sfbg Archives — Page 9 of 59 — San Francisco Bay Guardian Archive 1966

Sight + Sound fundraiser: For a more beautiful, harmonic green

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December 3, 2009

By Caitlin Donohue

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Myrmyr (inset) and Odessa Chen raise their voice for arts and the environment

“How does sound affect the environment and how does the environment affect sound? How can sound help the environment? How do we green sound? What compositions and performance can influence environmental change? How can the environment innovate the sound experience? How can environmental concepts engage, inspire, and challenge audiences and performers with a new, exciting, bold and intense aural experience?”

I totally know how important these questions are- dog, I went to a solar powered Dead Prez show this summer at Yerba Buena Center, I’m on it. If you’d like to be as environmentally on the ball as I- who doesn’t, really?- trot yourself over here to buy tickets for Green Sight + Sound, tomorrow’s benefit fundraiser for the forces of good in the eco-friendly art world.

The event will accrue funding for two very up-on-it causes; ME’DI.ATE’s fourth Soundwave Festival and Ecoartspace. Here’s their deal:

ME’DI.ATE’s Soundwave Festival seeks to provide exceptional auditory experiences for its attendees, actually paying its artists (revolutionary!) so that they are able to treat the performance not as a gig, but a project. Next year’s festival, “Green Sound” (whose formative questions I swiped to begin this post) will include music in the Batteries up in the Marin Headlands, a performance that promises to rival this year’s “musical bus rides” in concert-going uniqueness. You’ll be delighted to know that they have arranged for a few wonderful musicians to partake in Friday’s benefit, including electro-acoutical duo Myrmyr and wintry songstress Odessa Chen.

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Snap them up at Green Sight + Sound’s silent auction (its for a good cause/s!): Christy Rupp’s Kitchen Towel, woven by a co-op in Guatemala “to combat that queasy feeling at home” and Linda MacDonald’s print, Map of California

Ecoartspace was one of the first national organizations to bring together and support all types of creative forces looking to make positive moves on environmental issues. They will be coordinating a silent auction of environmentally themed piece, priced from $5-$5,000 up for bidding. Their selection most definitely meets my critieron for ripe holiday shopping, as well- one more reason (as if you needed another) to make Sight + Sound your destination tomorrow night.

Green Sight + Sound
Fri/4 6 p.m.-4 p.m., $25-$35
Mina Dresden Gallery
312 Valencia, SF
www.me-di-ate.net/green-sight-sound
www.projectsoundwave.com
www.ecoartspace.org

A rockin’ Balkan good time

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December 2, 2009

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By Megan Gordon

Brass Menazeri play this weekend’s Kafana Balkan.

Kafana Balkan is part sweaty dance party, part traditional Serbian cultural event, part circus show, and part night at the bar – all benefitting a worthy cause. Though the event — held next at Blue Macaw on Saturday, December 5 — may be hard define, it’s probably even harder not to have a good time when attending.

There’s always dancing, there’s always a variety of folks coming together to celebrate the vibrance of the Yugoslavian culture, and organizers try to have the traditional Rakiya liquor on hand. The ever-talented Brass Menazeri is the resident house band. (Specializing in gypsy powerhouse music, their Web site states, “the energy is infectious—toes tap, bodies slam, sweat flies as vital energy radiates from the dance floor.”) How could you go wrong?

The event was the brainchild of Zelijko Petkovic and Boban Djurkozic, both Serbs who conceived of the gathering as a way for local Yugoslavians could come together and celebrate. Then Joe Mama of the Humanitarian Circus got involved, helping with promotions and marketing and eventually stepping into the driver’s seat.

Run, Anna Conda, run

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December 2, 2009

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By Marke B.

Anna Conda runs in D6. Photo by Pete Werner, www.wernerimage.com

So, yes, punk-rock drag mistress, community spokesperson, tireless activist, party hostess extraordinaire, exceptional hairdresser, and all-around knockabout gal Anna Conda has thrown her bloody boa into the ring with about 15 others to slide into Cris Daly’s, er, seat in District 6. In an exclusive round of frantic Facebooking she told us:

My political stance for this campaign? I am not running my campaign only to win — because I have no control over winning or not. The voters do. I support repealing Prop 13 on commercial real estate. Many such properties are now owned by trusts and foreign interests — and why should they not be paying taxes when we can’t find money for ADAP [AIDS Drug Assistance Program]? Injustice by governing bodies is intolerable and it is now commonplace. What I hear from people, they feel like they can’t change anything. I’m here to say we can and we will.

