Point Reyes, Olema

We were up in western Marin this weekend, a beautiful one-hour drive north of San Francisco.

West Marin is very much at the forefront of the local, organic, sustainable farming movement. If you want to get a better understanding of the why behind that, head over to Marin Organic, which is a collection of farmers that believes in sustainable farming.

The Olema Inn is a 130-year old bed-and-breakfast located in Olema (population: 55). There are only six rooms, and its restaurant attempts to use as much local, organice food as possible. So, breakfast includes fresh local fruits (strawberries, kiwis, kumquats, blood oranges to name a few), local organic cheeses, and buttery croissants made with organic flour.

At night, their dinner really shines. We started off with Hogs Island oysters and an incredibly fresh salad (Point Reyes blue cheese, walnuts, and beets were featured along with the greens). We then had a Niman Ranch pork chop and some wontons. Both were able to balance out the sweet and savory. We had some local wines and for dessert we had a strawberry-and-apple tart with vanilla ice cream

On Saturday, we headed north. On the way from Olema to Marshall, we stopped off at Point Reyes Station (population: 350) to make sure we picked up some cheese from Cowgirl Creamery.

For the third year in a row, a group of us converged at Tomales Bay Oyster Company to barbecue oysters and enjoy kicking back on the beach. This was the biggest group yet (we were 25 people strong) and everyone contributed - beer, wine, shrimp kabobs, sausages, salmon, salads, chips, pita, hummus, dips, sauces, and for dessert: carrot cake and pecan pie. In addition, the Olema Inn was kind enough to send us off with a large cup of their classic mignonette to help with the oysters (we also had garlic butter, hot sauce, limes, and vodka for shooters). The weather, sunny and warm, cooperated nicely.

Afterwards, we drove along the beautiful 1 (winding roads, through redwood forests and on tops of cliffs along the coast) towards Muir Woods. There, a traditional pub (The Pelican Inn) features shepherds pie, fish & chips, cider, and a host of ales on tap. They have several rooms to stay at as well.

On Sunday, we explored Point Reyes. We checked out the lighthouse, hiked amongst wildflowers, headed over to Chimney Rock to check out the seals, and had a picnic lunch featuring Cowgirl Creamery's Mt Tam cheese, salami from a local Berkeley producer, and some other foods we had purchased in Point Reyes Station. We also just made it before closing time at Drakes Bay Oysters, where you can shuck your own oysters. On the way back, we stopped to look at The Embers (all that remains of Mankas Inverness Lodge).

We again took the 1, catching some beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean, before making it back to San Francisco.

Menlo Park

While in Menlo Park earlier this week, I spent quite some time browsing a great bookstore that's been part of the community for over 50 years, taking the book I bought next door to a family-run cafe. Finally, I hit a dive bar that's been around for 40 years for a burger and a beer.

Kepler's is set up to appreciate books. When I walked in, an author was finishing up his book reading by answering one last question. The book store has author events about 3 times a week, plus other events 2 other days. Their fiction offerings snake along the wall, while their nonfiction books create the aisles. There's even a section dedicated to what different book clubs are reading.

After you purchase your book, head over to Cafe Borrone for a latte or even a full meal. This place is always packed, so expect a line. Then, either lose yourself in your book or spend some time checking out the scene: there's a group of Italians, there's a family, a couple on a date, two college students flirting with the venture capitalists at the other table, and on it goes. On weekends, they have live music.

If instead you are looking for a place where you can kick back with the game on the TV, multiple beers on tap, juicy burgers at the ready, and a pool table, then head over to the Dutch Goose. Having been around for 40 years, you can take some time poring over the etchings people have scratched into the tables. Also, make sure to get a bag of peanuts and throw the shells on the floor.

San Francisco International Film Festival

Today marks the opening of the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco International Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in the Americas.

Some highlights include the opening night film Golden Doors, centerpiece film Delirious, and closing night film La Vie en Rose. George Lucas, Spike Lee, Robin Williams, Rosario Dawson, and Sam Rockwell will all receive various awards.

