Holy dough balls!

Bacon, maple, apple doughnut you say? Bacon and Doughnut? YES PLEASE.

My suspicions have been confirmed, bacon does make everything taste better, including doughnuts. All the rave reviews of Dynamo Donut & Coffee are true!

So being the foodie that I am, I thought it was about time I checked out out exactly how dynamic these gourmet balls of dough were. Initially, I only planned to try the famous bacon one, but in the end, I got lured into buying a selection of flavours, including: passionfruit & chocolate, blueberry cornmeal and chocolate, almond & rosemary. They were all scrumptious (just to be clear, I did not eat all of these doughnuts on my own, although I sampled them all...) but my favourites were definitely the bacon, maple, apple and the passionfruit. Well worth a visit indeed.


On a doughnut kick, I continued my foray into the world of deep fried doughy deliciousness with a visit to Krispy Kreme. After all, a visit to Krispy Kreme is mandatory, following a meal at In n Out...right?


It makes the most sense to buy a box of a dozen doughnuts, and if it makes you feel a little gluttonous, you can ease the guilt by getting a few original glazed, which can be inhaled in a matter of seconds, due to the fact that they are mostly air. With this reasoning, not only are you avoiding the consumption of any calories, but I think you may actually be getting into the negative calorie zone...

Get down to the nitty gritty.

It's official - Thursdays are the new Fridays. Well, at least last Thursday was...

Start your Thursday night with a few cheap beverages at Tailor Made: The Mod Happy Hour! at Make Out Room where you can get your buzz on from 6pm and listen to Northern Soul, Ska, Britpop (did I really hear Kula Shaker? Yes, yes I did!) and other amazing musical wonders.

But now, let's get down...to The Real Nitty Gritty. Holy guacamole, Beauty Bar, you pulled it out of the bag with this night, really you did. Djs Brown Amy, Carnita and Cat Fancy kept the (rather large, and by large, I don't mean fat) crowd happy with an awesome selection of hot soul jams, 60s girl groups, funk and northern soul stompers. From The Shirelles, to Arthur Conley, I was a happy bunny and danced myself into a sweaty mess. I. Loved. Every. Minute.



So, if you like sweet soul music, I would definitely recommend this night, because it is seriously FUN! I am still marvelling at what a great night it was, despite it being soooo crowded, and in spite of the greyhound consumption that took place on my part. I just hope this becomes a regular club night at BB...

Savannah So-So...

Any day that includes this in it, is not half bad:


It has to be said that the bread pudding at Tartine is rather yummy. It is not as good as my mum's bread & butter pudding, but then not many people can compete with my mummy's cooking, because...well, because she is my mum.

So to counteract the buttery, creamy deliciousness of Tartine's baked goods, I needed to take to the dance floor last night. For a change, I thought I'd try out Savannah Jazz Club. It was 'so-so'. Well, actually, there were a lot more negative points than positive, unfortunately...

To begin with, I thought that $10 was a rather steep cover charge for a night out dancing in a small bar. Fair enough, there is a live band and it is a pretty nice bar, but considering there are so many fun dance nights, both with and without live bands, that are free, it seemed a bit extortionate, especially given that the music was not particularly exciting.


Don't.Get.Me.Started.On.The.Food. Oh my goodness. Do the kitchen at SJC not realise that this is San Francisco ie. Foodie City? How they can have the nerve to serve up such substandard food (at expensive prices) is beyond me. Upon arrival of the 'New Orleans Creole Swing' (Creole rice with New Orleans cajun sauce, sausage, chicken, and shrimp ) priced at $15.95, I had no other option but to tell the staff how disgusting it was and send it back. At least I didn't encounter any arguments to my disapproval. But really, wow. I find it despicable that anywhere could send food like this out to a customer. Tut, tut, Savannah, do I need to call Gordon Ramsey?

The dance floor was crowded, and unfortunately there was not much floor-craft being practised. It was also very hot, with only a couple of fans, which didn't seem to be doing much to help with the air flow.

Now, I can appreciate that my review is starting to sound quite negative, but it really wasn't so awful, and I had many enjoyable dances, it's just that these are all little factors which contribute to my feelings about whether to return or not.