Anna’s really found her political voice in the past couple of years, leading many “Take Back the Polk” protests against the dequeerification of that once proud pink hotspot and standing up against AIDS service budget cuts. In fact, there’s been a wonderful if odd surge of drag queen activism in the past year, perhaps accelerated by the passage of Prop 8. Well, one good thing came of that, I guess. Help on Heels.

Anna Conda at a recent protest against ADAP cuts. Photo by Ryan Cleary

(Could we be seeing the resurrection of Sister Boom Boom‘s ghost?)

Gift fairs galore

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December 2, 2009

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By Caitlin Donohue

Rep it up: Support your crafty community this holiday season

Yes, I know, holiday shopping is painful and spendy and at the moment I’m way more into figuring out if I can pay rent for the month of December than what my unconsciously greedy loved ones will unwrap by the menorah/tree/kinara (I am nothing if not inclusive). But this week’s gift fairs have anticipated the Scrooge-like crab apple that has flourished down where my heart should be and have rendered me helpless in their path. They met my three qualifiers for appropriate gift suppliers, these being:

1. Cheap gifts
2. Non corporate/recycled/handmade/blablablayou’reaware gifts
3. Booze while you shop (exceptions noted)

Lemme guess, those are your criteria too? Smashing! I’ve even included a “Lazy man (or woman) gift suggestion” for each bazaar for those who just can’t be bothered. Here’s your three day plan, plus one to keep you busy next weekend:

Handmade Ho Down Urban Craft Fair
Thur/3 6 p.m- 12 a.m., free
1015 Folsom, SF
Brought to you by the 200 odd Bay Area artists that make up SF www.etsy.com/ Etsy (a website that has destroyed my life, in a good way, many times over), this event makes good on its club location with swingin’ DJs and cold beverages. This is where you head to score www.laserkitten.com/ Laserkitten’s “send me the link” bling-blangin’ lasercut necklace (so urban!) and other such high quality crafts. Get there with the quickness and score one of the swag bags they’re handing out to the first 200 shoppers.
Lazy man (or woman) gift suggestion: Eristotle‘s pillow embossed with a moose design. I dare you to find an emotive human being who doesn’t want this on their couch. And don’t forget the gift wrapping table, cuz I know you’re not doing that yourself you lazy wo/man, you.

Appetite: Holiday Farmers Market Cocktail Night

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December 2, 2009

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By Virginia Miller. Check out more of Virginia’s food news at www.theperfectspotsf.com

12/2 – Holiday Farmers Market Cocktail Night
Quarterly comes the arrival of CUESA’s Farmers Market Cocktail night, reflecting the best of the season’s produce in cocktail recipes created by our city’s great mixologists. I’ve been to a few, including last winter’s, and despite being outdoors at the Ferry Building, it’s a bustling gathering where warmth comes in the form of two full-sized cocktails (this time around featuring Jim Beam bourbon) and an unlimited sampling of eight other holiday-inspired imbibements highlighting a whole range of spirits. Our local chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild co-hosts the event so bartenders are top notch, including Brian MacGregor of Jardiniere, Scott Baird and Aaron Gregory Smith of 15 Romolo, Lou Bustamante, Erick Castro of Rickhouse, Darren Crawford of Bourbon & Branch, Enrique Sanchez of La Mar, Sierra Zimei of Seasons Bar. There’s prizes and exquisite bites from local restaurants in a holiday tasting party that’s all about the spirit/s of the season.
12/2, 5:30-7:30pm, $30
1 Ferry Building
www.cuesa.org
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com

alt.sex.column: Attack of the 50-foot MILF

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December 2, 2009

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By Andrea Nemerson. Email your questions to andrea@mail.altsexcolumn.com. Read more of Andrea’s columns here.

