John Metcalfe

San Francisco

Features Reporter at The Mercury News

Reporter. BANG, Atlantic's CityLab, Berkeleyside, Washington Post, New York Times, TBD/WJLA, Washington City Paper. Climate, toilets, where pigeons go to die

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Articles

Icy treats: Refreshing raspados, paletas and other cooling desserts

1 week ago | sacbee.com | Kate Bradshaw |John Metcalfe |Linda Zavoral

For 17 years, the Abundis family has kept Oakland supplied with sweet, frozen treats from its colorful storefront in the Fruitvale Public Market. "My dad came from Mexico in the late ’80s, and he first started with a little push cart and then got a bigger ice-cream truck," says Gris Abundis, manager of Nieves Cinco de Mayo.
Icy treats: Refreshing raspados, paletas and other cooling desserts

1 week ago | mercurynews.com | Kate Bradshaw |John Metcalfe |Linda Zavoral

Shops in San Jose, Hayward, San Mateo, Bay Point and Oakland prepare for summer’s rush of customers
Bay Area's foodie night markets come alive for 2025

2 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe |Kate Bradshaw |Linda Zavoral |Jason Mastrodonato

Combine food trucks, arts vendors, libations, live music and an open-air scene and what do you get? A foodie night market that brings communities together. The Coco Swirl mascot greets visitors while at the Off the Grid event held behind the Pleasant Hill City Hall on a recent Thursday. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) These events are back for summer and early fall, from San Jose and Foster City to Pleasant Hill and Oakland on the other side of the bay.
El Mono opens second Peruvian restaurant in Gilman District

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe

A popular spot for refined Peruvian cuisine in El Cerrito has expanded to Berkeley’s Gilman District. El Mono opened its second location this May at 1300 Fourth St., in the former space of the Gilman Grill and featuring a large outdoor patio. The restaurant is still waiting on its rotisserie-chicken cooker and alcohol license but otherwise is open and serving its menu of creative, comforting Peruvian dishes.
Savor Oakland sees restaurant specials all over the city in June 2025

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe

Dollar oysters and dinner with the chef! Cheap champagne and something called “Steph Curry Sauce”! These are some of the things you’ll find in Oakland’s month-long promotion, “Summer Affair.”The June event sees roughly 20 restaurants in the city running dining specials, two-for-ones, tastings and themed dinners.
California state parks ranked by beaches, camping, dogs and more in 2025

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe

There are so many great parks in California it can be daunting to narrow your adventure. Do you want a place exploding with desert wildflowers? A beach with mysterious tidal pools, a hike where your dog can happily pad around?
Mumu Hot Pot opens in prime San Jose mall space

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | Linda Zavoral |John Metcalfe

After a yearlong renovation, Mumu Hot Pot is finally welcoming diners at its sixth, and newest, Bay Area location, Westfield Oakridge Mall in South San Jose. The restaurateurs decided to start from bottom up, literally, installing ventilation below every hot pot instead of hoods overhead. There’s prominent new signage outside, facing Blossom Hill Road, and seating for 200 inside this prime spot that was formerly home to P.F. Chang’s.
The 2025 exhibit "Trolls" brings huge sculptures to Filoli gardens

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe

They’re huge and hairy, have names like Ibbi Pip and Sofus Lotus and possibly eat humans. They’re Giant Trolls, and they’ll soon be coming to a forest near you. On June 7, the exhibit “Trolls: Save the Humans” opens at the historic Filoli gardens in San Mateo County to run through early November. A half-dozen humongous creatures made of recycled materials like construction wood will take up residence among the redwood groves and meadow blooms.
10 Charming California Destinations That Feel Like Europe

3 weeks ago | theepochtimes.com | John Metcalfe

Feel the vibe of popular European destinations without having to leave the country. By John MetcalfeThe Mercury NewsSAN JOSE, Calif.—Not everyone can take a European vacation. Fortunately, there’s always California—with its Mediterranean climate, architecture, and wine.
Vietnamese egg coffee arrives from Tram Cream Coffee

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | John Metcalfe

And now it’s in downtown Hayward, thanks to the June opening of Tram Cream Coffee. The local chain focuses on egg coffee, cold-brew fruit teas and Vietnamese bites like fish cake and banh mi. There are about half-a-dozen of these shops in the Bay Area, including in San Jose and Sacramento, and each has its own numerical moniker: The full name of this one is Tram Cream Coffee Hayward Station 6. What, exactly, is ca phe trung?