September 30, 2009

MADE IN CHINA


One of the great things about the Manhattan skyline are the buildings at night. Two of my favorites are the Chrysler Building and, of course, the Empire State Building. Both are beautifully lit.

The Empire State Building is known to change the color of it's lights to commemorate a particular holiday or city event, so I was disappointed to read on MSNBC today that to celebrate the 60th anniversary of communist China, the Empire State Building will be lit up in red and gold.

WTF?

So we're going to celebrate a country known for such issues as severe human rights violations and pollution so great that their smog circles the globe? Seriously?

This is wrong and really I hope they're going to take a second look at this.

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE, BUT GO AHEAD AND SHOP THERE ANYWAY

They're over-hyped, over-priced, and preach organic but ship food in from other countries and continents (sort of cancels out that organic thing with all the wasted fossil fuels used to ship that organic food).

With all that said, I'm still excited about the Whole Foods Market opening on 24th Street in Noe Valley today.

REBEL REBEL

Just thinking about Jimmy Dean, who died 54 years ago today in a car accident on a California highway. He was 24.

September 28, 2009

"IT'S GOT ELECTROLYTES" -- PART 2


Never in a million years did I think that the movie "IDIOCRACY" would be such a cautionary tale (it's an amusing film, see it).

Well, not until I saw this picture taken at a recent republican convention here in California.

I weep for the future.

September 27, 2009

AND THEY SAID IT WOULDN'T LAST

This entry marks 100 rants, reviews, blurbs and more here at The Steaming Poop Blog. So to celebrate, I'm cutting the cake and passing out pieces to the following sports team fans who's teams all did really well today (except the Red Sox, sorry Robin):

RYAN - for his unwavering support of the Vikings and their nail-biting win against the 49ers (by the way, there is no crying in football, you pussy).

ROBIN - for her Colts, who at press time, were winning their game against the Arizona Cardinals (21-10). She also gets an extra piece as condolence for her Red Sox, who really took it up the ass in their three game series loss against the Yankees (a win that helped the Yankees clinch the AL East title, per the entry below)

last but not least (and in spite of his diet), the biggest piece goes to:

SCOTT = for managing to come up with 100 things to write about AND for his Yankees sticking it up the Red Sox ass and clinching the AL East title (per the entry below)

I raise my glass to you all and look forward to another 100 entries.

FEEL THAT, BOSTON

The New York Yankees clinched the American League East title today. In fact, the Yankees swept the three game series against the Boston Red Sox.

I have just one thing to say to the Red Sox:

na na na na

na na na na

hey hey hey

GOODBYE!

September 26, 2009

KISS ME, I DON'T VOTE

Former EBAY CEO Meg Whitman has announced her candidacy for the GOP nomination in the race for Governor of California. Speaking at a recent republican rally, some of the campaign promises she made was to slash $15 billion in spending and reduce the state government work force by 40,000.

She did not, however, provide any details on how she would achieve those goals. This continues to be an issue with her. More than once she's given interviews with lots of fluff but no substance. She's got all these "great ideas" but no plan on how to implement them.

More importantly is the fact that she not only failed to register to vote until 2002, she hadn't even registered as a republican until 2007. When pressed on this issue by reporters, her reply was "I did not vote. I should've voted. It is inexcusable. I've said what I'm going to say about it."

She's said all she's going to say about it? I just don't understand how you can inspire people to vote when those who run for office don't even vote themselves. This is an obvious "vanity campaign" that I have a feeling will completely fall apart (at least I hope it does).

State Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) hasn't announced his campaign yet but enjoys a huge lead in all the polls taken so far. He is also received the endorsement of The Steaming Poop Blog.

THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

I miss being a United Airlines Mileage Plus 1K flyer.

THANK YOU, TEDDY ROOSEVELT

I am SO looking forward to watching the latest Ken Burns masterpiece, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." It begins broadcasting tomorrow night on PBS at 8pm.

(click "PBS" for a 25-minute on line preview)

September 25, 2009

HERE WE GO YANKEES, HERE WE GO (clap clap)

So the Yankees beat the Red Sox today (big surprise), 9 - 5. I want to see the Yankees in the series this year and I want to see the Yankees win it.

The first World Series I remember is the infamous 1977 series with the Yankees playing their old crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Yankees took the series in 6 games and it was in that 6th game where Reggie Jackson hit 3 home runs, earning him the nickname "Mr. October."

THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA

I STRONGLY believe this guy is more dangerous to America than Osama Bin Laden.

FUCK YOU, Glenn Beck.

MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET



I recently decided to make the change from buying milk in a carton to buying milk in a bottle. It's a bit more expensive but the health and environmental benefits far outweigh the extra dollar it will cost.

Milk in plastic doesn't last as long and is exposed to the fluorescent rays in refrigerator units, making it turn sour quicker (if you prefer to buy your milk in plastic, grab the bottle that is behind the front bottle, it hasn't been exposed to the light bulbs like the front bottle has). Plus, plastic is bad for the environment.

Milk sold in cartons is a little better but you're then exposed to the dioxins that are used to bleach those cartons white. Dioxins are bad for you (duh).

Milk bottles are 100% recyclable (you usually pay a dollar deposit which you get back when the bottle is returned), and that's GREAT for the environment. Those same fluorescent rays cannot penetrate the glass bottle, making for a slightly longer shelf life. Plus, the milk tastes so MUCH better, the bottle is kinda cool looking and I love pushing the cream that's at the top down into the bottle and shaking it up.

Also, it turns out that the milk bottle comes from, like all good things, New York. Credit for the company that first started producing them goes to The New York Dairy Company, back in January of 1878.

September 24, 2009

YEAH, I'M TALKING TO YOU


Cookie and Irving went to see one of their favorite movies last night, TAXI DRIVER (1976). Seeing this movie on the big screen (it was the first time for Irv) was yet another reason why seeing films the way they were meant to be seen (in a movie theater) is so important.

Irv never noticed during the Travis/Betsy introduction scene, that the Albert Brooks character continues to look at what is transpiring between these two from behind a pillar. It's as if he's a bit jealous at the obvious chemistry between the two and it makes for a very funny moment. The scene during the coffee break date that Travis and Betsy have, is also charming. Travis comes across as boyish and earnest in his swooning of a flirty Betsy. You don't really notice that on TV (at least Irv didn't). It was like watching two teenagers on their first date, kinda sweet, actually (and a funny thing to say about a movie like Taxi driver).

The film's subject matter is very dark as well but in a movie theater, the movie just plain looks dark, literally. TV's are always adjusted for brightness, something you can't really do in a movie theater and that adds to the enjoyment. New York was a very dark, dirty, and VERY dangerous city in the 1970's. Still, there was a bit a romance mixed in and that totally comes across in the film.

Irv walked away from this screening with the same feeling he did when he saw (along with Cookie) the 1976 version of CARRIE (another film he had only seen on TV in the past). The feeling that he had just seen a really GREAT film for the first time.

DVD's are great and Irving enjoys them immensely, but nothing can every replace the movie theater-going experience (especially if it's an old movie palace like the one both these films were viewed).

UNDER NO OBLIGATION

John Travolta and Kelly Preston are living every parents worse nightmare except they're having to play it out in the open and that's not cool.

Their son, Jett, suffered a fatal seizure several months ago while vacationing with his family in the Bahamas. They are currently testifying in a case where a member of the ambulance crew is accused of trying to extort $25 million dollars from the Travolta's (he was trying to publicize a document that claims they didn't want their son transported to the local hospital).

While under oath, John Travolta admitted that their son was, in fact, severely autistic (for years, the Travolta's claimed that their son was suffering from Kawasaki's Disease, a blood-borne illness). This admission has autism advocates all up in arms. They claim he should have gone public a long time ago with this information in the hopes of putting a face on a serious health issue.

I couldn't disagree with this argument more. It's their decision as parents as to whether or not they want to talk publicly about any illness or health issues in their family, and they should not feel any obligation to do so. I don't know why people have this insatiable need to know EVERYTHING that goes on in the private lives of "celebrities." It's because of this irrational hunger that we have to deal with losers like the "Jon & Kate + 8" bullshit.

Leave these two alone. They have had to bury a child and they deserve the right to grieve privately.

IT WOULD BE LIKE THE END OF WORLD WAR 2

Scientists in Thailand announced this morning that an AIDS vaccine they've been testing cut the risk of contracting the virus by 31% in a trial that included more than 16,000 volunteers.

While 31% sounds a little modest, this is amazing news and a great start.

September 23, 2009

YOU SERIOUS, CLARK?

