San Francisco Meet-Up

[Br!an]

A couple of members are going to San Francisco the weekend of Sept 7 & 8 for Metallica's S&M2 show(s).

RF mentioned that he might be able to meet.

Anyone else going to be there for a meet-up?

[kingfan2323]

Far from having a spot at the cool kids table but will be in SF on the 7th. So it would depend on time and place. Would love to meet some of you.

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

[Br!an]

Far from having a spot at the cool kids table but will be in SF on the 7th. So it would depend on time and place. Would love to meet some of you.

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

So far there is no time or place.

I am arriving mid-day on the 7th. I'd say that anytime after 4pm anywhere in downtown SF would work for me. Around 7pm would be best. Some Anchor Steam and local seafood would be perfect. Maybe somewhere at the wharf?

[kingfan2323]

Far from having a spot at the cool kids table but will be in SF on the 7th. So it would depend on time and place. Would love to meet some of you.

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

So far there is no time or place.

I am arriving mid-day on the 7th. I'd say that anytime after 4pm anywhere in downtown SF would work for me. Around 7pm would be best. Some Anchor Steam and local seafood would be perfect. Maybe somewhere at the wharf?Cool. Let's see if there is more interest in here and go from there.

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

[Randall Flagg]

This link shows brewpubs and taphouses in San Francisco:


https://www.google.com/search?q=brewpubs+and+taphouses+in+san+francisco&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=37780596,-122419260,2415&tbm=lcl&ved=2ahUKEwipyb7ypZ7kAhUGup4KHdwRDfcQtgN6BAgKEAQ&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui: 9&rldoc=1#rldoc=1&rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:!1m2!1d37.790074514781175!2d-122.37547383969508!2m2!1d37.757441727011575!2d-122.4566696709939!4m2!1d37.77375992128931!2d-122.41607175534449!5i14;tbs:lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2 m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9

[Br!an]

These all look promising... (and walking distance from my hotel.:evil:)

http://bartletthall.com/
http://www.johnnyfoleys.com/index.php
http://www.mikkellerbar.com/sf/
https://www.thechieftain.com/

[Randall Flagg]

At first glance, I like the first place.

[Br!an]

I like that one too. They have a craft brewery.

It looks nice but not stuffy.

[bdwyer19]

Where are you staying? My wife and I are going to be at the Hotel Zoe in the Wharf area from Friday-Monday.

Saturday is completely booked right now. We are driving to Napa for the day, and then going to Sausalito for dinner. If timing works out, I want to go to Lucky Strike bowling alley for an Enter Night Party. Stone is one of my favorite breweries, so this could be a fun pre-party.

Sunday morning we are going to Alcatraz, and then getting lunch at Slanted Door. So we would have from then until concert time open.

[Br!an]

We're staying at the Hilton in Union Square.

I should be available Sunday afternoon.

If Kingfan2323 won't be there Sunday, I don't mind meeting up twice.

[Randall Flagg]

I can do Saturday afternoon at the restaurant we talked about. 1 or 2 pm works best.
Sunday is NFL kickoff, so I'll be busy.

[Br!an]

I can do Saturday afternoon at the restaurant we talked about. 1 or 2 pm works best.
Sunday is NFL kickoff, so I'll be busy.

I get in to SFO just before 2pm. My nephew will get there just before me. We aren't checking bags, so it's just the time to get from the airport to downtown.

I'd say that 3pm is the earliest I can be there.

[Randall Flagg]

Let's shoot for 3pm. I'll text you my phone #

[Randall Flagg]

Public Service Announcement:


Car break-ins are at epidemic proportions in San Francisco (30,000 in 2017!). Thieves target most any car, but particularly focus on rental cars. Do not leave anything in your car, not a charging cord, not a shirt, nothing! Don't think if it's in the trunk it is safe. Thieves break your window, then pop your trunk. IF you are using a rental car (versus Uber or Lyft), go directly from the airport to your hotel and check everything into your room.
When going out (sans car), take only what you need for that particular trip. If you are using a rental car, once again, leave absolutely nothing in the car or its trunk.

[bdwyer19]

Good to know. Thanks Jerome.

