Tuesday, March 25, 2008

"Express" Yourself

In real estate, it's always location, location, location. In food, it's "Food" first, "location" second. I mean, if you can get some great grub in a not-so-great area, then who are we to judge? This is the case with Thai Express House ( 901 Larkin at Geary). Seriously some of the best Thai in the city. Seriously, one hell of a neighborhood. Not being one to let the local villagers sway me from good eats, make a trip here for some great food. There are probably over 80 dishes on the menu. How to choose just one?!?!?

Let's start with my Thai deal breaker: Pad Thai. While others in the city have proven a whimpy flavorless dish (hello Bangkok Noodles on Powell ???) this one just rocked. Great flavors and not greasy. The Gai Ga-Prow was a tasty, spicy mix of chicken, chili, and bell peppers. We asked for it spicy and I'd say it was medium spicy. Param Pack (crispy tofu and veggies and a yumm-a-rific peanut sauce) was a good vegetarian dish that had lots of flavor and for desert try Roti, a coconut flavored ice cream. Why is this not a popular American flavor I don't know. I'd eat it on the 4th of July! The decor is unexpected modern. The large windows let you see the show outside...kinda like your own personal "Urinetown." The service is quick, not personable, but you get your food and that's what matters. After the Great American Music Hall, this is one yummy place to be!

Thai House Express 901 Larkin at Geary Open everyday 12 noon to midnight


Frisco Survival Tip #1,345

The seats on MUNI have shrunk. Or else everyone in the city has become fatties. Here's a tip...especially for you "oh-so-hip-and-cooler-than-you-cause-I-have-a-IPod" guys: Close your damn legs. Do you realize that your spread eagle takes up not one, but two seats? Unless you have some weird MUNI fetish, keep 'em closed and share a seat with a friend. Thanks for listening.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Down With War! Where's My Mochachino?

Friscoers love a good party and a good cause. Down with war. Go green. Stop pollution. Save the whales. Use Paper. Not Plastic. As goes Frisco, so does the rest of the world. This city has the most committed protesters who stick by their ideals. Did you miss the big anti war protest down Market on Wednesday? Don't worry....Here's a few highlights:

A girl who didn't want to do the "sit down" cause she didn't want to get her pants dirty.

A guy yelling "Oil is Death. Corporations Kill" whole holding a Starbucks.

A guy carrying an "End War" sign while handing out menus to some Chinese restaurant in the Haight.

So say we all.

Only in Frisco, kids.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Pizza Prowl: Memories of "Blondie's"

Flashback to 1996. A small little store at the Powell cable car turn around. A small counter where you can get a big slice of thick crust pizza and a coke for $2.50 or get the special of the day.

Flash to 2008. A wide open store with down stairs seating. You can still get the pizza/drink special, but it costs you $4.00. The crust is thinner. They still have a special of the day. But there's more than just pizza - Mexican food, BBQ, frozen yogurt.

The memories of Blondie's. Too bad they're gone. Blondie's today resembles little of what made this store great. I'm a crust-aholic. The bigger and thicker, the better. Blondie's had great crust. I asked the counter when they changed their crust and was told that it's the same as always. Bull crap. A slice today is smaller and thinner. I had the special pizza of the day, "The Wheat Crust Vegetarian," ($3.25 a slice) a mix of vegetables (green pepper, olives, something else) on wheat crust. The crust was good, if not a little grainy. The vegetables were decent, not great. I then had the Cheese Slice Special (slice and small drink). The cheese was oily, gooey and runny. The crust had little crunch to it. At $4.00, it ain't worth it. But the tourists will go for it.

Blondie's made the mistake of menu over expansion. Why in the world would they think they would be the place for Mexican food, BBQ Chicken, or Sweet and Sour Chicken? Business basic rule #1: Do what you do and do it well.

It's sad when you see a past fave go away. But we'll always have the memories.

