Randy's Guide CCLXXV (275)

Local Food Pick

Pluto's

482 University Ave. (at Kipling St.)

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 853-1556

or

3258 Scott St. (at Chestnut St.)

San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 775-8867

or

627 Irving St. (at 8th Ave.)

San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 753-8867

or

3055 Olin Ave. (Santana Row)

San Jose, CA 95128

(408) 247-9120

Pluto's

Yelp - Pluto's (Palo Alto)

Yelp - Pluto's (SF - Scott)

Yelp - Pluto's (SF - Irving)

This college-friendly eatery, started in 1995 in San Francisco, was one of my favorites during university days. Salads are plentiful and filling, as you are allowed multiple ingredients to create your own masterpiece. The tri-tip sandwich and garlic curly fries are also highly recommended. Newer locations have opened in Chico, Davis, Sacramento, and Roseville. 4 stars - 600 reviews (Palo Alto); 4 stars - 456 reviews (SF - Scott); 4 stars - 702 reviews (SF - Irving); 3.5 stars - 653 reviews (SJ); 4 stars - 273 reviews (Davis); 4 stars - 68 reviews (Sacramento); 3.5 stars - 63 reviews (Roseville); 4 stars - 42 reviews (Chico)

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen; Firefly; Red Door Cafe; L'Ardoise Bistro.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville); Tara's Organic Ice Cream (Berkeley/Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma); Sol Food (San Rafael).

Local History

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo (1807-1890): Born in Monterey, Calif., Vallejo became Commander of San Francisco's Presidio in 1833, founded the town of Sonoma, and served in the first State Senate session of California in 1850. He handed over land to California that soon became home to California's first state capitol, though construction lagged and sessions were then moved to Sacramento after 11 days.

Local Charity

Congrats to Lazarex Cancer Foundation (Amy C) for the latest Randy's Guide donation! http://lazarex.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=491752

New organization: KQED (88.5 FM). Founded in 1969, this NPR-member radio station ranks nationwide as number one for listeners and number one for Bay Area radio stations as of last summer. Radio personalities such as Michael Krasny, Terry Gross, and Neal Conan deliver sharp commentaries and intellectual debates on topical issues. The latest listener-based donor drive is underway. Now is your time to contribute! www.kqed.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, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, The Bike Kitchen, First Graduate, and Lazarex Cancer Foundation (Amy C).

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Dry, again. Low to mid-60s everywhere!

Bay Area Free Activity of the Week

The San Francisco Civic Symphony, the oldest community orchestra on the West Coast, performs its winter concert on Sunday at 1pm. On the program will be Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven. Show will be held at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel's Empire Ballroom in Union Square. www.sfcivicsymphony.com

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Hobson's Choice

1601 Haight St. (at Clayton St.)

San Francisco, CA 94117

50% off (up to $20 discount) on all tasty beverages, including $30 house punch bowls and $8 rum zombies. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1548

Randy's Guide CCLXXIV (274)

Local Food Pick

L'Ardoise Bistro

151 Noe St. (at Henry St.)

San Francisco, CA 94114

(415) 437-2600

L'Ardoise

Yelp - L'Ardoise

Nestled on a quiet residential corner just a stone's throw away from the bustling Castro, this French find is one of the best values in the City. The coq au vin is top-notch, and the service is warm and genuine. Reserve yourself a spot at a neighborhood gem. 4.5 stars - 565 reviews

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen; Firefly; Red Door Cafe.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville); Tara's Organic Ice Cream (Berkeley/Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma); Sol Food (San Rafael).

Local History

Henry Haight (1825-1878): Born in Rochester, NY, Haight moved to San Francisco in 1850 and set up a successful law firm. He served as Governor of California from 1867-1871 and established the State Board of Health and University of California. Other Haights worked in banking, law, and military fields. Haight Street, which runs from Hayes Valley to Golden Gate Park, is named after this family.

Local Charity

Amy C., fellow Randy's Guide reader, is asking for contributions to her fundraising efforts for the Big Sur International Marathon during April 2012. The proceeds benefit Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Check out her fundraising page at http://lazarex.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=491752, and click Amy C. in the top right corner!

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, The Bike Kitchen, and First Graduate.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

A series of winter storms start today. Dust off your umbrella and boots!

