New Additions

Check out the new pages featured at the top of my blog! I'm still on the hunt for more furniture to dress up my beautiful abode, still making my way around the City to new and exciting places begging to be photographed, but, I've been distracted. In October, I went for a three week sojourn to beautiful India and have come back feeling like I need a change of scenery as does my blog.

Until I'm ready to start posting love letters to San Francisco again, check out my holiday shopping challenge where I promise to purchase all gifts for friends and family within a ten block radius of my house. I plan to share my strategy and experience finding (hopefully) thoughtful gifts for all the people in my life, including my teenage nieces who would likely prefer books from Barnes and Noble or clothes from Aeropostale. Let's see if any of my gifts are winners, this year!

Also be sure to check out my exploration of all of San Francisco's excellent dining options from around the world. This page will be host to my quick and dirty reviews of all the flavors I'm tasting in my own neighborhood and others within the City's limits. Indian food made my nose run and my palate dance and I'm on the prowl for similar experiences in my hometown.

Come with me! 

Oh, And...

In related but not local news. Just before the show started, one of our party who happens to be from New York gave us the news that New York passed a Same Sex Marriage Bill, making it the largest state to do so. After some drama, this was a welcome announcement, last night! California, what are you doing?...

Song and Dance for Pride

During this year's Gay Pride, A.C.T. is featuring the musical version of Armistead Maupin's San Francisco-based story series, Tales of the City. Last night, I gathered three friends to enjoy the show with the original Mrs. Madrigal, Olympia Dukakis, who came onstage to say a few words and congratulate the magnificent cast.

In preparation for the evening, one of my friends talked another friend into borrowing his Tales of the City Anthology and once received, the second friend read 100 pages of the book in two nights. I read the first book years ago now and am inspired to not only read all of them but, also rent the entire series from Le Video, my awesome neighborhood video store!

The show was so much FUN! There were a few great songs thanks to the folks who created Avenue Q and those who brought us the Scissor Sisters. And some of the acting was outstanding. It's gotten mixed reviews with good reason but, was definitely worth the half price tickets in the Mezzanine section, via Goldstar!

Nuevo Latino in the Sunset

On my way to dinner, I stopped in at the Great Overland Book Company on Judah and 9th and bought a $1 Mistress of Spices and a super cheap copy of Gertrude Stein's A Novel of Thank You. After seeing the Stein exhibit at the SF MoMA, I was inspired to read one of her books from the time period focused on in the show. The book shop's owner was incredibly friendly and someone I'll enjoy visiting at the store in the future. And, I will go again... Probably too much, especially since I vowed not to buy any books until I gave the same amount away. I am giving away two recent reads but, I also have two books coming from QPB since I neglected to opt out of the automatic order for June. Again.

Anyway, Fresca is a restaurant I've wanted to go to for years, now, and yet haven't (so many restaurants so little time!). But, Pasion, its sister restaurant in the Inner Sunset has brought the yummy Latin flavors to me. My old roommate and I headed here after work, this evening. Apparently, Thursday is a good night to go since one of the sous chefs from Fresca is there helping prep and serving his infamous jello shots to patrons.

We met up at 6:00 and it was the perfect time to go as there was not a wait and we were able to get the prime spot in the window, allowing us to enjoy the long summer evening. We ordered a side of fried plantains as our appetizer, which was incredible, as always. You can't really go wrong with sweet plantain goodness. I ordered the vaca encebollada, a roasted pepper wrapped New York steak with yuca fries and chimichurri. Oh my goodness, that is good! If I ate fish, I would have ordered the ceviche but, my companion did on our behalf. She said the trio she chose for her main dish was lip-smacking good aside from one which had vanilla in it. The neighbor who raved about this place the week prior as I stood reading the menu was not lying when she said the food was delicious. I'll be back again!

Found It!

Well, like with my apartment, I'd hunkered down and prepared myself for a long haul in trying to find the perfect couch... and then?! There it was! A gorgeous Danish mid-century modern day bed with the most perfectly colored pattern. Right there on my last turn around Past Perfect II, on Lombard. After my stroll around the store on Union Street and much prodding by my co-worker to check it out, I stopped by after work. Here she is...

The best part was the negotiation that was had between me and the guy working there. When I went to ask about delivery services, he asked how much the piece was that I was eying. "$850," I grimaced thinking that I would go home and think about it some more. "Would you pay $500?" he asked me. "Uh, yeah." I said aghast. "How about $450?" he continued talking me down... "Yes, of course!" I practically screamed. "We've had that piece forever and the owner may just want to get rid of it. Let me see," and he called the owner, the owner said yes, and I handed him my credit card! Hallelujah!

I also spotted this amazing Edwardian chair that also matched my room and new couch!

