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.
"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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
"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.