This is kind of a grab-bag of links.

New music picked up recently at Rasputin - http://www.rasputinmusic.com/ and on itunes
Rodrigo y Gabriela - http://www.rodgab.com/
Peter, Bjorn & John - http://www.peterbjornandjohn.com/
Sea Wolf - http://www.seawolfmusic.com/
Glenn Hansard - http://www.myspace.com/theswellseason

A great hike I went on the other day was at Land's End / Coastal Trail - http://www.josephstubbscreations.com/Home2/sf/sfparks/lincoln/lincoln.html

Benkyodo - mochi - http://www.benkyodocompany.com/
Park Chalet - chilled out place - http://beachchalet.com/aboutus/index.php?page=parkchalet

12 steps to a healthy home

Taken from the Spring website.

16th (today) through 20th (Sunday)

This is a reformatted version of a previous post.

16. The SF International Arts Festival starts today with the Zachho Dance Theater doing a free dance/installation off the top of the roof of SFO.

17. My favorite beatboxer, Kid Beyond, will open up for the New Deal at the Independent tonight.

18. I'm pretty excited that Cantina is finally going to open over in the Tenderloin at Sutter and Mason. Cantina's the brainchild of the former bar manager at Frisson. He's doing a soft launch starting this weekend (the official opening will likely come a couple weeks later). Here's a sample of their drinks menu.

19. O'Reilly's is hosting its 8th annual "Oysters & Beer Festival" featuring, um, oysters and, uh, beer on Saturday. Also some music (of the Flogging Molly and Tea Leaf Green variety).

20. Sunday is Bay to Breakers. However, I'll likely be hiking and then drinking steins laden with beer und essing einen sausage at Mayfest up at the Tourist Club in Mill Valley.

The Guardian also puts out its weekly picks on Wednesday, as does the SF Weekly. Note that this week is SF Weekly's annual Best of issue.

Baobab

On Friday night, I was taken out to the Mission. I wasn't told where exactly we would go nor what exactly we would be in store for. We ended up at Bissap Baobab, a Sengalese restaurant. Immediately, upon walking in, you are greeted warmly and asked to wait at the bar (there's always a wait due to their popularity).

There's a high-energy buzz in the place, African music playing, and the bar makes some potent ginger and tamarind drinks. After a bit, they'll come get you and take you to your table.

It's a real mixed crowd: very international in feel. We had (some salty) beef pastries which were balanced out by a sweet plantain dish (with tamarind dipping sauce). For the main courses, we tried a tilapia (dry) in a wonderful sweet and creamy coconut sauce and a (also dry) chicken kabob with a nice mafe dish on the side. Mafe is basically peanut sauce and they don't skimp on the amount you get. Overall, the sauces definitely were great, but for some reason the actual meat itself was overcooked.

I would definitely go back, though, as the place itself is a lot of fun. There are large groups, people on dates, and everyone enjoying the food, music, interesting African-inspired decor, and the unmistakable energy of the place.

"After your meal, take a few steps around the corner to the Little Baobab. Bursting with energy, this little juke joint has a big heart that beats to the rhythms of music from around the world. " Their website does not lie, it was a great mixture of African music (heavy on the beats), reggae, and salsa. Even more international feeling crowd than in the restaurant and more of those potent ginger and tamarind drinks.

Summer Festivals in San Francisco

May 16-27 SF International Arts Festival

May 19 Uncorked! Public Wine Festival
May 19 San Francisco Oyster & Beer Fest
May 20 Bay to Breakers
May 20-June 17 Mountain Play (Mt. Tam)

May 26-27 Carnaval

June 2-3 Union Street Festival

June 8-10 Harmony Festival (Santa Rosa)
June 10 Haight Ashbury Street Fair

June 16-17 North Beach Festival
June 17-August 19 Stern Grove

June 20-24 Sonoma-Marin Fair (Petaluma)

June 29-July1 Pinot Days
June 30-July 1 Fillmore Jazz Festival

July 6-September 29 Marin Shakespeare Company Festival (Forest Meadows)

July 14-15 International Chocolate Salon

July 25-29 North Beach Jazz Festival

Local and Reused

One way you can be a bit greener is to "think global, act local." In fact, a localvore is a person who eats only locally-grown and produced food. You could extend that definition to one who also shops and supports locally owned businesses.

For example, a localvore would shop and eat locally rather than patronizing national or international chains. The San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants Alliance can help you find locally-owned businesses. The following is taken - often verbatim - from that site.

Supporting local businesses reduces environmental impact. Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

There are many other reasons, though, such as significantly more money re-circulates in your city when purchases are made at locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses; most new jobs are provided by local businesses; your city's one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of your distinctive character; and local business owners invest in community.

Other reasons are that oftentimes customer service is better; competition and diversity leads to more choices; public benefits far outweigh public costs; encourages investment in your city; and non-profits receive greater support as non-profit organizations receive an average 350% greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.

Stores like Cole Hardware or Standard 5 & 10 instead of large hardware chains. Amoeba Music instead of the mall CD store. Book Passage or Books Inc. instead of Borders or Barnes & Noble. Rainbow Grocery or farmers' markets instead of big supermarket chains. For a good guide to organic and green stores and restaurants, look to the Green Zebra.

For even less impact on the environment, look to purchase reused / recycled / vintage at places like the once-a-month Alameda Flea Market. Looking to redo your home, look to Ohmega Salvage in Berkeley. Across the street from Ohmega, you may want to see if there's any vintage clothes you might like at Twisters Vintage, Dolled Up Vintage, or Retro Diva / Icon Vintage. Those stores are more focused on the 50's, 60's, 70's vintage clothes. Closer to home in San Francisco and sporting more recent styles look to any of the various Crossroads.

