Moon Cakes

Of course, just like the US Thanksgiving, it’s full of lots of food!  Moon cakes are one of the most popular treats during the festival.  They are a round semi-sweet pastry, filled with all sorts of goodies from savory to sweet, and they sort of resemble the moon.  You may find yourself waiting in very long lines to buy moon cakes, but they’re worth the effort.

San Francisco’s Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival will be held the weekend of September 19 – 20th, 2009, 11 am – 6 pm daily.  During the Moon Festival, Grant Avenue in Chinatown will be closed to automobile traffic, and the street will turn into a big bazaar, full of shopping, entertainment, arts and crafts, activities,  lots of food, and teeming with life.  There is no charge to visit the festival, and if you’ll be in town, it’s a fabulous cultural experience.

Some other related Moon Festival events include:

Moon Festival Photo Contest – As a way to encourage people to take lots of photos, this amateur only contest is simple to enter.  Fill out a Moon Festival photo contest registration form, and snap away.  Top prize is $500.  More details are available from the Chinatown Photographic Society.

Autumn Moon Film Festival – A new feature this year, the mini film festival will be held at the Four Seas Restaurant (731 Grant Avenue), both days.  Check out the viewing schedule and see if there’s something that interests you.  It’s a great opportunity for film buffs, and also a nice break in an otherwise busy festival day.

Follow the Moon Festival on Twitter @SFCMA.

Photo credit: miss karen @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Celebrate Autumn Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown

The story of Disney will evolve from the drawings of his youth, to the founding of his first company (Laugh-

Walt Disney Stamp from 1968

O-GramFilms), to the birth of Mickey Mouse, to the opening of Disneyland.  Along the way, you’ll discover just how creative and technically innovative Disney was, and learn how about some of the revolutionary techniques and concepts that became commonplace.  This guy was a creative genius!

The exhibits will be full of film clips, art, scripts, photographs, personal correspondence, home movies, and other artifacts that give us a glimpse into the man and his creative processes.  And, as you would expect, there will be lots of video monitors throughout the museum, along with lots of interactive displays.  The museum also has a movie theater, learning center, cafe, and gift shop.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located at 104 Montgomery Street in San Francisco, and will be open Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm.  It will be closed on Tuesdays.

Admission is by timed-entry tickets, available for purchase online up to 60 days in advance.  Tickets may not be available at the door, based on online sales, so plan to buy online and guarantee yourself admission.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and students, $12.50 for children ages 6-17, and children under age 6 are admitted FREE with an adult admission.  Tickets are already on sale.

Strollers are not permitted in the galleries, and there is only limited stroller parking available.  If you’re traveling with little ones, take this into consideration.  Strollers are best left behind, and you’ll be prepared to carry your little one when tired.

Traffic and parking in the Presidio is often difficult, so consider public transportation.  Get specific transportation and parking information from The Presidio’s website.

It sounds like there’s one MORE reason to visit San Francisco!

Photo source: wikimedia

Post from: Blisstree

Walt Disney Family Museum to Open October 1st

San Francisco, a city full of great food options, wants to make the decision a little easier for you with its website Taste SF.

Organized into useful sections like Inspiring Views (great ideas for special occasions) and brunch, as well as by type of cuisine, price range, and neighborhood, the list is easy to use and gives you all the information you need to make a dinner choice.

The section on Drink includes brew pubs and wine bars, and a good amount of information if you’re interested in heading into the wine country.  A few specialty categories need entries, like Chocolatiers and Cooking Schools, but there is some fun information about Culinary Tours of the city as well as upcoming food events.

The site is laid out for easy use, gives practical and useful information, and provides links to take you directly to locations that you are considering.  I visit San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area, fairly frequently, and this site is now bookmarked for future use.

Photo credit:  paraflyer @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Choosing a Restaurant in San Francisco

After the Exposition closed, the Palace of Fine Arts went through numerous “lives” before eventually becoming part of the San Francisco Park System.  It fell into disrepair in World War II (it served as an Army motor pool), and the area was eventually declared a public hazard.  Fortunately, it rose to grandeur again following aggressive fundraising efforts.

Today the stately landmark sits in the middle of Walter S. Johnson Park in the Marina District, and serves as a performing theater and special events venue.  It’s been home to many special events including concerts, movies (Time After Time, The Rock, Twisted, So I Married an Axe Murderer) and television shows (The Streets of San Francisco, Monk, Nash Bridges), and educational events.  It is also popular for weddings (GREAT photo opportunities) and other private events.

The Palace of Fine Arts is in need of a little tender loving care, and fundraising efforts are again underway to help return this beautiful site to its rightful grandeur.

The Exploratorium, an interactive museum dedicated to science, nature, art and technology, occupies the space that was once the exhibition hall.  Exploratorium was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, who earned his science chops working on the Manhattan Project.

