City Hall

San Francisco City Hall is a pretty impressive building - especially at night. I've always wanted to take the official (and free!) tour.

Bambuddha Lounge

The last time I went to Bambuddha Lounge it was called Backflip and it was my friend, David's 30th birthday. I won't say how long ago that was.


It's now a very slick, hip lounge that serves yummy Asian-fusion food.


You can also bring drinks and food out to the pool area, which is nice on a warm evening.

Rooftop Soiree

It was supposed to be a sun-drenched, rooftop soiree. But after the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up, we headed inside for homemade pizza and pasta salad!

Spanish Class

Amelia is my new Spanish teacher. I've decided to take six weeks of classes to prepare me for my trip to Cuba.


She runs a company called Habla, which teaches small classes (there are two of us) in a casual setting. It focuses on conversation and learning by practicing, rather than memorizing or reading from a book.

Roasted Cauliflower

I found a new Web site with really great, healthy recipes.


Last night, I roasted cauliflower. Then I ate it for dinner. The whole head!

Heart

Heart is a new wine bar in the Mission. Linda and I checked it out on Saturday night. It was crowded, but it had a good vibe. It also had a good selection of wine at a variety of prices. We enjoyed a $6 glass that was described as a wine you could drink "from dawn until dusk."

Spring in the City

Lately, San Franciscans have been enjoying the kind of weather that makes tourists want to move here.


First, I made this spectacular salad. I topped it with seared ahi, but left it out of the photo because it didn't look exactly right.


Then, I ate it up on the roof. What a view!

Lolo

When Linda suggested Lolo for dinner on Saturday, I hummed "Lola" all day long. But this is not just another rehashed classic rock restaurant, it's unique.


The decor is funky, the attitude is fun and the service was excellent.


We took the suggestions of fellow Yelpers and tried the pistachio-encrusted salmon.


And the shrimp tacos on jicama "tortillas." Both were fantastic.

We also tried several vegetable side dishes, but I didn't think they came close to the quality of the seafood dishes.

Spring in SF

Every year, I'm a bit surprised by its arrival. It's gray and rainy and yucky and then, all of a sudden, it's here!


(Thanks to Liz for the photo.)

Disneyworld

I went to Disneyworld once. I think it was 1979. We drove. We camped. I remember "It's a Small World" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" and not much else.


I'm going back in April. This time with my mom, dad, brother and nephew. Admittedly, I don't have much interest in Disneyworld, but I'm pretty darned excited to hang out there with a 5-year-old!

Fake Meat!

This sign is outside a local Thai restaurant. The heading on the menu is "Vegetarian lovers!"

Cliff House

Beth and I had lunch at the Cliff House on Sunday after a leisurely walk at Land's End. You certainly pay a premium for the view.

Lazy Sunday

Look at these cuties!

Mandatory Composting

Composting is now mandatory in San Francisco. My fair city already recycles more of its garbage than any other city in America and I think composting can easily be as successful. Every apartment has a small bucket - the contents are then dumped into a large container in the basement. Simple. I'm so excited.

Grand Central Station

What a crazy place at rush hour!


This photo doesn't do it justice, but I tried. I did manage to leave the hotel for a couple hours.

The Big Apple

I'm here for work, so it's good that I've got killer views from my hotel room because I probably won't be leaving the building.


For the record, chatting up the front desk clerk does have its rewards.


I'm on the 38th floor at the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel.

"Windows into the Tenderloin"

A new mural was unveiled in my neighborhood. It's gorgeous.


It shows the same intersection before ...


... and after.

I hope I'm around long enough to see the "after."

Read more about Mona Caron, the artist and a friend of Hugh's here.

Shopping, Eating Differently

Because I no longer have a car and because my new neighborhood doesn't offer a ton of choices for fresh produce, I've been forced to change the way I shop and the way I eat. I think it's a good thing.


I try to get to the nearby farmer's market on Sundays and my week's menus consist of what looks good and what's available rather than what I feel like eating. I paid about $5 for yesterday's haul.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Last night, I enjoyed two of my favorite actors - Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman - in the same movie.

Cat Heaven

Nearly four years ago, my beloved Cleo died of cancer. My friend, Lisa, gave me this book.


In recent weeks, two close friends have lost their kitties. I can't recommend this book enough. It will make you cry, but during tough times, that's a good thing.

Umami Moto

I have to figure out why my Blackberry takes such crappy photos ...


Meanwhile, let me rave about Umami Moto, a great Asian-Fusion-sushi restaurant Mike took me to in Milwaukee. We enjoyed some really wonderfully unique sushi in a hip and stylish atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Fun in the Snow

Who knew that a snow-covered playground could be so fun?


He was a little scared at first, but when he saw his dad and uncle jumping off the swings, Shaelin wanted to do it, too.

Too Early For Tulips?

Not here in Northern California.


These beauties were grown in a greenhouse in Petaluma. Look how beautifully they match Brian's painting.