When the band had finished and the dance floor had pretty much cleared, a little later in the evening, I was enjoying tripping the light fantastic, when a couple interrupted my dance because they wanted to 'practise a routine' in the corner being occupied by me and my lead. Now, apart from the fact that it was rude to interrupt us mid-dance, the rest of the dance floor was EMPTY, so why they needed us to move, rather than just practise in a different corner, I don't know. Maybe it was because there was a fan near to where we were. Maybe it's because they don't realise that it is a public dance event that we have all paid money to attend, rather than a dance studio where they can practise their silly little dance. Either way, it was a dick move.

So, all in all, if you want to check this place out on a Wednesday night, I would recommend going with someone you enjoy dancing with (as I did), eat before you go, and wear something light and airy. In fact, if you decide to go, I would recommend going to Le Colonial instead.

This is how I spend my days...

There's nothing quite like having a girlie afternoon with a good friend...


Sipping delicious margaritas (that are served up in glasses, literally the size of my head)...


Getting pedicures (and soaking our tootsies in rose petal filled water) whilst eating chocolate cake and gossiping!

I would definitely recommend checking out Rosy Heels if you want a bit of pampering. This SOMA salon, located on 7th and Harrison is a little oasis of calm, with reasonable prices, great service and free tea and cake. The decor is pretty, with bright colours and comfy chairs, and they play relaxing music, so you can sit back in an ultra comfortable environment as you flick through a magazine. As if this wasn't enough, they also put a warm scented cushion thingy around your shoulders, which feels really cozy. So cozy, in fact, that my friend and I almost fell asleep...

I have been here a few times, and I have to say it's my nail salon of choice. I have never tried any of the other services that they offer, such as facials or waxing, but for a good mani/pedi and nail polish that will last a long time without chipping, this is most certainly the place to treat those tootsies.

Fresh fluffy pillows of perfection!

Brunch brunch brunch! Nom nom nom! A visit to Just For You cafe in the Dogpatch (ruff, ruff!) neighbourhood on Sunday morning set me up for the perfect day. What more could you want, apart from a) amazing bluebottle coffee whilst you wait for your table, b) great company, c) lovely weather? Oh, that's right....BEIGNETS!

This Southern-style brunch joint has a guaranteed looooooong wait on the weekends, but it's worth it for the beignets and cornbread alone. Seriously - the tagline 'fresh, fluffy pillows of perfection' aint lying! Admittedly, not the most healthy start to the day, but oh so delicious.


So following a breakfast feast of eggs, chicken apple sausage, home fries, cornbread and beignets, a walk was in order. We walked from: Dogpatch to Potrero Hill to the Mission to Hayes Valley to the Haight. It was the perfect day for it and made me feel a little less guilty about my decadent brekkie....oh who am I kidding? I had no regrets or guilt associated to my breakfast, I just like to walk.

I really enjoy taking in the different neighbourhoods in San Francisco, as they are so unique, and all have their own quirky elements. Along the way, a giant metal sculpture scraped the sky in Hayes Valley. The Amazonian looking figure, with her head flung back to emphasise her long flowing hair (made of chains) was so striking! Apparently it was created for Burning Man, but to be honest the first thing I thought when I saw it was: BEYONCE! The sculpture was set in a pose where she was pointing to her finger, à la 'If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it!' Needless to say, this song was stuck in my head for the duration of the walk.


When we got to Haight Street, we stopped in at Club Deluxe to watch a low-key, afternoon performance by the Dimestore Dandies. If you like a bit of ukelele, double bass and kazoo, then this is for you! It's a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon, and not only do you get to listen to live music performed with a beaming smile, you can also sip on a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from the bar (which, FYI, is delicious).

Deco Ball Decadence.

After much anticipation, Saturday 8th May was finally the day of the Art Deco Preservation Ball, which is an annual fundraiser, hosted by the Art Deco Society of California.

It is a lavish affair, held at the beautiful Bimbo's 365 nightclub in North Beach. The men wear tuxedos and the women wear evening gowns, and the whole affair is very civilised and glamorous. As well as musical entertainment by Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz orchestra, there is a dancefloor, and performances by the Deco Belles.


So what to wear? Well, I definitely didn't think to pack any vintage evening dresses when planning my trip (despite the fact that I am not adverse to popping to the corner shop to buy a pint of milk in fancy attire, I was constrained by luggage limitations - and believe me, packing three months' worth of clothes into one suitcase is no mean feat...) so I was delighted when I found the perfect dress at an awesome little vintage shop, Bianca Starr, literally around the corner from where I was living.


