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Market Watch: The Asparagus Has Sprung!

Sara — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:40:54 -0700

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market's Lulu Meyer gives us the fresh scoop every week.

We’re feeling the first twinges of Spring Fever at the market as the days have gotten longer and the weather is finally warm. The Thursday market is the perfect place to escape from your weekday routine, enjoy some of this gorgeous sunshine all perhaps while indulging in a duck fat braised pork shoulder taco topped with spicy fish sauce from this week’s Tacolicious guest chef, Alex Ong of Betelnut Restaurant. Still hungry after tacos? Then you may want to find out why Namu's Okonomyaki has been getting so much praise lately or opt for a juicy 4505 burger with all the fixings. On your way out be sure to pick up a few lovely bunches of freesia—on special this week, 3 bunches for $10—at Thomas Family Farms, a scoop of the not to be missed Bergamot Almond sorbet from Scream Sorbet. You can also support your local asparagus grower by picking up some nice stalks to take home for dinner from Zuckerman Farm.

Speaking of Asparagus, this Saturday we’re celebrating everyone’s favorite spring vegetable at the annual Asparagus Festival. Join us in the CUESA Kitchen starting at 11 am to find out more about how asparagus is grown and some of the issues currently facing growers in California. You can also grab some recipes to take home, and watch two asparagus-centric cooking demonstrations from chef Peter Rudolph of Madera Restaurant and chef David Bazirgan of Chez Papa Resto. After checking out the festivities if you’re in need of an immediate asparagus fix, CUESA’s own Chef Sarah and her team of culinary volunteers will be whipping up roasted asparagus and goat cheese sandwiches on Acme bread for $1 each. (All proceeds benefiting CUESA’s educational programs.)

It’s looking possible that next week will bring the return of strawberries and the first fresh goat cheese of the year from Bodega and Yerba Santa Goat Cheese Co. For now, the markets are the perfect place to embrace the first signs that spring is here.

Go Chasing Waterfalls: Our Favorite Cascades in Northern California

jennifer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:53:38 -0700

Who doesn't love waterfalls? There are a bunch of places within driving distance where you can get your feet wet. Here are our favorites.

Berry Creek Falls, Big Basin State Park
Getting to this small oasis not far from Santa Cruz is half the fun: Veering off of scenic Highway 236 or 9 (depending on from which way you’re coming), you’ll wind your way through a cluster of Mayberry-like towns of mailboxes, picket fences and not much else. The 12-mile trail leads through magnificent redwoods to Berry Creek - a series of four gushing falls. You can stock up on sustenance like bottled water and fruit at Big Basin Grocery Store (21600 Big Basin Way # 4) in Boulder Creek before entering the park. Side trip: Stop off of Highway 9 and sneak a peek at Howden Castle, a pretty old thing in Ben Lomond built in the early 1927 and modeled after a Scottish fortress. Today, it’s used as a vacation rental.

Sardine Falls, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
The volcanic landscape of Mono County can’t be better experienced in a mere day than through the diversity of Sonora Pass (unless, of course, you’re up to the challenge of strapping on a pack and hiking its entirety). To get there, turn west on Highway 108 where it meets up with 395. Drive 12.3 miles to Sardine Meadow and park along side of road; Sardine Meadow is an additional 2.5 miles east of Sonora Pass summit. Sardine Falls' highest point is 9,000 feet, with the trailhead elevation at 8,800; 11,000-foot volcanic peaks surround it. The area’s pretty desolate, so if you need picnic goods stop in one of the bigger towns like Bridgeport (29 miles east on 395) or Coleville (30 miles north on 395) before you get too far off the beaten path.

Waterfall Loop Trail, Mendocino County
Those with a little more spring to their step (and endurance, as well) might consider this 13-mile-long hike that starts at the West Crockett Trailhead in Mendocino National Forest, which encompasses nearly a million square acres. Passing through a patch of pines and on over the Middle Fork of Stony Creek, the waterfall trail comes to Lake Pillsbury Basin and a handful of mountains. From there, you’ll continue on to Milk Ranch, which is private property, but the kindly owner allows hikers and horseback riders to pass through at their leisure. Just beyond, there are spectacular views of the surrounding ridge. The elevation climbs from 5,200 to 6,400 feet, but the U.S. Forest Service has designated the trail easy. Just get an early morning’s start, and you should be back before the afternoon heat sets in. If walking the equivalent of half a marathon isn’t in your cards, fear not: The first the falls is at the beginning of the trail, so you could always head there and straight back out if you’re pressed for time—or energy.

Cataract Falls, Marin County
If you don’t have the opportunity to venture too far out of the city, you’re in luck: Marin boasts one of the most popular waterfall paths around, Cataract Falls. A moderate 2.6-mile walk, the trailhead starts just off Bolinas Road at Alpine Lake at 680 feet, but quickly climbs another 500 in under half a mile. You’ll travel along a flowing creek with just the redwoods—and a mile-long series of seven waterfalls—for company. Be wary, though: Cataract is only gushing after a good rain; other times, it’s merely a spring. If you’re coming up to Mt. Tamalpais from the south, be sure and stock up on picnic goods at popular market, Venice Gourmet, in downtown Sausalito along the waterfront. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of supermarkets Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and in Fairfax. If approaching from West Ridgecrest Boulevard, the trail will be marked “Laurel Dell.”

