Archive for May, 2011

While trapped at the Market St. Safeway during the rainstorm today, I made a shocking discovery: Safeway carries not one, but THREE brands of frozen chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs.

Does this alarm anyone else?

Why do we need to make food shaped like extinct animals? Are there children out there somewhere who refuse to eat nuggets not shaped like dinosaurs? “No mom, I can’t eat this, it’s not shaped like a dinosaur.” Clearly, such a child needs to be loaded with ADHD medication and spanked repeatedly, not indulged in his absurd food preferences.

Sure, Safeway has four isle-long freezers, but there has to be a better way to fill them than this.

What do you think, has Safeway gone too far this time?

Martin’s Emporium, aka the weird skull store on 16th and Dolores, now has a closing date: July 31st. Now that may sound like it gives you a lot of time to get your skull figurines, crystal skull necklaces, and skull watches for your goth friend’s birthday. But no! Martin’s has sporadic and limited hours. If you want to go, go now! But call first, because they’re probably not open.

And with the closing of this store, the number of vacant retail spots on this street increases to three: Martin’s, Il Cantuccio, and Bangkok 16.

A new empanadas joint is opening soon on Valencia. Well that’s not entirely true; it’s not really new. See, Venga Empanadas didn’t have a place to call home until now. The Valencia location will be their first real storefront.

The location may prove fiercely competitive. Many other places nearby are selling empanadas: the well-established Chile Lindo on 16th, and Pica Pica is only steps away on 15th and Valencia.

With all this “rapture” nonsense over the weekend, I thought it was a good time to re-visit a classic George Carlin bit in which he narrows the 10 commandments down to a much more reasonable number, simply by cutting out the crap.

At the Rammstein show in Oakland last night, the keyboardist showed us a new way to crowdsurf: on an inflatable boat.

Squint at more of my grainy photos of the show here.

Spotted between 17th and 18th on Dolores.

First Ti Couz, now Bangkok 16? This stretch of 16th is starting to look a bit sparse.

Hopefully someone new will open up in this space to provide late-night snacks for thirsty Elixir patrons.

Yes, it’s quite a zone you go there.

Spotted at Foods Co’s loading dock.

Last time we learned about the importance of eyebrows and love. Today, it’s a bit more new agey.

Spotted at 14th and Folsom

Now that Bombay Bazaar and Ice Cream has moved, did you trek all the way out to 13th and South Van Ness? No? Jerk. Maybe next time you’re at Rainbow stocking up on tofu-scented incense, you should also drop by Bombay.

Sadly, they no longer have counter service, it’s a strictly pre-packaged endeavor now. But they still have the strange flavors you know and grew to love.