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As an American Express® Cardmember, we invite you to ask the editorial team an entertainment related question. Our entertainment editors will provide expert answers, with other Cardmembers providing additional input on the best in city entertainment!
The Entertainment Access Spotlight beta test has concluded, and beginning this week we will no longer be posting new events. The site will still be up though, so you can view previous postings. We're taking a hiatus to evaluate the beta test and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the site. Please use the "Share Your Feedback" link at the top of the page to let us know what we did right, what we could improve, and any other thoughts you might have about the site. We'll incorporate your suggestions and ideas into future Entertainment Access site improvements. Thanks for being a part of the beta test!
PS: You can search for great entertainment offered through American Express by visiting Entertainment Access!
Seeking a refreshing respite from the late summer heat? Get thee some ice cream! Mitchell's is a favorite for frozen delicacies and recently celebrated its 50th birthday. In addition to standard ice cream flavors that you could find anywhere else in the city, Mitchell's offers some creative and exotic delights like French custard vanilla, Mexican chocolate, avocado, buko (baby coconut), lychee, mango and ube (purple yam). The cantelope ice cream is only available for a few more weeks as a seasonal refreshment, so it's on our short list. And all their flavors are homemade, premium, rich and tasty. No wonder Mitchell's has been winning so many awards and hearts for all these years.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
688 San Jose Ave., San Francisco | 415-648-2300
Husband and Wife team Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker bring dreamy slo-core music to a big stage as Low hits the Great American Music Hall this Tuesday. Oft referred to as minimalistic, experimental or lyrically arch, Low will be showcasing latest and sometimes bold tracks from their latest release, "Drums and Guns." Come on, show these Minnesota natives some Bay Area love.
Low, Sept. 25
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco
"Come on honey, put on your pretty dress, we're hitting the Top of the Mark!" Such a line might stumble out of your mouth some excited evening and we glow in wonder at what you might be celebrating. At the zenith of the Mark Hopkins hotel is a sophisticated lounge that offers dozens of martini varieties along with a stunning view. And while there may be some stodgy types or tourists at the other tables, there's enough elegance and ambiance at the Mark to sleek over any odd details. Be forewarned, there may be a cover for a jazzy lounge band and the drinks are a bit on the spendy side. But really, what does it matter? You're celebrating!
Top of the Mark
1 Nob Hill, San Francisco | 415-616-6916
Fabulous stylings, hospitable stylists, and reasonable prices? It's easy to see why patrons of the Addiction Hair Salon are making it a regular habit. Long hair, short, male, female, trendy styles, sleek and simple – the Addiction stylists are accommodating and sweet. Additionally, the stylists cheerfully doll out coffee or a glass of wine as you discuss your next new fabulous look.
Addiction Hair Salon
350 Alabama St., San Francisco | 415-552-2190
If you are like me, then you believe pie falls into its own food group, and when done superbly it induces blissful euphoria with each tasty forkful. And if you love pie like this or want to love pie like this, consider Mission Pie your next destination. The variety of pies available is dizzying. Serving up apple, walnut, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, banana cream and other dreamy and savory confections. The pie may be sinful but the organization PieRanch certainly isn't with its education program which teaches students from urban areas about the agricultural roots and process that brings their tasty pies to the table.
Mission Pie
2901 Mission St., San Francisco | 415-282-1500
Every neighborhood has a special place to call its own. Here's a few of our favorites:
• Lower Height: Axum Cafe for flavorful Eritrean cuisine, friendly service, eating with your hands and sipping honey wine.
• Inner Richmond: Le Soleil (133 Clement) provides sophisticated vibe on tasty traditional Vietnamese dishes. Get the seabass.
• Inner Sunset: Alvin's is an intimate little coffee and tea shop that showers local patrons with love and cheer.
• Chinatown: After walking along Grant Street, you'll want a tasty bubble tea. Get it at the Sweetheart Cafe, 909 Grant.
It's after work and you want to chill out with a good drink, good energy, minimal fuss and optimal feelgood. Check out John Colins in the Financial District. This cozy bar is well regarded for friendly service, good music with live DJs, and a positive vibe. We love this place for its happy hour discounts on Guiness, Boddingtons and a slew of other imported and micro brew beers. Check out the calendar for upcoming events.