Alembic

Seven months ago, the owners of Magnolia Brewery opened up a restaurant called The Alembic on Haight, near Cole.

Soft glow from Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, dark wood, that similar tin ceiling (as seen in Bourbon & Branch), blackboards with lists of rye, bourbon, and Scotch, make you think that you've walked into a bar.

The Cole Valley crowd gathered around the bar sipping well-crafted drinks, the above mentioned whiskeys, or Magnolia Brewery beers will confirm that you are in a bar. However, if you continue walking further back, you'll see a smattering of tables and people eating different bits of food here and there.

The menu - divided up into drinks and eats - is a small plates menu meant to be shared. These are not light dishes, though. They're heavy, good fall weather eating along with a scotch or ale from Magnolia. We sampled a few dishes and thought they were a bit too much on the heavy side (too much oil on the calamar) but I thought overall they were tasty. Be prepared, though, for the food to be on the more gamey side - with rabbit, porcini mushrooms, duck.

Art you don't know about this weekend

While the SF International Film Festival ends tomorrow tonight, there's other ways to get your cultural fix this weekend.

Emergining indie artists and designers are showing their creations in Noe Valley on Saturday at the Maven Craft Fair.

Over in the Mission, artists of Workspace Limited will be holding Open Studios all weekend long.
A new exhibition of Martin Munkaci's photographs opens up at the SFMoMA. (Yeah, I've never heard of him either, but he's influenced Henri Cartier-Bresson and Richard Avedon).

Zazie

On Saturday morning, we had brunch at Zazie. They have a nice assortment of sweet and savory.

For their French Breads, they use challah bread so the slices are nice and thick. They also have gingerbread pancakes on the menu, plus of course there's a rotating selection of specials.

On the savory side, they have a variety of different eggs benedict with a light hollandaise sauce. There's usually a very long line, due to the fact that the food is so good. In addition, there's good people watching and you can hit Egg or Cole Hardware while you wait.

Hint: the four tables outside are first come, first serve (no need to wait in line).

Once - great movie

Saw a great movie at the SF International Film Festival last night. Once is very un-Hollywood - there's no big explosions, you won't recognize any of the actors. You may even have a little trouble understanding the accents sometimes. Set in Ireland, it tells the story of two people (played by non-actor musicians Glen Hansard and Market Iglova) who find each other.

The music is incredible as Glen, lead singer of the Frames. and classically-trained Czech pianist Market create beautiful, romantic, poignant, and in-the-end extremely catchy songs together.

Sometimes described as a modern musical, don't let that put you off. Rather, the songs really do fit well into the story which shows a relationship developing bit-by-bit. Hopefully, this movie will get some decent distribution, rather than be shown only at film festivals (at which it has picked up awards this year).

Some music for you

Hit a few shows recently at the Fillmore and the Independent.

Gym Class Heroes (their video - http://youtube.com/watch?v=eiiU-Fky18s) and RX Bandits opened up

Also went to the Silversun Pickups show at the Independent and and Dangerbird Records labelmates Sea Wolf opened up (2 of their songs)
http://www.seawolfmusic.com/media/youreawolf.mp3
http://www.seawolfmusic.com/media/Thegardenthatyouplanted.mp3

In between, I went to see A Pack of Wolves, a brother of one of my friends is in it.

Top 100 Restaurants

These are the top 100 restaurants for 2007, according to the SF Chronicle.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/food/top100/2007cuisine

Some of my favorites (link through the above website)

Buckeye Roadhouse (Mill Valley)
Chow (San Francisco and Lafayette)
French Laundry (Yountville)
Michael Mina
Tartine Bakery
Town Hall
Betelnut
Bocadillos
Coco500
Foreign Cinema
Gary Danko
Nopa
Scott Howard
Koi Palace (Daly City)
Ton Kiang
Yank Sing
Bistro Jeanty (Yountville)
Bouchon (Yountville)
Dosa
A16
Ozumo
Sushi Ran (Sausalito)
Zuni Cafe
La Taqueria
Tres Agaves
Limon
Aqua
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Slanted Door

Mark your calendars: May 16-20

Good god, I just saw what's all going on the weekend of the 16th-20th (what, your weekends don't start on Wednesdays?). I was reading the Guardian on the bus and then had a couple e-mails in my inbox. Thought I'd share.

The SF International Arts Festival will start the 16th with the Zachho Dance Theater doing a free dance/installation off the top of the roof of SFO. Note that it's starting about one week after the SF International Film Festival ends, which is currently going on.

My favorite beatboxer, Kid Beyond, will open up for the New Deal at the Independent on the 17th (note: the New Deal's playing 2 nights at the Independent and only one night with Kid B opening up).

I'm pretty excited that Cantina is finally going to open over in the Tenderloin at Sutter and Mason. Cantina's the brainchild of the former bar manager at Frisson. He's doing a soft launch starting the weekend of the 18th (the official opening will likely come a couple weeks later). Here's a sample of their drinks menu.

O'Reilly's is hosting it's 8th annual "Oysters & Beer Festival" featuring, um, oysters and, uh, beer on Saturday the 19th. Also some music (of the Flogging Molly and Tea Leaf Green variety).

In addition, that Sunday is Bay to Breakers.

Gasolina

As most people don't yet have compressed-air cars or hybrids (but if you look out for them in SF, you'll constantly see Priuses on the road), you can take the bus or bike to work, especially on May 17.

However, the reality is that most people still rely heavily on their car. It's unfortunate, especially as it looks like gas prices will continue to rise into the $4 per gallon category.

There's a pretty useful site called Gas Buddy which allows you to find the best-priced gas stations in your area. The local SF version is at http://www.sanfrangasprices.com/

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