Whiskeytown Falls, Whiskeytown (near Redding)
A remote spot smack in the middle of the Shasta Cascades, Whiskeytown—likely most recognized for its lake of the same name—has four waterfalls in his vicinity. (If you hike to three of them, you can even get a free day pass to Redding Aquatic Center.) Perhaps the most stunning of the quartet is Shasta County’s largest, a 220-foot monstrosity that was only discovered by a park ranger in 2004 after he had heard the story for years of this mysterious waterfall hidden away in the far reaches of the park. In 2006, a 1.5-mile moderate trail to Whiskeytown Falls was completed, allowing the public to access the wonder as well (via a 700-foot incline). The other three cascades include Boulder Creek Falls, Brandy Creek Falls and Lower Crystal Creek Falls. If you’re planning on staying the entire afternoon, you’ll need to pick up picnic fare in Shasta’s bustling hub, Redding, 12 miles east, as there’s very little along the way once you get on Highway 299.

Feather Falls, Plumas National Forest
Freefalling at an impressive 410 feet, Feather Falls is the sixth highest in the nation. A favorite of many, the fall boasts swimming holes and killer views. The view of the canyon, from the brink, is to die for. Take careful steps though.

McWay Fall, Julia Pfeiffer State Park
McWay is fed by water from the underground springs at McWay Creek and ends by spilling over a cliff and onto the gorgeous beach below. Public access to the beach is not allowed, which in our opinion, only adds to its charming mystique.

Basin Falls, Uvas Canyon Park
Basin Falls, measuring in at a smallish 20 feet., is one of five falls in the park. This quaint cascade is perfect for those looking for a sweet reward at the end of a lazy afternoon stroll. When you feel replenished, visit the nearby Gilroy Gardens, a horticulture-themed family fun park.

Donner Creek Falls, Mt. Diablo State Park
Best viewed after heavy rain, Donner Creek Falls is comprised of four cascades. On the return, visit the Albany Bulb, inside Albany Waterfront Park.

Golden Cascade Fall, Boulder Creek
The Golden Cascade Fall in Boulder Creek gives new meaning to the term golden shower. The minerals growing on the sandstone beneath give the fall a gold tint.

Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
This scenic stretch is mostly known for the pool that collects underneath, but the actual waterfall is quite pleasant. Best seen during winter, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls is short in size (14 feet). But its reputation as the most visually stunning swimming hole around is no tall tale.

*Some trailhead and mileage information courtesy of Trails.com.

Why Brunch is for Suckers

Jessica — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:34:37 -0700

I'm not really a breakfast person. Rather, I am not a going out to breakfast person. Nothing irritates me more then waiting on line, early on a weekend morning, to eat overpriced eggs and cold toast. Like Peter Meehan wrote today, "I think there’s value in putting money aside to go out to a place that's doing something cool rather than overpaying for a meal that's better at home." He was talking about homeburgers—hamburgers made at home—but he could just as easily been talking about pancakes, fried egg sandwiches and home fries. But it's spring, the time of year when brunching experiences an upswing brought about by sunny mornings, Easter, Mother's Day and the like, so it's worth exploring ways you can make breakfast at home every bit as exciting as its crowded cafe counterpart.

You could do worse then to lay in a supply of griddle cakes from John Campbell's Irish Bakery, which Tasting Table lovingly described some weeks back—as of three days ago, the Richmond location has been joined by a second in the Marina (3101 Fillmore St., 415-563-1519, johncampbells.com).

But what about breakfast meats? Yes, of course. There are plenty of worthy local brands, but I'm a huge fan of Nueske's bacon, which you can buy at Golden Gate Meats in the Ferry Building. Want a tutorial on cooking the perfect strips? Here you go.

Jam? That would be nice. Pick up a jar of the superlative apricot variety from We Love Jam, which can be found at Rainbow, Bi-Rite, Harvest Market and some of the Whole Foods around town.

For those who prefer their morning meal more savory then sweet, I'd recommend pre-ordering some curry kashi pan from Sandbox Bakery—I'm fairly hooked on the sweet brioche knot with its savory filling. Let me reiterate: pre-order. Very important, unless you like to harsh your Sunday morning mellow wading through the crush of dogs and strollers at the entrance.

Should you prefer to go British-style, you can order bite-size ginger scones from Bar Kleine. The baker, Trease Ewing, also supplies her nubby little treats to Blue Bottle Coffee.

Should you be in the market for a breakfast cookbook, stop by Omnivore Books, where you can also score some fresh-from-the-farm eggs up at the register, country-store style.

And last but hardly least, hash browns are important. Since Sam Sifton has already done a deep dive, I'll just send you over there to read for yourself.

