When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, it’s a good core workout. If you’re sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More
Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More
December is almost over - the New Year is coming up and everyone is busy drying off from the rain or holiday shopping. Let's take a look at what's happened this month.
When the San Francisco Arts Commission wanted someone to dress up City Hall for the building's 100th anniversary last year, and become the structure's first artist-in-residence, it took a leap of faith by choosing Jeremy Fish.
Hakkasan, the upscale, second-floor Chinese restaurant at the triple intersection of Market, Geary, and Kearny streets, will celebrate the Year of the Monkey with a bit more splash than the corner dim sum place. International Executive Chef Ho Chee Boon's $138.88 menu, available through Feb. 22, includes a number of courses designed to pry some good luck out of the celestial spheres in what seems destined to be a rocky year (if the stock market is any indication).
Posted
By Trevor Felch
on Tue, Dec 22, 2015 at 11:00 AM
Courtesy of Bay223 at Sofitel San Francisco Bay
A Bûche de Noël Transamerica Pyramid at Bay223.
Yes, yes, we know South San Francisco as both the Industrial City (according to that iconic hill sign) and the city before SFO that taxis blindly sprint through to get you to your flight on time. What you maybe didn’t know is that “South City” has a pretty happening dining scene going on right now.
If you're still navigating all the holiday parties and dreading the possibility of a delayed flight for travel on or around Dec. 25, don't forget that there's still another holiday to plan immediately afterward. Mercifully, the Bay Area's galaxy of restaurants has made the planning easy. Here's where you can have a Sweet '16.
Posted
By Ali Wunderman
on Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 9:30 AM
Smoke's Poutinerie
Just ignore the Christmas trees and Kwanzaa cup until it's time for their holiday roundups
Hanukkah starts on Christmas Eve next year, which is delightfully convenient to me as a Scandinavian Jew. This year, however, has Hanukkah beginning on Sunday, Dec. 6, so you better start planning your meals out now.
Fortunately for those of us who can’t make it out to Florida or New York to celebrate with our bubbes, a handful of San Francisco restaurants are making sure we can mask our guilt with traditional and innovative Jewish recipes.
Posted
By Ali Wunderman
on Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 8:00 AM
Ali Wunderman
Don't tell my family I used this photo of them
Victorian London was a magical era, with orphans cementing their pickpocketing skills while Jack the Ripper eviscerated prostitutes. Despite this, San Francisco’s own annual Dickens Christmas Fair celebrates all the things that made it a great time to be alive.
For five weekends leading up to Christmas, the Cow Palace in Daly City hosts a veritable holiday festival that looks and feels like Victorian England. Corseted ladies dance the waltz with dapper fancy men in top hats while the Queen and her royal guard meander through the streets to say hello to all us commoners. You might spy guests dressed like a Doctor Who character or in full Raiders fan garb, but the carolers and pirates singing sea shanties quickly bring your attention back to Dickens-era London.
Posted
By Trevor Felch
on Fri, Nov 20, 2015 at 1:00 PM
Facebook/ Mademoiselle Colette
Raspberry Mille-Feuille at Mademoiselle Colette
Happy Week Before Thanksgiving! But, before we get to the Turkey Day themed activity, let’s take the SF Weekly (or Google or Apple or Facebook, or fill in the blank tech company) bus down the Peninsula for some dining news south of San Francisco.
The Mission Rock Farmers Market Pop-Up at the Yard
Start practicing crayon-outline hand-turkeys now, cause Thanksgiving is only two weeks from today. Whether you choose to stuff yourself silly on gourmet food or opt for Stove Top at your house at 6:00 followed by Stove Top at your friend's house at 8:00
Posted
By Brad Japhe
on Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM
Kevin Reid
The Mai Mai Marigny at the Boxing Room
The Mai Tai is an often misunderstood mixer. The Polynesian mashup of rum, Curacao liqueur, orgeat, and lime juice has long been associated with parasols and faraway beaches requiring more SPF 45 than any San Franciscan would ever own. The truth, however, is that the Mai Tai originated in a land no more exotic, nor tropical, than Oakland, where in 1944 Victor Bergeron of Trader Vic's came up with the idea.
So, as a native cocktail of the Bay Area, it's something of a regional imperative to celebrate National Mai Tai Day with a sense of pride. (It arrives this Sunday, August 30.) Don't be left unprepared. The forecast is calling for a cool 72 degrees, but it's always Mai Tai weather, particularly at these local watering holes whipping up whimsical variations on the East Bay classic.
Whatever plans you made for Bastille Day, break them, and don’t forget to check that your foot isn’t tripping the sensor as you lower the portcullis behind you. Hubert Keller, the acclaimed celebrity chef, James Beard Award-winner for Best Chef: California, and occasional party animal, is hosting a one-day, five-course pop-up at Gaspar Brasserie along with Executive Chef Chris Jones Tuesday, July 14.
Posted
By Mary Ladd
on Tue, Apr 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM
Nopalito Facebook
Ceviche
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla, when Mexico triumphed over the French. Here in the U.S., the holiday is often akin to St. Patrick’s day, meaning folks take it as an excuse to get el blotto. It could also be an ideal time to explore mole, bolillo crusty bread rolls, and other special items that show the culinary melding of Mexico and the Francaise, (battles and invasions aside).
For mole, the pollo en mole and enchiladas at San Jalisco on South Van Ness tend to get folks excited in a good way.
Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"