This boutique is a little treasure trove of goodies! I was so happy with my dress, and over the weeks that I was living in my sublet right by this shop in the Mission, I have popped in to have a look around on many an occasion. The shop owner, Bianca, is an absolute sweetheart, and having built up a great rapport with her over the weeks, I really enjoy stopping by for a chat and a gossip. Go have a look!

So, back to the ball....what a spectacular evening! The dresses, the dresses, the dresses!!! The ladies all looked so beautiful and glamorous, and the men looked handsome and dashing. I really relish the opportunity to go all out and get dressed up for an event where you know that everyone will make an effort and get fancy too.


I enjoyed a couple of cosmopolitans, which I thought was the appropriate cocktail to accompany my outfit, and was amused by the bartender who spent the evening painting little watercolour pictures of the crowd in between serving up drinkies. He was great and so were his doodles! What a great hobby, and indeed, a great skill, to be able to just quickly entertain yourself by sketching and painting little postcard-sized pictures when you have a spare minute.


I thoroughly enjoyed the choreographed routine by the ultra-glam Deco Belles, who performed a dance to the song 'Puttin' On The Ritz' - what a gorgeous group of girls! I did end up with this song going 'round and 'round my head for the next few days though...

It was great to see so many friends dressed up to the nines! I am so glad to have been a part of this super fun event and would definitely love to go back again next year.

You took a white orchid, turned it blue.

So, as part of my volunteering duties for the annual Deco Ball, I went along to the flower market (on 6th & Brannan) to help choose the orchids for the table arrangements, and also the gardenias and carnations for people to adorn their suits and dresses with on the night.


Well, what a fun morning! As I have previously expressed, I love flowers, so being surrounded by so many of them was an absolute delight. It was a beautiful, sunny and warm Friday, and walking around the slightly cool flower warehouse, my eyes were awash with a rainbow of colours.


These flowers reminded me so much of a giant bunch of radishes! Mmmmmm, salad...


I would definitely recommend coming here to buy flowers, as this place is HUGE and they have pretty much every type of floral to take your fancy. So whether you want to impress someone with a fistful of picturesque posies, or you have a party to decorate, or, if you simply want to treat yourself, then this is the place.


Surrounded by plants that were preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty as a picture!


It brought a huge smile to my face when one of the stall owners came up to me and presented me with a beautiful red flower. What a lovely gesture! And what a lovely flower it was too.


The whole experience was made all the more amusing by the guy who was selling us the flowers that we eventually decided on. Junior was a cheeky chappie indeed. I like a bit of joviality mixed in with business, and I definitely like a side of sarcasm with my blooms...

The rhythm of the Cinco de Mayo.

As yesterday was Cinco de Mayo, I thought it necessary to eat happy hour tacos (although, I find it necessary to eat happy hour tacos pretty much every day...) and drink margaritas. Check and check!

Delicious carne asada and al pastor parcels of scrumptiousness have become de rigueur to my weekday lifestyle, so much so, that I have started alternating between Pancho Villa and El Torro (they are owned by the same people) so I don't get a reputation amongst the staff for being the cheap-taco lady.

After my tacos, I had a hankering for a sweet treat, so I went to get a frozen yogurt. Upon ordering a 'small' with mango and butterscotch chips, I was reminded that this is America, where 'small' essentially means 'large'...


When the girl behind the counter added the toppings to my FroYo and then added more FroYo and more toppings - generously - I thought to myself, this would never happen in London, and if they were that generous with the toppings, my dessert would end up costing a million pounds.

In a strange coincidence, when I got home, I saw that my review of frozen yogurt joint, Frae, in London, was ROTD (review of the day) on Yelp! Slightly creepy, given that this is not something that I indulge in often...

So I finally got a margarita (or five) when I headed over to the super dooper crowded Beauty Bar for their Wednesday night 'Boner Party' musical mashup. Dj Richie Panic plays a fun selection of songs, old and new - from the ones you love, to the ones you would rather forget (heeeeeeey macarena!) - and throws them together in a big mess that you cannot help but dance to.