Hike the Ecology Trail in the Presidio

leilanimarielabong — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0700

I hate to divulge my neighborhood's best-kept secret for a quick outdoor fix, so I must apologize in advance to all my Presidio Heights homies for inviting the masses to overrun our perfect little walkabout. Here goes: To get to the Ecology Trail in the Presidio, I jump over the wall at the northernmost point of Cherry Street, and prance just a few paces to the first of many Hansel-and-Gretel moments on this 1.4-mile hike: a trailhead flanked by towering, vine-covered eucalyptus trees. However, a bag of breadcrumbs won't be necessary since the footpath—which meanders in and out of the sunshine, through shady forests and grassy clearings—is distinctly marked. Along with the occasional jogger, rogue mountain biker (no cycles allowed!) and meditative pedestrian, expect also to see playful packs of canines—the Ecology Trail is popular with dogwalkers who, thankfully, keep the route poop-free. The northern terminus of the trail lands smack-dab in the middle of the Presidio, near the intersection of Funston and Moraga, a mere two-minute saunter from the famous bowling alley. In conduct unbecoming a Get Out blogger, I often stop there for my one-and-only true love, french fries. But, if you're feeling perky, head on a northwest vector until you reach Crissy Field and its swarm of lycra-enabled activity, about 20 minutes away.

Look of the Week: Spring Forward

JaclynBinder — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:59:33 -0700

It's no secret that we've been anxiously awaiting spring for quite some time now, September to be exact.

Well the wait is finally over and we're beyond excited to start trying out the looks we fell head-over-heels for over during Fashion Week, from mixed prints to Americana. We're particularly elated that the trends that are popping up in boutiques and our favorite fast-fashion destinations are classic enough to stay relevant for seasons to come!

For this week's look, we decided to experiment with a few of our favorite spring trends: pastels, mixed prints and lucite. It's time to shed your winter layers and your inhibitions and have fun!

1. H&M Garden Collection Flutter Sleeve Top, $24.95 (available 3/25)

2. Giant Vintage Feline Shades, $20

3. R.J. Graziano Tapered Lucite Bangle, $25

4. Cynthia Vincent Roma Wedges, $348

5. Urban Renewal Patterned Short Shorts, $48

Lowering the Bar: 5 Places to Drink For Cheap (or Free) This Week

AlliePape — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:18:08 -0700

Each week, we bring you our top picks for the best places to booze on the cheap in SF.

1. Harlem at the Ambassador: Though the name may bring to mind New York's struggling neighborhood, this Harlem is actually a Dutch drink that resembles Jagermeister. The brand managers have been handing out free shots guerrilla-style to folks around town (just a few weeks ago, we were unexpected recipients in a neighborhood bar), but they're making a play to hand out free shots and Harlem-Red Bull mixers at the Ambassador this Friday. After 11, you can get the Harlem Red Bulls for $5-- a great drink or alternate-universe sports-team name. (Friday, March 19, free drinks 9-11 pm, at The Ambassador, 673 Geary St., Tenderloin.)

2. Dubonnet Happy Hours: Another liquor that wants you to remember its name, Irene Cara-style, is Dubonnet, a French aperitif. To get bartenders and patrons jazzed about their product, they're hosting two happy hours with $1 drinks: Coda takes the helm on Wednesday, while Bruno's will be the host on Thursday. Each restaurant's bar will mix up a classic Dubonnet Cocktail with gin and bitters, as well as a Dubonnet drink of their own creation, and one drinker will receive a $500 gift certificate to the host restaurant. You may also learn how to fly, but we're not making any promises. (Wednesday, March 24, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Coda, 1710 Mission St., Mission. Thursday, March 25, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Bruno's, 2389 Mission St., Mission.)

3. Show Dogs Shindig: The sausage-slingers at Show Dogs are making 6th Street better, one hot dog at a time. A $20 ticket to their spring party buys unlimited samples of gourmet sausage and glasses of Lagunitas IPA, Scrimshaw pilsner, and 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, and all the profits go to support the San Francisco City Academy, located two blocks away. Great deal + great cause + spring-fever cure? We're there. (Thursday, March 25, 6-8 pm, at Show Dogs, 1020 Market St., Mid-Market.)

4. Drink Me Magazine Party: The fine folks at Drink Me, a magazine devoted to (you guessed it) booze, want you to come out and help them celebrate. They're taking over Coda (which is increasingly becoming an all-star in the LTB playbook, with three events in a mere two weeks), and with a $4 cover, you'll be treated to live funk and soul music, $4 beer, $5 cocktails, $4 wine, and good spirits. And with a respectably late start time, you can easily hit this event after #s 2 and/or 3. (Thursday, March 25, 9 pm, at Coda, 1710 Mission St., Mission.)

5. Chaya's All-Night Happy Hour: The happy hour at pan-Asian Chaya Brasserie on the Embarcadero is long-beloved by after-work crowds; it's pricier than most, but the food and atmosphere match the bump. Now, they've made it better by extending it to the whole night, every night. $5.50 cocktails, $4.50 drafts, $8.50 mussels, $6 chicken satay, us swooning. (Monday-Friday, 4 pm-close, Saturday-Sunday, 5 pm-close, at Chaya Brasserie, 132 The Embarcadero, Embarcadero.)

