🍵 New Kid's Play Center and Matcha Spot!

Plus building updates in Foster City, a new arcade, and events coming up this week.

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Good morning neighbors!

Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this weekend including a new matcha shop, new kids’ play centers, and and fun events to attend for this week!

Let’s dive in!

In this week’s edition:

🚧 San Mateo County Building Updates: Burlingame Senior Housing and an Update on the Foster City Rec Center

🍽️ New Restaurants and Cafes: Matcha, Mexican, Crepes, and more

Weekend playbook: First Friday, Antique Shows, and more

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The latest in San Mateo local news

🏗️ Recreation Center Update 

In Foster City the new recreation centre project has hit the halfway mark, signaling clear progress on a major community investment. The facility has been closed since late last year to allow demolition and rebuilding, and the new design is expected to span approximately 40,000 sq ft, offering expanded amenities and updated spaces.

City officials say the rebuild remains on schedule for the targeted opening in 2026, giving residents something to look forward to. It’s a strong reminder that infrastructure renewal takes time, but the payoff will be a modern space built for long-term use and community life. Read more here. 

🏢 Senior Housing Proposal in Burlingame

In Burlingame, a new proposal is moving forward to develop 221 units of affordable senior housing on district-owned land adjacent to the local medical centre. The plan calls for two six-story buildings offering housing for seniors earning between 20%–50% of area median income, and includes generous common areas, community spaces and courtyards.

After earlier plans fell through, this new proposal has drawn praise from advocates who have long pushed for much-needed housing for older adults. If approved, this project could fill a meaningful gap in senior housing and help the broader community age in place. Read more here.

❄️ Sports Basement Annual Snowfest Event

Sports Basement (Redwood City) is hosting its annual Snowfest sale! Not only do they have great deals on snow gear, but they also offer door prizes, free drinks, snacks, and swag giveaways (think skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles, apparel, & so much more!) You can also get discounted lift tickets to Palisades Tahoe and talk to reps from over 50 snow brands. RSVPs are required but free.

🧋 Ceré Tea: New Matcha Spot in Burlingame

1115 Burlingame Ave. Burlingame
Photo: CereTea

A new café set to energize Burlingame, Ceré Tea brings handcrafted tea, rich matcha drinks and tasty boba to town. Guests can look forward to beautifully made matcha lattes, creative flavour twists, and a relaxed space to hang out with friends or work solo. With its emphasis on quality ingredients and modern tea preparation, Cere Tea promises to be more than just a stop for a drink, it’s an experience. The arrival of this new spot adds a fresh and vibrant option to the neighborhood’s beverage scene.

🛝 Kiddo Adventure Indoor Playground Opens

24 E. 4th Ave, San Mateo
Photo: Kiddo Adventure

A brand-new indoor play destination has opened in downtown San Mateo, where families and kids can dive into a vibrant world of active fun at Kiddo Adventure Indoor Playground. The space features an expansive two-level play structure with slides, zip-lines, obstacle zones and soft-play areas designed for children up to age 12. It’s tailored not just for casual play but also for birthday parties, group events and social playdates, making it a go-to for community gatherings and memorable family time. With daily hours starting at 9:30 a.m. and a strong focus on safety, cleanliness and supervised fun, it offers parents peace of mind while kids explore, jump and discover. 

👾 Clawsome Arcade Opens

35 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
Photo: Clawsome Arcade

A fresh new arcade destination on the Peninsula, Clawsome Arcade invites families, friends and game-lovers to “Play, Win, Repeat!” with a vibrant selection of claws, games and prize-wins. With a fun-forward layout and a focus on skill-based games, it offers something for casual visits, birthday parties, or just an outing with friends. It’s positioned to serve the local community with a unique, arcade-style hangout spot. Whether you’re aiming to snag a prize or just hang out in a lively space, Clawesome Arcade is a welcome addition to the area.

Crepevine in Burlingame Celebrating 25 Years

Crepevine in Burlingame is marking the milestone with a newly expanded space on Burlingame Avenue, celebrating 25 years in the community this November 20. Families, friends and professionals alike will appreciate the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere and the updated layout aimed at making visits even more comfortable. The menu stays true to Crepevine’s roots: delivering savory crepes, hearty breakfasts, fresh salads and casual fare in a relaxed setting. With its expansion and anniversary celebration, this location reinforces its commitment to the neighborhood as a go-to spot for all-day dining.

Palmita: Mexican Food in San Mateo

66 E 21st Ave in San Mateo

Palmita is a fresh and vibrant Cal-Mex spot where the flavors of Mexico meet the produce of California. The menu focuses on clean eating and bold taste: all-dairy and gluten-free, free of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, with options like tofu, slow-roasted chicken, or wagyu barbacoa served over rice, greens, or vegetables. Whether you're ordering pickup, delivery, or catering, Palmita emphasizes nutritional transparency, with full allergy and nutrition information available for all menu items. With its modern, health-focused approach and laid-back ambiance, Palmita is a great choice for a nourishing lunch or a casual thoughtfully-prepared dinner on the Peninsula.

Real Estate Pulse

🎶 First Friday at CuriOdyssey | CuriOdyssey | San Mateo | 11/7 | More
Enjoy music, food trucks, animals, and hands-on science activities at this family-friendly event.

🎮 Kids Night Out: Minecraft Block Party | San Carlos Youth Center | San Carlos | 11/7 | More
Children can enjoy an evening of Minecraft-themed activities, games, and social fun.

🖼️ The Hillsborough Show | San Mateo County Event Center | San Mateo | 11/7-9 | More
Discover antiques, fine art, and design treasures at this local showcase.

🎵 Music Bingo | Chill Spot Rendevouz | San Mateo | 11/7 | More
Test your music knowledge and enjoy a lively evening of bingo and prizes.

🎉 Fall(Mas) Festival | San Carlos Youth Center Burton Park | San Carlos | 11/8 | More
Celebrate the fall season with games, crafts, and community fun for all ages.

📚 Meet Author Maxwell Kim | Main Library Parking Lot | San Mateo | 11/8 | More
Attend an engaging author talk and book signing with local writer Maxwell Kim.

📝 101st Airborne Packing and Letter Writing Day | Elks Lodge | San Mateo | 11/9 | More
Honor veterans with care package assembly and letter writing for deployed soldiers.

🇺🇸 Veteran's Day: Free National Parks Day | Nationwide | 11/11 | More
Enjoy free entry to all national parks to commemorate Veterans Day.

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