John Colins
90 Natoma St., San Francisco | 415-543-2277
It's in your hand night after night, been your companion through raucous good times and mortifying bad times. You've broken up a few times and then gotten back together. In spite of some intense outbursts in your relationship you still anticipate a life long affection. Of course you're referring to beer. And if you've never had really good beer before, clearly you've never had one of the Speakeasy Ales & Lagerss. Speakeasy recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and has proudly been supplying hip local bars with their Prohibition Ale, Big Daddy IPA, Untouchable Pale Ale, and the full flavored Double Daddy Imperial Pale Ale. You can also visit the warehouse where they make the lovely ichors down in Bayview, take a brewery tour, hang out with the staff as you sample their wares, toss a few washers out in horseshoe fashion, and even take home a souvenir glass to commemorate your visit.
Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
1195 Evans Ave., San Francisco | 415-642-3371
Celebrating its 9th year as the largest and most dynamic arts festival to showcase emerging Asian Pacific American visual arts, music, literature, film and live performance — APAture is back and promises a mindblowing spectacle this month. With programs nearly every night from Sept 18th — 29th, showcases will vary by theme each night and at multiple venues. We're particularly looking forward to seeing the following events:
Music Showcase featuring Goh Nakamura, Sept. 21
The Make-Out Room
3225 22nd Street, San Francisco | 415-647-2888
Literary Showcase with ZYZZYVA and AAWAA
Kearny Street Workshop's space180
180 Capp Street, 3rd Floor, at 17th Street, San Francisco | 415-503-0520
Tuesday, Sep. 25
Water Babies Screening and Panel Discussion
Kearny Street Workshop's space180
180 Capp Street, 3rd Floor, at 17th Street, San Francisco | 415-503-0520
Tickets available at manja.org
The weather outside is delightful and if you're lucky, you're out and about early! Where shall you go to sate your peppy appetite? Zazie is a great choice in Cole Valley with its fantastic breakfast/brunch menu and intimate patio area out back. Enjoy a latte or a soju bloody mary with your Eggs Monaco (poached eggs with prosciutto and tomatoes provencale) the gingerbread pancakes, or a croque madame. This cute French styled bistro gets busy on the weekends and has a large following among Cole valley locals so you'll want to get in early or patiently sip your latte as you wait. Slept in but still want Zazie good eats? Consider dinner at Zazie with their infamous pate Zazie, an entrée of lemon ricotta ravioli, their maple leaf pressed duck breast, or their grilled mascarpone polenta cakes. On Tuesdays Zazie waves the corkage fee.
Zazie
941 Cole St., San Francisco | 415-564-5332
If you thought you were a cheeseophile before, you better hold on to your britches. The Cheese School of San Francisco recently announced their fall course schedule, which is sure to thrill and entice all cheddar and brie devotees. We recommend novices get a handle on cheeseology by attending a basic Cheese Primer (available 9/28, 9/29, 11/15, 12/5 or 12/6; $60/person) to get cheese fundamentals, core tasting skills, and other cheese basics. Advanced cheese courses look at varieties from different regions of the world, a focus on blue or sheep cheeses, and paring with wine or beer. Courses are taught by professional cheese educators, former American Cheese Society judges, and culinary experts.
The Cheese School of San Francisco
2155 Powell St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco | 415-346-7530
Need a refresh to your wardrobe but have little scratch in the wallet? Make sure to take bags of last season's retail therapy to "The Most Hyperbolically Stupendous Clothing Swap Ever." Costing you only $5, TMHSCSE will feature on-site screen printing, beverages, Local underground DJs, spontaneous fashion shows, and more crafty goodness. Leftover clothing will be donated to local charities including the Stop AIDS Project, Dolores Street Community Services, and A Safe Place for Women. Cash only.
The Most Hyperbolically Stupendous Clothing Swap Ever, Sept. 22
CellSpace
2050 Bryant St., San Francisco | 415-648-7562
• 9/18 — Peter Bjorn & John w/ The Clientelle at the Warfield. I'm sure all the young folks will be there.
• 9/18 — Def Leppard with Styx and Foreigner at the Sleep Train Pavillion at Concord. Old school hard rock.
• 9/19 — The Donnas at the Great American Music Hall — showcasing their latest record and tearing it up for all their fans.
• 9/23 — Alice Radio's Now & Zen Fest 2007 featuring James Blunt, Joss Stone, Gin Blossoms, etc. at Sharon Meadow - Golden Gate Park.
• 9/24 — Abra Moore at Café Du Nord $10 All Ages with Korby Lenker opening.
"COPUS MUSIC will present the premiere of 'Elements — The First World Rhythm Opera' which will feature music, spoken word, singing, dance, and video on the six elements from Western and Eastern derivation: water, earth, air, fire, metal, and wood. The evening will also include a raffle drawing, Ethiopian food and drink, and artist vendors." There's very little in the above official description that doesn't make this event sound totally awesome. Get ready to clap your hands, tap your toes and holla.
