Randy's Guide CCLXXXIV (284)

Reminder

Earth Hour is this Saturday at 8:30pm. Landmarks around the world - from the Eiffel Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge - will turn off their lights for one hour as a symbol of unity on the subject of environmental impact. Please turn off non-essential lights for this hour to join in the action.

Local Food Pick

Amber India

2290 W. El Camino Real (at Ortega Ave.)

Mountain View, CA 94040

Amber India

Yelp - Amber India

If you're going upscale for Indian food, my recommendation is to check out Amber India's original location in Mountain View. The butter chicken and garlic-basil naan are outstanding. The owner has since expanded to Santana Row, downtown Palo Alto, downtown Mountain View, and downtown San Francisco... with a scheduled May opening along San Francisco's bustling Valencia Street. I haven't tried any of the other locations, but Yelp rates all of them at 3-1/2 stars or higher. 4 stars - 605 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; L'Ardoise Bistro; Pluto's; My Tofu House; Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous; Walzwerk; Good Luck Dim Sum.

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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo).

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); Pluto's (Chico/Davis/Sacramento/Roseville); Bakesale Betty (Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma); Sol Food (San Rafael); Stumptown Brewery (Guerneville); Moustache Baked Goods (Healdsburg).

Local History

Donald Tresidder (1894-1948)

After last week's homage to a prominent UC Berkeley president, you knew this was coming. During a very fortuitous trip to Yosemite from Indiana, Donald met several Stanford faculty members (who suggested that he apply) as well as his future wife, Mary Curry (daughter of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company owners). After graduating from Stanford, he took over as president of Yosemite Park and Curry Company and oversaw the construction of the Ahwahnee Hotel and the Badger Pass Ski Area. During his tenure as president of Stanford from 1943-1948, he helped establish the Stanford Research Institute, upgraded the music program to a full department, and ended the sorority system on campus. Tresidder Peak in Yosemite and Stanford's Tresidder Memorial Union are named after him.

Local Charity

FabMo Creativity Center

Started in 1997, this Mountain View-based nonprofit is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that diverts fabrics to Bay Area artisans and teachers. FabMo also hosts an annual art boutique and a variety of workshops. www.fabmo.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, Lazarex Cancer Foundation (Amy C), and KQED (88.5 FM).

Bay Area Weekend Highs

A smattering of rain is expected Friday night into Saturday, but clearing should prevail the following several days.

~ THU-FRI ~

Coast: low-60s

SF: mid-60s

Bay: upper-60s

North Bay: upper-60s

Inland East Bay: upper-60s

South Bay: upper-60s

~ SAT-SUN ~

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Bay: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

Inland East Bay: low-60s

South Bay: low-60s

Bay Area Free Activities of the Week

1. SF Chamber Orchestra

Friday 8pm - Herbst Theatre (SF)

Saturday 8pm - Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing Arts (Atherton)

Sunday 3pm - First Congregational Church (Berkeley)

The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra presents La Bella Musica, featuring tenor Brian Thorsett and mandolinist Avi Avital. Works by Mendelssohn, Rossini, and Paisello are on the playlist. RSVP at www.sfchamberorchestra.org or (415) 692-5258.

2. Free Museum Day

~ SF museums unless indicated ~

Sunday: The Asian Art Museum, Oakland Museum of California

Tuesday: de Young, Legion of Honor, SFMOMA, Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, YBCA

Wednesday: Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito), Exploratorium, GLBT Museum, SF Zoo

Thursday (4/5): Berkeley Art Museum, Pez Museum (Burlingame), Chinese Historical Museum

3. Dolores Park Playground Re-Opening

San Francisco's beloved communal space has been undergoing a multi-year overhaul. This Saturday from 2-4pm, the Hellen Diller Playground will be formally unveiled by Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Scott Weiner, and key stakeholders. Refreshments and music are provided. www.friendsofdolorespark.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Speakeasy Brewery

1195 Evans Ave. (at Keith St.)

San Francisco, CA 94124

www.facebook.com/events/415884448428671/

On Saturday from 4-9pm, the famed local brewery is throwing open its doors to the public with two special small-batch brews. Come during the first hour for the beer token special (4 pints for $10), free tours, and various giveaways. You can also play group games (like life-size Jenga), check out a couple of americana bands, and watch the March Madness semi-finals.

