Archive for October, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Posted in Uncategorized on October 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Cop it Sweet on Vallejo Street
Posted in Events, Stores, tagged Candy, Events, Food, Halloween, The Candy Store on October 31, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Treat or treat! Tomorrow from 2 to 6 p.m., the Candy Store (1507 Vallejo St. at Polk) will host its third annual Halloween event. The boutique will set a candy cart set outside where sweet-toothed locals can fill their own containers for free. Prizes will also be awarded for the best costumes. Gosh darnit that’s practically unheard of! Free candy on Halloween! Hurry, that candy corn will go fast!
Oh wait, that’s funny: their annual Halloween event is on the same day as mine every year . . .
Feelin’ the Blue on Green
Posted in Seen, tagged Green, Mobile, Polk on October 29, 2009 | 2 Comments »
The apartment building at Green and Polk that was covered in a sheath of unsightly scaffolding is gradually undressing to reveal a midnight blue color, with black and gold trim on its ornate moldings. I dig it.
Another Antiques Store Will Replace Swallowtail
Posted in News, Stores, tagged antiques, Polk, swallowtail, Vallejo on October 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
UPDATE: Yesterday, I speculated about who the new tenant in the former Swallowtail space at 2217 Polk St. would be. As it turns out, it will be another antiques store — yay! — although not Arbor. I should have more information on the new proprietor next week. So stay tuned. And until then, don’t buy any furniture.
Faith in Magic is Restored
Posted in Graffiti, Seen, tagged Graffiti, Green, Magic, Mobile, Van Ness on October 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
On Green St. near Van Ness, someone does believe in magic.
New Tenant Leases Former Swallowtail Cocoon
Posted in Stores, tagged Polk, swallowtail, Vallejo on October 20, 2009 | 1 Comment »
I am still beside myself over the closure of Swallowtail. But the glass-half-full part of me is hoping there will be good things to come for 2217 Polk St. According to the storefront window, the prime address has already been leased. It’s no surprise — with an adorable back patio and skylights, the space is gorgeous.
While the notice in the window says not to disturb the new tenant or landlord, a number “for information of new business” was also listed. After a little reverse search, I’ve found that the number was at least once associated with Arbor Studios, a former prop rental and antique shop on Market St., which now houses an informal artists collective studio. The digits might be associated with a new business now, I can’t say. But you know I’ll be sure to get the word out when I unearth Swallowtail’s successor! Tear.
And Then Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother Turned a Pumpkin into a Beer
Posted in Stores, tagged Beer, Buffalo Bill's Brewery, Pumpkin Ale, Pumpkins, Real Food on October 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
It’s that time again. During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Abita’s Bock takes the stage. In November, Anchor Steam breaks out its Christmas Ale. And now, Buffalo Bill’s Brewery of Hayward, California has once more released its legendary Pumpkin Ale. Real Food (2140 Polk St at Broadway) has the gimmicky seasonal brew in stock. Have at ‘em before poof! they’re gone.
One-a-Day: Chalk Talk at Van Ness and Union
Posted in One-a-Day, Photography, tagged Chalk, Graffiti, Magic, One-a-Day, Union, Van Ness on October 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Welcome to One-a-Day, take two.
Tennis, Anyone?
Posted in Stores, tagged Alice Marble Court, Broadway, Polk, Sports, Tennis, Tennis Rackets, Vallejo, Yard Sale on October 16, 2009 | 2 Comments »
If you’ve ever ventured to Polk Street on a weekend morning — you know, for coffee, breakfast, shopping, or a walk of shame — you may have encountered a sidewalk collection of tennis rackets between Broadway and Vallejo. Most Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll find the “yard sale” there along with a man peddling both current and vintage racket models until the early afternoons.
For skilled tennis players, I wouldn’t say this is the place to buy your grand slam gear (try ReMatch Sports). But for the rest of you, especially beginners who aren’t ready to invest, why not pick up a racket and head over to Alice Marble Tennis Court? If you just look good in whites, you’ll be pleased to find a few classic John McEnroe series rackets to complete the look, as well as more specials added weekly. “You can not be serious!“
Got questions? Call “the Tennis Racket Guy” at (415) 374-4822. Yes, he has a phone.