Other films that seem interesting include the following:
- Forever, Dutch documentarian Heddy Honigmann's look at Pere-Lachaise cemetery (anyone who's spent more than a week in Paris while in their teens or early 20's probably spent some drunken afternoon looking for Jim Morrison's grave...or maybe that was just me). By the way, she's also receiving an award.
-All in this Tea, which follows a tea importer who travels throughout China trying to find the best possible tea (ideally handpicked).
-After This Our Exile, Patrick Tam's return after 15 years picked up best picture awards in Hong Kong and best Asian film at the Tokyo Film Festival.

There's several films about music:
-Fabricating Tom Ze, a documentary about one of tropicallismo's pioneers
-The Old, Weird America: Harry Smith's Anthology of Folk Music
-Punk's Not Dead, which follows the history of punk rock from the Clash and Sex Pistols through the underground 80's and into the commercial success it has today (but, by definition, how can DIY punk be commercially successful?). Go see this, and then go check out the Vivienne Westwood exhibit at the DeYoung.
-Once, a little Irish film about musicians that charmed Sundance.

There are also six movies which combine film and live onstage performance, highlighted by a 1921 classic silent film. "The Phantom Carriage rides again with a new score composed and presented live by local icon Jonathan Richman." (By the way, you know him from the guy who sang in There's Something About Mary). Other films that have a live onstage performance can be found here.

There are also shorts, many new directors highlighted, and even several horror films.

Fort Mason Tonight

I am looking forward to checking out the SFMOMA Artists' Warehouse Sale. The CCA (California College of the Arts) 100-year celebration is also tonight. We may stop by there as well.

Update: we did go to the 100-year celebration and saw some extremely talented seniors show their designs on a runway.

French bistros: brunch

There are quite a few French cafes throughout the city, most of which serve brunch.

This weekend, I headed to South Park to eat at The Butler and the Chef. A classic Perrier umbrella out front, French cafe chairs and Cinzano tables. The scene definitely depicts typical French bistro. The menu doesn't disappoint either: savory and sweet crepes, gauffres (belgian waffles), quiches, croques monsieurs, and various types of eggs. Various types of coffee as well. Note as well that they use organic ingredients where possible, such as organic milk, organic eggs and organic flour in all their breads. Their portions are huge, so bring a big appetite. They serve brunch all day on weekends. Walk it off by strolling around the park and checking out the deals for both men and women at Jeremy's. Or, it's a great place to get some brunch before heading over to check out the Giants on a weekend afternoon game, a few blocks away.

Over in Noe Valley, I've been to Le Zinc several times. On a nice day, make sure to get a table out back in the sun-lit garden. The name of the place comes from the classic zinc bar, which is an antique from France. Their menu has some interesting takes on crepes (both savory and sweet), and various egg dishes. Great fresh-squeezed orange juice and various coffees on the menu, plus an extensive wine menu should you choose to imbibe. Portions are more French-sized. Post-brunch, walk along 24th Street checking out shoes at Rabat (no website, 4001 24th Street), women's clothes at Ambiance, or pick up some Belgian chocolate at the only place in SF that sells Leonidas: Belgano.

In Pacific Heights, I'm often at La Boulange, part of the Bay Bread Group, which makes organic artisan breads. They have croques monsieurs, quiches, various types of breads and pastries, salads, and of course buttery croissants (with pots of marmalade and nutella to put on as much as you want). They also have great fresh orange juice and coffees. There's too many choices of where to go afterwards on Fillmore Street, but some choices include Jonathan Adler (home decor), Bittersweet (chocolate), In Water (flowers),

ROY RULES

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/#mea=94842

Cultural Options in SF

This month, at some of the leading cultural centers in the city, there are a lot of options.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - I get to the SFMOMA about twice a month. This month, check out the Picasso exhibit (how Picasso impacted modern American artists like Jasper Johns, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, etc.) and the Brice Marsden exhibit.

DeYoung - I get to the DeYoung about once a month. This month, check out the Vivienne Westwood exhibit.

Legion of Honor - I don't get to the Legion of Honor nearly enough. This month, check out the Masterpieces of French Jewelry.

Yerba Buena Center of Arts - The YBCA has art exhibits, plays, dance, and other performance options. This month, I caught Alonzo King's Lines Ballet's performance with the Shaolin Monks. I've always wanted to see Shaolin monks showing their martial arts skills. This combination with ballet dancers was an amazing merging of West/East movement.

I'm a sushi chef

I've been meaning to make my own sushi for a while.