COPUS MUSIC, September 21
Rassela's Jazz Club
1534 Fillmore St. at Geary, San Francisco | 415-346-8696
The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's seminal book, On the Road, with performances by Bay Area poets, musicians, beat artists and more, including David Meltzer, Wavy Gravy, Lenore Kandel and Joanna McClure. Tickets are just $8 for members, $10 for non-members.
A Tribute to Kerouac's On the Road, Sept. 10
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
3200 California St., San Francisco | 415-292-1233
Far more sophisticated than your usual Mission style taqueria, the sleek lunch and happy hour destination of Mexico DF serves up chic cocktails and luscious dishes to Financial District patrons aching to escape the typical grind of the work week. Their guacamole is fresh and flavorful and served in generous portions with their fresh tortilla chips, an excellent starter to a meal that otherwise includes nopalitos, frijoles de la olla, tinga de pollo and other tasty bites. Fruity flavored margaritas and mojitos include muddled fresh fruit and come in tamarind, pomegranate, peach, strawberry and more sinfully scintillating flavors.
Mexico DF
139 Steuart St. San Francisco | 415-808-1048
This week, all around the city, The eighth annual Expo for the Artist & Musician will be making connections between artists and the community — maybe even you. Join in at workshops during the week, and head to the SomArts Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 15 for the "Free Culture Fair," all-day extravaganza featuring dozens of Bay Area arts organizations, free workshops, performances and hundreds of local artists and musicians. The $2 admission is donation-based and no one is turned away. Cash only.
Expo for the Artist & Musician, Sept. 10-15
SomArts Cultural Center (and other venues)
934 Brannan St., San Francisco
Carnivores are desperate fans of Espetus Churrascaria which offers Brazillian styled rotisserie meats served to your table at your command. Each guest is given a green- and red-sided token that signals to the ubiquitous staff if you'd like more food served to your table and you are given an extensive menu of meats to choose from — linguica, filet mignon, chicken, lamb chops, pork loin and sirloin — as well as an extensive salad bar. It is impossible to walk out of this place less than utterly satisfied.
Espetus Churrascaria
1686 Market St. between Gough and Valencia Streets, San Francisco | 415-552-8792
Oui, you can indeed find tasty French comfort food to soothe the soul and escape the mundane on a foggy day by the piers. Consider Mistral Rotisserie Provençale in the Ferry Building, which offers subtly seasoned and juicy roast chicken, lamb and pork options that can be combined with a ratatouille, fresh roasted vegetables and macaroni & cheese made with a béchamel of cheddar, jack and gruyere. Ideal for lunchtime day-dreaming.
Mistral Rotisserie Provençale
1 Ferry Bldg., San Francisco | 415-399-9751
• Tony Bennet swoons audiences this week at Davies Symphony Hall. Why, for the love of all that is good and jazzy would you miss this?
• Virtual Unreality: For the synergies between real and unreal universes within a science forward setting, cCheck out this exhibition.
• The Arts & Media Expo mentioned earlier features loads of photography, podcast, film and dance workshops for patrons and artists looking at exploring new media.
Cocktail snobs will vie to be the first to introduce you to Rye — the chic Nob Hill bar with attitude and creative cocktails. In addition to the friendly crowds, the open air patio for smokers, and the sophisticated atmosphere, Rye is well known for serving tasty and generous cocktails. Try the Basil Gimlet (a luscious confection) and the Ashbury Sling made with fresh apple juice and apple brandy.
Rye
688 Geary St., San Francisco | 415-474-4448
This sweet "girl next door" cafe has a well established reputation for tasty eats, spectacular pastries, and strong coffee — but at night, Liberty Cafe slips on a sexy dress and serves you up a jaw-dropping glass of red wine. Not quite what you might expect in a Bernal Heights cafe, but worthy of a second look. The "wine bar" on Thursday through Saturday only and without fussing too much over a wine menu, simply ask the server for a recommendation. Trust us — it's worth it.
Liberty Cafe
410 Cortland Ave., San Francisco | 415-695-8777
This is not for the timid. This is some serious stuff going on here. You will sweat. You will bruise. You will feel beaten up. In other words, if you're into that type of thing, you'll totally love it. Fairtex focuses on traditional Thai fighting arts and the opportunity to work with professional trainers — many of whom have fought in Thailand's MuayThai league. Go ahead. Knock yourself out. Literally.
Fairtex Muay Thai Fitness
132 Hawthorne St., San Francisco | 888-324-7839
And you thought you were cool before, didn't you? But have you been to Double Punch to appreciate and bask in the awesomeness of incredible, out of stock, hard to find, retired, fanatically cool imported toy figurines? How much awesomer can you make your cubicle space with figures from ningyoushi.com and other odd goodies and toys. Double Punch is a playground for adult children — focusing on trendy collectibles from Japan, limited edition vinyl artifacts, ugly dolls and other cool goodies.
