Hardly Strictly

Hope everyone in SF found some time to enjoy the sun, music, food, and most importantly, people watching(!), at the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass Festival this weekend! I am fortunate to live directly across from the festival, which I must say, is pretty awesome. I never had to use a porta-pottie and didn't have to worry about parking. In fact, after seeing the long bathroom lines I was toying with the idea of charging to let people use my bathroom. But I decided against my "get rich quick scheme," for obvious reasons...

Lily!

I went out for two solid days. We got some blankets together, bought some cold beer and took in the festivities. It was lovely. I also had my cheat day! How could I not? This festival is known for having some delicious grub - I couldn't pass on the gastronomy.

The highlight was Robert Plant and the Band of Joy! People packed in to see them, and for good reason; they are amazing. My cousin and I also saw Broken Social Scene and even though I wasn't familiar with their music I was impressed. They had something like 11-12 instruments on stage, good vocals, and a great sound all around.

Contemplating plum.

Eating Plum.

Another highlight is of course, the people watching...such a diverse crowd at this particular festival. There are the hippies (who are always fun to watch) families, older folks enjoying the blue grass, indie/pop people (like my description?) crowding the stage to see Bright Eyes perform, and those who just love a good festival! The beautiful sunny weather added to everyone's good mood as well. Hope the sun sticks around for October....looking forward to the next festival season!

Sushirrito

Okay, so there's this new place -  just opened in January - 

and I think it could possibly take over the world...just sayin.

It's sushi and a burrito. What? I know, it sounds strange, but here it is.

El Tigre Sushirrito - Photo courtesy of Pop Sugar SF

Sushirrito lovingly creates "sushi-burritos" or "sushirritos," with super fresh ingredients brought together in an innovative way. This is not your average sushi roll...or burrito. 

For example, I had the Casanova: Steelhead Salmon, baby arugula, avocado, daicon radishes, tomato salsa, green onions and toasted pumpkin seeds (yum!). Sounds like an odd combination of ingredients but I thought it was very tasty and the sushi was fresh and had that "melt-in-your-mouth" quality. I'm anxious to try some of their other options, including a vegan roll.

Sushirrito is an eco-friendly company as well, which is great. They buy local and organic whenever possible, and actually describe where their produce comes from (how it is caught) and more about ways they implement sustainable practices in their restaurant. It is on the website under "impact."

It is lighter and much healthier than your average burrito. However, a friend of mine tried Sushirrito and found it to be a bit too much, because sushi is supposed to be, well, sushi. So for purists this may not satisfy your palet. I however am a huge fan of hand-rolls, so to me it is a ginormous hand roll. I also think the ingredients and recipes are very different from your average sushi roll, so the distinction makes it something entirely unique and something I can appreciate and enjoy.

I say yum and yes please!

3 day weekends would make the world a much better place.

.....That is my theory and I'm sticking to it!

Day 1 to run errands, day 2 to just relax/take it easy/be lazy/do nothing/RECOVER from the shenanigans of the night before, and day 3 to get out and play!

This weekend was lovely and relaxing and I discovered a few new places around the city. And when I say "discover" I mean, for god's sake, where have I been all this time whilst all these great little gems were just sitting there being enjoyed by everyone but me!??

I finally tried Philz Coffee and was not disappointed. I had the "Philharmonic" - it is not an understatement to say that upon first sip I had a symphony in my mouth. Yes. I went there. It was the most amazing coffee I've ever had. They brew each cup individually and stir it into frothy, creamy perfection. Yum.

Other highlights of the weekend include happy hour at the Burritt Room in the Crescent Hotel, Shanghai King for gastronomical deliciousness, going to The Old Clam House with my nor-cal family, seeing Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the Bali exhibit at the Asian Art Museum, Civic Center farmers market, and a little exploring in Pacific Heights (love that neighborhood).

What am I looking forward to in the coming months? Well for starters, how about a summer? I feel as if I was robbed of that this year - maybe it's because I literally got to enjoy 3 summers last year (due to traveling around the world), so now Mother Nature is going, "Hah! This year you'll get no summer at all!"- hmmm. So I am looking forward to an Indian Summer in SF, which I've heard so much about and am anxiously for (if it doesn't come I may want to kill myself) (jk) (but seriously). 

Happy week! Hope it's a sunny one.