We headed off to a book store to dig up a "how the hell do you make a sushi roll" book of some kind. They sell these cheap kits (like $20 or less) that offer the book, a little bamboo mat, and some other sushi paraphernalia (sp?).

Then, it was off to Yum Yum Fish (no website, 2181 Irving Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Street). This is an excellent place to buy your sushi-grade fish. They had some salmon, tuna, hamachi, and other fish lying ready to be picked up by us and transformed into spicy tuna rolls and whatever else we decided to make.

The great thing about Yum Yum is that you've got a couple of dolts (that would be me, or you - if you go) who are "going to make some sushi! Yup!" An older Japanese gentleman grumbles a bit and cuts up some fish for you and then the softer side comes out. "You no eat this part." OK? why? Will we get sick? "grumble" What? "grumble" OK. He then cuts out the parts that you shouldn't eat. You can also pick up some wasabi, pickled ginger, and sushi rice here if you'd like.

Now that you've got your fish, you would still have to get some cucumber, avocado, and other accoutrements for your rolls. Maybe you'll also make some miso soup? Go next door to the market (I have no idea what the name is), and you'll be able to pick up miso paste, green onions, mushrooms, and tofu. You better know what your veggies look like, because everything is labeled in Cantonese.

Cheesesteaks

A few years ago, I was in Philadelphia. I ran up the art museum stairs and struck my Rocky pose, took in a Phillies game, and of course had a cheesesteak.

Here in SF, there's two places that vie for cheesesteak supremacy. Jay's (no website) and The Cheese Steak Shop. Either one is a decent option, but for my money I have to recommend The Cheese Steak Shop.

Jay's just fell short - the steak is not as succulent, they did not have as much cheese, and the sandwiches are frankly smaller. Hey, if you're looking to eat healthy, don't have a cheesesteak.

As for The Cheese Steak Shop - big sandwiches, loaded with gooey cheese, and the right amount of peppers. The steak was better too.

Both are on Divis - TCSS between Bush and Sutter, while Jay's is between Fell and Hayes (Jay's has another outpust on 21st Street).

Mmmmmmm DOSA

DOSA is a great Southern Indian restaurant.

Read any review and they will rave about the variety of dosas. The best way to describe dosas are what the restaurant itself says, "Dosa is one of the world’s great culinary delicacies. Similar to a crepe, it is served with a variety of fillings that will offer you the most authentic and tantalizing flavors of South India."

However, that's only one thing on the menu, which focuses on South Indian food. So,here's some suggestions on how to navigate your way through the menu:
-order a soup or a salad (for example the mung sprouts salad)
-then, have a starter. Actually, not just any starter but a Dahi Vada. It's lentil dumplings, topped with yogurt, tamarind, mint, and spices.
-next would be the dosa. Dosas come with potatoes, chutney, vegetables, or any of a host of fillings
-you could continue on to the curries if you would like, but the above would already be quite filling
-finally, they have a range of south Indian delicacies

The drinks are great. Rather than the typical Taj Mahal beer, there's a well-selected wine list and the drinks at the bar are made not only with the ubiquitous soju but lillet. Lillet's a wine, which pairs well with fruit juices and are a great way to start the evening.

We enjoyed the food so much at dinner, we came back for brunch a week later. We tried a different dosa and had the dahi vada again. Also tried a refreshing mango lassi.

Green

A couple months ago, the IPCC produced its report on global warming (see link at the bottom). Since then, global warming has dominated the headlines from Republican Bush announcing plans to reduce emissions in the State of the Union Address to Democrat Gore picking up an Oscar for An Inconvenient Truth (see link at the bottom of this e-mail). Cutting across political lines, 5 Western states signed an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quicker than the federal government has pledged.

Political posturing aside, and for all of you who simply want to make money, even Wall Street is getting in on the act. "Climatic Consequences" is a 120-page analyst report put out by Edward Kerschner at Citigroup that shows you where you should invest.

If Wall Street recognizing that money can be made is not proof enough, here's further proof that going green is going mainstream. The NY Times magazine just had a very long article by Thomas Friedmann (also at the bottom). Levi's is now marketing organic denim jeans. And of course, Ah-nold the Governator drives a bio-fueled Hummer.

