Brunch Archives — San Francisco Bay Guardian Archive 1966

Let’s go eat

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October 7, 2014

culture@sfbg.com

CHOW NOW

Opening Wed/8 in the landmark Presidio Officers’ Club is Arguello (Main Post, 50 Moraga Ave, SF. www.ArguelloSF.com), from chef Traci Des Jardins. The 188-seat restaurant will feature Des Jardins’s heartfelt and homestyle Mexican cuisine — have you had her albondigas? — and there will even be an outdoor comal (griddle) for making tortillas. The restaurant has outdoor dining (it’s a heated patio!) and a bar too, under the direction of Enrique Sanchez, with more than 50 different types of tequila. Whether you’re in the area for a quick lunch or dinner (open Wednesday through Saturday), or Sunday brunch, Arguello has you covered. Drinks outside by the fire pit, also a good idea, right? Reservations will be available for dinner only.

Another spiffy opening: the rather spacious new home for Marlowe (500 Brannan, SF. www.marlowesf.com), which moved from its SoMa digs on Townsend into the nearby COCO500 space. The first big upgrades? There’s now a full bar, and the seating has doubled. There’s also a charming little enclosed patio, so I wish you luck scoring a table during these sunny Indian summer days and warm evenings (lunch and dinner are served, sweet). The décor theme continues with inspiration from butcher shops — it’s crisp and clean, with lots of tile and whitewashed walls — plus a bit of a bistro vibe with a banquette in tobacco and tables topped in marble and wood. And yeah, there’s that gleaming bar. You’ll find a new menu packed with bar bites (the warm deviled egg is pure evil), spiced jumbo Gulf shrimp, some seasonal soups and salads. Of course, the famed Marlowe burger is available. Speaking of, look for a late-night burger window to open soon. Yeah, that’s good stuff right there.

The ever-elegant Quince (470 Pacific Ave, SF. www.quincerestaurant.com) has reopened after an extensive two-month renovation by Douglas Durkin. No, you’re not confused: The doorway is new, and the bar and lounge area has moved into a more intimate space (you can enjoy choice selections at the Champagne Bar from Jai Wilson, tableside cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres or order á la carte off chef Michael Tusk’s tasting menus — and bonus, walk-ins are welcome). If you dream of hosting a private event at Quince, we can’t help you with the bill, but there are two new 12-seat private dining rooms (they moved into the former bar area). And if you get fired up at the idea of ringside seats, there’s a chef’s counter, with room for two (you also get a kitchen tour, a special menu, and lots of interaction with chef Michael Tusk). One more bonus: Cotogna, the casual sister next door, now has a private dining room in its working kitchen, with room for 12. Yup, just in time for holiday parties.

It’s also worth noting that Wise Sons Deli (3150 24th St., SF. www.wisesonsdeli.com) now offers dinner service at its 24th Street location, Thursday through Saturday nights. Look for dinner plates like braised brisket, smaller dishes like kasha varnishkas (toasted buckwheat, caramelized onion, and shmaltz tossed with bowtie pasta, yes!) but you can also take advantage of breakfast all day: Hello pastrami and eggs, you know you want it. Here’s your chance to get the hefty pastrami burger, and if you need to go to bed afterward, that’s OK. And one more thing: You won’t have to stand in a line at the register — there will be actual table service. How grown-up!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Blame it on Rio

Michael Redmond

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September 23, 2014

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culture@sfbg.com

FEAST:BRAZIL Just when SF starts to cool down, it’s time to consider wiggling your toes in the fluffy sand of Ipanema, with a caipirinha in hand, no? Now that World Cup fever has subsided, hit up Rio de Janeiro before the Olympics start in August 2016. If you love the beach and/or the gays and a tropical vibe (raises hand), then Ipanema or Leblon is for you. I snagged an apartment just blocks from the beach, and as a solo female traveler, I felt safe the entire time. I have a post on what I learned about the beach culture of Rio on tablehopper.com (you’ll find it in the “Jetsetter” section). It’s a bit too long to share here. So, let’s talk about where to eat!

You’ll need to experience a Brazilian churrascaria, and I dug my lunch at Porcão Rio after my visit to the top of nearby Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). The restaurant is huge, with a pretty view, and I could not believe the spread. Lunch was R$112 (about $50), featuring the biggest salad bar you’ll ever see in your life. But save some room, because the parade of meats is coming! Waddle out of there and then go pass out on the beach like the elephant seal you feel like.

Also on the checklist: feijoada, a hearty stew traditionally served on Saturday afternoon — although I’ve heard other Brazilian cities have different preferred days. A classic place (58 years old and counting) called Garden between Ipanema and Leblon was excellent, with garlicky black beans, beef tongue, pig’s ear and tail, linguiça, and thin air-dried meat, plus the classic accompaniments of shredded kale, aipim frito (fried yuca), farofa (toasted manioc flour, made from yuca), white rice, and orange supremes. Older crowd, and I dug the classy vibe. Also: heavy wine pours.

I am a huge fan of Brazilian/Portuguese pizza (it comes with hard-boiled egg, black olive, onion, and ham), and I found a good one at Alessandro E Federico in Leblon. Be sure to ask for the crazy hot piri piri sauce. It wasn’t the most amazing pizza of my life, but sitting on the terrace drinking sparkling rosé with a sexy carioca crowd did a lot.

You have to visit the Hippie Fair in Ipanema on Sundays so you can track down the Bahian food stand and try acarajé! An Afro-Brazilian dish from Bahia, by way of Nigeria, it will blow your mind. It’s a black-eyed pea fritter fried in dendê (palm oil), slathered with vatapá (a thick, rich, and spicy sauce made from shrimp, coconut milk, bread, cashews or peanuts), garlic, onion, and more dendê. And then it gets topped with baby fried shrimp. Request a few shakes of the hot sauce. Boom.

You’ll definitely want to hang out at a few of the botecos/botequims that feel like Spanish tapas bars — it’s where you’ll drink chopps (draft beers) and snack on petiscos like bolinhos (croquettes) and savory pasteis (little tarts). There’s the old-school Jobi, while Bar Bracarense had some of my favorite bites (like coxinha de frango with catupiry cheese).

One of my top Rio moments was brunch at the Copacabana Palace. Talk about a grand dame. Seriously, pinch me. Sunday brunch at Pérgula Restaurant is quite the spread (for R$170, about $75) — if it’s not too hot, you have to sit outside near the pool. From caviar and blini to platters of seafood, hot dishes, and desserts, the entire experience is truly glamorous. Be sure to try the sparkling wine from Cave Geisse, made in Brazil.

Check out Bip Bip for live music one evening, it’s such a groovy scene. Lot of history at this tiny place (since 1968) that spills out onto the street, and you can walk nearby to Restaurante O Caranguejo, a fab no-frills seafood joint. There’s a counter where you can stand and order a warm shrimp empada and a chopp and make new friends.

Via Sete in Ipanema has a fun scene and outdoor terrace. Get the grilled picanha (such tender and flavorful steak). Great spot for lunch and people watching.

For a special experience, however, head up to the hills of Santa Teresa and dine at

Aprazível. Let me paint a picture: a twinkling view, trees surrounding the open terrace, birds chirping, bossa nova playing, a smashing wine list with many Brazilian wines (a rarity in Rio), such nice servers, and freshly grilled hearts of palm, still in the stalk. Yes, this exists.

If there’s any way you can swing it, you have to stay at the Hotel Santa Teresa, a total dream of a place that used to be a coffee plantation, and is the picture of rustic chic. Think about it, even for a night so you can explore Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighborhood with galleries and cafés. (Although it’s not entirely a place you’ll want to walk around at night unescorted, jus’ sayin’.)

And there are a bunch of must-see sights, of course, like the colonial Centro area (don’t miss a visit to the Confeitaria Colombo, it’s gorgeous), the Jardim Botânico, and the Museu do Arte Contemporânea in Niterói. Just hop on over to the jetsetter section on tablehopper.com for more. Boa viagem!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Brunch o’clock

Michael Redmond

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September 2, 2014

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culture@sfbg.com

BRUNCH ME

SoMa’s Darwin Café (212 Ritch, SF. www.darwincafesf.com) has added weekend brunch to its already tasty lineup. How about a Turkish breakfast with egg, tomato, figs, kasseri cheese, olives, and toast? Or a golden malted waffle with candied bacon? Or a croque madame? Oui! Hours are Saturday and Sunday 10am–2pm. (“Pastry hour” starts at 9am for you early bird types).

Also in SoMa, have you had a chance to check out chef-owner Lauren Kiino’s Red Dog (303 Second St, SF. www.reddogrestaurant.com) yet? The place has a lot going for it. There’s an outdoor patio, a full bar too, and some really appealing brunch dishes. (You can munch on some housemade breakfast pastries while you make up your mind). If you have a total manimal appetite, then the Red Dog brunch platter ($18) is for you: You get two fried eggs, grilled shortribs, housemade breakfast sausage, bacon, butter beans, and an English muffin. Don’t want to eat like a lumberjack? Then you can enjoy slow-scrambled eggs with crescenza cheese, avocado toast, and arugula. Or maybe you’re in the mood for griddled French toast, that’s just fine. The olive oil fried egg sandwich is all kinds of awesome as well, with two eggs, bacon, provolone, sweet onion butter, and breakfast potatoes. Bonus: You can order oysters on the half shell, a perfect pairing for your Bloody Mary. Served Saturday and Sunday 10am–3pm.

Feelin’ fancy? Time to head to the top of Nob Hill to the newly renovated Big 4 (1075 California, SF. www.big4restaurant.com)! You can go on the lighter side with smoked trout with cucumbers, watercress, pistachio, and crème fraîche, or get down to business with the Eggs Blackstone (English muffin, grilled early girl tomatoes, Hobb’s bacon, hollandaise, crispy Yukon potatoes). There are plenty of brunch cocktails to get you back in the game too. Sunday brunch is served 10:30am–2:30pm.

Psst, I have a little secret garden for you. The fabulous Fable (558 Castro, SF. www.fablesf.com) in the Castro has a flower-filled back garden patio, exactly where you want to be for fluffy buttermilk pancakes (with banana, macadamia nut, coconut butter, and maple syrup), or creative picks like duck confit salad with a sunny side-up cage-free egg (with tarragon, Parmesan, watermelon radish, toasted brioche, baby tatsoi, and apricot vinaigrette). And if you see soft-shell crab on the menu, get it. Just get it. Served Sat–Sun 11am–2:30pm.

I have been a fan of the breakfast burrito at Green Chile Kitchen (1801 McAllister, SF. www.greenchilekitchen.com) for a good long time, but now it’s featuring some groovy new options on the weekend, like a New Mexican frittata layered with blue corn tortillas, eggs, zucchini, corn, green chile, cheese, and crema, served enchilada-style (mmmm), and migas (eggs, crispy tortilla strips, green chile, tomatillo avocado salsa, cotija, and black beans). Watermelon and mango mimosas are on the menu too.

Hayes Valley residents have a couple fresh spots that are stumbling distance from their bed, starting with Talbot Café (244 Gough, SF. www.talbotcafe.com), which just got a renovation and a menu upgrade too. Get your brain cells back with some Sightglass coffee and Saturday brunch (8am–3:30pm) savory or sweet polenta, an herb waffle and lox sandwich, and a waffle sandwich with bacon, eggs, and avocado (whoa).

Also in Hayes Valley is the new-ish Papito West (425 A Hayes, SF. www.papitosf.com), which serves weekend brunch 10am–4pm. There are two kinds of chilaquiles, plus huevos rancheros, and three kinds of omelets, like one with housemade chorizo with jack cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and sour cream, or another with poblano peppers with corn, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted poblano peppers, goat cheese, and sour cream. Buen provecho!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Fall fairs and festivals

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August 26, 2014

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Aug. 30

Pilgrim Soul Forge Harvest Fair Pilgrim Soul Forge, 101 West Tower, Alameda; www.grantsforge.com. Noon-6pm, free. Possibly the only fall fair in the Bay Area to offer blacksmithing demonstrations alongside the usual suspects: food trucks, craft vendors, and live music.

Savor Filipino Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero at Market, SF; www.savorfilipino.com. 10am-6pm, free (most workshops $15). Try the best in Filipino cuisine at this gathering of chefs and authors, with a huge menu of tasty eats (check it out online) and workshops on vegan Filipino cooking, modern Filipino desserts, and other tasty topics. Plus: live music and traditional dance performances, and a “Dance That Lumpia Off” audience-participation activity.

Aug. 30-31

Millbrae Art and Wine Festival 400 Broadway, Millbrae; www.miramarevents.com. 10am-5pm, free. Downtown Millbrae’s annual Mardi Gras-style celebration, with live music, a juried art show, a classic car show, carnival-style rides, and tons of specialty food and drink vendors.

San Francisco Zine Fest SF County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave, SF; www.sfzinefest.org. Aug 30, 11am-5pm; Aug 31, 11am-4pm. Free. Support indie writers, artists, and creators at this annual event, with exhibitions, workshops, book signings, and more. Special guests include Ryan Sands (publishing company Youth in Decline), Tomas Moniz (RAD DAD zine), and illustrator and cartoonist Hellen Jo.

Aug. 30-31

SF Bay Brazilian Day and Lavagem Festival Casa de Cultura, 1901 San Pablo, Berk; www.brasarte.com. 11am-7pm, free. Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day with a lavagem (blessing) calling for world peace, plus Brazilian music, food, a “Caipirinha lounge,” and more.

Aug. 31

Oakland Pride Uptown Oakl; www.oaklandpride.org. Parade starts at 10:30am, Broadway and 14th St; festival, 11am-7pm, Broadway at 20th Sts. Parade free; festival $5-10. It’s the very first year for the Oakland Pride Parade, while Sheila E headlines the fifth annual festival, billed as the second-largest pride event in NorCal.

Sept. 6

SF Mountain Bike Festival McLaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 20 John F. Shelley, SF; sfurbanriders.org/wordpress/sf-mtb-festival. 9am-5pm, free. Register in advance to compete — or just show up to spectate or test your skills in any of the non-competitive categories. Events include a short-track challenge, a 10-mile urban adventure ride, a cargo bike hill climb, a bike skills challenge for youth and families, and more, plus a box jump demo and a bike raffle.

Sept. 6-7

Autumn Moon Festival Chinatown, SF; www.moonfestival.org. Grand opening ceremony and parade, Sept 6, 11am; festival, 11am-5pm (dog costume contest, Sept 7, 2:30pm). Free. Cultural performances, an open-air street bazaar, lion dancing, and (new this year!) a dog costume contest highlight this 24th annual celebration of the Asian holiday.

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival Castro between El Camino Real and Evelyn, Mtn View; www.miramarevents.com. 10am-6pm, free. With works by over 600 professional craftspeople and artists, plus live music, home and garden exhibits, a young-performers stage, a climbing wall, food and wine, and more.

Sept. 7

Haight Street Music and Merchants Street Festival Haight between Masonic and Stanyan, SF; hsmmsf@gmail.com. Noon-6pm, free. Yep, it’s another street fair on Haight — but this brand-new event has a highly local focus, since it’s sponsored by local merchants. Expect three stages of music, kids’ activities, a skate ramp, and more.

Sept. 13

Sea Music Festival San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Hyde Street Pier, SF; www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/seamusicfestival2014.htm. 9am-5pm; evening chantey sing, 7:30-9:30pm. Outdoor performances free; admission to historic ships $5 (15 and under with adult supervision, free). Learn about maritime history through music at this all-day fest of traditional and contemporary songs, instrumentals, and dances. The Sea Music Concert Series continues aboard the Balclutha Sept 20, Oct 25, and Nov 25 ($12-14 or a season ticket, $36).

Sept. 13-14

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point, SF; ghirardelli.com/chocolatefestival. Noon-5pm, $20-40. Help raise money for Project Open Hand and satisfy your sweet tooth at this 19th annual dessert and wine fiesta. In addition to offering samples of gourmet goodies from over 50 vendors , Ghirardelli hosts chef demos, a silent auction, a “Chocolate School” (learn about the chocolate-making process!), and the ever-popular hands-free sundae-eating contest.

Sept. 14

Comedy Day Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, SF; www.comedyday.com. Noon-5pm, free. This year’s incarnation of the free, all-day comedy festival is dedicated to the memory of supporter (and frequent unannounced performer) Robin Williams.

Sunday Streets: Western Addition Fillmore between Geary and Fulton; Fulton between Fillmore and Baker, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. What traffic? Explore the neighborhood (including Alamo Square) on foot or bike.

Sept. 19-21

Eat Real Festival Jack London Square, Oakl; www.eatrealfest.com. Sept 19, 1-9pm; Sept 20, 10:30am-9pm; Sept 21, 10:30am-5pm. Free. Billed as a combo “state fair, street-food festival, and block party,” this fest offers sustainable, regionally-sourced eats (BBQ, ice cream, curry, and more) costing eight bucks or less.

Oktoberfest by the Bay Pier 48, SF; www.oktoberfestbythebay.com. Sept 19, 5pm-midnight; Sept 20, 11am-5pm and 6pm-midnight; Sept 21, 11am-6pm. $25-75 (Sept 20-21 day session, kids 13-18, $5; must be accompanied by parent). The Chico Bavarian Band returns to add oompah to your eating and, more importantly, drinking experience. Prost!

Sept. 20-21

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival #58 Old Mill Park, 325 Throckmorton, Mill Valley; www.mvfaf.org. 10am-5pm, $5-10. Over 140 fine artists participate in this fair, which is held in a can’t-be-beat location (hi, majestic redwoods) and also features live music and children’s entertainment.

Sept. 21

Folsom Street Fair Folsom between Eighth and 13th Sts, SF; www.folsomstreetfair.com. 11am-6pm, $10 donation requested (donation sticker entitles wearer to $2 off drinks). The leather and fetish fantasia returns with over 200 exhibitor booths, two giant dance floors, public play stations, erotic art, and more.

Sept. 27

Bay Area Record Fair Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St, SF; www.theeparkside.com. 11am, $5 early entry (free after noon). Vinyl junkies, take note: over 30 Bay Area indie labels participate at this semi-regular event, which also boasts live music, DJs, raffles, and more.

San Mateo Bacon and Brew Festival Central Park, Fifth Ave and El Camino Real, San Mateo; www.sanmateochamber.org/bbf. 11am-5pm, $15. This fest breaks it down to the essentials. Admission gets you a free beer (or soft drink), while food vendors favor you-know-which crispy pork product.

SuperHero Street Fair 1700 Indiana, SF; www.superherosf.com. 1-11pm, $10. Seven stages and 13 “sound camps” provide the beats for this fifth annual festival celebrating heroes, villains, sidekicks, and everything in between. It goes without saying that costumes are highly encouraged.

Sept. 28

“A Day on the Water 2” Cesar Chavez Park, 11 Spinnaker, Berk; (510) 677-9425. Noon-7pm, free. Outdoor fair and music festival with Manzo Rally, Afrofunk Experience, Crosscut, and more.

Sunday Streets: Excelsior Mission between Theresa/Avalon and Geneva, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. Hit the street at this edition of Sunday Streets, which coincides with the sixth annual Tricycle Music Fest at the Excelsior Branch Library (sfpl.org/tricycle for more info).

Oct. 4

“Oaktoberfest” Fruitvale at MacArthur, Oakl; www.oaktoberfest.org. 11am-6pm, free. Family-friendly craft beer festival, with over 30 participating local breweries, a Bavarian big band and dancers, German food vendors, and more.

