San FranCelia

It’s been a week since I last posted, but it’s all for good reason, as I started a new job, and therefore have been getting into a new (and wonderful!) life rhythm.   Now that life’s calmed down a bit, I have to describe this fantastic event that I went to at the Asian Art Museum last Thursday.  MATCHA Night, or the Way of the Sword, was a cocktail reception that included everything from sword training to samurai demonstrations.  What a great event for a museum, in particular, to hold.  Going to a museum of all places, and actually being able to interact with docents and presenters alike while enjoying music and cocktails, is a concept every museum should promote as far as I’m concerned.  The Asian Art Museum is an amazing facility that boasts some spectacular architecture and gorgeous ancient art.  The cool thing about Asian art is not only it’s intricacy, which is obvious, but it’s age, as well.  It dates so far back, it’s hard to believe it’s that elaborately made.  Being able to walk around and view these masterpieces, all while sipping a cocktail is just heaven.

Throughout the evening, guests were able to experience various aspects of ancient culture – from sword play to kimono wearing – create artwork, walk the various galleries, and check

out the super popular samurai warrior demonstrations, which gave a true vision of the ancient soldiers’ skills.  All this with a DJ’ed backdrop and a hip vibe – so San Francisco. As their host for the evening, the museum welcomed host Esaka Seigen Sensei, one of Japan’s best Iaido practitioners.  Iaido is the ancient art of throwing the sword in combat, which has grown over time into an art of social integration and personal improvement. I say this unique cultural evolution is a great reason to throw a party.

The Asian Art Museum is trendsetting new ways to experience art, do definitely keep an eye out for more events from them in the near future.  This is just one of several coming up, from their present Samurai exhibit to their Thai River Festival in October.  It’s a great place to experience so many amazing cultures – some that are major influences in the City – and feel like you’re at a party at the same time.  Good thinking.

Peace and love Xo

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If you ever want to try a slightly themed, but not too over the top restaurant in San Francisco, I would say check out Conduit on Valencia St.   I tried this newer eatery for the first time not too long ago, and not only did it have more of a cool modern feel than what a themed restaurant can usually have, but it also had some of the best food out there today – not just in San Francisco, but anywhere.   The chefs – headed up by executive chef Justin Deerling (formerly of Boulevard) – have mastered the ability to add

 nuance and subtlety to any flavor, while keeping it light and extremely tasty at the same time.  Everything I ate was practically an edible masterpiece.  The food is contemporary American with Italian and French influences, and each night the menu changes, so you never know what you are going to get.  While you can go online and see samples of what may be, there is no guarantee, simply the promise of delicious food.  I had the ravioli entrée, which while made of light pasta and spinach, had an amazingly robust flavor – better than I’ve had in awhile.  There was hardly any sauce, and surprising enough, it didn’t really need it.  Who knew? 

Not only are the flavors in their food robust, but so is the length of their wine list.  They have a menu of over 125 wines – that’s what I call a wine list!  With so many options, and a knowledgeable staff, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing.  Our waiter was so quirky, as well.  He was weird to the point of being funny, and it only added to the atmosphere, as he was perfectly helpful and on top of our meal – his presence actually became a funny addition to our night.   As you look around, the themed idea is exposed – you notice that the inside is decorated and covered in long metal tubes that line parts of the ceiling and come down from the ceiling to separate several of the tables.  As I sat beside one, I felt like I was in an open area that was also private.  The restaurant is a boxed shape, as to make you feel like you’re in an electrical outlet – a really classic, modern one, of course. 

What a cool experience and a great night out, with incredible food and a cool atmosphere.  It’s in the Mission, so you’ll be able to feel the vibe of this hipster spot infused into the essence of the restaurant.  Enjoy a fun night out, in this casual yet luxurious new hotspot.

Peace and love Xo

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I don’t do a lot of movie posts usually, but there have just been some great films out there this summer that have really made me think and feel, which therefore gives me the uncontrollable need to share them with all of you.  My latest obsession in movies is District 9.  While I went into the movie thinking it was going to be a normal alien movie, full of sci-fi moments and lots of violence, it turned out to be more of a social commentary on how we treat people we consider outsiders in our world – whether that be aliens from outer space, or the people in other lands that we think aren’t as good as the proverbial “us”.  It’s in the documentary style, which can be overly trendy, but here is simply effective.  With actors from South Africa that are completely unknown in the United States, it gives a realistic edge that can’t be beat. 

The film starts off with the crash landing of a space ship directly over Johannesburg, South Africa, and the consequent habitation of a new alien species on our own planet Earth.  How they are treated and their resulting behavior is such a blaring comparison to the complete lack of funding and attention we as people give the slum towns of the world, and the almost animal-like way we treat people in these situations.  Because these are aliens, they are treated in a way we would never think to treat humans in the civilized world – but do we treat people this way?  That is the question.  I mean, look at the refugees of the world who have to build tent cities and live in squalor – the world watches it happen, lets it, with little widespread international outcry and action.  But what happens when “those people” become us, and the tables are turned?  What happens when we are treated less than human?  This movie explores this idea and more, and is fascinating in it’s special effects (thank you Mr. Producer, Peter Jackson) and almost perfect execution of the story.  I have a feeling that this will be an award season favorite, and I would have to agree with their decision.  It’s a mesmerizing ride, one that will thrill, captivate, and make you think about about society’s norms – enjoy!

Peace and love Xo

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