Having recently given up eating squirrel (turns out they're high in cholesterol), I think I may have found an alternative.

Tasty Salted Pig Parts.

ALL ABOARD


One of the victories I savored in the November 2008 elections was the overwhelming passage of the high speed rail initiative. Japan and several European countries, have all enjoyed many, many years of high speed service, so it was VERY exciting that Californians were so embracing.

Unfortunately, the usual government feet dragging (and the whiny NIMBY's) are putting the service in jeopardy.

First, a judge threw out the environmental report that recommended using the Pacheco Pass route (which was the preferred route as it was a more convenient route from San Francisco into San Joaquin Valley) rather than the Altamont Pass, which although has railroad tracks laid, those tracks would have to be upgraded and it would add travel time. He said it was a flawed report and that the rail authority would have to start over.

Then, those who live along the route on the Peninsula expressed grave concern about having high-speed trains running through neighborhoods (they asked that the line be built underground). If the NIMBY's knew anything of what they were squawking about, they would know that service would not be high speed through that area and the added cost of burying the tracks would just be a ridiculous waste of money.

Idiots.

The latest round causing delays is the location of the terminal. It was originally supposed to be in the lower level of a revamped Transbay Terminal on Mission and First Streets (which is the desired terminus as it's so conveniently located downtown). Now there is talk of just having the terminus at the CalTrain station on Fourth and Beale. This is so wrong and so ridiculous. World-class train service should NOT terminate in a location so remote that you then have to transfer to a Muni bus or metro train to complete your travel (especially since MUNI is so predictably unreliable).

Wouldn't it be nice if those in charge could just do the right thing for once and stick with the original plan? Delays are also putting the receipt of federal stimulus money from the federal government in jeopardy (which puts the entire project in peril), proving yet again, that we are not Ameri-cans, just Ameri-cant's.

MUM'S THE WORD

So my dear friend Flo was in town recently and we enjoyed a dinner at a place she introduced to me a couple of years ago, MUMS on Sutter Street in Japantown. Also in on the fun were Annie and Junko.

We had the Shabu Shabu, which consists of thinly sliced meat, chunks of tofu, and assorted vegetables, all cooked at the table with your very own iron pot. Rice, along with soy and ginger sauces, are provided. It makes for a very casual, social, and enjoyable experience. The warm Sake only adds the festive atmosphere.

Their lunch menu is not all you can eat, but the dinner is, so strap on a feed bag and get your Shabu Shabu on!

September 22, 2009

WAL-MART - SAVING US FROM OURSELVES, ONE PICTURE AT A TIME


So a mother takes a few pictures of her kids in the tub. What parent hasn't. What happened next is so stupefying, it defies logic.

The Demaree's of Peoria, Arizona took a memory stick to their local Wal-Mart store to have the photos on it printed. The clerk saw the pics (which included the picture above) and felt that in his/her eyes, it was child pornography, so the police were called to the store. The police agreed and the parents were arrested and their children were taken away for an entire year by CPS. The mother, who worked for the local school district, was fired and both parents were placed on local sex offender lists. One year and $75,000 (spent in legal fees) later, all charges were dropped and their children returned. The Demaree's are suing Wal-Mart and the DA who brought the case against them.

I hope they get millions for the nightmare this clerk put them through. Seriously, what kind of sick mind would think this qualified as child pornography? This clerk needs to be put in to therapy, PRONTO!

I think it's strange that Wal-Mart (and similar stores) can sell BRATZ dolls (sexualized pre-teen dolls), make-up, mini-skirts and crop shirts targeted to 8-year old girls but a picture of your two daughters wrapped in bath towels and hugging each other is defined as kiddie porn?

You can't have it both ways, America.

PARDON ME BOY, IS THIS THE CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO


So, as of yesterday, 12 "trespassers" have been killed on the tracks of the local CALTRAIN commuter train system. I'm not sure what is in the water down in San Mateo, but I have NEVER lived in a place where people seem to wander onto the tracks as often as they do here.

Idiots. Complete selfish, thoughtless, suicidal idiots.

September 20, 2009

ROBBED!


How could this have happened? This was such a slam-dunk win for Drew Barrymore (at least I thought it was).

Thank you, Jessica Lange, for insisting that you also be placed in consideration for BEST ACTRESS, rather than BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, where I'm sure you would have won.