Oct. 4-5

Alternative Press Expo Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina, SF; comic-con.org/ape. Check website for updates regarding times and badge prices. APE is back to celebrate alternative and small-press comics in a new venue, with a guest list that includes Bob Fingerman, Faith Erin Hicks, Ed Piskor, Paul Pope, Jason Shiga, and many more.

Oct. 5

Castro Street Fair, Castro at Market, SF; www.castrostreetfair.org. 11am-6pm, free (donate at the gate to get $1 off at fair beverage booths). Five different entertainment areas (including a main stage, a “legends” stage, and “Barnaby’s World of Wonderment”) highlight this annual event, which was founded by Harvey Milk in 1974. Performers were TBD at press time, so check the website closer to the event for updates.

Oct. 9

Union Street Wine Walk Union between Gough and Steiner, SF; www.sresproductions.com. 4-8pm, free (sampling tickets, $25). Restaurants and merchants offer wine tasting and small bites at this fifth annual neighborhood event.

Oct. 10-18

Litquake Various venues, SF; www.litquake.org. San Francisco’s annual literary festival turns 15 this year, with a week full of live readings, performances, panels, and multimedia events, including tributes to Octavio Paz and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The Barbary Coast Award will be presented to Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida and their many projects, including 826 Valencia and McSweeney’s.

Oct. 11

Woodside Day of the Horse Woodside Town Hall, 2955 Woodside, Woodside; www.whoa94062.org. 10am-2:30pm, free (progressive trail ride, $40). The Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA) celebrates Year of the Horse with stagecoach rides, live music, a petting zoo, and more, plus an organized trail ride for experienced riders and their horses to raise money for the organization’s charitable community projects.

Oct. 11-12

World Vegetarian Festival SF County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave, SF; www.worldvegfestival.com. 10:30am-8:45pm, free. The SF Vegetarian Society’s annual event features cooking demos, exhibitors, speakers, an eco-fashion show, entertainment, and samples galore.

Oct. 12

Italian Heritage Parade Begins at Jefferson and Stockton, proceeds on Columbus, and ends in Washington Square, SF; www.sfcolumbusday.org. 12:30pm, free. Established in 1868, this North Beach tradition features handmade floats, a costumed Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella, Italian music, a Ferrari display, and more.

Oct. 13

World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, Half Moon Bay; weighoff.miramarevents.com. 7-11am, free. Who will reign supreme at this 41st annual battle of the bulge, dubbed the “Superbowl of Weigh-Offs”? Last year’s champ tipped the scales at 1,985 pounds — that’s a lotta pie!

Oct. 18

Noe Valley Harvest Festival 24th St between Sanchez and Church, SF; www.noevalleyharvestfestival.com. 10am-5pm, free. This 10th annual shindig aims to help you get a jump on holiday shopping, with over 50 local artisans showing their creations. Also: two stages of music, costume contests for dogs and kids, a dunk tank, a pumpkin patch, and more.

Potrero Hill Festival 20th St between Wisconsin and Missouri, SF; www.potrerofestival.com. 11am-4pm, free. Now in its 25th year, this neighborhood block party features local food and entertainment — including a kick-off Cajun-style brunch ($5-12) with Dixieland jazz — plus pony rides and a bouncy house for kids.

Oct. 18-19

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival Main between Mill and Spruce, Half Moon Bay; www.miramarevents.com. 9am-5pm, free. They don’t call Half Moon Bay the World Pumpkin Capital for nothing — the coastal town represents at its 44th annual gourd-tastic throwdown with three stages of music, the Great Pumpkin Parade (Oct 18 at noon), a haunted house attraction, expert Jack O’ Lantern carving, and food and drinks galore (pumpkin beer, anyone?)

Oct. 19

Sunday Streets: Mission 18th St between Guerrero and Harrison and Valencia between 25th and Duboce, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. Sunday Streets returns to the Mission! Check the website after Oct. 3 for updates on planned activities.

Oct. 25

San Francisco’s Wharf Fest Fisherman’s Wharf, SF; www.sresproductions.com. 11am-6pm, free. Celebrate SF’s waterfront history at this event, with a chowder competition, chef demos, ship tours, street performers, fireworks, and more.

Nov. 2

San Francisco Day of the Dead Procession and Festival of Altars Festival, Garfield Park, 26th St and Harrison, SF; www.dayofthedeadsf.org. 6-11pm, free. Procession begins at 22nd St and Bryant, SF; www.dayofthedeadsf.org. 7pm, free. Add a personal altar for a loved one who has passed away to the display at Garfield Park (candles must be in glass containers; no open flames allowed), and bring canned food to donate to St. Anthony’s Foundation, in honor of the altar memorializing the deaths of homeless people in SF. The procession, led by Rescue Culture Collective, circles the Mission accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers.

Nov. 14-16

Green Festival Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina, SF; www.greenfestivals.org/sf. Nov 14, noon-6pm; Nov 15-16, 10am-6pm. $15-30. Learn how to “work green, play green, and live green” at this expo, an ode to health and sustainability. Featured events include vegan and vegetarian cooking demos, inspirational speakers, and a marketplace with more than 250 eco-friendly businesses. *

Once you pop…

Michael Redmond

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August 26, 2014

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CHOW NOW

For anyone left in the city and celebrating a playa dust–free Labor Day weekend, you’ll want to consider checking out this pop-up brunch, Ante Meridian, Sun/31. Anthony Yang, who has worked at Per Se and Michael Mina, offers a four-course brunch for $40 (all-inclusive) and it’s BYOB (or should I say BYOC: Bring Your Own Champers) — or spend $65 for premium seating and Champagne mimosas. Yang’s menu will be celebrating the summer season: Potential dishes include a poached egg with toasted Panorama Bakery sourdough English muffin, creamed forest mushrooms, and crispy ham — and there’s a good chance his black truffle waffles will make an appearance. 11:30am–2pm. If you can’t make this one, Ante Meridian happens a few times every month at Naked Kitchen (945 Valencia, SF. www.nakedkitchensf.com) in the Mission, a space for chefs to host pop-up dinners and events.

Another event at Naked Kitchen is an evening event Saturday, Sept. 6, Dux Duck Dinner, a collaborative event from Eddie Lau and Luis Villavelazquez of Dux. It will be a six-course feast celebrating duck, a redux (ha-ha) of the very first Dux pop-up dinner. Expect creative dishes like duck fat brioche, and Dux tsukemen with house noodles and roasted duck vadouvan butter. You can preview the menu at www.fortress-sf.com. The dinner is $55 (gratuity included), and there’s the option to have pairings — including some fabulous Chenin Blanc and Chablis — for $20. Two seatings: 6pm and 9pm.

Fans of Italian wine and bruschetta (say it with me, “broo-skett-ah”) will want to head to limited pop-up Troëggi a Biondivino (1415 Green, SF. www.biondivino.com), at Ceri Smith’s fab Italian wine shop on Russian Hill. Guest co-host Emanuele Fromento of Ai Troëggi in Genova is making a bunch of classic Genovese bruschette, on Josey Baker bread, $4–12 — one sports Taleggio, zucchini, and prosciutto cotto, another Gorgonzola and mostarda di Cremona. You can also try a variety of natural wines for $10, from sparkling to whites and reds, plus some cheese and salumi plates, and tiramisù for dessert. It makes a great happy hour (or evening snack), since hours are Wed-Sun 5pm to close, through Sun/31.

On Wednesday evenings, swing by Linea Caffe (3417 18th St., SF.) in the Mission and you’ll discover a new pop-up called Nudnik Foods (www.nudnikfoods.com) from Dena Ehrlich. Her modern Israeli menu includes a variety of items, like a weekly brik (a meat hand pie—although she also has made one with tuna), grain salads, dips, ratatouille, pickles, and date shakes. The pop-up starts at 5pm and goes until it all runs out.

An intriguing and mysterious upcoming dinner series is launching Sept. 7: Charin (www.charinsf.com), a pop-up project from Charles-C Onyeama, a self-taught chef who has worked at SPQR, Benu, and Manresa. The 15-table restaurant (said to be in the Noe Valley-Bernal Heights area) will only operate approximately once every three weeks, serving a seven- to eight-course tasting menu of haute cuisine. There will also be wine pairings from Michael Ireland, formerly the wine director at The Restaurant at Meadowood, and a sommelier at Benu, Quince, and The French Laundry (he is currently consulting on the wine list at Verbena, which rocks). Sign up for the Charin newsletter on its website for details about how to make reservations online, cost, and more. Just FYI in case you were planning a big group dinner: Reservations will primarily be for parties of two; four-person tables will be available on a limited basis.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Fall fairs and fests

Michael Redmond

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August 26, 2014

0

Listings are compiled by Guardian staff.

Aug. 30

Pilgrim Soul Forge Harvest Fair Pilgrim Soul Forge, 101 West Tower, Alameda; www.grantsforge.com. Noon-6pm, free. Possibly the only fall fair in the Bay Area to offer blacksmithing demonstrations alongside the usual suspects: food trucks, craft vendors, and live music.

Savor Filipino Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero at Market, SF; www.savorfilipino.com. 10am-6pm, free (most workshops $15). Try the best in Filipino cuisine at this gathering of chefs and authors, with a huge menu of tasty eats (check it out online) and workshops on vegan Filipino cooking, modern Filipino desserts, and other tasty topics. Plus: live music and traditional dance performances, and a “Dance That Lumpia Off” audience-participation activity.

Aug. 30-31

Millbrae Art and Wine Festival 400 Broadway, Millbrae; www.miramarevents.com. 10am-5pm, free. Downtown Millbrae’s annual Mardi Gras-style celebration, with live music, a juried art show, a classic car show, carnival-style rides, and tons of specialty food and drink vendors.

San Francisco Zine Fest SF County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave, SF; www.sfzinefest.org. Aug 30, 11am-5pm; Aug 31, 11am-4pm. Free. Support indie writers, artists, and creators at this annual event, with exhibitions, workshops, book signings, and more. Special guests include Ryan Sands (publishing company Youth in Decline), Tomas Moniz (RAD DAD zine), and illustrator and cartoonist Hellen Jo.

Aug. 30-31

SF Bay Brazilian Day and Lavagem Festival Casa de Cultura, 1901 San Pablo, Berk; www.brasarte.com. 11am-7pm, free. Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day with a lavagem (blessing) calling for world peace, plus Brazilian music, food, a “Caipirinha lounge,” and more.

Aug. 31

Oakland Pride Uptown Oakl; www.oaklandpride.org. Parade starts at 10:30am, Broadway and 14th St; festival, 11am-7pm, Broadway at 20th Sts. Parade free; festival $5-10. It’s the very first year for the Oakland Pride Parade, while Sheila E headlines the fifth annual festival, billed as the second-largest pride event in NorCal.

Sept. 6

SF Mountain Bike Festival McLaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 20 John F. Shelley, SF; sfurbanriders.org/wordpress/sf-mtb-festival. 9am-5pm, free. Register in advance to compete — or just show up to spectate or test your skills in any of the non-competitive categories. Events include a short-track challenge, a 10-mile urban adventure ride, a cargo bike hill climb, a bike skills challenge for youth and families, and more, plus a box jump demo and a bike raffle.

Sept. 6-7

Autumn Moon Festival Chinatown, SF; www.moonfestival.org. Grand opening ceremony and parade, Sept 6, 11am; festival, 11am-5pm (dog costume contest, Sept 7, 2:30pm). Free. Cultural performances, an open-air street bazaar, lion dancing, and (new this year!) a dog costume contest highlight this 24th annual celebration of the Asian holiday.

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival Castro between El Camino Real and Evelyn, Mtn View; www.miramarevents.com. 10am-6pm, free. With works by over 600 professional craftspeople and artists, plus live music, home and garden exhibits, a young-performers stage, a climbing wall, food and wine, and more.

Sept. 7

Haight Street Music and Merchants Street Festival Haight between Masonic and Stanyan, SF; hsmmsf@gmail.com. Noon-6pm, free. Yep, it’s another street fair on Haight — but this brand-new event has a highly local focus, since it’s sponsored by local merchants. Expect three stages of music, kids’ activities, a skate ramp, and more.

Sept. 13

Sea Music Festival San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Hyde Street Pier, SF; www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/seamusicfestival2014.htm. 9am-5pm; evening chantey sing, 7:30-9:30pm. Outdoor performances free; admission to historic ships $5 (15 and under with adult supervision, free). Learn about maritime history through music at this all-day fest of traditional and contemporary songs, instrumentals, and dances. The Sea Music Concert Series continues aboard the Balclutha Sept 20, Oct 25, and Nov 25 ($12-14 or a season ticket, $36).

Sept. 13-14

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point, SF; ghirardelli.com/chocolatefestival. Noon-5pm, $20-40. Help raise money for Project Open Hand and satisfy your sweet tooth at this 19th annual dessert and wine fiesta. In addition to offering samples of gourmet goodies from over 50 vendors , Ghirardelli hosts chef demos, a silent auction, a “Chocolate School” (learn about the chocolate-making process!), and the ever-popular hands-free sundae-eating contest.

Sept. 14

Comedy Day Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, SF; www.comedyday.com. Noon-5pm, free. This year’s incarnation of the free, all-day comedy festival is dedicated to the memory of supporter (and frequent unannounced performer) Robin Williams.

Sunday Streets: Western Addition Fillmore between Geary and Fulton; Fulton between Fillmore and Baker, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. What traffic? Explore the neighborhood (including Alamo Square) on foot or bike.

Sept. 19-21

Eat Real Festival Jack London Square, Oakl; www.eatrealfest.com. Sept 19, 1-9pm; Sept 20, 10:30am-9pm; Sept 21, 10:30am-5pm. Free. Billed as a combo “state fair, street-food festival, and block party,” this fest offers sustainable, regionally-sourced eats (BBQ, ice cream, curry, and more) costing eight bucks or less.

Oktoberfest by the Bay Pier 48, SF; www.oktoberfestbythebay.com. Sept 19, 5pm-midnight; Sept 20, 11am-5pm and 6pm-midnight; Sept 21, 11am-6pm. $25-75 (Sept 20-21 day session, kids 13-18, $5; must be accompanied by parent). The Chico Bavarian Band returns to add oompah to your eating and, more importantly, drinking experience. Prost!

Sept. 20-21

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival #58 Old Mill Park, 325 Throckmorton, Mill Valley; www.mvfaf.org. 10am-5pm, $5-10. Over 140 fine artists participate in this fair, which is held in a can’t-be-beat location (hi, majestic redwoods) and also features live music and children’s entertainment.

Sept. 21

Folsom Street Fair Folsom between Eighth and 13th Sts, SF; www.folsomstreetfair.com. 11am-6pm, $10 donation requested (donation sticker entitles wearer to $2 off drinks). The leather and fetish fantasia returns with over 200 exhibitor booths, two giant dance floors, public play stations, erotic art, and more.

Sept. 27

Bay Area Record Fair Thee Parkside, 1600 17th St, SF; www.theeparkside.com. 11am, $5 early entry (free after noon). Vinyl junkies, take note: over 30 Bay Area indie labels participate at this semi-regular event, which also boasts live music, DJs, raffles, and more.

San Mateo Bacon and Brew Festival Central Park, Fifth Ave and El Camino Real, San Mateo; www.sanmateochamber.org/bbf. 11am-5pm, $15. This fest breaks it down to the essentials. Admission gets you a free beer (or soft drink), while food vendors favor you-know-which crispy pork product.

SuperHero Street Fair 1700 Indiana, SF; www.superherosf.com. 1-11pm, $10. Seven stages and 13 “sound camps” provide the beats for this fifth annual festival celebrating heroes, villains, sidekicks, and everything in between. It goes without saying that costumes are highly encouraged.

Sept. 28

“A Day on the Water 2” Cesar Chavez Park, 11 Spinnaker, Berk; (510) 677-9425. Noon-7pm, free. Outdoor fair and music festival with Manzo Rally, Afrofunk Experience, Crosscut, and more.

Sunday Streets: Excelsior Mission between Theresa/Avalon and Geneva, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. Hit the street at this edition of Sunday Streets, which coincides with the sixth annual Tricycle Music Fest at the Excelsior Branch Library (sfpl.org/tricycle for more info).

Oct. 4

“Oaktoberfest” Fruitvale at MacArthur, Oakl; www.oaktoberfest.org. 11am-6pm, free. Family-friendly craft beer festival, with over 30 participating local breweries, a Bavarian big band and dancers, German food vendors, and more.

Oct. 4-5

Alternative Press Expo Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina, SF; comic-con.org/ape. Check website for updates regarding times and badge prices. APE is back to celebrate alternative and small-press comics in a new venue, with a guest list that includes Bob Fingerman, Faith Erin Hicks, Ed Piskor, Paul Pope, Jason Shiga, and many more.

Oct. 5

Castro Street Fair, Castro at Market, SF; www.castrostreetfair.org. 11am-6pm, free (donate at the gate to get $1 off at fair beverage booths). Five different entertainment areas (including a main stage, a “legends” stage, and “Barnaby’s World of Wonderment”) highlight this annual event, which was founded by Harvey Milk in 1974. Performers were TBD at press time, so check the website closer to the event for updates.

Oct. 9

Union Street Wine Walk Union between Gough and Steiner, SF; www.sresproductions.com. 4-8pm, free (sampling tickets, $25). Restaurants and merchants offer wine tasting and small bites at this fifth annual neighborhood event.

Oct. 10-18

Litquake Various venues, SF; www.litquake.org. San Francisco’s annual literary festival turns 15 this year, with a week full of live readings, performances, panels, and multimedia events, including tributes to Octavio Paz and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The Barbary Coast Award will be presented to Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida and their many projects, including 826 Valencia and McSweeney’s.

Oct. 11

Woodside Day of the Horse Woodside Town Hall, 2955 Woodside, Woodside; www.whoa94062.org. 10am-2:30pm, free (progressive trail ride, $40). The Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA) celebrates Year of the Horse with stagecoach rides, live music, a petting zoo, and more, plus an organized trail ride for experienced riders and their horses to raise money for the organization’s charitable community projects.

Oct. 11-12

World Vegetarian Festival SF County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave, SF; www.worldvegfestival.com. 10:30am-8:45pm, free. The SF Vegetarian Society’s annual event features cooking demos, exhibitors, speakers, an eco-fashion show, entertainment, and samples galore.

Oct. 12

Italian Heritage Parade Begins at Jefferson and Stockton, proceeds on Columbus, and ends in Washington Square, SF; www.sfcolumbusday.org. 12:30pm, free. Established in 1868, this North Beach tradition features handmade floats, a costumed Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella, Italian music, a Ferrari display, and more.

Oct. 13

World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, Half Moon Bay; weighoff.miramarevents.com. 7-11am, free. Who will reign supreme at this 41st annual battle of the bulge, dubbed the “Superbowl of Weigh-Offs”? Last year’s champ tipped the scales at 1,985 pounds — that’s a lotta pie!

Oct. 18

Noe Valley Harvest Festival 24th St between Sanchez and Church, SF; www.noevalleyharvestfestival.com. 10am-5pm, free. This 10th annual shindig aims to help you get a jump on holiday shopping, with over 50 local artisans showing their creations. Also: two stages of music, costume contests for dogs and kids, a dunk tank, a pumpkin patch, and more.

