When I mention San Francisco or the Bay Area to anyone who isn't from here, the common reactions often range from concerns to exasperation—concerns over crime and exasperation over the cost of living. But to me, the Bay Area is about community. Having lived in three of the six U.S. time zones, I can say with certainty that finding a community when you're new to a place and don't have deep roots is not easy. However, this has never been an issue for us as we've settled into our Bay Area life. While the concerns and exasperations mentioned above are true, and most locals would agree, there is much more to this place than what gets shared in the media.
Although some parts of the Bay Area aren't recommended for visiting, other areas remain vibrant and incredibly exciting. The East Bay continues to amaze us with incredible new restaurants, and there is an eagerness among locals to revive the community in the post-pandemic era. The culinary scene offers everything from artisanal farm-to-table fare to tantalizing fusion cuisines. There is so much to explore in the great outdoors here, while community events and farmers' markets build a strong sense of local connection.
📝 Quick note: This is a long post with a lot of good stuff. So if you’re reading via email, click through to the web version or read on the Substack app to make sure you get to read all the 🍷🍫🫒fun mentioned 🔖
One such new location that has become a weekly visit for me is Of All Places. While on a visit to the USPS back in May, I saw this new store with colorful interiors that drew me in. I regularly visit the USPS to mail things, so I know all the stores in the area, but this one seemed to have popped up out of nowhere. I walked in and started talking to Celia (one of the owners and food and drink photographer), who mentioned they had just opened a couple of days ago. The store interiors feel like it's from a movie. The curation of new and emerging brands is impeccable. They don’t stock everything in every category, but what they do stock is hard to beat.
Of All Places is where I see myself visiting weekly to explore and discover something new. Celia and Jon, who own the place, clearly have a fantastic eye for curation, and their selection of brands is truly unique and much needed in the neighborhood. You know who else they stock? One Trick Pony, the best peanut butter on the market and the brand featured in last week’s newsletter!
For someone who buys wine based on the label and packaging design (like myself), this place is heaven. There are so many options, and with the curation here, you can be confident that the wine won’t just look cute but will also be delicious, thanks to Joe, who is a sommelier.
Of All Places has only been open for about a month, and they have plans for pop-up events starting this summer, which are sure to make it a hot spot. The last time I went over the weekend, it felt like the hangout for the cool kids picking out the best snacks, frozen pizzas, wine, and ice cream that no one else knows about. I am thrilled to have found this gem of a store, and I can’t wait to discover and share more innovative brands they stock.
If you are in the Bay Area, Of All Places is truly worth a visit. Check them out and then take a stroll down Solano Avenue. There are so many wonderful local businesses that will truly appreciate your patronage. Sign up for Of All Places newsletter on their site and follow them on IG to discover a ton of cool brands before your friends do ;).
Here is more from Celia about her background and what kicked off this new venture.
Can you share a little bit about your background?
Our background feels a little all over the place, but had predominantly been centered in the food and wine world. I (Celia) worked back of the house for many years in LA. Most of that time was spent in catering for events and the studios. I eventually started a lunchtime sandwich delivery company called The Lunch Lady. After the birth of our daughter, I pivoted to food photography and styling. Joe grew up in his family’s pizzeria and got into the wine industry about 20 years ago. Most currently, he was a sommelier at the Slanted Door. At the start of Covid, we started an online wine shop/delivery service called WHAT TO DRINK.
What made you want to launch OF ALL PLACES?
We joke that Of All Places is a self-serving project, but it’s kind of true. We live in Albany, and it was a bummer that the two places to buy groceries on Solano were Safeway and Andronico’s (also Safeway). We’ve always loved hunting for new small-production products and sharing our finds with friends and family; it made sense to turn that concept into a market that could serve our community.
What do you feel makes OF ALL PLACES unique?
Ha! Where to begin? We definitely don’t offer the typical grocery shopping experience. For one, we’re tiny and don’t have an endless variety of inventory, but we’re incredibly proud of the products we do have stocked. For example, we don’t have multiple brands of peanut butter, but we guarantee the one brand we carry will knock your socks off. We also wanted the look and vibe of our market to feel warm and inviting. It’s super colorful and bright inside, and we play reggaeton and Italian pop music. Many customers have commented on how good the space feels when they come in, and that makes us so happy.
What is something you wish your consumers knew or understood about your industry?
Of All Places is truly a labor of love. One could say the same for all small businesses, actually. Our store hours are 11-6, 6 days a week, but we’re easily putting in 10 hour days. We’re constantly trying to track down new product and figure out new ways to serve our community. Starting a new business, in many ways, is like having a child; you’re constantly working to be a better parent, and you’re constantly working to be a better business owner.
Can you share a little about any exciting launches coming up for OF ALL PLACES?
Yes! We add new products weekly. We’re always trying to up our game. Our freezer finally came in a couple weeks ago, and our frozen pizzas and ice cream have been killing it. We’re also trying to bring in more prepared foods. We’d love to partner with someone who could provide daily sandwiches and fresh meals that customers could warm up at home for easy meals. And pop-ups are starting this summer!
Where can consumers learn more about you/OF ALL PLACES?
Either our Instagram or our website. Or better yet, come in and talk to us! We love new friends.
A fun one: what is something unexpected someone might find in your bag? Bonus points for a “What’s in my bag” photo!
Lol. A mess.
Such an awesome addition to the shops at Solano- so refreshing to see when all the “local” stores are actually owned by large businesses seeking to homogenize offerings for the sake of efficiency.
Such a joyful little shop! ⚡️❤️ I can tell what a labor of love it is.