Pool Party, anyone?
Last week I went to Bambuddha Lounge for a Fundraising event to support Mayor Gavin Newsom’s gubernatorial bid. While I would love to write about what this event was all about and the Who’s Who that was there, I’ll leave that for another post.
What I would like to write about is Bambuddha Lounge and what I discovered when I was there during daylight hours. Now this was the first time I visited this lounge when it was light outside, and thus I was able to really appreciate what Bambuddha Lounge/Phoenix Hotel had to offer. Their pool!
I am a huge fan of pool parties, and there I was, standing in the patio of the Phoenix Hotel, visioning a Rehab-style pool party in San Francisco.
I know what a lot of you must be thinking? Why would one ever want to go to a pool party in the city? It is just too damn cold. Yes. You are right. BUT, we all know there are those very few occasions in which temperatures in the city reach a nice 85 degrees, and what better way to utilize the warmth than with a pool party at The Phoenix Hotel.
The pool itself is rather small, but the area around it is pretty darn beautiful. They have nice, comfy lounge chairs and booths situated around the pool, underneath some nice shade. They also have a lot of green foliage around which makes you feel like you are in some tropical paradise. It’s something you would never expect to find when you are approaching the hotel. The hotel itself looks a bit retro, situated right in the heart of the Tenderloin. But hey! I’m not complaining. All that needs to happen now is for one of those top notch San Francisco promoters to get busy and plan a pool party before our San Francisco summer slips on by.
Film Night in the Park
Why can’t the romance you find in movies happen in real life? Like in the Wedding Planner, when J. Lo and Matthew McConaughey go to Central Park in NYC to watch a movie in the park.
Well, guess what? They do!
There are three upcoming Film Nights in the Park planned for the upcoming three months. Where? The most common park, Dolores Park, is on an undisclosed hiatus, but Washington Square and Union Square in San Francisco have been chosen for upcoming Film Night in the Park locations.
Check out the schedule below:
(NOTE: for those of you that were planning on watching Pretty in Pink in Dolores Park tonight, the showing has been cancelled)
Saturday, August 22nd 8 pm – On the Waterfront @ Union Square (Geary and Powell)
Saturday, September 19th 8 pm – The Dark Knight @ Dolores Park (Dolores and 19th)
Saturday, October 3rd 8 pm – Slumdog Millionaire @ Washington Square Park (Union and Columbus)
Mark your calendar, pack your picnic dinner, and grab your cuddle partner for a night out in the park!
French Tuesdays
Taco Tuesday? That is sooo yesterday. I mean if you are into the gut wrenching tequila specials at various locations surrounded by frat boys and sorority girls, then go right ahead, carry on with your Taco Tuesday. But, if you are looking for something a little more classy, perhaps a glass of some fine French bubbly and a sophisiticated crowd, then I have the event for you!
So just because Bastille Day came and went, doesn’t mean that the French in you has to go as well. Every other Tuesday in San Francisco (next event tomorrow, Tuesday July 28th), the French Tuesday team hosts an unforgetable night of sophisticated fun.
Here’s how it works. Even though it may seem as though the events are for members only, the events are open for all. You may just have to pay a little bit more. However, becoming a member is not that difficult. All you have to do is find someone who is currently a member (which is not that hard), and have them invite you to be a member. That’s it!
So, go on. Bring that French in you out every other Tuesday, starting tomorrow night!
Nightlife at the Academy
So I’ve heard people talking about it? But never had a chance to go myself. Until last night. And most likely the last night, for that matter.
The experience was just mediocre. The event started at 6pm, and we got there around 5:55pm (in hopes to get the limited passes to the Planetarium that they hand out). The line was ridiculously long. I mean it was so long that you couldn’t see the end of it. Unbelievable! Because the weather was a whopping 50 degrees that night, we decided to just wait in the car for the line to die down. Finally, we came up with an excellent idea. They have a separate line for special VIP guests, which basically has no one standing in it. We went up to the staff person manning that line, told her we had to use the bathroom so badly, and wah-la! we were in!
When you walk in, there is a huge area right in front of you where cocktails and light snacks are available to buy, cash only. The drinks were pretty expensive, however, they were made just how I like it, stiff.
