Randy's Guide CCXLII (242)

Historic milestones: 31 years since the first CNN broadcast; 58 years since the first people reached Mount Everest's summit; 74 years since the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge; 100 years since the first Indianapolis 500; and 114 years since the publication of Dracula.

Local Restaurant Pick

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2499 San Bruno Ave. (at Felton)

(415) 468-0977

This greasy spoon in the Portola district merits an adventure by car or the 9 bus. It's delightfully free of pretension, and the portions are more than generous. The hash browns are a popular choice among diners. 142 reviews (4 stars)

www.yelp.com/biz/breakfast-at-tiffanys-san-francisco

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo.

Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $400,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and La Cocina.


Holiday Weekend Highs

Enjoy the three-day weekend, wherever you land.

San Francisco: low-60s, partly cloudy

Napa: upper-60s, partly cloudy

Yosemite: low-60s, partly cloudy

Los Angeles: mid-70s, clear

Las Vegas: mid-80s, partly cloudy

Seattle: upper-50s, showers

Denver: upper-60s, mostly cloudy

Santa Fe: upper-70s, clear

Chicago: low-50s, rainy (Thu-Sat) -> mid-80s, t-storms (Sun-Mon)

Austin: low-90s, partly cloudy

New York City: low-80s, partly cloudy

Charleston, SC: low-80s, partly cloudy

Miami: upper-80s, humid

Honolulu: upper-70s, chance of rain

Music

"Dream" by Priscilla Ahn (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Sporting more than four million views, this song was featured in several films and TV shows, including Disturbia, Bride Wars, and So You Think You Can Dance. Her second album came out earlier this month, so expect a tour in the coming days ahead. www.priscillaahn.com

Movies {domestic revenues for May 20-22}

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13). $90.2 million [4155 theatres; $21,697 per theatre]

2. Bridesmaids (R). $20.9 million [2937 theatres; $7,110 per theatre; $59.3 million overall]

3. Thor (PG-13). $15.5 million [3924 theatres; $3,939 per theatre; $145.4 million overall]

12. Tangled (PG). $0.9 million [191 theatres; $4,767 per theatre; $200.6 million overall]

13. Midnight in Paris (PG-13). $0.6 million [6 theatres; $99,834 per theatre]

Mainstream films:

- The Hangover Part II (R). Comedy sequel; co-starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha

- Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG). Animation sequel; co-voiced by Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, and Seth Rogen

Art-house films:

- Hobo with a Shotgun (NC-17). Action

- Into Eternity (NR). Documentary

- Midnight in Paris (PG-13). Romantic comedy; co-starring Owen Wilson, Kathy Bates, and Marion Cotillard; directed by Woody Allen

Free Weekend Activities

Movie Night [Thu 8:30pm]: Featuring "Inception." At Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org/events/movieschedule.html

Critical Mass [Fri 5:30pm]: Drivers and bus riders, be warned. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

Carnaval SF [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Samba lessons, professional drummers, face painting, break dancing, soccer pavilion, and grand parade. Along Harrison, between 16th and 22nd St. (SF). www.sfcarnaval.com

YBGF - Asian-American Orchestra [Sat 1-2:30pm]: 16-member ensemble performing in a tribute to John Coltrane. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

YBCA - Smart Night Out [Sat 7-11:30pm]: Embrace movement meditations, consciousness alteration, silent disco, and body harmonics. At YBCA main galleries (SF). RSVP at www.ybca.org/smart-night-out-soar

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1pm]: 129th season. At the Music Concourse (SF).www.goldengateparkband.org

SF PopFest 2011 [Sun 2pm]: Featuring Let's Whisper, Mark Monnone, The Motifs, Potion, The Panduhs, and more. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfpopfest.com

SFMade Week [through Sunday]: Explore locally made products and tour Rickshaw Bagworks or Anchor Steam factories. www.sfmade.org/sfmade_week

California Blues Festival [Mon noon-6pm]: 16th annual. In Hamilton Recreation Park (SF).

SF Zoo [Wed 10am-5pm]: Free for residents. www.sfzoo.org

Randy's Guide CCXLI (241)

Historic milestones: 16 years since the first release of Java; 31 years since the release of Pac-Man; 32 years since the White Night riots; 34 years since the release of Star Wars; 84 years since Charles Lindbergh's historic nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean; and 138 years since Levi Strauss' blue jeans patent.