[Randall Flagg]

Be aware that SFO is doing repairs to one of its two main runways during September. Expect delays.


https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/SFO-to-close-busiest-runway-for-much-of-14379076.php#

[bdwyer19]

That’s the latest thing causing some headaches on the Metallica forums. Luckily my flight out of SFO is at 6:15am, so there shouldn’t be any delays at that hour.

[Randall Flagg]

There could be arrival delays as well.

[bdwyer19]

True, but there won’t be concerns about having to make a connection flight.

[Randall Flagg]

FYI, there is very little parking on site (less than 2K spaces-all likely reserved already) I looked and all parking garages within 1.5 miles are already booked. One can ride Muni (free the day of the event with concert ticket in hand-except for Cable Cars) to and from the event, but it's a bit of a challenge, particularly when leaving as of the 18,000 people attending, many will want to board the muni trains that seat 700 each. It could take over an hour to move 7,000 people.

Another option is to UBER/LYFT in, but there will be waits when 1,000`s of people want a ride when the concert lets out.



Here is a useful site:
https://www.sfmta.com/places/chase-center

[racerx45]

I’d love to join but I am out f town that week end.
If you like beer and have time this is one of my favorite spots

Toronado Pub (http://www.toronado.com/)

[Randall Flagg]

I’d love to join but I am out f town that week end.
If you like beer and have time this is one of my favorite spots

Toronado Pub (http://www.toronado.com/)
Toronado is old school Haight Ashbury funk, with an amazing eclectic beer selection. Several blocks up the Haight is Magnolia

[Br!an]

I hope my arrival isn't delayed. The delay would be that the plane is stacked up in the sky awaiting a landing clearance.

My departure is early morning, so I don't think that will be a problem.

I'll be heading out to see Metallica after cleaning up from Hurricane Dorian.

I'm going from one type of hurricane to another. :orely:

[bdwyer19]

Jerome - Any bookstore recommendations?

[Randall Flagg]

Green Apple Books (https://www.greenapplebooks.com/)

[bdwyer19]

Good to know. Thanks! I also cane across Witterborn Art Books. No King books, but they have a lot of Herb Yellin correspondence regarding King, which looked interesting.

[Patrick]

Ah man, I would love to meet you guys up there, but I have a work-related function that afternoon/evening. Darn. Have fun and post photos!

[cit74]

wish I knew Metallica was in town...Its a hockey weekend - so we have games Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night in Cupertino (Bay Area adjacent) but doubt we would be able to head into SF then to Cupertino - we would have gear in the car - and as RF said - they break into everything - cops do not get involved in SF (friend is a cop) - and the city does not have their back all the time - always worried about bad publicity if "violent" tactics used - and the staggering amount of homeless doesn't help either...

[kingfan2323]

Hey guys,

Let Brian know but I am not sure on my availability. I will be in the city that day for a work event (Booze Cruise) but boss has not given the details. Will keep ya updated

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

[Randall Flagg]

Conductor Edwin Outwater says Metallica and SF Symphony concerts will be historic (https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/conductor-edwin-outwater-says-metallica-and-sf-symphony-concerts-will-be-historic#)

[Randall Flagg]

I have some very cool maps and info to post, but before I do, it would help to know how folks are planning to get to the concert. No sense posting detailed info for methods that wont be used.

You are:



Driving a car
Ride hailing Uber/Lyft/Taxi
Bart and or Muni
Bicycle/Walking
Ferry (Far fetched, but you never know)

[Br!an]

I think for me it will be muni/uber although I haven't ruled out a rental. I am staying two miles from the venue. We'll probably go somewhere on the wharf for dinner and either walk or muni from there. After the show we'll either muni/uber to the hotel or walk and barhop to the hotel.

[bdwyer19]

Thanks Jerome. Since we’ll be coming from the Wharf, I’m thinking that we will take an Uber. It’s definitely going to be a mess, so my wife and I are budgeting enough time to get there early enough to get something to eat, and then head to the concert. After the concert, the Uber area will be ridiculous. So I’m not sure what we’ll do then.

