Union Street Scoop
May Day, May Day … things are looking up
As a follow up to all things Union Street, I am happy to report the continued momentum of new store and restaurant openings. Not only is this good for the street as a whole, the resurgence of energy that these openings bring is great for the community in general. It reflects a renewed optimism that at the very least portends a brighter future. Though we’ve all been tiptoeing tentatively these past months, waiting and wondering to see how the shakeup of business will play out, nearly everyone I have spoken to is upbeat about all of the changes.
This is encouraging to Devin Alper from American Cupcake at 1919 Union, who has spent the better part of a year planning, creating and building out her new store from the ground up. At the least, it has tried her patience. “What was I thinking,” she began to say to herself at the end of the day as time, money and energy slipped away. But then came tomorrow, along with renewed hopes and a little girl’s nose pressed against the window looking for a pink cupcake. And on Easter Day, as it poured down rain, Devin opened her doors for the first time. “It was so emotional,” she said. “We only opened the front of the house, but at least it was something, and people seemed to like it.”
“What’s not to like,” as my grandmother would say. It feels happy. It is as bright as a shiny new coin and as fluffy in feel as the icing on the cupcakes. The ambiance is at once 1950s retro and 2001 Space Odyssey, with tufted whiter-than-white booths and counters, high polished white floors and walls, all highlighted by floating neon lights that change color from pink to blue. The white photo booth is a perfect touch, again emphasizing the “back to the future” feel. Though the colorful cupcake counter was the only thing open for business at the time, a peek of the soda fountain and the promise of great American diner-style food will definitely make American Cupcake a winning Union Street destination.
The owners of new contemporary women’s clothing boutique Dahlia at 1969 Union are also betting on some of that renewed confidence to drift their way. The friendly staff is just getting a feel for their fresh new space as spring denim and colorful merchandise begin to fill their store, along with the hope that the local Marina crowd along with tourists will make theirs a success story. More retail detail includes Silver Moon at 1832 Union, the long time sterling silver store that recently changed hands. Though they will continue to feature affordable and unique sterling silver and gemstone pieces from artists around the world, they plan on expanding their collection to include men’s jewelry and gift items. And in the 1700 block, work is almost complete on what will be a photographic art gallery. If the photographs are anything like the home that showcases them, this will be a welcome addition to the diversity of the block.
In restaurant news: Pasta Pomodoro officially closed its doors at 1875 Union, much to the surprise of several of their regular patrons. In its place, Unwind on Union is getting ready to bring on the reconstruction team to create the comfortable lounge and relaxed kitchen atmosphere that will be its signature. “If all goes well, we’ll be open at the beginning of June,” said kind owner Kai of his new venture. “We’re so happy to be a part of this neighborhood and excited for the opportunity.” Also slated for a June opening is … oh yes … Perry Butler’s new place at 2000 Union at Webster. I walk by nearly every day just to make sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. They are not. The progress has been steady and while the evolution of this restaurant may be food for a dramatic novel, the outcome looks to be sensational.
Yes, the roadmap of Union Street is changing rapidly, but the one thing we can always count on is the shopping … always shopping. Hence, Mother’s Day and an opportunity to take advantage of all things new and long-standing on the street. This year, my pick list for Mom includes everything personalized. As counselor, cook, nurse, ally, helper, and defender, Mom merits the best of what she likes the most. If it’s relaxation, a gift certificate for the holistic massage at Stillpoint Wellness Center at 1996 Union, or a few sessions of yoga or pilates customized just for her at The Pad Studios at 1690 Union Street. If it’s jewelry she loves, there’s no shortage on the street at any budget, but my favorites include the entire rose gold collection from Union Street Goldsmith at 1909 Union and the tiny initial necklaces or personalized name jewelry from Jest Jewels at 1869 Union. If your mother has a sweet tooth, switch it up with a box of classic crème puffs from Pacific Puffs on Union at Fillmore. If it’s crystal she loves, add a crystal ball to her collection from The Enchanted Crystal at 1895 Union (though Moms never seem to need to look into them to know what’s up). And finally, for the mom who is all about her dog, I love the idea of a personalized dog portrait of her and her best furry pal by Robyn Kessler of Verité at 1757 Union. What better way to exemplify the special bond between your mom and her most excellent buddy.