Potrero Hill Festival 20th St between Wisconsin and Missouri, SF; www.potrerofestival.com. 11am-4pm, free. Now in its 25th year, this neighborhood block party features local food and entertainment — including a kick-off Cajun-style brunch ($5-12) with Dixieland jazz — plus pony rides and a bouncy house for kids.

Oct. 18-19

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival Main between Mill and Spruce, Half Moon Bay; www.miramarevents.com. 9am-5pm, free. They don’t call Half Moon Bay the World Pumpkin Capital for nothing — the coastal town represents at its 44th annual gourd-tastic throwdown with three stages of music, the Great Pumpkin Parade (Oct 18 at noon), a haunted house attraction, expert Jack O’ Lantern carving, and food and drinks galore (pumpkin beer, anyone?)

Oct. 19

Sunday Streets: Mission 18th St between Guerrero and Harrison and Valencia between 25th and Duboce, SF; www.sundaystreetssf.com. 11am-4pm, free. Sunday Streets returns to the Mission! Check the website after Oct. 3 for updates on planned activities.

Oct. 25

San Francisco’s Wharf Fest Fisherman’s Wharf, SF; www.sresproductions.com. 11am-6pm, free. Celebrate SF’s waterfront history at this event, with a chowder competition, chef demos, ship tours, street performers, fireworks, and more.

Nov. 2

San Francisco Day of the Dead Procession and Festival of Altars Festival, Garfield Park, 26th St and Harrison, SF; www.dayofthedeadsf.org. 6-11pm, free. Procession begins at 22nd St and Bryant, SF; www.dayofthedeadsf.org. 7pm, free. Add a personal altar for a loved one who has passed away to the display at Garfield Park (candles must be in glass containers; no open flames allowed), and bring canned food to donate to St. Anthony’s Foundation, in honor of the altar memorializing the deaths of homeless people in SF. The procession, led by Rescue Culture Collective, circles the Mission accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers.

Nov. 14-16

Green Festival Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina, SF; www.greenfestivals.org/sf. Nov 14, noon-6pm; Nov 15-16, 10am-6pm. $15-30. Learn how to “work green, play green, and live green” at this expo, an ode to health and sustainability. Featured events include vegan and vegetarian cooking demos, inspirational speakers, and a marketplace with more than 250 eco-friendly businesses. *

Happy Hour: The week in music

Steven T. Jones

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August 1, 2014

9

Happy Friday, friends, and welcome to August. We’re only about a month away from summer weather!

As happy hour draws closer, here’s a look back at the best music and music news we heard and saw this past week:

— Sharon Van Etten shone in a free, intimate (though packed-to-the-gills), Pandora-presented evening at The Chapel on Tuesday night [July 29]. “I wrote this song while living in my parents’ basement…I was 26,” she said with a laugh in her voice. “How many of you have ever tried to move back in with your parents’ when you were in your twenties?” [Loud whooping from most of the room.]

“I think that just usually means you’re trying to figure out who you are, that you’re still finding your path, you know?” she continued. “I mean, if you really knew who you were by the time you were 20, fuck you. No, sorry, that’s great. Anyway, this song is about trying to get your shit together.” Millennial anthem for the ages?

— New for this year at Outside Lands: an entire stage devoted to food events, called “GastroMagic.” Some of said events are paired somewhat hilariously with accompanying musical acts, like the “Beignets & Bounce Brunch with Big Freedia and Brenda’s French Soul Food,” in which audience members who answer the Queen of Bounce’s call to twerk will be “awarded with beignets.” No word on the distribution method, exactly, but we pictured t-shirt cannons?

freedia

— This NPR piece on why band photos look the way they do is relevant to our interests. Specifically, if any banjo-laden alt-country/Americana band ever sends us an EPK that includes a photo shoot in an alley full of burning crash cans, we will run it.

— Speaking of Americana: This is a fun piece from the Bay Bridged about the boys of Goodnight, Texas, who make it work despite being in what amounts to a four-way long-distance relationship. Are there Cosmo tips for that yet? Get with it, lady mags. Anyway, GN,TX’s new album Uncle John Farquhar drops Aug. 5, and it’s rather good.

— Here’s a smart essay at Ebony about the shitstorm that ensued this week from Nicki Minaj’s new album, um, art for Anaconda.

— Like much of the music-related Internet, we too got obsessed with a little-known Canadian singer-songwriter named Tobias Jesso Jr., who by all appearances is a young reincarnation of Harry Nilsson mixed with shades of Joe Jackson and who hasn’t even put out an album yet, but damn does he need to hurry up (quick, while Stereogum, Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, your local PTA president, etc., are addicted to this song):

— Hardly Strictly Bluegrass keeps dropping hints about this year’s lineup. Listen here and tell us your guesses.

— Andrew Bird is a self-deprecating sweetheart in addition to being very good at songwriting and whistling, as you can see in this SFist interview, and he’s playing Stern Grove for free this Sunday at 2pm.

— Mastodong.

Oui, oui

Michael Redmond

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July 15, 2014

1

culture@sfbg.com

CHOW NOW

One of the more exciting places to hit the scene in a summer full of tons of new openings is Monsieur Benjamin (451 Gough, SF. www.monsieurbenjamin.com), a project from Corey Lee (Benu), with chef Jason Berthold (previously RN74, and French Laundry and Per Se, where he worked with Lee) and Thomas Palauqui.

Lee has wanted to open a late-night bistro in San Francisco for some time, something he thought was missing from our local scene. He’s right. So now we have a hot spot open until 1am nightly in Hayes Valley, serving a modernized and technique-driven take on classic French dishes like escargots and sweetbreads Grenobloise, plus steak frites, roast chicken, and blanquette de veau. The list of entrées is significant, with 13 in all.

You can come by for a cocktail and oysters at the intimate marble bar before the opera, or find a spot at a communal table for small plates and appetizers to pair with wines from smaller family-owned producers from France after the symphony (or when you get out of work). You’ll definitely be entertained with peeks into the gleaming open kitchen — the joint is staffed up. The vibe is lively, and the room is chic yet understated, kind of like Isabelle Huppert. Coming soon: weekend brunch and a prix-fixe theater menu. Hours are nightly 5pm–1am for now.

BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET

The original location of Loló in the Mission has been tweaked by the owners and reopened as Loló Cevichería (3230 22nd St, SF. www.lolosf.com/lolo-cevicheria), serving a casual and affordable menu of ceviches — five in all — and some Loló classics, like the taco tropical and tuna tacon. It’s a fun place to hang out for an impromptu meal, and there will be plenty of beverages to get you feeling good, from a couple different sangrias to agave wine margarita slushies (which include one made with tamarind).

If you’re over waiting for a table at the recently opened Loló on Valencia — that place is caliente! — or if you’re a larger party than that funky little spot can handle, this one’s for you. Designer and business partner Lorena Zertuche has updated the space, featuring lots of tropical birds (caw caw!) and of course a riot of bright colors. The grand opening is Wed/16; hours are Mon–Thu 6pm–10pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–12am, closed Sun.

While fans of the hefty hoagies from 1058 Hoagie in SoMa will be sorry to hear that joint is closed, here’s your silver lining: Owner Adam Mesnick has turned the space into Rye Project (180 Seventh St, SF www.ryeproject.com), his take on a Jewish-style deli. He’s calling it “Newish Deli.” This is the place for overstuffed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches on rye bread from a special source in Detroit ($14). Other choices: roast beef, tuna salad, kosher or hard-beef salami, and turkey. You want double meat/double bread? Go for it for $6 extra.

Also coming in from back East: par-baked bagels from New York that are finished here (top those bad boys with lox, smoked trout, or Mesnick’s smoked whitefish salad). A whole other category to explore is his creative salads, including the Rye House ($13), with romaine, corned beef, Muenster cheese, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, cherry tomato, and chickpeas. Bonus: All salads come with a bagel, because hey, more is more. Additional options are soup of the day (expect some matzoh ball soup in rotation), chopped liver, mac and potato salad, and other classic deli faves. Eat, eat! Open Mon–Fri 11am–4pm.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Alerts: July 16 – 22, 2014

Michael Redmond

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July 15, 2014

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THURSDAY 17

Comedy and music fundraiser for David Campos

El Rio, 3158 Mission, SF. davidcampossf.com/elrio. 7-9pm, $7 minimum donation requested. This is a fundraising event for California Assembly candidate David Campos, featuring comedians Yayne Abeba, Frankie Quinones, Steve Lee and Lisa Geduldig; and music by Candace Roberts (and Larisa Migachyov); and Dr Loco y Sus Cuates (featuring The Pena Goveas, Tomas Montoya and Francisco Herrera). El Rio will match and donate $7 for the first 75 tickets.

Laborfest: FilmWorks United International Working Class Film Festival

518 Valencia, SF. laborfest.net. 7-9pm, free. LaborFest was established to institutionalize the history and culture of working people in an annual cultural, film and arts festival. This screening will feature four short films. The Plundering, by Oliver Ressler, documents extreme privatization during the transformation of the former Soviet republic Georgia towards independence and capitalism. Made In The USA, Tom Hudak’s Plan to Cut Your Wages, by Bill Gillespie, exposes the ideology of “open shop” states that seek to prevent unionization. Judith: Portrait of a Street Vendor, by Zahidi Pirana, tells the story of one of the thousands of immigrant workers in major U.S. cities who make their living as street vendors. High Power, by Pradeep Indulkar, offers a glimpse into the lives of workers at India’s Tarapur nuclear power plant, built 50 years ago in a poor rural community.

FRIDAY 18

Fourth Annual San Francisco Living Wage Awards Dinner

SEIU 1021 Hall, 350 Rhode Island, SF. livingwage-sf.org. 6:30pm, $35 in advance; $50 at the door. In addition to dinner and cultural performances, this event will honor activist and San Francisco Labor Council board member Maria Guillen as Labor Woman of the Year, and Allan Fisher, activist with AFT Local 2121 and delegate to the San Francisco Labor Council, as Labor Man of the Year.

SUNDAY 20

Meeting: Mayhem in Iraq and the U.S. Role

New Valencia Hall, 747 Polk, SF. globalexchange.org/events. 1pm, free. $8 donation requested for brunch, served at 12:15pm. Hosted by the Bay Area Freedom Socialist Party, this forum will explore questions on the latest turn of events in Iraq. What are the factors behind the new crisis? What responsibility does the U.S. bear, given the interests of oil and armament industries in the Middle East? Does the massive damage from the first Gulf War impact the current situation? What can we do to help? Bring your ideas and participate in this lively discussion.

Belly rub

Michael Redmond

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July 2, 2014

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culture@sfbg.com

TABLEHOPPING Sorry (not sorry) but both of these places I’m about to mention have “big” and “belly” and “chubby” in their names, which should be your clue that I’m not going to be telling you about a new salad bar. Whatever, many of you just finished a week of not eating (thanks PRIDE!) and are probably still hurting from the weekend. Let’s do this. First up, Big Chef Tom’s Belly Burgers (1550 Howard, SF. www.bctbellyburgers.com) has opened in SoMa, and if you haven’t had the chance to acquaint yourself with chef Tom Pizzica’s burgers made from 100 percent ground pork belly at events around town, well, you are overdue. This is his first brick-and-mortar spot, which means he gets to rock an expanded menu, with all kinds of creative combos. I would start with the All-American, with rosemary mayo, sliced apple, and sharp cheddar cheese. I also really dug the Banh Baby, Banh one afternoon at Outside Lands, with Vietnamese caramel, sliced jalapeño, hard-boiled egg, and cilantro. Don’t eat pork? No problem, you can sub the porky patty for one made with ground chicken thigh, or a vegetarian version. There are a few sides too (crispy onions, fries, or roasted kale, because hey, it’s California). Good news: beer will be coming in a couple weeks. Open daily 10:30am–9pm.

Next up: Chubby Noodle (2205 Lombard, SF. www.chubbynoodle.com) has opened a second location, but unlike its original location in Amante in North Beach, this 49-seater is a stand-alone in the former Gatip Thai in the Marina. Pete Mrabe (the evil genius behind Don Pisto’s) and biz partner Nick Floulis (Pushback Wines) just finished their grand opening celebration this past weekend, and now they’re open 5pm–12:30am nightly, but potentially closing on Mondays (just double check their hours on their website before you head over). The 12-item menu includes some dim sum (the chicken buns are a fave), chicken noodle soup (a riff on a fried chicken ramen), hot fried snapper, and are you ready for breakfast for dinner? I sure am. They have a hickory-smoked bacon jook with a fried egg, yes! It’s a casual and lively spot, with flavor-packed food that’s well prepared, and budget-friendly too. Look for some wine-based cocktails (they’re better than you’d expect), plus beer and wine on tap, and they’re also going to be one of the first places in the US to have sake on tap.

BRUNCHTASTIC

Brunch is something we do almost too well in this town, and here are three more options for you to add into rotation (especially since all three places serve full liquor). The colorful and cheerful Loló (974 Valencia, SF. www.lolosf.com) in the Mission is now serving brunch Friday (love it!) through Sunday, 11am–4pm. The menu includes chilaquiles with carnitas, a Mexican Benedict, a chorizo scramble, and more. The cocktails are also (almost) too delicious (ditto the cute staff), so watch yourself.

Palm House (2032 Union, SF. www.palmhousesf.com) in Cow Hollow is serving weekend brunch 10:30am–2:30pm. Get into an island Caribbean vibe with tropical breakfasts from around the world, including huevos rancheros; fried eggs revoltillo with plantains, rice, beans, and Puerto Rican spices; and a Cubano. Note: They have boozy slushy drinks.

Over in North Beach, The Square (1707 Powell. SF. www.thesquaresf.com) is serving weekend brunch 10:30am–2pm, with some picks like eggs Benedict with braised greens, Surryano ham, and crispy potato; a wild mushroom omelet; and pancakes with bacon and blueberries. How handy, there’s also a Corpse Reviver No. 2 with gin, lemon, Lillet, and absinthe. You’ll be feeling better in no time — get out of that crypt!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Get Baked

Michael Redmond

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June 24, 2014

0

culture@sfbg.com

CHOW NOW

Anyone who has fallen in love with the bagels from Marla Bakery Kitchen Communal, or the cookies and breads from one of Marla Bakery’s farmers market stands will be happy to know the duo behind all these goodies just opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Outer Richmond. But before you say, “Oh well, I live in Potrero Hill,” there’s a lot that will make you want to make the trek to Marla Bakery (3619 Balboa, SF. www.marlabakery.com), which is more than just a bakery. Owners Amy Brown and Joe Wolf have been hard at work getting the space together for some time: Wait until you see the custom wood-fired oven (the Marla 2000). And then there’s the comfortable dining room, with 26 seats, lots of wood, and hey now, check out that intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked goods. There’s also a patio out back, with a garden designed by Paxton Gate (look for the patio to get more dialed in coming weeks).

Marla will take good care of you during the morning, with coffee and bagels and quiche and pastries (don’t attempt to do it all at once), and some sit-down breakfast fare, like baked eggs with reduced thyme cream, roasted leeks, sugar snap peas, and Gruyère. Lunch — think farro grain salad, a special version of a club sandwich, and a marinated mushroom sandwich, all made on Marla’s own breads. Dinner starts as a Sunday supper on Sun/29. By Tue/1, regular service will be in full effect, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Bonus: Some well-chosen wines, beers, and vermouths are available, all to help encourage day drinking and hanging out. Anytime is a good time for Mexican coffee pot de crème, right?

Whether you’re looking for a place to pick up a gorgeous steak to cook at home in your treasured cast-iron skillet, or you’d just like someone to bring a tartare to your table while you sit and look pretty, the new Belcampo Meat Company (1998 Polk, SF. www.belcampomeatco.com) has you covered. Russian Hill neighbors are especially stoked. Belcampo is a unique company: It raises its animals humanely and organically on a farm in Mount Shasta, and it has its own state-of-the-art slaughterhouse facility. The butcher shop (open daily 9am–8pm) looks classic, but the meats and cuts are varied, including pork, beef, poultry, and rabbits. The 34-seat restaurant serves dinner nightly 5:30pm–10pm, and chef Chris Gerwig (formerly of A16 and New York’s Pulino’s) has more than just meaty options for you. Don’t just expect a menu of duck and chicken giblet skewers and fried guinea hen, although you can get those items too. It’s a handsome space, with lots of wood and cobalt blue leather banquettes (made from their own steer hides).

DRINK UP

Tea aficionados will want to beeline to the new Samovar location (411 Valencia, SF. www.samovartea.com). This branch of the small chain is unique — the soothing and monochromatic interior is modern and eye-catching, designed to highlight the tea-brewing process. Along the counter, you’ll see a row of tea-brewing “crucible” machines (no teabags here!), which make the brewing totally visible and engaging. There are a few different teas you can choose from (including black, green, and herbal), and there are also big copper urns where you can get a few ladles of masala chai, creamy and spiced beautifully (a cup is $3–$5). Seasonal cold-brewed iced teas and matcha shots — and shakes! — will be available, as well as freshly baked scones, savory and sweet. It’s laid out so people can swing by and easily get their tea to go, but there’s a bench and ledge where you can linger if you want. (which means you get to enjoy drinking out of a custom ceramic tea cup designed in conjunction with Atelier Dion). Hours are 7am–7pm.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Spotlight on transgender issues

Michael Redmond

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June 24, 2014

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Trans March, SF’s largest transgender pride event, is happening Fri/27, starting in Dolores Park. This year’s march will kick off with a Youth and Elder Brunch starting at noon and a stage show 3-6pm before beginning the march. It will conclude at the 100 block of Turk Street, where a San Francisco street will finally be named after a trans: pioneering drag performer and trans woman Vicki Marlane. The afterparty will benefit the Transgender Gender Variant, Intersex Justice Project.

To celebrate Trans March’s success in its 11th year, we spoke with SF Trans March Co-Chair Jamie Rafaela Wolfe to find out how Trans March, trans issues, and trans rights have changed since the march began in 2004.

Although the Trans March website states that it originated from an anonymous email regarding the murder and trial of Gwen Araujo, Wolfe informed us that the march mostly started when a group of activists decided they needed to be heard. That first march was only a few hundred people. This year, they’re expecting around 7,000.

Just as the march has grown, awareness of trans issues has also grown. Wolfe told us that “11 years ago, you never heard the word ‘transgender,'” and when one did, it was often used in discriminatory ways. But now, trans people have more opportunities and discrimination has subsided. As proof of the changing views toward trans issues and people, Miss Major — the SF Pride Grand Marshal — is a well-known author and Orange is the New Black’s trans actress Laverne Cox was featured on the cover of the June 9 issue of Time magazine next to the headline: “The Transgender Tipping Point: America’s next civil rights frontier.”

Although a lot has changed for the better in the last 11 years, there’s always more that can be done. Wolfe suggests that the most important thing to work on now is workforce development. “We need people to get jobs. We need people to get education.” As a part of education, Wolfe stresses working with trans youth to get them in safe environments where they can be their “authentic selves.”

Alerts: June 25 – July 1, 2014

Michael Redmond

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June 24, 2014

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THURSDAY 26

Climate Forum: Confronting Oil, Coal and Gas, Direct Action Movements at the Point of Extraction

The Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics, 518 Valencia, SF. tinyurl.com/oilcoalforum. 6:45pm, donation requested. The oil and natural gas extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has become one of the most pressing issues in the Bay Area and California. It is a major cause of water and air pollution and is highly resource-intensive. Nevertheless there is low awareness about its harmful effects, and state policies still allow its proliferation. This panel will discuss fracking and other hazardous resource extraction processes in the U.S. and educate participants in the first steps for taking action.