[Randall Flagg]

I think for me it will be muni/uber although I haven't ruled out a rental. I am staying two miles from the venue. We'll probably go somewhere on the wharf for dinner and either walk or muni from there. After the show we'll either muni/uber to the hotel or walk and barhop to the hotel.
From Union Square you walk 3 blocks to Powell Street Bart and take Bart south two stops to 16th & Mission ($4 round trip with Clipper Card). Then take the Muni 78x, or 79x toward Chase Center (free with event ticket). Both lines are express, so the ~2 mile ride to Chase is quick. Reverse the process to return to Union Square.



There is a dearth of good bars (Until you hit Oracle Park-SF Giants park) walking from Chase to Union Square (in fact after midnight, it's not the safest walk to be had). I'd recommend getting back to the Union Square area before bar/restaurant hopping. The walk is 2+ miles and will take 45 minutes sober.



https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chase+Center,+South+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94158/Union+Square,+San+Francisco,+CA/@37.7780451,-122.4149417,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x808f7fc67f4400 e9:0x7d6793e3d8a141e3!2m2!1d-122.3874268!2d37.7678946!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085808ed3fd4 0bb:0xfe41d9b5994cb6ba!2m2!1d-122.4074374!2d37.7879938!3e2




https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chase+Center,+South+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94158/Union+Square,+San+Francisco,+CA/@37.7797284,-122.4213865,14z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x808f7fc67f4400e9:0x7d6 793e3d8a141e3!2m2!1d-122.3874268!2d37.7678946!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085808ed3fd4 0bb:0xfe41d9b5994cb6ba!2m2!1d-122.4074374!2d37.7879938!3e3!5i1

[Br!an]

I think for me it will be muni/uber although I haven't ruled out a rental. I am staying two miles from the venue. We'll probably go somewhere on the wharf for dinner and either walk or muni from there. After the show we'll either muni/uber to the hotel or walk and barhop to the hotel.
From Union Square you walk 3 blocks to Powell Street Bart and take Bart south two stops to 16th & Mission ($4 round trip with Clipper Card). Then take the Muni 78x, or 79x toward Chase Center (free with event ticket). Both lines are express, so the ~2 mile ride to Chase is quick. Reverse the process to return to Union Square.



There is a dearth of good bars (Until you hit Oracle Park-SF Giants park) walking from Chase to Union Square (in fact after midnight, it's not the safest walk to be had). I'd recommend getting back to the Union Square area before bar/restaurant hopping. The walk is 2+ miles and will take 45 minutes sober.



https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chase+Center,+South+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94158/Union+Square,+San+Francisco,+CA/@37.7780451,-122.4149417,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x808f7fc67f4400 e9:0x7d6793e3d8a141e3!2m2!1d-122.3874268!2d37.7678946!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085808ed3fd4 0bb:0xfe41d9b5994cb6ba!2m2!1d-122.4074374!2d37.7879938!3e2




https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chase+Center,+South+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94158/Union+Square,+San+Francisco,+CA/@37.7797284,-122.4213865,14z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x808f7fc67f4400e9:0x7d6 793e3d8a141e3!2m2!1d-122.3874268!2d37.7678946!1m5!1m1!1s0x8085808ed3fd4 0bb:0xfe41d9b5994cb6ba!2m2!1d-122.4074374!2d37.7879938!3e3!5i1

Thanks for the directions. I have been trying to figure out the muni routes. I haven't even looked at Bart routes yet.

On second thought, we probably won't be bar hopping. I am leaving rather early in the morning. We'll probably just head back to the hotel. Or like you say get close to the hotel and then have a nightcap.

I think my nephew and I would be the last two people anyone would want to assault.

[Randall Flagg]

It's not how tough you are, or how you look. When an insane drug addict goes after you, they are so high they are incoherent.
There is no fear, and no logical reason for their attack. It's usually an alcohol and or psychotic drug influenced event.
Best to simply reduce the possibility by using the safest means of transportation.
Walking 2 miles from Chase to Union Square post midnight is not the safest means of transportation.

[Randall Flagg]

Here are a few restaurant/bar recommendations. I have eaten and or drank at all of them and they are very good.


