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My Life on the N-Judah

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Cheryl

With all that has been in the news about people getting mugged and stabbed on various MUNI bus lines and street cars, I have to be honest, my daily commute hasn’t been the same. I am more cautious when I walk on, always finding a seat as far away from suspicious people. My purse is now always sitting on my lap, as I hold tightly onto it.

Why does it have to be so darn scary to ride the bus these days? Why can’t there be some kind of security or feeling of safety when a rider walks onto a bus?

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The other night, after making a quick stop in Union Square from work, I got into the N-Judah at Powell Street. Now, the N-Judah is generally suspicious-people free, but that wasn’t the case that evening. A group of four guys who were VERY suspicious got on the train at the same time I did. It was a little later in the evening so there weren’t that many commuters riding the train to begin with. I sat down, and these guys sat in the seats in front of me. Once the doors closed, after about a minute since we had all gotten on the train, one of the guys looked at another guy, got up, and sat in the seat right behind me. For no apparent reason!

You can imagine what I was feeling when that happened. I immediately held my purse even tighter, and tried to avoid any eye contact. The entire ride home, my heart was racing as I envisioned the worst possible things that could happen on that ride.

As soon as I got off the train, I called my fiance who was equally concerned about what I had just told him. I was scared shitless and I felt if something were to have happened to me, then what? I would then be a real life example of the kind of bodies that Benson and Stabler come across on Law and Order: SVU. And that is not the way I want my life to end.

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SPUD Organic Grocery Delivery Revie

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Ash

With all the flooding wreaking havoc on the people of San Francisco in the past two weeks, it might be a good time to sign up with a service that delivers fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and a plethora of organic groceries right to your door.  Well, I’ve got just the service for you.  A San Francisco company called SPUD will do just that.  The good folks at SPUD contacted me to see if I was interested in writing a review on their delivery service.  I had heard good things about their service, but getting an actual delivery and trying all the goodies they offered was the only way to write a solid review.  They told me my delivery day was Tuesday but did not give me a delivery time.  Tuesday morning around 10am, I heard a buzz at the door and a friendly SPUD delivery driver was standing there with a box of goodies.  To my surprise, I didn’t receive any fruits or vegetables, but instead received a variety of grocery items.  Customers can customize what they receive in their deliveries, but I opted to receive a surprise delivery selected by the people at SPUD.  There was organic apple juice, a granola bar, chocolate chip cookies, a salad kit, salsa, and chips.  After unpacking everything, my eyes were instantly drawn to the homemade chocolate chip cookies.  I took a bite and I was in heaven.  The cookies are made by a San Jose based company called Kicks Cookies and Ice Cream.  I’m a strong believer in supporting my local economy and I really appreciated that 90% of the items were produced within a 50 mile radius of San Francisco.  How do I know that you ask?  The SPUD website lists the distance all their products travel from the manufacturer to your door.  Very cool indeed!

Some cool facts about SPUD:

  • Spud! is the only 100% neutral online grocer.
  • Each SPUD delivery van carrying 60 orders takes 120 cars off the road.
  • Spud! buys fresh every day – 95% of the produce leaves the warehouse within 24 hours.
  • Any extra food is donated to local hunger relief charities.

My Recommendation: Friendly and clean delivery driver. Great selection of groceries. Focus on locally produced items. Delivered to my door so I don’t have to get soaked in the rain.  If you live more than a block away from a Whole Foods, definitely give SPUD a try. You just might fall in love.

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New Restaurant Opening: Ironside

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Cheryl

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You may have seen tweets about this back in July or maybe the last time you were at The District you heard someone talking about it?

The owners of District opened the doors of their second establishment, Ironside, today September 21st on 2nd street, at the corner of Townsend Street. It is located in the same building as Chronicle Books.

Right now, they are serving Breakfast and Lunch and even serves batches of freshly baked cookies at 3pm. They are only open until 4pm for now, but will soon be open until the wee hours of the night, serving happy hour and dinner.

As a South Beach resident, it is often hard to find a late night eatery. But now, all that has changed. Who knows? It may just replace by every-now-and-then Delfina fix.

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A Taste of South Beach and Mission Bay Street Fair

Posted on September 16, 2009 by Cheryl

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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.

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The GO Urban Adventure Race – Sat 9/19

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Cheryl

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.

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Want to go to Bali but can’t seem to get away?

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Cheryl

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.

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We are the 7th Happiest City in the World

Posted on September 4, 2009 by Cheryl

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According to a recent article in Forbes Magazine last week, San Francisco made the top 10 list of the World’s Most Happiest Cities. And guess what? We were the only US city to make the list. Holla!

