Fifteen years ago, chef Pam Mazzola teamed up with James Beard award-winning chef Nancy Oakes and Kathy King to bring a new restaurant to SoMa.
From the start, Prospect’s (300 Spear St.) primary focus was on hospitality, seasonal cooking, and local ingredients—which were conveniently available at the Ferry Building Farmers Market just two blocks away. Mazzola, who lives in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood with her husband Charles and dog Lola, couldn’t be more proud of what the three partners have accomplished together—but they couldn’t have done it alone.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the many talented people and vendors we’ve worked with over the years who have given us so many opportunities to create, innovate, and build community,” says Mazzola. “And of course, we’re thankful for every customer who’s walked through our doors—with a big shoutout to our Friday night ‘regulars.’”
In honor of Prospect’s anniversary next week (starting June 23rd), they’ll be bringing back some of the most popular food and drink specials the restaurant has offered over the years, including The Prospector Cocktail that “started it all” (scotch, Madeira, Benedictine, Prospect bitters, flamed orange); the Besos Picosos, which won cocktail of the year in 2022 (400 Conejos mezcal, pomegranate, ancho chile syrup, blood orange liqueur, lime); deviled eggs; ceviche; and chocolate cake.
After 15 years, “we’re only getting stronger,” says Mazzola—and with that kind of longstanding dedication, we couldn’t help but wonder what she gets up to when she’s away from the kitchen. So, we asked her, “What’s in your Bay?”—from her favorite neighborhood restaurants to her ideal daytrip.
"Bombera always delivers," says Mazzola.(Courtesy of @bomberaoakland)
What’s your go-to neighborhood spot for food or drinks?
It’s a toss up between Bombera (3459 Champion St., Oakland) and Sirene (3308 Grand Ave., Oakland). I’ve known Paul Einbund and Gavin Schmidt for many years—they own The Morris (2501 Mariposa St., Mission-Potrero) and now Sirene. The casual comfortable vibe at Sirene paired with delicious, creative food and an amazing wine list makes it a great addition to the East Bay. And Bombera always delivers. I am kind of a groupie of Dominica Rice-Cisneros: big talent, big heart.
What restaurant is your favorite splurge?
Californios (355 11th St., SoMa). Delicious food prepared with care and insight, provenance, and ingredients. Val Cantu has created a unique experience enhanced by an excellent wine list and knowledgeable staff.
What restaurant or bar haven’t you been to yet that you’re excited to check out?
Noodle in a Hay Stack (4601 Geary Blvd., Inner Richmond) because it is such an interesting concept and sounds delicious.
"I head up [to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve] almost every morning with my dog Lola for a long walk," says Mazzola(Courtesy of @east.bay.tramps)
What’s your favorite Bay Area park for hiking or biking?
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland) is right behind my house and is my go-to for hiking. I head up there almost every morning with my dog Lola for a long walk. You can hike through redwoods or stay up on the ridge top with panoramic views. It’s all part of the expansive East Bay trial network.
What’s your favorite Northern California day trip?
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to destress and to spend time with friends and family. I like heading out to Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness. On the way in, I’ll stop at Inverness Park Market (12301 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.) for any and all of my picnic provisions. The trip isn’t complete without a stop at Saltwater (12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.) for a glass of wine and oysters on the way home.
Where’s your favorite place to take out of town visitors in the Bay?
I like to go to the Presidio, as it captures all of the beauty San Francisco and the Bay has to offer in one place. I think walking is one of the best ways to experience the city, and being able to walk through the Presidio, around the new Tunnel Tops park, and down to Crissy Field makes for the perfect day. I always end it with a visit to Dalida (101 Montgomery St., Presidio), which is one of my favorite spots—and is dog-friendly, which is a plus.
"Bernal Cutlery, for me, is like being a kid in a candy shop," says Mazzola.(Courtesy of @bernalcutlery)
What Bay Area shop do you love to visit?
Bernal Cutlery (766 Valencia St., Mission and 1 Ferry Bldg, Embarcadero), for me, is like being a kid in a candy shop. I never leave without a new knife, gift for a friend, or tin of fish. The most helpful, trained, and kind staff on the planet! It’s impossible to walk out empty-handed.
What’s your favorite SF or Oakland neighborhood for a day or night out?
Temescal in Oakland has such a wide variety of dining and shopping, from fried chicken sandwiches at Bakesale Betty’s (5098 Telegraph Ave.) and bagels at Poppy (5004 Telegraph Ave.), to snacks at Roses’ Taproom (4930 Telegraph). Or head to Pizzaiolo (5008 Telegraph) or Burdell (4640 Telegraph) for modern soul food—and that’s just the start. Before dinner there are shopping spots for vintage clothing and books at Womb House Books (470 49th St.)...I could go on! Sadly some of my favorites, Preserved (5540 College Ave., Oakland) and Ali Golden (1844 4th St., Berkeley), have moved to new territory, so I am looking forward to what new shops pop up next.
Wild card: tell us something you love about the Bay Area.
Going to a Valkyries game with my granddaughters (1 Warriors Way, Mission Bay) and having pizza at Flour & Water Pizza Shop (1090 Dr. Maya Angelou Ln., Mission Rock) or Che Fico Pizzeria (1 Warriors Way, Ste. 300) before or after. I’ve also been known to make a detour to Outta Sight (422 Larkin St., Tenderloin)---which is also my go to for takeout for the staff at Prospect after a particularly busy night.
// Prospect is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 9pm; 300 Spear St. (SoMa), prospectsf.com
