Thursday, September 29, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLIX (259)

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Local History
Michael Maurice O'Shaughnessy (1864-1934), an Irish immigrant, oversaw most of San Francisco's early engineering marvels. He supervised the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Stockton Street Tunnel, and the Municipal Railway System (including the J-K-L-M-N lines). O'Shaughnessy also worked on the layout of the towns of Sausalito and Mill Valley. He passed away 16 days before the first Yosemite water poured into San Francisco's reservoirs. O'Shaughnessy Boulevard runs along Glen Canyon Park in San Francisco, between the Twin Peaks and Glen Park neighborhoods.


Local Food Pick
Sunny Bowl
1477C Plymouth St. (at Shoreline Blvd.)
Mountain View, CA 94043

It's well-positioned for Shoreline Amphitheatre concertgoers or Computer History Museum enthusiasts. The menu entirely focuses on bi-bim-baps, which are Korean bowls of goodness (meat and/or veggies, rice, egg). 374 reviews - 4 stars

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food.


Change for Change
Congrats to The Bike Kitchen, the latest Randy's Guide donation recipient! Please check them out one final time at www.bikekitchen.org.

New charity: First Graduate. This case-management-based educational program annually brings in 25-30 seventh graders from public middle schools for a 10-year program focused on mentorship, counseling, year-round instruction through 12th grade, and career exploration. To date, 100% of participants have graduated from high school, and the oldest students have this year become the first college graduates in their families. Recently, I donated leftover office supplies, and the two employees couldn't be happier. www.firstgraduate.com

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, La Cocina, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, and The Bike Kitchen.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
This week's extreme heat - hitting 90 in San Francisco yesterday - is a thing of the past. Rain is almost a certainty by the middle of next week.

Coast: upper-50s
SF: mid-60s (upper-60s today)
Bay: low-70s (upper-70s today)
South Bay: mid-70s (low-80s today)
North Bay: mid-70s (mid-80s today)
Inland East Bay: upper-70s (upper-80s today)


Free Activities
Waterfront Flicks [Thu 7:30pm]: Chocolat. Benefits East Bay Bike Coalition and Bay Area anti-hunger programs. In Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Free Food Day [Thursday]: Get free coffee all day at Krispy Kremes, and a free meal (sandwich with salad) from 5-8pm as part of Macy's partnership with Feeding America. Macy's food truck will be at 432 Octavia as part of the SF Proxy staging area. www.eventbrite.com/event/2250996792

Pacific Fine Arts Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: 90+ artisans. Along Mountain Blvd., La Salle, and Antioch Ct. (Oakland). www.montclairvillage.com/pacific_fine_arts.html

*** Hardly Strictly Bluegrass [Fri-Sun 11am-7pm]: 11th annual. 800,000 expected attendees for six stages of live music. My favorites include: DeVotchKa, Joe Purdy, Broken Social Scene, Bright Eyes, Chris Isaak, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out Los Compas, an art creation by the Yanez family, lecture by USF Professor Paula Birnbaum, hands-on art making, and an artist fellows reception. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Hayes Valley Parklet Party [Fri 7-10pm]: Food from Straw restaurant and Smitten Ice Cream, live entertainment, auction, and fundraising raffle. Corner of Octavia and Page (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=261142997249688

Redwood City Port Fest [Sat 8am-5pm]: 2nd annual. Pancake breakfast, rowing races, sailboat rides, Bay tours, and live entertainment. At the Port of Redwood City. www.rwcportfest.org

Spirit of Japantown Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: Ukelele, hula, taiko, karate, judo, and more. In San Jose Japantown. www.japantownsanjose.org

Los Altos Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 20th annual. 150+ artisans, classic car show, and live entertainment. At North Parking Plaza (Los Altos). www.losaltoschamber.org/fall_festival.html

Noriega Street Block Party [Sat noon-5pm]: Bands, jumpy house, and local vendors. Along Noriega, between 45th and 46th Ave (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194041393999861

Sausage & Suds Fair [Sun 10am-6pm]: Sausages, beer, zumba class, live music, and more. Near Parrott St. and Washington Ave. (San Leandro).
www.sanleandrodowntownassociation.org/Sausage_Suds.htm