Dear Andrea:
I initially missed the hot-for-friend’s-mother definition of MILF, and was introduced to the phrase, sweetly, by a former lover. He wasn’t trying to separate the fuckable mothers from the nonfuckable, or fetishizing fecundity. Since we were both middle-aged, he wasn’t designating me a MILF based on the understanding of it that you and the writer of “Still Hot” hold [“Milfbone,” 11/18/09]. He simply meant that my being a mother was one of the things he found attractive about me — he is a devoted father — and that he wanted to fuck me. When you are covered with spit-up or finger paint, when most of your social events involve the PTA, it’s nice to know you’re still hot — maybe even hot because, rather than in spite of, your momitude.
His use of MILF made me feel attractive and desirable. It told me I was still sexy. Indeed, it implied that part of my appeal was my maturity: not the maternal qualities in an icky, “I want to suckle your milk-filled breasts” way, but that he preferred me to young ’uns and to the big-boobed brainless bimbos. “I think Stacy’s mom is way hotter than her teenage daughter; I’d rather F her, because, while society says I should de facto be more attracted to the young girl, I’m more into the woman my own age.” I doubt very much that I’m hot to a 14-year-old. But I might want to be to his dad.

Street Threads: Look of the Day

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December 2, 2009

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SFBG photog Ariel Soto scoops SF street fashion. See the previous Look of the Day here.

Today’s Look: Shane, Haight and Ashbury

Tell us about your look: “This shirt is from Calcutta.”

Squeeze box plus Sparkly boobs: the Accordion Babes equal the truth

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December 1, 2009

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Text and photos by Caitlin Donohue

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Reneé de la Prade rocks an accordion version of ‘I Wanna Be Sedated.’ In a corset. Get it, girl.

“She is the truth.” Last night I turned to see my boyfriend struck starry eyed over a girl with pink hair, a matching corset, and a punk rock way with a squeeze box. We were at the Hubba Hubba Revue/Accordion Babe calendar release party at the Uptown Night Club (928 Telegraph, Oakland), and I had to agree.

There is something about accordion that goes smashingly with burlesque. The two art forms are unapologetically vintage with rather cumbersome apparatuses (stiletto heels, fluffy boas, weighty bellows) and would almost be entertaining enough to look at standing still. But dance burlesque dancers do, and rock accordionists will. Last night’s program went something like this: funny guys, badass accordion song, lady gets naked, monkey clears stage, funny guys, repeat.

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Emcees and monkey men break up the broads at the Hubba Hubba/Accordion Babes bash

Ecosexual: F*cking Machine seeks deflowerment

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November 30, 2009

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Juliette Tang continues her indepth look at local ecosexuals

Martin Cooper, an overachieving SFSU graduate with a background in art and engineering, created a provocative device earlier this year for his senior art project called “The Mean Green Fucking Machine”. He received an A in the class.

A fucking machine in the tradition of those at Kink.com, the Mean Green Fucking Machine is over 9-feet in height and is powered by a water wheel. An interesting aspect of this machine that cannot be ignored is the water requirement, but while this might be perceived as a limitation, Cooper (as well as I) believe this specificity might attract a while new clientele: the kind of person who is drawn to the aquatic element and its relation to the pleasures of torture. Underwater sex has its fans, and some might find use for this machine as a way to fulfill latent waterboarding fantasies. Just a thought.

Cooper is careful to admit that the machine isn’t wholly green — it wastes the water it’s powered by — but he states that improvements will be made on subsequent creations. According to his artist statement, “…sporting an 8 inch realistic dildo, and spraying water eight feet in every direction, it is a spectacle that cannot be ignored. It cannot help but spark the imagination of its viewer, confronting them with their own views on sexuality, whether they are titillated or repulsed by what they see.” Having seen this behemoth in person, I attest that these photos do the machine no justice. Cooper’s machine conjures images of medieval dungeons, kitschy steampunk gizmos, and the handiwork of my favorite Marvel Comics’ character, the Tinkerer. It’s looms but, perhaps because it’s rendered from bicycle parts, it isn’t intimidating. To me, this is a good thing; if any fucking machine could be cute, this would be it.

Sadly, Cooper’s toy is a virgin at present, but its creator is receptive to the idea of deflowerment. Are there any takers out there? Will someone, anyone, please sxually compromise this toy?

Check out a video of the Green Machine in action here.