 My wonderfully tasteful Uncle suggested that I make sure to mix in some pieces that capitalize on the historic nature of my turn of the century apartment but, they are asking $300 for this and it's in need of repairs. The hunt continues. Next on my list, a chair kind of like this one, an antique dresser for my room, and an armoire for the living room.

Mr. Weatherman, You Are So Wrong!

On the bus this morning, there was a woman wearing a heavy winter coat and leather boots and a woman wearing flip flops and capri pants. The weatherman (i.e. Google's weather god) told me it would perhaps be humid and muggy but, merely cloudy. When I stepped off the bus, the mist was coming down so heavily that my hair kinked out and I had to whip out my umbrella....

Mr. Weatherman, you were wrong yesterday, too! The sun was out when I hit up the farmer's market and while the clouds sat heavily overhead throughout the day, there was no rain as predicted. What is up? Are you on vacation? When will this end? Summer in San Francisco is never what I want it to be but, this is ridiculous...

Fashion from Spain

The de Young truly never disappoints! My flamenco dancing friend and I went to the Balenciaga and Spain exhibit today and it was eye popping. Hamish Bowles of Vogue is the curator of this amazing exhibit and it features many pieces owned by him. The influence that flamenco dancers, Catholicism, matadors had on Balenciaga's work is obvious and I can imagine that high fashion Parisians between the late forties and late sixties found that look exotic and different.

Something that made a real connection for me was that many of the dresses were previously worn by San Francisco's very own society dames. Eleanor Christenson de Guigné was just one of these Bay Area women who had the fortune (literally) to own several Balenciaga gowns that she later donated to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Elise Stern Haas, of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund and from the Levi Strauss family in San Francisco, also owned gowns that were donated to the Museums.

But, my favorite San Franciscan who owned a pretty hand-embroidered dress was Jean Magnin. I was unable to find proof of this but, I assume Jean is from the Magnin family that started I. Magnin and who built the home across the street from my old place on Page Street. Maybe she even grew up in one of the houses belonging to the family and went out to social events wearing the dress. I'd like to imagine!

More Farmer's Market Finds

My favorite stand at the Inner Sunset Farmer's Market is probably Serendipity Farms' stand, where I get three greens for $5! What a steal and the greens are delicious. This is the last stand on my tour of the market and with the delights I pick up I've made kale chips, kohlrabi hash browns, and sauteed pea tendrils. And, the lettuce is hardy and long-lasting enough to make it through a week or two. Last week I also picked up some delicious radishes for my lunch-time salads, as well.

Aside from the places I mentioned in a previous post, I always stop at Fifth Crow Farms, Garcia Farms, and Far West Fungi. Fifth Crow Farms also has wonderful lettuces and as I mentioned, they have organic, free-range, pastured eggs that never give me tummy aches. Far West Fungi, which can be found at pretty much every farmer's market in San Francisco, has some of the best mushrooms around. They have the basics (which are humongous) and they have a wide variety of exotics, like the oyster trumpets I picked up today. My first stop is usually Garcia Farms where I get Brussels sprouts for as long as they're in season (which seems like forever), artichokes, and the foods that are okay to eat even if conventionally grown because they don't harbor as many pesticides (like onions).

Quartets and Sunsets

Kronos Quartet is a unique group of men who play stringed instruments - like in a quartet - primarily at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. But, they are not your average every day quartet; along with the violins, viola, and cello, they use instruments like toys and mouth organs and transistor radios. And, today, they played with the amazing Wu Man, the pipa master (for good reason!) in a preview of their show called A Chinese Home. It's like a history of Chinese music from the times of the 19th century Qing dynasty in the mountains of the north and southwest to the present with cellphones and technology and noise. Wu Man played the pipa in the traditional way and ended up rocking on it like a guitar, to illustrate the present day din. It was a great show!

 The stage before A Chinese Home

Directly afterward, my friends and I wandered through the Song Dong exhibit which is a variety of pieces that he created about his family, mostly his father whom he struggled with much of his life. But, the largest exhibit that had the biggest impact was the one called Waste Not. It was a large room filled with the stuff his mother hoarded during her life, made into an artful installation that could be viewed from above or within. Truly thought provoking.

After an art-filled afternoon, I made my way with another friend to Beach Chalet for a great dinner. I enjoyed a tasty Thai beef salad, with beef so tender and juicy I wanted more. My fellow Chalet-goer enjoyed a burger and fries which left him quite satisfied. We watched the sun set and the youth start storming the Great Highway (I still don't know why) as summer tried to start. The Chalet's historic murals were also of interest from the days when the building served as the Golden Gate Park visitor's center.