Plastic Paradise: Film and discussion

Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo, Berk. (510) 548-2220, tinyurl.com/plasticfreejuly. 7-9pm, free. Plastic Paradise is a new documentary about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This event helps prepare for Plastic-Free July—an annual event originating in Australia—that aims to educate the public about how much plastic we use, and explains how we can eliminate as much as possible from our lives. The film screening will be followed with a discussion led by Beth Terry, author of Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. Sponsored by Green Sangha, the City of Berkley, and My Plastic-Free Life.

FRIDAY 27

Trans March youth and elder brunch

Dolores Park, 19th and Dolores, SF. tinyurl.com/transmarchbrunch. 12-3pm, free. Right before the Trans March, this brunch gives LGBTQ youth and elders the opportunity to learn from each other. There will be food, games, icebreakers, an art station, face painting and more. The sober event is designed for self-identified LGBTQ people, ages 24 and under. Hosted by LYRIC, OpenHouse and Trans March.

Sunday 29

Meeting: Syria — Eyewitness Report

Niebyl-Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave, Oakl. http://tinyurl.com/pjkvv5f 10:30-12:30pm, free. Rick Sterling, a founding member of the Syria Solidarity Movement, spent two weeks in Syria as part of a peace and reconciliation delegation, and he returns to discuss the conflict there and why it matters to progressives in the United States. For a firsthand account of the hostilities in the region—at no cost—be sure to stop by the Niebyl-Proctor library early to ensure you get a seat.

Pride on fire! 2014’s must-do Pride events

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June 24, 2014

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Hey gorgeous queer person (and friends)! There is way too much to do this year, as always. Don’t be scared. Dive right into the party and performance bounty that is Pride.

ONGOING

>2014 National Queer Arts Festival: The Queer Cultural Center’s annual LGBT celebration occupies venues across the city — including the African American Art & Culture Complex, Brava Theater, CounterPULSE, Mission Cultural Center, S.F. LGBT Community Center, SOMArts, and many others — in a monthlong multidisciplinary cavalcade of queerness that features films, plays, literary readings, live music, art shows, a comic-con, and much more. Through July 6, www.qcc2.org/national-queer-arts-festival. Multiple SF Locations, Multiple addresses, SF, N/A.
>Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay: In this exhibit honoring the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, more than 75 of the California photographer’s classic snapshots depict the SF and Los Angeles gay scenes in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through Jan. 11. de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, SF, 750-3600, www.deyoungmuseum.org.
>The Bakla Show 3: Part of an ongoing attempt to reclaim the Tagalog term “bakla” from pejorative common use, this third installment in Bindlestiff’s LGBT production series focuses on the specific struggles faced by queer F/Pilipin@ youth. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8pm Continues through June 28, $10-$20, thebaklashow.wordpress.com. Bindlestiff Studio, 185 Sixth St., SF, 255-0440, www.bindlestiffstudio.org.
>Body, Body, Bodies…: Nearly 30 artists weigh in on the subject of body politics in this multidisciplinary group show presented by the 2014 National Queer Arts Festival. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Continues through June 28. SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan, SF, 863-1414, www.somarts.org.
>Devil Boys from Beyond: 1950s sci-fi gets campy and queer in this cross-dressing alien invasion comedy written by Buddy Thomas and Kenneth Elliott. Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through June 28, $25-$45. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness, SF, 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.
>Frameline38: The largest, most widely recognized LGBT film festival in the world kicked off its 38th year with a showing of The Case Against 8, Ben Cotner and Ryan White’s new documentary about the successful fight to overturn California’s ignominious Prop 8. The rest of the fest is fleshed out with queer cinema from all over the world, with screenings at the Roxie, Victoria, and Castro Theatres in S.F., plus select shows at Berkeley’s Rialto Cinemas Elmwood. Through June 29, $8-$35 per film, www.frameline.org.
>The Homosexuals: Chicago playwright Philip Dawkins makes his first foray onto a Bay Area stage with this witty tale about a group of gay friends. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8pm. Continues through June 28, $25-$45. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness, SF, 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.
>Pansy: Actor Evan Johnson and director Ben Randle bring their collaborative one-man play — a Peter Pan-inspired portrayal of a gay club kid in ‘90s SF — back to the stage for a brief run at the end of Pride Month. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8pm Continues through June 28, $15-$20. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness, SF, 861-8972, www.nctcsf.org.
>Todd Trexler: A Solo Exhibition of His Legendary Posters: A show honoring the late LGBT artist whose 1970s posters for the Cockettes and Nocturnal Dream Shows at the Palace Theater in North Beach have become collectors’ items. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Continues through June 30, www.toddtrexlerposters.com. Magnet, 4122 18th St., SF, 581-1600, www.magnetsf.org.

WEDNESDAY/25

>Bi-B-Q 2014: Bi-Focused: Bisexual potluck picnic and community meetup. Wed., June 25, 4-6:30pm, free, www.facebook.com/BiBQSF. Dolores Park, 566 Dolores, SF, 554-9529, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolores_Park.
>Booty Call: One of the cutest parties in the Castro, with drag goddess Juanita More and very fashionable guests. Wednesdays, 9pm, $3, bootycallwednesdays.com. Q Bar, 456 Castro, SF, 864-2877, www.qbarsf.com.
>BroMance: A Night Out for the Fellas: Wednesdays, 9pm, free. Beaux, 2344 Market, SF, 863-4027, www.beauxsf.com.
>David Boies & Theodore Olson: The Case for Marriage Equality: Wed., June 25, 7pm, $35. SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market, SF, 865-5555, www.sfcenter.org. In 2009, the pair seemed an unlikely legal team to overturn Caliornia’s ban on same-sex marriage — but now, one year after the elimination of Prop 8, the lawyers discuss their success in “Redeeming the Dream: The Case for Marriage Equality.” Also Thu/26 at Fairmont Hotel (see listing).
>Dazzle: Broadway … Our Way!: The SF Gay Men’s Chorus performs showtunes (from Avenue Q, Dreamgirls, Rent, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and more) with Tony-winning special guest Laura Benanti. June 25-27, 8pm, $25-$60, sfgmc.org. Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes, SF, 563-2463, www.cityarts.net/the-nourse.
>The Dream Queens Revue’s Annual Pride Drag Show: Classic drag extravaganza with Collette LeGrande, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Kipper, and Joie de Vivre. Wed., June 25, 9:30pm, free, dreamqueensrevue.com. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk, SF, 441-2922, www.auntcharlieslounge.com.
>House of Pride Jamboree Fundraiser: Featuring comedy, poetry, drag, and music by Pam Benjamin, S.J. Cruz, Sheena Rose, The Screaming Streisands, and more. Wed., June 25, 6-9pm, $10, www.facebook.com/HOP.RADIO.SF. Mutiny Radio, 2781 21st St., SF, www.mutinyradio.fm.
>Love Is Queer: The Gay American Songbook: Circus, drag, and cabaret combine for this performance (for audiences 18+) with Honey Mahogany, M. Lee, Eli Conley’s Queer Choir, Kim Lembo, and more. June 25-26, 8pm, $15-$25. Theater at the Children’s Creativity Museum, 221 Fourth St., SF, 820-3320, www.creativity.org.
>OutLoud SF: StoryCorps launches a new program to record LGBT stories with a West Coast kickoff party featuring Dave Isay, Baruch Porras-Hernandez, Jaime Cortez, Matt Leavitt, Morgan, and live music by Mad Noise. Wed., June 25, 7-10pm, free with RSVP (required), outloud-sf.eventbrite.com. The Chapel, 777 Valencia, SF, 551-5157, www.thechapelsf.com.
>>>Pullin’ Pork for Pride 10th Annual Pride Kickoff: The SF Bay Guardian (that’s us!) presents this always raucous happy hour BBQ benefiting the Transgender Law Center. Free pulled pork sammies — veggie option, too! — from Soulgroove, Hard French soul DJs Carnita and Brown Amy, $15 all the New Belgium beer you can drink. And lots of cool peeps, of course. Wed., June 25, 6-9pm, free. Pilsner Inn, 225 Church, SF, 621-7058, www.pilsnerinn.com.
>What?: Techno fun with resident DJ Tisdale and guests. Wednesdays, 7pm, free. Lookout, 3600 16th St., SF, 703-9751, www.lookoutsf.com.

THURSDAY/26

>22nd Annual Ms. & Mr. Safe Latino Competition: Thu., June 26, 7pm, $10. Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter, SF, 673-6672, www.marineclub.com/theatre.php.
>California Academy of Sciences: Pride NightLife: The gorgeous science museum’s big Pride party hosts a DapperQ fashion show showcasing local queer designers who cater to an “unconvemtionally masculing” demographic. Featuring DJs Carnita, Brown Amy, Rapid Fire, and Juanita More, plus a drag show hosted by Heklina, a presentation by Dr. Carol Queen of the Center for Sex & Culture, planetarium shows, and a lot more. Thu., June 26, 6-10pm, $10-$12. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse, SF, 379-8000, www.calacademy.org.
>David Boies & Theodore Olson: The Case for Marriage Equality: Thu., June 26, 6pm, $26, www.bit.ly/caseforequality. The Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason, SF, 866-540-4491, www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco.
>Fauxgirls!: 13th Anniversary Celebration: The long-running drag revue and supperclub cabaret moves to the fourth Thursday for a special party to kick off S.F. Pride weekend. Thu., June 26, 7pm, free (with $20 minimum food/cocktail purchase), www.fauxgirls.com. Infusion Lounge, 124 Ellis, SF, 421-8700, www.infusionlounge.com.
>Horse Meat Disco: London’s notorious gay disco DJs take over Public Works for the ever-freaky, totally wonderful Odyssey dance party. With local DJs Robin Simmons and Hi, Today. Thu., June 26, 9pm, $10-$15. Public Works, 161 Erie, SF, 932-0955, www.publicsf.com.
>Loft Apartment: Fun tunes for fuzzy dudes with DJs Tuna and Tamale Rinwald. Thu., June 26, 7pm Lone Star Saloon, 1354 Harrison, SF, 863-9999, www.lonestarsf.com.
The Monster Show: Goofy-awesome thematic weekly drag performances with Cookie Dough, DJ MC2, and guests. Thursdays, 10pm, $5, www.cookievision.com. The Edge, 4149 18th St., SF, 863-4027, www.edgesf.com.
>S.F. Gay Pride All Star Comedy Show: Charlie Ballard and Hella Gay Comedy say TTFN with a free, all ages farewell show featuring Karinda Dobbins, Kelly Doyle, Ash Fisher, Justin Lucas, Sampson McCormick, and Zachary Toczynski. Thu., June 26, 8pm, free, www.facebook.com/HellaGayComedyShow. Magnet, 4122 18th St., SF, 581-1600, www.magnetsf.org.
>The Stud’s 48th Anniversary Party: Hey, hey — the oldest gay bar in SF celebrates 48 with a slew of special guests and strong drinks. Thu., June 26, 8pm The Stud, 399 Ninth St., SF, 863-6623, www.studsf.com.
>Swagger Like Us: The city’s best queer hip-hop and bounce daytime party hits you with a special Pride edition — expect all the colors of the rainbow getting low. With DJs davO, Boyfriend, and Essex. Thu., June 26, 9pm, $5. Slate Bar, 2925 16th St., SF, 558-8521, www.slate-sf.com.
>#Thirsty!: 18+ gay pride party with hottie NYC rapper Cazwell, Rachele Royale, Kidd Sysko, Philip Grasso, and more. Thu., June 26, 9pm, free before 10pm with RSVP, www.thecribsf.com. Club X, 715 Harrison, SF, 339-8686, www.sfclubs.com.
>Tubesteak Connection: Takin’ it back to the gay bathhouse days, with DJ Bus Station John’s vinyl disco gems and real cute dancefloor. Thursdays, 9pm, $5. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk, SF, 441-2922, www.auntcharlieslounge.com.
>U-Haul: Pride 2014 Kick-Off Party: Wild lesbian dancing! With DJs China G and Chelsea Starr. Thu., June 26, 9pm, free, www.facebook.com/uhaul.SanFrancisco. Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF, 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.
>XO: Bad Bitches Never Hold Back – Pride Edition: Ladies, start your engiines. With DJs Footy, Yo Yolie, Motive, Ms. Jackson, Olga T, Jai, That Girl, and Jeanine Da Feen. Thu., June 26, 9pm, facebook.com/PartyXO. The Cellar, 685 Sutter, SF, 441-5678, www.cellarsf.com.

FRIDAY/27

>2014 Trans March: Fri., June 27, 6pm, free, www.transmarch.org. Dolores Park, 566 Dolores, SF, 554-9529, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolores_Park.
>2014 Trans March After Party: With DJ Ms. Pop. Fri., June 27, 9pm, free. Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF, 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.
>Bearracuda: Gay Pride 2014: Who doesn’t like a roiling club full of sweaty, half-naked, barrel-chested furballs? With DJs HiFi Sean, Rotten Robbie, and Freddy, King of Pants. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $12 advance, www.bearracuda.com. Public Works, 161 Erie, SF, 932-0955, www.publicsf.com.
>Bibi: Middle-Eastern and North African hotties unite and shake their hips to slinky beats. Alas, this is the final installment of this fantastic long-running, so go grab your bedroom-eyed dream date. Fri., June 27, 9pm-2am, $10-$15. www.bibisf.org. The Pork Store, 3122 16th St., SF.
>Big Gay Birthday: Local blog Bold Italic celebrates SF’s birth and Pride simultaneously. With the fabuous JD Samson (DJ set) of MEN, bounce duo Double Duchess, Peaches Christ, Honey Mahogany, DJ Rapid Fire, and more. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $15-$20. Mezzanine, 444 Jessie, SF, 625-8880, www.mezzaninesf.com.
>Bustin’ Out 9: Official Trans March Afterparty: TGI Justice Project benefit with OMEDJ and raffle prizes. Fri., June 27, 8pm, $5-$25, tgijp.org. El Rio, 3158 Mission, SF, 282-3325, www.elriosf.com..
>Comedy and Pride: Comedy and Pinball for a Cause celebrates LGBT Pride Month with stand-up performances by Karinda Dobbins, Nina G, Loren Kraut, Michael Patton, and Irene Tu. Fri., June 27, 8pm, $15, www.facebook.com/komedyforacause. Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster, Alameda, 510-769-1349, www.pacificpinball.org.
>Darling Switches: Darling Nikki + Switch S.F. Queer Pride Dance Party: Two darling dyke-oriented parties get up close and personal. With DJs Finn, Durt, Andre, and Jenna Riot. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $7, www.facebook.com/darlingnikkisf. Slate Bar, 2925 16th St., SF, 558-8521, www.slate-sf.com.
>Drag Yourself to Pride: Super Heroes & Sexy Villains: A superhero-themed “prom” party. With DJ Brian Urmanita. Fri., June 27, 9:30pm, $5-$10. Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell, SF, 861-2011, www.rickshawstop.com.
>Eden: All White Everything: With Aima the Dreamer, Collette Carr, plus DJs Val G, Lady Ryan, Motive, Fusion, Lezlee, Angie Vee, and Dirty Rich Kidd. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $20-$30 advance, edeninthebay.com. The Factory, 525 Harrison, SF, 538-7977.
>Mr.: Seventh Annual Mustache Party & Gay Pride Kick-Off: Energetic and stylish annual dance a ffair is a mustache-ride’s-worth of fun. Get ready to twirl. House grooves with David Harness, Kevin Graves, Manny Ward, Gehno Sanchez Aviance, and Juan Garcia. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $20-$25. Monarch, 101 Sixth St., SF, 284-9774, www.monarchsf.com.
>Original Plumbing: Takeoff: The awesome, steamy transman magazine from Amos Mac and Rocco Katastrophe goes big for Pride. Benefit for CUAV with DJs Chelsea Starr & Average Jo, Rocco Katastrophe, and more. Fri., June 27, 10pm, $10. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia, SF, 552-7788, www.elbo.com.
>Parallelogram: “Fractal/euphoric synaesthesia, surprise performances, and mindblowing beats” — plus a bit of funky techno and fun peeps. With DJs Justime, Doc Sleep, Robert Jeffrey, Robert Yang, and more. Fri., June 27, 9pm-late, $5-$10. Club OMG, 43 Sixth St., SF.
>Pound Puppy: House Trained: Heel! Happy young scruffs hound the dancefloor for this sexy monthly party’s Pride extension. Hard and smart house tunes with With DJs Jackie House (aka P-Play), Aaron Clark of Pittsburgh’s yummy Honcho party, and Chipmint. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $10-$15 advance. BeatBox, 314 11th St., SF, 500-2675, www.beatboxsf.com.
>Pride on the Pier: Academy of Friends benefit party with Colette Carr, DJ Jayplus, and Beach Blanket Babylon cast members. Fri., June 27, 6-9pm, $45-$75. Hornblower Cruises, Pier 3, SF, 788-8866, www.hornblower.com.
>She Said … Get Her Wet: With DJs China G, Olga T, Nicki Butler, and Bia Bia. Fri., June 27, 10pm, $10-$20, www.shesaidsf.com. The Chapel, 777 Valencia, SF, 551-5157, www.thechapelsf.com.
>Society Cabaret: Spicy Gay Comedy: With Shann Carr. June 27-28, 8pm, $25-$45, www.societycabaret.com. Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter, SF, 433-4434.
>Some Thing Gay Freedom Celebration: Weekly art-dragpocalypse always has something grandly weird planned — Pride’s no different. Twelve hours of fun and shows! Fri., June 27, 9pm-9am, $12. The Stud, 399 Ninth St., SF. www.thestudsf.com.
>Steam does Pride: This is a party during which hot guys walk around in towels and take showers. With DJ Chris Griswold. Fri., Jun 27, 9pm, $10. Powerhouse, 1347 Folsom, SF, www.powerhouse-sf.com
>Take It Back: A Queer Pride Rock & Punk Music Fest: Classic queercore band Limp Wrist headlines this night of punk rock bliss. With The Younger Lovers, Queen Crescent, Daddies Plastik, Lady Bear, Ben McCoy, Alice Cunt, and more. Fri., June 27, 9pm, $7-$10, www.facebook.com/events/1416089975342317. Sub-Mission Art Space (Balazo 18 Gallery), 2183 Mission, SF, 255-7227, www.sf-submission.com.

