools in the city and the children’s area is a huge hit with its swirly water slide. Enjoy family swim time Monday through Friday, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m., and Saturdays 1–3 p.m. Children have to be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slide.

1900 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: silvereye via Flickr

North Beach Swimming Pool
North Beach has two pools: one cool, for lap swimming, the other warm for family fun. Set at 85 degrees and 3 feet at its shallowest, the warm pool is perfect for young swimmers. There’s plenty of natural light from the many windows and skylights. You can change in one of the private curtained stalls and dry your swim gear in the spinner. The lockers are a decent size, but remember to bring your own lock. The staff are sticklers about having exact change for admission. Family swim times are Monday and Wednesday 3:30–5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12:15–2 p.m., with an additional open swim Friday at 5:45–7 p.m., and Saturday 1:30–3 p.m.

651 Lombard St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

Mission Pool
If you are going to brave an outdoor pool in San Francisco, it only makes sense that it be in the Mission, where the temperature is always at least five degrees warmer than any other neighborhood. The Mission Community Pool welcomes you with the iconic “New World Tree of Life” mural on it’s outside wall. It has four lanes and is open for recreation swim Tuesday through Friday, 2–3:30 p.m., Saturday 1-2:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:30–2 p.m. The pool is closed on Mondays.

1 Linda St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: Tim Dorr via flickr

East Bay

Richmond Swim Center
With the Richmond Plunge closed for the time being, families have switched their swim schedule to the Richmond Swim Center. Tot splash takes place Mon.-Fri., 9:45-10:45 a.m. Family swim hours are Sat.-Thurs. 1:30-3:45 p.m.

4300 Cutting Blvd.
Point Richmond, CA
Online: ci.richmond.ca.us

San Ramon Aquatic Center 
Even if it’s outside your area code, this outdoor water wonderland is well worth a day trip for some serious summer fun. The huge pool complex offers an amazing splash pad featuring slides and shooting water, an Olympic-size pool with a goosebump-inducing water slide and a medium-sized pool perfect for tubing or kick-boarding around. There’s also a shaded grassy area ideal for picnic lunches. During the summer months, the schedule is packed with open swim times (up to three per day) with a mid-morning hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays dedicated to Toddler time.

9900 Broadmoor
San Ramon, CA
Online: ci.san-ramon.ca.us

photo: Kathyrn L via Yelp

El Cerrito Pool
This outdoor pool complex has three distinct areas: A lap pool, a shallow pool with fountain for playing around, and a splash pad. Heated locker room floors are just one of the many perks of this impressive public pool. Recreational swim is every day from 1:15–3:15 p.m. with extended hours on Saturday and Sundays.  The splash park is open morning and afternoon every day except Sunday, but check the schedule for hours and modifications.

7007 Moeser Ln.
El Cerrito, CA
Online: el-cerrito.org

photo: Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Robert Livermore Recreation Center
This pool is so spacious, it even offers kayaking courses! Surrounded by a deck and grassy area with lounge chairs and plenty of shade structures, this is a perfect summer hang-out. The lap pool is open year round and in summer there’s a fabulous shallow activity pool with play structure, waterfalls, water cannons, plus at 22-foot-long spiral water slide.  A special toddler time runs for two hours MOn-Thurs. for under fives starting at 9.15 a.m. Open swim time takes place Mon.-Thurs. 1-6 p.m. and Fri.-Sun. noon-6 p.m.

4444 East Ave.
Livermore, CA
Online: larpd.org

Rankin Aquatic Center
This pool is both fun and affordable. Settle in with a cooler (there is no concession stand) and watch the kids have the time of their lives as they splash around in the amazing activity pool with slides and a giant water bucket feature. The place is clean and well staffed but go early to get the shade. Rec swim is Mon. 1-4 p.m., Tues.-Fri. noon-4 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.

100 Buckley St,
Martinez, CA
Online: cityofmartinez.org

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Peninsula

Giammona Pool
This gorgeous pool, which is part of the Westmoor High School, opened in 2010, and has been raved about ever since. It’s clean and warm and has a diving board and viewing deck, spacious locker rooms, plenty of showers and a handy spin dryer for all those soggy swimsuits you’ll be taking home. Recreational swim times are Friday 5:30–7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30–2:30 p.m.

131 Westmoor Ave.
Daly City, CA
Online: dalycity.org

Herkner Memorial Pool
When Herkner opens its gates, it’s the official sign that summer has come to Redwood City. This popular solar-heated outdoor pool hosts a 45 minute baby session at noon Monday to Saturday to allow swimmers under five to get used to the water without too much splashing. Don’t forget the swim diapers! Alternatively, bring the whole clan for the summer rec swim, Mon.-Sat. 1:15-3 p.m. The pool is closed on Sunday.