SF Asian Art Museum [Sun 10am-5pm]: Free admission. www.asianart.org

Millbrae Japanese Cultural Festival [Sun 10:30am-4:30pm]: 6th annual. Mochi demo, judo, archery, bonsai, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and more. In Civic Center Plaza (Millbrae). www.japaneseculturefest-millbrae.org

*** Castro Street Fair [Sun 11am-6pm]: 38th annual. 75,000 expected attendees. Five entertainment stages and outrageous costumes. Along Castro, Market, 17th St., and 18th St. (SF). www.castrostreetfair.org

Golden Gate Park Concert [Sun 1pm]: 129th annual. Theme: All That Jazz. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Free Museum Day [Tuesday & Wednesday]: On Tuesday, choose from SFMOMA, Legion of Honor, de Young, Conservatory of Flowers, and YBCA. For Wednesday, select from SF Zoo, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Exploratorium, and GLBT History.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 1:34 PM 0 comments

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLVIII (258)

Bay Area History

Tilden Regional Park, first created in 1936, is named after Charles Lee Tilden (1857-1950). A Hastings-trained lawyer who rose to the rank of Major in the Spanish-American War, Tilden served as the first president of the East Bay Regional Park District board of directors and purchased much of the land that is now part of the park named after him.


Bay Area Food Pick
Brenda's French Soul Food
652 Polk St. (at Eddy)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 345-8100

It's clearly a victim of its own success. Waits at this Tenderloin hit can range up to two hours at peak weekend brunch times. Flavored beignets, grillades & grits, clever eggs benedicts, gumbo, and sweet watermelon tea are the highlights. Opening for dinner and expanding the restaurant will hopefully ease the crush. I've easily been 10 times. You should go! 2242 reviews - 4 stars

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances; Saigon Sandwich.


Change for Change
Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.org

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, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Near-record heat earlier this week is giving way to much cooler conditions. Sunday's big festivities on Folsom Street, AT&T Park, Golden Gate Park, and Jack London Square will be begging for sun.

THU-FRI
Coast: upper-50s
SF: mid-60s
Bay: low-70s
South Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: upper-80s
North Bay: upper-80s

SAT-SUN
Coast: upper-50s
SF: low-60s
Bay: upper-60s
South Bay: upper-70s
North Bay: upper-70s
Inland East Bay: low-80s


Free Activities
Drive-In Movie Night [Thu 8pm]: Cars 2, Transformers 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean 4 will be flexing their sequel muscles. $1 nachos too! At Solano 2 Drive-In (Concord) and West Wind Capitol 6 Drive-In (San Jose). www.westwinddriveins.com

*** Free Night of Theater 2011 [through Thu 8:05am]: New system, better opportunity. Now you can score up to five free pairs of tickets at Bay Area theatre companies, including ACT, the Berkeley Rep, and Beach Blanket Babylon. Sign up at www.freenightbayarea.com

*** Eat Real Festival [Fri 1-8pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm]: Expected attendance over 100,000. 64 food vendors (including Chairman Bao, Scream Sorbet, Magic Curry Kart, Hapa Ramen, and Curry Up Now); 20 local breweries (such as Drakes, Speakeasy, Linden Street, and Bison); DIY workshops; food craft competitions; butchery contest; and live music. In Jack London Square (Oakland). www.eatrealfest.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out Rob Reich's Circus Bella All Star Band, an art creation by the Yanez family, lecture by Dr. Anne Prah-Perochon, hands-on art making, and opening reception for Todd Brown's "Inheritance." At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

2012 - The Musical [Fri 7pm, Sun 3pm]: Closing weekend. The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Ukiah's Todd Grove Park (Fri) and Petaluma's Walnut Park (Sun). www.sfmt.org

FogFest [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Expected attendance over 80,000. Parade, marching band competition, sand castle contest, live music, and local vendors. Along Palmetto Ave. (Pacifica). www.pacificcoastfogfest.com

Marina Family Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 1st annual. Petting zoo, bounce houses, balloon artists, pony rides, and live music. At Little Marina Green Park (SF).
www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Family-Festival/194832327251100