The crowd was extremely diverse. Probably the most diverse crowd I have ever seen at a Nightlife-type event. Age ranged from 21-75. People were dressed in shorts and tshirts to girls in dresses as though they are about to paint the town red.
Then we went around and saw all the exhibits of the Museum. And this was the part that I really wasn’t expecting. It has been a long week at work, and the last thing I wanted to do on a Thursday night was check out the Rainforest exhibit. Been there. Done that. I wanted to party. I wanted Nightlife.
I never saw the DJ, although I faintly heard the music in the background. People were spread out all over the museum, so there wasn’t much focus on socializing and meeting people, either.
All in all, the experience was mediocre. Definitely glad I went to check it out at least once, but that will definitely be my last. I would much rather be at a local wine bar enjoying a glass of grape juice with my loved ones.
Shecky’s Girls Night Out
For those of you who are avid readers of my blog, you probably know by now that I cant get enough of my girlfriends. Every other week, me and my best group of gal pals get together during the week for some fun. From dining at different restaurants in the city to meeting up for a movie, we always find something to do that is different and exciting.
One of the best girls night we have ever had was hitting up Shecky’s Girls Night Out shopping event, which happens twice a year in San Francisco. This season, it is being held tomorrow, Wednesday June 17th and Thursday June 18th at the Herbst Pavillion in Fort Mason Center. Starts at 5pm and goes through 8pm.
What is Sheckys? Shecky’s is an online and event destination for what’s cool and undiscovered in fashion, beauty, and fun with the girls. Their mission is to spoil girls with fashion, beauty, fun, and the best girlfriend group experiences.
If you get tickets in advance here, you get admission and a Shecky’s goodie bag for only $15. And trust me, they aren’t stingy with their goodie bags, either. From samples of shampoo and body wash to low calorie chocolate bars, the bags are filled with goodies you will defintiely find good use for.
Once you walk into the Pavillion, you will find hundreds and hundreds of boutique designers waiting to sell their products to you, for up to 75% off. Shoes. Shirts. Dresses. Belts. Bags. Makeup. Jewelry. You name it. Its there. To top it all off, they provide alcohol to all those ladies that show up. Sake, anyone?
I’ve been to the last two Shecky’s Girls Night Out events in San Francisco, and both times I have always had such a great time. Aside from getting great deals from local designers, it is just so much fun hanging out with your favorite girls at a shopping event like this.
Don’t forget to get your tickets. The $15 price is for a limited time only. The day off, the price goes up to $25.
San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway
First a Dream House. Now a wedding? San Francisco definitely loves giving things away. And starting August 4th, 2009, lovebirds can enter the newest contest to hit the city of San Francisco: The 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway.
Being one of the most romantic cities in the United States, San Francisco has become a popular destination for weddings. And now, you and your loved one, can have over 30 premier Bay Area vendors collaborate to make this lifetime dream come true, Platinum Wedding-style.
The contest is open from Tuesday, August 4th through Wednesday, November 25th and all you have to do is answer the questions provided in the “Enter to Win” form on the website, acurrately and honestly, and upload a lovely photo of you and your beau. The winning couple will be announced on Valentines Day 2010.
The wedding of the year will then take place on Friday, May 14th.
Best of luck to all you lovebirds out there!
Farmers in the Metron
The other day, my boyfriend and I decided to head over to the Metreon to watch “Drag Me to Hell”, which was nothing but a “drag”. Anyhow, upon walking into the Metreon’s corner of 4th and Mission entrance, we noticed something going on in the side room on the left. A Farmer’s Market at 6 in the evening. On a Monday. I mean, I know San Francisco is known for having some of the finest Farmers Markets in the country, but a Farmer’s Market that happens every day, for 10 hours a day, this was something we had to check out.
The Island Earth Farmers Market is open in the Metreon 7 days a week. 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays. They have about 50 vendors that come in everyday to offer their goods. From African food to Crepes to Dim Sum and Mediterranean foods, the options are endless. Samples are also very easy to come by. Aside from farm fresh, organic food, there are a lot of vendors selling orchids, hand made jewelry, and blown glass. There is something for everyone at the Island Earth Farmers Market in the Metreon.