I was particularly excited when Corona's Rhythm of The Night came blasting out of the speakers. Now there's a cheesy song I used to love....when I was ten years old! It seems, though, that this Italian europop sensation perhaps did not achieve the success they deserved, stateside, as my friends had never heard the song before....


As I sipped on my margarita and sang along to You Shook Me All Night Long, I had an intense desire to crack open one of the piñatas that hung from the chandeliers. So when one of these papier-mâché creatures appeared in front of me, I grabbed it by the leg - and pulled! I ended up with a paper donkey leg in my hand, but sadly, no tootsie roll magically fell out of it and into my mouth. Disappointing.

San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)...

As most of my friends know, I love to wear flowers in my hair...therefore, it should come as no surprise that I also love receiving flowers. Who doesn't?

So I couldn't resist posting a picture of these beauties that were given to me last week...


My room smells like lilies and roses and general prettiness now.

Also, this song keeps popping into my head! It makes me feel like such a hippie (as long as I don't dress like one...) listening to it, but it's so catchy, and honestly, any songs that mention SF make me go all warm and fuzzy...

A hungry Mel is a grumpy Mel.

Well, it's been a week since my last post, but I have been busy busy, and that coupled with the fact that I have been ill for the past few days, due to some horrible stomach bug/flu thing that turned me into the girl from The Exorcist, means I haven't had a chance to note down my thoughts.

So, I will try to catch up with of some of the haps from the past few days...

Thursday I went to El Rio to see Lil' Anne and The Tune Wranglers - what a stonkin' good band! I have been to El Rio on a few occasions, but had never seen a show in the back garden area, and I gotta say, it really is the perfect summer venue. It is pretty big back there, with enough space for dancing, and there are various raised levels, which breaks up the space nicely (this also means you can watch the band from right in front of the stage, or from slightly above).


There are heat lamps to keep you nice and toasty, and the warmth of them, coupled with the palm trees back there makes it feel like a nice, cozy little oasis.

It was an early show (I missed the opening band at 6pm) and so when the band came on at 7.30pm, it was still light out. One of the things I really like about going to outdoor shows and festivals, is the sun setting during the course of the performance. My favourite outdoors gig in recent years was when blur played Hyde Park last summer. It was the most beautiful, hot, sunny, summers day and the whole crowd were in high spirits. Watching the sunset as the backdrop to their performance was truly spectacular, and hearing them sing out the show under the stars was magical...but I digress...

Lil' Anne is cute as a button, and with the addition of a female double bass player in leopard print killer heels, I loved this band as soon as I set eyes on them. Their jingle-jangle country sounds appealed to my inner cowgirl sensibilities, and despite the small audience, they put on a fun show, and have guaranteed my attendance at their next gig.


After the show, a couple of us headed over to 9:20 Special to check out the dancing. It was free that night, so despite not having heard the most encouraging reviews of the place, this was the night to check it out. Yeah - not my thing. In fairness, I will admit that I am probably slightly biased, due to the fact that upon arrival, I suddenly came over all hungry, which got my grump on - Don't.Mess.With.A.Hungry.Mel.

I don't know what it was, because technically I should have loved this night. It was packed with dancers, and it really is a huge space to dance in, but something was just lacking for me somehow. For one, I felt like the lighting should have been dimmed, as I prefer a more nightclub-esque atmosphere when out dancing at night, but also I was just not inspired by the musical selection. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, but there wasn't anything stand-out enough to make me want to get up off my hungry ass and boogie. I like dance situations where the music fills me with such joy that I cannot possibly sit still, and instead makes me say 'oooooooh I love this song!' and forces me to grab the nearest person and drag them onto the dance floor.

I also found the halt to dance proceedings to make way for a few choreographed performances took a little longer than it should have, and by the third amateur performance, my mood had deflated...eeek. This sounds a bit harsh, perhaps, but I felt that this portion of the evening (followed by an announcement about every dance event taking place over the next week) could have been condensed a bit more efficiently, so as not to break the flow of dancing.

That being said, this is a big venue, and it pulls a big crowd, so if you were after a dance 'workout' rather than a more eveningy event...then give it a go!

My desire to abscond 9:20 was followed by an Escape from NY, where a late night pizza party in my mouth commenced. This perked me up no end, as their pizza is delicious.