SATURDAY/28

>2014 Dyke March: Sat., June 28, 6pm, free, www.thedykemarch.org. Dolores Park, 566 Dolores, SF, 554-9529, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolores_Park.
>2014 Dyke March After Party: With DJ Footy. Sat., June 28, 9pm, free. Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF, 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.
>2014 S.F. Pride Celebration: Color Our World with Pride – Saturday: The gathering before Sunday’s big parade shows off entertainment and booths – -without the huge crowds. Sat., June 28, 12-6pm, $5 requested donation, sfpride.org. Civic Center Plaza, Larkin, SF,
>BB3: BeatBox’s Third Anniversary Pride Party: With Matt Alber, Chris Cox, and Russ Rich. Sat., June 28, 10pm, $20-$85. BeatBox, 314 11th St., SF, 500-2675, www.beatboxsf.com.
>Beyond the Prison: WE Party – Prison of Love Afterhours: With DJ Paulo Pachecho (event runs 4-10am Sunday). Sat., June 28; Sun., June 29, $30, www.masterbeat.com. Club X, 715 Harrison, SF, 339-8686, www.sfclubs.com.
>¡Club Papi!: 15th Annual Brown Party: With Belanova. Sat., June 28, 9:30pm, $20 advance, www.clubpapi.com/san-francisco. Space 550, 550 Barneveld, SF, 550-8286, www.space550.com.
>Cockblock: Eighth Annual Dyke March After Party: With DJs Von Kiss, Natalie Nuxx, and Ms. Söfi. Sat., June 28, 9pm, $10-$20, www.cockblocksf.com. Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell, SF, 861-2011, www.rickshawstop.com.
>Dark Room: Queer Pink Saturday Pride Party: Dark and lovely electronic body music and goth-tinged drag performances. Special guest porcelain will give you the heebie-jeebies in the right way. With Lady Bear, Lady Hyde, Phatima Rude, DJs Le Perv & Luna Xix, and more. Sat., June 28, 9:30pm, $10, www.facebook.com/DarkRoomSF. The Stud, 399 Ninth St., SF, 863-6623, www.studsf.com.
>Eden: Fifth Year Anniversary Party: With Goapele, Jessica Clark, Ari Fitz, Rose Garcia, Mona Webb, plus DJs Lady Ryan, Val G, Motive, and Angie Vee. Sat., June 28, 9pm, $25-$35, www.edeninthebay.com. Mezzanine, 444 Jessie, SF, 625-8880, www.mezzaninesf.com.
>Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 16th Annual Pride Brunch: Benefit for the Positive Resource Center featuring food, cocktails, music, silent auction, and more. Sat., June 28, 11am-4pm, $75+, www.positiveresource.org/pridebrunch. Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market, SF, 626-8000, www.hotelwhitcomb.com.
>Hella Saucey: The Saturday Pride Party: Something for the queer soul kids, with incredible queer rapper MicahTron, Aima the Dreamer, DJs Andre & Lady Fingaz, and more. Sat., June 28, 9pm, $10-$15, www.hellasaucey.com. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia, SF, 552-7788, www.elbo.com.
>The House of Babes Dyke March After Party: House of Babes sounds exactly like what it is. A house full of babes. With queer rapper Cakes Da Killa, Junglepussy, Lisa Delux, Rapid Fire, Jenna Riot, davO, and Boyfriend. Lots of bouncing! Sat., June 28, 7pm, $15-$35 advance, www.thehouseofbabes.com. Public Works, 161 Erie, SF, 932-0955, www.publicsf.com.
>Intrigue: The Fashion Crossing: Bigtime S.F. Pride fashion show hosted by B. Scott. Sat., June 28, 5-8pm, $15-$40 advance, sfpridefashion.eventbrite.com. BeatBox, 314 11th St., SF, 500-2675, www.beatboxsf.com.
>Lea DeLaria: Sat., June 28, 7pm, $45-$60. The homegrown comedy favorite is killin’ em in Orange is the New Black. See her live! Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason, SF, 394-1111.
>Mango: Salsa-soulful After the Dyke March party with DJs Edaj, Marcella, Olga, and La Coqui. Sat., June 28, 3-8:30pm, $8-$10, www.facebook.com/mangosf. El Rio, 3158 Mission, SF, 282-3325, www.elriosf.com.
>Mars Madness: All-day party at Mars Bar — check out the sweet patio! — as Dj Aurelia the Mixtress lays down the smokin’ tracks. Sat., June 28, all day. Mars Bar, 798 Brannan, SF. www.marsbarsf.com
>Pop Porn: With DJs Chi Chi LaRue and Kevin Graves. Sat., June 28, 8pm Beaux, 2344 Market, SF, 863-4027, www.beauxsf.com.
>Pride at the Armory: WE Party – Prison of Love: Sat., June 28, 9pm, $60-$175, www.freshsf.com. The Armory, 1800 Mission, SF, 677-0456, www.sfarmory.com.
>Sadistic Saturdays: With DJ Mystic Ray. Sat., June 28, 9pm, $5. S.F. Eagle, 398 12th St., SF, 626-0880, www.sf-eagle.com.
>Shangri-La: S.F. Pride Rendezvous Party: A fabulous dance party for gay Asian folk and friends. With DJs Louis V & Byron Bonsall, TinTin V, Miss GAPA Khmera Rouge, and more. Sat., June 28, 10pm, $20 (free before 11pm), www.facebook.com/groups/shangrilasf. The EndUp, 401 Sixth St., SF, 646-0999, www.theendup.com.
>She Said … Hot Mess: 2014 Dyke March After-Party: With DJs Jane Bang and Nicki Butler. Sat., June 28, 8pm, $10-$20, www.shesaidsf.com. Slate Bar, 2925 16th St., SF, 558-8521, www.slate-sf.com.

SUNDAY/29

>2014 S.F. Pride Celebration: Color Our World with Pride – Sunday: With Jesika Von Rabbit, The She’s, Kid Alien, Debby Holiday, Xelle, Midnight Magic, Shake It! Booty Band, Steed Lord, Katdelic, RubberSideDown, and much more. Sun., June 29, 11am-6:30pm, $5 requested donation, www.sfpride.org. Civic Center Plaza, Larkin, SF.
>2014 S.F. Pride Parade: Sun., June 29, 10:30am, free, sfpride.org/parade. Market and Beale sts., Market and Beale sts., SF.
>Candy Crush: 2014 Pride Wrap-Up Party: With DJs Jenna Riot and Andre. Sun., June 29, 9pm, free. Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., SF, 863-2052, www.lexingtonclub.com.
>¡Club Papi!: Official Latin Stage After Party: With DJ Polo. Sun., June 29, 7:30pm, $10 (first 100 people free), www.clubpapi.com/san-francisco. BeatBox, 314 11th St., SF, 500-2675, www.beatboxsf.com.
>Cocktailgate: The celebrated draghole’s theme this week is “Pride .. and other deadly sins.” Hosted by the inimitable Suppositori Spelling. Sundays, 9pm Truck, 1900 Folsom, SF, 252-0306, www.trucksf.com.
>Disco Daddy: Pride Edition: Who knew a leather bar could get this steamy? Dance with wild disco abandon to Bus Station John’s excellent old-school beat. Hotties on the hoof! With DJ Bus Station John. Sun., June 29, 7pm-2am, $5. Facebook invite here. S.F. Eagle, 398 12th St., SF, 626-0880, www.sf-eagle.com.
>GroovNation: S.F. Pride After-Party: A legend returns! Techno hero Doc Martin, house favorite Ruben Mancias, Papa Lu, and Teejay Walton fill the beautiful Audio club with great vibes and perfect post-Pride tunes. Sun., June 29, 6pm, $15 advance, groovnation.eventbrite.com. Audio Discotech, 316 11th St., SF, 310-869-3364, www.audiosf.com.
>Hard French ▼Hearts Los Homos IV: A ginormous block party and indoor celebration of Pride from golden soul crew Hard French. A Pride highlight for queer kids of all stripes. With Midnight Magic, Hi Fashion, DJs Brown Amy & Carnita, and more. Sun., June 29, 3-11pm, $20-$25, www.hardfrench.com. Mezzanine, 444 Jessie, SF, 625-8880, www.mezzaninesf.com.
>Honey Soundsystem Pride 2014: Honey has become a global queer techno sensation, but the fiercsome foursome’s heart beats loudest and deepest at home. With Italy-via-Berlin’s throbbing Discodromo duo (we love them), Jason Kendig, Josh Cheon, Jackie House (aka P-Play), and Robot Hustle. Sun., June 29, 8pm, $15-$20 advance. Mighty, 119 Utah, SF, 762-0151, www.mighty119.com.
>Mighty Real: Poolside Pride Day Party: Sunny, soulful smiles fill the patio of Chambers club and deep and joyful house tunes fill your ears. One of annual favorite things. With DJs Quentin Harris and David Harness. Sun., June 29, 12-8pm, $20 advance. Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy, SF, 776-1380, www.jdvhotels.com/phoenix.
>Juanita MORE! Pride Party: One of the most highly anticipated parties of the year — expect a shining crowd of cool kids and happy dancers. With Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Lady Bunny, Kim Ann Foxman, Go Bang!, Jason Kendig, and the Cougar Cadet Drum Corps. Sun., June 29, 12-10pm, $30. Jones, 620 Jones, SF. www.juanitamore.com
>Cindy Aquino: Kadena – Queer as Punk: Solo exhibition of photographs depicting the Filipin@ LGBT community. Sundays. Continues through June 29. Paolo Mejia, 4343 Third St., SF, www.paolomejia.com.
>Pride Sunday at the Lookout: With DJs Shawn P, Dirty Kurty, Byron Bonsall, and Luke Allen. Sun., June 29, noon. Lookout, 3600 16th St., SF, 703-9751, www.lookoutsf.com.
>Queerly Beloved: Porn goddess Courtney Love brings all the queers to her yard (El Rio’s back patio) for a Mission-style party like no othere. With MicahTron, The Younger Lovers, Cinnamon Maxxine, Jenna Riot, DJ Durt, Lisa Delux, and more. Sun., June 29, 3pm El Rio, 3158 Mission, SF, 282-3325, www.elriosf.com.
>The Social Life: Eden After Pride Party: With DJs Lady Ryan, Lezlee, and Dirty Rich Kidd. Sun., June 29, 7pm, $10 advance, www.edeninthebay.com. Parliament, 811 Washington, Oakland, 510-251-9911, www.811parliament.com.
>Sunday Mass: Art, Dance, Pride: Energetic special edition of the weekly party. With Ladytron (Reuben Wu DJ set), Lincoln Jesser, Two Dudes in Love, Straight Up in Love (Havoc + Dewey Beats), Richie Panic, Tracer, Blaus, Keith Kraft, Robert Jeffrey, and more. Sun., June 29, 6pm, $20-$30, masssundays.com. The Chapel, 777 Valencia, SF, 551-5157, www.thechapelsf.com.
>U-Haul: Pride 2014 Closing T-Dance: With DJs Von Kiss, Lisa Delux, and Chelsea Starr. Sun., June 29, 5-10pm, $10, www.facebook.com/uhaul.SanFrancisco. Vessel, 85 Campton, SF, 433-8585, www.vesselsf.com.

MONDAY/30

>Ascent: S.F. Pride High-Energy After Hours: With DJ Tristan Jaxx and a whole bunch of wide-eyed lovers (event runs 4-10am Monday morning). Mon., June 30, $20. BeatBox, 314 11th St., SF, 500-2675, www.beatboxsf.com.
>One Night Only Cabaret: Benefit for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation with cast members of Once, plus David Burnham, Sharon McNight, and Spencer Day. Mon., June 30, 7:30pm, $25-$100, www.helpisontheway.org. Club Fugazi, 678 Green, SF, 421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com.

Pride listings were compiler by John Graham, with assistance from Cheryl Eddy and Marke B.

GOL!

Michael Redmond

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June 17, 2014

39

culture@sfbg.com

WORLD CUP VIEWING

Now through July 13, a whole bunch of soccer fans are going to be coming into work late (sorry, there’s a 9am game!) or taking long lunches to get those noon games in. Fortunately there are a bunch of places to watch the Cup, in case your boss is getting suspicious of you hanging out in the conference room with your iPad. (For more suggestions, see the Pixel Vision blog at SFBG.com.)

A brand new sports bar has opened in the former Tortilla Heights space called San Francisco Athletic Club (1750 Divisadero, SF. 415-923-8989), and partners Miles Palliser and Ezra Berman of the Corner Store, along with Neil Holbrook of Kezar Pub, managed to open it just in time for Soccergeddon! There are 27 televisions, a 20-seat bar, pullout bleachers for big games, and you can even order a bathtub of beer if you’re sitting in one of the four reservable booths (which fit eight to 12). Pace yourself, sporto. Twelve to 16 beers come on tap, and cocktails too. The menu features an SFAC Burger with American cheese, a bacon-wrapped hot dog with caramelized onions and peppers, and Sriracha chili wings. Regular hours are Tue–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm, and they’ll be open at 8:30am for the 9am games!

For a little bit of sun and a fun crowd, come to the SoMa Streat Food Park (428 11th St., SF. www.somastreatfoodpark.com), which is showing the matches on big screens for free! You can sit in the beer garden and enjoy Cup-appropriate specials — like Brazil’s Xingu Black Beer — and take your pick of vittles from a rotating roster of food trucks. Check the website for match schedule.

Recently opened Bartlett Hall (242 O’Farrell, SF. www.bartletthallsf.com) will come in handy for downtown workers: it’s open for morning games at 9am, with a bunch of screens and early treats.

Another new place to open is Minas Brazilian (41 Franklin, SF. www.minasbrazilianrestaurant.com) in the former Canto do Brasil space in Hayes Valley. So if you want to watch the games — there are LED screens — and party with some Brazilians (who wouldn’t?), here’s one place to find ’em. There will be plenty of cachaça, $6 caipirinhas during happy hour (5pm–7pm), and everyone’s favorite, pão de queijo (cheese bread). Open for early games; check the Facebook page for updates.

As for where to go to yell “IT-AL-IA!” with the Italians, you’ll want to head to Il Casaro (348 Columbus, SF. www.ilcasarosf.com) in North Beach, which has three TV screens, and lots of seats packed into the small space. The hotspot makes delicious Neapolitan pizzas, but Fri/20 it will be opening early for the 9am game and serving cornetti, bomboloni. You can get a cappuccino too. Forza Azzurri!

Looking for a spot to watch Mexico play? All four Tacolicious (www.tacolicious.com) locations will be showing all matches with Mexico (or USA) for the course of the Cup. When the US plays Germany on Thursday, June 26, Tacolicious will be open at 8:30am and serving brunch! Mmmm, huevos rancheros.

Meanwhile, over in SoMa, Don Ramon’s (225 11th St., SF. www.donramonsrestaurante.com) will be keeping you happy with plenty of food and drink specials, like $5 Micheladas all day. There are two large TVs, and they’re opening 11:30am Tue–Fri and 5pm Sat–Sun.

Also in SoMa is the sporty HQ Public House (24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF. www.publichousesf.com), which boasts multiple screens — just be sure you’re not there when a Giants home game is happening, it could be a little crazy.

The Lower Haight is full of soccer-loving bars, like Mad Dog in the Fog (530 Haight, SF. www.themaddoginthefog.com), Danny Coyle’s (668 Haight, SF. www.dannycoyles.com), or you can head to the Upper Haight to Kezar Pub (770 Stanyan, SF. www.thekezarpub.com). And you’ll definitely find some Brits at the new Gashead Tavern (2351 Mission, SF. www.facebook.com/gasheadtavern) in the Mission. Gashead sports three TVs and one 100-inch projector, and is opening early to serve breakfast sandwiches all week starting at noon, and weekend brunch starting at 11am. Two words: full bar. Score!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

TREAT SHEET 2014 (all on one page!)

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June 6, 2014

0

TREAT SHEET It’s almost summer time: Forget about that diet — you’ve got bigger things to worry about than whether you can fit into that bathing suit! (How to score Outside Lands tickets, for instance, or how to get to three street fairs at once.) For our first annual Treat Sheet, we asked our readers, our staff writers, and Tablehopper restaurant guru Marcia Gagliardi for their favorite summer treats under $10 that represent the Bay Area’s delicious, locally sourced, mostly organic bounty. Grab your picnic basket and dig in.

PORK BELLY DONUTS WITH MAPLE SYRUP AND MAKERS MARK GLAZE, $5.75

Yes, these things are just as rich and decadent as they sound. (Just one order of three is probably all you and your date will need.) When pigs meet donuts, it’s serious business

The Sycamore, 2140 Mission, SF, www.thesycamoresf.com

SLOPPY BUN, $6.95

A flavor-packed and abundant sandwich of red curry ground beef, plus garlic mayo, jalapeno, Thai basil, and shaved onion. Be sure to pay an extra $1 for an egg on top. More is more.

Bun Mee, 2015 Fillmore, SF; 650 Market, SF; www.bunmee.co

LEMON COOKIE ICE CREAM, $4.25 FOR TWO SCOOPS ON A WAFFLE CONE

Get your cookies and ice cream fix in this light, lemony two-in-one dessert.

Three Twins, 254 Fillmore, SF. www.threetwinsicecream.com

NABOLOM CINNAMON TWIST, $2

It’s been years since we’ve lived down the street and could hit them up practically every day, but these cinnamon-sugar-doused bars of gold (er, perfectly crispy-flaky-chewy croissant dough) still appear in our dreams. Get ’em fresh out of the oven if possible; the crispy caramelized sugar edges will become your new white rabbit.

Nabolom Collective Bakery, 2708 Russell St, Berk. www.nabolombakery.com

BLUES ON THE COB, $4

Baby Blues BBQ in the Mission has a great assortment of barbecued meats, and we try to mix it up — but we never deviate from one of our favorite sides: fresh roasted corn on the cob smothered in blue cheese. Yum.

Baby Blues BBQ, 3149 Mission, SF, babybluessf.com

EL FRIJOLAZO HOT DOG, $6.95

Guatemalan hot dogs, people. And believe us, you’ve never had a bacon-wrapped dog like this. The fresh-baked and toasted bun comes slathered with refried black beans, avocado, a Latin spin on mayo, and queso fresco. Finish with a squirt of the green salsa chapina on top.

Los Shucos, 3224 22nd St, SF. www.losshucos.com

MATEVEZA YERBA MATE IPA, $6

Need a buzzy kick? The folks at Cerveceria de Mateveza café near Dolores Park combined all the kick of caffeinated Argentinean necessity yerba mate with the downhome goodness of locally brewed craft beer. Olé.

Cerveceria de Mateveza, 3801 18th St., SF. www.cerveceriasf.com

PRETZEL CROISSANT, $3.50

Yeah, it’s just like it sounds: amazing. A dark-baked croissant topped with pretzel salt, ready to melt you. Fresh out of the oven every day at 11:30am.

Arlequin, 384 Hayes, SF. www.arlequincafe.com

BUFFALO BOYS, $8.50

Fried catfish in buffalo sauce, dipped in blue cheese dressing. ‘Nuff said. You could also save a buck and get the Buffalo Girls, made with seitan instead of catfish. (But why?)

Dante’s Weird Fish, 2193 Mission, SF. www.weirdfishsf.com

THOROUGH BREAD APPLE GALETTE, $2.15

Ooh la la: authentic French bakery Thorough Bread near the Castro overflows with goodies worth rising early for. But we’re saving our biggest oui oui for these delightful apple-filled pastries. Not too sweet, but your sweet tooth will thank you.

248 Church, SF. www.thoroughbreadandpastry.com

ROOSEVELT CAESAR SALAD, $10

This is one hell of a Caesar, the crisp leaves of Romaine are positively coated with the oh-so-creamy dressing, all topped with a mountainous flurry of Parmesan.

Roosevelt Tamale Parlor, 2817 24th St, SF. (415) 824-2600

ESPERPENTO GAMBAS AL AJILLO, $7

This may be the single garlickiest dish we’ve found in the city, which therefore makes it awesome. Just one order of these babies — tender shrimp drowns in garlic sauce — and a couple baskets of bread to sop up every last drop of juice. You can run on the fumes for hours.