Right at Fisherman's Wharf:
Scoma's. (https://scomas.com/) A true Italian seafood and steak house situated right on a working fish dock.
McCormick & Kuleto' (https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/Locations/san-francisco-california/NorthPointSt.aspx)s Seafood, Oysters and Steakhouse. Locate at historic Ghirardelli square, this tri-level restaurant has an extensive (and pricey) menu. Fabulous views of Alcatraz and the SF bay.
The Buena Vista. (http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html) World famous Irish coffees and very good breakfast. Fun in that small groups may be seated at large tables with people they have never met. Great way to meet tourists from around the world.





On the waterfront near The Ferry Building and at the foot of the Bay Bridge. Two stops on Bart (Embarcadero) from Powell St. Bart near Union Square. A gorgeous waterfront walk of 2.2 miles to get to Fisherman's Wharf proper, or grab a pedal cab and have the rider transport you, and regale you with tales of San Francisco.
Waterbar (https://www.waterbarsf.com/). Insanely good seafood, raw and cooked. Fantastic views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and a peak of the Golden Gate Bridge. People watch as thousands walk along the waterfront.


Epic Steak (https://www.epicsteak.com/).Same owners as Waterbar, and located right next door. As the name implies this is primarily a steakhouse. Same views as Waterbar.




Bix. (http://www.bixrestaurant.com/) High end Supper Club, with live jazz pianist. Dark and sensuous with some of the best cocktails in town. Located 2 blocks from Broadway and North Beach. Jazz clubs and strip clubs abound on Broadway.

[bdwyer19]

Thanks! My wife and I have reservations at Scoma on Saturday night. It looks amazing. We wanted to get some kind of California cuisine on Friday night, so I’ll look into these other restaurants.

[kingfan2323]

Trying to plan out the day.

So what is the current location and time of meet up?

Have a headcount yet?

Thx

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

[Randall Flagg]

Waiting to hear from Br!an, but thoughts were for libations ~3PM Saturday at http://bartletthall.com/


Sunday stuff has yet to be determined.

[lotuz]

As a former SF resident, I'm reading this thread with envy... can't wait to hear how it all turns out :)

If anyone will be in SF on Saturday in time to have lunch before the 3pm meetup, I would recommend Tu Lan (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tu+Lan/@37.7818759,-122.41013,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xb9b0634df179c9d2?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiciYWO_7XkAhWQ9Z4KHXUGAXEQ_BIwCnoECA4QC A), one of my favorite long-time SF eats. It's a little less than a mile from Bartlett Hall and the walk along Market street isn't too challenging or dangerous (at that time of day). Of course there are a million other great places to eat also!

I will second RF's recommendation for Green Apple Books. It's always been one of the better book stores in town (and larger), and now it's one of the only ones left... I'd have loved to give someone a list pre-2012 or so...

If you are a horror and/or Sci-Fi fan, you also can't go wrong with a visit to Borderland Books (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Borderlands+Books/@37.7590492,-122.42373,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x808f7e3dae6df76b:0x6240f16ee9572 080!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7e3dadbffae5:0xd46e5346d770e88 0!8m2!3d37.759045!4d-122.4215413). At some point they are moving from Valencia to the Haight, so it might be worth a phone call to see if they still have their full stock displayed.

[bdwyer19]

Have fun on Saturday afternoon. I’m bummed I can’t meet up, but I’ll be drinking wine at Reid Family Vineyards in Napa then.

[Br!an]

Waiting to hear from Br!an, but thoughts were for libations ~3PM Saturday at http://bartletthall.com/


Sunday stuff has yet to be determined.

That's the plan.

[Randall Flagg]

Ultimate Guide to Chase Center (https://projects.sfchronicle.com/guides/chase-center/)

[Br!an]

There is a Chase Center app too.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/warriors-chase-center (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/warriors-chase-center/id516767086)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/warriors (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yinzcam.nba.warriors)

[Randall Flagg]

From any Bart station, head to the 16th& Mission station. Exit Bart and grab the Muni 78x or 79x train (free with event ticket) straight to Chase center. Reverse route when concert is over. Most of the Bart stations in San Francisco do not have parking available. The Nearest station with parking is Daly City (south of SF).


http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1567625265-Union%20Square%20to%20Chase.jpg

[Randall Flagg]

I can do Saturday afternoon at the restaurant we talked about. 1 or 2 pm works best.
Sunday is NFL kickoff, so I'll be busy.

