Mission Mission

We’ve got a pennant race on our hands, people.  While the obvious place to catch the Giants in the playoffs is AT&T Park, this is also unfortunately the time when the bandwagon is overflowing with corporate sponsor types and other rich people who often price the true fans (who have been attending almost every regular season game, right guys?) right out of the ballpark.

So where does that leave you?  Well, probably watching the game in some bar with the rest of us plebeians.  The only question that remains is which bar.  The Phoenix is an obvious choice because of its plentiful, large TVs and well-priced, hardy food; but if the turnout for the World Cup earlier this summer was any indication, be prepared to stand up for 9 innings.  Benders also seems like it would be a no-brainer with their delicious kitchen and cheap drinks, but the televisions are at odd angles to watch for any formidable length of time. 

Interestingly, several seemingly knowledgable fans have informed me that Guerrero Street is the place to be for baseball.  Two bars within a block from each other, Elixir and the 500 Club, each have well-situated TVs in addition to that unique San Francisco vibe that makes you feel like you’re not in a sports bar.  Plus, if those places are too packed, the Kilowatt is also right down the street.

Remember, this is the time when San Franciscans need to band together and not worry that giving away the secret location of their favorite spot might cause it to be too crowded for their personal enjoyment.  Sooo, where’s your favorite spot to catch a game?

(Please be careful with the dugout pranks, though)

[Photo by The Tens]

Walked by these guys at Dolores Park the other day and noticed this masterpiece.  The whole thing is constructed from layers and layers of regular masking tape and is a detailer’s dream when viewed up close.  Despite its fragile appearance, it is actually quite sturdy!  Observe:

This sticky metropolis was created by the folks at Tapigamifashion.com, although their website only features wearable items rather than taped structures at the moment.  Hopefully this deceptively complex artform will catch on and soon be found on the coffee tables of Twitter executives everywhere.

I mean, mixtapes have enjoyed a resurgence, and duct tape has prospered for ages (although Eats Tapes might not be playing anymore).  Isn’t it time masking tape made a comeback?

Although on the surface this seems like a terrible idea, it’s definitely one way to get to see Elvis Costello at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival today.  It doesn’t seem quite as safe or elegant as our previous “rack & belt-loops” solution, but at least it gets the job done (until you have to stop, that is!).

Previously:

2 Guys 1 Bike and 2 Bikes 1 Guy

“Ok, so we just chased away those pesky skater kids who were grinding this staircase and intimidating all the Conservatory of Flowers folks. . .”

“Should we get a donut?”

“I was thinking we show ‘em how it’s done!  Whoooooooooo!  Okay, your turn!”

“Umm, let’s just go get some cinnamon toast from Trouble instead.”

Still haven’t decided what to get for lunch yet and happen to be in the Mission area?  Why not stop by the new Arizmendi Bakery on Valencia by 23rd, where the friendly staff is currently dispersing free samples of their delectable pastries and pizza to anyone who happens to be walking by.

Although they’re not really opening until next week or so, the crew was hard at work in the back training to make sure they make it out of the gates as flawlessly as possible.  This is a great opportunity to get taste why we’re so lucky to have this awesome Co-op in our neighborhood!  Favoring the savory over sweet this morning, I opted for one of their signature ‘potatoes on pizza’ focaccia  and was not disappointed.  Give it a shot!

We were first hipped to this phenomenon last year when it was still a mostly guerrila operation, but it looks like they’ve gotten themselves fairly organized by now, as reader Janel shares:

A mix of tennis & volleyball with a yoga ball

They play every Sunday @ 8:30 pm on the tennis courts at Dolores Park (18th and Dolores). They are done when the lights go off @ 10:15. Join the mailing list by emailing at volleybonksf(at)gmail.com. Feel free to bring friends, dogs, drinks and mix cd’s.

And Pauly Shore.

Check out the helpful “promo” video that explains the rules and offers a glimpse into the tactical strategy needed to succeed in this blistering nascent sport.  I can’t see this going the way of SF Bike Polo (forced to relocate to 21st and Shotwell due to the fact that neighbors complained their bicycle tires scuffed up the tennis courts) unless it can be proven that a giant yellow yoga ball (or Pauly Shore) is somehow also bad for tennis.

Previously:

Volleybonk

Bike Polo

Dolores Park Bike Polo Crackdown

Weather:  Hawtt, 5 days and counting
Accoutrements:  Ganja treats and tamales
Refreshments:  Cold beer, cold water; walnut popsicles

Advice:  make like Scorpion and “Get over here!”

UPDATE:

Did you know that sphinx cat in your favorite neighborhood science fiction bookstore (except maybe when they invite Brian Herbert to give talks) is also a medical marvel?

See why in this charming little (one-minute) video where a hulk-like transformation occurs!

Previously:

RIP Ripley (UPDATED)

Bald Cats like Literature Too

So says the Hamblogger in his latest foray into San Francisco’s burger madness, where he gives the iconic Mission burger spot a mere 1.5 out of 5:

The first bite had a strange flavor that I couldn’t really nail down. It wasn’t the meat – maybe it was the cheese. The chopped up patty was ridiculously dry and completely void of any flavor. The bacon was the most flavorful aspect of the burger and pretty much everything else was masked by excessive amounts of mustard. Perpetual bun slippage was brought on by the avocado and made the burger difficult to eat without making a total mess. I would have been better off just getting a bacon sandwich.

Now, having never eaten there myself, I can’t vouch for the quality of the Whiz, but many in the comments section came to the classic stand’s defense, suggesting that the author should have tried the more standard junior burger, patty melt, or veggie burger (apparently the best in town?).  He also got taken to task for ordering the wrong kind of french fries, thus missing out on their popular waffle variety.

What do you guys think?  Is the Whiz, in fact, whack?  Or is it appropriately befitting of such seminal architecture?  Also, how rad would it be if the Mission Burger guys took over that spot?

Hat Tip and Title by brainslip

Photo by Telstar Logistics

Have you ever been to Mariachi’s on Valencia for fast, fresh, and healthy Mexican food?  Well, if not, you’d better hurry, because according to Grub Street, both it and its ten (10) different kinds of delicious vegetarian burritos will soon be gone and replaced by a Grandeho’s Kamekyo sushi bar.

Where will all of Mission mariachis go for dinner?  La Rondalla can’t open soon enough!

Photo by Jonn.Gordon