Live Shots: Hip-Hop DanceFest, Palace of Fine Arts, 11/22/09

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November 30, 2009

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Text and photos by Ariel Soto

For the 11th Annual Hip Hop DanceFest, 11 dance troupes graced the stage for Sunday afternoon at the Palace of Fine Arts. The dance companies hailed from California, South Korea, Norway, Canada, London and New York, showcasing a diverse definition of what hip-hop dance means today. There was some tap dancing, classical music, and Michael Jackson tributes. The ages of the dancers ranged from very young kids to seasoned adults, but their skill and proficiency was perfectly cohesive and steeped full of energy. There was also a spectacular trio, the ILL-Abilities Crew, made up of three dancers with various disabilities who danced with such passion and talent that it brought the whole crowd to a standing ovation. It was obvious after seeing these dance companies perform that hip hop is a dance of all nations, where everyone speaks the universal language for throwing down.

Dive In: Toro-not-a-dive-bar

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November 30, 2009

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Bar reviewer Kristen Haney seeks to separate hipster wannabes from real-life dives in this weekly column. Check out her last installment here.

I know Toronado’s not a dive bar. I knew before I went, based on hazy recollections of a trip there last spring. But God help me, I wanted a lot of good beer with minimal bullshit. It’s been a rough week, and sometimes a girl needs a fiendishly good I.P.A in a place where everyone leaves her to her own devices.

But let’s give credit where credit is due for the more divey aspects of Toronado. Let’s start with general atmosphere. I’ve been searching high and low for a gnome, and I was seriously envious of the little pointy hatted friend shooting me a mocking smile from high above the bar. The wall is littered with photos, some aged and from what appears to be like decades ago. “Behind Blue Eyes” played, and my severely mopey countenance and increasingly inebriated ass identified with the selection, in a way that made me think these were my people.

My musings were briskly interrupted by the questioning yell of “Steve?!? Nick?!?” The half door by the entryway makes the ideal platform for Rosamunde, the hot dog joint next door, to try and pinpoint its wandering customers. The “no dogs allowed” sign is entertaining in an ironic way, given not only the frequency with which patrons eat their sausage at the bar, but also that there were two furry critters inside taking turns emitting piercing howls.

Street Threads: Look of the Day

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November 30, 2009

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SFBG photog Ariel Soto scoops SF street fashion. See the previous Look of the Day here.

Today’s Look: Eva, Haight and Masonic

Tell us about your look: “I like pretty things like dresses, but it’s too cold today so I’m all in layers.”

Getting small at the Lab’s postcard sale

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November 27, 2009

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By Caitlin Donohue

Small Works: Michael Campbell’s resin cassette tapes and drawing by William Denton Ray

My grandma trained as a pilot in World War II, had the world’s most lyrical name and painted prolifically. In her death, Rosetta Byrd left us a mountain of her creations- most of them views looking out a window onto Texas hill country. They are beautiful and we love them. But in my family’s nomadic existence, Rosetta’s lifework has proven a bit difficult to transport. Currently, I’ve got one of her pieces- the only canvas that I could possibly swing as carry-on luggage.

Which is why, particularly if you’re looking for a creative gift for one of these cramped apartment city animals, I fully support attending The Lab’s 13th annual showing of postcard art and small works. (Apparently I’m all agog for the tiny things these days.) They’ve been holding open submissions for the exhibit, so the creations on offer should be a bewildering wilderness of miniscule artistic gems.

My interest is perhaps most piqued by Geoff Hick’s “digital antennae” (I’m a total Luddite, do digital things need antennas?), but I’m also excited about seeing Linda Laird’s fabric and sequined creations, which I hope come postal service ready. These things would be perfect for a friend that lives far away- slap a stamp on one of these extravagant postcards, mail out and check another buddy off the list of people to honor this holiday season.

Will you “hand” me that Plesch Renate postcard?(Sorry I’m really “reaching” for a caption here. Ha!)

Oh, and should a man tap you on the shoulder, interrupting your gleeful romp amidst the tiny things, be not alarmed should he ask if you want to see what’s in his pocket. He is but a representative of the Museum of Pocket Art, a gallery on the go that “leaches” other art exhibits to give individual showings of its mini sized masterpieces on the premise that everyone should carry a bit of beauty around on their person. Or the guy’s being a bit forward. You’ll just have to go with him to see. Ah art…

The 13th Annual Small Format Art Sale
Opening reception, Fri/4, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. (continues through Sun/6), free
The Lab
2948 16th St., SF
(415) 864-8855
www.mopaonline.com

Book Review: When nature calls

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November 25, 2009

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By Molly Freedenberg

This may seem like a strange time of year to get nostalgic about camping, but the truth is, much of my adult backpacking adventures have been in winter. Most of those trips were with my college boyfriend, and we scheduled our outings around October and November’s breaks and long weekends before the second semester’s term papers and thesis craziness kept us campus bound.