1315 Madison Ave.
Redwood City, CA
Online: redwoodcity.org

Rinconada Pool
This pool has all the fun of the beach without the sand. The toddler pool can keep kids happily splashing for hours with its gentle gradient and myriad water features. There’s a slide, a jetty, water jets, a mushroom style waterfall, and some very cool aqua-bicycles with water squirts. There are lifeguards on duty and the pool is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon-6 p.m.

777 Embarcadero Rd.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

photo: Menlo Swim and Sport

Burgess Park Pool Complex
Bring a picnic and set yourself up in the shade under the oak trees. There are three pools here, one for laps, one for open swim time and a baby pool. The tot spot is 3 ft at it’s deepest and kept at a toasty 87 degrees with plenty of fun splashy water fountains and falls. If the kids have outgrown the shallow end, the recreational pool is open for play noon until closing time every day of the week with doors opening at the earlier time of 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

501 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA
Online: menloswim.com

Palo Alto JCC
For non-members, a day at the Palo Alto JCC comes with a higher price tag than most other pools listed, but the facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool with lots of fun features. There’s a slide, fountains and a giant frog slide in the baby pool.

3921 Fabian Way
Palo Alto, CA
Online: paloaltojcc.org

photo: Burlingame Aquatics

South Bay

Rengstorff Pool
Weekends here are busy with families enjoying everything this pool has to offer. Surrounded by parks and playing fields with BBQ grills that can be reserved ahead of time, this child-friendly pool has a shallow area, a swim zone and a slide. There’s limited lap swimming, and once the morning swim lessons are done, the open swim hours are 1-3:15 p.m. during the week and 1:30-6 p.m. at the weekend.

201 S Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View, CA
Online: mountainview.gov

Morgan Hill Aquatics
With two large waterslides, a water play feature, splash pad, diving boards, a full size competition pool and another pool for free swim, this is the hottest place to stay cool in the South Bay. There’s a grassy area with palm trees around the perimeter of the pool and lots of loungers, so stake out your spot and stay the day. Find the schedule here.

16200 Condit Rd.
Morgan Hill, CA
Online: morganhill.ca.gov

photo: Fair Swim Center

Fair Swim Center
This is a perfect spot for kids to get acquainted with swimming. Surrounded by a large grass field, picnic areas and lots of shade, the little ones can splash away in a shallow pool with beach entry that has a fun mushroom waterfall. There’s a slightly deeper pool with a squirt gun designed for recreational swimming. In addition, there’s a spacious lap pool. Bring a picnic and settle in to enjoy the hot summer days.

1350 Bacchus Dr.
San Jose, CA
Online: sanjoseca.gov

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Marin County

Mill Valley Recreation Center Swimming Pool
Everyone loves this sparkling-clean indoor pool with its big windows and retractable roof for warm summer days. Little ones feel right at home splashing and playing in the shallow “cove” area where wide steps descend gradually into the water, and for kids 48 inches tall, the spiral water slide is always a big hit.

180 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, CA
Online: cityofmillvalley.org

Marinwood Community Center Pool
The double-flume waterslide is just one of the draws of this pristine community pool. Grassy area for picnics, a smaller pool dedicated to little ones 7 and under and poolside lounge chairs and umbrellas make this a perfect place to camp out as long as the SPF lasts. To get in on the crowd-free morning tot sessions (the 3 hours prior to open rec swim), you must become a member or purchase a punch pass.

775 Miller Creek Rd.
San Rafael, CA
Online: marinwood.org

photo: Gabrielle L via Yelp

McNear’s Beach Pool
This feels like more of a getaway than any other community pool, since it’s located right on the coast and also offers a rocky beachfront, sandy patches to dig and build, and even a fishing pier. The two pools—a main pool and a shallower toddler pool—are fenced in and clean, and only open during the summer months. A snack bar serves up hot dogs, ice cream, chips and candy, and a small video arcade offers some indoor fun. The pool is open Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming pool, but not at the beach.

201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, CA
Online: marincountyparks.org

Hamilton Community Pool
This beautiful eight lane pool was revamped in 2010 and has a fun activity pool with a play structure and slide. Surrounded by lawns and sun loungers and with a great view of the bay, this pool is a perfect summer escape.  The pool is open from mid May through end of September, with public swim times during the summer from noon-6 p.m.. Check the schedule for details.

203 El Bonito Rd.
Novato, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Terra Linda Community Pool
Non-swimmers can spend a happy afternoon in the toddler pool here with it’s fountain sprays and spouts while parents relax on loungers nearby. The changing rooms were renovated and a new inflatable added in 2016. Check the schedule here.