But, the key question for you is likely to be "what can I do to make a difference?" To make a difference you should consider: how can I reduce my carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions?

By looking at your own behavior, you can reduce your carbon footprint (which is a measure of how much greenhouse gases you produce). In addition, by choices you make on what you consume and purchase, you can benefit companies that have a lower carbon footprint (or potentially encourage other companies to have a lower carbon footprint). There are things I do every day which achieve that:
Drive less: walk, bike, take mass transit, and when I drive, I keep my tires inflated
Recycle more
Avoid products with a lot of packaging
Adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer
Use less hot water by using cold/warm water when washing clothes and only running fully-loaded dishwashers
Buy locally grown & produced (ideally with sustainable farming methods), fresh (not frozen), organic foods (like those found at a farmer's market)
Turn off electronic devices when not using them
I've started looking at changing all my lightbulbs to CFL's
Other things I could be doing more of:
Carpool or join a car-share program
Install a low-flow shower head
When purchasing a new appliance, get one of these
Plant a tree
Unfortunately, San Francisco's PG&E does not allow me to switch to clean, renewable sources of energy
To get to completely zero impact, you would have to become carbon neutral, which means that you've reduced your global warming pollution to zero. All of the above will help you reduce your carbon footprint. No matter what you do, though, you will never get to zero (you still have to stay warm in the winter, you have to get to work, you don't always have the opportunity to recycle, you have to fly to places, you have a fuel-UNefficient car, etc.).

You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase offsets at many different place, such as http://www.nativeenergy.com/. How does purchasing an offset work? If you produce 8 tons of emissions and you purchase 8 tons of reductions, you are at a net zero (or carbon neutral). Purchasing an offset means you are helping to finance and build new clean and renewable energy projects. These new projects are aimed to displace electricity generated from fossil fuels or reduce other greenhouse gas emissions making up for the CO 2 emissions you can't avoid.

A month-and-a-half ago, I looked at what I could do better, calculated my carbon footprint, and purchased the appropriate offsets. I also thought that I would post this to show that the actions you take don't have to be that drastic and you are probably incorporating them in your every day life already.

To find out more about global warming:http://www.ipcc.ch/
http://climatecrisis.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
http://economist.com/research/articlesBySubject/display.cfm?id=7933604
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15green.t.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin

Brick!

I'd heard about brick as the owners of solstice and fly (no website) decided to venture off Divis and move into the Tenderloin with a bigger place. Similar to fly and solstice, brick has its focus on both drinks and food.

While I'd heard about it, it was only recently that I'd been able to try it out. Upon walking in, you are greeted by a big rectangular bar in the middle of the restaurant. It's well worth sitting at the bar and trying one of their concoctions. They are potent and well crafted. In addition, they have a well-selected wine menu.

Their food is well prepared. We tried the calamari dish, which was grilled and had a spicy drizzle over it. We also had the hamachi sashimi. That's all I can recommend, though. The food is set up on the menu in traditional appetizer / entree style, but the concept of the place is to share. So it's sort of small/big plates? The appetizers work better in this setup, as I was not very impressed with the main dishes.

Andalu!

I've been to Andalu a few times now and it's a strange place. They get busy at times, or so they say, but whenever I've been there it's not been too crowded.

Upon arriving recently, I was told that there were no tables available. Looking around and counting 7 tables free, we shrugged and headed to the bar. We kept an eye on the tables and while a few did fill up, most stayed empty. Serendiptiously, though, sitting up at the bar gave us the chance to have the cheese fondue on the house and taste one of their desserts.

Another time, we showed up and it was half full, but the waitress told us it had been packed right before we showed up. We had the corner table with the windows which provided a full view of a girl suffering a meltdown due to (competing story assumptioins): having broken up with someone, it being her birthday, or her just being dramatic.

Anyway, Andalu's the typical tapas/small plates deal. Lots of great choices here: cheese foundue with apples and pears, various salads, duck dumplings with a dipping sauce, carpaccio, grilled shrimp, and a host of other options. While some dishes fall a little short, overall, the dishes are all prepared very well.

However, the standout dish is the Ahi Tartar Tacos with a mango salsa. Make sure to order these for your table. Great wine list and other mixed drinks. The desserts are excellent - everything from churros to donuts.