View of Ocean Beach

The Elusive Couch

It has now been a full two months since I moved into my new abode yet, I still don't have a couch.

This sad butterfly chair is just not cutting it any more!

I have daydreamed of inviting friends over for book clubs or after work appetizers but, the perfect couch continues to remain elusive. Almost a month ago, I found this cute number at the Urban Home in Berkeley. But, since then, I have done a lot more talking and thinking than searching. And, as of today, after a pep talk with a co-worker and sitting on my friends' new couch (both of whom had also been on the hunt since my excursion to Urban Home), my official hunt began in earnest as I wandered over to Past Perfect, on Union and Fillmore.

It is my goal to visit consignment stores for the next few weeks before I break down and buy Abbie, from Pier 1. And, not that Abbie isn't super cute and fitting for my new space, I just have spent so much time imagining the perfect mid-century bedecked living room filled with all my nearest and dearest, oohing and aahing over my exquisite taste. I mean, look at that fireplace! It would feel wrong not to fill the space in front of it with a similarly timeless piece from a fine local used furniture establishment.

So, back to Past Perfect, another co-worker suggested I hit up the store on Lombard which apparently has more floor space for showcasing their larger furniture. The store on Union was full of amazing finds that were not outrageously priced and super stylish to boot. Color me inspired! I plan to make my way back next week, in fact.

Sanctuary in Downtown Oakland

I have walked, ridden or driven past Lake Merritt in Oakland more times than I can count on two hands and never - until today - knew there was a bird sanctuary (home to amazing herons, egrets and cormorants), gondola rides, or a large non-profit education and play space called Fairyland! Nor did I know that the lake was a full three miles around, the making of a beautiful walk. So, before helping some friends do a good Spring purge, we took a meander around the lake and enjoyed the warm east bay Memorial Day weekend.

Those are baby goslings in the foreground. :) Tottering on their spindly legs, I was afraid they might fall in the lake!

After an afternoon of recycling paper, sorting through dusty or broken stuff and bagging up techno trash, we rewarded ourselves by hitting up one of the fine restaurants in their Glenview neighborhood. Banana Blossom is one of my favorite places to go and my friend, who does not crave Thai food in the least, always enjoys her meals there. I enjoyed Praram Chicken, a nice alternative to Satay Chicken served over a bed of spinach. They enjoyed a colorful appetizer of tuna poke and another colorful meal of shrimp and garlic veggies.

Finds on the Way to Work

It's been an adventure to walk to work, lately. With the Spring weather being fairly nice, I've taken the opportunity to do it as much as possible. My strategy is to walk out my door and enjoy the scenery, sometimes with company and interesting conversation with a friend who lives close by and sometimes alone. This morning, I wandered through the park as usual and ended up on 6th Avenue just before California, across from Peabody Elementary School where this cute little tea table was set for two. Each tea cup was stacked with rocks that almost looked like raw sugar cubes.

Delicious Thai

As I'm checking out all the fine dining establishments in my neighborhood, I had the opportunity this evening to try Soi Gow Thai and had it delivered right to my doorstep. I recently had Thai downtown and the Chicken Satay was tasteless and the peanut sauce bland. The same dish from Soi Gow tasted as though they just pulled the chicken off the grill and the peanuts were hand mashed earlier today. So good!

And, I've had a lot of Panang Curry over the years; many times once it goes in the fridge the oil separates and it looks pretty disgusting. That did not happen with this restaurant. I will be ordering a lot from Soi Gow despite the rave reviews of nearby Marnee Thai.

Making our Environment Vital

This week, a work team that we're calling the BEaT Team (I can never remember what it stands for aside from that we're focusing on beautification and creating efficiencies in the Thoreau Center), met with our consultants, three super-fun guys who have a very interesting business called VITAL environments. I'm very excited about what we're called to do with the consultants and can't wait to learn more about how to make a work environment more inviting and lively and the staff working there more productive and focused. The Vital team is made up of an architect, a mechanical engineer and a human interaction specialist, all whom bring very different views to the same goal of making people work better, with more integrated fun while conserving energy and other resources. More to come!

Nuggets

On a walk into work, this morning, my friend and I stopped into the Village Store in the Inner Richmond. One of those places I've walked past more times than I can remember, I would have never guessed from my brisk strides through the neighborhood that this is what would be found inside... Creaky wooden floors look like they have been there for decades and contrast with the vibrant fruit and vegetables pouring over the fresh food counters. And, the hospitality of the employees makes me want to spend hours at one of the rough-hewn community tables in the front windows.

