Thursday, July 26, 2012

Randy's Guide CCCI (301)


Welcome back, fog.


Bay Area Food Pick
Fiddler's Green
333 El Camino Real (at Hillcrest Blvd.)
Millbrae, CA 94030
(650) 697-3419

My first fond memory here is watching the close of an Angels' playoff game during their remarkable World Series run in 2002. You'll find several traditional Irish dishes, such as shepherd's pie, bangers & mash, corned beef & cabbage, Guinness beef stew, and fish & chips. And of course, the accents are heavy and the Guinness finely poured. Consider pairing a stop here with a visit to the Millbrae Festival, which runs over Labor Day weekend. It's also steps from the Millbrae BART/CalTrain stop. 4 stars - 126 reviews.

Previous San Francisco 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; Amber India; Sotto Mare; Sweet Maple; Shanghai Dumpling King; Super Duper; Kokkari Estiatorio; Olea; Bodega Bistro; The Chairman Truck.

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); Amber India (Mountain View/San Jose/Palo Alto); Nini's Coffee Shop (San Mateo); Kabab and Curry's (Santa Clara).

Previous East Bay/Sacramento 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); Zachary's Pizza (Oakland/Berkeley/San Ramon); Shoki Ramen House (Sacramento); Gregoire (Berkeley/Oakland); Val's Burgers (Hayward); Homeroom (Oakland).

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

Previous Other picks: Built to Grill (Portland).


Bay Area Bar Pick
The Oasis Beer Garden
241 El Camino Real (at Cambridge Ave.)
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 326-8896

Since 1958, the Oasis has been serving up pints of beer to locals in a casual, dive-y setting. You can also find pub fare like pizza, burgers, chicken strips, and chili. Watch out for the peanut shells on the ground! 4 stars - 285 reviews

Previous San Francisco picks: Blackbird; El Rio; Rickhouse; Southern Pacific Brewing; The Hidden Vine; Vesuvio; The Pig & Whistle

Previous Peninsula/South Bay pick: Antonio's Nut House (Palo Alto).

Previous East Bay pick: The Trappist (Oakland); Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (Oakland); The Turf Club (Hayward); Jupiter (Berkeley); St. George Spirits (Alameda).

Previous North Bay pick: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma).

Previous Other pick: New Deal Distillery (Portland).


Bay Area History
Thomas E. Caldecott
(1878-1951)

Born in England but raised in Canada, Mr. Caldecott moved his entire family to Berkeley in 1903 and purchased a pharmacy, which is now a local landmark. He served as a City Councilman (1923-30) and Mayor of Berkeley (1930-32), as well as an Alameda County Board of Supervisor (1933-51). While president of Joint Highway District 13, he oversaw construction of the multi-bore tunnel that bears his name.

Previous San Francisco history: John Geary; Samuel Brannan; Michael O'Shaughnessy; Jasper O'Farrell; Frank McCoppin; Thomas Hayes; Francisco de Haro; Jose Bernal; David Broderick; Henry Haight; John Townsend; Cyril Magnin; Jose Arguello; Keiko Fukuda; John Le Conte; Eugene Schmitz; Theodore Judah; Herb Caen; James Phelan; Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Angelo Rossi; Charles Brenham.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay history: Millbrae; Tanforan Racetrack; T. Jack Foster; Leland Stanford; Milpitas; Donald Tresidder; Josiah Belden; Hiram Morgan Hill; Simon Mezes.

Previous East Bay history: Charles Tilden; William Hayward; John Fremont; Mariano Vallejo; Ygnacio Martinez; Henry Kaiser; Anthony Chabot.

Previous North Bay history: Cotati; Charles Fairfax; Luther Burbank; William Richardson; Oscar and James Shafter.

Previous Other history: Francis Pettygrove (Portland).