Polk Street Blues Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 2nd annual. Two live music stages, family area, local artisans, and food booths. Along Polk St., between California and Broadway (SF). www.polkstreetbluesfestival.com

Peace Day Celebration [Sat 10am-6pm]: Global rally with a focus on the climate crisis. March from Justin Herman Plaza to Civic Center Plaza for the festival. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132200780202814&ref=nf

Walnut Creek Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 67th semi-annual. Along North Main and Locust (Walnut Creek). www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Tour de Fat [Sat 11am-5pm]: Golden Gate Park bike ride, followed by live entertainment. Benefits SF Bike Coalition and Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. In Golden Gate Park's Lindley Meadow (SF). www.newbelgium.com

West Sunset Festival [Sat 11am-3pm]: 17th annual. New playground, children's games, live music, and a flea market. At the West Sunset Playground (SF).
www.facebook.com/pages/17th-Annual-Sunset-Community-Festival-September-24-2011/134982586591575

Pedrito Martinez Group + John Santos Sextet [Sat 1-3pm]: At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Really Really Free Market [Sat 1-6pm]: Monthly gathering to barter and play community games. At Dolores Park (SF). www.reallyreallyfree.org

Movie Night in the Park [Sat 7pm]: The Incredibles. At Duboce Park (SF). www.friendsofdubocepark.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm]: Closing weekend. Cymbeline. At the Presidio's Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day [Saturday]: 7th annual. Free admission for two to many museums nationwide. Local examples: Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Cartoon Art Museum, Hiller Aviation Museum, Bedford Gallery, Vallejo Naval & History Museum, and more. www.smithsonian.com/museumday

*** Public Lands Day [Saturday]: Free admission to all national parks, including local favorites such as Muir Woods, Yosemite Park, and Sequoia Park. www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Leland Avenue Street Fair [Sun 10am-4pm]: 6th annual. Visitacion Valley livens up with live music, children's activities, and the new library opening. Along Leland Ave. (SF). www.visvalleyboom.org/events/leland-ave-street-fair

Cole Valley Fair [Sun 10am-5pm]: Live music, local vendors, and family activities. Along Cole St. (SF). www.cviasf.org/cole-valley-fair-2011

*** Folsom Street Festival [Sun 11am-6pm]: Expected attendance over 400,000. 13 city blocks of leather and fetish enthusiasts or admirers. With 250+ adult exhibitors, two live entertainment stages, a large dance area with live DJs, Venus' Playground for women, and Artists' Area. Along Folsom St. (SF). www.folsomstreetfair.org

*** Alice's Now and Zen Fest [Sun noon-5pm]: With the Goo Goo Dolls, Michelle Branch, and Eoin Harrington. In Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.radioalice.com

Golden Gate Park Concert [Sun 1pm]: 129th annual. Theme: Spain. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Chinatown Music Festival [Sun 1-7pm]: Live music in Portsmouth Square (SF). www.apiculturalcenter.org

*** Opera in the Ballpark [Sun 2pm]: Expected attendance over 30,000. The live simulcast of Puccini's Turandot will be a mix of high culture and garlic fries. I can't wait! At AT&T Park (SF). www.sfopera.com

Free Ice Cream Day [Tue 5-8pm]: Three ounces of ice cream turned into a mini sundae. At Cold Stone Creamery. www.coldstonecreamery.com

Posted by Randy's Guide at 3:36 PM 0 comments

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLVII (257)

Local History

San Francisco's first millionaire, Samuel Brannan (1819-1889), established the City's first school and newspaper, the "California Star." Brannan was a devout Mormon who urged Brigham Young to settle in Northern California. Eventually, the Mormons decided on present-day Utah. Brannan Street runs through the South of Market neighborhood in San Francisco, from the Embarcadero to the Central Freeway.


Local Food Pick
Saigon Sandwich
560 Larkin St. (at Eddy)
San Francisco, CA 94102

From uptown at Frances to downtown with Saigon Sandwich, this is my go-to place for Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Nom Nom (which also makes banh mi) might be the new popular kid on the food truck circuit, but Saigon can whip out your pork or chicken sammie for just $3! 1623 reviews - 4.5 stars

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In; Frances.