Some Italiano please

Friday after work Katie and I came over to Bernal Heights to try Vinorosso, an authentic Italian wine shop, bar, and eatery, home made pastas and all. I've been wanting to try this place for the longest time because it looks so cozy and inviting from the outside and I love wine and Italy so.....duh.

We split the cheese plate: 3 delicious cheeses for $10, not bad! To some people the portions may seem a bit small, but to me it was perfect, and hey, that's how they do it in Italy - indulge regularly but modestly.

We also shared an order of dates, which were amazing. It would be nice if they offered one of those delicious stuffed date options that some restaurants do so well - you know, when they're stuffed with blue cheese, drizzled with honey and served warm - any variation on that will do. Mmmmmmm.

The wine was perfect. We tried the Lambrusco, a deep red sparkling wine. If you've never had it, you must try. It's light and so refreshing. We also had a glass of red and unfortunately I can't remember what I had - something described as being full bodied with plum and blueberry notes (often my favorite) - and Katie had the Chianti which was a little too dry for her, and maybe not for drinking on its own, however with a little cheese or a hearty meal, delish.

We unfortunately missed their happy hour, which is every day from 4:00 - 6:00, but will definitely be back to enjoy more wine and try the homemade baked pastas. Happy happy hour everyone!

Sweet Cheeks: SF Edition

go Marcus, go Marcus, go go!

Last night I got to see an old friend from high school do what he does best, and that's to bring love, soul, variety, and tantalizing beats to the dance floor! He has always loved music and has been DJ'ing for as long as I've known him. I remember back in the high school days he used to put some crazy things together, like Mr. Rogers and Michael Jackson! Always inventive and creative...

Marcus rocks! Or I should say, MAWCUS. 

When I arrived to Madrone Art Bar (love this place!) he was already in the zone, and it was amazing to see what he could do and hear how his style has developed since his Ventura days. I was impressed and I wasn't the only one...every time he transitioned to a new song the crowd would acknowledge it by looking around at their friends as if to say "can you believe how awesome this guy is!??" And they echoed their approval, in awe of his inspired choices. One girl shouted, "this DJ is sick!" And I wanted to be like, "that's my friend!"

Currently in San Diego, he's always loved SF and wanted to bring his creation, Sweet Cheeks to the music loving people of the bay. I think it was well received so hopefully I'll be seeing my musical friend more often! I had a great time, thanks Marucs! <3

Who wouldn't want to work here!?!?

I certainly would, and did! This is where I've been freelancing. 

This space epitomizes the trendy and cool, uber design-centered, urban work environment that comes to mind when thinking about San Francisco'ans at work....take a look!

Mekanism - courtesy of the San Francisco Egotist

SFMOMA

Interspersed conspicuously along the beautiful streets in downtown San Francisco is an abundance of cultural riches to be explored. I haven't always enjoyed museums, probably because my mom swore by the joys of slowly perusing old artifacts, grand pieces of art, and everything in between; literally she would inch along at a snails pace. When finally she crossed the threshold into another room she would find my sister and I sprawled out all over the random pieces of furniture you often find in museums - I can't imagine they serve any other purpose than to provide a place for whiny kids (and husbands) to plop - complaining our heads off, "my feet hurt! this is sooooo boring! i'm hungry! how can you possibly stare at one piece of art for SO LONG!??" You can tell I still feel this way on occasion....

Over time however, in my later years (oh god), I have a deeper appreciate for such museums and interesting exhibits particularly when it comes to photography and strangely enough, "modern art." I have quite the love-hate relationship with it actually; when mulling over which museum to take myself to on "free museum day," which includes a multitude of places around SF, I felt drawn to the SFMOMA where one will often discover some very interesting things. There's usually quite a lot of photography, and I like that sometimes there is a shocking and almost vulgar quality about the art, which I find compelling. However, another part of me just doesn't get about 80% of what I see....for example:

Which of course is creatively entitled....

I found it entertaining however to watch people go up to it; stare at it; consider it; and thoroughly inspect it. Someone had taken some chalk and smeared it on the wall....hmmmmm. This is a work of art!?!? I just don't get it, but if anyone can enlighten me I would welcome the perspective.

Once again however, the love-hate aspect emerges in a way that surprises me - I don't really get it, AT ALL, but I am entertained by it somehow, even if it's only because of people's interactions with it; I hate it, yet I really sort of like it. Modern art!

