michael d: the buzz report

Revisited - Tues Nov 6 07

Anita Baker - Before I revisited 1300 on Fillmore last Friday, I revisited the 80s and went to the Anita Baker concert at the Golden Gate Theatre. I'm not a huge Anita fan, but what the heck. She's one of those artists that had a bunch of hits, and you forget what they were until she starts singing one, then another and another. Gotta admit, her voice was  pretty true blue, after the sound engineer got his act together. Announcing that she'll be 50 in January, Anita actually danced around on the stage quite a bit in her long cocktail dress. I can't remember  the last time I saw a performer use a "wired" mic. Perhaps it was part of her act?

1300 on Fillmore - If you don't know about it, you should. Read my first review. I revisited this restaurant/lounge newbie at about 10:20p Friday evening and it was still jumping with a full house. Somehow (only because we were slightly late for our reservation) we managed to resist the intense lure of the lounge. Good looking diverse crowd, ranging from early/mid 30s to mid 50s - perfect. Described as "refined interpretations of southern favorites," the appetizers were again great, although I still haven't tried the entrees. We had the sauteed assorted mushrooms (just right), barbeque shrimp n' creamy grits (can't get enough), and cornbread (like mama's). I'm not a dessert guy, but you gotta try the beignets, which are served with two dipping sauces, chocolate and coffee. The sorbet "platter" was interesting (interesting good, not interesting bad). It came with an assortment of goodies (fig, fruit, etc.).

Perspective - Sun Oct 28 07

San Diego Wildfires. Amazing what a difference a week can make. I never imagined that I would find myself deep in the throes of a disaster situation, helping manage the communications of an evacuation center. It's times like these that make one really appreciate the small things in life - like a bed, a fresh cup of coffee, photos, running water and a change of underwear. Most of all you think about family, friends, love, helping people ... and God.

More of the usual next week. Right now, count your blessings.

Everybody's having a good time - Mon Oct 22 07

1300,fillmore,san francisco,restaurant,lounge,bar,jazz,yoshis,lifestyle,dining,soulfood

BRAVO. Simply put, that describes the pre-opening party experience last Saturday at 1300 on Fillmore (cross Eddy), the new 136 seat restaurant/lounge in the Fillmore District. Designed to perfection by husband and wife team David Lawrence (formerly of The Carnelian Room) and Monetta White (marketeer/planner extraordinaire), 1300 brings to San Francisco an ambience that few other restaurants provide, Bix being one of the exceptions. It's that ever elusive combination of restaurant, lounge, speakeasy, see and be seen, and style. What takes 1300 into the land of the untouchables is its unique soulful american cuisine. Magnifique'! Although we didn't have the opportunity to taste the entrees, the appetizer samples were delicious, making you wish there were goodie bags on the way out. A central location (just off Geary), and underground parking (Eddy entrance) make 1300 conveniently accessible.

 

Also not to be missed is the cozy den-like lounge area, influenced by the dark wood interior and subdued lighting. The main attraction is its centerpiece, the Heritage Wall, inspired by the vibrant history of San Francisco's Fillmore Jazz District. Curated by Elizabeth Pepin and Lewis Watts, authors of Harlem of the West, it's an impressive backlit photo gallery covering the entire wall featuring diverse neighborhood portaits. And, there's a 25 seat private dining room with a subtle VIP entrance.

 

1300 takes some of the casual out of casual fine dining. That's a good thing. Let's call it "comfortable sophistication." San Francisco has no shortage of great restaurants. But with the onslaught of "come as you are," all of us have found ourselves seated next to the guy that made no attempt to change clothes after his bike ride. 1300 is good looking, and it makes you want to be good looking in it.

 

All of this said, the real test for any dining establishment is how they perform during regular business hours. They've taken on a heavy load, open 7 days until 1am (5pm - 11pm dinner, 5pm - 1am lounge menu). Rising for the occassion for the big opener is a lot different than providing great service, exceptional food, and a great crowd night after night. Consistently firing on all cylinders is what places established notables like Bix head and shoulders above the crowd. David and Monetta have their sights set very high, and they're off to a great start. I'm sure they'll have some kinks to work out, but who doesn't?