670 Del Ganado Road
San Rafael, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

—Kate Loweth, Erin Feher and Emily Myers

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Stack It Up, Build It, Knock it Down: Where to LEGO

by Mae Respicio

Do you know the extreme pain associated with stepping barefoot on a LEGO brick? Then you must be living with a little LEGO addict! Despite their sharp exteriors, LEGO bricks can offer kids many important skills from fine motor development to creative play skills. These places all over the Bay Area provide lots of LEGO love and ample building time. The best part? Those pesky little bricks stay all over their floors—not yours!

Photo credit: Mae Respicio

San Francisco

Built It! LEGO Club
Books and LEGOs? Could it get any better? The San Francisco Library has drop-in building sessions throughout the year at various branches including Ocean View and North Beach. They provide all the pieces—the kiddos just bring their imaginations.

Ocean View Branch
345 Randolph St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-355-5615

North Beach Branch
North Beach Meeting Room
850 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-355-5626
Online: sfpl.org

Tech Know How
Sometimes the future engineers of America need just the slightest bit of guidance. Tech Know How provides that, and more. Their summer camps let littles as young as 5 learn about everything LEGO. The older ones (ages 14–18) can even volunteer as summer interns where they train to work in a classroom, have access to software and tech tools, and even receive a letter of completion (for extra brownie points on those college apps!).

Camp locations in San Francisco, the Peninsula, East Bay, and South Bay
Cost: Prices vary
Online: techknowhow.com

Marin

Marin County Free Library
What’s better than LEGOs?  Free LEGOs! The Novato branch library welcomes your engineers-in-training and provides all the parts, which means Duplos through LEGOs for youngsters 4–14.

Novato Branch
1720 Novato Blvd.
Novato, Ca
4–5:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month. No registration required.
415-897-1141
Online: marinlibrary.org

Play Well Activity Center
Buildings, birthdays, and babysitting—all rolled into one cool place!  Well, not actual babysitting per se, but with the way kids zone out (in a good way) on those plastic pieces, you know what we mean. Be sure to ask about their sibling discount.

216 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
Summer Hours:10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day
Drop-In Cost: $10/hour per child
415-460-5210
Online: play-well.org

Photo credit: Mae Respicio

Peninsula/South Bay

Build It Again with Bricks
This store has everything for your crazy little builders to go nuts: drop-ins, parties, camps, buying/selling and even photo mosaics. Yes, you too can turn your little’s school photo into an amazingly detailed LEGO portrait. Simply bring in a photo and their experts do the rest. (How cool is that?!)

398 Main St.
Los Altos, Ca
650-935-2166
Wednesday and Thursday, 12–6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Drop-In Cost: $15/hour
Online: builditagainwithbricks.com

LEGO Stores
Pick-a-Brick buffet?  Why yes, please!  These shops are pay per scoop, so check with each location for exact rates. Go crazy, South Bay residents!  They also offer monthly LEGO Club meetings where participants get to make and take home a mini model ($10/person fee).

341 Hillsdale Mall
San Mateo, Ca
Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
650-571-9020
Online: stores.lego.com

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, Ca
Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
408-247-8071
Online: stores.lego.com

BrainVyne
BrainVyne takes unique LEGO fun and combines it with basic programming for kids in their popular spring and summer camps. Their Girl Power Robotics: WeDo program is a girl-only introduction into the LEGO Robotics WeDo program. Kids also love the combination of LEGO and Star Wars in another popular program. BrainVyne even offers LEGO birthday parties in their Palo Alto location (or another public location near you).

Camps located in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Evergreen, San Carlos, Santa Clara and Milpitas
Online: brainvyne.com

Wizbots Imagineering Programs
Combine LEGO Mindstorms with arts, crafts and low-tech building materials and STEM takes on a new meaning for young innovators (grades 2–8). They have everything from camps to parties to afterschool programs; check their website for individual Peninsula locations and programs. 

233 Highland Ave.
San Carlos, Ca
Online: wizbots.com

Photo credit: Karla Oliveira / Build it Again with Bricks

East Bay

Oakland Public Library Lego Mania Club
It’s brickmania at the Lakeview Branch, where kiddos build and explore with LEGO and Duplo. The littles will love this weekend precursor that takes place every 2nd Friday of the month.

Lakeview Branch
550 El Embarcadero
Oakland, Ca
510-238-7344
Online: oaklandlibrary.org

Play-Well Pleasanton Activity Center
The power of play is at work here with drop-in activity time for even the littlest of builders (starting at age 3 but with Duplo, natch). Activities focus on popular themes like Ninjaneering, Star Wars, and Flight, to name a few.