March and the Penguins

Wanna know who's the most successful entertainer? Nope. Not Britney, Cher, or Paris. It's those damn cute 'n cuddly penguins! They've had more hit films than Will Smith. "Don't Call It Frisco" reader Vinnie of Valencia sent me this tip about the Bay Area's very own "Happy Feet." Meet San Anselmo's Jim Fox, former IT guy turned Sphenisciformes. Don't call him Jim. Call him"Penguin Man." He's currently the only penguin we know who sings, taps, plays the ukulele, and has his own CD. Maybe you've caught his act in Union Square. Perhaps you know some of his dittys, such as "The Global Warming Blues" (Didn't Melissa Etheridge record that one?) or my favorite, "The Inky, Dinky, Winky Hot Dog Song." Like all major recording artists, you can catch Penguin Man's latest music video here. Why Penguin Man has not been booked into Nickies or the DNA Lounge, we don't know. Probably discrimination. Let Penguin Man's voice be heard! Rise against the machine!

Only in Frisco, kids!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Cheap Eats: "King of Thai" Still Reigns

Cheap and quick. The way I like my Thai. King of Thai Noodle House (184 O'Farrell @ Powell...but many other city locations) knows what they are doing. Open every night till 1 AM and located right next to Macy's Union Square, it's a popular location and often crowded on weekdays and weekends. The tables are cramped up next to each other in a room awash in lavender. Why lavender, I have no idea.

I use a Thai restaurant's Pad Thai as a ranking meter and King's version ($7.45) was delicious. Loved the peanut sauce. However, I was knocked over by their great Pad Kee Mao ($7.25), a flavorful mix of a choice of meat, flat noodles, green beans, green peppers, and a lip smacking Thai chili and basil. My BBF Susan had Pad See-Ew ($7.25) - a mix of flat noodles, meat, egg, broccoli and soy sauce. She raved about it. A must when you visit is the Thai Ice Tea - simply one of the best I've tasted. The milk and cream mix was perfect. However, there was a major misstep for the King. The Egg Rolls ($5.45) were fried little pieces of blandness. The only thing they were good for was as something to dip in the fab plum sauce.

Service here is quick. And I mean quick. Not more than 20 seconds at the table, our server brought us water. A few minutes after ordering, the food started to roll out. Don't expect personality with your service. It's quick and efficient. With the bill you get a tasty after dinner mint called (I think..I can't really read the wrapper) "UST." Have no idea what it's made of but, boy, it was tasty. Another major downside is that they don't take credit cards. But the "King" still rules with good, quick and cheap food.

King of Thai Noodle House 184 O'Farrell (and other city locations) (415) 677-9991

Do It for Mr Rogers

If you do one good thing this year (yes...just one), try this. This Wednesday, you are requested to wear a sweater in honor of the sweater king, Mr. Rogers. "Won't You Wear A Sweater Day" is in honor of what would have been his 80th birthday. Come on. All the man wants is for you to be his darn neighbor.

His group, Family Communications Inc, wants you put on your best Baby Phat sweater to show your love for the man of da hood. The weather forecast predicts cloudy skies and 50's. Good sweater weather. My friend Aranda, who works at Fleece & Fantasy, says she would rather wear a hoodie. Somehow, I can't picture Mr. Rogers wearing a "I Got Crabs In SF" hoodie.

Bad Muni. Bad

Here's the winner of our first "Bad Dog" Award. We know MUNI has issues. Too bad there isn't a transit therapist. I received this email from RedScorpion68 and thought I'd share it with you.

Love your blog. Thought I'd share a totally idiotic MUNI adventure with you. I was riding the 30 Stockton Sunday night around 9:30 PM. It was bus number 5551. I got on at Sutter and the heat was on. I don't know why cause it was like 65 degrees outside. Every window was open. After a few minutes, I was sweating like a piggy. Around Columbus, I went up to the driver and asked if he could turn the heat off because we were all hot. His reply "Really?" I said yeah, we're burning up. He then muttered something I couldn't understand. He never turned the heat off. An elderly woman was fanning herself and sweating. She had to get off early cause she couldn't take it anymore. If a driver can't understand that heat is not needed and to turn it off, why the hell is he driving a bus? Kinda scary.

Actually, RedScorpion68, really scary.

