Sunday, June 24, 2012

Just San Francisco Pride Parade 2012 . . .



This weekend marked the 42nd Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Celebration and Parade.   Following are some pictures from this years festivities.






Celebrity Grand Marshal Dot Marie Jones who plays Coach Beiste on Glee.

Celebrity Grand Marshal Carmen Carrera from RuPaul's Drag Race.

My friend Shagun performed with the Sambaxe dance troupe for the parade.



San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.



Celebrity Grand Marshal - Comedienne Sarah Silverman

Singer and Celebrity Apprentice contestant Aubrey O'Day






Thursday, June 14, 2012

Just America's Future . . .


Playing Words With Friends against anonymous opponents has given me more reason to fear the future of America if this is an example of a product of the American education system.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Just Old Skool Cafe . . .




If you want to have a meal that will not only feed your body but also feed your soul than you need to make a reservation at Cora Jean's Old Skool Cafe in Bayview.

Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run supper club that provides "employment opportunities and training for youth as apprentice chefs, waiters and entertainers."



Upon entering the club, you are immediately transported back in time as you are greeted by the host who is dressed in 1920's elegance.  Your host leads you up to the tufted banquette seating while a jazz singer and piano player croon away on the main floor.




The food is served tapas style small plates.

I ordered the Grexican Burgers which consist of three flame-grilled slider burgers with feta cheese, oregano, pickled red onion, grilled poblano chile, tomatillo salsa and chipotle aioli.  I loved it!




I also ordered Abu's West African Peanut Butter Stew.  The dish originated in Sierra Leone and has chunky chicken, creamy coconut milk, topped with fresh herbs and garlic chips.  Delicious!

Throughout the evening the servers rotate taking turns on the main floor sharing their personal stories, performing spoken word poems, or singing a song.  While the stories will break your heart you can't help but root for these kids to succeed.

The restaurant is located in Mendell Plaza which is at the heart of Bayview.  Though the neighborhood has a history of poverty and crime; Old Skool is just one of several new businesses that have opened in the community in the last year.

To learn more about the incredible work Old Skool Cafe is doing for the youth of the community please watch this short film.