Local Restaurant Pick

Yamo

3406 18th St. (at Mission)

11 bar stools and 3-4 Asian ladies cooking up $6 plates are what you'll find at this Burmese dive. I highly recommend the house noodles in any dish you select, and the soups are filling and delightfully spicy. www.yelp.com/biz/yamo-san-francisco (755 reviews; 4 stars)

Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $390,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs

Cheers to the weather gods for keeping the race dry. Warm sun today gives way to weekend cloudy coolness.

~ THU-FRI ~

Coast: low-60s

SF: upper-60s

Bay: upper-60s

South Bay: mid-70s

Inland East Bay: upper-70s

North Bay: upper-70s

~ SAT-SUN ~

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: upper-60s

Inland East Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-70s

Music

"Sink / Let It Sway" by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Springfield, Mo.)

The quartet had early success with a song used on The OC, but this year brought them a tour with Tokyo Police Club and Two Door Cinema Club. www.morawk.com/boris

Movies {domestic revenues for May 13-15}

1. Thor (PG-13). $34.7 million [3963 theatres; $8,757 per theatre; $119.5 million overall]

2. Bridesmaids (R). $26.2 million [2918 theatres; $8,995 per theatre]

3. Fast Five (PG-13). $20.4 million [3793 theatres; $5,390 per theatre; $169.7 million overall]

4. Priest (PG-13). $15.0 million [2864 theatres; $5,221 per theatre]

15. Everything Must Go (R). $0.8 million [218 theatres; $3,632 per theatre]

Mainstream films:

- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13): Action sequel. Co-starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and Geoffrey Rush; directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha)

Art-house films:

- American: The Bill Hicks Story (NR): Documentary.

- L'Amour Fou (NR): Documentary.

- The First Grader (NR): Drama.

- 13 Assassins (R): Action.

- The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls (NR): Documentary.

Free Weekend Activities

A La Carte & Art [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 15th annual. Along Castro St. (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com

Boogie on the Bayou [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: With Cajun food and music. In downtown Campbell. www.campbellchamber.com

Hometown Days [Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-5pm]: 31st annual. At Cedar and Brittan (San Carlos). www.sancarloshometowndays.com

Asian Heritage Street Fair [Sat 11am-6pm]: 7th annual. Features first-time arts & crafts alley, free admission to the Asian Art Museum, Thai kick-boxing, taiko drums, balut-eating contest, and tasty food. Along Little Saigon's Larkin St. (SF). www.asianfairsf.com

YBGF - BlacKMahal [Sat 1-2:30pm]: Punjabi-American hip-hop band. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Family Concert #3 [Sat 3pm]: With the Vallejo Choral Society, Cantare Children's Choirs of Oakland, and the SF Chamber Orchestra. At Empress Theater (Vallejo). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Doof-a-Palooza [Sun 10am-5pm]: 3rd annual. A family festival geared toward food. You can make butter, listen to a Chez Panisse chef, get a green tea facial, and throw pizza dough. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.foodbackwards.com/doof-a-palooza

Swing in the Square [Wed 6-8pm]: Features Slim Jenkins, with free lessons. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us/Events.html

Randy's Guide CCXL (240)

Historic milestones: 71 years since the first McDonald's (San Bernardino, Calif.); 72 years since the first commercial FM radio station (Bloomfield, Conn.); 82 years since the first Academy Awards; 99 years since the establishment of the Royal Air Force; and 136 years since the first Kentucky Derby.

Local Restaurant Pick

Little Star Pizza

846 Divisadero (at Fulton), SF

400 Valencia (at 15th St.), SF

1175 Solano (at Stannage), Albany

www.littlestarpizza.com

The cornmeal-crust deep-dish pizzas are the best of its kind in the Bay Area. Yes, that includes Patxi's, Pizza Chicago, and Zachary's. Without a reservation system, you may want to arrive early or on a weekday to avoid lengthy hour-plus waits. www.yelp.com/biz/little-star-pizza-san-francisco (1715 reviews - 4.5 stars for 846 Divisadero; 1203 reviews - 4 stars for 400 Valencia; 157 reviews - 4 stars for 1175 Solano)

Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $390,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs

Can you believe it? Thunderstorms and hail are forecast for Sunday's Bay to Breakers run! Otherwise, it'll be partly cloudy and cool.

