• 25Jun

     The Pink Party in the Castro
     The Pink Party in the Castro
     The Pink Party in the Castro

    This event is *not* for everyone … especially children. If you’re a devout Baptist or from anything the vaguely resembles a Fundamentalist background, do NOT plan to attend this event.

    It’s always held on the Saturday before the Gay Pride Parade, and starts as the Lesbian March somewhere in the Mission District (check Google … try Gay Pride; then Pink Party … it’s in June every year).

    To me, this is the most outrageous gay bash of the season. My advice is to choose a spot and just stand there. Everything you’ll want to see will pass by sooner or later. There’s no need to mill around, but if you’re up for pushing your way through the crowd, go for it.

    I have a love/hate relationship with any big event like this. Love that people feel free enough to walk around naked (usually at least 2 or 3 overweight, old or otherwise, not the ones you’d like to see naked). I love that people dress up and just get crazy and forget what other people think.

    I hate the fact that uninformed straights look at an event like this and assume that all gay people participate in what looks like odd behavior that threatens them or just scaares them into thinking we want everyone to be gay. To me, it’s like Mardi-Gras, a slightly out-of-control event that lets people flirt with danger - sexual danger - the kind that usually don’t really happen, but is often hoped for. I’ve seen guys dancing in windows above the bars. There are some apartments there, and I’m sure the tenants live for these events … teasing the crowds below, dancing their hearts out wearing nothing more than sexy underware and motorcycle shades … turning around, pulling their pants down and shaking their bare butts to the cheering crowd below. It’s all fun and games.

  • 24Jun

     Like an Alleyway in Paris   Belden Place

     Like an Alleyway in Paris   Belden Place

    The Restaurants of Belden Place are all great for one reason or another. The best part of them all, is clearly the ambiance. When the sun comes out on a weekday, the place explodes with local business people who wish they didn’t have to go back to the office. Warm evenings are also traditionally packed, but don’t let that scare you away. Some of the restaurants are more popular than others, but take a chance and try any one of them. I’ve never been disappointed. We’ve heard that Sharon Stone eats at Brindisi. Rumor has it that Cafe Bastille and Plouf share the same kitchen … but not the same prices. The mussels are really good at both. The photo of the chef is from Tiramisu, who was kind enough to let me snap a quick shot between his final inspection of dinners as they left his realm. He seems like a nice guy. Enjoy!

  • 23Jun

     Turkish Food for a Change?
     Turkish Food for a Change?
     Turkish Food for a Change?

    P1020097copy 708429 Turkish Food for a Change?

    Bursa Kebab is a tiny little restaurant in the West Portal area of San Francisco. The food is fresh, tasty and served with a big smile, which is always nice. And, the prices are easy on the budget too. Good Turkish food isn’t easy to find, which makes this little restaurant such a treat. Ask about the house specialties, which are really a treat. The little pocket of San Francisco known as West Portal is only a few underground MUNI stops from downtown. Take the time to mill around the neighborhood, or take in a movie at the art theater across the street. Tell the owner, Gihad, Randy said HI. You can tell he’s really glad you’re there!