18 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} Coming into the Country by John McPhee—Unforgettable account of Alaska, showcasing its unique citizens and leaders. Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano—The sole survivor of a plane crash finds hope with the help of his community. Coming-of-age story meets life after loss. Architectural Digest—Still one of the most consummate interior design magazines published—architecturaldigest.com WHO KNEW? In 1776, Spanish explorers camped by a creek on the San Francisco Peninsula and named it San Mateo in honor of Saint Matthew. Seventy years later in 1846, William Davis Merry Howard purchased Rancho San Mateo—which included about half of present-day San Mateo, as well as all of Burlingame, Hillsborough and the Spring Valley lakes (now Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake)—for $25,000 (roughly $1 million today). He then spent an equal sum just to build a fence around all that property. Well Read Unscramble O L AMC CESEEMITER Finally, some half-baked advice: Never use your favorite song as an alarm. You’ll start to hate it. Carpe Diem + HARVEST your own pumpkins at Bianchi Flowers & Pumpkins in Pescadero or Bob’s Vegetable Stand and Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay. Why settle for a pre-picked gourd to decorate your doorstep when you can cut your own right off the vine? Bianchi, a fifthgeneration family farm, also lets visitors gather their own sunflowers, while Bob’s Pumpkin Farm has pens of cute pigs and goats, haystacks and a farm stand. + SPLIT your sides at Grapes and Giggles, a comedy show at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. This event features not only some of the Peninsula’s best stand-up comedians but also cocktails, bar bites and award-winning wines. If you arrive a few hours before the wit and wine start to flow, dine at Dominico’s Osteria, a playful eatery that draws inspiration from post-war Italy. Shows are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month and doors open at 7:45PM. Tickets at linktr.ee/gigglessancarlos. Dash to Dine + PRIME BBQ—Asian-style barbecue with yakitori skewers and a flurry of paper lanterns—33 West 25th Avenue, San Mateo + MENLO BBQ—Korean and American barbecue fare at this neighborhood fave. Great for pickup. Try the garlic fries—555 Willow Road, Menlo Park + WAGON WHEEL BBQ—Traditional joint with exceptional tri-tip, ribs and brisket. Terrific service—861 Leong, Mountain View
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