I get in to SFO just before 2pm. My nephew will get there just before me. We aren't checking bags, so it's just the time to get from the airport to downtown.

I'd say that 3pm is the earliest I can be there.




If you are taking Bart you go from SFO (Antioch bound train) to Powell Street, then walk to your hotel. The Bart cost is $9.65 one-way. Trains run every 20 minutes on the 7's (2:07, 2:27, 2:47 etc.) Trip time is 29 minutes.
If renting a car it will likely take 90 minutes to obtain your car and get to your hotel, park and check in.

[Br!an]

I can do Saturday afternoon at the restaurant we talked about. 1 or 2 pm works best.
Sunday is NFL kickoff, so I'll be busy.

I get in to SFO just before 2pm. My nephew will get there just before me. We aren't checking bags, so it's just the time to get from the airport to downtown.

I'd say that 3pm is the earliest I can be there.




If you are taking Bart you go from SFO (Antioch bound train) to Powell Street, then walk to your hotel. The Bart cost is $9.65 one-way. Trains run every 20 minutes on the 7's (2:07, 2:27, 2:47 etc.) Trip time is 29 minutes.
If renting a car it will likely take 90 minutes to obtain your car and get to your hotel, park and check in.

I think I'll take the BART to Powell Street and back to the airport. I'll take the muni train from Powell to the venue and back.

[Br!an]

As a former SF resident, I'm reading this thread with envy... can't wait to hear how it all turns out :)

If anyone will be in SF on Saturday in time to have lunch before the 3pm meetup, I would recommend Tu Lan (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tu+Lan/@37.7818759,-122.41013,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xb9b0634df179c9d2?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiciYWO_7XkAhWQ9Z4KHXUGAXEQ_BIwCnoECA4QC A), one of my favorite long-time SF eats. It's a little less than a mile from Bartlett Hall and the walk along Market street isn't too challenging or dangerous (at that time of day). Of course there are a million other great places to eat also!

I will second RF's recommendation for Green Apple Books. It's always been one of the better book stores in town (and larger), and now it's one of the only ones left... I'd have loved to give someone a list pre-2012 or so...

If you are a horror and/or Sci-Fi fan, you also can't go wrong with a visit to Borderland Books (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Borderlands+Books/@37.7590492,-122.42373,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x808f7e3dae6df76b:0x6240f16ee9572 080!4m5!3m4!1s0x808f7e3dadbffae5:0xd46e5346d770e88 0!8m2!3d37.759045!4d-122.4215413). At some point they are moving from Valencia to the Haight, so it might be worth a phone call to see if they still have their full stock displayed.

I might go to Tu Lan Sunday. I'll have to play it by ear.

[Randall Flagg]

If you are taking Bart you go from SFO (Antioch bound train) to Powell Street, then walk to your hotel. The Bart cost is $9.65 one-way. Trains run every 20 minutes on the 7's (2:07, 2:27, 2:47 etc.) Trip time is 29 minutes.
If renting a car it will likely take 90 minutes to obtain your car and get to your hotel, park and check in.

I think I'll take the BART to Powell Street and back to the airport. I'll take the muni train from Powell to the venue and back.[/QUOTE]




Advice: Buy a $19.30 BART ticket for each person (round trip price) when you go to the SFO station. That way you don't have to screw around buying a ticket when returning to the airport for the trip home. Saves a couple of minutes time when you may be in a hurry to catch your flight home (which will be delayed because of runway repairs :) )

[kingfan2323]

It's a no-go for me in the meet up but have fun. Also . . . Those of you going to Metallica enjoy. If they can top The Ecstasy of Gold opening from part one I would be shocked. Let us know how it goes.

seeking: ANYTHING DT related #246
Dead Zone 1st Edition F/F or NF/NF

[bdwyer19]

I cannot wait to hear that song! It sounded amazing with the orchestra in S&M1

[Patrick]

It’s killing me that I can’t join you tomorrow. Have a great time!

[Randall Flagg]

Concert review (https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/music/metallica-symphony-make-grand-racket-at-chase-center-grand-opening)

[Randall Flagg]

Would love to hear from attendees how the concert was, how the eateries they visited were, how was their experience in SF, and if the runway shutdown caused them any delays.

