January, April & Everything in Between.
Last post: January 14th, 2010
Today’s post: April 9th, 2010
Here’s a snippet of whats happened in between, in no particular order:
- Stumbled upon Tropisueno and I can easily call it my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city (I have been there about 15 times in the last 3 months)
- Ousted as Mayor at Jeremy’s
- Discovered the BEST late night hot dog stand in SF (right in front of 1015 Folsom; bacon wrapped dogs…yum)
- The return of Sunday Streets
- Discussion of the Warriors moving back to San Francisco (in Mission Rock)
- Went to India for two weeks and learned that Taco Bell opened up there AFTER I got back
- Launch of the Zip Line to promote Vancouver Tourism
- Release of the iPad
- Taylors Automatic Refresher announced their rebrand to Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet (and not to mention handed out free grub back in March)
- Mavericks Surf Contest said to have the biggest waves ever surfed in a competition
- Manor West opens up in old Boss space
Whoa. Time flies.
If this isn’t Perseverance, I don’t know what is.
A couple nights ago, I had the amazing opportunity to meet with Chris Martin and Martin Dawson. Don’t know who I am talking about? Then read their story here: Golden Gate Endeavor.
On Friday, November 13th, Chris and Mick stepped onto land after 189 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes of rowing across the North Pacific Ocean. And when asked what their first meal was when they reached San Francisco, “Steak and Eggs,” they said.
Chris and Mick are two Brit guys who decided to do the impossible, to row, in their specially designed rowboat, from Choshi, Japan to San Francisco, USA. And hearing them speak about their adventures was enticing on its own.
I mean to think about two guys, out in the middle of the ocean, rowing every two hours, while the other prepares meals, catches some shut eye, or even blogs, is just incredible! At some points along their journey, they encountered sharks, a pack of 50 dolphins on a mission to get somewhere, and even 60 foot waves, all to fulfill their mission of doing what was thought impossible.
So…how has hearing their story changed my life? Well, it’s not like I am going to spend hours on the rowing maching at the gym and start practicing for my ocean rowing adventure, but what I am going to do is this. I am going to follow my dreams. No matter what it takes. I am not going to let fear inhibit me from anything. I am going to live my life to the fullest and take life as it comes. That’s what I am going to do. How about you?
Zippgo
Hold your horses, San Francisco! ‘Cuz I am about to introduce you to a brand new company that is sprouting in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area!
Zippgo, is a fresh, new company that will basically change how the Bay Area will move. They provide 100% recycled plastic boxes to people like you and me who are on the move. And that’s not all! They are also working with corporations to assist with business moves.
The idea behind Zippgo is a simple one: to provide an environmentally friendly solution to moving that costs less and is super convenient. They are basically revolutionizing the way Bay Arean’s move by reducing the amount of cardboard that is used during moves, and replacing it with these plastic boxes that can be reused many many times!
Not only is this environmentally friendly, it is very easy to use! Just let them know when you need the boxes, how long you need them for, and how big your place is, and they will coordinate with you a time to drop them off at your door. So no more time wasting scouring for boxes or finding a friend to drive you to the nearest UHaul: these boxes will come directly to you, and will be picked up directly from you. It can’t be easier!
In addition to plastic boxes, they are offering additional eco-friendly moving supplies such as packing paper, Expandos (which are the eco-friendly version of styrofoam peanuts), and Geami wrap (eco-friendly version of bubble wrap).
So when it comes time for your next move, keep Zippgo in mind. They will take care of you!
Oh yea, they have a booth at next weekend’s Green Festival at the San Francisco Concourse and Exhibition Center so be sure to come by and meet the amazing people behind Zippgo.
A Taste of South Beach and Mission Bay Street Fair
What: Yet another street fair, this time in my ‘hood, South Beach.
When: Saturday, September 19th from 12noon – 6pm
Where: South Park (a cute little park nestled between 2nd Street and 3rd Street and Bryant and Brannan).
Why: Well, there are many reasons: Outdoor fun. Forecast calls for great weather. Local restaurants will be selling their signature dishes and drinks at a reduced cost. Entertainment stage with live performances.
Restaurants and Bars that are rumored to be participating are:
- 21st Amendment
- Bacar
- Brickhouse Cafe
- District
- Flytrap
- Hennessy’s Wines & Specialty Foods
- Hotel Utah
- Little Skillet
- MoMo’s
- O’Neill’s Irish Pub
- Panera Bread
- Paragon
- Pete’s Tavern
- South Food & Wine Bar
- Tres Agaves
- The Butler and The Chef Bistro
- Zuppa
The event is free, however, fair organizers will request a $10 donation at the entry way. For what, you might ask? To benefit the South Beach/Mission Bay Business Association and other non-profits.
