We hold these truths to be self evident

...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of great beer.

I rang in the anniversary of our Nation's Independence by meeting #3 (the one who doesn't pay) at 21st Amendment, a microbrewery/restaurant/bar. Yes, I know I went off on him a few posts ago, but I thought I'd give the poor boy another shot. Two things I learned:

1. Stop blaming bad dates on first-date nerves. Chances are, it's just his personality.
2. Watermelon-fermented beer is perhaps one of the greatest gifts our nation has bestowed upon us.

If there's one thing I enjoy about the West Coast, it's the vast array of microbreweries. I love that they're all (fairly) unique and completely unpretentious. 21st Amendment is no different. I didn't try the food, but I immediately took to the cheeky brews ("Brew Free! or die") & laid back vibe.

The Southern girl in me was immediately drawn to "Hell or High Watermelon" - a wheat beer that is infused with watermelon juice during it's second fermentation. And I didn't look back. It wasn't sweet at all, but very refreshing and just enough watermelon to remind me of summers in Texas.

The other brilliant thing about 21st Amendment is that it is only blocks away from AT&T Park, which is quickly becoming my favorite summer hangout. Hellooooo Ryan Sadowski!

Our forefathers may not have set forth upon this great land to provide us with hot baseball players and ice cold beer every July 4, but it certainly is a grand way to celebrate.

Martha. I heart her.

Having lived with me for a year, SB can attest to my love of baking & crafts.  In other words, when I grow up I want to be Martha Stewart...only with better clothes and less jail time.  

So, while not specifically about CA or NY, I couldn't resist a post about Martha Stewart's new book, Cupcakes.   The book is a follow-up to her highly successful Cookies, and features 175 ideas for cupcake recipes, decorations & themes.  You can buy the book directly from Martha's website now.  Boston Cream Pie cupcakes?  Genius Martha, pure genius.

For those of you who prefer these delicous treats ready-to-eat, I can't reccommend Kara's Cupcakes enough.  There are 2 locations in SF (5 in the Bay Area).  Though, I'd avoid the Ghirardelli Square location unless you 1. are a tourist, or 2. really like tourists.  New Yorkers - since I cannot provide suggestions based on personal experience, Martha herself recommends Magnolia Bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Happy cupcaking!

I can't pronounce it, but I highly recommend it.

I love finding the gems of SF.  Tonight was Waziema.  Unfortunately I did not get to partake of the food (highly rated Ethiopian cuisine), but I was impressed with Waziema, nonetheless.  An expansive bar and huge back room, complete with a pool table.  Waziema is located on Divisadero & Fell, about a block from Alamo Square.  The resto/bar has a great vibe.  And wallpaper that was more interesting than my date.