Exploring the Bay Area by Bicycle
To see small business owners and employees rise to a level of service just to stay afloat is heartening and telling of the human spirit. We have the opportunity now, to put our resources where they're needed most. Creators, curators, chefs and artists are the under appreciated lot that make our neighborhoods special and they are the ones we will look toward to restructure and rebuild.
We asked photographer and Bay Area native Adam Prieto to show us where he has been riding and eating these past few months, and which local businesses he's been supporting. We’ve done our best to have the most up to date info for each business, but make sure to check in with them for the most current info on their operations.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Bluffs
Home to the big wave of northern California, Mavericks. If you happen to enjoy the coast during fall/winter (in my opinion, the best time to visit SF and the coast) then you might be able to catch some surfers riding the 20ft+ wave. If it’s not breaking, then riding around the bluffs is just as exhilarating and a little less risky.
Dad's Luncheonette
Scott Clark, AKA “Dad” was formerly a three Michelin star chef who left his job at Saison in pursuit of a lifestyle change after becoming a father. He brings passion to his simple menu and his classic burger with homemade chips are best after burning some calories on the bike. What truly makes this place a great treat is meeting Scott himself when he brings your food to you. A good man with contagious energy that brings a smile to your face and your tummy.
225 Cabrillo Highway South at Kelly Ave
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
** OPEN for take out, Thurs-Sun
Vessel Vintage and Thrift
If you are in the mood to find some cool shirts or trinkets, Vessel Vintage & Thrift is the place. The owner Kristina is the sweetest and would be delighted to play some songs for you on her old vintage jukebox.
590 Kelly Ave,
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
** OPEN Wed-Sun
San Fransisco
Potrero Hill
Potrero Hill is one of the best places to catch the SF skyline. This dog-friendly park is a short ride from all the trendy spots in the city. There’s even a tree swing to unlock your inner child.
Heath
A must stop whenever you’re in San Francisco. Heath has a deep history in their timeless ceramics and seeing their showroom is a true inspiration of simple yet functional design. They often have new literature on display so hanging in their lounge area and reading some books is a great way to spend some time.
** Showroom is currently closed but they are offering Curbside Pickup for purchases made online
Oakland
Red Bay Coffee
Shortly after feeling the effects of the pandemic and witnessing many local businesses struggling, I tried my best to support those in my community. Red Bay Coffee is one of these businesses. Keba Konte is a renowned artist and successful food entrepreneur with deep roots in the Bay Area. What I like most about this company is that they seek to create unity in their workforce and after the George Floyd protest I made a stronger effort to support black-owned businesses. They own a number of shipping containers throughout Oakland but I highly recommend getting some of their roasted coffee beans. They are accepting orders online as well.
**each location has different hours
Vegan Mob
Another Oakland stable, Vegan Mob is run by Toriano Gordon who spent a decade of his life helping at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth in the SF Bay Area. He had a major turning point in life when we changed to a plant-based diet and now feels compelled to share that with others. So if you are looking for plant-based, traditional family soul food then this is the place. My favorite is their Mob Burger made with an Impossible Burger and seasoned with their special Mob sauce. You can even take a short walk and eat the food at Lake Merritt which is only a couple hundred yards away.
500 Lake Park Ave,
Oakland, CA 94610
** Open for take out, closed Mondays
June's Pizza
One of my favorite things about living in Oakland is the character the city offers. One of those characteristics can be seen by going to West Oakland. This is the industrial part of the city where DIY thrives. This is exactly how June's Pizza came to fruition. My friend Craig Murli used to work at the luxurious dining room, Atelier Crenn, as a private chef. Once COVID hit, he was out of work and decided to open a curbside delivery pizzeria out of a shipping container. Craigs wood-fired, naturally-leavened pizza became an instant hit in the community in only a matter of months.
2311 Magnolia St
Oakland, CA 94607
**Open Wednesday-Sunday
About Adam Prieto
Adam Prieto is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer. His photographic style is influenced by his affinity for minimalism, inspired by phenomena that is simple yet complex. Current projects include an ongoing collection of field recordings, used to create soundscapes paired with contemplative moving images. He currently lives in Oakland, CA.
adamprieto.com