Randy's Guide CCLXXXIII (283)

Local Food Pick

Good Luck Dim Sum

736 Clement St. (at 9th Ave.)

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 386-3388

www.yelp.com/biz/good-luck-dim-sum-san-francisco

I've gone on weekdays (even on Tuesdays, when I sadly found it closed). I've waited in 30-minute-plus lines on weekend mornings. I've walked right up to the counter on random work nights. It's good. My favorite selections (three pieces for $1.60) are the pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and siu mai. The sticky chicken rice wrapped in lotus is also excellent. 4 stars - 721 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; L'Ardoise Bistro; Pluto's; My Tofu House; Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous; Walzwerk.

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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo).

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); Pluto's (Chico/Davis/Sacramento/Roseville); Bakesale Betty (Oakland).

Previous North Bay picks: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville); Della Fattoria Bakery (Petaluma); Sol Food (San Rafael); Stumptown Brewery (Guerneville); Moustache Baked Goods (Healdsburg).

Local History

John Le Conte (1818-1891): After earning his M.D. in New York, he taught as a professor at the University of Georgia and University of South Carolina before serving as an officer in the Confederate Army. In 1869, he joined the brand-new UC Berkeley faculty and served as the President from 1869-1870 and 1875-1881. He passed away in Oakland still active as a professor in physics. Le Conte Avenue and Le Conte Mini Park are in the Bayview district of San Francisco.

Local Charity

FabMo Creativity Center.

Started in 1997, this Mountain View-based nonprofit is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that diverts fabrics to local artisans and teachers in the Bay Area. FabMo also hosts an annual art boutique and a variety of workshops. www.fabmo.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, Lazarex Cancer Foundation (Amy C), and KQED (88.5 FM).

Bay Area Weekend Highs

More rain is in the forecast, starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday night. All that sun in January and February has consequences.

~ THU-FRI ~

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Bay: low-60s

North Bay: low-60s

South Bay: low-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

~ SAT-SUN ~

Bay Area: mid-50s

Bay Area Free Activity of the Week

Macy's 2012 Annual Flower Show

The Aquarela Brazilian Dance Group performs at noon on Sunday, March 25, at the Macy's Union Square store on the second floor. It officially kicks off a two-week showcase of flowers, which this year has a theme of Brazilian gardens in paradise. Events such as cooking demos and floral projects will take place daily. www.macys.com

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Hobson's Choice Bar

Through May 20, you'll get 50% your order at this Victorian-themed bar (up to $20 discount). You cannot combine this offer with happy hour specials or partake in the beverages on Friday or Saturday. It's located in the Haight-Ashbury district at 1601 Haight St. (at Clayton St.). www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/1548

Randy's Guide CCLXXXII (282)

Local Food Pick

Moustache Baked Goods

381 Healdsburg Ave. (at North St.)

Healdsburg, CA 95448

(707) 395-4111

Moustache Baked Goods

Yelp - Moustache Baked Goods

While waiting for our table to be readied, we sauntered on a sunny day into Moustache Baked Goods. It feels like a space warp from Valencia Street, judging from the decor and focus on sourcing local ingredients. Even the butcher cupcake (vanilla cupcake with maple spice glaze and local bacon) evokes memories of Dynamo's maple bacon donut. 4 stars - 22 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; L'Ardoise Bistro; Pluto's; My Tofu House; Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous; Walzwerk.

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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo).

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); Pluto's (Chico/Davis/Sacramento/Roseville); Bakesale Betty (Oakland).

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

Local History

Henry J. Kaiser (1882-1967): During WWII, the already successful businessman produced "Liberty" cargo ships every 45 days at the Kaiser Shipyard in Richmond, Calif. Employees - and later their families - voluntarily joined a group medical plan at the Richmond Field Hospital and the main hospital in Oakland. Today, Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente has nearly 9 million members, over 160,000 employees, and about $48 billion in revenue. Kaiser also founded the Kaiser Family Foundation, Kaiser Motors, Kaiser Steel, Kaiser Aluminum, and the Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel.

Local Charity

Congrats to KQED (88.5 FM), the latest recipient of a donation from Randy's Guide! Can't wait for my solar-powered, hand-crank radio to arrive :) www.kqed.org

New organization: FabMo Creativity Center. Started in 1997, this Mountain View-based nonprofit is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that diverts fabrics to local artisans and teachers in the Bay Area. FabMo also hosts an annual art boutique and a variety of workshops. www.fabmo.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, Lazarex Cancer Foundation (Amy C), and KQED (88.5 FM).

