Sunday, November 20, 2016

Art in the City - Andy Warhol at SFMoMA

SFMoMA - Andy Warhol Elvis National Velvet bw
I recently visited the SFMoMA. I had been to the museum more than once this year so instead of seeing its entire collection all over again, I've decided to focus on one artist each time I visit.

My first artist on focus is one of my favorites Andy Warhol.
Seeing his works once again but spending more time on each work was refreshing.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Murals in the City - Shannon St. murals

Shannon St Murals - Murals bwOn our way to Tselog, my good friend Dinah and I chanced upon this alley dotted with murals. The alley is called Shannon St.

It is hard not to miss it because of the colorful blasts it gives. The alleys just stands out while standing either on Geary St. or O'Farrel.  We checked it out and discovered more than just colorful art displays.



Sunday, October 30, 2016

Filipino food in the City - Tselog on Jones St.

Tselog - Sign bwMy good friend Dinah and I went to Tselog on Jones St. for lunch before going to see the wonderful musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

I've been to Tselog's location in Daly City and enjoyed it but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they have a San Francisco location. I love it!



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Musical in the City - Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hedwig and the Angry Inch - Posters and People bwFirst, thanks so much to my good friend Dinah for suggesting to see this musical. I forgot if she had seen this show before in NYC. If she did, she must have really liked it to see it again here in SF.

Second, I absolutely enjoyed the show. This is probably one of the most demanding musicals, in the acting and singing department, I've ever seen. I liked it so much I might just see it again this week.



Saturday, October 22, 2016

Lunch in the City - Tartine Manufactory


Mijo and I recently had a wonderful lunch at Tartine Manufactory in San Francisco's Mission District. Overall, we liked the food and enjoyed the lunch.

We knew not to go there on the weekends and parking during the week was going to be bad.  After our lunch, we learned that the best time to go there during the week is during non peak hours. We'll definitely be back for more.



Friday, October 14, 2016

Creativity in the City - Market Street Prototyping Festival

This festival started, I think, last year. When I heard about it a year ago, it was a little too late so I missed it. This year, I almost missed it again.

I saw just a glimpse of it while we were on our way to lunch in SoMa. However few I saw, I liked. I made a mental note note to miss it next year. Great urban design ideas!



Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Weekend south of the City - Exploring San Jose's downtown

We go to San Jose often but we never stay and explore the area.  The past weekend, Mijo and I decided to drive down to San Jose and spent a night on the town.

San Jose's downtown is compact, walkable, neat and packed with sites that appeal to the taste buds, visually attractive and tickle the creative brain. 



Monday, October 10, 2016

Fleet Week in the City - Blue Angels and Columbus Day Parade

Fleet Week - Red White Blue bwOctober in San Francisco usually means great fall weather, Giants baseball and Fleet Week.

This year, we saw Fleet Week and the Blue Angels' air show from the Aquatic Park in front of Ghirardelli Square. I have absolutely enjoyed watching it. Bonus was seeing parts of the Columbus Day while walking in Fisherman's Wharf.



Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Everyday Wines in the City - Merriam Vineyards wine selections

Merriam Vineyards - Vines
For the past months, I haven't been blogging about our everyday wines. This is not because the wines were not good. No, no, no. In fact, the bottles we opened and paired with our food were very good.

Since the wines were all from Merriam Vineyards, I've decided to showcase them all in one blog instead.  Salut!



Tuesday, September 06, 2016

Murals in the City - Osage Alley murals

Osage Alley Murals - Welcome sign
Mijo, Tee and I were heading to Mission Pie for desserts and coffee when I spotted these murals while looking for parking. Right after we finished desserts and coffee, we did a mini walking tour of Osage Alley.

This is alley is amazing because it is dotted with murals. This is another mural heaven in the Mission District!



Thursday, August 25, 2016

Lunch in the City - Coqueta

Conqueta - Menu
Mijo and I went to Coqueta the other week for lunch. It was a beautiful day to be next to the water and Mijo has not been to Coqueta so I thought those are perfect excuses.

It has been two years since the last time I dined there. Still the same Coqueta goodness, same friendly service, same great atmosphere for dining. One of my favorites!



Sunday, August 21, 2016

Musical in the City - Beautiful: The Carol King Musical

Beautiful - Orpheum Theatre bw
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical is finally in town till September 16. We were both free one week night last week and Mijo got tickets so we went.

I haven't seen Carol King in concert but going to see the musical made it feel like it and more. Mijo and I totally enjoyed the show.  