Photo credit:  flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco

Coit Tower in San Francisco; photo from wikimedia

The art deco tower was built in 1933, with funds donated by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, after whom the tower was named.  Folklore claims that the tower was designed to look like a fire hose nozzle, and was a tribute to the firefighters of the 1906 earthquake fire.  Although this may be more urban legend than fact, the story is consistent with the quirky personality of the donor, and many people choose to believe that it’s true.

A sunny San Francisco afternoon is the perfect time for a tour of Coit Tower and its surrounding grounds.

From the surrounding grounds you have expansive views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Bay.  Just sit and enjoy the sun, practice a bit with your photography, or stroll around enjoying the flowers and the view.

Inside the first floor of the tower are murals of depression-era art.  Although done by 26 different artists, they are all in a Diego Riviera style.  These murals of working men and women during the depression are considered some of the best of its genre.

Depression Era Mural at Coit Tower; photo from wikimedia

Coit Tower can be a bit confusing to get to as it is only accessible by one road.  There is a small parking lot at the top of the hill.  You can also get there by walking two blocks (fairly steep) up Filbert or Greenwich Street from Grant Avenue.  Or, take the #39-Coit Muni bus.  This latter option is especially attractive during the summer months when traffic and parking is difficult.

Coit Tower is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm.  There is no charge for entrance into the ground or the lobby level.  There is a small charge for the elevator to the top.

And if you can’t visit during the nice weather, don’t let that put you off.  The views are fantastic all year round (I love looking at the city shrouded in fog), and it will be much less crowded.

Post from: Blisstree

Art & a View: San Francisco’s Coit Tower

The Remainder House – green and lovely.

Jonesing for San Francisco – because who knew you could build the city out of Jello? plus, LOCUS Architecture is pretty fly too.

The World’s Best Offbeat Gingerbread Homes – not appropriate for Halloween month, but I did it anyhow, and all that gingerbread was so darn cute.

Offbeat Home for Sale: Want Wood Paneling? This house still makes me laugh out loud. It’s not very cool, but it is fun.

October was a busy Offbeat month actually, we had blog action day, tons o’ spooky stuff, and pumpkin homes galore. I think it was one of my favorite Offbeat months overall. Choosing just the four above was hard.

Post from: Blisstree

The Best of Offbeat Homes: October 2007

The two above are from Arch Zine – and there are a ton of other nice murals located at this post. This next slick mural is from The Cool Hunter and I’ve love it since I first saw it (this is one of those that’s been sitting around in my bookmarks for months). I bet you can’t guess what business this building houses. Visit Cool Hunter to learn more.

And then there’s this… A mural that’s way too cool for school. A little poppy what with the pink – but I love the face with spiky hair.

Now if I were to paint my own building mural, I’d likely go for something like this:

Actually, that’s a lie because I suck at drawing people who are real. Technically I’d have to get someone else to paint this. The mural above is not the best Bob likeness ever, but it has to be hard to do this on a building, and the artist did add a stellar quote.

I can’t remember exactly where this mural was. I took this photo somewhere near Height St. in San Francisco – about oh, eight years ago maybe. Maybe it’s long gone – I don’t remember seeing it on subsequent trips.

What would you paint on your house? 

Post from: Blisstree

Mural Up Your House

The thing about the city is you can walk everywhere still. Once I stayed in this awesome hostel on the edge of China Town and I’d walk to the Haight, the park, and than over to SOMA. At twilight you could walk to the water and see the bridge starting to twinkle.

And then of course there is the architecture. It’s hard to consider what might be offbeat vs. not in San Francisco because all the little oddities make up this entire unique area. No worries though; I did try to think up some offbeat SF today.

Liz Hickok’s amazing (and sweet) installation; San Francisco In Jell-O…

More pictures at Hickok’s site plus the story of this work which is as interesting as the piece itself — you should absolutely read it.

LOCUS Architecture in San Francisco is so fresh it almost hurts. I’m in love with this Bungalow Renovation they did for instance.

See the interior shots of this great renovation at their site.

I would be the worst offbeat blogger ever if I didn’t tell you about the LOCUS home in Minnesota. Yes, I know this is San Francisco day! So you’ll have to go see it yourself. Trust me it’s worth that click of the mouse.

You can’t visit San Francisco and NOT go to Berkeley. That would be a crime. Plus then you’d miss homes like this:

A home paneled in license plates! About 600 salvaged license plates. The owners were looking for an eco-solution to their exterior wall finish. This works. Read more here.

If you’re now aching for a little San Francisco too check out Bay Area Style : Houses of the San Francisco Bay Region 1893-2004. A beautiful book that spans decades.

Well, thanks for letting me indulge in some selfish San Francisco lust today. Hopefully I’m over it by tomorrow.

TODAY’S BONUS:

Today’s bonus is for those of you who are so dedicated that you stuck around for this entire post.