Talking with Trina Turk (Plus, Meet Her this Week)

LorraineSanders — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:41:38 -0700

Best known for her bright and bold Southern California style, designer Trina Turk has watched as her company has grown over the last 15 years from a business run out of her home to household name that includes women’s apparel, swimwear, home accessories, handbags and – most recently – a jewelry line. In town this week for appearances at Macy’s Union Square and the 84th Annual Junior League Fashion Show Gala, Turk dishes about her love of vintage jewelry, San Francisco style, spring must-haves and what she wishes she had known when she started out.

Tell us about your new jewelry line.

I’ve been collecting vintage jewelry for 25 years, 30 years. We started to use the vintage collection as inspiration for more unique swimwear hardware. And it actually became one of the signatures of our swimwear line, which has been in existence for four years now….And at one point we were like, why aren’t we doing jewelry? That’s literally where it came from.

Most of it is pretty bold jewelry. It’s not delicate little chains. It’s like our prints. It’s bold and graphic. Some of the necklaces can be a statement piece that can really pull an outfit together.

What are your favorite vintage jewelry styles?

In the 80’s, I was really into Mexican silver. More recently I’ve been into Scandinavian modernist jewelry….I also have a soft spot for sort of gaudy 70’s pendants. I just love the boldness of some of those pieces.

What do you think about San Francisco style?

I always forget how cold it is in San Francisco, even though I am up there multiple times per year it is always a little chillier than you think it’s going to be. A San Franciscan needs to have a little more cold weather wear in their wardrobe than somebody in Southern California. I think that San Francisco is also less of a car culture. I think that you have to be more sensible about what kind of shoes you are wearing. I see San Francisco as being more bundled up and layered than Los Angeles.

Color is a focal point of your designs. What style advice can you offer to women who may not be as accustomed to wearing lots of color?

The easy way to start is to buy a printed bag and wear it with a black dress. If it’s going to freak you out to wear a brightly printed dress, then start with an accessory, a scarf.

What must-have items are on your list for spring?

For this spring, I think a shorter short is something that’s really important, I’m talking above mid-thigh. A lot of people are wearing them with tights even now that it’s cooler. It looks good with a blazer. You can wear it with flats for a more casual thing or wear it with heels.

Pleated pants that taper down and end above your ankle bone. Everyone’s got their skinny jeans now, and it’s kind of an evolution of the pant. The slouchy fuller through the hip and tapered through the ankle are a fresh thing.

What excites you the most about the fashion world today?

I think that the most exciting thing is that there are great looks available at all price points. For a consumer, I think it’s ideal. You have this huge choice of how you want to dress and what you want to look like and how much you want to pay for it.

What do you know now about the fashion industry that you wish you had known when you started your company?

The thing that I’ve really realized in the last year is that I am glad I started when I started. It would be much more difficult to start out now. I started with minimal funding in a spare bedroom of my house. It’s a rare store that is going to risk as lot of their budget on something that is brand new, so consequently, I think it would be very, very difficult to be starting a business now.

I’ve learned to sort of go with my instinct and stick with who we are as a brand and not try and pretend that we’re something other than who we are. We sell women’s contemporary sportswear at a certain price point….If the trend is all black, we can’t really do that trend. We have to stick to who we are.

Any favorite Bay Area places you’d like to recommend?

I was actually born in San Francisco, and I grew up in San Jose. The one place I went to any many times as a child was Point Lobos National Park near Carmel. At the time, I don’t actually think I appreciated it, and, when I’ve gone there more recently, it’s amazing and gorgeous.

I kind of like the cliché stuff. I like to walk to Golden Gate Bridge, even though I’ve done it a million times, and all those really steep streets are kind of fun. That’s what San Francisco is to me: the bridge, the streets, the architecture. I think the architecture is really interesting in San Francisco.

One of the stores I like to visit when we’re there is Monument. There’s actually a vintage clothing sale this weekend, and I’m definitely going to go check that out.

Want to spot Trina in person? You’re in luck. She’ll be appearing at the 84th Annual Junior League Fashion Show Gala events on Friday. Tickets are available here. On Saturday, Turk makes an appearance at Macy’s Union Square to show off her spring 2010 collection, handbags and jewelry line. Shoppers who spend $150 or more receive a free gift. The event takes place at 4 p.m. on level three. To attend, RSVP to 800-786-2665.

Eat It: St. Patty's Day, Sake Tasting and Suckling Pig

Jessica — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:22:27 -0700

St. Patrick’s Day at Orson
You could go to a rowdy pub and get splashed with green beer, or you could opt for a kinder, gentler celebration at Orson, where the menu will include beer-and-cheddar soup with soda bread crackers, corned beef and cabbage and coffee parfaits with whisky-chocolate centers. The meal is $55 (plus optional beer pairings); call 415-777-1508 to make last-minute reservations.