Monday, August 08, 2016

Arts at the Airport - Public Art at SFO Terminal 2

SFO Terminal 2 - New control tower
I don't get to fly out of Terminal 2 of the San Francisco International Airport. So when I got a chance last week, I did a little site seeing and took photos.  

Here are the public art found at SFO's Terminal 2. I hope you enjoy this short virtual tour.


Sunday, August 07, 2016

Everyday Coffee in the City - Guatemala Antigua Dark by Peerless Coffee and Tea

Everyday Coffee - Peerless Guatemala Antigua Dark
We opened one of the bags of coffee we brought home with us from our trip to Peerless Coffee and Tea a few weeks ago. It is great drank alone or paired with food.

We paired them with both savory breakfasts and sweet snacks and the coffee tasted so good. We really loved this medium roast coffee.


Saturday, August 06, 2016

Farm in Sonoma - Kozlowski Farms

Kozlowski Farms - Sign
We saw the Kozlowski Farms sign from the highway on our way to Joseph Jewell Winery. We didn't have plans to go to Kozlowski Farms but we ended up going there later that afternoon.

I am glad we decided to stop by Kozlowski Farms for a quick coffee and applie tart. We even brought a whole pie to take home with us. That's how we loved it!


Friday, August 05, 2016

Cafe in Oakland - Peerless Coffee and Tea

Peerless Coffee - Cafe bw
We ventured across the San Francisco Bay to visit a coffee shop. We've had their coffee at a couple of our favorite breakfast places in the city and it was great to finally get to their store in Oakland.

It did not disappoint because they have lots of good coffee to choose from and the service was friendly.  We loved going to Peerless Coffee and Tea.



Thursday, August 04, 2016

Lunch in Sonoma - Backyard

Backyard - Sign
During our wonderful time sampling tasty wines at Joseph Jewell, our wine educator Andy mentioned that a nearby restaurant is great for lunch.  That place is called Backyard.

Mijo and I went there after our wine tasting. We love the food, the service and the setting. It really felt like we were dining at our backyard. We love it!



Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Wine tasting in Sonoma - Joseph Jewell

Joseph Jewell Winery - Wine tasting signs
Mijo and I were in Sonoma County to shop for a couple of bottles of Pinot Noirs.  Where else to find great tasting Pinots other than the Russian River Valley area of Sonoma.

We went to Joseph Jewell to wine taste. We love their wines. Andy, our wine educator, was very knowledgeable and all around nice guy. Thanks guys!  

Friday, July 22, 2016

Island in the City - Skyline views from Treasure Island

Views from Treasure Island - SF Skyline from road bw
In my years of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I cannot believe that I have not been to Treasure Island. There is always a first time, as they say. 

My trip there was not even planned. We went there after a coffee trip to Oakland. The views of downtown San Francisco from Treasure Island are nothing short of amazing.



Monday, July 04, 2016

Festival in the City - The New Filipino Cinema at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

The New Filipino Cinema - Program
The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts just concluded its festival of Filipino movies called The New Filipino Cinema which ran from June 9, 2016 through July 3, 2016. 

Mijo and I were fortunate to see three very good movies. Miss Bulalacao, Sleepless and Taklub. Thank you YBCA. We truly enjoyed the movies you've presented.



Monday, June 27, 2016

Opera in the City - San Francisco Opera's new production of Carmen

SF Opera - Carmen bw
Mijo and I were fortunate to see the latest production of Carmen by San Francisco Opera. We heard the shows have been sold out but Mijo was able to get us tickets on Friday night show.

As expected, the cast and the entire production delivered marvelously. We truly enjoyed Carmen.



Sunday, June 26, 2016

Lavenders in the City - My new and old photos of lavenders at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Eat Well Farms - Dried lavenders at the market bw
I had never realized how long Mijo and I have been going to the Saturday Farmers Market at the Ferry Building until I saw my old photos of the farmers market.

I was browsing old photos the others and noticed that I have been taking pictures of one of my favorite flowers or scents. Dropping by Eatwell Farm's stall at the farmer's market is  one of to dos whenever I'm in the area.



Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Shopping in the City - Newly opened Apple Store in Union Square

Apple Store - San Francisco Store
Another beautiful place opened last week in the city. This time, it was the Apple Store in San Francisco's Union Square district that we got to check out.

The store is shiny, modern, elegant, lots of natural lighting, clean lines and beautiful building overall. Another jewel of a landmark in San Francisco.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Thai Food in the City - Dinner and Drinks at Saap Ver

Saap Ver - Menu designMijo and I have recently been to a newly opened Thai restaurant in the SOMA neighborhood of the city.  Saap Ver is on Division St. and serves great authentic country style Thai food.

