Home Service Market

By George

by Emilie Russell

Home Service Market (known as George's to those in the area) is an unobtrusive, good old-fashioned San Francisco corner store, kinda like a New York bodega. It's the local NOPA go-to spot for things like cat litter, tampons, ice cream, malt liquor, chocolate, or Doritos. I've lived 2 blocks from this place for 5 years, and have always valued its convenience, but I was only recently turned on to their deli when a friend split a George's sandwich with me. Their sandwiches are superb, perfect for a ... Continue

Taco Grill

Lardless & Lovely

by Valerie Ng

Scrumptious even without the lard "Healthy Mexican" is oft regarded as an oxymoron. Without the lard, it just isn't authentic. One place that seeks to buck that trend is Taco Grill, located in, of all places, Fruitvale. Located in the Fruitvale Public Market, part of an effort to revitalize the neighborhood, it bills itself as offering a health-conscious and sustainable Mexican dining experience. The tortillas are crafted from organic corn, and Niman Ranch and Rocky Free Ranch chicken in the ca ... Continue

Revival Bar + Kitchen

Hallelujah!

by Emilie Russell

As an ex-Pentecostal, I've attended many revivals (a series of church services dedicated to creating a religious awakening [they're an evangelical thing]). So when I hear "revival," I think: extra-fervent preaching, speaking in tongues, and full-body baptisms. However, having checked out Revival Bar + Kitchen, I think my connotations may be shifting. Revival serves thoughtful cocktails and food crafted from local and seasonal ingredients, and embraces a "snout-to-tail" approach when preparing an ... Continue

Thorough Bread And Pastry

A Buttery Experience

by Cristian Cartes

This bakery is proving to be the little bakery that could. It has seen an increase in business that can only be attributed to it's delicious pastries. Countless times I've walked by Thorough Bread, and while it took me a while to get the pun, it took me even longer to actually go in. I was urged to go in and try the almond croissant. Apparently it was to die for. Well it did not disappoint! It was probably on of the sweetest, richest, and most buttery croissants I've ever experienced. Yes, it wa ... Continue

La Oaxaquena

Tostada + Pizza = Yum

by Valerie Ng

Go ahead, try something new. If it's a chicken burrito or taco with carne asada you're craving, it's hard to go wrong at any Mission taqueria, but for something totally different head to La Oaxaquena. The name should tip you off that this is the place to go for Oaxacan specialties like tlayuda, a cross between a pizza and a tostada, and the chicken mole tamale. With all the Latin American and regional Mexican cuisines represented in the neighborhood, it's surprising that Oaxaca's food isn't mor ... Continue

Venus Restaurant

Don't Overlook a Goddess

by Valerie Ng

Being a devotee of La Note and its pancakes and homefries, I'd long overlooked Venus, just a block away. So one morning as a friend and I were planning on meeting at the former, we were anticipating a lengthy wait when we decided to head over to Venus instead. We joined a small crowd, but were seated pretty fast. Before long we were digging into lemon ricotta hotcakes, which were lovingly smothered in lemon curd, maple syrup, and blackberr ... Continue

SF Street Fairs

Get Your Pride On

by Cristian Cartes

When summer starts breaking through the fog here that might not mean high temperatures but it does mean street fairs and party time. Just like the city's population, the fairs are diverse, there's something for everyone. Things kick off with Pride Celebration the last weekend of June. Whether you're queer or not, the whole city bursts into a rainbow of colors, culminating in a huge parade on Market Street. For those who are into the edgier, darker side of li ... Continue

Red Blossom Tea Company

Herbal Oasis

by Cristian Cartes

Located in the heart of bustling Chinatown, this little tea shop is a calming oasis. For the tea connoisseur and for the newbie this shop has it all. They have a wide array of oolongs, pu-erhs, green and whites teas. If you're baffled by what a "pu-erh tea" is, worry not! The staff is educated and friendly and they will teach you all you need to know about the different teas, their history, culture and properties. Red Blossom also sells teapot sets and steepers so you can have your own tea cerem ... Continue