~ THU-SAT ~

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: upper-60s

Inland East Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-70s

~ SUN ~

Bay Area: upper-50s

Music

"All I Want" by Sarah Blasko (Sydney, Australia)

She's won two ARIA awards, the equivalent of the Grammy in Australia. This year, she's supported both Lykke Li and Peter, Bjorn & John in European tours... can't wait for her to come back to the States! www.sarahblasko.com

Movies {domestic revenues for May 6-8}

1. Thor (PG-13): $65.7 million [3955 theatres; $16,618 per theatre]

3. Jumping the Broom (PG-13): $15.2 million [2035 theatres; $7,477 per theatre]

4. Something Borrowed (PG-13): $13.9 million [2904 theatres; $4,802 per theatre]

15. There Be Dragons (PG-13): $0.7 million [259 theatres; $2,724 per theatre]

Mainstream films:

- Bridesmaids (R): Comedy; co-starring Maya Rudolph and Rose Byrne

- Priest (PG-13): Suspense; co-starring Paul Bettany

Art-house films:

- The Double Hour (NR): Drama

- Everything Must Go (R): Drama; co-starring Will Ferrell

- Forks over Knives (PG): Documentary

- Go For It! (PG-13): Drama

- Hesher (R): Drama; co-starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman

- Nostalgia for the Light (NR): Documentary

- True Legend (R): Action

Free Weekend Activities

Bike Block Party [Thu 5:30-8:30pm]: Features Muddy Roses Band, local food vendors, a fire show, and more. At Washington & 9th (Oakland). www.ebbc.org

Zazzle Greater Body Expo [Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm]: Health and fitness event geared toward Bay to Breakers participants. At the SF Design Center. www.zazzlebaytobreakers.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-9pm]: With live music by Trio Paz, flamenco dancers, DJ Dulcinea, and a hosted beauty bar by Nob Hill Spa, SFIEC, and Dream Girl Makeup Institute. At the de Young (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Taiwanese Culture Festival [Sat 10am-6pm]: 19th annual. At Union Square Plaza (SF).

www.unionsquarepark.us/Events.html

Himalayan Fair [Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5:30pm]: 28th annual. With fresh momos (dumplings), Tibetan music, Bhangra dance, classical Indian flute, and more. At Live Oak Park (Berkeley). www.himalayanfair.net

KoreaTown CultureFest [Sat 11:30am-5pm]: Near Telegraph and 25th St. (Oakland).www.koreatownnorthgate.org

Family Concert #3: Voices from around the World [Sat 3pm/7pm, Sun 3pm]: With the Vallejo Choral Society, Cantare Children's Choirs of Oakland, and the SF Chamber Orchestra. At Lakeside Theater (Oakland - Sat 3pm), Bayview Opera House (SF - Sat 7pm), and CSM Theater (San Mateo - Sun 3pm). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Bay to Breakers [Sun 7am-1pm]: 7am start, 8:30am-1pm Footstock with live music and beer garden, and 9:30-11am costume contest. Starts in the Financial District and ends in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.zazzlebaytobreakers.com

Jazz on Fourth [Sun noon-5pm]: 16th annual. Benefits Berkeley High School jazz program. Along Fourth St. (Berkeley). www.fourthstreet.com

Taiwan in the Gardens [Sun 1-2:30pm]: With Keelung Chung Cheng Folk Sports Troupe. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ygbf.org

Salsa in the Square [Wed 6-8pm]: Features SFSU Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble, with free lessons. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us/Events.html

Randy's Guide CCXXXIX (239)

Historic milestones: 19 years since the passage of the 27th Amendment; 51 years since the first televised royal wedding; 65 years since the founding of Sony; 120 years since the opening of Carnegie Hall (Tchaikovsky as conductor); 142 years since the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad; 149 years since the Cinco de Mayo Battle of Puebla; 165 years since the first publication of the oldest surviving newspaper (Cambridge Chronicle).