Good cocktails, great food and a bonus live entertainment after the dinner rush hour. We loved it. We will definitely go back.


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Day Trip from the City - A Relaxing Weekend in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay - Bodega Head bwMijo and I have been planning a short weekend getaway north of the City.  Bodega Bay came to mind. We both have been to Bodega Bay as a side trip but we've not stayed there.

The scene was picturesque. The air fresh, the view was relaxing, the sounds of the breaking waves soothing. As a bonus, we stayed at a place with no TV, no cell phone reception and no wifi.


Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Cafe in the City - B Patisserie

B Patisserie - Goodies at Home bwI was in the neighborhood the other day for a doctor's appointment so I decided to finally visit B Patisserie. I've been wanting to go there for years.

Lunch was great. I also brought some goodies home so that Mijo would also enjoy them with coffee. We both liked it and will definitely go back.



Monday, May 09, 2016

Art in the City - SFMoMA Member Preview Day

SF MoMA - Opening bwWe were fortunate to get tickets to the SFMoMA's Member Preview Day. I love the additional collections, the new Snøhetta building, and of course, the existing collections.

It was a lot to take in. I'll definitely have to come back on a weekday after its official opening on May 14.



Sunday, May 01, 2016

Filipino Food south of the City - Seafood City's Grill City and Valerio's Tropical Bakery

Seafood City - SignI've heard from my coworker about the opening of Grill City and Crispy Town at Seafood City in South San Francisco.

Mijo and I have been wanting to check it out and we just found time this weekend. I am happy to report that our experience was wonderful and we have found another go-to place south of the City.


Monday, April 25, 2016

Everyday Wine in the City - 2013 Estate Pinot Noir by Merriam Vineyards

Merriam Vineyards - 2013 Estate Pinor Noir RRVWe opened this 2013 Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley by Merriam Vineyards and paired it with our one of our meals and Friday happy hour at home.

 This award winning wine is fresh tasting with a hint of spice and herbs.  A bottle of wine usually lasts up to three to four dinners but this didn't last long. We really liked this wine.


Sunday, April 24, 2016

Nature in the City - Presidio Trail Run

Presidio Trail Run - ShirtI joined a fun run at work as part of the company's volunteer effort. The run or race is called the Presidio Trail Run  which is hosted by the Presidio Y.

Not only I got a good fun workout, I also got to enjoy the great scenery and great weather outside. I can't believe I live in the city and still be this close to nature.


Saturday, April 23, 2016

Everyday Coffee in the City - Tantalizing Turkish by Philz Coffee

Philz Coffee - Tantalizing Turkey bagMijo was out of the country, coincidentally, it was also the same time I ran out of coffee.  Since I was going to drink the coffee alone for the next three weeks, I got a little creative.

I tried a coffee blend called Tantalizing Turkish by Philz Coffee. For the last three weeks, I was enjoying the goodness of this full bodied coffee. I like this coffee.



Monday, April 18, 2016

Fashion Exhibit at the De Young Museum - Oscar De La Renta: The Retrospective

De Young Museum - Oscar de la Renta signOscar De La Renta: The Retrospective is currently on display at the De Young Museum. My friends Caloy, Rey and I braved the rainy day and the big crowd to see it.

There was a long line going into the museum. We almost didn't get in but the story ended well and we were able see the exhibit. Oscar De La Renta is truly one of the best designers in the world.

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Friday, April 15, 2016

Art Exhibit in the City - Women: New Portraits by Annie Leibovitz

Women Annie Leibovitz - SignI am embarassed to admit that I didn't know about this photo exhibit until my good friend Dinah mentioned it to me one time. For someone who professes to be an amateur photographer, I should be on top of these events, right?

The story ended well because I went to check it out one Saturday with Dinah and it was a wonderful experience.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Cafe in the City - La Boulangerie de San Francisco in Noe Valley

La Boulangerie de San Francisco Noe Valley - 24th St location bwAfter the first La Boulangerie de San Francisco location opened on Pine St. last year, the store opened another location in Noe Valley on 24th St. 

I've been to that location three times and I enjoyed all my visits. I am glad that my old La Boulange favorite got rebooted as La Boulangerie de San Francisco.



Monday, April 11, 2016

Musical in the City - The Wicked

The Wicked - BART ad bwThe wildly successful musical is back in San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre and for the third time I went to see it. 

