It’s been a year

Somehow, the one year anniversary of this blog passed and I barely realized it. (I did have a feeling that I was neglecting something as partied at Bay to Breakers this year.) That’s probably not any surprise for you’all given the five month silence. Well, there a couple of lessons to be learned from looking backward. But rather then delve into that now, let’s get in a fresh entry…

1. Be Kind, Rewind at the Red Vic

I missed this movie when it was released back in late February. As I’m not that crazy about Jack Black movies, I probably just filtered it out. But I left the theater thinking that this one is quite creative and hilarious. Yes, there is a certain formula to it, and it’s arguable whether or not the movie has the Standard Hollywood Happy Ending ™. (For films, dammit! Not the other happy ending.) Yet, the plot turns out to be a really good excuse to string all the different gags together. And definitely points for the execution; I groaned when I first heard the term “Sweded” thinking it was just going to be totally stupid. But I was wrong; Black and the cast got it right. A great fit for the Red Vic, too.

2. Eiji

Even though this place is technically in the Castro, I’m going to call this the old neighborhood as it so close to Tartine and Bi-Rite. I’m so surprised I never headed to this place before. A solid Japanese dining experience with its some distinctive dishes: house special tofu, eggplant with walnut miso. Sashimi was also well executed. Will have to go back.

3. Union Street Festival

Note to self: never forget that Union Street is between Pac Heights and the Marina. A sizeable chunk of the crowd is the post-college version of frat boys and sorority girls. But credits to them for setting up such a good party that four members of San Francisco’s finest paid very close attention to them:

And, it wouldn’t be a SF event without Frank Chu:

But, most phony of the all was the “green theme.” Most booths had nothing. But some’s best efforts included this wonderful sign:

4. Zitune and Tartini

Yes, these place is very far out of the city. (All the way in Los Altos.) Service was a bit inconsistent, but the dishes were pretty solid Moroccan/Mediterranean fare. Portion a bit on the lighter side. I wonder, are these the parents of the Union Street crowd? Will the Union Street crowd move back to suburbia eventually?

Dessert ended up being frozen yogurt in Cupertino. Our first choice was too crowded (though not the Union Street bunch at all), so we ended up at Tartini. Somewhat scary that there was only staff there when we arrived, but that changed quickly enough. First time I’ve done the help yourself model (and pay be the ounce at the end). Flavors were decent, but I don’t know if I’d call it Pinkberry good. But a better choice if you’re looking for a variety of flavors and control of your own topping destiny.

So that’s the weekend at a glance. Let’s see if I can keep this up.

~ by esleavings on June 1, 2008.