Orange: Not Just for S.F. Giants

Strolling through La Mission on a sunny Saturday and in need of a snack, Kimster and I made our way to Papalote for their seasonal-only vegan pumpkin tamales. And we were so glad we did. They took awhile to arrive - this happens when a place is so clusterfucked with hipsters - and they were small, but they sure were yummy. A perfectly moist, steamy corn layer wrapped tiny orange bursts of pumpkiny sweetness. Kimster and I tried to be ladylike and eat itsy bites; she did a better job than me, per usual. Ah, how I love pumpkin season.

How Green is My Sushi

Maybe you've heard of Tataki, the S.F. sushi bar that serves only sustainable fish? Well, lucky me; they opened Tataki South just down Church Street from my very house! And it's not just pretty, with soft music and friendly chefs...The sushi is great. Try the shiro maguro, for it is bliss on the tongue. Have a few maki: spicy tuna, perhaps; saba gari (mackerel and ginger, one of my all-time favorites, wrapped in tofu skin and dotted with white and black sesame seeds); mixed vegetable, fat and crunchy and silky with avocado. Don't miss the robata items either, like the shitake mushrooms, 2 skewers of 3 insanely flavorful mushroom caps. I only wish I could have ordered more, much more, but my stomach and my wallet have their limits. Do go, and take a vegan friend...they offer a very appealing vegi menu! Spicy tofuna, anyone?

Lady Miss Kir

Last night may have been our last summery night of the year. It made perfect sense to meet a pal at Bar Bambino for a drink, yes? And what's more refreshing than a Kir Reale, in BB's version a sweet kiss of 4-year grappa topped off with sparkling wine? Slightly sweet, blush-colored, and the nicest way to toast warm days, fiery sunsets, and the Giants.