Esperpento, 3295 22nd St., SF, www.esperpentorestaurant.com

THE REBEL WITHIN, $7.50

This stealthy treat consists of a poached egg, bacon, and scallions baked into an otherwise normal-looking savory muffin. And they even seem to get the yolk right each time, running out perfectly as you cut into it.

Craftsman and Wolves, 749 Valencia, SF, craftsman-wolves.com

STARBELLY HOUSEMADE CHICKEN LIVER PATE, $10

This ain’t your grandma’s chicken liver — this is pure buttery goodness. Spread it on toasted bread with sweet onion marmalade and grain mustard, and it’ll warm your soul.

Starbelly, 3583 16th St, SF. www.starbellysf.com

PLANTAIN BURRITO, $7.25

If you’re a carnivore, this burrito will make you consider a conversion to vegetarianism. If you’re a vegetarian, you’re welcome.

Cuco’s, 488 Haight, SF (415) 863-4906

HASH BROWN SANDWICH, $6.55

A genius breakfast item from the Inner Richmond: imagine a folded taco of crisp hash browns, with cheese, bacon (or sausage, or ham and onions) inside, and eggs and toast on the side. Boom.

Art’s Café, 747 Irving, SF. www.artscafe.com

KINAKO MOCHI, $1.35

You might not be able to eat just one, and you might want to try an assortment of mochi treats — but start with this fresh green mochi with red bean filling from a true Japantown classic.

Benkyodo Co., 1747 Buchanan, SF. www.benkyodocompany.com

FENNEL AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO LAMB SAUSAGE, $7

It’s like a ballpark hot dog all dressed up with a gourmet twist. Comes with two free toppings, like sauerkraut, grilled onions, or sweet peppers. It is so perfect with beer!

Rosamunde Sausage Grill, various locations, SF.

TAYLOR’S TONICS’ CHAI COLA, $2

All the healthful goodness of chai — in cola form. The local heroes at Taylor’s Tonics have seen this unlikely but wondrous taste combo take off nationally. (You can get it at CostCo!) But the best place to procure this invigoratingly fizzy beverage is at one of Taylor’s Fizzary soda stores.

The Fizzary, 2949 Mission, SF; 1782 Haight, SF. www.taylorstonics.com

LENTIL AND YAM PIE, $3.55

Wholesome, fresh, and flavorful, try the vegan lentil and yam pocket pie, seasoned with cumin and onion. It’s simply good and healthy for your wallet, too.

Peasant Pies, multiple locations. www.peasantpies.com.

GREEN CHILE STEW $5; HOUSE SPECIALTY PIE, $8

Cross over to the savory side of the menu at this oasis of organic goodness. Try the pork, chicken, or veggie versions of the signature green chile stew. The cross back over to sweetness — with a kick — and dive into a slice of Green Chile’s house specialty pie: apple a la mode with a generous drizzle of red chile honey. Good lord.

Chile Pies Sweet and Savory, 314 Church, SF. (415) 431-9411 www.greenchilekichen.com

HONEYDEW SHAKE WITH PEARL, $3.25

When confronted with the list of pearl shake options, you might be tempted to just go for it and ask for the durian shake with pearl or the guyabano shake with pearl. But if you want sweet heavenly goodness to counterbalance a bowl of fiery noodles, take it from us that ordering the honeydew shake with pearl is the wisest move of all.

Kevin’s Noodle House, various locations. www.kevinnoodlehouse.com

TAO YEUN BAKED BBQ PORK BUN, LESS THAN $1

They are baked, they are filled with BBQ pork, and they are buns. You can find them practically anywhere in the bay. But there is good reason why everyone raves about these glazed clouds of perfection on the Internet. Pick up some sesame balls while you’re at it, why don’t you?

Tao Yeun Pastry, 816 Franklin, Oakl. (510) 834-9200

TU LAN #17, $7.45

No matter what Twitter has done to “clean up” (sweep homeless folks out of) the neighborhood, the real protests will begin when something threatens Tu Lan, the mother of all cheap, delicious Vietnamese noodle purveyors. The #17 pork kebab with imperial roll and rice noodles — a blend of sweet and spicy fried goodness — has cured many a hangover, and tops our pork kebab list. Long may she reign.

Tu Lan, 8 Sixth St, SF. www.tulan-vn-restaurant.com

PANNA GELATO WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND SEA SALT, $7

Don’t be fooled by the odd-sounding flavor clash — servers will tell you flat-out that this decadent combination of sweet, creamy gelato, and light, fruity olive oil, accented with rock salt, is the best thing on the menu. We’re gladly working our way through all the items to find out.

Beretta, 1199 Valencia, SF. www.berettasf.com

PUERTO ALEGRE CHILAQUILES, $6.85

These fried tortilla slices scrambled with eggs and sauteed with a tasty red or green sauce are a magic hangover cure. Wash down with a house margarita — or, hell, a pitcher — to do it all over again. (Only on the weekend breakfast menu.)

Puerto Alegre, 546 Valencia, SF (415) 255-8201

CHILLED TRIPE “TRIPPERIA STYLE,” $8.50

This tripe is truly something special — it’s tender and served chilled, with lemon, chile oil, and sea salt (you get to decide how much to put on of each ingredient). A favorite of those who especially dig tripe or feeling incredibly Italian.

Pizzeria Delfina, various locations. www.pizzeriadelfina.com

MACARON ICE CREAM SANDWICH, $5

The delicate flavor of French macarons … the creamy sumptuousness of ice cream … the ungodly gobbling noise as you wolf it all down! Available in red velvet, chocolate chocolate, or “vanilla birthday.”

Cako, various locations. www.cako.com

MARLA BAGEL WITH HERBED FARMER’S CHEESE, $5

There are bagels, and then there are these amazing bagels baked by Amy Brown. Some of the best in the city, don’t miss ’em.

Marla Bakery Kitchen Communal, 613 York, SF. www.marlabakery.com

BUCKWHEAT WAFFLE, $9

This savory waffle also comes with crème fraîche, cucumber, and trout roe on top. Elegant! Brilliant for brunch.

Lt. Waffle at Linea Caffe, 3417 18th St., SF. www.lineacaffe.com

TROU NORMAN COPPA, $7

Some of the silkiest coppa you’ve ever had will be found here. There are actually about 14 kinds of housemade salumi for you to choose from, all $7 and under.

Trou Normand, 140 New Montgomery, SF. www.trounormandsf.com

CAFÉ VAN KLEEF GREYHOUND, $7

Feel a cold coming on? Get your daily dose of vitamin C and your weekly allotment of vodka with a fresh-squeezed grapefruit greyhound — featuring a stiff pour and a whole quarter of a grapefruit as a wedge — at this beloved, old-school Oakland spot.

Cafe Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph, Oak. www.cafevankleef.com

WISE SONS NOODLE KUGEL, $3.50

Totally not fair to put this contemporary version of a Jewish standby on this list — it is a figurative brick of delish, sweet noodles cooked into a heavy square topped with crumble and served in a puddle of berry sauce.

Wise Sons Deli, 3150 24th St, SF. www.wisesonsdeli.com

CHEDDAR CHEESE GRILLED SANDWICH, $9.75

This is one cheesy sandwich, filled with Shelburne Farms and Fiscalini cheddar with sage and apples on house-baked kale whole wheat bread. Just beyond.

Le Marais, 2066 Chestnut, SF. www.lemaraisbakery.com

LIGURIA BAKERY PIZZA FOCACCIA, $5

If you manage to get to North Beach’s justly-famed Liguria early — very early — enough, you’ll be rewarded with soft, spongy, fabulously oily tomato bomb focaccia, sprinkled with green onions on top.

Liguria Bakery, 1700 Stockton, SF. (415) 421-3786

BUFFALO WINGS, $10

Or you can have Angry Korean wings, or dry rub, or seven other kinds, 10 flappers for just $10. Yeah, and it’s quality chicken too: air-chilled Mary’s birds. Piping hot and finger lickin’ good.

Wing Wings, 422 Haight, SF. www.wingwingssf.com

BACON BACON BANH MI, $8

This killer banh mi comes stuffed with pork and bacon patties, pickled vegetables, jalapenos, cilantro, and sriracha mayo. Good stuff, served specially from the Bacon Bacon café or truck.

Bacon Bacon, 205 A Frederick, SF. www.baconbaconsf.com

THE AUTHENTIC BANH MI, $5

Just try to find a bigger banh mi at that price. Comes with roasted pork belly, roasted five-spice pork shoulder, housemade headcheese, and Vietnamese pork sausage, plus a slew of vegetables. Grab some napkins.

Mission Banh Mi in Duc Loi, 2200 Mission, SF. www.ducloi.com

FROZEN GREEK YOGURT, $4–$5

Move over fro-yo, this tangy number is going to steal the show. Baklava crumbles on top with syrup, are you kidding? Or how about olive oil and flaky sea salt? Greek sour cherry syrup? However you want it, here in Hayes Valley.

Souvla, 517 Hayes, SF. www.souvlasf.com

THRICE-COOKED FRIES, MANIMAL STYLE, $7

These fries are bonkers: They’re thick and hot, and come smothered in “doggie sauce” (housemade aioli with ketchup, sriracha, and chow chow relish), shredded cheddar cheese, charred scallion, and a sprinkling of piment d’Espelette for extra kick.

Trick Dog, 3010 20th St., SF. www.trickdogbar.com

BANANA CREAM TART, $7.25

Pretty much the benchmark for banana cream pie in town. Almost too good with that touch of dark chocolate and caramel. Almost.

Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero, SF. www.tartinebakery.com

TURTLE TOWER PHO GA, $8.25

One of the finest chicken noodle dishes in the city, this enormous bowl of pho will cure whatever ails you: hangover, cold, or just hunger. Perfect for fog-drenched afternoon.

Turtle Tower, various locations. www.turtletowersf.com

PORK BELLY BAO, $6.75

Imagine a tender baked bun, stuffed with pork belly, turmeric-pickled daikon, and green shiso. (Or you can get it in a steamed bun for $3.75.)

The Chairman Truck, www.thechaimantruck.com

LA TORTA GORDA TINGA TORTA, $9.25

This torta can last you the entire day and then some; this monster is stuffed with shredded chicken stewed in chipotle and onion, refried beans, avocado, queso fresco, onions, mayo, and jalapenos. A junior is $6.95, and plenty.

La Torta Gorda, 2833 24th St, SF. www.latortagorda.net

CRANKSHAFT SANDWICH, $10

An excellent tuna melt, this one comes with a decadent mayonnaise-based tuna salad made with albacore, plus house pickles, Shelburne cheddar, and arugula to lighten it up a little.

Machine, 1024 Market, SF. (415) 913-7370

DECONSTRUCTED SAMOSA, $7

This dish is a crazy mountain of garbanzos, a meat or tofu of your choice, pico de gallo, chutney, and crispy sev noodles on top, plus mini samosas on the side. Delicious confusion.

Curry Up Now, 659 Valenica, SF. www.curryupnow.com

WHITE SPINACH SLICE, $4

This unassuming pizza shop in the Mission makes one hell of a New York-style slice, and the white spinach slice (spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic) is rich and tasty. Great crisp crust.

The Pizza Shop, 3104 24th St, SF. (415) 824-1840

BEEP’S PINEAPPLE SHAKE, $3.50

This creamy, citrusy, brainfreezing rush is a legend — people have been talking about it for generations. The rest of the Ingleside diner’s menu is your basic ’50s throwback drive-through diner fare (plus teriyaki bowls), but the shake goes down well with some salty fries.

Beep’s Burgers, 1051 Ocean Avenue, SF. (415) 584-2650

TONKOTSU KOTTERI RAMEN, $8.45

Some of the richest pork broth you’ll find, this bowl of ramen also comes with black garlic oil. It’s fatty and decadent and something you should try at least once.

Ramen Yamadaya, 1728 Buchanan, SF. www.ramen-yamadaya.com

BEEF PHO ROLLS, $8

Swing by this happening Vietnamese cafe for weekend brunch and don’t pass up these rolls of tender rice noodles (made fresh!) with ground beef and Thai basil inside.

Rice Paper Scissors, 1710 Mission, SF. www.ricepaperscissors.com

CHINESE MAI TAI, $9

Nothing says hot summer nights like a great big cup of “erase your brain.”

Li po Lounge, 916 Grant, SF. www.lipolounge.com

OLD JERUSALEM HUMMUS, $7.50

Not only do you get a platter of pitch-perfect hummus, but you get a bowl of fluffy, warm pita — plus pickled beets, olives, a couple more dips, and some old-school charm.

Old Jerusalem, 2976 Mission, SF. (415) 642-5958

CANCUN SUPER NACHOS, $5.99

Sure, Taqueria Cancun’s tortilla chips are notoriously meh, but the perennially popular spot loads so many toppings onto these overflowing nachos that you’ll hardly notice. (You can add meat for $2.)

Taqueria Cancun, 2288 Mission, SF. (415) 252-9560

BISCUIT BENDER BISCUIT AND BUTTER, $3.50–$4

Take your pick of buttermilk biscuits, from double bacon-maple to cheddar to Mexican hot chocolate, and add on special butters like espresso butter, or bacon-bourbon jam.

Biscuit Bender, Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, SF. www.biscuitbender.com

BEST DAMN GRASS-FED CHEESEBURGER, $8.75; FRANKARONI $5

The burger at this new Divis hotspot lives up to its name, with a housemade sesame-scallion bun, dry-aged meat, secret sauce, Gruyere, red onion, and lettuce. You can add housemade bacon for $1.25, or an egg for $2. And hey! Why not pick up another perfect summer treat: A side of frankaroni, basically fried mac and cheese with hot dog inside, is five dollars.

4505 Burgers & BBQ, 705 Divisadero, SF. www.4505meats.com

YUZU CHICKEN WINGS, $9.50

These are some mighty juicy chicken wings, with a flaky exterior (they’re fried in potato starch); get them for $6 during happy hour (Monday through Friday from 5:30pm–6:30pm).

ICHI Sushi + NI Bar, 3282 Mission, www.ichisuchi.com

EL DORADO TACO, $3.75

These off-menu tacos at La Taqueria are like the precursor to the chalupa. A crispy taco is folded within a soft one, and melted cheese holds the two together. Magic. You have to get the carnitas, of course (it also comes with beans). And it’s worth ponying up for some guacamole on top.

La Taqueria, 2889 Mission, SF. (415) 285-7117

Hungry, thirsty

Michael Redmond

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June 3, 2014

0

culture@sfbg.com

NEWLY OPEN

Positive reports are already rolling in for chef-owner Lauren Kiino’s newest project, Red Dog (303 2nd St., SF. www.reddogrestaurant) — woof! Not only did she open a restaurant in a funky part of town that needed more dining options, but her fresh, rustic food also offers easy, middle-of-the-week appeal: when you don’t know what you want, she gives you options. Maybe it’s her famed egg salad for lunch, or smoked duck hash browns with poached eggs for brunch, or a Massa brown rice and market vegetable bowl for dinner. You’ll also find a house-ground classic beef burger and fries any time of day. It’s a casual, neighborhood spot, with seating for 120, plus a bar area (and another 25 will fit on the patio soon). Swing by for a bite and cocktail before a Giants game — happy hour runs daily from 3pm–6pm, with both food and drink specials. And psssst, they make a mean Scotch egg. Opening hours are lunch Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, dinner daily 5pm–10pm, brunch Sat–Sun 10am–3pm. Breakfast will be added in a couple of weeks: Mon–Fri 8am–10:30am.

New life has come to the corner of 16th Street and Guerrero in the Mission, with the opening of Chino in the former Andalu, from the partners behind Tacolicious. The appetizing menu is going to ply you with housemade dumplings (made by a dumpling Jedi), flavor-packed wings, light dishes like yuba noodles with cilantro-ginger “salsa verde” and pickled shiitake mushrooms or cold sesame noodles with summer squash, lumpia from the chef de cuisine’s family recipe, shrimp wonton noodle soup, and four kinds of stuffed bao. It all sounds tasty and fun, doesn’t it? That’s definitely the point—the design is also playful and colorful, and there’s a bar with some cocktails, like the Boba Colada, that will have you feeling a little silly in no time. There are 66 seats, sure to be filling up with folks chowing down on this surprisingly affordable menu. It’s kind of a breath of fresh air in these days of $32 entrées (and they’re using quality ingredients too). Open daily 11:30am–1am.

Downtown workers have a new, and muy grande, taqueria to hit up, Uno Dos Tacos (595 Market St., SF. www.unodostaco.com). The original location was a short-term trial on Polk Street, in case the name seems familiar. The menu is divided up into tacos, burritos, salads, or a plate with your choice of meats: carne asada, chicken tinga, carnitas, lengua, fish (try the fried fish taco!), or vegetarian. Tacos are $3.25 each, $4.50 for fish, and burritos are $6.50 for vegetarian or $7.25 for meat. Considering the high-quality meats and produce, and the corn tortillas are made in-house (you can even check out the groovy machine), that pricing is pretty fab. Best of all: there’s a huge outdoor patio. We’re talking room for 80 people. And with the full bar, this place has you covered. Take over a picnic table with your after-work posse and you’re set. Open for lunch and dinner, 10:30am–9pm.

BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET

It’s that time of the year again, when SF restaurants offer some lunch and dinner specials for Dine About Town (www.dineabouttown.com), running now through June 15th. You can check out a special lunch at Spruce or Campton Place (lunch deals are a prix-fixe lunch of two or three courses for $18.95), or a three-course dinner for $36.95 at places like Dosa on Fillmore, La Mar, and M.Y. China. There are more than 100 restaurants participating, check it out.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

The treat sheet

Michael Redmond

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June 3, 2014

1

TREAT SHEET It’s almost summer time: Forget about that diet — you’ve got bigger things to worry about than whether you can fit into that bathing suit! (How to score Outside Lands tickets, for instance, or how to get to three street fairs at once.) For our first annual Treat Sheet, we asked our readers, our staff writers, and Tablehopper restaurant guru Marcia Gagliardi for their favorite summer treats under $10 that represent the Bay Area’s delicious, locally sourced, mostly organic bounty. Grab your picnic basket and dig in. (See the Treat Sheet all on one page here.)

PORK BELLY DONUTS WITH MAPLE SYRUP AND MAKERS MARK GLAZE, $5.75

Yes, these things are just as rich and decadent as they sound. (Just one order of three is probably all you and your date will need.) When pigs meet donuts, it’s serious business

The Sycamore, 2140 Mission, SF, www.thesycamoresf.com

SLOPPY BUN, $6.95

A flavor-packed and abundant sandwich of red curry ground beef, plus garlic mayo, jalapeno, Thai basil, and shaved onion. Be sure to pay an extra $1 for an egg on top. More is more.

Bun Mee, 2015 Fillmore, SF; 650 Market, SF; www.bunmee.co

LEMON COOKIE ICE CREAM, $4.25 FOR TWO SCOOPS ON A WAFFLE CONE

Get your cookies and ice cream fix in this light, lemony two-in-one dessert.

Three Twins, 254 Fillmore, SF. www.threetwinsicecream.com

NABOLOM CINNAMON TWIST, $2

It’s been years since we’ve lived down the street and could hit them up practically every day, but these cinnamon-sugar-doused bars of gold (er, perfectly crispy-flaky-chewy croissant dough) still appear in our dreams. Get ’em fresh out of the oven if possible; the crispy caramelized sugar edges will become your new white rabbit.