My transport home was less enjoyable, a bus (or two) having fallen off the "rotation" and left the 5:30 driver picking up way too many passengers than could fit. It made me think about what I've heard about Japan, where there are people whose job it is to shove passengers onto the high-speed rail trains during rush hour. San Franciscans could have crowd surfed down the length of the evening 43 without any fear of being dropped. The ride took an hour and then some, all told. But, on the bright side, I was able to get the very last seat and read this great poem in this great book which caused me to laugh into the oversize backpack of the person standing in front of me.

Children in Zimbabwe and Imports from Scotland

This evening, my friend from work joined me for an interesting documentary screening at the World Affairs Council. The Council's walls are currently featuring artwork from women in Zimbabwe, which was appropriate to the topic at hand and beautifully displayed present day issues and daily life for Zimbabweans. We heard from a South African filmmaker Xoliswa Sithole about her film Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children and the effects of Mugabe's regime on children, including the demise of a once robust education system and the increase in HIV/AIDS-related illness and deaths in the country. Xoliswa was inspiring and candid about the very complex feelings she holds about Zimbabwe's and Africa's biggest problems. It was not the first time I heard that Africans need to help Africans, foreign aid is not helping but, it was the first time I heard it said using the very frank words she used.

After watching the film, to lighten our mood just a bit, my friend and I wandered into a nearby shop that sells imports from Scotland, Ireland and England. My friend being from England she was highly amused and proclaimed that you would never see something like this in Britain. I did not find a sprig of lucky heather as I'd hoped but, we laughed at the novelty of such a place. Of note, apparently this is a chain that can be found in the US, Canada and Scotland

The Commons

A trio of people from an interesting organization in Minnesota showed up to our sunny conference room at work, today. Jay Walljasper talked about the new book, All That We Share, that he compiled from tales told by activists changing their communities with innovative we-based solutions. Julie and Anna, the Co-Directors of On the Commons shared some of the projects they are working on, including a current project to protect the Great Lakes.

The ideals of these "commoners" include environmentalism, community development, and food sovereignty, just to name a few. But, they focus on these areas by bringing people closer in to solving the big problems. Makes me think.

I Hate Wind

The 15 mile per hour winds have come to San Francisco. I abhor them. They blow my not-too-short-not-long-enough hair all around my face as soon as I peek my head out the door. They destabilize me as I walk to and from the bus stop. And, they whistle through windows open just a crack to let the air flow.

But, this Spring Wind is my favorite place to pick up Chinese medicine herbs that are so good for me and my body. And, help to reduce the wind in my chi. Oh, the irony!

Sundays at the Market

Since I moved into my new neighborhood, I've been enjoying the Sunday farmer's market just a few blocks away between 8th and 9th Avenues and Irving Street. It has not only fresh fruits and veggies from farms nearby but, also a few other items that I appreciate being able to purchase locally. For example, hand made soap and skin care products from Pamela Soap, almonds and dried fruit produced by Rodin Farms, and hard and soft goat cheeses from Achadinha Cheese Company (recently featured in Sunset magazine). Pamela's rose clay soap with lavender, rosemary and shea butter leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. The applewood smoked almonds and dried peaches from Rodin are full of flavor! And, the Capricious hard goat cheese is amazing grated over the fresh asparagus I pick up at the market.

Finding Furniture for An Urban Home

My co-worker told me about Urban Home, a super great Berkeley consignment furniture store that is having a sale, this weekend. I found some very good items that I just might buy for my new place.

A cute green couch...

and a beautiful Mission style computer desk/storage unit.

Near the 4th Street shopping corridor it was way more fun than Ikea. The staff were very friendly so, I'll be back before my apartment is fully stocked for sure.

Of note, you have to get your own transport and muscle to get the furniture home. But, they do provide a list of recommended movers!

Monday Marina and Creativity at the Commonwealth Club

I love those days when I go to work and then have a whole other life afterward. Especially when that whole other life is filled with beauty and interesting conversation and dreaming. Today was one of those great days and tonight, I'll rest a head filled with funny quips and remembered scenes of a day way more than ordinary.

A colleague and I opted to walk downtown after work by way of the Marina, North Beach, and China Town. It took a good hour and a half but, it was a beautiful walk (check out the pics).

 

We parted ways at the BART station where I headed up to the Commonwealth Club to hear Ze Frank speak. Oh, how I love Ze Frank! The first time I heard of him was when he did his July 2010 TED Talk. Then, he focused on how hard it is to connect with people and how he has used the internet to connect with people via such projects as Young Me Now Me and Ray. In the Commonwealth Club talk, he brought his telltale humor and went into great depth about his relationship with the Jungian archetype Peur Aeternus (the eternal boy). He also shared one of his infamous songs (I love them). I left wanting more creativity in my life and with recommendations from Ze on how to get more. Check out the podcast.... That's him in the fuzzy picture below. 

