MARINA SHOWS ITS TRUE COLORS
In the week following the Paris bombings, in a show of solidarity, the merchants on Scott Street proudly displayed French flags in front of their businesses, a truly touching sight. Organized by Supervisor Mark Farrell, Reed & Greenough (3251 Scott Street), Spaghetti Bros. (3213 Scott Street), and Scotland Yard (3232 Scott Street) pledged to donate 100 percent of their proceeds from specific drinks sold Wednesday, Nov. 18 to the Entertainment Division of Paris, which supports the city’s hospitality industry. Nous sommes tout Parisiens.
On a lighter note, did you know that Reed & Greenough (3251 Scott Street) has a rooftop beehive? Owner Paul Owens says the hive heads out daily to the Presidio and returns to make the honey that the bartenders use to make that Prohibition-era, gin-based cocktail with the name you can’t say without grinning, the Bee’s Knees. Drop in for a taste of honey and a hive tour anytime they’re open.
It’s that time of year again for the Union Street Fantasy of Lights from Van Ness Avenue to Steiner and for good measure, Fillmore Street from Union to Lombard, to add some festivity to your Christmas shopping. Don’t miss the kick-off event on Dec. 5 at the Cudworth Mansion (2040 Union Street) with all things Christmas: Santa, elves, “reindeer,” horse-drawn carriage rides, and lots more, including donation bins for the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program. Visit sresproductions.com for schedule and details.
ARTISTS REJOICE
San Francisco’s favorite art supply store, Flax, has opened an outpost at Fort Mason (Building D). Judging by the crowds on their opening weekend — with live music, product demos, and refreshments — it’s on track to be a smashing success. Fort Mason’s resident arts community is especially excited to have a go-to, walk-to supply store, and in a supportive move, Flax is stocking materials just for them. Not an artist? You’ll still find something here to love and sure to spark your inner creativity.
IT’S LIKE THEY NEVER LEFT
Everything seemed business as usual at the “new” La Boulangerie de San Francisco (1909 Union Street) recently. The interior appears the same as does the menu (like those adorable little petite baguette sandwiches in the grab-and-go case). There looked to be just a few more pastry and bread choices, which is never a bad thing, and the place was filled with customers. Great to have them back in the ‘hood.
CHICKEN AND WINE
Lucky Dogs on Filbert Street between Steiner and Fillmore quickly morphed into Rooster & Rice (2211 Filbert Street) about a month ago. Owner Aric Doo reports it’s had a warm reception, especially from the lunchtime crowd. Now chef Tommy (who has a restaurant in Palo Alto) is cooking up Khao Mun Gai — organic poached Mary’s chicken over rice served with a chili-garlic-ginger-soybean sauce, a side of chicken broth, and a cucumber and cilantro garni. You can have that three ways, and add extras like an egg or veggies.
Ghirardelli Square has a new tasting room: Bluxome Street Winery (851 Beach Street, Suite F-201A), in the Woolen Mill building. It’s the second location for Bluxome, which has been producing wine for five years in their SOMA location. Drop by for a taste any day from noon to 7 p.m. in the historic space with exposed brick and views of the bay.
CANDLES AND MORE
Eurasian Interiors (1861 Union Street) recently opened another location at 2176 Chestnut Street in the former Heritage Row space. In addition to their wide selection of upper-end candles and restored antiques (housed upstairs), you’ll find a finely curated selection of jewelry, handbags, and scarves. Bonus: They love dogs.
Speaking of candles, Glassbaby (2070 Union Street) relocated last month from Sacramento Street. The store is a visual delight, with every color votive imaginable made at their studio in Berkeley, where you can watch the actual glassblowing. And you can feel good about making that purchase: Glassbaby donates 10 percent of each sale to organizations that provide assistance to those in need.
Gala Boutique (2277 Union), across from Rose’s, is hosting a Public Glass pop up through Jan. 4, featuring handmade glass from local artists.
BETTER THAN MILL VALLEY
Cabana Home (3024 Fillmore Street), open for several months now, is loving the Fillmore foot traffic, compared to their previous location in Mill Valley. In addition to their design services, you’ll find a fine selection of home accessories and gifts, plus a charming back patio space, and friendly designers.
MORE MERCHANTS GIVING BACK
Jest Jewels (1869 Union Street) this past summer hosted five happy hour charity events where they matched dollar-for-dollar jewelry sales for the Dress for Success organization (providing clothing, confidence, and career development for low-income women). Over $5,000 was raised — congratulations!
