Brunch, Boards and Brew: Father's Day in Half Moon Bay

The Half Moon Bay Coastside is serving up plenty of options or a fabulous Father’s Day -- just the way he likes it.  Endless beaches, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and the ocean offer a sportsman’s paradise, while the finest in dining, entertainment, and shopping have something for every man in your life.

Out On the Town

For the dad who wants a night out, and a belly laugh too, there’s "The Odd Couple" now at the Coastal Repertory Theater starring Michael Lederman in the role of no-fuss slob Oscar Madison. Doug Mallon plays neat freak roommate Felix Unger. Tickets are still available for the 2pm show on June 19, with performances running through June 25. 

The will feature live music all Father’s Day weekend, with tasty beer and dinner specials.  On Saturday, June 18, Marshall Law brings its rock and blues from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  On Sunday, Dad can tap his foot to Rock-A-Boogie from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Mitch Woods.  Dad gets a free growler, which can hold up to four pints of his favorite beer, when he orders an entrée special on Sunday, including smoked tri-tip and shellfish risotto. For more information, call 728-2739 or click here. 

If breakfast in bed is too much work, check out the Moss Beach Distillery’s Father’s Day Brunch.  Come hungry with crab benedict, herb crusted lamb chops and grilled skirt steak on the menu, along with fresh baked goods and unlimited champagne or mimosa drinks.  Call 728-5595 for reservations ($35.95 for adults, $22.95 for kids under 12).

Pairings can be popular, but they don’t always have to include wine and dinner.  is serving a BBQ Grill & Brunch at its signature restaurant with five seatings. In addition to the brunch stations the Ritz is known for, the Father’s Day event will offer a grilling station for barbecue fanatics. First seating is at 10:30 a.m., $105 per person on Sunday. To participate in this guest weekend event, call (800) 241-3333.    

To plan an unforgettable weekend away for Dad, The Ritz is teaming up with Tesla Motors to offer its Club Level guests the chance to test drive a Tesla Roadster.  Guests can sign up for a test drive of the green and mean cars starting Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19.

A Hole In One 

Treat dad to a round of golf on the infamous 36-hole oceanfront course of Half Moon Bay Golf Links or enroll him in its 2011 Academy of Golf, an instruction course featuring 1-day short game programs ($399) or 2-day playing schools ($700).  The lessons accommodate up to twenty golfers of all abilities, with 1-day lessons being held on weekends through late August and the 2-day playing school beginning July 2 and running every other week through late October.  Golfers will learn about short-game, bunker-play, full-swing, and on-course techniques from the staff of PGA Certified professionals, including Director Mitchell Lowe, former Canadian PGA Tour player and 3-time Northern California PGA Player of the Year.  Call 712-2200 for more information.

Does dad need clubs?  Butler Golf -- winner of Golf Digest’s 2011 America’s Best Clubfitters award -- offers custom-made Miura golf clubs, for a very special treat.  With a fitting studio located inside Princeton’s Shoppes at Harbor Village, this business can work to meet your needs.  Call 726-2323 for pricing and an appointment.  Watch David Butler's clubfitting video here.

Dad may need to relax after a rough day on the course, so , located next to Half Moon Bay Golf Links, is serving up a for $19.95.  Bring in your favorite wine and the corkage is free all day, with this special meal, on Father’s Day.  Call 726-1818 for a reservation.

At Sea Or On Land

Perhaps the sand and sea are calling to dad.  Half Moon Bay Board Shop can outfit you with anything from a new surfboard at it’s location on Cabrillo Highway to souvenirs and clothing at its Surf Factory shop in Harbor Village, where Quiksilver button up shirts are the fashion rage this season. To do it up right, store managers suggest hitting the beach with surfing lessons from Dave Alexander of Open Ocean Surfing. (In April, U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner earlier this year hired Alexander to ). Individual or group lessons, camps or classes, can be scheduled 24/7. If Dad doesn’t have a board, he can borrow one for the day, as he learns about ocean safety and how to ride the waves.  Open Ocean Surfing will even assist you with finding overnight accommodations at a local establishment, if you want to treat Dad to a future getaway package. 

Looking for activities fathers and sons can do together?  Gabe Lucas, manager of Snap Fitness in Stone Pine Center, suggests signing up for Snap’s 2 for 1 Summer Deal, where you get half off for enrollment, with an option to continue at the regular price after September.  Snap’s gym offers 24-hour access to weights, cardio work, and stretching. 

“The father and son combos we’ve seen have been pretty cool and encouraging,” says Lucas. 

His associate, Fitness Professional Darlene Olafsen, adds “It’s the most cost-effective way of getting your kids to exercise this summer, and something to do with Dad.”

If Dad needs some alone time, the Coastside offers many spa options for men, including Oceano Coastal Spa’s men’s facial, focusing on exfoliation and massage.  All treatments at Oceano can be customized for men, including waxing, body wraps, and massages from 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. Choose from Swedish, hot stone, or deep tissue.  Or maybe Dad’s nails could use a bit of TLC. Give the gift of a professional manicure or pedicure at , inside La Piazza, where a spa chair pedicure is just $26.

And there’s always bling.  For a truly sparkling and thoughtful gift to be cherished, including money clips, cuff links, key chains, or other jewelry, is the place to shop.  Dad can get a gift certificate and choose from what’s in store or design his own jewelry, including a men’s bracelet or twist ring.

“The focus of our business is custom work,” says Jesse Warshauer, Sales Associate and Jewelry Technician. Special orders can take two or more weeks. “We make items ourselves, from the metal that you prefer,” says Warshauer, who invites dads to stop in and visit the family-owned business.

And then there’s always relaxing at home.  Sometimes the way to Dad’s heart can be as simple as a decadent treat while reclining in his favorite chair.  has a special for Father’s Day: a signature Ice Cream Float Cake.  Choose his favorite flavors, top it with a cherry, and say, “Cheers to you, Dad.”