I do believe that there hasn’t been much promotion and marketing about this Farmers Market, because the evening that I visited, there was something missing. People! So the next time you are headed over there to watch a movie or play in the arcade, make some time to check out the Market in the Metreon.
Earthquake Commemoration
One of the most significant events ever to occur in San Francisco, was that of the 1906 Earthquake. Exactly 103 years ago today, April 18 1906 at 5:12 am, San Francisco was hit by a devastating 7.8 earthquake, which subsequently started a massive fire, destroying the entire city.
And every year, on this very day, many San Franciscans wake up at the crack of dawn, to commemorate this horrific day, and to take pride in how the City of San Francisco recovered after the quake.
The events started at 5:12 am at Lotta’s Fountain (where Market meets Kearny, 3rd Street, and Gear) where San Franciscans were able to lay wreaths at the base of the fountain. Following the wreath laying, The Lefty O’Doul served its annual Survivor Breakfast, which was open to the public. Following breakfast, The Westin Saint Francis showed a free public screening of 1906: A Tribute to Quake Survivor Herbert Hamrol. Hamrol was one of the last survivors of the “Great Quake” who passed away, early this year, at the age of 106. Following the film, John’s Grill’s (@ Ellis and Powell) hosted its Annual Survivor Luncheon, where 105 year old earthquake survivor, Rose Cliver was present.
Mark Your Calendars – It’s Time for San Francisco Parades, Festivals, and Street Fairs
One of my favorite things about Spring time in San Francisco, is the start of all the street fairs, parades, and festivals that take place from now until the end of October. For those who haven’t had the chance to experience any of these festivals, click on the links for more details.
April Events
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade – Sunday, April 19th
International Beer Festival – Saturday, April 25th
Dining Out for Life – Thursday, April 30th
May Events
Cinco de Mayo Celebration – Saturday, May 2nd
KFog Kaboom – Saturday, May 9th
How Weird Street Faire – Sunday, May 10th
Oyster Fest – Saturday, May 16th
Bay to Breakers – Sunday, May 17
Electro, Techno, Disco Pop – Saturday, May 23rd
Carnaval San Francisco – Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th
June Events
Union Street Art Festival – Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th
North Beach Festival – Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th
Haight Ashbury Street Fair – Sunday, June 14th
Summer Sailstice – Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st
San Francisco Pride – Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th
July Events
Fillmore Jazz Festival – Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th
3rd Annual Crissy Field Barbecue @ West Bluff Picnic Area – Saturday, July 18th
AIDS Walk San Francisco – Sunday, July 19th
August Events
Outside Lands Music Festival – Friday, August 28th through Sunday, August 30th
September Events
Folsom Street Fair – Sunday, September 27th
October Events
LoveFest – Saturday, October 3rd
Castro Street Fair – Sunday, October 4th
Treasure Island Music Festival – Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th
And the Medical TV Drama’s just keep on coming…this time in San Francisco.
You’ve got Grey’s Anatomy in Seattle.
You’ve got ER in Chicago.
You’ve got House in Princeton.
And Nip-Tuck from Miami to LA.
And now get ready for the newest Medical Television Drama to hit NBC this fall, “Trauma”. Location: San Francisco.
Earlier this month, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that NBC had chosen San Francisco as the location for their new television pilot, and filming officially started this weekend. And I got a first hand look, without even knowing it. On my drive back from SFO this morning, I-280 was blocked off for reasons unknown to me. The first thing I saw was a car that had crashed into the divider, and immediately started looking to see if anyone was in the car. After rubbernecking some more, I saw hundreds more people, television crews, cameras, and realized that this wasn’t an ordinary traffic shack. It was the filming of a new medical drama, set to take the place of ER after its retirement this fall.
The premise of the show is this: a group of paramedics saving lives under extraordinary circumstances. All based in San Francisco, with Treasure Island serving as the base for operations. Rumor has it that San Francisco’s First Lady, Jennifer Siebel will also be part of the show, playing the role of a car crash victim.
Stay tuned for more details on NBC this summer for the Season Premier of Trauma. Oh ya, and more scenes like this one in the upcoming weeks in San Francisco.
courtesy of whatimseeing.com