DON'T GET IT CONFUSED, TONY. I DON'T FUCK AROUND WITH THE IPHONE


I love this film.

I love this look.

I love this performance.

and best of all . . .

I love that Michelle Pfeiffer uses a BlackBerry.

Take that iPhone, HEH!

September 19, 2009

"I HAVEN'T BEEN FUCKED LIKE THAT SINCE GRADE SCHOOL"


How could I have waited 10 years to see FIGHT CLUB? I totally understood his psychosis.

Is that wrong?

YOU KNOW, YOU'RE EATING WHERE SHEEP USED TO SHIT


Located in a renovated barn that once housed the sheep that ate the grass in a field directly across the street (now known as Sheep's Meadow), news reports confirm that venerable Manhattan eatery, Tavern On The Green, is set to close (although it is claimed that a renovation is in the works). The leasees, Warner Leroy and his daughter, head chef Jennifer Oz Leroy, say the lease was not renewed by the city.

Good.

Over-priced AND over-hyped, I still managed to find myself with friends there for dinner many years ago. One friend ordered the grilled lobster. When served, it was quickly discovered that the lobster had been prepared on the same grill as a steak. Of course, this changes the taste of the lobster and when the issue was brought to the attention of both the waiter and table captain, not only was the complaint completely ignored, but a replacement meal was not offered and nothing was taken off the check.

As we were making our exit, we were confronted by the table captain, who asked why he and the wait staff were not tipped accordingly, while the bus staff was given a HUGE tip. He was told that he had done nothing to rectify the problems with our dinner and that we would have gotten better food AND service at The Olive Garden.

I applaud the closing of this dump and hope the next tenant is able to figure out how to do it better.

LOVE ON A REAL TRAIN



So I watched the 80's classic Risky Business on DVD this morning, and the 25 years that have passed since it was originally released have done nothing to dull its luster. I also loved, loved, LOVED the original ending, which is  included as a DVD extra.

It's a bit more jaded than the theatrically released version, just the way it should have been.

September 18, 2009

HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE -- IN MEMORY OF THE REAL NORMA RAE



A Facebook friend of mine, Jane, posted something about the real "Norma Rae" last week, so she is getting today's pooper-scooper shout-out.

Sally Field won the Oscar for playing the lead in NORMA RAE. It was loosely based on the true life story of Crystal Lee Sutton. Crystal fought for the right to organize a union at the textile plant she worked for in North Carolina. She was eventually fired but her fellow workers did vote to become union. It makes for a great film, rent it.

Sutton continued to be an activist throughout her life, but was diagnosed with brain cancer in January of 2007. She had to battle her insurance company, which refused coverage for the medication that could have saved her life. The insurance company eventually reversed itself, however, but it was too late.

Crystal Lee Sutton died of cancer at the age of 68.

Nothing would make me happier then to know the name of the insurance company responsible. Unfortunately, I'm not able to find it anywhere, but when I do, I'll let you know.

At any rate, it's another example of why even having insurance is no guarantee that you will be taken care of (something that has happened to me many times as well).

We need a public health care option NOW!

September 17, 2009

LANA AS IN LA-DEE-DA


It was totally gay but I couldn't help myself. A little over a month ago, I purchased a photo book by Cheryl Crane (no relation to the editor in chief of the steamingpoop blog, but he did meet her once). It's about her mother, Hollywood legend Lana Turner. The book is called "Lana: The Memories, The Myth, The Movies" and is available at Amazon.com.

This picture isn't included in the book, which is too bad. It's a great shot and shows what a hunk of woman she was!

If you ever get the chance, the movies of hers you should see are "The Postman Always Ring Twice" and "The Bad And The Beautiful." They're the two that really showcase her talent.

FULL GALLOP



"(I'm) a great believer in vulgarity - we all need a little splash of bad taste"
- - Diana Vreeland, editor of Harper's Bazaar (1936-63) and Vogue (1963-71)

September 16, 2009

SASHAY, SHANTAY





Even in her salad days, Janice Dickinson couldn't touch Suzy Parker with a ten-foot pole.

Ms. Parker was probably the dominant model of the 1950's. She went on to star in a few films (Kiss Them For Me, The Best Of Everything) and marry actor Bradford Dillman. The two lived in Santa Barbara, where she was involved in liberal political causes and candidates (makes me love her even more). She past away in 2003.