Cooling Off

As a way to clear my head and reduce the ire that came up regarding a never ending problem at work, I took a step outside to Crissy Field. One of my favorite spots in San Francisco, I feel pretty lucky to work within walking distance of the bay-front park that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. It's shocking how little I go there despite its proximity but, today I took advantage of the break in showers and enjoyed the great outdoors.

As I came out from under the overpass leading to the water, I saw the kites flying high above their respective kite boards. It was a perfect day for this activity since the wind was blowing...hard. As I crossed Doyle Drive, I saw the amazing great egrets fishing in the marsh (check out a great image by clicking on Great egret hunting). For some reason, egrets always make me think I'm going to have good luck! As I rounded the corner along the beach at Crissy Field, a tourist was snapping a fabulous photgraph of a dog-walker surrounded by no less than 7 dogs with Alcatraz as backdrop. It would have been great if I'd brought my camera! As I started to return to work, I turned and noticed a lone palm standing as though it were victorious in its goal to be the last one standing. So out of place and yet so natural.

Ahhh. I feel better already.

Exploration - Part 6

As a friend and I wandered toward Lincoln and Golden Gate Park, this evening, I suggested we step into this small store front that I've periodically spied on since I moved into the neighborhood. It was fabulous because we met Peter, the owner and creator, Alex, the West Coast Manager, and Misha, the soon-to-be Denver Manager of Magnolia Photo Booth.

This company is cool because they set up a Magbooth where ever you want them to - birthday, wedding, block party - and you end up with a great commemorative book as well as tons of photobooth pics of your friends and family, from the event. I'm still trying to figure out what event I can host that would be appropriate for a Magbooth. Maybe it's more a question of what wouldn't be an appropriate event for a photo booth?...

Good Morning Sutro

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Egg on Pizza?

This morning, drinking my Peerless Coffee Viennese blend, I pored over my April issue of Sunset where I read a delicious description of a pizza you can get at Osteria Coppa a new casual Italian restaurant in San Mateo. The description of topping options ended with "Calabrian chiles and cured pork cheek" and a "yolky farm egg"... YUM! (Note: I have not eaten gluten much less pizza in almost a year so the drool-meter is extra heightened right now)

It is ironic because last weekend I happened to come across the postcard I sent my parents from Paris back in 1999, pictured below. Just in case it's illegible, at the very end I wrote, "We tried to get a pizza but the place we went to only had one pizza left with a big fried egg on it. Very interesting. So we got couscous and ate that with chips and gross Bavarian beer in the dark of the flat." (Note: my use of the word interesting was not a positive one) 

Wild Parrots

The wild parrots have been a part of my life in some way since I moved to San Francisco. I learned of them when I worked at the organization that aired the film on PBS stations. The movie was brilliant and I sought them out on Telegraph Hill, where they evaded me. Then, I heard a flock of them - and still do regularly - when I started working in the Presidio. They fly and squawk among the tall trees near my office; it's a sound like no other.

Today, two of them disrupted a meeting, as they landed right outside of my window at work and picked at the recently deflowered green shoots coming from the flowering trees. It was truly an amazing sight and a great way to end the week that started with a blue heron in Golden Gate Park.

Charity, Richmond Hipsters and Jack Kerouac

What do those three things have in common? April 14th.

After work, a colleague friend and I headed to Crissy Field for a beautiful walk overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and some blooming wild flowers (see pic) on our way to Sports Basement for an Asian Women's Shelter Fundraiser. I bought new walking shoes and $10 of my purchase went towards the shelter! And, I got some carrots and guacamole while I was at it.

Then, we meandered through the Presidio, where I snapped some pictures of the clouds and a small blue bird chirped along the walkway.

We grabbed some delicious, soul-feeding food and had great conversation at Q. Always a great spot for brunch, I had never tried their dinner and was happily surprised with my plate full of grilled chicken and braised veg. I even snuck a few tater tots from my friend and cheated on my GAPS diet. I couldn't help myself, they are so deliciously flavorful; nothing like those frozen Ore-Idas from youth.

Last, on our way to our respective bus lines, as we walked up Fulton Street, we came upon a film crew for this film about Jack Kerouac. The train depot across from the corner of 7th and Fulton had a sign saying "Welcome to Monterey" and there were 1940's style cars all over the place and extras decked out in their best 40's gear pouring from buses and cars. Exciting Thursday night in the City!

Sunset?

My friend and I walked this morning and although I left my house and the heavy clouds were merely spitting, by the time I walked the five blocks to meet her in the park, the rain had begun in earnest. And continued, getting heavier and heavier, until at one point we were walking past the Presidio Golf Club and the rain was pelting our newly purchased Safeway umbrellas (thank goodness we made that little detour). When we finally reached my office, the sun was beaming through the clouds. The same sun that had been shining in my bedroom window when I woke up, this morning. Before the torrent hit.

