Saint Patrick's Day, Down by the Bay
California is a young state. For us, a parade that has been going on for one hundred and fifty six years is almost hard to believe. But, there were enough Irish people in SF in 1852 to hold a Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Most of the Irish settlers came west as 49ers (also known as gold miners) hoping to find gold in the Sierra Nevada. Since then, the Bay Area Irish community has continued to display spirit and patriotism. Join the thousands clad in green as they celebrate their legacy in the streets of San Francisco. The parade begins on Saturday, March 15th at 11:30 a.m. from 2nd Street at Market. The final stop will be the Civil Center Plaza where there will be several musical acts, a beer garden, food and celebration. The parade organizers estimate over 250,000 green attendees. It is bound to be exciting as it is the oldest and largest Saint Patrick's day parade west of the Mississippi!
If you are looking for more events to display your love for the Irish spirit, have no fear! The SF Irish Music Festival will take place from Friday the 15th of March, until Monday the 17th. The venues include the Great American Music Hall, Cafe Du Nord, Slims and the Blackthorn Tavern.
Between the SF Saint Patrick's Day Parade and the SF Irish Music Fest there will be plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with a lucky green leprecchaun.
Pop and Shop
The Noise Pop Music Festival has begun! For six fun-filled evenings, the best music venues in San Francisco will be taken over by eclectic musical acts from across the United States. The festival is in its 16th year and has gained recognition over the years for bringing great music and organizing packed events. Some of the bands include She and Him, The Mountain Goats, and the Walkman, just to name a few. The music will be great, but there is more to look forward to than just concerts. On Sunday March 2nd, ReadyMade magazine and Noise Pop will team up to host the Pop and Shop. From Noon-5pm, 30 local designers and artists join together to sell affordable screen-printed posters, clothing and jewelry. They also offer a FREE pancake and waffle brunch, sponsored by organic Batter Blaster. What could be better? It is a free breakfast hosted by a hip music festival while local creative types display their crafts. And, the music is courtesy of local DJs...
The craft fair will take place at 12 Galaxies on Mission Street on March 2. All are welcome and there is no entrance fee.
Birds and Other Treasures
Electric Works is a gallery, fine art printing press and store located in the SOMA district. They opened the doors to their beautiful brick facility in March of 2007. Since then, they have become a popular hub for artists throughout the Bay Area and across the United States. On Friday, February 22, Electric Works is opening a new show and YOU are invited! The show is titled, Treasures of the Sierra Madre: Birds of West Mexico. The paintings are all done by the local artist David Tomb who is influenced by many birding trips to Mexico and research with the California Academy of Sciences and the Los Angeles Natural History Museum. The paintings and presentation of the work is bound to be beautiful and the space is often bubbling with creative San Francisco folks. Electric Works will have free wine and beer and a delightful store for you to peruse on your way out the door. The store carries T-shirts, books and wonderful (and affordable) odds and ends. They also sell a $40 mini print for every artist that shows in their gallery, making the artwork not entirely out of reach. Electric Works is located at 130 8th street, just south of Market, between Mission and Minna. Even if you can not make the opening, swing by the gallery. The employees are a lovely bunch of artistic people who are always welcome to visitors and people interested in what is happening in the San Francisco art world.
Breakfast to go...
Greens Restaurant has been a landmark for the organic and vegetarian food movement. But, you need a reservation. It is also a fancy establishment and dressing up is generally appropriate and expected. If you are interested in some quick and affordable organic food, check out Lettus Café Organic. Finally someone has made it possible to eat fast and affordable food without being terrible to your body.
The majority of the regulars are dressed in yoga pants and polypropylene layers, having just completed their daily jogs along the Marina. The atmosphere is casual but the decor clean and modern with bamboo panels and warm lighting. Grab a table and then wait in line to order at the counter. The salads are huge and really tasty (they call them specialty salads because they truly are special). My favorite is the roasted beet salad with local goat cheese. They also serve breakfast all day, accompanied by a stellar smoothie and juice menu. If you are needing to be extra kind to your body, try their Spicy Red with Green juice. It may not taste like candy as the ingredients include beets, kale, ginger and apple, but your body will thank you and you will feel unstoppable. If you are near Lettus in the morning, it is a great place to grab a breakfast bagel and mango smoothie to go and enjoy a San Francisco morning, sitting on the dock of the bay. Find Lettus Café Organic in Cow Hollow at 3352 Steiner Street @ Chestnut.