Mission Mission

Like a big asterisk over the Mission, hovering there, giving it a way out, just in case.

I know the flyer doesn’t say anything about hot dogs, but a trusted source told me there would be hot dogs, so there will probably be hot dogs, but don’t get mad at me if there are no hot dogs!

(On further thought, perhaps they meant there’d be a sunny spot set up for panting pooches?)

Emperor Norton’s Boozeland, the new Tenderloin bar from the boys behind Bender’s, is open for business! And it’s awesome! Lots of the architectural touches from the space’s previous incarnations are fully intact, it’s as spacious as ever, lots of light makes for great day drinking sessions, the bathrooms are waaaay nicer than ever, the back patio is open and lovely, and beers are real cheap at happy hour.

Plus it’s right around the corner from the AMC on Van Ness, so it’s an ideal spot to stop for drinks before (and after) a movie.

[Photos via Boozeland]

18th and Castro Eureka, 1989.  And just look at those amazing pants!  They’re really giving the Full House crew a run for their money.

UPDATE:

Says one of my fave SF artists Matt Furie:

That’s artist Aiyana Udesen on the far right with her mom, bro and uncle

[Via Betty Udesen]

The Chronicle asked garage rock legend Russell Quan to tell them about all the best stuff in the East Bay, and he delivered. Here’s what he has to say about Val’s Burgers in Hayward:

No other hamburger can compare with this one anywhere in the world, time, space or dimension. Since 1958, Val’s has made their burgers, steaks, fries and shakes with such utter deliciosity that it will convert the most devout veggies into raving, foaming-at-the-mouth carnivores for life. The flavors and smells are so hunger-inducing that a belly overstuffed to the point of vomiting could fit in a few more papa burgers — one full pound of the highest-quality ground beef.

Read on for lots more hot tips, and more words like “deliciosity” and “juiciosity.” (And then go see Russell Quan DJ the Musical Chairs Party at Make-Out Room tonight!)

The SF Street Food Festival takes place Saturday in the Mission, but the party really starts the night before. Here’s what’s up:

The 2nd Annual San Francisco Night Market will be the kick-off for the festivities of the 5th Annual San Francisco Street Food Festival. This event will partner well-known chefs from across the country with La Cocina program participants to create one-of-a-kind dishes in an environment reminiscent of the nighttime markets in Bangkok, Mexico City, and other vibrant cities of the world.

There will be music, dancing, drinks, twinkling lights, and the enjoyment of exciting and varied flavors.

In addition to food, music, and drinks, this year La Cocina is thrilled to welcome cultural games and activities to the Night Market.  The games include familiar childhood favorites to  more adventurous activities – from cornhole and skee ball in the North American station, Berlin-style ping pong in the Eastern European station, backgammon and a hookah lounge in the Middle Eastern station, and so much more.

And check it out, a discount code for Mission Mission readers: “SFSFFinMission.” Get tickets here! (Note that the VIP ticket includes open bar.)

Larisa, from Factory 1 Design, writes in to respond to the heated debate raging on the post about treetopping on Stevenson Street. She writes that:

We all work really hard to keep our little corner of the mission awesome and the church blighted our street in an instant.

Two bits of info that were missing are 1) this was done by the greek church and 2) they hired a hauling company to do it. The urban forest guys may not have passed on that info.

There were at least 40-50 nests in those trees.

Andy writes in to let us know that tomorrow (Wednesday, 8/14) is a big hearing to “call a Spade a Spade: Jack Spade/Kate Spade is one big company”.  He reiterates that he’s in for a public debate that we (Mission Mission) will run if there are any commenters who oppose the actions to block Jack Spade and are willing to publicly stand up for what they believe.

You can follow the story of the opposition here.

The press release after the jump.

(more…)

Local anthropologist David Enos tells us about the Van Ness that exists just north of the Mission. It is very nearby yet seems worlds away:

Van Ness.  The ghoulish men of the Van Ness corridor wear clothing styles usually seen only in action programs on the USA Network: long fried hair, wraparound shades, windbreakers with the sleeves cut off, skin roasted to a crisp by the afternoon sun.  They resemble criminals from The Simpsons.  They are ready to rumble.  Get in their way and they will snarl as though they were filming a WWF promo about your upcoming grudge match.

Read on for lots more insight.

[Photo by local street photographer David Enos]