5737 Valley Ave.
Pleasanton, Ca
925-484-1547
Summer Hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Drop-In Cost: Weekdays: $9/hour per child (all ages); 5-hour pass: $35
Online: play-well.org

Photo credit: Kate Loweth

Bricks 4 Kidz
Calling all LEGO lovers who also love Angry Birds and Minecraft! This center has not only drop-in hours, classes, camps, afterschool programs and birthday packages but they also have… (wait for it): Kids Night Out! You won’t feel so guilty about date night when you know how much fun they’re having.

3150 Balfour Rd.
Brentwood, Ca
925-684-4082
Drop-ins: Tues., 10 a.m.–noon; Wed., 4–6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.–noon; Fri 4–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–noon
Cost: $5 per child
Kids Night Out every Friday from 6–10 p.m. ($25/child)
Online: bricks4kidz.com

BrickSpace
The owner of this Benicia gem combined a love of learning with a love of all things LEGO and out came BrickSpace! The littlest LEGO lovers will enjoy the preschool playtime especially their Curious Kids Love Science class which brings together LEGO fun and science experiments! After school and summer camp programs are available, as well as the ever-popular Parents Night Out program that’s offered the first Friday of the month.

946 Tyler St., Suite H
Benicia, Ca
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

621 First St.
Benicia, Ca
Hours: Monday through Thursday 1 – 5 p.m.; Friday 12 – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Online: brickspacebenicia.net

Photo credit: Kate Loweth/Living LEGO-cy

More LEGO Fun

BayLUG
Join up with other Bay Area LEGO fans both young and old and become a member of BayLUG – the Bay Area LEGO Users’ Group. BayLUG has meetings where members can display their projects and the group also participates in various LEGO events around the area including Bricks By the Bay in August.

Little LEGO lovers will love the annual “Living LEGO-cy” show at the Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto which takes place in December and January. You don’t have to be a member to attend this show (but members do get in free!).

Membership: $10/year for a child (with parent permission) or $20/family for the first year (fees are half after the first year)
Online: baylug.org

Did we leave out any of your favorites?  Where does your family like to go for a little LEGO action?

—Kate Loweth & Mae Respicio

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Rockin’ and Readin’: Catch Kindie Rockers at Tricycle Music Fest

by Shelly Hausman

Do you know about the music festival all the Bay Area kids are talking about? Forget Outsidelands and the Bluegrass Festival—the hot ticket for the tot-to-pre-teen set is the Tricycle Music Fest. This free concert series gets loud inside libraries across the Bay and is kicking off this weekend. This year’s all-star line-up includes Aaron Nigel Smith, Frances England, Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band, and The Not-It’s! and concerts are happening throughout the entire month of October. We’ve compiled the entire schedule for you below.

Photo: SFPL

Aaron Nigel Smith
Friday, October 2 at 9:30am, Millbrae Library
Friday, October 2 at 3:00 PM at Portola Branch
Saturday, October 3 at 1:00pm, East Palo Alto Library
Saturday, October 3 at 4:00 PM at Main Library


Photo: Frances England

Frances England
Friday, October 9 at 4:30 PM at Mission Bay Branch
Saturday, October 10 at 10:30am, Half Moon Bay Library
Saturday, October 10 at 3:30 PM at Parkside Branch
Sunday, October 11 at 2:00pm, Foster City Library

Photo: Lucky Diaz

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Friday, October 16 at 10:30am, Pacifica Sanchez Library
Friday, October 16 at 3:30 PM at Richmond Branch
Saturday, October 17 at 10:30am, Belmont Library
Saturday, October 17 at 3:00 PM at Bernal Heights Branch


Photo: The Not-Its!

The Not-Its!
Saturday, October 24 at 10:00am, Portola Valley Library
Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM at Glen Park Branch
Sunday, October 25 at 1:00PM at West Portal Branch
Sunday, October 25 at 4:00pm, San Carlos Library

Photo credit: AlisonFaithLevy.com

Alison Faith Levy
Saturday, October 31 at 11:30 am at Excelsior Branch

Photo: SFPL

Tricycle Music Fest is presented jointly by the San Francisco Public Library and San Mateo County Library. Families, get ready for a hip-shaking, head bopping dance party explosion of indie fresh pop rock beats—only at the library! And, because playing is just as important as singing in early childhood learning, they will be raffling off one tricycle to a lucky concertgoer at each event. Skip the nap, grab your boogie shoes and catch unforgettable shows in October!

Do you have an act you can’t wait to catch at this year’s festival? Let us know in the comments below! 

–Shelly Hausman

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