Change for Change
Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.org

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, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
It's definitely colder than normal - is it mid-September or December? Days will warm slowly through Monday.

Coast: upper-50s
SF: low-60s
Bay: low-70s
South Bay: mid-70s
North Bay: mid-70s
Inland East Bay: upper-70s


Free Activities
Jack London Square Waterfront Flicks [Thu 7:30pm]: Featuring No Reservations. At Jack London Square's Market Lawn (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

PARK(ing) Day [all day Friday]: Parking spaces are transformed into public space around San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere globally. I'll probably stop by SPUR's Urban Center. www.parkingday.org

** "Proof" art opening exhibition [Fri 6pm]: Annual anonymous exhibition by Northern California artists, with free submissions and no credentials required. At Southern Exposure (SF). www.soex.org

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out the Mads Tolling Quartet, Mistura: The Power of Food film screening, hands-on art making, and opening reception for Todd Brown's "Inheritance." At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

California Coastal Cleanup Day [Sat 9am-noon]: California saw over 82,500 volunteers last year. Go this year. In SF, locations will be at India Basin Shoreline Park, India Basin Open Space, and Golden Gate Park. www.coastal.ca.gov

Lafayette Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 16th annual. Two entertainment stages, several microbrews, and 250+ artisans. In downtown Lafayette, one block from BART. www.lafayettefestival.com

International Dragon Boat Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 100+ dragon boat teams and 3500+ paddlers will compete in 500-meter and 300-meter courses. On Treasure Island (SF). www.sanfranciscochinatown.com

Santa Clara Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 31st annual. 150+ artisans, four wineries, three entertainment stages, and kids' activities. At Central Park (Santa Clara). www.santaclaraca.gov

Napa Valley Aloha Festival [Sat 10am-6pm]: 4th annual. Hawaiian food, music, dance, arts/crafts, and cultural presentations. At Napa Valley Exposition (Napa). www.manaleohcf.org

Spice of Life Festival [Sat 11am-7pm]: 9th annual. Chef demos, tasty local gourmet food options, microbrews, live Bay Area musicians, and an art project. Along Shattuck Ave. (Berkeley). www.gourmetghetto.org

Family Day Kite Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 33rd annual. Kite flying/making contests and demos. At Marina Green (SF). www.fdkf.org

Rock Make Street Festival [Sat noon-7pm]: 4th annual. 11 local rock bands, 70 vendors, food trucks, and alcohol garden. At Treat St. & 18th St. (SF). www.rockmake.com

Bring Your Own Queer [Sat noon-6pm]: Music by DJs Bus Station John, Juanita More, and Honey Soundsystem. Entertainment by Adonisaurus, Chica Boom, Philip Huang, the Bay Area Derby Girls, and Titland. At Golden Gate Park Music Concourse (SF). www.byoq.org

Gamelan Sekar Jaya [Sat 1-2:30pm]: Three percussion Balinese orchestras. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Michael Moore book tour [Sat 2pm]: The activist arrives in SF to push his new novel Here Comes Trouble: Stories from My Life. At Books Inc Opera Plaza (SF). www.booksinc.net

2012 - The Musical [Sat-Sun 2pm, Wed 7pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Berkeley's Ho Chi Minh Park (Sat-Sun) and Hayward's Chabot College Performing Arts Center (Wed). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm]: Cymbeline. At the Presidio's Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Midnight Mystery Bike Ride [Sat 11:59pm]: It's a cult favorite quickly gaining momentum. Meet at a local bar announced the day of the five-mile ride on the third Saturday of every month. www.midnightmystery.org

Almaden Valley Festival [Sun 10am-6pm]: 35th annual. Live entertainment, children's activities, beer/wine garden, and more. At Almaden Lake Park (San Jose). www.almadenwine.com

** Sunday Streets [Sun 11am-4pm]: A walking version. Ping pong tournament, poetry readings, live entertainment at Coit Tower, Art in Kerouac Alley, cooking demos, and Zumba class. Along Grant Ave, from Bush until Lombard, and up to Coit Tower (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Comedy Day [Sun noon-5pm]: 31st annual. 40 comedians on one stage. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.comedyday.com

