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.

Culture: Get some.

In a city that sleeps only slightly less than NY (thanks to that pesky 2am last call), it becomes all too easy for a gal to spend all of her evenings at bars and clubs. Since checking TMZ.com every few hours doesn't really count when it comes to being "cultured", I like to visit the theatre, museum or random live music event every now and then so that I can make myself feel more interesting. Case and point: Independent Theatre.

Thanks to an awesome friend who had an extra ticket, I got to see Love, Humiliation & Karaoke, a one-man, autobiographical show about everything from singing trannies to online dating. Unfortunately for San Franciscans, Thursday was the show's last night in the city, but luckily for New Yorkers it will be heading to the Midtown International Theatre Festival in late July.

Added bonus: even if you can't make LHK, there's a solid 3 weeks of independent theatre to be had at the festival. I figure you can claim to be cultured for a solid 14 days after seeing a play.

I'm no expert, but...

So, yesterday was a fun-filled day of new adventures in the Bay Area. After a long day at Great America, J & I were waayy to tired/lazy to cook. So we wandered up to Chestnut to find something to eat. I said, "I would like Greek or Indian" (random, I know). Being the Marina, there is little Indian to be had, but we'd decided that's what we wanted, and J thought she remembered seeing a place. And behold! Ashoka!



The atmosphere was a little strange...for one, we were the only table in there for about 10 minutes, until a pair of guys came in. Secondly, it was extremely dark. I'm wondering if passers-by just thought it was closed?



Anyway, we started with Samosas (of course) & shared the Murgh Malai Kabab (chicken tandoori dish) & Ghosh Madras. The food was AMAZING. The lamb curry was so spicy my nose was running & the chicken and amazing flavor. It was also extremely juicy - not dry like some tandoori chicken I've had in the past.



I think Tabla in Foster City is still my favorite (the Bollywood movies make it), but for a neighborhood where the standard dress code is Frat Party Chic, I think Ashoka is quite acceptable.

Festivus for the Rest of Us

While Manhattanites flee the heat of their beloved city for the chic parties & cool ocean breezes of the Hamptons, Summer to San Franciscans is officially festival season.  From Bay to Breakers (more of a moving party than a festival) to the Outside Lands Music festival, San Francisco summers are filled with community events that encompass food, music, art & who knows what else (it is San Francisco, afterall).  This weekend, I'll be heading out to the Union Street festival.  Along with gourmet food vendors & live music, some of San Francisco's best artists will be showcasing their work.  Below is a Cliff's Notes version of the Summer Festival Season.

Union Street Festival, June 6-7 - This year with an eco-urban theme.

SF GLBT Pride Parade, June 28 - Go for the cause, stay for the fun. BoA is headlining the mainstage

SF Waterfront Festival, July 4 - One of the best fireworks shows in the bay area - as long as the fog cooperates

Fillmore Jazz Festival, July 4-5 - The largest free Jazz Festival on the West Coast

San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, July 8-12 - Showcases independent film makers & musicians from around the globe

Nihonmachi Street Fair, August 8-9 - The 36th Annual festival celebration Asian/Pacific Americans

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, September 12-13 - Um...Cocolate. Festival.  Enough said.

Folsom Street Fair, September 27 - A fair dedicated to exhibitionism, bondage & festish.  Dust off the ass-less chaps and leave the kids at home.

 

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.