Bay Area Charity
Duboce/Valencia Fire Relief

On May 6, 2012, a four-alarm fire destroyed the corner building on Valencia St. and Duboce Ave. 37 residents have been displaced. Community members have worked with Community Living Campaign for the fire survivors' collection fund.

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), KQED (88.5 FM), and now FabMo Creativity Center.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Morning fog, afternoon clearing. Saturday looks to be the warmest day.

Coast: low-60s
SF: mid-60s
Bay: mid-70s
North Bay: low-80s
South Bay: low-80s
Inland East Bay: mid-80s


Bay Area Free Activities of the Week
1. Berkeley Kite Festival
Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm

27th annual. Check out the world's largest octopus kite, make your own kite, and marvel at the kite competition. There's even taiko drumming! It's along the Berkeley Marina, but nearby parking will be $10. You can park for free on the other side of I-80.

2. SF Ballet
Sunday, 2pm

After you finish running the SF Marathon, relax in Stern Grove for the only Bay Area summertime performance by San Francisco Ballet. The program includes four choreographed numbers, as composed by Mendelssohn, Kline/Childs, Bach, and Torke.

3. Redwood City BBQ Fest
Friday, 6-8pm; Saturday 11am-8pm

7th annual. It's a family-friend event in Courthouse Square, complete with a BBQ cook-off, live blues performers, and local artists. Proceeds benefit Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL).

Posted by Randy's Guide at 4:39 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Randy's Guide CCC (300)


Portland, here I come.


Portland + Bay Area Food Picks
Built to Grill
232 SW Washington St. (at SW 2nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 789-3767

After three years, this little food cart in the Southwest Downtown area has amassed quite the following. The penne alla vodka, gnocchi, and garlic bread are the big hits. It's only open for weekday lunches, with entrees running about $7-8. Note: there are about 500 food cart pods in Portland. 4-1/2 stars - 319 reviews

The Chairman Truck
San Francisco, CA

Its location varies by day - or even by hour. When you see the brightly colored red-and-yellow truck, pounce on its pork belly steamed bun. You certainly won't regret. There's always a vegetarian option, usually involving tofu or seasonal vegetables. 4 stars - 842 reviews

Previous San Francisco 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; Amber India; Sotto Mare; Sweet Maple; Shanghai Dumpling King; Super Duper; Kokkari Estiatorio; Olea; Bodega 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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo); Amber India (Mountain View/San Jose/Palo Alto); Nini's Coffee Shop (San Mateo); Kabab and Curry's (Santa Clara).

Previous East Bay/Sacramento 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); Zachary's Pizza (Oakland/Berkeley/San Ramon); Shoki Ramen House (Sacramento); Gregoire (Berkeley/Oakland); Val's Burgers (Hayward); Homeroom (Oakland).

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


Portland + Bay Area Bar Picks
New Deal Distillery
1311 SE 9th St. (at SE Main St.)
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-2513

Portland may be known for its breweries, but I was excited to come across the Distillery Row Passport. For a mere $20, you're given tastings at five local distilleries, one cidery, and an urban winery in the Central Eastside Industrial District. Sounds eminently bikeable. This particular distillery opened in 2004 and won an award for its pepper vodka right here in San Francisco in 2008. 5 stars - 30 reviews

St. George Spirits
2601 Monarch St. (at Midway Ave.)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 769-1601

Sitting near the picturesque San Francisco Bay, St. George Spirits serves up training school for alcoholics. For $15, you can get about ten sizable tastings of their liqueurs and spirits (including absinthe and Hangar One vodkas). It's more than enough to share with another person. You'll also find awesome picnic tables to soak up the sun - and booze. 4-1/2 stars - 469 reviews

Previous San Francisco picks: Blackbird; El Rio; Rickhouse; Southern Pacific Brewing; The Hidden Vine; Vesuvio; The Pig & Whistle

Previous Peninsula/South Bay pick: Antonio's Nut House (Palo Alto).