The first two shots are of Ms. Parker and director Mike Nichols. The two were featured in an editorial layout for either Vogue or Harper's Bazaar (I can't remember). They are portraying a celebrity couple trying to get away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

So timely, right?

An amusing side note, Nichols once gave me the fuzzy eye ball in the dining room of the Savoy Hotel in London back in 2006.

BAY AREA JESUS LOVES YOU . . .


But everyone else thinks you're a prick.

I came across this banner outside of a lutheran church on 16th and Dolores last weekend. I'm not sure what they're trying to say here but they may be missing (at the very least) a comma between "BAY AREA" and "JESUS."

THE DEVIL IN DISGUISE


When I was a newborn, my mother brought me along with her to do some grocery shopping at a Ralph's Supermarket in Glendale, Ca (where I was born). A woman was passing by with her cart and stopped to look at me. After a few moments, she turned to my mom and said "that baby has the devil in him. He's cute but he's got the devil in him" and walked away.

I don't know who this woman was but she was very perceptive.

I WOULD WALK 500 MILES




These are the shoes I just bought from Neiman-Marcus as a birthday present to myself. They're Cole-Haan, one of my favorite brands.

They arrive this Friday and I can't wait!

September 14, 2009

FRANK SINATRA'S WORLD


I'm sorry that I missed my chance to wish Scooby-Doo a birthday wish on his actual 40th.

First aired on September 13, 1969, his name comes from the classic Frank Sinatra song "Strangers In The Night" (scooby doo be doo).

Yet again, more proof that this really was Frank Sinatra's world, and we just live in it.

Happy belated b-day, Scooby.

September 13, 2009

TRIBUTE


Punk rock star and "BASKETBALL DIARIES" author Jim Carroll died today at the age of 60.

COOKIE AND IRVING'S BIG SUNDAY NIGHT OUT


Cookie and Irving enjoyed an old-fashioned evening at Johnny Rocket's on Fillmore at Pine. I say old-fashioned because Johnny Rocket's serves a burger the way it should be served. Not too big, not too greasy, quick, delicious and reasonably priced.

Cookie had the Bacon Cheeseburger, pictured on the right. Irv's choice for the evening is pictured on the left. It was a vegan Boca-Burger that he had served in a wrapping of iceberg lettuce instead of the usual bun. Listed on the menu as "The Sideliner," Cookie prefers to call it "The Girl Burger."

Whatever.

I'VE GOT AN ISSUE



I went to see SEPTEMBER ISSUE with the idea of falling even more in love with Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour. While it did affirm my fond feelings for her, it was Grace Coddington (Creative Director of Vogue and pictured above) who stole my heart . . . and the film.

Anna may be the one calling the shots but it's Grace, a former model from Wales, who is not only the creative backbone of the magazine but is someone who has integrity in spades (a seemingly rare quality in that industry).

It is Ms. Coddington who tells a junior editor, who's idea's have been recently dismissed by Ms. Wintour, that he not only be "not nice" when dealing with Wintour, but that he must be the same way with when dealing with herself because being "too nice" will cause him to lose everytime. Sort of the fashion industry version of "grow some balls." Love it!

I found this documentary to be absolutely exciting and inspiring. Watching creative people making a living being creative always sparks those same juices in me. SEPTEMBER ISSUE had me itching to run home, grab my old 35mm camera out of my closet and start taking pictures again.

See this film!

September 12, 2009

"IT'S GOT ELECTROLYTES"



Today's pooper-scooper shout out goes to Jason, editor in chief of the Sassmouth Chronicles.

Seems that conservative windbag Glenn Beck of Fox News wants to bring back the glory days following the September 11th attacks. You remember, it was a heady, loving time. There were no Democrats and there were no Republicans. We all rallied around the flag and became one nation united by tragedy.

Unless you LOOKED like you might be a Muslim.

The 9/12 Project is an organization that, according to it's mission statement, "is a place for you and other like-minded Americans looking for direction in taking back the control of our country. It is also a place to find information that will assist you in navigating the rough waters we face in the days, weeks and months ahead."

Rough waters we face in the days, weeks and months ahead. WTF? What is that supposed to mean? Does this organization know something we don't? Is there another attack coming?