So while the sun and heat of summer might remind most people of climbing mountains and forging across rivers, it’s the crisp clearness of fall and winter that reminds me of Gore-Tex and GORP. Which is perhaps why this week I finally reached for a book that’s been sitting on my shelf for almost two years: Michelle Waitzman’s Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple’s Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature (Wilderness Press, 2007).

The premise is exactly what you’d think: how to get it on in nature. How much about this topic isn’t entirely intuitive, you might ask? According to the book’s author, the answer is “a lot.” In fact, it seems this book is mostly geared towards novice campers and the mountaineers who love them, and also assumes both parties are a bit naieve when it comes to sex.

Brits look into Iraq, blame US for dwindling Afghanistan support

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November 25, 2009

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Text by Sarah Phelan

There’s an interesting report in today’s UK Guardian about a British inquiry into the Iraq war that is examining the period from the summer of 2001 to the end of July 2009, including the run-up to the conflict, the ensuing military action and its after math.

Called the Chilcot inquiry, because the chair of the committee conducting the inquiry is called Sir John Chilcot, the committee was reportedly told today that, “ the government had intelligence days before the invasion in 2003 that Saddam Hussein might not be able to use chemical weapons.”

This inquiry marks the third attempt in Britain to look into the Iraq war, but while the committee has been given a wide mandate Chilcot’s allegedly close relationship with military and government figures has provoked accusations that the inquiry will be a whitewash.

But apparently a parallel Dutch inquiry could pressure Chilcot to question whether controversial British legal advice may have influenced the Dutch government to get involved, the left-leaning UK Guardian suggests.

Meanwhile another British paper, the right-leaning Telegraph, has a story in which the current British defense secretary Bob Ainsworth is reportedly blaming Obama and the US for a decline in British support for the war in Afghanistan. Hmm. It’ll be interesting to see if the British inquiry into Iraq or Ainsworth’s blame game gets any air time in the US, as Obama prepares to announce his plans for Afghanistan in a speech at West Point, this coming Tuesday, December 1.

Hot sex events this week: Nov 25-Dec 1

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November 25, 2009

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Compiled by Molly Freedenberg

Monday’s Hubba Hubba Revue celebrates the sexiest squeezebox queens on the San Francisco scene.

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>> Sex and Memory: Writing from your own experience
Whether documenting amazing experiences for your lover or your history for posterity, award-winning writer Carol Queen can help you bring your erotic writing to life.

Wed/25, 5:30pm
$10-$30
Center for Sex and Culture
1519 Mission, SF
www.sexandculture.org

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>> Stuffed
Grab your bird at this special Thanksgiving underwear night, featuring pajama and underwear specials all night. (No contest this evening.)

Thurs/26, 6pm
No cover
Powerhouse
1347 Folsom, SF
(415) 552-8689
www.powerhouse-sf.com

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>> Red Hots Burlesque
Dottie Lux brings a different show every week, promising seductive, spicy, absurd, and amusing burlesque from local and visiting talent.

Fri/27, 7:30pm
$5-$10
El Rio
3158 Mission, SF
www.redhotsburlesque.com

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Thread Fashion Show

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November 25, 2009

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Photo and text by Ariel Soto

Fashionistas flocked to Fort Mason in search of the perfect outfit during a weekend long fashion event called Thread, held November 21 and 22. There were not only innovative designs and luscious accessories but also four runway shows to ogle over. At one of the runway extravaganzas, designers Arka Clothing, Nicacelly, and WHERE were featured on the catwalk. A live singer accompanied each set of models, which sounds cool, but honestly was rather distracting and made it difficult to enjoy the clothes being showcased. Beyond the clothing, there was also live painting and printmaking and yummy homemade food, creating an event that had a little bit of something for just about everybody.

They Might Be Giants: Fact-based rock

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November 25, 2009

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By Dan Abbott

Music journalism is a little awkward for me. As a musician, most of the artists I like are those that I have a personal connection with. So most of the articles I’ve written on music have necessarily been prefaced by some sort of full disclosure statement. But though I have never met them, They Might Be Giants has had a disproportionably huge impact on me as both a musician and a lifelong nerd. Is it possible to be objective about them? Of course not! But a full disclosure about TMBG would be longer than article ought to be.