Previous East Bay pick: The Trappist (Oakland); Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (Oakland); The Turf Club (Hayward); Jupiter (Berkeley).

Previous North Bay pick: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma).


Portland History
Francis Pettygrove
(1812-1887)

Mr. Pettygrove relocated to Oregon from Maine in 1843 to set up a store in Oregon City. He purchased a land grant with Asa Lovejoy in 1843, but they debated the new town's name. Mr. Lovejoy preferred Boston, while Mr. Pettygrove wanted Portland (in honor of the Maine city). The coin toss went in Mr. Pettygrove's favour two out of three times. He would go on to build a fortune in a lucrative trade between Portland, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Once the California Gold Rush struck, he sold the entire town lot for a 100-fold profit. Pettygrove Park (in the Southwest Downtown area) and Pettygrove Street (in the Northwest area) are named after him.

Previous San Francisco history: John Geary; Samuel Brannan; Michael O'Shaughnessy; Jasper O'Farrell; Frank McCoppin; Thomas Hayes; Francisco de Haro; Jose Bernal; David Broderick; Henry Haight; John Townsend; Cyril Magnin; Jose Arguello; Keiko Fukuda; John Le Conte; Eugene Schmitz; Theodore Judah; Herb Caen; James Phelan; Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Angelo Rossi; Charles Brenham.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay history: Millbrae; Tanforan Racetrack; T. Jack Foster; Leland Stanford; Milpitas; Donald Tresidder; Josiah Belden; Hiram Morgan Hill; Simon Mezes.

Previous East Bay history: Charles Tilden; William Hayward; John Fremont; Mariano Vallejo; Ygnacio Martinez; Henry Kaiser; Anthony Chabot.

Previous North Bay history: Cotati; Charles Fairfax; Luther Burbank; William Richardson; Oscar and James Shafter


Bay Area Charity
Duboce/Valencia Fire Relief

On May 6, 2012, a four-alarm fire destroyed the corner building on Valencia St. and Duboce Ave. 37 residents have been displaced. Community members have worked with Community Living Campaign for the fire survivors' collection fund.

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), KQED (88.5 FM), and now FabMo Creativity Center.


Portland + Bay Area Weekend Highs
More of the same in SF! Things should warm a few degrees for the weekend. Portland is seeing some thunderstorms today, but that will give way to partly cloudy conditions and cooler than normal weather.

~ THU-FRI ~
Coast: low-60s
SF: upper-60s
Bay: mid-70s
South Bay: low-80s
North Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: mid-80s
*Portland downtown: mid-70s
~ SAT-SUN ~
Coast: mid-60s
SF: low-70s
Bay: low-80s
South Bay: mid-80s
North Bay: low-90s
Inland East Bay: low-90s
*Portland downtown: low-70s


Portland Activities of the Week
1. PDX Pop Now
Friday, 6pm-1am
Saturday, noon-1am
Sunday, noon-midnight

The 9th annual free all-ages music festival features 45 Portland-area bands alternating between an indoor and an outdoor stage at Refuge PDX. Previous performers include The Decemberists, The Shins, Sleater-Kinney, and M. Ward.

2. Portland Farmers' Market
Saturday, 8:30am-2pm

Over 160 vendors line Portland State University's South Park. This puts the Ferry Building's Saturday market to shame.

3. Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB)
Saturday, 3pm

The Southeast-area brewery, which opened in 2008, is 100% renewably powered and produces 11,000 barrels of organic beer annually. The BikeBar (in the Boise district) just celebrated its first anniversary and features bike-frame art, a bottle-refueling station, ample bike racks, and two electricity-generating stationary bicycles. Wild! HUB offers weekly tours for 20 individuals, with two tastings at the end. You'll probably want more, as 12 are offered at any time.

Bay Area Free Activities of the Week
1. Symphony in Dolores Park
Sunday, 2pm

Joining the San Francisco Symphony will be Tiempo Libre, a Grammy-nominated salsa band. Included on the playlist are works by Bernstein, Copland, and Bach.