Local Restaurant Pick

Art's Cafe

747 Irving St. (at 8th Ave.)

www.artscafesf.com

The six-dollar hash-brown sandwiches are ingenious: a thin, crispy hash brown rectangle is stuffed with goodies such as chicken teriyaki or spinach, then folded over and served with two eggs and toast. The Korean couple who runs the small diner also serves kim chee, bulgogi, and bi bim bap on the menu. www.yelp.com/biz/arts-cafe-san-francisco (513 reviews; 4-star average)

Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million; to date, the cause has raised over $390,000. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, San Francisco Women Against Rape, Sustainable Conservation, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, Darfur Sister Schools, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs

Much cooler after Wednesday's heat, with a chance of rain on Sunday.

Coast: upper-50s

SF: low-60s

Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: upper-60s

Inland East Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-70s

Music

"Sydney, I'll Come Running" by Brett Dennen (Oakdale, Calif.)

The 31-year-old from the Modesto suburb has toured with Jason Mraz, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews Band. He's now the headliner with Dawes (a cool Americana band), including a stop at Oakland's Fox Theatre (June 25), Denver, Austin, NYC, Chicago, Portland, and L.A. www.brettdennen.net

Movies {domestic revenues for April 29-May 1}

1. Fast Five. $86.2 million (3644 theatres; $23.655 per theatre)

5. Prom. $4.7 million (2730 theatres; $1,726 per theatre)

6. Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil. $4.1 million (2505 theatres; $1,640 per theatre)

18. Dylan Dog: Dead of Night. $0.8 million (875 theatres; $863 per theatre)

Mainstream films:

- Something Borrowed (PG-13): Romantic comedy; co-starring Kate Hudson and John Krasinski

- Thor (PG-13): Sci-fi; co-starring Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman

Art-house films:

- The Beaver (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster

- Cave of Forgotten Dreams (G): Documentary

- Inciendies (R): Drama

- Jumping the Broom (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Loretta Devine and Angela Bassett

- Last Night (R): Drama; co-starring Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington

- Meek's Cutoff (PG): Western; co-starring Michelle Williams and Paul Dano

- Queen to Play (NR): Drama

- There Be Dragons (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Wes Bentley

- These Amazing Shadows (NR): Documentary

Free Activities

Free Cab Rides [Thu 3pm - Fri 3am]: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, then go home safely! Use either Luxor Cab (SF 415.282.4141) or Veterans Cab (Alameda-Oakland-Berkeley 800.281.4488), and mention Berg Injury Lawyers.

Stanford Powwow [Fri 5-11pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm]: 40th annual. At Stanford's Eucalyptus Grove. www.stanfordpowwow.org

Cinco de Mayo fiesta [Sat 10am-6pm]: Featuring live salsa, Latin jazz, folklorico ballet, mariachi, Aztec dance, and more. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfcincodemayo.com

Pagan Festival and Parade [Sat 10am-5:30pm]: 10th annual. With a parade, live music, dance, and costumes. At Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.thepaganalliance.org

Access to Adventure [Sat noon-3pm]: Fun and games for children with disabilities. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse Bandshell (SF). www.supportforfamilies.org

Adam Werbach talk [Sat 1-4pm]: Engaging a billion people, the birth of a new green. Listen to the former President of Sierra Club engage with artists and the audience about the modern environmentalism movement. At YBCA Forum (SF).

www.ybca.org/content/ban6-conversations-environment

YBCA - Ricardo Lemvo [Sat 1-2:30pm]: Afro-Latino concert, the first in the summer YBCA series. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybca.org

Kara's Cupcakes demo [Sat 2pm]: Kara Lind will showcase how to make regular and gluten-free cupcakes. At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Opera in the Park [Sat 3pm]: Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Bizet. At Dimond Park (Oakland). www.openopera.net

Sunday Streets [Sun 11am-4pm]: Free bike rentals, yoga, live music, Mike's Bikes tune-ups, interactive mural painting, and more. Along Valencia (Duboce to 24th St.) and 24th St. (Valencia to Hampshire). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Bike to Work Day [Thu]: Join 150,000+ bicycle commuters, and stop off at various energizer relief stations around the Bay Area. www.youcanbikethere.com