I can remember the last two times I saw the show and I can tell the difference between the shows. Of course, it was still great seeing it the third time.  I was just reminded again how good this show is.



Saturday, April 02, 2016

Brunch in the City - Samovar Tea Lounge at Yerba Buena Garden

Samovar Tea Lounge - Clip
I recently had a leisurely brunch with my friends Dinah and Karen at the Samovar Tea Lounge in Yerba Buena Gardens.  We always have a good experience dining there.  About three years ago, the three of us had brunch there and I remember we also had the same positive experience. 

A great combination of ambience, service, view, food and friends.




Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Art Exhibit in the City - Bill Graham and the Rock and Roll Revolution at the Contemporary Jewish Museum

Contemporary Jewish Museum - Bill Graham Rock Roll Revolution sign
Mijo took me one Saturday afternoon to the Contemporary Jewish Museum to see an exhibit called Bill Graham and the Rock and Roll Revolution. Not only was Bill Graham a successful rock promoter but he also used rock as a medium to raise awareness and raised funds to help others.

It was also great to be able to put a face on a name of a Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.



Monday, March 28, 2016

Sunrise Easter Service in the City - Service at Mt. Davidson Cross

Mt. Davidson - Cross bw
I can't believe that I've lived in the city for almost 20 years now and I haven't been to the Sunrise Easter Service on Mt. Davidson? 

Thanks to my friends and neighbors Noel and Dennis, I finally made it to the annual Sunrise Easter Service on Easter Sunday. It was not just to celebrate one of Christianity's important days but also to celebrate the sense of community in the city.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Lunch in Sonoma - Back again at The Girl and the Fig

The Girl and the Fig - SignWe went to Sonoma during the week so no mobs of city folks, out of towners and tourists. Guess where we went for lunch? Where else but The Girl and the Fig.

There are so many wonderful restaurants around Sonoma but we keep coming here. This place must have become of our favorites in the area.



Saturday, March 26, 2016

Wines Tasting in Sonoma - Classic and Library Wine Tasting at Merriam Vineyards

Merriam Vinayards - Gate bwWe had two sets of wine club shipments at Merriam Vineyards which we opted to pick up instead. We finally made it to Merriam this month and we finally enjoyed the perks of being a wine club member.

We tried most of the wines in their Classic and Library wine collections and they were all amazing wines. Thank you, Merriam Vineyards!



Monday, March 21, 2016

Everyday Coffee in the City - Peet's Coffee and Tea Arabian Mocha Java

Everyday Coffee in the City - Peet's Coffee Arabian Mocha Java Bages bwThis week, we are sampling for the first time a espresso roast from Peet's Coffee and Tea called Arabian Mocha Java.  I tried it in espresso and drip and both coffee tasted very good.

I also paired the coffee with local goodies from Cako, cookies from Trader Joe's and with a Kit Kat chocolate. This coffee tastes really good!



Saturday, March 19, 2016

Volunteerism in the City - On-Air Fundraising at KQED

KQED - On Air Fundraising
I recently had an opportunity to volunteer at KQED via the volunteer outreach at work. I've always wanted to volunteer at a KQED event so I was very excited when my name was picked at work.

It was my first time doing an on-air fundraising and I had a blast. Giving back to the community has never felt this good.



Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Musical in the City - Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing - Sign bw
Mijo and I saw the Broadway show Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage the other day. It was very entertaining, the music was great and the dancing was phenomenal. 

I like the movie but I liked the Broadway show even more. 



Saturday, February 27, 2016

Bakery in the City - Boudin Museum and Bakery Tour

Boudin - Flagship store bw
In the many years that I've lived in the city and eating sourdough breads, I never set foot in Boudin's museum. Before this month, I didn't know their museum existed. 

What I discovered was an eye opener. Not only I learned about the beginnings of Boudin, I also learned about their sourdough. A bakery tour was a bonus!



Monday, February 01, 2016

Super Bowl 50 in the City - Virtual Tour of Super Bowl City

Super Bowl City - Market St bw
Super Bowl 50 is here and San Francisco is hosting. This is big deal especially for sports aficionados. 

The city created Superbowl City in busy area of downtown. Here's a virtual tour of the event. 

Enjoy!


Sunday, January 24, 2016

Coastal scene south of the City - Pacifica Pier

Pacifica Pier - Waves
Mijo and I dropped by the Pacifica Pier to see the giant waves that have been pounding the already damaged portions of its seawall. 

We also had time to walk around the Esplanade Ave. and have a quick lunch and coffee in the town's quaint commercial center.