Everywhere: Near 60

Free Bay Area Activities

Human Rights in Haiti discussion [Thu 5:30-8pm]: Panel discusses current human rights concerns in Haiti. At UC Hastings College of the Law (SF). http://cgrs.uchastings.edu

Sea Lion Walking Tour [Thu-Sun 11am-4pm hourly]: 30-minute tours intend to be informative and hosted by Aquarium of the Bay and The Marine Mammal Center. Free cookies and additional discounts. At Pier 39's Entrance Plaza or Sea Lion Cafe if rainy (SF). www.pier39.com

Edwardian Ball Bazaar [Sat noon-5pm]: Pick up some merchandise to wear for the tickets-only Edwardian Ball that evening. At the Regency Ballroom (SF). www.edwardianball.com

NOLA Party [Wed 6-9pm]: The Niners may have beaten the Saints, but this free party is a reminder of all that New Orleans has to offer. Featuring DJ Brice Nice, the Lagniappe Brass Band, and Bay Area Jambalaya Girl spooning up free jambalaya. At Public Works (SF). www.publicsf.com

Bay Area Restaurant Deal of the Week

Goat Hill Pizza, known for its in-house sourdough crust since 1975, is offering 50% off its menu. Discount (up to $10) expires Tuesday (1/24/12), and does not apply to the Monday all-you-can-eat fest. 300 Connecticut St (at 18th St.), Potrero Hill. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1927

Randy's Guide CCLXXIII (273)

Local Food Pick

Sol Food (Puerto Rican Cuisine)

901 Lincoln Ave. (at 3rd St.)

or

903 Lincoln Ave. (at 3rd St.)

or

811 4th St. (at Lincoln Ave.)

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 451-4765

Sol Food

Yelp - Sol Food (larger sit down)

Yelp - Sol Food (take out)

Yelp - Sol Food (smaller sit down)

Apparently three restaurants serving the same tasty food still cannot meet local demand. It's mouth-watering tasty. I ordered the large chuletas fritas (pork chops), which were served with rice, amazing beans, salad, pickled onions, and plantains. Others seemed to be happy with the shrimp po'boy and roasted chicken. Be prepared for a wait for the sit-downs, or else take the food to go and sit out in nearby Boyd Park. 1047 reviews - 4.5 stars (larger sit down); 20 reviews - 4 stars (take out); 59 reviews - 4 stars (smaller sit down).

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen; Firefly; Red Door Cafe.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville); Tara's Organic Ice Cream (Berkeley/Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma)

Local History

Charles S. Fairfax (1829-1869): Fairfax moved west as part of the 1850 California Gold Rush, and later became a Democratic National Convention delegate, Speaker of the California Assembly, and Marin County Supervisor. A wealthy childhood friend gifted a large estate to Fairfax and his wife in what would become the town of Fairfax (pop: 7,441). In 1861, the last political duel fought in California took place on the Fairfax estate between two state assemblymen.

Local Charity

Amy C., fellow Randy's Guide reader, is asking for contributions to her fundraising efforts for the Big Sur International Marathon during April 2012. The proceeds benefit Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Check out her fundraising page at http://lazarex.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=491752, and click Amy C. in the top right corner!

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, The Bike Kitchen, and First Graduate.

Bay Area Holiday Weekend Highs

Abnormally dry conditions remain. Longer-range forecasts show the deluge of winter storms should begin next Thursday.

~ THU-SAT ~

mid-60s

~ SUN-MON ~

upper-50s

Free Bay Area Activities

Lucas Field concert [Fri 5pm, Sat 7pm]: The former Low Vs. Diamond frontman has shifted his musical style. At the W Hotel (SF). www.wsanfrancisco.com/livingroomlive

Free National Parks Weekend [Sat-Mon]: Waived entrance fees to all national parks, including Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Muir Woods. www.nps.gov

Chinese New Year Flower Fair [Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm]: 400,000 attendees are expected for this plant-focused fair. Along Grant and Pacific Avenues (SF). www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/flowerfair.html

SF Vietnamese Lunar New Year [Sun 10:45am-6pm]: 16th annual. Lion dances, red envelopes, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and Vietnamese food. In Little Saigon (SF). www.vietccsf.org

Sonoma Vietnamese Tet New Year [Sun noon-6pm]: Traditional dance, fashion, food, and trinkets. At Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. www.sonomavietnamese.org

MLK Day of Service [Mon]: I'll be volunteering at Glide Memorial, but the Parks Conservancy is looking for nature custodians to work in Golden Gate National Park (such as Alcatraz, Crissy Field, and Ocean Beach). www.parkconservancy.org