So when I heard the smart-alecky Brooklyn, NY-based duo-cum quintet would be playing two shows in San Francisco promoting their latest record, Here Comes Science, an epic battle ensued between the TMBG fanboy and the intrepid journalist that lurk within me. I’d like to say the journalist won, as my phone interview with guitarist John Flansburgh proceeded with minimal squealing. Thank you, whiskey.

But it is hard to deny the rabid devotion that TMBG inspires, as evidenced by their sold-out Nov. 13 show at the Fillmore. The night before that, a line stretched around the block to see their free six-song performance at Booksmith on Haight, where they signed copies of another release, Kids Go!, a children’s book with accompanying CD. The extraordinarily prolific group has put out three children’s albums in recent years, prompting a bit of head-scratching among fans of their more experimental and gloomy early works.

South San Francisco’s Jo-Ann’s is a meal that takes flight

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November 25, 2009

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Text and photos by Caitlin Donohue

Whoever Jo-Ann is, she just scored a big one for South San Francisco

I’ve been having a fairly rough time of it at the airport of late. Baggage fees, forced surrender of my toothpaste and even some self-inflicted woes (I scheduled my flight for the wrong month, who does that?). It almost makes a lady want to stay home for Thanksgiving. But family q.t. calls, and luckily I have a South San Francisco breakfast nook that makes the slog out to the airport more palatable; Jo-Ann’s.

Jo-Ann’s is a funky throwback to an old country diner, if those things ever existed. There’s something satisfying about finding the place, unassumingly located in a strip mall on one of South SF’s larger thoroughfares. But upon entering, it becomes clear you’re not the only one who’s made the discovery- effusive praise covers the walls, from stellar newspaper reviews to carefully typed letters of appreciation from happy customers. The first thing that greets you is an attractive glass case of baked goods. Selections varies, but if its in the case the day you go you gotta try the carrot muffin, which has walnuts and raisins sprinkled about it’s hearty, sweet interior.

Why have a hostess at the front door when you could have a muffin case?

Service is friendly from the get-go, and being an inverterate people watcher I appreciated the open kitchen space behind the counter seating. There’s something about watching a guy push a pile of home fries around a grill that really gets me in the eating mode.

The menu is breakfast-classic interspersed with Mexican dishes and has great selections for people that aren’t big into eggs. Prices could be considered a tad high for the location, but won’t be oppressive to those used to paying inner city tabs. We tried the spicy migas ($8.95), a massive heaping of tomatoes, tortilla strips, cheese, egg and beans with a happy side of corn tortillas. Amazing, even if it bordered on tomato overkill. We found another Mexican-inspired winner in the Esmeralda ($8), a breakfast burrito served with eggs, avocado and cream cheese.

I’m an amiga of the spicy migas

So get up early for that morning flight. You’ll hit those open skies full after Jo-Ann’s- no vacuum sealed peanuts needed.

Jo-Ann’s
1131 Camino Real, South San Francisco
(650) 872-2810

Street Threads: Look of the Day

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November 25, 2009

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SFBG photog Ariel Soto scoops SF street fashion. See the previous Look of the Day here.

Today’s Look: Kelly and the dog Oliver, Haight and Masonic

Tell us about your look: “Orange is my favorite color.”

Appetite: A feast of beast, coffee on the road

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November 25, 2009

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Every week, Virginia Miller of personalized itinerary service and monthly food, drink, and travel newsletter, www.theperfectspotsf.com, shares foodie news, events, and deals. View the last installment here.