 

With libations flowin' aplenty guests shared similar sentiments - "It's about time." "I can't wait to bring (so and so) here." "It's beautiful." "This is going to be hot." Hot it is, and if they can keep it up I'll be back...often. ENCORE.

 

1300 opens to the public on Thursday, October 25. And then there's the new Yoshi's opening in the same complex on Wednesday, November 28. It's gonna be one helluva holiday season...

 

Update (11/1/07) - Rumor has it 1300 is adding live jazz entertainment Friday through Sunday starting mid-November.

 

- 1300 on Fillmore, Reservations 415.771.7100, open 7 days, 5p - 11p dinner, 11p - 1a bar menu

MORE FUN STUFF on October 25. Five young professional auxiliary groups have organized events that evening. ArtPoint (de Young Museum), Contemporary Extension (SFMOMA), Bravo! Club (SF Opera), Inforum (Commonwealth Club), and The Guardsmen didn't get together to coordinate their schedules, so you'll find all kinds of "after 5ers" scurrying about San Francisco on Thursday trying to figure out if they should "stay here or go there." Symphonix (SF Symphony), Encore! (SF Ballet), Monsoon (Asian Art Museum), and GenArt are probably getting a good chuckle out of this one. Watch for huge cell phone use that day. Young Adult events [here].

 

Jersey Boys returns to the Bay Area for a six week engagement on Nov 20 until Dec 30. How did I miss it the first time around? Just in time for the holidays, this is a sure shot if you have a bone of nostalgia in you. Obviously great score, all reviews say big fun and hugely entertaining. I'll be there on Dec 1. Where will you be?

 

New Stuff | Editor's Choice Events | Dine/Lounge | Shop Around | Young Adults

Back in the mix - Tues Oct 16 07

Sooo, ballet returns to Oakland this weekend in the form of the Oakland Ballet Company under the direction of Ronn Guidi.  I don't know the full history here, but I believe Guidi owned this turf in the past. The inaugural performances are on Saturday (Oct 20) with Michael Morgan conducting members of the OEBS. The Nutcracker follows December 21 - 24. Wish them luck ... Now that San Francisco Magazine has published a 28 page feature story on Oakland's growth and promising future in its October issue, SFers may actually think about crossing the bridge - some smart ones already have.

 

Big weekend coming up in Oakland, as the Oakland International Film Festival opens October 18th at the Grand Lake Theatre. It's the festival's sixth year with over 50 films from around the world including a closing night of films from Oakland filmmakers.  Among the entries will be films by or with Hollywood Stars from the Bay Area.  Carl Lumbly and Danny Glover star in critically-acclaimed director Charles Burnett's "Namibia: Struggle for Liberation."  The film, brought to the festival by LaHitz Media, screens Opening Night.  Opening Night is dedicated to slain Oakland journalist, Chauncey Bailey, who was killed in the line of duty as he worked tirelessly for freedom of the press. I'm told that Carl Lumbly ("Namibia;"credits include Alias with Jennifer Garner), Vonetta McGee, Charles Burnett (Director: "Nambia") Ed Santiago (Producer: "Nambia") and Shabaka Henley have confirmed their attendance Opening Night.

 

It's rare and I mean rare (this is a first), that you'll catch me commenting on women's fashion. However, I must admit that the new haute hostess aprons by Elizabeth Scokin are pretty sharp! If you're going to wear an apron with company present, why not wear it with style, especially with the holidays around the corner? You can buy them online, and also at Podium (2415 Chestnut Street) in SF. There, I did it ... Check out the new Shop Around and New Stuff sections on VIPLineup.com. Shop Around is about those special places where I (or my wife) frequent for deals, steals, or selection ... Uh, by the way, did I mention that we're (she's) having a baby (Amaya Renee) due on December 30!! ... With new restaurants and lounges opening in Oakland and San Francisco every 3.5 minutes, I created New Stuff to give you a heads up on which ones are worth your time, and money.

 

New Stuff | Editor's Choice Events | Dine/Lounge | Shop Around | Young Adults