Sake Tasting at Nombe
On March 18, celebrate the spring release of unpasteurized namazake sake at a special four-course meal at Nombe. The menu will include grilled bamboo shoots, asparagus tempura, lamb belly and other harbingers of spring, and the price (including paired sakes) is $45. To make a reservation, call 415-681-7150.

Meatpaper and SFMOMA kick off the museum’s spring event series
This Thursday, head to the rooftop garden at the SFMOMA and join Meatpaper in kicking off the museum’s spring event series. On hand to welcome you—coffee-inspired charcuterie, meat-inspired desserts and, of course, coffee from Blue Bottle. Admission to the party, which runs from 6-8 p.m. is free with half-price museum admission, and tasting plates are $5.

The Tablehopper Signs Books at Omnivore Books
Ever wondered where to take you out-of-town guests, where to meet your blind date or where to host a birthday party for ten? The Tablehopper, Marcia Gagliardi, has considered all these situations—and hundreds more, and compiled her suggestion into the hot-off-the-presses The Tablehopper’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco. She’ll be signing books on March 24 at Omnivore from 6-7 p.m. on March 24.

Suckling Pig Roast at La Ciccia
Advance notice: Neighborhood favorite La Ciccia is planning at suckling pig dinner on March 29—the four-course meal will be paired with Sardinian wines ($80) and promises to be a tremendous feast that’s sure to sell out. Snag your reservation now by calling 415-550-8114.

Shopping's Just The Beginning at Revelation Couture

JaclynBinder — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:09:51 -0700

Don't get us wrong, we love shopping as much as the next girl, but sometimes bouncing endlessly from shop to shop just doesn't cut it.

Luckily now it doesn't have to.

This Thursday, head to Vessel from 5-9 p.m. for Revelation Couture, a unique trunk and art show showcasing some of SF's most buzzworthy clothing and accessory designers like Harputs Own, Litter, Martha Davis and Jan Warnock, along with an impressive list of out-of-towners too.

And when you tire of making the world's longest wish list (and buying a few can't-go-on-living-without-it pieces), sip $6 champagne cocktails and snacks by the chef behind the W and St. Regis. Then hit the dance floor, where guest DJs will be spinning all night long.

And if that's somehow still not enough to quench your thirst, art aficionados can ogle the latest works from Gordon Stevenson, Baron von Fancy, Hoda Fadel and Alesha Rogness.

We think it's safe to say you've got your Thursday night plans.

Revelation Couture at Vessel, Thurs., 5-9 p.m., 85 Campton Pl., 415-433-8585, vesselsf.com

Jay Baruchel and Nate Torrence Get Too Close for Comfort in ‘She's Out of My League’

RossiterDrake — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:00:00 -0700

Jay Baruchel, the waifish star of Tropic Thunder, and Nate Torrence, who played a jovial government agent in Get Smart, didn’t know each other before making the winsome new comedy She’s Out of My League. But they became fast friends during the filming.

“We lost many days making ourselves laugh,” says Baruchel, 27. “One of the things that’s problematic about improvising on the set is that it can sometimes become a pissing contest – people try to show each other up by coming up with the best lines. That didn’t happen here. Everyone was just trying to make each other funnier.

“That’s what made She's Out of My League such an overwhelmingly positive experience. I walked away from it with Nate, who’s now one of my best friends, and that doesn’t happen very often. There was no hint of competition between us. We didn’t know each other, but we forged a unique chemistry.”

In League, Baruchel plays Kirk, a nerdy airport security guard who stumbles into a relationship with a beautiful young woman played by Alice Eve, of last year’s Crossing Over. His friends tell him she’s a “10” – he’s a “5,” at best. Baruchel found the characterization amusing, but slightly demeaning. Not that he took serious offense.

“There are a lot of references in the script to how ugly I am,” says Baruchel, who, despite his slight frame, is an admitted fast-food junkie. “My agent said it would be perfect for me, which was a weird mix of flattery and insult. The movie makes fun of how repulsive I am. I never got a chance to be in a John Hughes movie, and nothing will ever be comparable to what he did, but this was pretty close to that. I had to do it. ”

“The part was originally written as a ‘1,’ but Jay elevated it to a ‘5,’” says Torrence, 32, who plays Devon, the wisest and most mature of Kirk’s wisecracking buddies. “He’s way too funny to be a ‘1.’ We sat there on the set, cracking each other up, and the script was really strong to start with. But the friendship we developed as we were working on it made everything even better.”

Neither star is likely to forget the unusual intimacy of their work environment – specifically, the too-close-for-comfort proximity they shared during a scene in which Devon selflessly volunteers to shave Kirk’s nether regions. (Grooming, he believes, is the key to impressing his new flame.)

“I’ll let Nate field this one, because I was able to take myself out of the equation,” says Baruchel. “Two words – stunt double.”

“Stunt butt, stunt balls – as an actor, it’s very difficult to prepare yourself for something like that,” adds Torrence, sending his co-star into hysterics. “I didn’t want to touch anything. The truth is, he had this little codpiece made out of pantyhose, but I can’t tell you how incredibly awkward it was.