Golden Gate Park Concert [Sun 1pm]: 129th annual. Theme: Ireland, Robert Emmet Day. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Guardian Forum for Mayor [Wed 6pm]: The final review of the SF Bay Guardian's progressive platform by the key mayoral candidates in San Francisco. At the LGBT Center (SF). www.sfbg.com

Posted by Randy's Guide at 4:16 PM 0 comments

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLVI (256)

Local History
Just prior to Millbrae's incorporation as a city in 1948, it was locked in a minor land dispute over Mills Estate with neighboring Burlingame. This contentiousness carried for several years, moved into state courts, and delayed Millbrae's incorporation.


Local Food Pick
Frances
3870 17th St. (at Noe St.)
San Francisco, CA 94114

Long a food desert of sorts, Castro finally has a quality fancy-pants restaurant. The bacon beignets are a big hit, but I think the appeal begins when you are reminded by your server that the carafe of wine is measured (and charged) in ounces. How... progressive and sensical. The intensely difficult reservations can be averted with the walk-up seats - dinner at 5 perhaps?

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Falafel's Drive In.


Change for Change
Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.org

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, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Tropical moisture on Saturday? Sounds a little wild for our standards. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Coast: upper-50s
SF: low-60s
Bay: upper-60s
Inland East Bay: low-80s
South Bay: mid-80s
North Bay: upper-80s


Movies {domestic revenues for September 2-4}
1. The Help (PG-13): $14.6 million [2843 theatres; $5,134 per theatre; $119.0 million overall; 4th weekend]
2. The Debt (R): $9.9 million [1826 theatres; $5,427 per theatre; $11.8 million overall]
3. Apollo 18 (PG-13): $8.7 million [3328 theatres; $2,615 per theatre]
4. Shark Night (PG-13): $8.4 million [2806 theatres; $2,995 per theatre]
19. Seven Days in Utopia (PG): $1.3 million [561 theatres; $2,347 per theatre]

Mainstream films:
- Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (R): Comedy; co-starring Christina Ricci and Don Johnson
- Contagion (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne, and Marion Cotillard; directed by Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's Eleven" and "Traffic")
- Warrior (PG-13): Action; co-starring Nick Nolte

Art-house films:
- The Apparition (NR): Thriller
- Chasing Madoff (NR): Documentary
- Circumstance (R): Drama
- Creature (R): Horror
- Little Rock (NR): Comedy
- Love Crime (NR): Thriller; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas
- The Man Who Fell to Earth (R): Sci-fi; co-starring David Bowie and Rip Torn
- Puzzle (NR): Drama
- Shaolin (R): Action; co-starring Jackie Chan and Andy Lau


Free Weekend Activities
Fashion's Night Out [Thu 5-8pm]: SF events filled with live music, food, cocktails, and specials. At Macy's Union Square, Nieman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Betsey Johnson, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, and Gap. www.fashionsnightout.com

Filming Performance program [Thu 7:30pm]: Work-in-progress film screening of an untitled documentary about pianist Fred Hersch. At YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out the John Santos Sextet, screening of Teobi's Dreaming, production-in-progress by Campo Santo with live music by Felonious, and hands-on art making. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: 20th annual. Some Like It Hot on Friday (Mill Valley's Old Mill Park) and Dr. Strangelove on Saturday (SF's Washington Square Park). www.filmnight.org

Mountain View Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 40th annual. With live music, 9/11 remembrance ceremony, pigskin party lounge, and more. Along Castro St. (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com/mountainview

Webster Street Jam [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 10th annual. With two stages of live music ranging from acoustic to rock to blues. Along Webster St. (Alameda). www.westalamedabusiness.com

** Autumn Moon Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 21st annual. Opening ceremony and parade with lion dancers, street vendors, talent show, and more. Along Grant, between California and Broadway, and Pacific, between Stockton and Kearny (SF). www.moonfestival.org

Festa Coloniale Italiana [Sat 11am-6pm]: With live Italian music, food, pizza toss demos, and wine tasting. Along Stockton, between Union and Filbert (SF). www.sfiac.org