And, this evening, that rain was but a vague recollection as I gazed toward the beach at the sun setting....

Goldman Prize, Again

For the fourth year, I had the great honor of being invited to attend the Goldman Environmental Prize and was (as always) blown away by the work the winners are doing and their amazing enthusiasm. It's always inspiring and always a truly beautiful evening. I'm grateful to my friends who have kept me on the invite list for the past several years!

This year, much of the event was spent honoring the recently passed Richard Goldman, the co-founder of the prize. There have been special guests in the past (Robert Redford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, former prize winner Wangari Maathai) but, this year, the focus was really on the family and Richard Goldman, with good reason.

This year, I was very moved by Ursula Sladek, a German former teacher who helped her community buy out the energy grid and now is the head of the first cooperatively owned renewable power supply company, in Germany. Her video showed her humility and sense of humor and when she walked on stage with walking sticks I felt her strength! I also appreciated Hilton Kelley who used to live in San Francisco but, moved back to his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas to help children and families fight the illness causing pollution of that community which borders several petro-chemical plants.

While I never end up snapping photos, the event is something I will never forget and will come back to again and again to inspire myself toward action in this big, big world!

Exploration - Part 2

Feeling like I needed to get a lay of the land (literally), I hiked up to Mt. Davidson Park today which allowed me to perch over my new neighborhood. While I moved to the Sunset to get to some flatter land, Golden Gate Heights is a mere 15 minute walk and provides the San Francisco hills, just like my old neighborhood.

The great thing about getting to Mt. Davidson is being able to see the amazing Mosaic Steps at 16th and Moraga. Check out the journey to the top and the views from up there. You can see almost 360 degrees: Sutro Tower, the Ocean (not seen by most of the other hills of SF), the tip of the Golden Gate Bridge, and most of downtown. It's going to be one of my favorite spots, I can tell already.

View From My New Window at Sunset

Exploration - Part 1

On my way to the bus stop from my new place this morning I saw this interesting little church hidden amongst the other residential houses. Turns out it is a Russian Orthodox Church although I didn't see the tell-tale double-parked cars lining the street on Sunday.

Stumptown

Last day of coffee drinking and I head to Stumptown for deliciousness. The woman behind the counter looks like a Ritual barista but she's way more friendly.

Holler Mountain is the takeaway for my co-workers and boy am I satisfied!

Seattle Love

Hanging out in Seattle makes me want to move here. Even though much of my time has been spent in the Grand Hyatt, networking and learning about Grants Management. I just love the art that is very casually thrown all over the city, the delicious coffee, and the amazing local and sustainable food. Here are some places I've gone over the past few days and some of my new favorite parts of Seattle:

1) Caffe Ladro: one of their stores is right outside the hotel; not only do they have soy milk but, also rice! And, the coffee is sustainably harvested. And, tasty!

2) Elliott Bay Book Company: this is probably one of my very favorite bookstores of all time. Not unlike the Tattered Cover in Denver and Cody's formerly in Berkeley, Elliott Bay has creaky wooden floors, quiet aisles, and an excellent selection of local books.

3) Random Art: As I said, it's all over the city. Here's just one highlight that was right near my hotel:

4) Local 360: When they seated our group of 10 upstairs in the warm, less noisy corner, I liked what I was seeing. When the waiter had the bar create a fruit juice that could have passed for a fancy cocktail for a fellow Grants Manager, I was impressed. When they brought out my plate-sized pork chop atop pureed parsnips, I was in heaven. When my pregnant colleague got the last few bites of the crazy chocolate dessert, she was in heaven. So friggin' good!

5) Victrola Coffee Roasters: Kind of a funny set up and a bit of a wait for my standard issue Americano but, well worth the wait. Not to be repetitive but, Seattle has so much good coffee.

6) Sitka and Spruce: For the night of dine-arounds, I picked this place because it appeared in the fancy Where guide to Seattle in my hotel room. I was not disappointed. Our group of 8 walked into the Melrose Market and found it at the very back, tucked behind the flower shop with a wall of windows and an open kitchen. Our awesome waitress offered to just bring us out a selection of items from their minimal menu full of locally grown and sourced food full of flavor and made in such interesting combinations. My favorites may have been the chicken cooked two ways and the pork belly. Maybe...