Bay Area Weekend Highs

The storms aren't going to let up anytime soon. Tahoe is finally happy. Sunday may be the best (and only) break in rain over the next week.

~ THU-FRI ~

low-60s

~ SAT-SUN ~

mid-50s

Bay Area Top 3 Free Activities of the Week

1. St. Patrick's Day Parade/Festival.

Soak in the bagpipes during the 161st edition of this venerable parade, which starts on Saturday at 11:30am in the Financial District and finishes in Civic Center Plaza. There, you'll find a festival with Irish non-profits, food, and entertainment until 5pm. www.sresproductions.com/sfstpatricksday.html

2. Free cab rides and car tows.

With the joy of St. Patrick's Day (and Saturdays in general) comes the responsibility of managing alcohol. AAA is offering free car tows home from 6pm Saturday until 6am Sunday. Call (800) AAA-HELP to request "I need a tipsy tow," and you'll be towed up to five miles to your home. This offer is valid in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah. For cab rides, Berg Injury Lawyers sponsors rides up to $35 from a bar or restaurant to a home between 3 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. Sunday. For San Francisco, call Luxor Cab at (415) 282-4141. For Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville, contact Veterans Cab at (800) 281-4488. www.csaa.com www.berginjurylawyers.com

3. Brides of March.

Reminiscent of Santacon, Brides of March revelers traverse through Union Square staples such as Victoria's Secret and Tiffany's. Bars are required stops too. Meet at the Tunnel Top (601 Bush) or the Chelsea Place (641 Bush) in your wedding gown at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. www.bridesofmarch.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Pork Store Cafe offers 50% off meals, up to an $8 discount, through April 18. The hash browns, pork chops, and "tasty nest" entree are the mainstay highlights. Sundays are excluded. 3122 16th St. @ Valencia St. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/2029

Randy's Guide CCLXXXI (281)

Local Food Pick

Walzwerk

381 South Van Ness Ave. (at 15th St.)

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 551-7181

Walzwerk

Yelp - Walzwerk

It's my go-to spot for hearty German comfort food. The place has been spruced up marginally since I started coming here about 10 years ago. Start with an order of the potato pancakes to share, then move on to plentiful plates of jager schnitzel (creamed mushroom pork loin), sauerbraten (marinated beef stew), dumplings, and spaetzle (egg pasta). Don't forget to imbibe well-priced imported German beers on draft. 681 reviews - 4 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; Red Door Cafe; L'Ardoise Bistro; Pluto's; My Tofu House; Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous.

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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo).

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); Pluto's (Chico/Davis/Sacramento/Roseville); Bakesale Betty (Oakland).

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

Local History

Keiko Fukuda: Thank you, reader Ramzi R., for this tip. Last year, Keiko Fukuda became the first woman, first American, and fourth currently in the world to hold the title of 10th Dan, which is the highest rank in judo. She's also 98 years old. Fukuda Sensei is the only surviving person to have learned under the auspices of Dr. Kano, the founder of judo. She currently still teaches in Noe Valley at the Soko Joshi Judo Club, with courses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturday mornings. She will be in person at two showings of a documentary about her: SF's Castro Theater on Sunday at 3pm; San Jose's Camera 3 on March 18 at 2pm. http://festival.caamedia.org/30/guide/program/mrs-judo-be-strong-be-gentle-be-beautiful www.sokojoshijudo.com

Local Charity

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

It's gorgeous out right now! Clouds will roll in over the weekend, with a chance of rain on Sunday and a two-day storm beginning on Tuesday.

~ Thu-Fri ~

Coast: low-60s

SF: mid-60s

Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-70s

South Bay: mid-70s

Inland East Bay: mid-70s

~ Sat-Sun ~

Coast: mid-50s

SF: upper-50s

Bay: low-60s

North Bay: mid-60s

South Bay: mid-60s

Inland East Bay: mid-60s

Bay Area Top 3 Free Activities of the Week

1. Sunday Streets.

It's here again. The popular monthly event kicks off along the Embarcadero from 11am-4pm on Sunday. There will be free bike rentals at the Ferry Building, bike tune-ups, walking tours, live music, and a family festival at Fisherman's Wharf. Hopefully by then, the residue from the previous day's world-famous naked bike ride will be properly cleaned up. www.sundaystreetssf.com