Poke Fest [Sat noon-6pm]: 10th annual. Spam musubi eating contest, poke competition, and live Hawaiian music and dancing. At Hukilau SF. www.pokefest.com

** Chocolate Festival [Sat-Sun noon-5pm]: 16th annual. With chef demos, ice cream eating contest, and live entertainment. Tasting tickets for purchase benefit Project Open Hand. At Ghirardelli Square (SF). www.ghirardellisq.com

2012 - The Musical [Sat 7pm, Sun 5pm, Wed 7pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Davis' Community Park (Sat), Sacramento's Southside Park (Sun), and Redwood City's Courthouse Square (Wed). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm]: Cymbeline. At the Presidio's Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Solano Stroll [Sun 10am-6pm]: 37th annual. The East Bay's largest street fair. With parade, children's activities, and local theater performances. Along Solano Ave. (Berkeley). www.solanoavenueassn.org

** Sunday Streets [Sun 11am-4pm]: Free bike rentals, bike repairs, break dance lessons, pet programs, and community art celebrations. Through NOPA, Alamo Square, and the Fillmore (along Fillmore, Fulton, Baker, Grove, and Central). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Opera in the Park [Sun 1:30pm]: Arrive early. Featuring works by Mozart, Bernstein, Coplan, Rodgers, Scheer, and Williams. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.sfopera.com

9/11 Commemoration Ceremony [Sun 8pm]: Manresa Gallery commissioned a video work by SF resident Ben Wood, which will be broadcast outside USF's St. Ignatius Church (SF). Inter-faith service will be held inside, followed by a public reception. www.manresagallery.org

Mary Roach discussion [Mon 7pm]: The author of popular works "Stiff" and "Bonk" tackles outer-space effects on the human body in "Packing for Mars." Catch her at Books Inc. Opera Plaza (SF). www.booksinc.net

OneRepublic concert [Tue 8pm]: It's free, but expect long lines and a short show. At the Fox Theater (Oakland). www.samsungsummerkrush2011.com

Farmers' Market Party [Wed 9am-4pm]: 30th anniversary. Has it been that long? Enjoy the scavenger hunt, giveaways, balloon animals, and more. At the UN Plaza (SF). www.hocfarmersmarket.org

** Free quality food! [through Wed]: Just show the Scoutmob app on your iPhone or Android. Free tacos at La Taqueria (SF), ice cream at Three Twins, and sausages at Rosamunde - Mission (SF). www.scoutmob.com

Posted by Randy's Guide at 4:21 PM 0 comments

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Randy's Guide CCLV (255)

Local History
Geary Boulevard, which runs six miles from Union Square to Ocean Beach, is named for the first mayor of San Francisco, John White Geary (1819-1873). Geary also served as a governor of the Kansas Territory, governor of Pennsylvania, and Union general in the Civil War.


Local Food Pick
Falafel's Drive In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128

Watching the video, when this little family-owned business went national with Guy Fieri, makes me a little teary eyed. The banana shake with a hearty falafel sandwich is a heavenly combo. Serving up happiness since 1970. 4 stars - 1755 reviews.

Previous picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Asmara; Katana-Ya; Bouchon Bakery; A La Turca; Boxing Room.


Change for Change
Charity: The Bike Kitchen. Winning community awards since 2004, this nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who teach people how to fix their own bicycles. Riders can rent tools and get on-site help for a daily $5 rate, or $40-80 annual fee (or six volunteer hours). The organization even has made sizable financial assistance this year to both CELLspace and Lyon-Martin Health Services. Address is 650H Florida, San Francisco CA 94110. www.bikekitchen.org

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, La Cocina, and Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.


Bay Area Holiday Weekend Highs
Beautiful sunshine, even coastside, today and tomorrow. Then it's back to the usual coastal fog pattern for the holiday weekend.

