The Bay Area and back down…
After many years in Palo Alto, I have come to know and love the Bay Area. SF is the home of some of my favorite rock legends, Metallica, Faith No More, Journey and Santana. It is also the first city I got to run around in when I was a Jr. Lush and hone my skills.
Oh yes, back in that day I would go everywhere a college kid would: To Haight St to cruise the goth/ slutty stores to find something for a theme party, day-drink some sangria at Cha Cha Cha, pound some Irish Car Bombs at Foley's or dance like an idiot at Ruby Skye.
Oh yes, back in that day I would go everywhere a college kid would: To Haight St to cruise the goth/ slutty stores to find something for a theme party, day-drink some sangria at Cha Cha Cha, pound some Irish Car Bombs at Foley's or dance like an idiot at Ruby Skye.
This last time around however, I managed to check out some new spots for a more matured lush and learn a few new tidbits. Did you know that San Jose has been nicknamed “Man Jose?” And those who call SoMa, SoMa can get you ridiculed by a cabbie for not being a local? Yeah, me neither. Anywho, some of the great places I checked out this time included The Brixton.
The Brixton is in the heart of the Marina shopping district and is a classy homage to London’ Brixton Academy with concert posters on the chicly wallpapered walls. Only thing is that at the real Brixton Academy you sure as hell wouldn’t find a basil-infused gin gimlet. It is a hip little joint, especially amidst the dog-loving yuppieness.
We also hit up some great brunch spots. Paul K on Gough St (pronounced Goff) is one of the first places I have found in NorCal that does an extreme brunch! All you can drink Mimosas or Bloodys for $12. The brunch menu is limited but very good.
I really liked a spot my friend picked in the Mission District for some great grub like mac n cheese, goat cheese fondue, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and cajun fries. Head on over to Luna Park and chow down after a long day of vintage shopping down the block. Need to fit a large party and want some mexican grub? Check out Tres Agaves "Spanish for 3 agaves";)
What was most surprising about my last trip to the Bay was my new-fund love for the East bay. Yes, Oakland and Berkeley has a lot to offer including lots of cute shopping, tea houses, sushi joints, the world's greatest chicken sandwich Bakesale Betty and an all you can eat/all you can drink fondue and wine dinners at Fondue Fred's near Cal across from Buffalo Exchange. Extreme fondue?! Who would have thought?
Go over the Bay Bridge for a change...you'll be glad you did.