[bdwyer19]

I’be been meaning to do this, so thanks for the nudge. The weekend was great! We stayed at the Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf. Nice hotel... not too fancy, but it’s close to the Wharf without being too close to the touristy area. Plus, it’s easy walking distance to Ghirardelli and Buena Vista Social Club, which was perfect for breakfast on Saturday! For dinners, we went to The Stinky Rose, which was unique and tasty. Saturday was a Napa day, and we ended up in Sausalito for dinner. Scola had great food and even better views!

Sunday started with a ferry to Alcatraz. I had been there several years ago, so it was great seeing the prison again. Then it was off to Haight to bum around while my wife shopped.

Sunday night was Metallica. Traffic was difficult getting there... even for the Lyft driver that was constantly rerouted. When we got to the Chase Center around 6:30, we walked around outside and then finally got inside. Overall, for a $1.5B facility, it was unimpressive. The concourses were way to narrow for the crowds. Food and drink was ungodly expensive. Beers were $11 each! When we sat down at our seats, not all of them had cup holders. Maybe I’m biased because Milwaukee has the new Fiserv Forum, but I definitely preferred that to the Chase.

The concert itself was phenomenal. Sat right behind the soundboard, so it sounded perfect. The arrangements that were written sounded perfect alongside Metallica. Being a Club show, I talked to people from England, Germany, and Argentina. Since this was a once-in-20-years concert, I am so glad I made the trip.

[Randall Flagg]

When you went to Buena Vista were you seated at a table with people you didn't know? If so, did it end up being fun, and did you have the famous Irish Coffee?


Sorry about the pricing, but $11 for a beer is the going rate out here for a beer at a concert/sporting event. Always best to eat and drink before going into the event.

[bdwyer19]

When you went to Buena Vista were you seated at a table with people you didn't know? If so, did it end up being fun, and did you have the famous Irish Coffee?


Sorry about the pricing, but $11 for a beer is the going rate out here for a beer at a concert/sporting event. Always best to eat and drink before going into the event.

We ended up sitting at a two-person table. Since we were wine-tasting, we stuck to regular coffee. Even so, it was fun watching the regulars that were in there catching up over Irish Coffees.

[Randall Flagg]

Dude, that's like going to The Field of Dreams and staying in your car in the lot, like not having sex on your wedding night, like reading your very first King novel on an e-device, like going to Yosemite national park, and staying in your room the whole time, like going to Alcatraz but staying on the boat, like going to San Francisco's Fisherman's wharf and not having Boudin bakery sourdough bread, like...(someone feel free to add more axamples)

[bdwyer19]

Maybe... but it was 8am, we had an hour drive to Napa, and the palette had to be ready for wine. The breakfast itself was still tasty.

[Patrick]

Glad you had fun on your trip, Brian!. Don’t mind Jerome, you’ll just need to visit again. I hope to meet you then.

[stroppygoblin]

Anyone in Boston over the w/e of 21/22nd September? I have a business trip planned that takes me from Detroit to Cambridge MA, so I have a free weekend in Boston.

[bdwyer19]

Glad you had fun on your trip, Brian!. Don’t mind Jerome, you’ll just need to visit again. I hope to meet you then.

Thanks Patrick! I’ll be back... just not right away. I’ve taken two trips to the Bay Area and one to SoCal... and that’s just in the last six months!

[Garrell]

I will be in the Bay area Oct 6-12

[Br!an]

My flight from the connection in Charlotte to SFO was delayed by 2.5 hours due to the runway closure. We also had a head wind which made the flight 1/2 hour longer than the return flight. My nephew A. J. was also delayed by 1.5 hours from San Diego. He was waiting for me when I finally arrived.

Florida temps were in the mid-nineties. SF was 70°. Nice!

We decided to take the BART train - ~$20 round trip - from SFO to near our hotel at the Hilton Union Center. Powell Station is only a couple of city blocks from the Hilton. That went well.

Our hotel was nice. My nephew is a diamond member at Hilton. They upgraded our room to a room on the 31st floor with a view of the bay. I could see Coit Tower, part of the Golden Gate bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf I couldn't see the venue or at least I didn't recognize it.