Overall it's a very cool museum, and I would recommend checking it out, especially when it's free! They have a beautiful gift shop as well actually, which normally I venture into, but decided it would be best for my wallet if I stayed away. 

If anyone is looking for fun and cheap things to do around the city, here is an awesome website I found:

SF Fun Cheap

I'm trying to get myself out into the city more and this is a great resource to have on hand. San Francisco is such an incredible place, I don't want to take for granted the fact that I live here now and become one of those people who starts humming the same tune..."oh, that sounds great...i'll check it out one of these days..." Summer in SF is full of festivals, music, food, culture, art, bottomless mimosa brunches and beers out on the deck....I plan to live it up!

Recap of fun festivities in the past week...!

This past week has had its ups and downs. I've been a bit sick, and trying to take care of myself so only went jogging twice as it's been really cold and probably not a good idea for a sicky like me. I finally took a trip to Whole Foods, first time ever. I know, what!?! I got a ton of organic foods and have been trying to eat "raw" whenever possible. I've been trying really hard to be more mindful of what I put into my body. So for the last week I've been eating a lot of green smoothies, salads, cliff bars, granola, yogurt, and detoxing Yogi tea. Yummy yummy. I've also been trying to stay away from sugar, but for goodness sake I've got a sweet tooth that just can't say no. Aaaaaand there have been some emotional ups and downs, but hey, it happens.

ANYHOOOOOO

Let's recap the fun SF happenings of the past week!

1) Last Sunday was Mother's Day! While I didn't get to spend the day with my own mother, I got the next best thing. My Aunt Shelley came into town and I spent the afternoon with her and my awesome cousin Lily. We wandered into Golden Gate Park and feasted on Lily's picnic-perfect garden-fresh salad, dried white peaches, kettle chips and dark chocolate. If this doesn't make you want to shout with glee, well I don't know what would. Then we went to the de Young and visited the Balenciaga and Spain exhibit. Fashionistas be warned - drooling may occur. It was fab, and a lovely day.

goodies from Lily's garden

2) Monday I got out and ran, yeah! EX-ER-CISE! BEACH BODY NOW! MAKE BUTT FIRM! GET SEXY! (This is my mantra....i'm kidding, but really....) Then I went to the garden at Lily's school and she helped me pick - and when I say "helped me pick," I mean she did everything but hold the container; this girl is a hot commodity AND a gardening pro - some delicious lettuce, leeks, kale, and oregano, which I have been feasting on all week.

3) Tuesday I had two interviews and got one job! I'm still waiting to hear back about the internship, crossing my fingers and toes. But anyway, one job obtained "on the spot" is something to celebrate! I also attended my roommate's writing workshop, entitled "Words Which Work." She is a seriously talented writer, and soon to be published journalist!

4) Wednesday I went to an awesome concert venue: Bimbo's 365. I love the feel of this place, very classy / art deco meets edgy and cool. Loved it. An old friend of mine had an extra ticket to see an amazing band called Pinback. I had never heard of them before (a little behind in the music scene), but I guess they are from San Diego and wow, they rocked! It was so great catching up with an old friend as well and feeling as if no time had passed.

5) Thursday I went to a Giant's game!! I've been wanting to go to one since I got here. AT&T Park is awesome! We sat in the bleacher seats, which for 15 - 20 bucks really aren't bad at all. The seats are behind the outfield positions, but they're surprisingly close to the field. And the bleachers are filled with all the crazy hell raisers! No, just kidding, but really they've got some spirit. It was a great time.

6) Friday I shopped in Union Square all day to piece together my all black ensemble for work then came home and did 3 loads of laundry. I've also been fighting a cold so it was early to bed for me.

7) Saturday I trained at the new job, came home and went jogging with my roommates, then went to see an interesting documentary in 3D called, The Cave Of Forgotten Dreams. It is about the somewhat recent discovery in France of the oldest cave drawings or markings ever found, dating back some 33,000 years ago, which is more than twice as old as anything found prior. It was pretty cool in 3D, but isn't worth this feature if the theatre itself isn't up to par on the 3D front. My Uncle Brian treated me to the movie and then we went to dinner in the Mission at a great German restaurant, Schmidt's. We indulged in delicious beer along with tasty delights like pretzel rolls, crab cakes, shaved asparagus salad, and of course, bratwurst and sauerkraut. Mmmmmmm. The ambiance was modern and chic with a cozy European feel. 


So those were my adventures for the week! Let's see what unfolds for me this week....