Yeah, there is, but only by the loser pricks of Fox "News". I put NEWS in quotes as most reasonable people know that they don't really report the news so much as they like to fan the flames of fear. Their constant coverage of organizations and related issues like these is one of many reasons why we've become such a polarized nation and why we're unable to see beyond the bullshit and actually resolve issues.

(sigh) America, the beautiful, right?

Take a look at the site and judge for yourself.

SO MICHELLE OBAMA'S WORKOUT INCLUDES 10 MINUTES A DAY WITH A DUMBELL


Laura Bush has been holding on to her dumbell for years now and it didn't seem to have done a damn thing for her.

September 9, 2009

YOU KNOW, IT'S A LITTLE KNOWN FACT THAT . . .



I have to give another pooper-scooper shout-out to it's an ocean blogger Ryan M for this entry.

So we're sitting here eating a few chips and he wonders aloud, "what was the origin of the words 'chips'?" I wasn't able to find out the origin of the word but found this little blurb on the history of this crispy little morsel.

I was especially happy to see that they come, like all good things, from New York.

It is believed that the original potato chip recipe was created by chef George Crum, at Moon's Lake House near Saratoga Springs, New York on August 24, 1853. He was fed up with a customer — by some accounts Cornelius Vanderbilt — who continued to send his fried potatoes back, because they were too thick and soggy. Crum decided to slice the potatoes so thin that they couldn't be eaten with a fork. Against Crum's expectation, the guest was ecstatic about the new chips. They became a regular item on the lodge's menu under the name "Saratoga Chips".

And the rest, as they say, is history.

THE FIRST ONE



Picture it, New York City, February 17,1995. I'm out for my first walk in the greatest city in the world (I had just moved there two days before).

As I passed by a coffee shop on Columbus Circle, I glanced at a guy laughing inside. It's David Johansen, former lead singer of the NEW YORK DOLLS and also known as "Buster Poindexter."

So exciting.

I knew at that moment I was home.

DEM BUMS!



I was just reading an article on the New York Post website today about the new Atlantic Yards Stadium being built for NBA's New Jersey Nets and was immediately struck at the irony. Located at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues, this is the exact site that Walter O'Malley, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, wanted to build a new stadium to replace the crumbling Ebbets Field. It was going to be financed entirely by Mr. O'Malley, but the powers that be said "NO", so he took his team and moved them to Los Angeles at the end of the 1957-58 season.

Brooklyn has not had a professional sports team based in it's borough since then and STILL mourns the loss of it's beloved DODGERS as if they just moved to LA last week.

The old-timers tell a great joke that sums up their feelings about Mr. O'Malley and the rusty, dull knife they feel he jammed into their hearts:

"You're in a room with Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Walter O'Malley, and you have a gun with two bullets. Who do you shoot first?"

"YOU SHOOT WALTER O'MALLEY TWICE!"

God I love that town.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH



I know, it's an insult to the beloved "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON" but I just couldn't help myself.

Enjoy.

September 8, 2009

OPEN YOUR GOLDEN GATE



As much As I love New York City, even I am hard-pressed to come up with a sight there as beautiful as this shot I took yesterday.

September 7, 2009

THAT'S AMORE





Anytime someone goes on and on about how great something is, chances are it's gonna suck (the great BRUXELLES pomme frites debacle of 1996 comes to mind). In this case, however, the recommendation was spot on.

My Sunday dinner this week was had at Little Star Pizza, Divisidero Street location. They have a second location on Valencia and 15th, although some die-hards refuse to accept any other location than the one on 'Divis'.

I call those people losers.

Anyway, we started off with two appetizers, the Caprese Salad (picture directly above) and the garlic bread (just above that one). Although the salad was fairly standard, it was the garlic bread that was a standout for me. The bread was served warm along with super soft butter and baked garlic, each on the side. You spread the butter and the garlic yourself (as little or as much as you like), making for a divine marriage.

The pizza arrived and the real treat begins. The crust was perfectly baked and seemed to snap with every bite (hard to do as pizza tends to get a bit soggy after sitting out for a while). Our pie was topped with Salami, Sausage, Pepperoni, Green Peppers and Pepperoncinis. It was a sodium lover's delight and I'm going to have to ride the eliptycal for a month to work this off but it was totally worth it.

Fast and friendly service along with a great atmosphere (those who are sensitive to noise should heed the warning that it is quite loud here), make this little gem in the "NOPA" area of SF a must for pizza lovers.