“The funniest part was, that was my last day on set. That was my send-off. My last memory of She’s Out of My League will forever be Jay's balls in my face.”

Wanted: Local Artists

allisonmccarthy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:15:30 -0700

Pummeled by the economic slump, Chinatown is set to receive a shot in the arm this June with the launch of Art in Storefronts. The program, initiated by Mayor Gavin Newsom, attempts to revitalize economically burdened neighborhoods by giving vacant and neglected storefront windows a Joan Rivers-quality facelift with San Francisco-based artwork. The selected artists -- priority given to locals -- will have a unique opportunity to stimulate their community from within as well as gain exposure for their work.

“Since the launch,” Newson said of previous efforts in the Tenderloin, Bayview and the Mission, “we have brought communities together, increased foot traffic in our commercial corridors and demonstrated how artists can play a role in promoting economic and community vibrancy.”

See? Art does matter.

An information session for interested artists will take place on March 24, 2010, 6 p.m. at the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor Community Room.

Applications and guidelines can be downloaded here. The deadline for submissions is April 16, 2010 at 5 p.m..

Zuckerman's Asparagus: The Way of the Dinosaur?

Sara — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:12:40 -0700

While pondering what to blog about today, I looked out at the pale wash of clouds over the day's blue sky and while there might be some pressing chef gossip, what's on my mind right now is spring: the apricot jam I'm going to make, the sour cherry pie I'm going to perfect, the green garlic, the peas, the morels, the asparagus!

So, what do writers do when they don't know what to write about? They google. And I googled asparagus and up popped an article, "Hard Times for California Asparagus" that I'd missed in last week's LA Times from produce savant and writer David Karp.

According to Karp, Mexican and Peruvian-grown asparagus has taken over because of access to cheap labor (which translates to cheap prices)—but to such an extent that one of our favorite San Joaquin Delta growers here, Zuckerman's Farm, is on their "last stand":

"Farmers often cry that the sky is falling when they are really just experiencing a cyclical downturn in markets, but hard facts back up Zuckerman's concern. California still grows about 11,500 acres of asparagus, estimates Cherie Watte Angulo, executive director of the California Asparagus Commission. But this is down from 20,200 in 2007 and 40,900 is 2000. Twenty years ago, California produced 62% of the asparagus consumed in the United States; so its share is close to 10%, Angulo says."

Read the rest of the article and then go out and buy some fat local asparagus and cook it up for dinner tonight. Zuckerman's is available at both the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and the Alemany Farmers Market. It's a worthy cause and a good way to celebrate the (almost) beginning of spring. We've got four days before the official kickoff.

I always like asparagus topped with a soft-cooked egg but this is one of my oldie but goodie ode-to-spring recipes.

"Celestial Navigation:" Art Meets Science

allisonmccarthy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:01:05 -0700

General perception states science and art are mutually exclusive fields. Bay Area artists Paul Baker and Chris Angell beg to differ. In their art show “Celestial Navigation,” March 17-21 at the Live Worms Gallery, Baker and Angell begin to blur the dividing line. Baker, a self-described “scientific artist,” combines exotic materials like jade, mercury, petrified mammoth tusk, and laser beams to create ornate machines resembling a Niels Bohr experiment. Multi-award-winning assemblage artist, Angell constructs raw-looking sculptures from slightly modified found objects. It’s the ultimate confluence of science’s imaginative side and the meticulousness of art -- and solid evidence that they are each other’s muses.

Check out the opening reception on Friday, March 19 from 6 - 10 p.m. or Saturday's Equinox Party from 7 - 11 p.m., both featuring live celestially-themed music, wine and more. And while you're in the neighborhood, take note of participating merchants on Grant Avenue such as Paparazzi and Alla Prima that have themed their window displays after the exhibit. Dreamy.

Paul Baker Art, March 17-21, Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave., 415-307-1222, Free.

Vintage Shopping with Splendora’s Gina Pell

LorraineSanders — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:05:02 -0700

Ask Splendora founder Gina Pell about her must-haves style picks for spring, and you might expect a lengthy list comprised of the latest from Louboutin and brand names plucked off the racks at Barney’s New York. But you’d be wrong.

When we sat down recently with Pell to quiz her about spring style, the conversation surprised us with its quick shift to vintage fashion. Instead of visits to high-end boutiques or a trend treatise on choice items from spring collections, Pell’s style radar has its sights squarely set on one local shopping event, this weekend’s Vintage Fashion Expo.

“I love vintage because it’s green, and it’s original, and it lasts a lifetime. I mean, it already has,” says Pell, whose San Francisco-based site has long been a daily must-read for fashion fans.

A regular at the semi-annual exhibition, whose vendors span periods from the Victorian to Art Deco to the 1980’s, Pell has been known to spend hours pouring over the racks at the shows, making friends with dealers and searching for new finds.

“It’s really like treasure hunting,” says Pell.