2. Arbor Day Event.

You'll have three hours to spruce up trees, paint over graffiti, and pick up litter. Mayor Ed Lee and Supervisor John Avalos will be on hand. The Eco-Fair will have over a dozen family activities, including carnival games and truck rides. Lunch is provided to all volunteers. Meet at Brotherhood Way (near Alemany Blvd.) in the Ingleside district. www.sfdpw.org/arborday

3. Commonwealth Club.

The notoriously high-brow group opens its doors to the public for a program on patient-oriented health care services. A networking reception starts at 5:30pm, following the panel discussion at 6pm. It's at 595 Market Street, near 2nd St. in the Financial District. www.bit.ly/patientca

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Score a free seasonal turkey sandwich at the Beach Hut Cafe & Snack Bar, conveniently located along the East Beach of Crissy Field. Normally this sandwich, which features homemade cranberry-sage jam and whole-grain Panorama bread, costs $7.95! Expires March 16. www.scoutmob.com/san-francisco/deal/2179

Randy's Guide CCLXXX (280)

Local Food Pick

Bakesale Betty

5098 Telegraph Ave. (at 51st St.)

Oakland, CA 94609

Bakesale Betty

Yelp - Bakesale Betty

The folding ironing board tables are the first clue you're in for a treat. When lines are persistent, a worker (occasionally Betty herself) has come out to offer complimentary homemade cookies. I highly recommend the fried chicken sandwich (topped with a spicy slaw) and strawberry shortcake. A second location sits in the Uptown district open only for Tuesday lunches. 2661 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; Red Door Cafe; L'Ardoise Bistro; Pluto's; My Tofu House; Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous.

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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo).

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); Pluto's (Chico/Davis/Sacramento/Roseville).

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

Local History

Jose Dario Arguello (1753-1828): Arguello helped found the Los Angeles settlement in 1781, and served as commandant of the Presidio of San Francisco from 1787-1791 and 1796-1806. For his work, he was issued a land grant covering much of San Mateo County, including the present-day cities of San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City, and Menlo Park. He later was appointed governor of Alta California and Baja California. Arguello Boulevard, which runs north-south through the Richmond district and a small portion of the Sunset district, replaces 1st Ave. in San Francisco and is named in his honor.

Local Charity

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

Today's rain will give way to very warm conditions over the weekend, particularly Sunday. Tahoe is forecasting banner conditions.

~ Thursday ~

Bay Area: mid-50s

~ Friday ~

Bay Area: mid-60s

~ Saturday-Sunday ~

Coast: mid-60s

SF: upper-60s

Bay: low-70s

North Bay: low-70s

South Bay: low-70s

Inland East Bay: mid-70s

Bay Area Top 3 Free Activities of the Week

1. Free Museum Days.

** Thursday: Pez Museum (Burlingame), Chinese Historical Society (SF), and the Berkeley Art Museum
** Sunday: Oakland Museum of California or Asian Art Museum (SF)
** Tuesday: Legion of Honor (SF), YBCA (SF), SFMOMA, de Young (SF), Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF), SF Camerawork, and Conservatory of Flowers (SF)
** Wednesday: GLBT Museum (SF), Exploratorium (SF), SF Zoo (residents only), and Bay Area Discover Museum (Sausalito)

2. Free Indie Concert. Sponsored by SUPERB productions, !!! performs at UC Berkeley on Lower Sproul Plaza at 10pm Friday. Thee Oh Sees opens. Both bands regularly command sell-out crowds at smaller venues; Thee Oh Sees will play at The Independent next week ($13), while !!! has a show the previous night in LA ($15-18).

3. San Francisco History Expo. Explore mini-museums within the Old Mint with several Bay Area historical organizations, such as the Chinese Historical Society and Presidio Historical Association. A special photo exhibition of historic garages and a rare coin exhibition are among the highlights. The Old Mint is located at 88 5th St. (at Mission St.) in San Francisco. www.sfhistory.org

Bay Area Deal of the Week

Auntie Anne's is offering free pretzels (original or cinnamon sugar) on Saturday from 10am-3pm. Bay Area locations include San Francisco (2), Daly City, San Bruno, Santa Clara, San Jose (2), Milpitas, Hayward, Richmond, and Concord. www.auntieannes.com/Products/Promotions/FreePretzelDay.aspx