 

Absolutely Haight Street

From my spot on the 43 bus ride home, I could see a usual band of merry pranksters sitting on the ledges on the side of the shop at Haight and Masonic, with blankets, backpacks, Olde English forties in hands. But this time was different... I couldn't make out what I saw at first. Mostly because it did not "compute". But, as I stared longer and the bus rounded the corner, it finally became clear that the twenty something girl - sitting with her pit bull mutt, pulling blankets around her as the rain clouds hung heavily overhead - was typing away on a laptop... And that the older man just a few feet away was talking on a cellphone. Being "homeless" has never been so ... appealing?...

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Bouquets to Art

A friend and I met up in the big long line to check out the Members Only Bouquets to Art exhibit at the de Young. While it was a bit more of a hustle and bustle than I usually like in a museum, the works we saw were absolutely amazing! Each artist takes their bouquet and designs a work of art wholly out of cut flowers that represents a painting, sculpture or photograph from the museum.

Check out the likeness of the carved dog from this mantle:

 And these other fabulous works:

Celebrate?...

Mid-day a friend sent me an email pronouncing that I must celebrate from noon until noon tomorrow, as proclaimed by one of her gurus. It's the New Moon and also the ending of a critical time has past. I was looking forward to going out with a new friend for dinner and a movie, in the Richmond.

We started off eating delicious Indian at India Clay Oven, on Clement and 25th Avenue. The service was a little over the top but, we were also there quite early and the fairly large staff probably didn't have anything else to do with only one other table seated. We got bhindi bhaji (yummy okra with spices) and thick and rich chicken coconut curry. Likely, this will not be a one time visit, it was so tasty.

After good conversation and food, we rushed over to the 4 Star Theater on Clement and 23rd to catch the movie Blue Valentine. First, I love the 4 Star which I'd only been to one other time. The theaters are small and cozy and the guy at the ticket counter was a real neighborhood character. The movie was very well-acted by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams (so deserving of her Oscar nod) and its structure and visual aspects were very interesting so, I'd highly recommend people go see it. But, it was antithetical to the idea of celebrating that I'd had in mind, at the start of the evening. Walking out, I noticed the many couples in the audience and wondered how many of them would break up later in the week...

Snow Day?

With a forecast of snow (seriously), I took my chances and headed out to the Outer Richmond for a museum day and was pleasantly surprised by the blue skies and fun times.

First, I found these steps at the end of California Street near 32nd Avenue, on my way to the Legion of Honor Museum in Lincoln Park. Check out that beautiful tile bench at the top of  the stairs.

Next, I enjoyed the Pulp Fashion exhibit at the Legion of Honor, with amazingly detailed, historically inspired dresses made out of nothing more than paper. Isabelle de Borchgrave is a contemporary artist that uses paintings from the 15th - 19th centuries to design her masterpieces out of paper. The lace is made from lens paper but, is paper nonetheless. I was hugely impressed by the Medici room with its gowns and children dresses inspired by paintings of the Medici family from the Uffizi.

Lastly, the Balboa Theatre was in walking distance and I've been wanting to see what everyone has been raving about and was delighted by the scenery and constuming, as well as the acting of The King's Speech. Every recent Colin Firth movie I've seen has made me respect his acting more than the last and Geoffrey Rush is as good as everyone has said.

Outer Richmond is a great place to hang out on a sunny (albeit very chilly) afternoon!

Moving!

In a month and a day, I get to move into a wonderful new abode (look how cute it is!) in a fabulous neighborhood and here are all the things I'm most excited about:
1) Public transportation will pick me up and drop me off a 5 minute, super-flat walk from my doorstep
2) Those high ceilings and mostly neighborless walls will provide sweet serenity, especially in my bedroom
3) It's going to be so fun to decorate and buy furniture for that unique and history-soaked space
4) If I want to, I can host guests for dinner or overnight
5) And, the East-facing morning light, brand new double-paned windows, the fresh paint, and the excellent upkeep will help the apartment stay dry and resistant to mold and mildew

Oh, I can NOT wait!

Pomplamoose Rocks!

A year or so ago, I heard about this great musician duo that does covers of Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Edith Piaf AND writes their own songs, too. I loved them at first listen and then I saw them while in LA for New Years' Eve, on a Hyundai commercial. And now, they are featured in this week's SF Weekly! Who knew that Pomplamoose, the cutest couple on the planet, was from the Bay Area?

They are self-made musicians that make music out of their Marin shed and post their videos and a weekly show on YouTube. Love them...

Food Shopping

This may not be news but, something that has made food shopping way more enjoyable for me. Of course, some people don't mind the mobs of people that they have to wade through just to get some almond butter at Trader Joe's but, I am not one of those people. Even listening to Mozart on my iPod can not help control my anxiety when I can't get through the nut aisle. But, grocery shopping on weekend mornings the hour after stores open or Friday or Saturday nights, when party-goers are reveling is a whole other story!