Nabolom Collective Bakery, 2708 Russell St, Berk. www.nabolombakery.com

BLUES ON THE COB, $4

Baby Blues BBQ in the Mission has a great assortment of barbecued meats, and we try to mix it up — but we never deviate from one of our favorite sides: fresh roasted corn on the cob smothered in blue cheese. Yum.

Baby Blues BBQ, 3149 Mission, SF, babybluessf.com

EL FRIJOLAZO HOT DOG, $6.95

Guatemalan hot dogs, people. And believe us, you’ve never had a bacon-wrapped dog like this. The fresh-baked and toasted bun comes slathered with refried black beans, avocado, a Latin spin on mayo, and queso fresco. Finish with a squirt of the green salsa chapina on top.

Los Shucos, 3224 22nd St, SF. www.losshucos.com

MATEVEZA YERBA MATE IPA, $6

Need a buzzy kick? The folks at Cerveceria de Mateveza café near Dolores Park combined all the kick of caffeinated Argentinean necessity yerba mate with the downhome goodness of locally brewed craft beer. Olé.

Cerveceria de Mateveza, 3801 18th St., SF. www.cerveceriasf.com

PRETZEL CROISSANT, $3.50

Yeah, it’s just like it sounds: amazing. A dark-baked croissant topped with pretzel salt, ready to melt you. Fresh out of the oven every day at 11:30am.

Arlequin, 384 Hayes, SF. www.arlequincafe.com

BUFFALO BOYS, $8.50

Fried catfish in buffalo sauce, dipped in blue cheese dressing. ‘Nuff said. You could also save a buck and get the Buffalo Girls, made with seitan instead of catfish. (But why?)

Dante’s Weird Fish, 2193 Mission, SF. www.weirdfishsf.com

THOROUGH BREAD APPLE GALETTE, $2.15

Ooh la la: authentic French bakery Thorough Bread near the Castro overflows with goodies worth rising early for. But we’re saving our biggest oui oui for these delightful apple-filled pastries. Not too sweet, but your sweet tooth will thank you.

248 Church, SF. www.thoroughbreadandpastry.com

ROOSEVELT CAESAR SALAD, $10

This is one hell of a Caesar, the crisp leaves of Romaine are positively coated with the oh-so-creamy dressing, all topped with a mountainous flurry of Parmesan.

Roosevelt Tamale Parlor, 2817 24th St, SF. (415) 824-2600

ESPERPENTO GAMBAS AL AJILLO, $7

This may be the single garlickiest dish we’ve found in the city, which therefore makes it awesome. Just one order of these babies — tender shrimp drowns in garlic sauce — and a couple baskets of bread to sop up every last drop of juice. You can run on the fumes for hours.

Esperpento, 3295 22nd St., SF, www.esperpentorestaurant.com

THE REBEL WITHIN, $7.50

This stealthy treat consists of a poached egg, bacon, and scallions baked into an otherwise normal-looking savory muffin. And they even seem to get the yolk right each time, running out perfectly as you cut into it.

Craftsman and Wolves, 749 Valencia, SF, craftsman-wolves.com

STARBELLY HOUSEMADE CHICKEN LIVER PATE, $10

This ain’t your grandma’s chicken liver — this is pure buttery goodness. Spread it on toasted bread with sweet onion marmalade and grain mustard, and it’ll warm your soul.

Starbelly, 3583 16th St, SF. www.starbellysf.com

PLANTAIN BURRITO, $7.25

If you’re a carnivore, this burrito will make you consider a conversion to vegetarianism. If you’re a vegetarian, you’re welcome.

Cuco’s, 488 Haight, SF (415) 863-4906

HASH BROWN SANDWICH, $6.55

A genius breakfast item from the Inner Richmond: imagine a folded taco of crisp hash browns, with cheese, bacon (or sausage, or ham and onions) inside, and eggs and toast on the side. Boom.

Art’s Café, 747 Irving, SF. www.artscafe.com

KINAKO MOCHI, $1.35

You might not be able to eat just one, and you might want to try an assortment of mochi treats — but start with this fresh green mochi with red bean filling from a true Japantown classic.

Benkyodo Co., 1747 Buchanan, SF. www.benkyodocompany.com

FENNEL AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO LAMB SAUSAGE, $7

It’s like a ballpark hot dog all dressed up with a gourmet twist. Comes with two free toppings, like sauerkraut, grilled onions, or sweet peppers. It is so perfect with beer!

Rosamunde Sausage Grill, various locations, SF.

TAYLOR’S TONICS’ CHAI COLA, $2

All the healthful goodness of chai — in cola form. The local heroes at Taylor’s Tonics have seen this unlikely but wondrous taste combo take off nationally. (You can get it at CostCo!) But the best place to procure this invigoratingly fizzy beverage is at one of Taylor’s Fizzary soda stores.

The Fizzary, 2949 Mission, SF; 1782 Haight, SF. www.taylorstonics.com

LENTIL AND YAM PIE, $3.55

Wholesome, fresh, and flavorful, try the vegan lentil and yam pocket pie, seasoned with cumin and onion. It’s simply good and healthy for your wallet, too.

Peasant Pies, multiple locations. www.peasantpies.com.

GREEN CHILE STEW $5; HOUSE SPECIALTY PIE, $8

Cross over to the savory side of the menu at this oasis of organic goodness. Try the pork, chicken, or veggie versions of the signature green chile stew. The cross back over to sweetness — with a kick — and dive into a slice of Green Chile’s house specialty pie: apple a la mode with a generous drizzle of red chile honey. Good lord.

Chile Pies Sweet and Savory, 314 Church, SF. (415) 431-9411 www.greenchilekichen.com

HONEYDEW SHAKE WITH PEARL, $3.25

When confronted with the list of pearl shake options, you might be tempted to just go for it and ask for the durian shake with pearl or the guyabano shake with pearl. But if you want sweet heavenly goodness to counterbalance a bowl of fiery noodles, take it from us that ordering the honeydew shake with pearl is the wisest move of all.

Kevin’s Noodle House, various locations. www.kevinnoodlehouse.com

TAO YEUN BAKED BBQ PORK BUN, LESS THAN $1

They are baked, they are filled with BBQ pork, and they are buns. You can find them practically anywhere in the bay. But there is good reason why everyone raves about these glazed clouds of perfection on the Internet. Pick up some sesame balls while you’re at it, why don’t you?

Tao Yeun Pastry, 816 Franklin, Oakl. (510) 834-9200

TU LAN #17, $7.45

No matter what Twitter has done to “clean up” (sweep homeless folks out of) the neighborhood, the real protests will begin when something threatens Tu Lan, the mother of all cheap, delicious Vietnamese noodle purveyors. The #17 pork kebab with imperial roll and rice noodles — a blend of sweet and spicy fried goodness — has cured many a hangover, and tops our pork kebab list. Long may she reign.

Tu Lan, 8 Sixth St, SF. www.tulan-vn-restaurant.com

PANNA GELATO WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND SEA SALT, $7

Don’t be fooled by the odd-sounding flavor clash — servers will tell you flat-out that this decadent combination of sweet, creamy gelato, and light, fruity olive oil, accented with rock salt, is the best thing on the menu. We’re gladly working our way through all the items to find out.

Beretta, 1199 Valencia, SF. www.berettasf.com

PUERTO ALEGRE CHILAQUILES, $6.85

These fried tortilla slices scrambled with eggs and sauteed with a tasty red or green sauce are a magic hangover cure. Wash down with a house margarita — or, hell, a pitcher — to do it all over again. (Only on the weekend breakfast menu.)

Puerto Alegre, 546 Valencia, SF (415) 255-8201

CHILLED TRIPE “TRIPPERIA STYLE,” $8.50

This tripe is truly something special — it’s tender and served chilled, with lemon, chile oil, and sea salt (you get to decide how much to put on of each ingredient). A favorite of those who especially dig tripe or feeling incredibly Italian.

Pizzeria Delfina, various locations. www.pizzeriadelfina.com

MACARON ICE CREAM SANDWICH, $5

The delicate flavor of French macarons … the creamy sumptuousness of ice cream … the ungodly gobbling noise as you wolf it all down! Available in red velvet, chocolate chocolate, or “vanilla birthday.”

Cako, various locations. www.cako.com

MARLA BAGEL WITH HERBED FARMER’S CHEESE, $5

There are bagels, and then there are these amazing bagels baked by Amy Brown. Some of the best in the city, don’t miss ’em.

Marla Bakery Kitchen Communal, 613 York, SF. www.marlabakery.com

BUCKWHEAT WAFFLE, $9

This savory waffle also comes with crème fraîche, cucumber, and trout roe on top. Elegant! Brilliant for brunch.

Lt. Waffle at Linea Caffe, 3417 18th St., SF. www.lineacaffe.com

TROU NORMAN COPPA, $7

Some of the silkiest coppa you’ve ever had will be found here. There are actually about 14 kinds of housemade salumi for you to choose from, all $7 and under.

Trou Normand, 140 New Montgomery, SF. www.trounormandsf.com

CAFÉ VAN KLEEF GREYHOUND, $7

Feel a cold coming on? Get your daily dose of vitamin C and your weekly allotment of vodka with a fresh-squeezed grapefruit greyhound — featuring a stiff pour and a whole quarter of a grapefruit as a wedge — at this beloved, old-school Oakland spot.

Cafe Van Kleef, 1621 Telegraph, Oak. www.cafevankleef.com

WISE SONS NOODLE KUGEL, $3.50

Totally not fair to put this contemporary version of a Jewish standby on this list — it is a figurative brick of delish, sweet noodles cooked into a heavy square topped with crumble and served in a puddle of berry sauce.

Wise Sons Deli, 3150 24th St, SF. www.wisesonsdeli.com

CHEDDAR CHEESE GRILLED SANDWICH, $9.75

This is one cheesy sandwich, filled with Shelburne Farms and Fiscalini cheddar with sage and apples on house-baked kale whole wheat bread. Just beyond.

Le Marais, 2066 Chestnut, SF. www.lemaraisbakery.com

LIGURIA BAKERY PIZZA FOCACCIA, $5

If you manage to get to North Beach’s justly-famed Liguria early — very early — enough, you’ll be rewarded with soft, spongy, fabulously oily tomato bomb focaccia, sprinkled with green onions on top.

Liguria Bakery, 1700 Stockton, SF. (415) 421-3786

BUFFALO WINGS, $10

Or you can have Angry Korean wings, or dry rub, or seven other kinds, 10 flappers for just $10. Yeah, and it’s quality chicken too: air-chilled Mary’s birds. Piping hot and finger lickin’ good.

Wing Wings, 422 Haight, SF. www.wingwingssf.com

BACON BACON BANH MI, $8

This killer banh mi comes stuffed with pork and bacon patties, pickled vegetables, jalapenos, cilantro, and sriracha mayo. Good stuff, served specially from the Bacon Bacon café or truck.

Bacon Bacon, 205 A Frederick, SF. www.baconbaconsf.com

THE AUTHENTIC BANH MI, $5

Just try to find a bigger banh mi at that price. Comes with roasted pork belly, roasted five-spice pork shoulder, housemade headcheese, and Vietnamese pork sausage, plus a slew of vegetables. Grab some napkins.

Mission Banh Mi in Duc Loi, 2200 Mission, SF. www.ducloi.com

FROZEN GREEK YOGURT, $4–$5

Move over fro-yo, this tangy number is going to steal the show. Baklava crumbles on top with syrup, are you kidding? Or how about olive oil and flaky sea salt? Greek sour cherry syrup? However you want it, here in Hayes Valley.

Souvla, 517 Hayes, SF. www.souvlasf.com

THRICE-COOKED FRIES, MANIMAL STYLE, $7

These fries are bonkers: They’re thick and hot, and come smothered in “doggie sauce” (housemade aioli with ketchup, sriracha, and chow chow relish), shredded cheddar cheese, charred scallion, and a sprinkling of piment d’Espelette for extra kick.

Trick Dog, 3010 20th St., SF. www.trickdogbar.com

BANANA CREAM TART, $7.25

Pretty much the benchmark for banana cream pie in town. Almost too good with that touch of dark chocolate and caramel. Almost.

Tartine Bakery, 600 Guerrero, SF. www.tartinebakery.com

TURTLE TOWER PHO GA, $8.25

One of the finest chicken noodle dishes in the city, this enormous bowl of pho will cure whatever ails you: hangover, cold, or just hunger. Perfect for fog-drenched afternoon.

Turtle Tower, various locations. www.turtletowersf.com

PORK BELLY BAO, $6.75

Imagine a tender baked bun, stuffed with pork belly, turmeric-pickled daikon, and green shiso. (Or you can get it in a steamed bun for $3.75.)

The Chairman Truck, www.thechaimantruck.com

LA TORTA GORDA TINGA TORTA, $9.25

This torta can last you the entire day and then some; this monster is stuffed with shredded chicken stewed in chipotle and onion, refried beans, avocado, queso fresco, onions, mayo, and jalapenos. A junior is $6.95, and plenty.

La Torta Gorda, 2833 24th St, SF. www.latortagorda.net

CRANKSHAFT SANDWICH, $10

An excellent tuna melt, this one comes with a decadent mayonnaise-based tuna salad made with albacore, plus house pickles, Shelburne cheddar, and arugula to lighten it up a little.

Machine, 1024 Market, SF. (415) 913-7370

DECONSTRUCTED SAMOSA, $7

This dish is a crazy mountain of garbanzos, a meat or tofu of your choice, pico de gallo, chutney, and crispy sev noodles on top, plus mini samosas on the side. Delicious confusion.

Curry Up Now, 659 Valenica, SF. www.curryupnow.com

WHITE SPINACH SLICE, $4

This unassuming pizza shop in the Mission makes one hell of a New York-style slice, and the white spinach slice (spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic) is rich and tasty. Great crisp crust.

The Pizza Shop, 3104 24th St, SF. (415) 824-1840

BEEP’S PINEAPPLE SHAKE, $3.50

This creamy, citrusy, brainfreezing rush is a legend — people have been talking about it for generations. The rest of the Ingleside diner’s menu is your basic ’50s throwback drive-through diner fare (plus teriyaki bowls), but the shake goes down well with some salty fries.

Beep’s Burgers, 1051 Ocean Avenue, SF. (415) 584-2650

TONKOTSU KOTTERI RAMEN, $8.45

Some of the richest pork broth you’ll find, this bowl of ramen also comes with black garlic oil. It’s fatty and decadent and something you should try at least once.

Ramen Yamadaya, 1728 Buchanan, SF. www.ramen-yamadaya.com

BEEF PHO ROLLS, $8

Swing by this happening Vietnamese cafe for weekend brunch and don’t pass up these rolls of tender rice noodles (made fresh!) with ground beef and Thai basil inside.

Rice Paper Scissors, 1710 Mission, SF. www.ricepaperscissors.com

CHINESE MAI TAI, $9

Nothing says hot summer nights like a great big cup of “erase your brain.”

Li po Lounge, 916 Grant, SF. www.lipolounge.com

OLD JERUSALEM HUMMUS, $7.50

Not only do you get a platter of pitch-perfect hummus, but you get a bowl of fluffy, warm pita — plus pickled beets, olives, a couple more dips, and some old-school charm.

Old Jerusalem, 2976 Mission, SF. (415) 642-5958

CANCUN SUPER NACHOS, $5.99

Sure, Taqueria Cancun’s tortilla chips are notoriously meh, but the perennially popular spot loads so many toppings onto these overflowing nachos that you’ll hardly notice. (You can add meat for $2.)

Taqueria Cancun, 2288 Mission, SF. (415) 252-9560

BISCUIT BENDER BISCUIT AND BUTTER, $3.50–$4

Take your pick of buttermilk biscuits, from double bacon-maple to cheddar to Mexican hot chocolate, and add on special butters like espresso butter, or bacon-bourbon jam.

Biscuit Bender, Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, SF. www.biscuitbender.com

BEST DAMN GRASS-FED CHEESEBURGER, $8.75; FRANKARONI $5

The burger at this new Divis hotspot lives up to its name, with a housemade sesame-scallion bun, dry-aged meat, secret sauce, Gruyere, red onion, and lettuce. You can add housemade bacon for $1.25, or an egg for $2. And hey! Why not pick up another perfect summer treat: A side of frankaroni, basically fried mac and cheese with hot dog inside, is five dollars.

4505 Burgers & BBQ, 705 Divisadero, SF. www.4505meats.com

YUZU CHICKEN WINGS, $9.50

These are some mighty juicy chicken wings, with a flaky exterior (they’re fried in potato starch); get them for $6 during happy hour (Monday through Friday from 5:30pm–6:30pm).

ICHI Sushi + NI Bar, 3282 Mission, www.ichisuchi.com

EL DORADO TACO, $3.75

These off-menu tacos at La Taqueria are like the precursor to the chalupa. A crispy taco is folded within a soft one, and melted cheese holds the two together. Magic. You have to get the carnitas, of course (it also comes with beans). And it’s worth ponying up for some guacamole on top.

La Taqueria, 2889 Mission, SF. (415) 285-7117

Ooh la la!

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May 27, 2014

6

culture@sfbg.com

TABLEHOPPING First up in a slew of new openings: this hot little Frenchie number that just arrived downtown, Gaspar (185 Sutter, SF. www.gasparbrasserie.com). The two-level brasserie has a downstairs bar and casual dining area — you can sink into a deep red banquette while enjoying a Champagne cocktail — while the upstairs has a more spacious bar area and dining room (the scene of your next hot date). The place is gorgeous, with sexy lighting, eye-catching décor patterns, and more. The menu by Chris Jones boasts some classics like grand plateau of seafood, escargot, chickpea panisse cakes, and entrecote. But you’ll spot California seasonality throughout the menu as well.

The bar menu also deserves your attention: everything from cheese and charcuterie to a burger (to which you can add Camembert, Raclette, or Cambozola). The French-inspired cocktails by Kevin Diedrich will tempt you to over-indulge, featuring everything from Champagne to brandy and Calvados. Save room for dessert by Chucky Dugo, previously of Slanted Door Group — they’re as tasty as they are pretty. Request the Paris-Brest for dessert! Your server won’t bat an eye, but your date might.

If you’re looking for a place a little less swish, another downtown newcomer is Bartlett Hall (242 O’Farrell, SF. www.bartletthallsf.com), a stylish tavern — but not too stylee: It’s got TVs, so you can kick back and watch the game. Plunk yourself down at the super-long bar for a barrel-aged cocktail and some of chef Eman Eng’s delicious small plates like chicken wings with fermented pepper sauce and miso- and maple-glazed ribs. Or you can grab a table to share a carbonara flatbread and farro risotto with vegetables. Go full-tilt on a Maverick burger, made with more butter than your doctor would ever want to know. (I won’t tell.)

You’ll note some brewing equipment in the back — Bartlett will be pumping out a couple house beers soon, but there are plenty of other brews to choose from in the meantime (and wines by the glass too). Best of all: the Hall’s open late! Daily hours 11am–2am, with lunch 11am–2:30pm, happy hour 2:30pm–5:30pm, dinner 5:30pm–10pm, bar menu (including snacks, pizza, and burger) 10pm–1am, and snacks only from 1am–2am.

