July 31, 2018

San Francisco: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts; things to do

701 Mission St./3rd St.  Fee. 

This innovative contemporary arts center presents art shows and live entertainment emphasizing the diverse artists and communities of the region.  The idea is to teach about the urban environment and display art for social change.  The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts has two large galleries on the first floor and another smaller one on the second floor.

stairway at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California
stairway at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California


The current show, “Futurefarmers Out of Place, In Place” runs through August 12, 2018.  The exhibit brochure declares, “Futurefarmers is an international collective of artists, activists, researchers, farmers, and architects who work together to propose alternatives to the social, political, and environmental organization of space.”  They are not the Future Farmers I thought of--kids who display their farm animals at county fairs and grow up to be farmers.

“Futurefarmers Out of Place, In Place” show at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California
“Futurefarmers Out of Place, In Place” show at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
in San Francisco, California


“Futurefarmers Out of Place, In Place” show at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California
“Futurefarmers Out of Place, In Place” show at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
in San Francisco, California


The next show, “Bay Area Now 8,” runs September 7, 2018 through March 24, 2019.  It is the only exhibit of regional artists in Northern California, and this is the first time it includes the work of architects and designers.  A gallery representative says, “We get out of the way and let the artists shine.”


More things to do in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood.

More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

July 25, 2018

Stinson Beach; things to do

1 North

Stinson Beach

Off Hwy. 1, (415) 868-0942 (lifeguard tower).  Daily 9-sunset.  Free admission.  Free parking.

boardwalk down to the sand at Stinson Beach, California
boardwalk down to the sand at Stinson Beach, California


This magnificent white-sand beach fronting Bolinas Bay offers a small taste of the Southern California beach scene.  Conditions often permit swimming at Stinson Beach, though the water is cold and lifeguards are on duty usually only in summer from late May to mid-September.  The curving 3-mile beach stretches from the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon in the north to the secluded bluffs of Rocky Point on the south.  Beachcombing is excellent at the north end of the beach and beyond, especially during low tides.  Since the weather here is often different from everywhere else in the Bay Area, it is wise to call and check conditions before setting out ((415) 868-1922).  Beachcombing is excellent at the north end of the beach and beyond, especially during low tides.  The Siren Canteen and Café snack bar operates under the lifeguard tower.  A word of caution:  the waters off this stretch of coast known as the Red Triangle have suffered more shark attacks than anywhere else in the world.

Note that currently the beach parking lot is being reconstructed after extensive weather-related damage.

shared children's toys at Stinson Beach, California
shared children's toys at Stinson Beach, California



More things to do in Stinson Beach.

More things to do along Highway 1 North.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

updated 8-8-23

July 23, 2018

San Francisco: Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant; restaurant review

San Francisco

Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant  

754 Kirkham St./12th Ave., Inner Sunset, (415) 682-0826.  L-D Tu-Sun; $$.  Reservations accepted.

interior of Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
interior of Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California


Tidy and fresh, this simple restaurant presents an extensive menu of Chinese vegan dishes.  Based on Buddhist vegetarian principles, dishes at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant contain no onion or garlic.  Additionally, no MSG, dairy, or eggs are used, so everything is vegan friendly as well.  Brown rice is available at additional charge.  Fried curry-potato samosa triangles and salt & pepper fried pumpkin make interesting appetizers.  Fake veggie “chicken” is in many dishes and is satisfying for those who are missing meat--think veggie shark fin soup and braised spareribs with daikon.  Others, who prefer tofu or vegetables, will be pleased with items such as spinach & pine nuts, fried rice, and string beans with homemade dry tofu.  Won ton soup, dumplings, and an assortment of noodles are also options.  I visited for the weekday lunch special (all items $10.99).  My group of four shared spring rolls, sweet & sour soy chicken with bell pepper & pineapple, broccoli with soy beef, eggplant in spicy chili sauce, and vegetables chow mein noodle.  It was a good mix. 

lunch special menu at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
lunch special menu at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California


spring rolls at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
spring rolls at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California


sweet & sour soy chicken at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
sweet & sour soy chicken at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant
in San Francisco, California


broccoli with soy beef at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
broccoli with soy beef at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California


eggplant in spicy chili sauce at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
eggplant in spicy chili sauce at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant
in San Francisco, California


vegetables chow mein noodle at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, California
vegetables chow mein noodle at Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant
in San Francisco, California




More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More vegan-vegetarian places.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

July 20, 2018

Palo Alto: The Hewlett Packard Garage; things to do

367 Addison Ave./Waverley St. 

The product (an audio oscillator) and the company (Hewlett-Packard) that launched the high tech industry were developed by Stanford graduates William Hewlett and David Packard in this one-car garage in 1939.  Referred to as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, The Hewlett Packard Garage is not open for tours but visitors may view and photograph the HP-owned property from the sidewalk.  A plaque beside the driveway of the beautifully maintained home tells the story.

