My City: Banana bread, frogurt and taking in a game
By: Karen Palmer
Special to The Examiner
April 26, 2009
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| Jared Paul, founder and executive director of A Good Idea (www.agoodideasf.org), describes himself as a music aficionado, musician and devoted dog owner who seeks to create lasting positive social change and help as many people in need as possible. (Juan Carlos Pometta Betancourt/Special to The Examiner) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Faves and raves by Jared Paul
Personal stats
Age: 32
Years in The City: Four
Neighborhood: Fort Mason
Occupation: Founder and executive director of A Good Idea (www.agoodideasf.org), a public benefit, 501c3 nonprofit that seeks to inspire people to get involved in society, and to provide them a game plan and a roadmap to implement their ideas for positive social change
Self Description: Music aficionado, musician and devoted dog owner who seeks to create lasting positive social change and help as many people in need as possible.
FAVORITE BREAKFAST
Universal Café
WHERE: 2814 19th St. between Bryant and Florida streets
WHAT: Toasted banana bread
INFO: (415) 821-4608 or www.universalcafe.net
I love the vibe of the restaurant and the great outdoor seating area. It always seems to be sunny when I am over there! The banana bread is perfectly toasted and served with a side of cream cheese.
FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS
AT&T Park
WHERE: 24 Willie Mays Plaza at King Street
WHAT: Catching a Giants game
INFO: (415) 972-2000 or www.sfgiants.com
For me, going to a game is the most relaxing thing there is to do in SF, and the Giants have one of the best ballparks in the country. How can you beat some baseball on a sunny day, with a few beers and hot dogs? I love that the ballpark is on the water, as well.
FAVORITE LOCAL COMPANY
Joie de Vivre Hospitality
WHERE: 530 Bush St. between Stockton Street and Grant Avenue
WHAT: Giving back to the community
INFO: (415) 835-0300 or www.jdvhotels.com
Our partner Joie de Vivre should be an example for all businesses in the future. They are very involved in the community — the most socially conscious business I’ve worked with — and know how to treat their customers and employees.
FAVORITE CAFÉ
Red Vic Peace Cafe
WHERE: 1655 Haight St. between Clayton and Cole streets
WHAT: Holding weekly meetings for A Good Idea
INFO: (415) 864-1978 or www.redvic.com/café.html
We’ve been gathering here ever since our second meeting: It’s a historic establishment, a nonprofit itself, and it shares many of the same ideals and philosophies that A Good Idea tries to embody. They are all about connecting society, which is one of our guiding principles.
FAVORITE HAIGHT SHOPPING STOP
Villains
WHERE: 1672 Haight St. between Clayton and Cole streets
WHAT: A killer shoe selection
INFO: (415) 626-5939 or www.villainssf.com
I’ve gotten a few pairs here, ranging from retro sneakers and running shoes. They also have a great collection of shirts and jeans.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT
Wasabi & Ginger
WHERE: 2299 Van Ness Ave. at Vallejo Street
WHAT: Fresh, affordable sushi
INFO: (415) 345-1468 or www.wasabiandginger.com
I used to live right above here. All of their sushi is very good, and they give you free edamame and ice cream with every meal. You can’t beat that! I also love their asparagus beef appetizer.
FAVORITE DESSERT SPOT
Loving Cup
WHERE: 2356 Polk St. between Union and Green streets
WHAT: Frozen yogurt and rice pudding treats
INFO: (415) 440-4600
My favorite dessert there is the chocolate nonfat yogurt with peanut butter and Nutella blended in. They don’t just put the toppings on top or in the middle -- they actually mix them in. You can’t go wrong with the Junior Mints, either. The employees are all super cool, as well.
FAVORITE COCKTAIL
Lion Pub
WHERE: 2062 Divisadero St. at Sacramento Street
WHAT: Drinks made with fresh-squeezed juice
INFO: (415) 567-6565
My favorite drink at Lion Pub is definitely the classic Greyhound with the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Another tasty one is the same idea, but made with orange juice.
FAVORITE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
Opportunity Impact
WHERE: 838 Broderick St. at McAllister Street
WHAT: Five-year academic, life skills and enrichment programs for youths living in public housing developments
INFO: (415) 680-8649 or www.opportunityimpact.org
I’m a huge fan of the work that Opportunity Impact is doing with the youth who could use a little extra support and compassion.