Fans of the pop-up(ish) Chubby Noodle at Amante in North Beach are going to have one more opportunity to dig into chef Pete Mrabe’s crave-able vittles with a new Chubby Noodle (2205 Lombard, SF. www.chubbynoodle.com) in the Marina in the former Gatip Thai. Planned dishes include garlic noodles, raw seafood dishes, ramen, pork buns, dumplings, and more. Mrabe’s biz partner, Nick Floulis, is coming up with some clever wine-based cocktails, like the Cold Tea (afterhours drinkers and diners will get the reference), plus a bunch of wines — and sake! — on tap. This Chubby’s just doing a soft opening for now, starting Thursday May 29, and will only be open Thu–Sat 5pm until 12am to start, serving about 30-40 people a night. Hours will expand in a few weeks. Like your waistline.

Ten-hut! In the Presidio, there’s a new restaurant called The Commissary (101 Montgomery St., on the Main Post of the Presidio, SF. www.thecommissarysf.com) from the Presidio Trust, Traci Des Jardins, and Bon Appétit Management Company. The 112-seat space is offering a Cal-Spanish menu (under culinary director Robbie Lewis and chef Reylon Agustin) — bring on the sardines, cured tuna with radishes and fennel pollen, salt cod fritters, and fennel and baby artichoke paella. Cocktails, check. It’s a handsome space, simple and American (it’s in a former mess hall that dates back to 1895) and the shaded front porch is where you’ll want to be on a warm day; open now for lunch and dinner, with light breakfast and coffee coming June 2, and Sunday brunch June 8. At ease.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Domo arigato

Michael Redmond

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May 20, 2014

0

marcia@sfbg.com

JUST TRY TO KEEP UP WITH ALL OF THIS

Sushi lovers in search of great new spots, prick up their ears: Now accepting reservations is Kusakabe (584 Washington, SF. www.kusakabe-sf.com), a sushi restaurant from Mitsunori “Nori” Kusakabe — he was previously gaining quite the fan club while at Sushi Ran. His omakase (chef’s selection) menu will be $95 and features a lot of sushi, including some ancient styles, extending beyond the more common Edomae style we usually find here in the US. The menu takes on a kaiseki format, with themes of seasonality and harmony playing very prominent roles. You can supplement the main menu with extra dishes off the à la carte menu (I will not judge you for wanting the ikura and ankimo, I’m right there with you). Kusabe is an intimate space, with 31 seats, so reserve your spot before this place gets too busy — I have my money on that happening very soon. Open Tue–Sun 5pm–10pm.

Hayes Valley is gaining a couple more dining options, and both are spots that have locations elsewhere in the city. Throwing open the doors this week is Papito West (425A Hayes, SF. www.papitosf.com) from Jocelyn Bulow (Chez Maman) and co-owner David Alexander. It’s hermano to the Potrero Hill location, so you’ll be able to order off the taqueria part of the menu — think well-executed tacos, plus quesadillas, burritos, and more, all made with organic ingredients. But what’s new about this location is that it’ll feature a significant amount of seafood and ceviches from a raw bar. Chef Reynol Martinez whips up a crudo plate, oyster of the day (just as the sign says, it’s an “Oysteria”), and a shellfish platter with oysters, prawns, mussels, and clams, along with some seafood entrées too. You’ll hardly recognize the former Moishe’s Pippic: the room is full of light (thanks to the skylight), with windows that open to the street, plus a few outdoor tables. Continuous hours (so handy) will run Mon–Fri 11:30am–11pm, and Sat–Sun for brunch 10:30am–4pm and dinner 4pm–11pm.

Is that your sweet tooth gnawing at you? Maybe you just have an attack of afternoon munchies. Also now open in Hayes Valley, in the former Taste Tea space, is Loving Cup (535 Octavia, SF. www.lovingcupsf.com), known on Polk Street for its rice pudding and frozen yogurt that you can style with all kinds of toppings. There are also some larger tables at this location, with the intention of hosting birthday parties (or just your local club of rice pudding fanatics). Open 11am–9:30pm.

While Gashead Tavern (2351 Mission, SF. www.facebook.com/gasheadtavern) may have a bit of a menacing name (and sign), this is what happens when the two British owners (Edward Sargent and Rodger Howell of Murio’s Trophy Room on Haight Street) are seriously dedicated to their hometown soccer team, the Bristol Rovers, whose fans are called “gasheads.” So now you know. What you also need to know is that you’ll find British pub classics on the menu (fish and chips, of course, plus bangers and mash), and chef Matt Nudelman (previously of Lower Haight’s Greenburger’s) will be adding some California ingredient sourcing and seasonality to the hearty menu. There’s a full bar with simple takes on classic cocktails, plus beer and wine. The former Charanga has an eclectic look, with a huge antique mirror keeping company with midcentury chairs, and there’s a small outdoor seating area in the front of the restaurant. Opening hours are 4pm–2am for the bar and 4pm–9pm for the kitchen. Cheers, mate.

BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET

Just in case you’re looking for a new happy hour to add to your rotation, the NI Bar in the back of the new ICHI Sushi (3282 Mission, SF. www.ichisushi.com) in Bernal has happy hour specials like $1 oysters (so fresh and so clean), $6 yuzu chicken wings (so juicy and so good), a changing selection of $6 glasses of wine and sake, plus $4 pints of Sapporo. The regular bar menu will also be available. Hit it up Monday–Friday from 5:30pm–6:30pm.

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

SF en fuego

Michael Redmond

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May 13, 2014

0

culture@sfbg.com

ANOTHER WEEK, MORE OPENINGS!

TABLEHOPPER Just when you thought you already had enough options of new places to check out, you get hit with more. Yup, this month is bonkers, and could very well be setting a record for the most openings in a month. Let’s do this.

Due to open this week is Outerlands (4001 Judah, SF; www.outerlandssf.com), with a newly expanded space (owners Lana Porcello and Dave Muller took over the Chinese restaurant next door and knocked the wall down) and a new chef (Greg Kuzia-Carmel). There will be 20 more seats, and a big bonus is the new bar area, with 10 bar seats and some high-top bistro tables, perfect for those moments when you just want to slip in for a cocktail, or even a full meal. You’ll notice the expanded kitchen with a cool architectural feature above it (it looks like a white wave). The cocktail list will be more extensive, with Chris O’Brien as the new bar manager and some consultation from Kevin Dowell, who is the bar manager at Foreign Cinema — look for some initial cocktail pop-up nights to start as they ramp things up. Other additions: Brunch will now be served Saturday and Sunday, and during the week 8–10am, there will be an edited brunch service. It’s enough to make someone plot a morning beach walk, with breakfast before (or after!). Outerlands plans to start with lunch this week (10am–3pm), but check its website before heading over — weekend brunch will be kicking in too, and then dinner service and bar bites soon thereafter.

Now for a couple of SF classics that have been redone and zhooshed. First up, the Big 4 (1075 California, SF; www.big4restaurant.com) has reopened, and fortunately not tooooo much has been changed inside. Ty is still shaking cocktails at the bar and telling jokes, the white tablecloths and leather banquettes in British racing green remain, and guests will still hear the grand piano playing. So what’s new? Well, the snazzy carpet for one. A big change is longtime chef Gloria Ciccarone-Nehls has departed, and the menu from the new chef, Kevin Scott, will be launching May 23 (there’s just an interim menu for now). Some of his dishes will include previous menu staples but with new twists.

There’s also a new cocktail menu with some additions. You can come by for breakfast and dinner daily (6:30–10:30am and 5:30–10pm) and there’s talk of lunch service returning too!

Another SF icon that got a big redo is Schroeder’s (240 Front, SF; www.schroederssf.com), the 120-year-old downtown German beer hall, with new owners and quite a new look too (although the Herman Richter murals remain in place). While it’s definitely a beer hall, the space has a sense of modernity as well (blond wood, Tolix metal chairs, and check out the illuminated glass shelving with beer steins). You can order cocktails from bar director Claire Jane Hunter at the original rosewood bar, cicerone Rich Higgins is behind the quality beer selection (15 on tap), and the wine list is from Mauro Cirilli of Press Club — yeah, people who know what they’re doing. Prost to all of it. Chef Manfred Wrembel (Plum, Incanto) is doing a Cali spin on German dishes (like spätzle with corn, tomato, and ricotta), with some meaty entrées (yes, there’s wiener schnitzel) and the bar menu features a dry-aged cheeseburger.

You like to play mini golf, drink beer, and eat deep-dish pizza, all without leaving the comfort of the Mission? Well, you’re in luck, because Urban Putt (1096 South Van Ness, SF; www.urbanputt.com) is now open (in a former mortuary, how vewy cweepy!). There’s a 14-hole course (complete with a Transamerica building — and you thought I was going to say Transylvania building), a restaurant and bar upstairs (just beer and wine for now), and even the kiddies can come play during the day (until 8pm); $12 adults, $8 kids, first-come, first-served. *

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Swing away — Urban Putt opens today!

Sue Vaughan

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May 5, 2014

24

After a sneak peek and a couple of delays, Urban Putt finally opens at 4pm today. The high concept mini-golf course, restaurant, and bar combination arrives just in time for some Cinco de Drinko fiesta time.

The former mortuary at South Van Ness and 22nd Streets is freshly coated with a new paint job that seamlessly blends with the neighborhood. There’s nothing flashy about Urban Putt from the outside but as you step inside, you’re transported into a gadgety, steampunk world — a techie’s Disneyland.

The elaborate 14-hole golf course designed by the guys behind Mission Bowling Club can hold 40 golfers at a time, so expect a wait list as long as Nopa’s on a Friday night. Golfers start out at the Earthquake Hole where they navigate around Lotta’s Fountain and moving buildings into a fire hydrant hole. Expect kitschy San Francisco references scattered around the course: a Transamerica windmill, the Day of the Dead hole, and a robot hole built by the people from Make Magazine. Several other of our city’s landmarks also make an appearance.

While it’s a tad cramped, the course’s beauty remains in the details. A lot of the course was built by Urban Putt’s in-house 3-D printing machine. With custom ironwork, wood designs, and digital features, there are many surprises! At the Music Hole, the golf ball is lifted 10 feet in the air and dropped down an elaborate chute bouncing on drums, tambourines, and xylophones before making its way back onto the turf. In the left corner is a dark room resembling something out of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The two-hole underwater course includes an LED-lit floor, a moving octopus, and an interactive submarine decked out in bells and whistles, levers, and buttons.

If mini-golf isn’t for you, the building’s second floor is entirely dedicated to a different kind of sport: eating and drinking. The full bar and restaurant UP @ Urban Putt is run by chef Dane Boryta, formerly of Bottle Cap. The restaurant will serve up traditional Americana dishes that include burgers, pizza, salads, and desserts — basically what you’d find at any mini-golf course. Guests can eat at communal wooden picnic tables or private high tables. Other upstairs divertissements include skee ball and Caddyshack on repeat. Expect weekend brunch offerings in the near future, because what new restaurant is complete without the city’s favorite weekend pasttime?

Urban Putt is basically every eight-year-old’s birthday party dream. Pizza, ice cream, mini golf … what more can a kid ask for? Moreover, later in the night, adults can have their own fun. No one under 21 will be admitted onto the course after 8pm. While the restaurant stops serving food at 11pm on weekends, drinking and golfing is available until 2am, and putters can sip drinks designed by the Bon Vivants — strong and tasty enough to decrease your chances of getting a hole in one. Pro-tip: the Duck Shooting hole is exceptionally difficult to master, even while sober. Fore!

Urban Putt

Mini-golf: Mon-Thu, 4pm-midnight; Fri, 4pm-2am; Sat, 10am-2am; Sun, 10am-midnight, $8-10

Restaurant: Sun-Thu, 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm

1096 South Van Ness, SF

(415) 341-1080

www.urbanputt.com

Let’s pig out

Michael Redmond

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April 22, 2014

5

culture@sfbg.com

TASTY ASIAN EATS

Anyone who digs the Vietnamese vittles from the Rice Paper Scissors ladies will be happy to know they have expanded their weekday lunch hours to the weekend, and have launched brunch at Brick & Mortar Music Hall (1710 Mission, SF. www.brickandmortarmusic.com). Come by 11am–2pm Saturdays and Sundays and you’ll find a menu with a bit of Chinese influence too, with dishes like daikon rice cakes with Chinese sausage and dry-fried chicken wings. And why try to resist a fried egg banh mi or banh xeo? Just do it. Like it hot? There’s a mapo scramble, which sounds promising, plus a Sriracha Bloody Mary. Don’t forget your cash! No cards accepted, yo.

Fans of the Lime Tree in the Inner Sunset (and its roti, corn fritters, beef rendang, and martabak) will be pleased to know a second location has opened across the park in the Inner Richmond (836 Clement, SF. 415-831-8811). This popular Southeast Asian restaurant is fired up and ready to serve you Tue–Fri 11am–3pm and 5pm–9:30pm, Sat 12pm–9:30pm, and Sun 12pm–9pm.

Izakaya Roku (1819 Market, SF. www.rokusf.com) has two new chefs in the kitchen — and they’re brothers! Ends up Masaru and Yasu come from owner Jay Hamada’s same hometown in Japan (Miyazaki), and they’re collaborating and putting some country-style dishes from home on the menu. Also available: You’ll now find the Japanese curry that’s served from the JapaCurry food truck at the restaurant. Good stuff.

MOOD INDIGO

It’s not easy to be open for 15 years in the restaurant biz, but one place that just seems to keep getting even better is Bernal neighborhood restaurant Blue Plate (3218 Mission, SF. www.blueplatesf.com). It’s been feeding us fried chicken, famed meatloaf, and sell-your-soul-to-the-devil mac and cheese for 15 years, so now it’s time to celebrate!

For three nights, the Plate’s lined up three special winemaker dinners: Thursday May 1, Steve and Chrystal Clifton of Palmina Wines will be in attendance, 5:30pm–10pm, followed by Sean Thackrey Wines Friday May 2, 5:30pm–10:30pm, and John Lancaster of Skylark, Saturday May 3, 5:30pm–10:30pm. The winemakers will mingle with guests, talking about their wines — and here’s the best part: You’ll get a wine flight of five tastes for just $15. Chef Sean Thomas will be cooking up an à la carte menu (here’s hoping the grilled squid will be on there, so good). Make your reservation soon (415-282-6777), tables are filling up. All hail the neighborhood restaurant!

HERE, PIG

The full-tilt pig-fest that is Cochon 555 returns to San Francisco on Sunday, April 27, when five chefs compete to be crowned the Prince or Princess of Porc, plus there are five pigs (all heritage breeds from small-scale farmers) used for the whole hog menu, and five winemakers to keep you feeling good. This year, Kim Alter (Plum), Mark Liberman (TBD), Michael Rotondo (Parallel 37), Richie Nakano (Hapa Ramen), and David Bazirgan (Dirty Habit) will be competing by creating up to six dishes each, and judges and attendees will determine the winner.

Additional bonuses: a station featuring Goose Island Beer and Hudson Valley Foie Gras; a bourbon bar featuring Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Breckenridge Bourbon, Hirsch, Templeton Rye, and Luxardo (pig and bourbon, you do the math); a cheese bar from Mission Cheese; a prosciutto di Parma station; an ice cream social; plus a hog butchering demo. Are you ready for all this? Yeah, it’s pretty debauched. Show up hungry. At the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, 600 Stockton, SF. 5pm–8pm (4pm entry for VIP). $125 general admission, $200 VIP, www.cochon555.com

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.

Lotsa Matzoh

Michael Redmond

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April 15, 2014

0

MIDDAY MADNESS

Just when you think the brunch at Slow Club (2501 Mariposa, SF. www.slowclub.com) couldn’t possibly rock any more than it already does, the perennial hotspot makes the move to offer it all week long. Really? For reals! You can have a fried egg sandwich for lunch, and you don’t have to wait until the weekend for bourbon French toast. Available Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm, and of course Sat–Sun 10am–2:30pm.

A nice addition to the lunch scene: the lunch at A16 (2355 Chestnut, SF. www.a16sf.com) in the Marina. You can now come by Wed–Sun 11:30am–2:30pm and feast on delicious pizzas, pastas, and small plates. It’s also worth checking out the $20 tasting menu, perfect for a leisurely lunch. Because leisurely lunches are the best.

Downtown workers no longer have to wait until the end of the day to check out recent fave-rave Trou Normand (140 New Montgomery, SF. www.trounormandsf.com), which has now added lunch service during the week, Mon–Fri 11am–2:30pm. You’ll find sandwiches, an awesome charcuterie plate, and more (like, uh, cocktails!).

And just in case the prices at downtown’s Hakkasan (One Kearny Place, SF. www.hakkasan.com/sanfrancisco) have always been a bit out of reach (or just too much, period), it’s added a menu of affordable lunch dishes for $5.50 each. We’re talking stir-fry roasted duck with chile in Szechuan sauce, pork and shrimp dumplings, and Teochew John Dory congee — eight dishes in all. And it’s hard to beat the location, it’s so beautiful.

DON’T PASS THIS OVER

Local restaurants and businesses are rolling out special Passover menus and more. (Passover goes through Tuesday, April 22.)

Guest chef Joyce Goldstein will be in the house (working alongside chef Staffan Terje) at Perbacco (230 California, SF. www.perbaccosf.com) for its annual Italian Passover dinner — the sixth — although this year the menu is featured for two days: Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17. There will be a four-course menu (with so many choices!) for $52 per person, with dishes like fegato di anatra alle uova sode (that would be chopped duck liver, Italian style) and stufato d’agnello (lamb stew with green garlic).

Delfina (3621 18th St., SF. www.delfinasf.com) is known for its matzoh balls with a walnut inside, which you’ll find on the menu along with other Passover-inspired items, like an edible Seder plate, salt cod croquettes, brisket, and more (through April 21). Kosher wine (the good kind!) and beer from He’Brew will keep you in good spirits.

Lastly, you can order some Passover goodies (and Easter treats too!) at Marla Bakery Kitchen Communal (613 York, SF. www.marlabakery.com). TCHO chocolate–dipped housemade matzoh, yes please! Pre-order on its site.

THANK YOU EASTER BUNNY, BWOK BWOK

Easter Sunday is coming April 20 — here are some hopping places to brunch.

For some wine-soaked fun, check out the BITE ME Easter brunch 11am–3pm (by Sean Lackey) at vino destination Tank 18 (1345 Howard, SF. www.tank18.com). It’s one of the best deals in town: for $29, you get Four Barrel coffee, popovers and honey butter, shaved melon and tarragon foam, frisée and asparagus salad with poached egg and uni vinaigrette, spicy pickled fennel and cauliflower, slow-roasted lamb with couscous, and a seasonal dessert. Whooosh! For another $20, you can add on wine pairings (hic). And no, with those prices, gratuity is not included. Get tickets at www.tinyurl.com/easterbiteme.

Cotogna (490 Pacific, SF. www.cotognasf.com) will be hosting a special Easter brunch 11:30am–2pm, serving some traditional Italian dishes (or you can come for Easter supper, served in the evening for $65).

Foreign Cinema (2534 Mission, SF. www.foreigncinema.com) is a classic spot for a swell brunch, and Easter will ramp things up with a $65 prix-fixe menu — three courses — and a children’s menu for $20. Something for the kids!

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe for more at www.tablehopper.com. Get her app: Tablehopper’s Top Late-Night Eats. On Twitter: @tablehopper.