2. Renegade Craft Fair
Saturday-Sunday, 11am-7pm

It's the fifth annual Renegade Craft Fair, where you'll find over 250 indie artists, a free photo booth, and plenty of DIY workshops. At Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion.

3. Sunday Streets: Bayview
Sunday, 11am-4pm

The course starts at AT&T Park, winds through the Dogpatch, and finishes in the Bayview. Free bike rentals, music festival at the Bayview Opera House, bbq/Southern food for purchase, salsa lessons, and more.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 2:53 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Randy's Guide CCXCIX (299)


Local Food Pick
The Little Chihuahua
292 Divisadero St. (at Page St.)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 255-8225

Based on the clientele, The Little Chihuahua has no shame in brushing off more authentic fare in the Mission. Sustainable meats, microbrew drafts, and wildly popular burritos containing garlicky Clean Fish shrimp or fried plaintains cater to its targeted audience well. Its newer location in Noe Valley should further cement its place among well-to-do youths, many of whom are cashing in during this latest technology jobs boom. 4 stars - 768 reviews (Lower Haight). 4 stars - 123 reviews (Noe Valley).

Previous San Francisco 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; Amber India; Sotto Mare; Sweet Maple; Shanghai Dumpling King; Super Duper; Kokkari Estiatorio; Olea; Bodega 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); Pluto's (Palo Alto/San Jose); Ramen Dojo/Ramen Parlor (San Mateo); Amber India (Mountain View/San Jose/Palo Alto); Nini's Coffee Shop (San Mateo); Kabab and Curry's (Santa Clara).

Previous East Bay/Sacramento 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); Zachary's Pizza (Oakland/Berkeley/San Ramon); Shoki Ramen House (Sacramento); Gregoire (Berkeley/Oakland); Val's Burgers (Hayward); Homeroom (Oakland).

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


Local Bar Pick
Fat Angel
1740 O'Farrell St. (at Fillmore St.)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 525-3013

This gastropub has picked up a lot of buzz in the past few months. It's a simple interior, with several outdoor tables for those warm Western Addition afternoons. You'll find some interesting brews on tap, but even better: six wine varieties on draft. Bottles and bottles of beer and wine fill out the menu, as well as a few nibble options. Pair a couple rounds here with a concert at the Fillmore or a a film at the Kabuki. 4-1/2 stars - 330 reviews

Previous San Francisco picks: Blackbird; El Rio; Rickhouse; Southern Pacific Brewing; The Hidden Vine; Vesuvio; The Pig & Whistle

Previous Peninsula/South Bay pick: Antonio's Nut House (Palo Alto).

Previous East Bay pick: The Trappist (Oakland); Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (Oakland); The Turf Club (Hayward); Jupiter (Berkeley).

Previous North Bay pick: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma).


Local History
Charles H. Stanyan
(1831-1889)

Mr. Stanyan served as a supervisor for San Francisco County from 1866-69 and a commissioner for the San Francisco Parks. He helped spearhead efforts to acquire land east of Golden Gate Park. Stanyan Street, which runs from Twin Peaks to Laurel Heights, is named after him.

Previous San Francisco history: John Geary; Samuel Brannan; Michael O'Shaughnessy; Jasper O'Farrell; Frank McCoppin; Thomas Hayes; Francisco de Haro; Jose Bernal; David Broderick; Henry Haight; John Townsend; Cyril Magnin; Jose Arguello; Keiko Fukuda; John Le Conte; Eugene Schmitz; Theodore Judah; Herb Caen; James Phelan; Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Angelo Rossi; Charles Brenham.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay history: Millbrae; Tanforan Racetrack; T. Jack Foster; Leland Stanford; Milpitas; Donald Tresidder; Josiah Belden; Hiram Morgan Hill; Simon Mezes.