The Hewlett Packard Garage in Palo Alto, California
The Hewlett Packard Garage in Palo Alto, California


The Hewlett Packard Garage and house in Palo Alto, California
The Hewlett Packard Garage and house in Palo Alto, California


Birthplace of Silicon Valley plaque in Palo Alto, California
Birthplace of Silicon Valley plaque in Palo Alto, California


More things to do in Palo Alto. 

July 16, 2018

Berkeley: JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine; restaurant review

1543 Shattuck Ave./Cedar St., Gourmet Ghetto, (510) 848-9664.  L-D daily. 

Located a flight of steps up from the street, the well-positioned JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine restaurant features a warren of dining rooms.  A cut-out was constructed around a tree, allowing its sheltering shade to remain.  Dishes here are colorful and tasty.  The bargain lunch is a good way to introduce yourself to the menu, though only three items are available--chicken or tofu masala, or chicken curry.  The special includes deep-fried potato pakura, rice, crispy thin nan, sliced cucumbers, and vegetable curry.  At other times, good reports are in for the garlic naan, tandoori chicken, lamb curry, and bindi (okra) masala.  A large selection of vegetarian options are available.  If you like it spicy, be sure to mention that when you order.

exterior of JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California
exterior of JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California


potato pakuras at JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California
potato pakuras at JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California


tandoori lunch special at JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California
tandoori lunch special at JotMahal Palace of Indian Cuisine in Berkeley, California



Way more things to do in Berkeley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

July 13, 2018

Mountain View: Oren's Hummus Shop; restaurant review

101 South

Oren's Hummus Shop  

126 Castro St., 650-938-6736.  $. 

A branch of the mother ship in Palo Alto that specializes in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Oren's Hummus Shop by the Cal Train station offers a nice outdoor space that lets you fully enjoy the sound of the signals and passing trains.  The food style reminds me of what I enjoyed at similar simple spots in Israel, and that should be no surprise since many of the basic ingredients are imported from there.  A complimentary bowl of tangy coleslaw arrives with the menu and helps tide you over until your order arrives.  Service can be slow.  My menu favorite is the sampler plate that includes eggplant three ways and a slab of labane yogurt cheese, plus marinated beets Moroccan carrots, and fluffy pita breads.  I always like to purchase some hummus and eggplant to go for my next day’s lunch.


exterior of Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California
exterior of Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California


interior of Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California
interior of Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California


sidewalk seating at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California
sidewalk seating at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street
in Mountain View, California


dinner items at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California
dinner items at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street
in Mountain View, California


dinner check at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street in Mountain View, California
dinner check at Oren's Hummus Shop on Castro Street
in Mountain View, California




More things to do in Mountain View.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

July 11, 2018

Berkeley: La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café (CLOSED); restaurant review

CLOSED  1106 University Ave./San Pablo Ave., West Berkeley, (510) 529-4906.  Daily 9am-10pm.

interior of La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California
interior of La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California


Located on one of Berkeley’s busiest traffic corners, this small spot offers the saving grace of an adjacent free parking lot.  The low-key interior of La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café features natural brick walls and high ceilings, but only a few tables.  La Capilla translates as "The Chapel," and the decor honors that with some traditional Mexican religious portraits.  Crispy chilaquiles are available on the breakfast menu and come with a mild salsa verde or spicier red salsa, an egg (I ask for this on the side), and a side of black beans.  Lunch brings on really good double-wrapped tacos with a large list of fillings, including fish as well as mushrooms and kale.  They are small, so two would be considered an average portion.  My go-to order is the spectacular mole 23 chicken tacos (made with free range chicken and a 23-ingredient mole) with a side of the flavorful green rice that is heavy on the cilantro and also a side of the sweet caramelly fried platanos.  Vegans favor the Vegetatiano burrito filled with grilled onions, serrano peppers, and guacamole.  A variety of fresh-squeezed juices are available along with smoothies and delicious aguas frescas.  It is counter service, but items are then brought to the table. 

brick walls at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California
brick walls at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California


tacos at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California
tacos at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California


array of lunch items at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California
array of lunch items at La Capilla Mercado de Jugos Y Café in Berkeley, California



Way more things to do in Berkeley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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