Yep. That's our city's finest at work. Don't even bother about sending in one of the MUNI complaint forms. I sent one in five months ago and requested a reply. After two follow ups, I still haven't heard. If any other Friscoers have a MUNI story or other complaint, feel free to send. We'll Bad Dog them. We good people need all the support we can get.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Cheap Eats: Irving's "L'Avenida" A Sala Treat

We're all use to it. Good Mexican food...bland, wimpy salsa. But when you find good food and great salsa, you are in heaven! L'Avenida (511 Irving St and 6th Avenue) is just that place. Inside a cozy, casual and clean dinning room you'll finda good burrito and some of the best salsa in the city (hmmm....that sounds like a show on TeleMundo). Being a burrito hound, their Super Chicken Burrito ($6.95) is a manwhich size meal full of cheese, salsa, sour cream and chicken. I wasn't a fan of the guac. The grilled chicken has a real fresh taste. While not the best burrito I've had, it definitely hit the spot. Their orchata drink is a delicious blend of cinnamon, sugar, and milk that's refreshing and not too sweet. Susan, my BBF (that stands for "Bisexual Best Friend") raved about the Cheese & Mushroom Quesadilla ($5.50) with garden fresh mushrooms and just the right amount of cheese. This place does quesdillas right. The staff was super friendly.

Now to the salsa. Wow. Just one bite and you can tell is the real stuff. Loved it. One of the best in the city. Fresh, snappy and with a zing to it, L'Avendia's salsa rocks. The offer a mild and spicy version with the complimentary chips that come with your order.

Watch out for parking. This is one congested area, especially on weekends. There is a bike stand right in front.

L'Avendia 511 Irving (415) 681-1246

Friday, March 14, 2008

The Weekend WOW: The Lady Who Gave Us "It's A Small World"

It's one of those mind blowing songs that gets stuck in your head and won't leave:

"It's a small world, after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small world after all. It's a small, small world."

But what made the Disneyland ride such a memorable experience was not that damn tune, but the bright colors and fascinating designs. This is the final weekend you have to catch a great tribute to the women who took on that world; the SF Cartoon Museum's "The Art & Flair of Mary Blair."

One of the first women to work on concept art for Walt Disney, Mary's inspirations can also be seen in such animated classics as "Peter Pan" and "Cinderella," and the totally tripped out "Alice In Wonderland." However, her innovative use of colors and shapes for "Small World" still today remain a visual treat. The exhibit displays her watercolor paintings, commerical illustrations and evocative stylings. Local Friscan's may also remember seeing Mary's wonderful work at the old Nut Tree in Vacaville. Relive the time when you really thought it was small world.

SF Cartoon Museum (655 Mission in the Yerba Buena Gardens) Admission: Adults $6 Phone (415) CAR-TOON (and for those of us who are challenged...415-227-8666)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Oakland's Napkin Art Contest

I don't think Van Gogh started this way, but hey...it's worth a shot. Mama's Royal Cafe in Oakland is looking for the best doodler for their 23rd annual Napkin Art Contest. Now, before you think napkin art is just a bunch of stick figures, check this out. It is amazing what people can do on a flimsy piece of paper. And to think...I've just been wiping my mouth with it all this time.

Submissions come from all over the world and this year they're expecting over two hundred entries. Amateurs and professionals can enter and such renowned artists as Raymond Saunders and Mike Henderson have taken the title. So, don't blow your nose with that! Send it in by March 31st. Click here for the artsy details. Andy Warhol would be pleased.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Frisco High Fives


Our take on the new, the odd, and the cool stuff that makes a week great in Frisco:

5. Rip It Berry In-O-Scent energy drink.

4. "Carnival Dogs" - assorted sausage filled corn dogs with tasty mustards at LunaPark (694 Valencia St at 18th).

3. "Yoni Ki Baat", the Asian answer to "The Vagina Monologues," is a collection of monologues by South Asian women who candidly talk about their bodies, their culture, and their "Yoni" (and that's not the new age composer). Saturday 7:30 PM at the Rickshaw Stop (15 Fell St).


2. The guy who plays "Charlie Chaplin" outside Lori's Diner (149 Powell St).


1. "Friday Night Swing" dance class and party at the Metronome Dance Center (1830 17th Street).