Dessert course from One Market’s Weekly Beast Goat Dinner

11/27-28 – Weekly Beast (Suckling Pig) menu at One Market
Burnt out on turkey? Friday and Saturday take a different turn with One Market’s Weekly Beast dinner. The animal changes weekly, from duck to rabbit to goat; this weekend offering suckling pig from Marin Farms. Sourcing local animals, Chef Mark Dommen cooks five-course meals using varied parts of the animal. Compared to other such multi-course meals around town, after trying their goat dinner, I find at $49 per person, it’s a deal, and only $20 to add on four wine pairings. You can also order a la carte if five courses sounds like too much. Start with Pig’s Head Terrine, move on to Crispy Pig Trotters with foie gras, Suckling Pig Confit with house-made sauerkraut, then Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig Leg. Dessert is Cornmeal Waffles with maple brown butter emulsion, frozen custard ice cream, and (wait for it) pig in the form of candied bacon. Yes, you’ll continue decadent Thanksgiving feasting with… even more decadent feasting. If you’re out of town, there’s always Muscovy Duck next weekend.
11/27-28; make reservations during dinner hours, 5:30-9pm
$49 per person / $20 wine pairings
One Market
1 Market, SF
415-777-5577
www.onemarket.com

Go Coffee Go, mail order artisanal coffees

Go, Coffee, Go
Ok, coffee addicts: launched just last week is a new website/service started by SF locals, Scott Pritikin and Elise Papazian, that keeps gourmet coffee cravings satiated even when you don’t have access to the best. GoCoffeeGo delivers anywhere in the US, and this is signifcant because of the kind of coffees they sell: the likes of our own Ritual, Barefoot in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz’ Verve, and Metropolis in Chicago. This means whether you can’t buy a regional favorite here or are visiting family someplace bereft of fine coffee, it’s all sent to you. It’s ideal to set up a regular home delivery so you’re never out of stock, while trying different roasters around the country. Though they’ll continue to add vendors, Pritikin and Papazian are committed to artisan, regional coffees, having spent endless hours in big US cities and small towns on the hunt for the best local roasters and beans. Set up an account and feel the buzz.
www.gocoffeego.com

Photo Essay: Comedy at Cobb’s

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November 24, 2009

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Photos and text by Ariel Soto

Bruce Vilanch, famous for writing for awards show and for quotes like, “What makes me laugh? Richard Nixon always made me laugh.”

Bruce Vilanch is a hip and connected man. He hangs with Cher, writes for Miss Universe, and knows volumes full of ridiculous and hilarious stories about everyone in Hollywood. Vilanch, perhaps best known for his time on Hollywood Squares with Whoopi Goldberg, also writes for the Academy Awards and spent most of his set on November 19 at Cobb’s Comedy Club dishing on untold stories behind the epic Hollywood awards event. There was the time Bart, the bear, took a crap on stage while Dolly Parton was playing a guitar solo; or, the time Vilanch had to battle it out with Steve Martin to get him to say a cock joke on live television. Vilanch seemed to truly relish in sharing all his stories with a San Francisco crowd, a city he said he always loves to come back to.

Charles Karel Bouley, who performs as just “Karel,” is best known for being fired from KGO radio for controversial on-air statements about people like Ronald Reagan and Joe the Plumber.

His set was preceded by Karel, who covered everything from politics to his recent airplane ride, ending with an epic song about his thrill in obtaining a pot card. But I’d like to give it up for Nico Santos. Santos, a homegrown San Franciscan, is hilarious. From the gay Asian jokes to the fat jokes, Santos was perfectly inappropriate and in my opinion, really stole the show.

Nico Santos recently starred in a run of “Fags and Hags” at the Punchline.

Photo Essay: Snoop Dogg at the Warfield

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November 24, 2009

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Photo and text by Ariel Soto

Snoop Dogg, why you gotta be such a tease-izzle? You tempted us all night on November 21, as we waited and waited for you to come on stage, the early morning hours coming nearer and nearer. Finally you made it, slipping your way through the thick cloud of ganja goodness to tickle our ears with your naughty lyrics and seductive dance moves. We loved that you sang us all the classics and can’t wait for your new album, Malice in Wonderland, to debut in December. Snoop, you are our hip hop hero … for shizzl.

Editorial: Time for serious budget reform

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November 24, 2009

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It’s time to quit with the patches, quit with the one-time solutions and fee hikes

EDITORIAL Rahm Emanuel, President Obama’s chief of staff, likes to say that politicians should never let a crisis go to waste — but that’s what happened in San Francisco last summer, when the mayor and the supervisors approved a budget deal that didn’t involve any real structural reform, didn’t solve any long-term problems, and didn’t even last six months.

Now there’s a new crisis, one that, if anything, is worse. Cutting almost a half-billion dollars from the city budget last year was absolutely brutal. But cutting another half-billion, which is what the controller is now talking about, seems almost inconceivable.