The heat wave has hit the Bay Area, hard! I’m still wondering if we can get it together. Our humanity is still being tested, our politicians are still out of touch, and yet, we carry on with our day as if the world around us isn’t crumbling.

I propose we come together to create a safe space for one another. I’m determined to make this summer one of ease, safety, and joy because joy itself is a form of resistance. So let’s go together and enjoy each other’s company!

SUMMER, SUMMER TIME

Can you believe it’s June already? With so much happening, I’ve ensured the calendar is up to date with all that’s happening across the Bay Area!

First up, we will be attending the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)’s Bay Area Fundraiser for Gaza on June 9th. Tickets range from $30 – $75, which includes complementary food. Expect an evening filled with speakers, music, and booths selling Palestinian products.

Staying in Berkeley, later this month, we’ll be catching the Broadway hit Head Over Heels, a theatrical musical featuring The Go-Go’s music! Grab your tickets before they sell out for June 22nd.

Join us for all the fun by adding the Let’s Go! calendar and joining the Let’s Go! WhatsApp community today!

TOWN HAPPENINGS

Before we dive into the month’s events, I must highlight that the Bay Area’s own Sammy Obeid‘s current tour is a must-see!

Our group (a few of which pictured here) had an absolute blast at his show in San Francisco’s Punch Line a few weeks ago, with multiple videos posted on YouTube. His material is ever-changing, so no two shows will be the same, but the humor and the education (he’s a math guy!) are always there.

And now, here are a few happenings this summer:

• Sammy Obeid | June 13, 7:30pm | Punch Line, Sacramento
• Sammy Obeid | Added Bay Area show! | June 16, 7:30pm | Cobb’s Comedy Club, San Francisco
• North Beach Festival | Organized by the North Beach Business Association | June 15 & 16, 11am – 7pm | Columbus and Grant Avenues, San Francisco
• OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”| Hosted by Hella Creative| June 19, 1pm – 5pm | Oakland Museum of CA, Oakland
• Celebrate Eid at a Farm! | Hosted by HalalFest | June 23, 11am – 5pm | Valley Oak Farm, Morgan Hill

And don’t forget, Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th and Eid El Adha is expected to be on Monday, June 17th!

LET’S EAT

Have you all had a chance to try out Saluhall on Market Street in San Francsico? It’s an absolute must!

Located in the new IKEA building in the city, Saluhall offers a variety of eateries, including Algerian Imazighen cuisine by Kayma. Run by Wafa and her husband Mounir, together they’ve developed a halal and plant-based menu, “reinventing Algerian cuisine”.

Wafa, who was running the front during my visit, made me feel like I was in a friend’s kitchen rather than a restaurant. She and her team were extremely friendly and answered all my questions about the menu, ingredients, and cooking style. Despite being busy, we ended up having a short but sweet conversation about our ethic backgrounds, shared Arabic language, and just chatted like old friends.

I went with the Dajaj (chicken) Paradise Bowl and a Blossom Limonade. The bowl was in fact heavenly; every morsel was flavorful and simply delicious. So much so, I was so engrossed in my bowl, I forgot to let the camera eat first. hehehe The “limonade” was perfectly balanced, deserving its place in the dessert menu. Overall, Kayma hit the spot with its flavor, innovation, and service. I can’t wait to see this place blossom and grow across the Bay Area.

Keep an eye out on the calendar as I’m planning a group visit to Saluhall to revisit Kayma and try the other spots there over the summer!

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or paid for by any of the mentioned entities unless otherwise noted. Sponsored posts are based on actual experiences and/or interests. If you’d like me to attend a local event or experience an eatery to write about, please email me (hala@mshala.co).