This is encouraging to Devin Alper from American Cupcake at 1919 Union, who has spent the better part of a year planning, creating and building out her new store from the ground up. At the least, it has tried her patience. “What was I thinking,” she began to say to herself at the end of the day as time, money and energy slipped away. But then came tomorrow, along with renewed hopes and a little girl’s nose pressed against the window looking for a pink cupcake. And on Easter Day, as it poured down rain, Devin opened her doors for the first time. “It was so emotional,” she said. “We only opened the front of the house, but at least it was something, and people seemed to like it.”
“What’s not to like,” as my grandmother would say. It feels happy. It is as bright as a shiny new coin and as fluffy in feel as the icing on the cupcakes. The ambiance is at once 1950s retro and 2001 Space Odyssey, with tufted whiter-than-white booths and counters, high polished white floors and walls, all highlighted by floating neon lights that change color from pink to blue. The white photo booth is a perfect touch, again emphasizing the “back to the future” feel. Though the colorful cupcake counter was the only thing open for business at the time, a peek of the soda fountain and the promise of great American diner-style food will definitely make American Cupcake a winning Union Street destination.
The owners of new contemporary women’s clothing boutique Dahlia at 1969 Union are also betting on some of that renewed confidence to drift their way. The friendly staff is just getting a feel for their fresh new space as spring denim and colorful merchandise begin to fill their store, along with the hope that the local Marina crowd along with tourists will make theirs a success story. More retail detail includes Silver Moon at 1832 Union, the long time sterling silver store that recently changed hands. Though they will continue to feature affordable and unique sterling silver and gemstone pieces from artists around the world, they plan on expanding their collection to include men’s jewelry and gift items. And in the 1700 block, work is almost complete on what will be a photographic art gallery. If the photographs are anything like the home that showcases them, this will be a welcome addition to the diversity of the block.
In restaurant news: Pasta Pomodoro officially closed its doors at 1875 Union, much to the surprise of several of their regular patrons. In its place, Unwind on Union is getting ready to bring on the reconstruction team to create the comfortable lounge and relaxed kitchen atmosphere that will be its signature. “If all goes well, we’ll be open at the beginning of June,” said kind owner Kai of his new venture. “We’re so happy to be a part of this neighborhood and excited for the opportunity.” Also slated for a June opening is … oh yes … Perry Butler’s new place at 2000 Union at Webster. I walk by nearly every day just to make sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. They are not. The progress has been steady and while the evolution of this restaurant may be food for a dramatic novel, the outcome looks to be sensational.
Yes, the roadmap of Union Street is changing rapidly, but the one thing we can always count on is the shopping … always shopping. Hence, Mother’s Day and an opportunity to take advantage of all things new and long-standing on the street. This year, my pick list for Mom includes everything personalized. As counselor, cook, nurse, ally, helper, and defender, Mom merits the best of what she likes the most. If it’s relaxation, a gift certificate for the holistic massage at Stillpoint Wellness Center at 1996 Union, or a few sessions of yoga or pilates customized just for her at The Pad Studios at 1690 Union Street. If it’s jewelry she loves, there’s no shortage on the street at any budget, but my favorites include the entire rose gold collection from Union Street Goldsmith at 1909 Union and the tiny initial necklaces or personalized name jewelry from Jest Jewels at 1869 Union. If your mother has a sweet tooth, switch it up with a box of classic crème puffs from Pacific Puffs on Union at Fillmore. If it’s crystal she loves, add a crystal ball to her collection from The Enchanted Crystal at 1895 Union (though Moms never seem to need to look into them to know what’s up). And finally, for the mom who is all about her dog, I love the idea of a personalized dog portrait of her and her best furry pal by Robyn Kessler of Verité at 1757 Union. What better way to exemplify the special bond between your mom and her most excellent buddy.
Leslie Drapkin is a co-owner of Jest Jewels on Union Street. E-mail: [email protected]
