“Reviewing has never struck me as having much to do with assigning scores or handing out demerits. The reviewer’s job – and pleasure – is akin to any reader’s. It is the pleasure of talk. If nobody talks about books [or the suject of review], if they are not discussed or somehow contended with, literature ceases to be a conversation,… Read more →
Mexican Treasure: Lolo in the Mission
3230 22nd Street (between Mission and Bartlett)San Francisco, CA 94107415-643-5656Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 5:30-10pmFriday-Saturday: 5:30-11pm Yet another “fusion” restaurant, nonetheless Lolo has captured my fancy as a great Mission addition and a step above the average Nuevo Latino spot. Combining cuisines of the owners’ homelands of Mexico and Turkey (with an unwitting touch of Asia?), Lolo’s servers are affable, aiming to please. The… Read more →
Unsung Portola
When I mention Portola as an SF neighborhood, most locals look confused. Like me, you probably don’t spend a lot of time eating south of Bernal Heights. But I’ve kept quiet for too long about two gems full of dingy charm on San Bruno Avenue. In the midst of Asian food hole-in-the-walls, fast food joints, banks and ethnic markets, lies… Read more →
Wandering Traveler: Steak & BBQ in OKC
I realize Oklahoma is far from a culinary mecca and I do struggle to find noteworthy meals here. Variety and quality are not standards in any area but one: beef. Similar to neighboring Texas, OK has tasty beef everywhere, from steakhouses to BBQ (albeit sadly not grass fed or humanely raised in most cases). If you find yourself in the… Read more →
March 2008
“The roaring of the wind is my wife and the stars through the window pane are my children…” – John Keats Spring arrives, the rain is pouring more than usual, but green abounds in promising lushness… new things are birthed out of the longest winters. This month in The Established, we’ll explore Dim Sum alternatives to the most popular, overpriced spots.… Read more →
Dim Sum Around SF
After you’ve tried the hyped, delicious, but overpriced local dim sum kings Yank Sing, Ton Kiang or Daly City’s Koi Palace, check out these much cheaper options and see if they don’t fit the bill for your dim sum craving (minus the roving carts at all three spots): Shanghai Dumpling King3319 Balboa Street (between 34th & 35th Avenues)415.387.2088Mon, Wed-Fri 11am-9pm,… Read more →
4 SF Coffee Greats
It wasn’t as apparent years ago, but to my profound pleasure, I’ve noticed that SF has become a damn great coffee city – one of the best in the country. Here are a few favorites in a city blessed with coffees rivaling the quality of Italian greats: Blue Bottle Coffee: (Hayes Valley, Ferry Plaza, Mint Plaza) – The Bay Area’s… Read more →
Half Moon Bay Haunts
Less than 30 minutes drive from the city, Half Moon Bay has long been a charming excursion offering stunning Pacific vistas along Highway 1 and an idyllic small town both on Main Street and in the canyon. I love wading through tide pools and seeing seals (go at low tide or you won’t see a thing!) at nearby Fitzgerald Marine Preserve… Read more →
February 2008
“The trees down the boulevard stand naked in thought. Their abundant summery wordage silenced caught In the grim undertow, naked the trees confront Implacable winters long crossquestioning brunt.” – D.H. Lawrence, Winter in the Boulevard, 1916 February is the month of love…or so they say. As always, I think it appropriate to celebrate with those you love, whatever month it… Read more →
On the Town
Valentine’s I think Valentines as we know it is lame, with true love reduced to teddy bears, cherubs, bad chocolates… and overcrowded restaurants with ridiculously costly “special” menus that have become synonymous with a Valentine’s date. So if you ask me, I would avoid going out that night at all. But I just might go out some other time this… Read more →