🍰 Cannolis, Sushi, and Pies

Plus updates on new building plans in San Carlos and San Mateo and Halloween events in every city!

Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We’ve got a ton of fun fall events and the important local updates for you!

Let’s dive in! 👇

In this week’s edition:

Great Fan-Favorite Food to Try: Cannolis, sushi, pie, and more!

Halloween Spooktacular: Local events from now until Halloween to get you in to spooky season!

Building Updates: San Carlos buildings, Peninsula Avenue upgrades, and affordable housing projects.

The latest in San Mateo local news

🏢 San Carlos Approves Major Life-Sciences Project

San Carlos has signed off on a transformative life-sciences development in its Eastside Innovation District, proposing two new R&D buildings totaling roughly 326,640 sq ft and an eight-story parking garage with 694 vehicle spaces and 104 bike spots. The five-story complex at 789 Old County Road is intended to bolster the city’s place in the biotech and research ecosystem, while generating millions in new public-realm contributions and infrastructure upgrades. 

City leaders emphasize the need to carefully balance height, design and disruption with neighborhood context, as residential areas surround the proposed project. The approval signals a bold step toward the area’s future growth and innovation-oriented identity. Read more here

🚸 Peninsula Avenue Upgrades 

Residents and planners are pushing for significant upgrades along Peninsula Avenue, with attention turning to making the corridor safer, more walkable and better connected for all modes of travel. The proposed improvements include wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, enhanced crossing signals and updated lighting to boost visibility and accessibility. 

As traffic volumes grow and redevelopment interests emerge, these upgrades aim to accommodate future growth while preserving community character. Community feedback is being solicited ahead of formal design and budgeting phases. Read more here. 

Heidi’s Pies to Stay Open

Photo: Nugget Market

Heidi’s Pies, the beloved diner-bakery off Highway 92 and El Camino in San Mateo, has announced it will remain open at its current location for at least another three years, despite earlier closure plans. The decision offers a temporary reprieve for longtime patrons and the staff behind the counter, underscoring the significance of the venue in the community’s culinary and social fabric. While the timeline gives breathing room, questions about their long-term future remain on the horizon. For now, pie lovers and locals can breathe a little easier. Read more here.

Beach Hut Deli Closed

Photo Credit: Beach Hut Deli

Known for it’s delicious and gourmet sandwiches, the Beach Hut Deli at South Delaware Street recently closed its doors permanently. This follows an earlier temporary closure in 2021, after which they re-opened under new management. Despite the great sandwiches, some customers stated the location may have been a contributing factor.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Baking Arts and Coffee

Photo: Baking Arts
Address: 18 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

Baking Arts & Coffee brings creativity and craftsmanship together with its selection of handcrafted pastries, espresso drinks, and baking classes. Known for its welcoming environment and attention to detail, the café recently became one of San Mateo’s first Age-Friendly Certified Businesses, recognized for providing exceptional service and accessibility for older adults. It’s a go-to spot for those looking to relax with a warm beverage, learn a new skill, or enjoy a freshly baked treat. Read more here.

Romolo’s Cannoli & Spumoni Factory

Photo: Romolo’s Cannoli
Address: 81 37th Ave, San Mateo

A local institution since 1968, Romolo’s is beloved for its authentic Italian desserts, from crispy, hand-filled cannoli to rich spumoni ice cream. The shop offers a nostalgic taste of old-world craftsmanship, maintaining its family-run charm while serving generations of Bay Area residents. Visitors can watch pastries being filled to order, a hallmark of Romolo’s commitment to freshness and tradition. Read more here.

Sushi Sam’s is now Sushi Edo Mata

Photo: Almanac News
Address: 38 E 25th Ave, San Mateo

After decades as a downtown favorite, Sushi Sam’s transitioned into Sushi Edo Mata, moving to a new, modern location while continuing the legacy of fine Edomae-style sushi. The restaurant still emphasizes premium seasonal fish, omakase experiences, and precise craftsmanship, blending long-standing tradition with a refreshed atmosphere. The new setting offers both counter and table dining, appealing to sushi purists and newcomers alike. Learn more here.

Real Estate Pulse

ASPCA Available Pets of the Week!

Meet Remi! She’s a 7 year old Catahoula/Pit mix and is a sweet girl! She’s loving, affectionate, and quite calm. She loves cuddles and walking and is ready to find a forever home. If you’re interested in learning more, click here.

🎃 Pal-O-Ween Block Party | PAL Center | Redwood City | 10/24 | more
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with games, costumes, and community fun hosted by the Redwood City Police Activities League.

👻 Goblin Walk | Laurel Street | San Carlos | 10/24 | more
Kids in costume take over downtown for trick-or-treating, crafts, and spooky surprises along Laurel Street.

🎸 Rock the Dock Concert Series | Port of Redwood City | Redwood City | 10/25 | more
Enjoy waterfront views, local bands, and festive vibes at this fall concert finale.

🩰 “The Headless Horseman” + “Viva La Vida” by Oceánica Ballet | Music, Theater & Art Buildings | San Mateo | 10/25–10/26 | more
A haunting double feature blending classical ballet and Día de los Muertos inspiration in a mesmerizing performance.

🍻 Boos and Brews on B Street | B Street | San Mateo | 10/25 | more
Downtown San Mateo transforms into a Halloween street party with craft brews, live music, and trick-or-treating for all ages.

🕸️ Halloween Spooktacular | Red Morton Community Center | Redwood City | 10/25 | more
Games, costumes, and spooky fun for kids and families at this popular city celebration.

🎃 Halloween Festival | Leo Ryan Meadow | Foster City | 10/25 | more
Join the fun with a pumpkin patch, parade, and costume contests by the waterfront.

🐾 Howl at the Barrel | Out of the Barrel | San Carlos | 10/25 | more
A dog-friendly Halloween bash with beer, treats, and a costume contest for your four-legged friends.

🍂 FallFest | Downtown | Burlingame | 10/26 | more
A weekend of live music, local vendors, carnival rides, and seasonal eats in downtown Burlingame.

🎭 Boo Bash | Firelight Shadow Theatre | Redwood City | 10/28 | more
An immersive Halloween performance experience mixing live music, storytelling, and shadow art.

🍴 Off The Grid Food Trucks | Leo Ryan Park Meadow | Foster City | 10/28 | more
Savor global flavors under the stars with this rotating lineup of Bay Area food trucks.

🎃 Boo Bash | Twin Pines Park | Belmont | 10/29 | more
Costumes, candy, and community cheer at Belmont’s annual family-friendly Halloween event.

🎨 Off the Grid Paint & Sip: Dog Days of Howl-o-Ween | 650 Shell Blvd | Foster City | 10/29 | more
Enjoy a creative night out painting with friends and celebrating spooky season—dogs welcome!

🕺 Halloween Costume Party | The Armory | Redwood City | 10/30 | more
Dance the night away in your best costume at this high-energy Halloween party downtown.

🎃 Route 92 Halloween Spooktacular | Route 92 | San Mateo | 10/31 | more
Cap off Halloween week with festive fun, live music, and themed drinks at Route 92.

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