Here are the other cities across the globe that made the list:

1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2) Sydney, Australia

3) Barcelona, Spain

4) Amsterdam, Netherlands

5) Melbourne, Australia

6) Madrid, Spain

7) San Francisco, CA XOXOXO

8 ) Rome, Italy

9) Paris, France

10) Buenos Aires, Argentina

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My Favorite Places in San Francisco

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Cheryl

picture3aYou’ve probably come across this icon on Google Maps. It symbolizes Favorite Places: A Collection of Favorite Places Around the Globe. Now I am far from being a world traveler, but what I do know well is San Francisco. So without further ado, here is an exploration of my favorite places in San Francisco.

Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center @ UCSF Mission Bay

When it comes to gyms, this one’s the cream of the crop. With a rock climbing wall and an outdoor pool on the roof, an indoor pool, squash and racquetball courts, basketball court, every possible group fitness class out there, and state of the art cardio and circuit training equipment, it just can’t be beat. It is a gym that makes working out fun again.

Delfina Pizzeria – Mission

Just the other day, I made a post about the best pizza in San Francisco, according to the locals. For me, Delfina Pizzeria is just phenomenal. Every time I take a bite into the Salsiccia Thin Crust, I feel like I’m in heaven. They have two locations now, the original in the Mission and the newest in Pacific Heights. There is something about the Mission location that makes it my favorite. And of course, can’t beat the fact that Bi-Rite Ice Creamery and Delores Park is right across the street.

Tuttimelon – Marina

It seems like Frozen Yogurt places are popping up all over the place. There are probably over 15-20 different Frozen Yogurt brands within San Francisco city limits, but the one brand that always makes me wanting more is Tuttimelon. They have several locations throughout the city, but the Marina location is my favorite. The staff there is super friendly, and their toppings just always look pristine, not to mention, they are never out of my favorites: gummi bears and captain crunch! Yum!

South Park

Being a doggy-mama, you can bet on me knowing some of the best dog parks in San Francisco. This hidden gem is my favorite dog park. A cute oval shaped park, with a kiddie playground in the middle, surrounded by cute little boutiques and cafes, make it feel like you are in some remote European town, playing fetch with your pooch.

Ferry Building Farmers Market

I pretty much never have an excuse to do nothing on a Saturday morning. The Farmers Market is pretty much the most ideal way to spend a Saturday morning. With an abundance of fresh flowers, organic produce and veggies, and other little nick-nacks, it is always bound to be a great way to start your weekend.

Swig

I may be a little biased about this place, but hey I cant help it. I randomly met my beau here. It will always hold a special place in my heart. PS, the bartenders here make awewome drinks.

Town Hall

When it comes to restaurants, this is number one in my books. The ham and cheese toast with the decadent jalapeno cream sauce and the buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy are my staples here. And when I am feeling even more gutsy, I top off my meal with the Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cake. ( G’on, log onto Open Table and make that reservation.)

Union Square

I am not talking about the shopping, but in fact THE actual Union Square. That area right on top of the parking garage. On nice sunny days, I grab the current book I am reading, get a Jamba smoothie from the downstairs of Macys, and find a nice little spot right on the steps of Union Square.

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10 Surefire Ways to Spot a Tourist in San Francisco

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Cheryl

All my readers know how much I love this city, and I am always excited to share it with those that come and visit. Here is a little post for my love of the tourists that embrace our city each summer: The ten surefire ways to spot a tourist out in The City:

1) They are wearing an Alcatraz sweatshirt that says “Psycho Ward” with shorts in July

2) They refer to the city as San Fran or Frisco

3) They have a camera around their neck and asks you for directions to Fishermans Wharf

4) They stand around the Union Square street performers watching them in awe, as though they have never seen anything like it

5) They are gathered around the Cable Car turnarounds at Powell Street and Ghirardelli Square waiting for their turn on San Francisco’s infamous moving landmark

6) They ask you where the beach is in North Beach

7) When riding MUNI, they continue to get up at each stop to look at the route map

8 ) They ask you where the nearest Rice-a-Roni vendor is

9) They ride bikes with a big Blazing Saddle sign on the front and drive little yellow cars around the city

10) They dine at Chevys and California Pizza Kitchen

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Best Pizza in San Francisco, according to the Locals

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Cheryl

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The other day I posted a question on twitter. “What is your favorite pizza place in San Francisco?”

I got a lot of responses, and surprisingly, not one of the answers were repeated.

Here is a list of the responses I received from twitter:

@marthaflynn just ONE pizza place? Arinell’s in a jiffy. Gialina for sit down.

@outcyde @marthaflynn Good call on Arinell’s. Never heard of it until not. Its right by my favorite pizza place, Little Star. Will try it.

@dolemite43 Za (Russian Hill)

@Chanslor My favorite pizza is Marcello’s in the Castro, although I heard from an Italian that Pizza Nostra in Potrero is the best in SF

@nataliejtaylor Deep Dish Patxi’s, Thin crust Pizzeria Delfina (Mission)

@joanna415 Serrano’s all day

So, there you have it! The local’s favorites when it comes to pizza! I’m hungry now. Off to get some pizza!

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