My most frequently visited stores are Trader Joe's at Masonic and Geary or on 9th and Bryant as well as Whole Foods on 24th Street in Noe Valley. While the Whole Foods on 24th Street is often pleasant enough no matter when you go, going at night is always much more serene. And, Trader Joe's at either location is downright relaxing on a Sunday morning. Added perks at the Trader Joe's on 9th and Bryant is Peet's Coffee just a few doors down and the ability to hop into Bed Bath and Beyond after they open at 9:00am for dishwashing soap and new towels.

Break in the Clouds

After a week or more of gray skies and cold, rainy days the sun came up today. It reminded me why I haven't moved away from this place yet. Last summer there were more cold, gray days than sunny, especially in the prime summer months. The majority of that time I felt a little like "Speed" Levitch, a New York City native and tour guide who declares in the film entitled "The Cruise" that his relationship with New York is not always good. In fact, he sometimes hates New York. Last summer, I hated San Francisco. We were not on speaking terms.

Today, as I walked up Ashbury, the 45 degree morning chilling my hands while the sun hit my forehead, I was reminded why I stay. There are always those periods of time when I'm giving San Francisco the silent treatment and vice versa. But, the extremes always lure me back in. Just two weekends ago it was 75 degrees. This week it was so cold the snap took snow to the Sierras. And, the past week's torrential rain storm with some hail thrown in was just wild enough to make today absolutely amazing!

Must See TV

Watched Fairly Legal and it made it into my subscriptions on Hulu! It takes place in San Francisco, although like every other show on TV it's actually filmed in Vancouver. But, I don't care. I love that Kate lives on a boat in the Bay, that her former/current love interest works at City Hall, and that each episode contains these montages of gorgeous San Francisco footage between scenes. And, I've liked Sarah Shahi since she starred in the L Word way back when.

Commonwealth Club and Colibri

Tonight, Dr. Dambisa Moyo, an economist and author, came to speak about her latest book, "How the West was Lost," at the Commonwealth Club. It was fascinating to hear her highlight some of the reasons the West is losing ground to countries like China, especially. One of her biggest calls to action was to educate the West. And, she didn't mean throw dollars at the problem but, instead provide quality education by hiring the right teachers for the jobs.

After this titillating talk, I walked through Union Square which was dry for the evening, after a rainy day, and met a good friend who is heading off into the wild of Nicaragua in about a week. We ate at Colibri, a restaurant that another friend has recommended many times. The food was great and the atmosphere intimate, a unique offering across the street from the theatres on Geary. I had carnitas and these amazing mushrooms with a light brown sauce. My friend had one of the Oaxacan mole specials that Colibri is known for.

75 Degrees in February

This past weekend we enjoyed 75 degree days, here in San Francisco... And, look what the cherry blossoms had to say about it, today.

USF Views

Those Jesuits knew what they were doing. Look at that view from atop Lone Mountain, outside the quick mart. Makes me want to go back and get another degree...

Fundraiser at Madrone Art Bar

While I'm not a drinker, I still enjoy a good Happy Hour for a Cause, like they host at Madrone Art Bar. This evening, one of my dear friends invited all her nearest and dearest to raise funds and celebrate her upcoming departure to Masaya, Nicaragua to work with women at Ixchen.

Madrone was a great venue for the fundraiser and the bartenders were so supportive of her cause, throwing in free drinks as well as their own tips to help make the night a success. The unique art on the walls made the establishment interesting and thought-provoking. And, the food provided by my friend and her roommates was outstanding: delicious empanadas, homemade guacamole, and veggie curry puffs as well as chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for dessert.

She raised the last of the funds she needed and leaves at the end of February! I was happy to be able to participate as well as see some familiar faces that have gone onto brighter pastures in the past year.

Rayko & LuLu

Enjoyed a warmish winter afternoon, checking out the Kodachrome exhibit at Rayko Photo Center in SoMa. My friend and I perused prints and giggled at the chicken photos in the viewmasters.

Then we waltzed over to Restaurant LuLu where we ate braised beef cheeks and a delightful latin winter stew. The service was pretty horrible but, (although the man refilling our water glasses was very attentive) overall the food was delicious so I won't write the place off yet. It is a great place for a birthday party because of the space and the many options on the menu (wood-fired pizzas, yummy provencal dishes, as well as lighter fare).

 Check out the gorgeously high ceiling (above) and the huge wood-fired ovens (below).

Census Consensus

Perhaps because I live in a City where we are on top of each other all day long, I'm obsessed with the Census. I even blogged about it in 2010.

Here's some graphics illustrating how the population has shifted in the past 10 years:

Board. Blog. Land.

This isn't really representative of my LA New Year's weekend. But it all came up rainy roses and dazzling lights! Happy new year!

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