Free MLK Museum Day [Mon 11am-5pm]: Film screenings, panel discussions, and sidewalk chalk art will complement free admission to Museum of African Diaspora (SF). www.moadsf.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

We Be Sushi, a wildly popular sushi place in the Mission, is offering 50% off your check (up to $20 discount). The original location opened in 1987, with this one following in 1999. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1440

Randy's Guide CCLXXII (272)

Local History

David C. Broderick (1820-1859): The son of an Irish immigrant, he moved to California as part of the Gold Rush and minted gold coins lower than their face value. He used these profits to finance his successful campaign for the California State Senate in 1850 and later as a U.S. senator in 1857. Broderick exerted Tammany Hall-style control over San Francisco until his untimely death during a slavery-related duel with David Terry, a former California State Supreme Court Chief Justice. Broderick, Calif. (in West Sacramento) and San Francisco's Broderick Street, which runs north-south from the Marina district to Buena Vista Park, are named in his honor.

Local Food Pick

Red Door Cafe

1608 Bush St. (at Franklin)

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 441-1564

http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-door-cafe-san-francisco-3

Ahmed is worth the price of admission alone. He's quite the energetic host, complete with dolls, interviews, and rigorous rules. The bacon boogie was phenomenal. You'll have to contend with a line, as the place holds maybe 25 people, unless you get there by 9am for a weekend. 508 reviews - 4.5 stars

Previous SF picks: Radius; Limon Rotisserie; Art's Cafe; Little Star Pizza; Yamo; Breakfast at Tiffany's; Humphry Slocombe; Tu Lan; Foreign Cinema; Zanze's Cheesecake; San Tung; Katana-Ya; A La Turca; Boxing Room; Frances; Saigon Sandwich; Brenda's French Soul Food; Park Tavern; Broken Record; Rosamunde Sausage Grill; Curry Up Now; Yasukochi's Sweet Stop; Lime Tree Southeast Asian Kitchen; Firefly.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay picks: Curry Up Now (San Mateo); Little Lucca Sandwich Shop & Deli (Burlingame/South SF); Falafel's Drive In (San Jose); Sunny Bowl (Mountain View); Back A Yard Caribbean Grill (Menlo Park).

Previous East Bay picks: Little Star Pizza (Albany); Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen (Berkeley); Asmara (Oakland); Keanu's Island Kine Food (Vacaville); Tara's Organic Ice Cream (Berkeley/Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma)

Local Charity

Congrats to First Graduate, the latest recipient of a Randy's Guide donation! www.firstgraduate.org

Amy C., fellow Randy's Guide reader, is asking for contributions to her fundraising efforts for the Big Sur International Marathon during April 2012. The proceeds benefit Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Check out her fundraising page at http://lazarex.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=491752, and click Amy C. in the top right corner!

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, The Bike Kitchen, and First Graduate.

Bay Area Weekend Highs

Conditions remain warmer than usual, with no rain in sight. The Tahoe snow report this past week was just plain dismal.

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Bay: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

South Bay: mid-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

Free Bay Area Activities

Spanish design opening reception [Thu 6-10pm]: Featuring live DJ, designer talks, and hosted reception. At Fort Mason's Fleet Room (SF). www.spainculture.us

Oakland Art Murmur [Fri 6-10pm]: Popular monthly event, with 20 participating galleries. Along the Broadway and Telegraph corridors, between 19th St. BART and Grand. www.oaklandartmurmur.org

SF Bike Party [Fri 7:30pm]: A gentler version of Critical Mass. Starts at Civic Center Plaza. www.sfbikeparty.org

Vintage Paper Fair [Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm]: Antique postcards, photographs, brochures, sports memorabilia, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.vintagepaperfair.com

SF Mayoral Inauguration Ceremony [Sun 10am]: With live music from the San Francisco Symphony, the Gay Men's Chorus, Ethnic Dance Festival performances, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and former Mayor Willie Brown (as MC). At City Hall. www.sfgov.org

Free Museum Day [Sun 10am-5pm]: At the Asian Art Museum (SF) and Oakland Museum of California. www.asianart.org

No Pants BART Day [Sun 1pm]: 11th annual. Don't be surprised if the person next to you strips down to underwear. www.facebook.com/events/198999810184444

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Bun Mee Vietnamese is offering a free shredded Napa cabbage salad or mango sesame salad to all Scoutmob users. It's located at 2015 Fillmore St, in the heart of the Pacific Heights shopping district. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1910