Do you know what that bonus is? Here are some hints…

Did you guess? If not then you’re not a very good scavenger hunt detective and you won’t be needing this….

Post from: Blisstree

Jonesing for San Francisco

I suppose you should know, if you’re looking for someone to wax poetic, on a blog, about back to school time; then I’m really not your girl. I unschool my own son and I’ve only met one elementary school I adore. If I get my way, I may just be featuring this amazing school later this week. As for the rest… I’m not a fan.

This works out though, since it’s an offbeat school opinion for an offbeat blog.

Today; maybe the most colorful school in the U.S. Some of you have likely seen this school, because believe it or not, kooky offbeat schools appear to be in short supply.

I like this one though:

Beautiful colors and for a great man. This Cesar Chavez Elementary School is located in San Francisco. I say ‘this’, because we had two in New Mexico that I knew of and I know there’s more named for Chavez in the U.S. This one is so well done. IF it’s real. Here’s the thing, there aren’t that many photos of this on the web. This one seems almost like a painting of the mural? I honestly am not sure. Look at the sky above. It’s a great picture if it’s real.

What do you think? Maybe weird pixels?

Above is the doorway to the school which is how most doorways should be painted. It’s very swirling and soothing. The people you see in the photo are there to celebrate this:

“A landmark “Solar Schools” initiative at Cesar Chavez Elementary School aimed at bringing renewable energy resources to City schools and students. Chavez Elementary is one of six new “Solar Schools” slated to receive solar power systems that will reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions and educate future generations about the importance of clean, alternative energies.”

Nice.

I have one more picture but again, not sure about it. It’s real, but which Cesar Chavez School it’s from, is questionable.

Beautiful though.

Now it’s your turn. All of these are images of a Cesar Chavez School. One may be fake and one may not be in San Francisco. (How do you like this knowledgeable post)? Basically I’m riding on the fact that this is the perfect school/s for Offbeat. Other than that… well, if you know something click on the comments and let me know.

I hereby promise to be back with a back to school post that I actually can comment smartly on, very soon. Hope everyone’s having the best weekend!

Post from: Blisstree

The Offbeat Kick-Off for Back to School

West Coast Green, the largest residential green building conference in America recently released it’s full line-up of presenters and exhibits for this year’s show taking place on September 20-22, 2007. The show, which will be held in San Francisco, has two days worth of educational programs for builders and designers in the industry and then allows homeowners in on the final day (wish I could go).

Sadly, I cannot go and I’m guessing this won’t fit into most of your schedules either. So I’m hoping that up until the show, I can bring some of what will be going on to Offbeat readers.

Starting with the mkLotus; designed by Michelle Kauffmann architect of the Sunset Breezehouse and built by XtremeHomes. The mkLotus is said to “feature the most advanced green technology and sustainable materials available on the market.”

I am not a fan of modular homes and I think this one is stunning. I love the colors and the raise on the roof. According to Kauffman’s site some components of the new very green design include:

• “Green “Living” Roof
• Solar Power: This Home Uses 100% Solar Generated Power
• Rain and Groundwater Catchment System: Collected Water is Used for Irrigation
• Gray Water System: Collected Water from Sinks and Shower is Recirculated to Toilets
• Exterior Siding: Low-maintenance, Long-lasting Integral Color Cement Board by Cembonit and FSC Certified Woood.
• High Performance, Energy Efficient Spray-in Open Cell Foam Insulation
• On-demand Water Heater
• Energy Efficient HVAC System”
  

Included green interior components include:

• Sustainable Layout for Maximum Cross Ventilation and Natural Lighting
• Rapidly Renewable Bamboo Flooring
• No-VOC Paint by Yolo throughout
• LED Lighting throughout
• Interior Sliding Door Panels by 3form: EcoResin comprised of 40% Post-Industrial Reclaimed Material

I don’t love the interior as much as the exterior; but I think I’m basing this on the white couch — obviously you’d bring your own furniture in.
One amazing point about this home is that the “Off Site Modular Technology” resulted in 50-70% less waste than if you build a home traditionally on site. Plus the neighbors don’t get mad with all the noise. (home building is very loud).

I love it. If you are going, you’ll get to see this home in person. West Coast Green, Extreme Green Homes, and Sunset Magazine are going to construct one of these high-performance green homes in front of City Hall and the Bill Graham Civic Center where West Coast Green is held.

Additionally, if you’re going, take a camera and send me some shots. Or maybe we should just organize a road trip. I’ll rent a pop-up and a truck and pick you all up along the way. But you’d have to live somewhere between Washington and California. Let’s see I think that leaves what, Oregon. Go Pacific NW!; sorry East Coasties.

For more information and extra photos of this beautiful home visit Michelle Kauffmann designs.

Post from: Blisstree

West Coast Green: The mkLotus