The GO Urban Adventure Race – Sat 9/19
Want to combine your love for San Francisco with a fun, fast paced scavenger hunt loaded with physical and mental challenges? Then, I’ve found the event for you.
This Saturday, September 19th, San Francisco will be home for the 3rd GO Urban Adventure Race (so far, the race has taken place in Washington DC and Boston).
Each team, composed of two teammates receive 4 initial clues via SMS text messaging (therefore, it is mandatory to bring a phone that enables SMS text messaging).
Each clue leads to a specific GO point (any location in SF). You can run, walk, jog or take public transportation to the location.
At each GO point you will SMS a response to the clue, complete a physical or mental task, take a picture (with your phone or digital camera), and receive the next clue vis SMS text messaging.
There will be a total of 8 clues, and therefore 8 GO points. And once all 8 clues are solved, you race back to the finish line. 1st place wins $400, 2nd place wins $275 and 3rd place wins $100. And the top 30 teams from each city will be invited to compete in the Championship Race in Washington DC on July 17, 2010.
So? Ready to play?
It’s easy. Show up with your partner at Fort Mason (on the corner of Laguna and Bay Street) between 10:30 am and 11:45 am with $100 total, and you’re in. Just be sure to bring comfortable shoes. And just like any other event in San Francisco, costumes are encouraged. The race starts at 12:00 noon and should finish by 5pm or when the last team crosses the finish line.
Want to go to Bali but can’t seem to get away?
Well, this Saturday, you can. And you don’t have to be in flight for 15+ hours to get there, either.
This Saturday, September 5th, the culture, music, and dance of Bali is coming straight to you. As part of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, the fifty performers of Sekar Jaya will present the beauty of Balinese performing arts.
This event is FREE. Starts at 1pm through 3pm. So now you can experience the people and culture of Bali without costing an arm and leg to get there. Now if only San Francisco can become its own island.
Street Food Festival
You and I both know that San Franciscans love to party. Day or night. Weekday or Weekend. We are always finding one excuse or another to have a festival, throw a party, eat, drink, and be merry.
And this Saturday, August 22nd, is no exception to that rule. La Cocina is teaming up with 7X7 magazine (no affiliation to me and my blog) to throw the first ever Food Festival in San Francisco.
This is what’s going to go down. Folsom street between 25th and 26th street is going to close down. Starting at 11am all the way through 7pm, the foods of San Francisco’s streets are coming directly to you. Casual. Ethnic. Affordable. It’s all coming straight to you.
The event is free. The cost of food and drinks is not. But they claim that nothing will be more than $8. Know before you go – the vendors will only accept cash for food/beverage payment. You can pre-purchase a Passport of Savings so you don’t have to worry about lugging around all that cash.
All proceeds of the event will benefit La Cocina
Just another event which makes San Francisco all the more wonderful to live in!
Lombard Street Transforms into Life-Size Candyland
This Wednesday, August 19th, one of San Francisco’s most well known streets is going to be transformed into something pretty darn yummy!
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the classic childhood game, Candyland, starting early Wednesday AM, Lombard Street is going to be transformed into a real life version of the popular boardgame.
Clearly, the street will be closed to traffic, as children from the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center participate in the beloved game as colored game pieces and interact with life-size game characters. Remember Queen Frostine and Gramma Nut? Wouldn’t it be freaking awesome to meet the life size version of these popular characters?
Can I play?
Best Deals in San Francisco
Bad economy still stopping you from doing the things you want to do?
Well, it may not stop you anymore!
I recently came across this site called Groupon where each day it features an unbeatable deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in San Francisco. They basically work with businesses by promising them a minimum number of customers , and wah-lah, if that minimum is met, everyone gets the deal. (Your credit card will not be charged until the minimum is met.)
Recently, San Francisco gave out deals for $13 Manicures at Tip Toes, $20 off to Parea Wine Bar, and a $15 Bay Cruise. And it just gets better and better.
So if there is something that comes up that you totally LOVE LOVE LOVE, then make sure you tell all your friends about it and make sure the minimum is met. It’s exciting, nerve-wrecking and easy, all at the same time!!