Double Punch
1821 Powell St., San Francisco | 415-399-9785
Where can you get the best grilled cheese in the city? The same place where you can get luscious tasty chunks of lobster in about everything you want to wrap your mouth around in North Beach. And none of that pretentious pinky lifting, eyebrow cocking attitude either. The North Beach Lobster Shack offers New England-style fare including an ephemeral lobster roll sandwich (large tasty chucks of claw meat) that is served up naked or dressed (do you want your mayo on the side or on top of your sandwich?). Lobster Shack has a no ask/no judge/no worries BYOB policy, so feel free to bring a bottle of champagne or a 40 of your favorite malt beverage.
North Beach Lobster Shack
532 Green St., San Francisco | 415-829-3634
Feel the beat? Is it coursing through your veins, pounding in your head, setting the cadence in your footsteps, interrupting your thoughts, and escaping in frustrated little taps from your finger tips when you know — in your heart of hearts — that you just really want to "RAWK"? You know, with that kind of indomitable beat in your system, you're going to need a good set of drums. And you're going to want Sam to guide you to your perfect set of skins. Used and vintage drum gear delivered with outstanding expertise, care, and attention service.
Sam Adato's Drum Shop
283 9th St., San Francisco | 415-863-3786
If you love your feet — I mean really, really, adoringly love your feet — then you've at least heard of John Fluevog Shoes and their marvelous, comfortable, stylish and playful tootsie teasers. Beautiful, built to last, and fully demonstrative of the dutiful homage and praise you should be showering on your feet.
John Fluevog Shoes
1697 Haight St., San Francisco | 415-436-9784
Here's where to go for the most important meal of the weekend day: brunch.
• Orphan Andy's (2370 Market St., Ste. 4): Open 24/7 and you'll be served by an aging queen in a leather kilt. Still, it's the best chicken-fried steak in the city, bar none.
• Triptych: The food is tasy and consistently awesome. While visiting the toilets, be sure to offer up a prayer to the gods of disco in the '70s-themed restroom.
• City View Restaurant (662 Commercial St.): Nothing beats good old fashioned dim sum for immediate brunch time gratification.
Marvelous, full bodied, flavorful, and filling — these are the adjectives that diners use to describe their meals at Papalote in the Mission. The vegan salsa has a notably smoky and complex flavor that is second to none in the city. Californian dining sensibilities are indulged as Papalote offers vegetarian options including soyrizo and tofu.
Papalote Mexican Grill
3409 24th St., San Francisco | 415-970-8815
In a world where digital photography and imagery dominates our lives, it's fantastically romantic and gratifying to stumble upon beautiful prints that you'd want to gaze upon daily. That's the sense you get when you walk in to Photograph — the eponymous shop that offers an extensive library and gallery of prints available for purchase, matting and framing. Bring your own prints for professional and museum-grade treatment and archive the most important images of your life with convenience and ease. Staff are extraordinarily knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about photography.
Photograph
2298 Chestnut St., San Francisco | 415-563-4600
Brilliant Greek food is served generously with loads of smile, warmth, and class at Kokkari in the financial district on Jackson Street. Echoing the charm of a rustic inn off the Aegean Sea, the ambiance is enhanced by provincial details and an inviting fireplace. Intoxicating fragrances from the briami, the kolokithokeftethes and spanakotiropita (no you don't have to pronounce the dishes to eat) greet you as you enter, and you won't be able to walk out of the place any less than completely full.
Kokkari
200 Jackson St., San Francisco | 415-981-0983
When is a wine bar more than a wine bar? When it's the Nectar Wine Lounge in the Marina District. This chic and cozy gem is a warmly unpretentious destination for your inspired wine connoisseur and offers light small plate dishes that accompany the select wines presented there. For Nectar novices, the appropriately named "bad-assed red flight" and "bubbles flight" are generous pours which sample from around the world, not just local vintners. Check the schedule for specific tasting events.
Nectar Wine Lounge
3330 Steiner St., San Francisco | 415-345-1377
Where's the art? It's in great independent galleries like these:
• Despite its moniker, the luggage store doesn't sell travel merchandise. Instead, they are an organization dedicated to "broadening social and aesthetic networks, encouraging the flow of images and ideas between different cultural and economic communities."
• SF Camerawork offers loads of unique, contemporary exhibitions and photography.
• At 111 Minna Gallery, you get it all in one hot spot: bar, lounge, dancing and edgy art.
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