For those new to vintage shopping, she suggests slowly adding vintage pieces by starting with jewelry and accessories first. And because the sheer volume of vintage at an event like this weekend’s can be overwhelming, Pell recommends narrowing your hunt to a few favorite time periods.

“Figure out what era you’re attracted to. For me, it’s 60’s mod, 70’s hippie and 80’s preppy working girl. And 20’s and 30’s accessories,” she says.

Last but not least, her advice for shoppers frustrated with the notoriously small sizes of vintage: focus on outerwear.

“Coats are always the exception,” says Pell.

The Vintage Fashion Expo takes place March 20-21 at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St., San Francisco. Tickets ($10-$20) are sold at the door.

Beached Art

leilanimarielabong — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0700

What do star-crossed lovers (thanks, Shakespeare), a black fly in your chardonnay (merci, Alanis) and Santa Cruz artist Jim Denevan's elaborate sand drawings have in common? They're all prime examples of beautiful irony. Denevan's doomed artistry—which can be found, on any fair-weather day, on SF's Ocean Beach or Santa Cruz's Cowell Beach—is front-and-center in this month's Sunset magazine. The geometric precision of Denevan's awe-inspiring patterns nods to the handiwork of aliens (as seen in some of England's notable crop circles) and the great Dutch optical illusionist, M.C. Escher. So, if you want to view one of these fleeting tableaus, it's probably high time you get to the beach before high tide. Just cross your fingers that Denevan is on the same, er, wavelength.

Peruse A Mission Boutique From Comfort of Your Cubicle

JaclynBinder — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:44:27 -0700

Have you ever dreamed of finding unique treasures ranging from seemingly sweet heart pendants to a double-headed chick, all in one glorious place?

Well then look no further than BellJar's newly launched e-commerce site, perfect for those moments when you're stuck in front of your computer instead of taking a Four Barrel-fueled stroll around the Mission. Just in time for their two-year anniversary, the darling boutique's site features clothing, jewelry, art, trinkets for home and more in addition to a brand-new blog for their musings.

So what are you waiting for? Okay okay, your boss is gone now...click!

On Restaurant Magic

Jessica — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:17:10 -0700

Last weekend I had a great meal at Church & State in Los Angeles. My dining companions and I sat there, in the center of the dining room amidst a swirl of activity, and I felt the happiest I'd been in a restaurant in quite some time. Everything was great—great energy, smart servers, terrific food—but there was also some indescribable brilliance that made that spot feel special. Restaurants—even good restaurants—don't always have this magic ingredient, and while we worked out way through bacalao fritters, escargot, perfect John Dory, we tried to figure out what it was.

I actually think about this a lot—why some restaurants are great and others are lame, what it is—beyond the obvious (food, service) that makes a restaurant feel special. Across the pond, the London Sunday Times restaurant reviewer A.A. Gill was thinking the same thing, and yesterday published a story called "The Golden Rules of a Perfect Restaurant." More then rules for a perfect restaurant, his article reads more like a cautionary tale for wanna-be restauranteurs and chefs, a dose of reality.

Says Gill, "The worst reason to open a restaurant is because you really love feeding people, and want to make a warm, hospitable, elegant space with great food, where friends can come and have a wonderful cosy time. A restaurant is a business. You have to want to work for money, not give dinner parties and be palmed tips." He goes on for nine more bulleted points, each with his gems of wisdom—"a restaurant is not a theatre" (sorry, OPEN restuarant); "Every facet of a restaurant needs fixing all the time" (true); "Restauranteurs have no idea what it's like to be a customer in their own dining room" (also true); "To become a restauranteur is to lose any sense of relative worth"; "No restaurant PR has ever made a positive difference to any restaurant in the history of catering" (hmm); "location, location, location means little or nothing" (true at Church & State, certainly, which is in an alley on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, and true at Aziza, way out in the middle of nowhere); "hard work seems to make little difference" (I'd argue here that hard work won't make a bad restaurant good, necessarily, but it goes a long way towards making a good restaurant great).

But like me, Gill can't put his finger on the magic. I suppose if he or I could, we'd probably become wealthy restaurant consultants and none of us would ever again have to suffer the indignity of a terrible dinner at a subpar but well-intentioned neighborhood joint. As he ends his piece, "I still can't tell you what will make them good or successful (not necessarily the same thing). It is an elusive and capricious alchemy." Those who have it should feel, above all else, incredibly lucky.

St. Patrick's Day Flash Mob: Shoot From The Hip

Stephanie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:46:18 -0700

Oh, St. Patrick’s Day. How we love your lucky leprechaun jigs, green beer and authentic Irish pinching traditions.

To celebrate this debaucherous holiday, we’re holding another 7x7 Flash Mob, so grab those camera phones and snap whatever you’re doing throughout the day on March 17. Sitting on the sidelines of the parade? Guzzling pints at the pub? Eating a killer plate of corned beef and cabbage? Just email your photo to our Flickr group at flashmob@7x7.com to be featured on 7x7’s site. Be sure to include a title in the subject line and a short description of where you are with your email address in the body (so we can let you know when your photo's up and if you've won a $100 gift certificate to Harris’ restaurant).

