Faves and raves by Mika Moore
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 23
YEARS IN THE CITY: 18
NEIGHBORHOOD: Cole Valley
OCCUPATION: Teacher’s assistant
SELF-DESCRIPTION: A fresh-out-of-college outdoors person who likes to take advantage of everything The City has to offer — if it’s on a budget, so much the better
FAVORITE BAR TO GET A BEER
Toronado
WHERE: 547 Haight St., between Steiner and Fillmore streets
WHAT: So many beers to choose from
INFO: (415) 863-2276 or www.toronado.com
There are more than 100 beers to choose from at this cool bar. You’ll find every type of person there, so if you have nothing to talk about, you can always people-watch. If you’re feeling peckish, then you can get a sausage next door [at Rosamunde Sausage Grill] and bring it in.
FAVORITE PLACE TO READ A BOOK
Strybing Arboretum (Botanical Garden)
WHERE: Golden Gate Park, off Lincoln Way between Ninth and 19th avenues
WHAT: Outdoor reading bliss
INFO: www.golden-gate-park.com/index.php/attractions/strybing_arboretum
It’s a quiet escape from The City, in The City. There’s no traffic, and it’s easy to find a free spot to sit and get indulged in a good book. Plus, you get to enjoy the great outdoors.
FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY A COFFEE
Coffee to the People
WHERE: 1206 Masonic Ave., at Haight Street
WHAT: Coffee with comfort
INFO: (415) 626-2435 or www.coffeetothepeople.blogspot.com
There’s a relaxing environment and comfortable seating. The staff are very pleasant and good-quality coffee sums it up.
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET A BURRITO or TORTA
El Metate
WHERE: 2406 Bryant St., at 22nd Street
WHAT: Fabulous Torta la Mexicana
INFO: www.elmetate.webs.com
There’s an awesome atmosphere and you can bring your own beer. On a nice night you can sit outside. The Torta La Mexicana shouldn’t be missed, and is a bargain at around $6.
FAVORITE WEBSITE FOR THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY
FuncheapSF
WHAT: A hub for all The City’s goings on
INFO: www.sf.funcheap.com
It posts a variety of activities to do in the Bay Area. You can search by category, such as art, music and clubs. It is organized by day, so it’s easy to navigate, and you are sure to find something for every age group to do.
FAVORITE MUSEUM EVENT
California Academy of Sciences Nightlife
WHERE: 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park
WHAT: Kid-free Thursday nights at the museum
INFO: (415) 379-8000 or www.calacademy.org/events/nightlife
Enjoy the museum at nighttime in a more adult environment. Have a few drinks and listen to the DJs while you go explore. The jellyfish in the aquarium are a must-see.
FAVORITE NEW DISCOVERY
House of Air
WHERE: 926 Mason St., in the Presidio
WHAT: Bouncing fitness
INFO: (415) 345-9675 or www.houseofairsf.com
This is a different take on exercise. Rent a trampoline for a mere $14 an hour and bounce to your heart’s content, or mix it up with trampoline dodgeball. Make a day out of it and take a walk along Crissy Field beforehand, as you’ll definitely be tired afterward from all the bouncing.
