{due west} 46 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM BROWSE Sure, there are familiar chain stores downtown, but plenty of independent and unusual offerings, too. At Del’Oliva (1440 Burlingame Avenue), Eddie Sohirad is on a mission to save people from buying inferior olive oils. He carefully curates a selection of fresh, extra-virgin oils, real balsamic vinegars, imported wines, specialty pastas and colorful ceramic plates. Prepare to sniff, sample and swirl to find a golden elixir to your liking while Eddie offers expert advice. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DEL’OLIVA - PAULETTE PHLIPOT / ROBB MOST / COURTESY OF ANDRA NORRIS GALLERY At Gigglemugs (1461 Burlingame Avenue), find a witty and insightful selection of books, toys, trinkets and treats for children and teens. Running the store are Amanda Trindle and Katherin Baban, local residents and good friends who get expert intel on the evolving tastes of tweens and teens courtesy of their own children. The pair left jobs in teaching and business to be part of their community’s retail scene in November 2023. And now? “It’s like we’re living in a Hallmark movie,” Amanda smiles. Stationery store Paper Caper (1442 Burlingame Avenue) was also founded by two friends back in 1978. Focused on fashion? There’s a lot to choose from with longtime women’s wear boutique Morning Glory (1436 Burlingame Avenue), Joana’s European Fashions (1412 Burlingame Avenue) and consignment shop Millie Mango (1419 Burlingame Avenue), all in close proximity. For expertly fitted athletic shoes and gear, race over to A Runner’s Mind (1111 Howard Avenue). Once you’re laced up and ready, check out its weekly group runs. EAT After pounding the pavement, take some time to recharge. Grab a table at Twelvemonth (330 Lorton Avenue), where you’ll find “micro-seasonal” summer specialties like scialatielli pasta tossed in a thick sauce of Brentwood corn and pickled green tomatoes topped with coconut feta and cajun corn cracklins. “The ‘City of Trees’ seemed like the perfect site to build my vision of a wholly plant-based destination in an environmentally friendly space,” says owner Bob Trahan, a longtime local who calls Burlingame home. If regional Italian cuisine is more your scene, try sophisticated Stella (1448 Burlingame Avenue), where you can sip a barrel-aged Negroni and tuck into Piemontese-style boneless short ribs braised in Barolo wine. Across
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