~ THU-FRI ~
Coast: mid-60s
Downtown SF: low-70s
Bay: upper-70s
North Bay: mid-80s
South Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: upper-80s

~ SAT-MON ~
Coast: upper-50s
Downtown SF: mid-60s
Bay: upper-70s
North Bay: low-80s
South Bay: low-80s
Inland East Bay: mid-80s


Movies {domestic revenues for August 26-28}
1. The Help (PG-13): $14.5 million [2778 theatres; $5,233 per theatre; $96.8 million overall; 3rd weekend]
2. Colombiana (PG-13): $10.4 million [2614 theatres; $3,982 per theatre]
3. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13): $8.9 million [3374 theatres; $2,628 per theatre; $148.7 million overall; 4th weekend]
4. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (R): $8.5 million [2760 theatres; $3,089 per theatre]
5. Our Idiot Brother (R): $7.0 million [2555 theatres; $2,744 per theatre]

Mainstream films:
- Apollo 18 (PG-13): Sci-fi
- The Debt (R): Thriller; co-starring Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, and Tom Wilkinson
- A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (R): Comedy; co-starring Jason Sudeikis
- Shark Night (PG-13): Horror

Art-house films:
- Higher Ground (R): Drama; co-starring Vera Farmiga
- The Interrupters (NR): Documentary
- Love Exposure (NR): Drama
- Seven Days in Utopia (G): Sports drama; co-starring Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, and Melissa Leo


Free Weekend Activities
Free Thursday Museum Day: At the Pez Museum (Burlingame), UC Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, and Chinese Historical Society (SF).

2012 - The Musical [Thu 7pm, Sat-Mon 2pm]: The SF Mime Troupe returns with an exploration of corporate commissions. At Palo Alto's Mitchell Field (Thu) and SF's Dolores Park (Sat-Mon). www.sfmt.org

Outdoor Movie Night [Thu 8pm]: Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Ringling Bros. Circus [Fri 11:30am-1:30pm]: Free popcorn, cotton candy, clown noses, face painting, balloon animals, and zany stunts. At Union Square Park (SF). www.ringling.com

King Tut Festival [Fri 5-10pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm]: 19th anual. Egyptian food, arts/crafts, and entertainment. At St. Antonius Coptic Church (Hayward). www.kingtutfestival.com

Friday Nights at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45pm]: Check out fusion band La Gente, Peet's tastings, multimedia presentation by Jan Wahl, and artist studio hosted by Campo Santo. At the de Young Museum (SF). http://deyoung.famsf.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sun 8pm]: 20th annual. Young Frankenstein on Friday, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 on Saturday, and North by Northwest on Sunday. At San Anselmo's Creek Park. www.filmnight.org

Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 7th annual. Cultural performances will be the highlight. Along Irving St., between 22nd and 25th Ave. (SF). www.autumnmoonfestival.org

Lebanese Festival [Sat 10am-9pm]: 1st annual. Enjoy Lebanese food, music, and entertainment. At Community Activities Building (Redwood City). www.lebanesefestivalbayarea.org

Millbrae Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 41st annual. 250+ artists, microbrews, car show, and kids' activities. Along Broadway (Millbrae). www.miramarevents.com/millbrae

Adobo Filipino Culture Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-7pm]: Filipino entertainers, competitions, and carnival games. At Milpitas Sports Center. www.pinoyparinkami.com

San Francisco Zine Fest [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 10th annual. Focus is on Hamburger Eyes collective of photo journalism, along with workshops and panels. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.sfzinefest.org

Saadoun Al-Bayati Trio concert [Sat 1pm]: Sufi performer originally from Iraq. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun-Mon 2:30pm]: Cymbeline. At the Presidio's Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Doin' It in the Park 2011 [Sun noon-6pm]: Live DJs, kids' activities, and free BBQ. At Golden Gate Park's Marx Meadows (SF). www.vivalahiphop.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun-Mon 1pm]: 129th season. Themes: Movies in the Park (Sun) and Labor Day (Mon). At the Music Concourse (SF).www.goldengateparkband.org

Free Sunday Museum Day: At the Asian Art Museum (SF) and Oakland Museum of CA.

Free Tuesday Museum Day: At the de Young Museum (SF), Legion of Honor (SF), Conservatory of Flowers (SF), Cartoon Art Museum (SF), SF MOMA, YBCA (SF), and Camerawork Museum (SF).

Free Wednesday Museum Day: At the Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito), GLBT Museum (SF), Exploratorium (SF), and SF Zoo.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 12:12 PM 0 comments

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