My City By The Bay

The above video is a tribute to the San Francisco 49er cheer-leading team - The Gold Rush Girls.  Enjoy!

Laughing Sal shown in the above video was a fixture at Playland at the Beach years ago.  When Playland was torn down to make way for condominiums, Laughing Sal and many other musical and mechanical items were relocated to Musee Mechanique on Pier 45 in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco.  As a child I would go to Playland at the Beach almost every weekend with my family and loved Laughing Sal.  Now, I have to admit she is annoying.  So, funny or scary?

Barack Obama’s call to service leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. day was heard with a spectacular response here in San Francisco.  There were so many volunteers at local food banks that they had to extend their hours in order to accommodate everyone that wanted to participate and help.

Glide Memorial Church who on a daily basis feeds the hungry and homeless in San Francisco held a celebratory mass in honor of Barack Obama yesterday.  They spoke of him, celebrated him and even sang a song about him.  They brought more volunteers into their own community to help feed the needy.

Many former Obama campaign volunteers got together and volunteered at various food banks around the city.  It was a day of volunteering and a day of giving all as a result of our next president and his call to service.

Photo courtesy of www.cafedivinesf.com

Nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of North Beach across from Washington Square you’ll find an artistically designed haunt serving up delicious cuisine and world class music.

Walking in Cafe Divine is like entering the foyer of a grand home with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers and beautiful artwork.  Yet, it is cozy and intimate.  There are several table vignettes to serve the parties or the romantic interludes.   The bar though small in size is large on choice.  They have a decent and extensive wine list as well as beers, sodas and coffees.  They are also very generous with providing water at each table which is something that isn’t found very often these days.

The menu compliments Italian cuisine and provides specials each day.  The prices are competitive and the service friendly and very accommodating.

The petrale sole which was a special last evening was delicately seasoned with capers and lemon and melted in my mouth.  It was excellent.  Good portion sizes as well.  A medley of brussel sprouts, carrots and squash were seasoned to perfection and accompanied the dish with the most fabulous potatoes I’ve ever tasted.  They had a light yet rich flavor with a hint of sweetness that just made them perfect for the palate.  I asked the server how they were cooked and she basically told me they were boiled then baked in olive oil.  They were truly fragrant in taste.  I would have loved to order an extra side dish of just those potatoes. 

For dessert my favorite lemon tart was the order of the evening and served well after my entree.

The music - impeccable and performed by vocalist Sony Holland and her husband Jerry Holland on the guitar. 

This spot is a definite must visit if you are ever in the North Beach area of San Francisco.

Address: 1600 Stockton Street across from Washington Square park.
http://www.cafedivinesf.com