Previous East Bay history: Charles Tilden; William Hayward; John Fremont; Mariano Vallejo; Ygnacio Martinez; Henry Kaiser; Anthony Chabot.

Previous North Bay history: Cotati; Charles Fairfax; Luther Burbank; William Richardson; Oscar and James Shafter


Bay Area Charity
Duboce/Valencia Fire Relief

On May 6, 2012, a four-alarm fire destroyed the corner building on Valencia St. and Duboce Ave. 37 residents have been displaced. Community members have worked with Community Living Campaign for the fire survivors' collection fund.

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), KQED (88.5 FM), and now FabMo Creativity Center.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
The inland heat wave should break by Monday.

Coast: low-60s
SF: upper-60s
Bay: mid-70s
South Bay: low-80s
North Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: low-90s


Bay Area Free Activities of the Week
1. San Jose Obon Festival
Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-8pm

Gotta represent my heritage! You'll find performances by different taiko groups, as well as cultural exhibits and demos. The costumed dances both evening are always cool too. It's held annually at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, near the corner of 5th St. and Jackson St. 

2. Outdoor Film Nights
San Anselmo, Oakland, San Francisco

Take advantage of the warm summer weather!
Thursday: The Welcome: A Healing Journey for War Veterans and Their Families (Oakland)
Friday: Across the Universe (San Anselmo)
Saturday: The Artist (San Francisco's Union Square) and The Sandlot (Oakland)

3. East Bay Bike Party
Friday, 7:30pmEast Bay Bike Party

The route will wind from Pleasant Hill BART station, through Walnut Creek, and finish at Concord's Todos Santos Plaza. The theme is "Tour de France / City of Lights." 

Bay Area Freebies of the Week
Pinkberry
170 O'Farrell St. (at Powell St.)
San Francisco, CA 94102

The 200th store in the chain, which started in West Hollywood in 2005 to great buzz, is opening near the Macy's Union Square store. Stop by tonight for the soft opening from 5-10pm for a free frozen yogurt with one topping. Grand opening is officially on July 13.

Starbucks
All participating locations

Maybe Pinkberry aspires for Starbucks-sized growth. On Friday afternoon from noon-3pm, receive a free tall Starbucks Refreshers beverage. It's a new fruit beverage, such as very berry hibiscus or cool lime.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 4:44 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Randy's Guide CCXCVIII (298)


Local Food Pick
Bodega Bistro
607 Larkin St. (at Eddy St.)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 921-1218

This slightly upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of the Tenderloin offers a welcome sanctuary of delicious spring rolls, noodle soups, and steak kebabs. 4 stars- 462 reviews

Previous San Francisco 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; Amber India; Sotto Mare; Sweet Maple; Shanghai Dumpling King; Super Duper; Kokkari Estiatorio; Olea.

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); Amber India (Mountain View/San Jose/Palo Alto); Nini's Coffee Shop (San Mateo); Kabab and Curry's (Santa Clara).

Previous East Bay/Sacramento 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); Zachary's Pizza (Oakland/Berkeley/San Ramon); Shoki Ramen House (Sacramento); Gregoire (Berkeley/Oakland); Val's Burgers (Hayward); Homeroom (Oakland).

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


Local Bar Pick
Jupiter
2181 Shattuck Ave. (at Allston Way)
Berkeley, CA 94704

The huge outdoor patio, often spilling with the notes of a local band, is the main draw. It's literally above one of the BART stairwells, which makes for a quick getaway back to the City. The red spot ale is the best on the menu, but you'll find several house brews as well as a few guest taps. For those with hunger, the food menu is serviceable with appetizer, salad, entree, and pizza options. 4 stars - 1355 reviews

Previous San Francisco picks: Blackbird; El Rio; Rickhouse; Southern Pacific Brewing; The Hidden Vine; Vesuvio; The Pig & Whistle

Previous Peninsula/South Bay pick: Antonio's Nut House (Palo Alto).

