I’ve begun planning lunches around this Summer’s Noontime Concerts happening every Tuesday, June 3rd-August 26th. This is one of those unique SF experiences providing a chance for quiet reflection during your lunch hour through classical music. Sharing in a tradition that also occurs in New York, London and Chicago, Noontime Concerts states that they’re “part of an international network of churches, museums and other venues offering a welcome midday respite amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life”. A lovely mission!
Each year, I’ve enjoyed slipping into a cool, quiet church for a 30 minute concert, performed by a varying number of excellent classical musicians: sometimes a pianist, a trio, a quartet. And it’s free… or for the suggested donation of $5. Location and day was different in past years – this year it’s Tuesdays at 12:30pm in Chinatown’s Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Checking out the calendar, I’d like to hear the 8/26 Chopin and Gershwin piano concert (two of my favorite composers), but there are many of interest, including the Mozart Festival Ensemble on 6/3 and7/1, or the Chorale on 7/29.
It’s a unique chance to stop and reflect, transported through live music… to close your eyes and just befor a few moments. I love living in a place that offers such unusual opportunities for transcendence.
For quick lunches or snacks within a couple blocks of Old St. Mary’s:
Boxed Foods Co.
Boxed Foods Co.Open weekdays only, this is a breakfast/lunch spot from the owners of B Restaurant (in SF and Oakland) with 100% organic, creative sandwiches and salads. Not every sandwich hits the mark, but ingredients are always fresh and appetizing.
Eastern Bakery: One of my favorite Chinese bakeries, this is a classic, if musty, SF spot. They’re known for a wide variety of Chinese Mooncakes. I love the Macaroons half-dipped in dark chocolate.
Fiona’s Sweetshoppe: This closet of a candy shop is easy to miss. Their website describes it as “bewitching candy” – an
Eastern Bakery
enchanting tag line that signifies the rare selection of English and Scottish hard candies (with a few others kinds thrown in for good measure). The UK owner clearly has a passion for the candies of home, lined up behind the tiny counter in glass jars. Come find out what “Old Fashioned Humbugs” or “Gobstopping Gingers” are!
Muracci’s: Call your order in since the food at this take-out spot is made fresh, taking up to 10-15 minutes to dish up. Order large servings of Japanese curries with your
Fiona's Sweet Shop
choice of mild, medium or hot curry and brown or white rice. I like the Katsu (breaded pork cutlet) Curry, but you can choose salmon, beef, chicken, prawns, seafood (prawns and scallops) or tofu and vegetable curries.
Paladar: A charming little Cuban café that serves decent Bocadillos (Cuban Sandwiches) with a smile. They have a few traditional Cuban dishes (like Lechon Asado) and Cuban coffees, namely a good Café Con Leche.
Muracci's