The Grove San Francisco

Posted on February 16, 2013 | 1 comment

The Grove SF LogoIf you are staying South of Market in San Francisco and looking for a casual, affordable place to eat,  check out The Grove in San Francisco.  Next to the Peet’s Coffee on 3rd and Mission, this unassuming restaurant with a street side patio, serves up delicious food with a cozy atmosphere at affordable prices.   Normally I refrain from reviewing restaurants without table service, but I really enjoyed The Grove and wanted to write about my breakfast.  Everything from the fresh squeezed juice (made to order) to the rich, dark coffee and the delicious huevos rancheros made the meal memorable.

Huevos RancherosBreakfast items on their menu also include an array of freshly made muffins and pastries, granola, oatmeal, French toast, eggs, as well as bagels and bagel sandwiches ranging in price from $7-10.  Lunch options range between $8-11 and dinner plates ranging between $9-11.

The Grove San Francisco is just a block from the Yerba Buena gardens and MOMA SF and close to the W Hotel, Marriott and Westin.
The Grove Yerba Buena on Urbanspoon

1 Comment

Posted in Restaurant Review

Tagged , ,

The lake house

Posted on February 16, 2013 | 2 comments

Lake HouseMy sister Susan decided she would ride out last week’s storm (a.k.a. nemo) up at my parent’s house on Lake Winnipesaukee near downtown Wolfboro, NH.

To provide some perspective on the “winter wonderland” her camera phone captured, I have included a photo of the house during warmer times.

Lake House

2 Comments

Posted in Family

Tagged ,

No place like home

Posted on February 15, 2013 | 1 comment

No place like homeI’ve spent eleven of the first fifteen days of this month traveling.  I know tens of thousands of professionals spend their lives on the road traveling, but I find little joy in working on the road, and I’m very much looking forward to coming home. I’m a firm believer that traveling is a great opportunity but best realized when done for leisure and not for work. Have a great weekend everyone. I know that I will enjoy seeing friends and relaxing on my couch.

1 Comment

Posted in Work

Tagged ,

Flashback Friday

Posted on February 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Flashback FridayThe John Hancock Tower which was designed by I.M. Pei & Partners in the early 1970s transformed Boston’s skyline and is often photographed by tourists and residents alike.  The soaring glass structure literally reflects the Back Bay neighborhood.  When the structure was being built, architects had an issue with the large reflective glass windows popping out and crashing below.  Many of those patched windows in the photo from 1973 are from those falling windows. Pedestrians must’ve cast a weary eye toward the sky when walking by. The more recent photograph is of the same building but from a different angle to afford you a better appreciation for the minimalist design the building is noted for.

Past Flashback Friday Posts

Leave a comment

Posted in Architecture, Flashback Friday

Tagged , ,

Furry Friday

Posted on February 15, 2013 | 4 comments

Ginger FurPast Furry Friday posts

4 Comments

Posted in Gay

Tagged , ,

BosGuy brain teaser

Posted on February 15, 2013 | 7 comments

riddleEach Friday morning I post a riddle to get you to think outside the box and exercise your brain.  If you are stumped, share it with a friend or colleague and see if you can figure out the answer together.

I’ll confirm answers in the afternoon so don’t worry if you don’t see your comment posted right away. I want to give everyone a chance to guess.

This week’s riddle:   What can go around the world but stays in the corner?

Like riddles? Check out past week’s brain teasers.

7 Comments

Posted in Brain teaser

Tagged ,

Tonight at Estate

Posted on February 14, 2013 | 1 comment

Boy is a BottomWillam, Detox and Vicky will be performing Boy Is A Bottom at Estate.

1 Comment

Posted in Gay

Tagged , ,

Cinquecento rolls out weekend brunch menu

Posted on February 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

CinquecentoStarting this weekend, you will have another option for brunch as Cinquecento opens to serve patrons from 10am – 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. The menu which is posted on their website here, is divided into pastries, smaller first plates, eggs, salads and pastas; all very reasonably priced it would appear.

According to the press release, Cinquecento’s brunch menu will include savory Italian dishes like truffled polenta with poached eggs, grilled steak and eggs with Pecorino biscuits, as well as sweeter options like crepes with whipped lemon ricotta and native honey, ricotta fritters and sugar donuts.

You can call to make a reservation at (617) 338-9500.

Leave a comment

Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa

Tagged , ,

Freedom opens in Sydney

Posted on February 14, 2013 | 1 comment

FREEDOM-TEASERBrenton Parry who writes the entertaining blog Aussielicious has a photography exhibition opening on February 15th in Sydney Australia, and I wanted to wish him much success in this – his second show in as many years.