Previous East Bay pick: The Trappist (Oakland); Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (Oakland); The Turf Club (Hayward).

Previous North Bay pick: Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Petaluma).


Local History
Simon Mezes
(1822-1884)

Born in Puerto Rico, the prominent banker-lawyer helped service Mexican landowners during a tumultuous time for land grants. The largest such grant on the Peninsula, Rancho de las Pulgas, consisted of 35,240 acres; Mezes successfully defended the title through the U.S. Land Commission and U.S. Supreme Court. He would acquire about one-fourth of the grant and called the area Mezesville, even though squatters would continue call the land Redwood City. Mezes developed a method for people to buy and sell property there, and designed a map based on surveys of the subdivided land. It's believed that the downtown park was the first property to be donated for public use and recreation in California history. Redwood City's Mezes Park is named after him.

Previous San Francisco history: John Geary; Samuel Brannan; Michael O'Shaughnessy; Jasper O'Farrell; Frank McCoppin; Thomas Hayes; Francisco de Haro; Jose Bernal; David Broderick; Henry Haight; John Townsend; Cyril Magnin; Jose Arguello; Keiko Fukuda; John Le Conte; Eugene Schmitz; Theodore Judah; Herb Caen; James Phelan; Lawrence Ferlinghetti; Angelo Rossi; Charles Brenham.

Previous Peninsula/South Bay history: Millbrae; Tanforan Racetrack; T. Jack Foster; Leland Stanford; Milpitas; Donald Tresidder; Josiah Belden; Hiram Morgan Hill.

Previous East Bay history: Charles Tilden; William Hayward; John Fremont; Mariano Vallejo; Ygnacio Martinez; Henry Kaiser; Anthony Chabot.

Previous North Bay history: Cotati; Charles Fairfax; Luther Burbank; William Richardson; Oscar and James Shafter


Bay Area Charity
Duboce/Valencia Fire Relief

On May 6, 2012, a four-alarm fire destroyed the corner building on Valencia St. and Duboce Ave. 37 residents have been displaced. Community members have worked with Community Living Campaign for the fire survivors' collection fund.

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), KQED (88.5 FM), and now FabMo Creativity Center.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
It's looking like more of the same. Be glad we're not baking in triple-digit heat as our neighbors to the east have been for days on end!

Coast: low-60s
SF: low-70s
Bay: mid-70s
South Bay: low-80s
North Bay: mid-80s
Inland East Bay: mid-80s


Bay Area Free Activities of the Week
1. Fillmore Jazz Festival
Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm

Crowds nearing 100,000 will flock to Fillmore Street and focus on three music stages between the Western Addition (Eddy St.) and Pacific Heights (Jackson St.). Restaurants, bars, stores, and street vendors will try to entice you with their offerings too. Public transit is strongly advised.

2. San Francisco Symphony
Sunday, 2pm

Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas will lead the San Francisco Symphony in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and Copland's Billy the Kid Suite. The San Francisco Symphony Chorus will accompany. Arrive early at Stern Grove for prime seating!

3. Occupy Bay Area Night
Saturday, 6pm

Live performances, music, and community talks will highlight the opening of the latest YBCA exhibit, which features 25 Bay Area artists and runs through October 14. RSVP beforehand for free admission.


Bay Area Freebies of the Week
Dianda's Bakery
Saturday, 6am-6pm

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Dianda's is offering free cream puffs and coffee all day, plus a cake cutting at noon. Yelp says 4-1/2 stars based on 300 reviews.

7-Eleven
Wednesday, 11am-7pm

Enjoy a 7.11 ounce Slurpee from all participating 7-Elevens. 15 San Francisco locations include four in the Union Square area, plus others in Castro, the Financial District, North Beach, Richmond, Bernal Heights, Ingleside, Bayshore (2), Parkside, Sunset, and Outer Mission.

Posted by Randy's Guide at 3:46 PM 0 comments

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