Birthday Week Part 2: 83 Proof

It was exciting to have my birthday fall on a Friday night!

It meant that all my friends could come out to one of my favorite bars to celebrate. 83 Proof is the perfect mix of expert cocktails, casually yet classy atmosphere, easy to get to, and comfy decor.

Located behind the Walgreens on First Street between Market and Mission, it was a central location for all my wonderful friends who came from as far away as Sacramento and Fresno. (Have I mentioned that I am the luckiest girl in the world for having such AMAZING friends!)

We hung out in the mezzanine, overlooking the bar. It was perfect for a party, because we could all hang out and be relaxed...it was like having a private space.

I drank my favorite drink all night, Sweet Tea infused Vodka with 7-up, twist of lime and bitters....sooo yummy! (Thank you Skye, nobody makes a drink like you!)

It was the perfect night and I couldn't have asked for more from a birthday. Thanks for hosting, 83 Proof!

Birthday Week Part 1: Sauce

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been MIA...my birthday week kicked my butt! It was SUPER fun and I think it was one of the best I can remember, but it wore me out. Don't worry, I will fill you all in on the details.

The birthday celebrations officially started with Sunday's A Drag, which I already told you about.

Then on Wednesday, some of my BFF's and I had our first of the Birthday Dinners at Sauce in Hayes Valley. It's one of my fave backup restaurants. They have good food that you can depend on and that can please the whole range of taste buds. My faves are the Portobello Mushroom Fries, Tomato Bisque (it comes with little mini grilled cheese sandwiches, how perfect!) and the Beet Salad. Oh, and they always have yummy desserts!

Give it a try and let me know what you fave is.

Trendy Mayo?

Being a creative-type, I've always kept my eye out for clever advertising. I can't help it. That's how my design teachers taught me. Living in SF is a great place for checking out the most clever ads -- especially the campaigns that blanket the underground MUNI stations.

The most recent one that caught my eye was for Miracle Whip. Yes, really. I know, I was completely surprised, too. They were being quite agressive, clever and avant garde, especially for a condiment. Their concept centers around "Are you mayo or are you miracle whip?"

And then it directly ties the consumer and their personal identity to the product, by putting sayings like "Are you bland or bold?" on the walls. "No mayo allowed beyond this point" on the floor. The background is all done to look like painted plywood billboard space. This is totallly not what I was expecting from mayo.

Oh, excuse me.

Apparently Miracle Whip is NOT Mayo.

I never knew that! But now I sure do.

Here's some more pics of the Powell Street eastern most entrance:

Sweet, spicy cole slaw is heavenly

This memorial day, my friends and I got together for a rooftop barbeque in SF. Except for the wind and a couple of missing buddies, it was perfect. Yummy steak, chicken, beer, wine, grandma's secret recipe coffee cake (the best ever, Susan!) and lots of other great eats.

I decided to make a new coleslaw recipe I found and it was delish. The recipe made two big containers full and we ate almost all of it! It's a little bit sweet and a little spicy, which in my opinion, is the perfect combo. The Food Network has lots of great recipes...I'm always finding something that's unique, yet still pretty simple to make.

Let me know if you give this one a try for yourself!

Cole Slaw with Pecans and Spicy Dressing
courtesy Food Network and Tyler Florence