Free Wives This Weekend

What could be better? Women..liquored up and in their wedding dress? This Saturday (March 15th) could be your luck day as hundreds of women (and men) take to the streets of Frisco to celebrate the 10th Annual "Brides of March." After witnessing last year's rampage, this is something all Friscoers need to see cause you ain't going to see this anywhere else! All you need to participate is a wedding dress and and a reason to party. The gals will be meeting up at the Tunnel Top Bar (601 Bush St) at 2:30 PM. From there, the wedding party heads to Maiden Lane (how appropriate) for a wedding ceremony, then to a hoty toity Union Square store for some lipstick, and then to the Powell Cable Car turnaround where the brides will proposition some of the tourists who now think we are all crazy. The party ends at the reliable Gold Dust Lounge (247 Powell) where the jilted bridezillas will drown their sorrows and aching feet in cheap champagne. Check out eurolauren25's pics from a previous bride fest.

Only in Frisco, kids.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Cheap Eats: Teriffic New "Teriyaki" Downtown

One of the cool things I get to do is tip you to new places. This one can't get an newer and I hope it stays for awhile. "Teriyaki Experience" is a great new Japanese fast food chain which just opened their first SF location downtown (356 Kearny, between Pine and Bush..across from the Bank of America Building). It boasts a healthy food experience with fresh ingredients that are cooked right in front of your eyes and yes...you can taste the difference. The Chicken Teriyaki Rice Meal ($5.99) was a flavorful bowl of rice (duhh!) with fresh vegetables (green & red cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, broccoli, green peppers) and freshly cooked chicken. Add in a great teriyaki sweet sauce and you have a yummy low cal lunch (523 calories...but come one...who's counting?). Another winner was the Chicken Yakisoba Noodle Meal ($6.49), a tasty combo of white meat and Yakisoba Noodles. In addition, they offer vegetarian only dishes.

This place is all about the healthy and, best of all, they don't cook with oil, just water. You can eat in their simple dining area or get it to go. Check out their menu here. And here's a tip: Since they've only been open for four months, they're offering some great discount coupons and I found several on trays by the counter. If you want a break from the other area quick eats, then get some "teriyaki" in your life.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Free Stuff @ Pasta Pomodoro

Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? Well, they might be right, but this is close! SF's very own Pasta Pomodoro is offering you a free appetizer with purchase of any entree. Eventhough I haven't been to the Marina Pomodoro in a few years (Did you know that was the first? Yeah. Me either), I've always liked their dishes. Visit their website here and print out the coupon. They have a few SF locations. I heard about this offer on KKSF (one of Frisco's best stations) and their honey-voiced "Lights Out" lady Maria Lopez. Man, she could make a Big Mac sound good.

Cheap Eats: "Los Hermanos" Marina Mexican Feast

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for a burrito. Even those new fangled ones (anyone remember World Wraps?) So when I find one of those filled treats, I want to let you know. A great burrito awaits for you at Los Hermanos Mexican Food (2026 Chestnut Street at Fillmore). If you need a Hungry Man kinda meal, their Super Chicken Burrito($5.95) hits the spot. Loaded with chicken, your choice of beans, salsa, guac, sour cream (I skip that) and salsa, this burrito makes me happy. I also recommend the simple Chicken & Rice burrito ($4.85). The chicken is flavorful and has just a hint of spice. While the salsa is fresh made, it doesn't have the sting of other salsas. For you nachos fan (and who isn't?), try the Super Nachos ($5.65, with meat $6.75). A big 'ol pile of chips, cheese and chicken. The cheese isn't overpowering or have that "processed cheese" taste. For drinks, try the Jumex Nectar ($1.40). Straight from Mexico, this stuff is the best. Don't know what's in it (hopefully nectar), but it tastes better than the American stuff.

Parking is a bitch. It's the Marina...what did you expect? They've got a friendly staff who have been there for over 20 years.They're open till 9:30 PM Monday thru Saturday. My advice - go late on a week night and get parking and some good chow. Even burritophile.com (yes...I do not make that up) raves. But now you're in on the secret!