We had planned to go to a brew pub called Bartlett Hall to meet up with Jerome. With the delays in travel that didn't happen. A. J. and I still wanted to go there and did so. It was only a couple of blocks from the hotel, so we walked there while avoiding the homeless sleeping on the sidewalks and smelling the bouquet of San Francisco; urine and marijuana. We enjoyed Barlett Hall. The ambiance was friendly, the server was nice and helpful, the food was good and the beers were mostly delicious (A. J. didn't like his 11.9% dessert beer.) We got there just before the place filled up which was nice.

http://bartletthall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bh-bar.jpg

We saw an interesting bar - Owl Tree - on the walk back to the hotel and decided to have a couple more beers. We were again just before the crowd. It seems there is a club upstairs and a bar downstairs. We sat at the bar and watched as one beautiful woman after another came in and went upstairs. My nephew is married and I'm a bit older than the crowd so we went back to the hotel.

https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/-Qpj9MK7h-LC3ikUcLqLbA/o.jpg

Sunday breakfast at the hotel. The eggs Benedict weren't very good. The rest of the buffet was fabulous.

We decided to take the Muni bus to Golden Gate Park to view the Ed Hardy exhibit at the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum. Ed Hardy is a tattoo artist that incorporated military tattoos with Japanese tattoo motifs. While waiting to pay for the ticket the agent looked at A. J. and could see tattoos on his forearms. She said, "I can see you have tattoos." Then looking at me she asked if I had any? I said, "Never in my life." She again looked at A. J. and said, "You get $5 off." I said, "Well I have a tattoo, but I can't show it in public." She laughed and told me I already had my chance and would have to pay full price. There is also a huge amount of art that is on permanent display. The place is huge.

Native "American" art...
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/artreduced2.jpg
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/artreduced3.jpg
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/artreduced1.jpg

California has legal recreational marijuana. I didn't think about that until Sunday. The stores in San Francisco are closed on Sunday. :frown:

We wanted to go to Tu Lan which Tim suggested. That was also closed on Sunday.

Instead A. J. looked up Asian food places and found a place that ranked 85 out of 4000. Mandalay is a Burmese food place. It's nothing fancy, but the food is delicious. Friendly staff too. We used the Muni buses for free with our Metallica tickets. Not that the bus driver cared if we had paid or not.

We headed back to the hotel to prepare for the concert. I bought two six packs from the corner liquor store. $12 and 12.50 for premium six packs. $.10 for the bag. :evil:

We rested and drank beers until we figured it was time to go. There is a Muni train that runs from Powell Station to the Chase Center and back. We took that both ways. We arrived at the venue ~45 minutes early. Enough time to see that I would wait to buy a shirt. I didn't see any $11 beers. They were ~$16 for a premium beer. Having drank a few earlier we didn't have to overindulge at the venue. We still bought three beers each, so ~$90 for beer. :innocent:

The venue is nice. A bit crowded when everyone is in the halls.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uw1YQdOvs4

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/metshowreduced.jpg

Metallica and the symphony were incredible! I was blown away by how well they played their instruments and how well James sang. It's like they've been practicing. :evil:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1DxHaHATmU

They had several Muni trains stacked up waiting after the show. The trains have their own lanes but must stop at every red light. They don't move much faster than auto traffic.

Monday morning and I had the omelet this time and complimentary Mimosas. Delicious.

There wasn't much time after breakfast. Packing up and heading home. All flights ran on time. On Sunday there were four hour departure delays. I lucked out for a change and had on-time flights on both legs on Monday.

I arrived locally at midnight. My friend picked me up at the airport with my dog. He was very happy to see me and wouldn't stop kissing me. My dog that is, not my friend.

[The Library Policeman]

Ha! :D Sounds like a fun time, Brian.

[bdwyer19]

Nice seats, Brian. This was our view from Sec 125 behind the soundboard.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190914/4ec75bed474b1dbff33b9e3b7d925384.jpg

Such an amazing concert! Even though I got a Warriors/Metallica shirt there (to complement my Bucks one), I just ordered a hoodie and another shirt from the show. I also collect picks, but since they weren’t thrown to the crowd in mass quantities, prices are ridiculous on eBay right now.


Jerome - Thanks for the travel tips. They helped make for a great weekend.


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