We suggest setting an alarm now to remind you of the contest; there's no telling where your mind will be after a pint (or three) of Guinness!

The 10 Best Irish Pubs in the City

allisonmccarthy — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:41:28 -0700

Sure, green beer is kinda gross and Irish car bombs are a bit fratastic, but what other day can you go out, down a Guinness and say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish” without getting slapped? The sophisticated amongst us may choose to stay couch-bound Wednesday, but for those who want to revel, there’s no shortage of solid pubs. Here’s where you might find us quaffing a few.

1. The Irish Bank
Tucked away at the end of a dirty alley, this pub is a favorite of the downtown after-work crowd. Indoors or out, you’ll get a little taste of Europe in the heart of SF. 10 Mark Ln. at Grant Ave. (Union Square), 415-788-7152

2. The Plough and the Stars
Fiddlers, flautists and bagpipes, oh my! Known for their stellar lineup of live jigs, The Plough and the Stars has been keeping the Celtic tradition real for more than 30 years. 116 Clement St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave. (Inner Richmond), 415-751-1122

3. The Blarney Stone
UK sports broadcasts and dart challenges are staple good times at this Outer Richmond bar, but we like it because of the proximity to John Campbell's Irish Bakery. Head next door for the quintessential slice of soda bread (then go back in the morning for their legendary Irish bacon breakfast sandwiches). 5625 Geary Blvd. between 20th and 21st Ave. (Outer Richmond), 415-386-9914

4. Buena Vista Café
St. Patrick’s Day may be synonymous with beer, but if you’re not feeling a pint, head to Russian Hill for Buena Vista's signature Irish coffee instead. 2765 Hyde St. at Beach St. (Russian Hill), 415-474-5044

5. Little Shamrock
The second oldest bar in the city, and a great spot to snuggle up to a game of backgammon. Whiskey connoisseurs will appreciate the vast selection of Irish varieties. 807 Lincoln Way at 9th Ave. (Inner Sunset), 415-661-0060

6. The Phoenix
Avoid the financial district’s block party and head to the Mission instead to rub elbows with hipsters over a Harp or Smithwick’s. Get there early to line your stomach with corned beef, cabbage and soda bread. 811 Valencia St. at 19th St. (Mission), 415-695-1811

7. Durty Nelly's
Lost in a sea of Asian restaurants and markets, this Sunset outpost is where the real Irish men hang out. Join the throngs of expats for an authentic Celtic toast. 2328 Irving St. between 24th and 25th St. (Outer Sunset), 415-664-2555

8. Kennedy's
It’s the only place we know of where you can get a side of curry with your Guinness and finish with a game of air hockey. 1040 Columbus Ave. at Taylor St. (North Beach), 415-441-8855

9. The Chieftain
Old world abounds at this Emerald Isle mainstay south of Market. We’re hoping the street grunge on the surrounding blocks will keep the tourists away so you can pound a pint in peace. 198 Fifth St. at Howard St. (SoMa), 415-615-0916

10. The Liberties
The dark mahogany bar and warm wood accents lend an air of sophistication to this neighborhood pub. Do what the locals do and order a BLT made with Irish bacon and soda bread to soak up all the booze. 998 Guerrero St. at 22nd St. (Mission), 415-282-6789

Disagree with our picks? Let us know in the comments.

New in Cow Hollow: Conifer Opens

LorraineSanders — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:24:55 -0700

A brand new reason to come out of the woods and go shopping in Cow Hollow comes in the form of Conifer, a cozy little shop just up the hill on Webster Street from Union in the space previously home to Great Overland Books.

The first retail venture from former longtime Built By Wendy employee Amy Mautz, who returned to San Francisco in 2008 to open the indie label’s now-shuttered Mission boutique after several years in the Big Apple, the shop focuses on the smaller New York labels she fell in love with while living on the East Coast.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own store, and I knew that was going to happen one day,” says Mautz.

Reclaimed wooden floors and redwood shelves from Petaluma’s Heritage Salvage set the stage for racks of industrial black piping hung with women’s apparel by designers such as Rachel Comey, Organic by John Patrick, Lover, Lauren Moffat and Built By Wendy. Bags by Lauren Merkin and sunglasses by Karen Walker accompany jewelry by Dirty Librarian Chains, Wendy Nichol, Aesa and Munted Kowhai. Hansel by Basel socks, Blithe and Bonny soaps and candles, Austin Press cards and what Mautz dubs other “gifty items” adorn a central table Mautz designed herself using salvaged wood and metal.

The table’s hardly the only thing in the shop made by Mautz, who learned patternmaking from San Francisco’s Apparel Arts. A small selection of her designs, which include tops and skirts, are also available at the store. In addition to using the shop as her studio space, Mautz also plans to have rotating art shows throughout the year.

See it for yourself during a grand opening party this Friday, March 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., 2848 Webster St., San Francisco, 415-922-1892, www.conifershop.com.