A few months ago I posted a teaser video Brenton had created to give you a taste of what one can expect from his show Freedom Teaser.

You can see more of Brenton’s photography here.

1 Comment

Posted in Art & Film, Friends

Tagged , ,

Pick your Cupid

Posted on February 14, 2013 | 1 comment

Valentine's DayI recognize that one size no longer fits. A simple “Be Mine” statement may not be sufficient so I’ve made this easier for you by letting you select the appropriate cupid you’d like to share with someone special in your life.

For those who may be between someone special, take a moment to think about those individuals who love and care for you.  While Valentine’s Day certainly has a romantic ring – I like to use the holiday to express my feelings for friends and family.  When taking that broader view to the holiday  you can understand and appreciate the need to have such a wide variety of Cupids.

1 Comment

Posted in Humor

Tagged , ,

Happy Valentine’s Day Peggy

Posted on February 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

Valentines DayJust to balance out the loving and lovely, video I posted earlier this morning I thought I’d add this funny eCard which I’ve posted in years past.  It still makes me laugh and I hope it brings a smile to your day as well.

Leave a comment

Posted in Humor

Tagged , ,

First love

Posted on February 14, 2013 | 5 comments

I first saw this video on Towleroad back in mid January when they featured it.  I was tempted to post it on my blog then, but thought it might be better to share today on Valentine’s Day. I’m sure there are many who will roll their eyes at the romantic cliche this video wholeheartedly embraces, but I find it touching and hope everyone might find this sort of happiness in their life.

5 Comments

Posted in Gay, Video

Tagged , ,

Joke of the day

Posted on February 13, 2013 | 3 comments

InterviewingLast week I posted a joke and it seemed quite popular so I thought I’d give this another try.

As the interview was winding down the hiring manager asked the interview candidate, “if you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?“

Anxious to give the best answer possible, the candidate stroked their chin and thought about how to answer for a moment before saying decisively, “I think I’d choose the living one.“

3 Comments

Posted in Humor

Tagged ,

Blue Dragon rumored to open today

Posted on February 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Blue DragonMing Tsai’s new restaurant Blue Dragon is rumored to be opening their doors today. His restaurant is the first since Drink and Sportello opened to get my attention.  For all the fanfare about restaurants opening in Fort Point Channel and Seaport, few seem to be memorable, but I feel that could all change with Blue Dragon.

Ming Tsai is one of my favorite chefs in the United States and unlike many celebrity chefs who rely on their name to carry their brand as they open one restaurant after another, Chef Tsai has diligently cultivated a large and faithful following at his Wellesley restaurant Blue Ginger since it first opened in 1998.

Adding to the appeal of the new restaurant is news that one of my favorite bar tenders in Boston will be pouring drinks for Ming Tsai. John Drew has picked up a following of barflies like myself from his days at Anchovies in the South End. While I’d love to have him in my n’hood pouring drinks, Ming’s new restaurant is close enough that I know I’ll be able to get a chance to see more of him.

Blue Dragon324 A Street – (617) 338-8585

Leave a comment

Posted in Dining

Tagged , ,

Hotel review: W San Francisco

Posted on February 13, 2013 | 2 comments

I’m starting to feel as if I’m living in W Hotels.  I have spent 9 of the last 13 days at W Hotels.  Because of the snowstorm that hit the northeastern US this past weekend my quick trip to San Francisco was prolonged by a few days, affording the me the opportunity to spend a bit more time at the W Hotel in this city.

W lobby San FranciscoThe lobby and ground floor bar have that distinctive W-vibe people either love or hate,  but which I like.  This particular property has a single arcade table in the bar that has a series of nostalgic games like Galaga, Packman, Dig Dug, Centipede, etc… which I enjoyed playing.

My room was on the 31st floor (3106) and had a nice view of the Oakland Bay Bridge.  The room was of sufficient size and it had all the amenities that I want when I travel for business including a quiet room, comfortable bed, extra outlets at desk level, drawers and a decent size closet with more than enough hangers.W Hotel San FranciscoW Hotel San Francisco

Despite my recent stays at W Hotels, I’m not necessarily one to book at these properties, preferring proximity / location over a particular brand so I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to stay here, but was comfortable and happy to have had the opportunity to check it out.  South of Market – where this property is located – is near good restaurants, provides easy access to the waterfront, great shopping as well as some good gay bars.

2 Comments

Posted in Travel

Tagged , ,