William Kentridge @ SFMOMA

I made a second visit to the William Kentridge: 5 Themes show at SFMOMA yesterday, because I was so impressed with the opening. Kentridge is a South African artist that came into prominence in the 1990's based on his political works on apartheid and colonialism, and best known for his animated stop motion films . I had been a fan of his SFMOMA video installation "Tide table", but never knew much about him until recently. Some of his animated charcoal films are almost hypnotic, showing pieces of his working process in reverse and filled with humor. Kentridge places himself in alot of his work and it didn't surprise me to read that he worked as an actor as well. The centerpiece for me is Black Box, a miniature theater extravaganza of music, animation, puppetry and lighting. The 15 minute program is worth the price of admission. I may be back for a third visit soon.

Best Noodle House in Bay area

I regard a good bowl of noodles about as important as good lighting and world peace, so I was annoyed to find out that one of the best noodle places in the Bay area had escaped my radar for so long (and upset with certain friends who knew of my noodle disposition and did not inform me!). Well, my very decent cousin finally dropped the word that Santa Ramen (1944 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo) was "in a different league" than other noodle places and I should definitely check it out. I was skeptical at first, but needless to say, I was game for the comparison. Clearly she was right. I had the best braised pork ramen I've ever had. The broth was wonderfully fragrant and savory (though I think I still prefer the miso broth over the pork), filled with green onions and fresh made noodles. But it was the braised pork that took me to heaven. So tender and flavorful, I could only think of the term "like buttah" to describe its goodness.

The restaurant definitely stays packed, but orders are taken while you are in line, and so the food arrives fairly quickly after sitting. The friendly hostess confirmed that they moved to this location from their original one in downtown San Mateo, but they plan to open that one again soon. Sorry, no plans to open one in SF.

My other favorite noodle places: Katana-Ya on 430 Geary St, Taste of Formosa on 2428 Clement and Iroha on 1728 Buchanan.

Union Square Retail Changes

Virgin is closing but....
Diesel will be opening on Market St
Bulgari is taking over the old Gucci space
Paul Smith is opening their first SF store!

Some big changes coming to Union Square. Most are not surprised that the Virgin Megastore is closing next month, after 14 years at the corner of Market and Stockton. The one in Vancouver closed a long time ago. A loser in the new digital music world, I will be sad to see this media megastore close. I have fond memories of browsing their huge DVD selection (though rarely buying there after the internet stores became so much cheaper) and previewing new CD's. Is the retail media store concept totally dead?? It sure looks like it. A more troubling issue is WHO will rent this huge space in this economy? My dream: Japan's MUJI store, which already has retail stores in NYC.

On the bright side, it looks like there will be new stores for luxury retailer Bulgari in the old Gucci space; Diesel, which will be opening right across from Apple, and putting into question whether their current store on 101 Post will stay open; and British icon Sir Paul Smith will be opening their first SF store at 46 Geary St, only a block from John Varvatos. I think this will be only the fourth Paul Smith stand alone shop in the US (2 in NYC and one in LA), signifying Union Square as a must have location for top designers.

I'll Remember You

Slowly Falling

This kid is amazing...and his music is helping me heal today.

February Musings

Westfield Atrium

Mark Rothko at the SFMOMA gallery

We got some much needed rain this past long weekend in the Bay area. And what better time to visit my favorite hangout, SFMOMA. I really enjoy the space designed by Mario Botta, especially the large bookstore and modern design shop. I recently scored a great purchase, The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture, for almost 70% off the list price. It was a combo of clearance, sale and membership discounts. Plus, I had an old gift card with almost exactly the sale price...now that's serendipity!

The poor Metreon next to SFMOMA has been going through tough times. It was just announced that Sony is closing both the Sony Style and Playstation stores in the mall, leaving the cinema as the only reason to visit this once "state of the art" technology and entertainment complex. Of course there is still hope for a revival. In fact, Westfield (which owns the popular new mall SF Center) just bought the complex and is planning a big facelift. Also, Tavern on the Green has plans to open this year on the 4 th floor. I would love Apple to move in as well. They could certainly use a larger retail space in downtown SF, and they have shown they can make old concepts new and exciting. Strangely (and I don't remember this at all), Microsoft had a retail space in the Metreon back in the late 90's but closed in 2001. Apple has had a little more success in the retail front.

By the way, the two posted photos of the Westfield mall and SFMOMA were taken with my iphone camera and my favorite apps PANO and Panorama.

Oscars are going to be given out this Sunday. I've got my favorites, but I'm not emotionally attached to any one film or performance. Here are my picks, and the likely winners:

Best Picture: I like Milk, but it will likely go to crowd pleaser Slumdog Millionaire.

Best Director: I like Gus Van Sant, but it will go to Danny Boyle (pic and director usually go together, except one disasterous year...)

Best Actor: I like both the likely winners Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke - probably the most exciting race to watch.

Best Actress: I like Anne Hathaway, but it will likely go to Kate Winslet (or Meryl the great)

Best Supporting Actor: I like Josh Brolin in Milk, but it's already engraved with Heath Ledger.

Best Supporting Actress: I like all the actresses, but Viola Davis really stood out. Penelope Cruz is the most likely, but her momentum is dying.

Let's see if I can win the pool at the Oscar party!

Oakland Cathedral of Christ The Light

Oakland Cathedral of Christ The Light
Originally uploaded by etslee

My self guided video tour of the new Oakland Cathedral, by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (Craig Hartman). ---->

I got lucky on a Saturday visit, the place was pretty quiet and I got the chance to explore and take pictures on my own. The space feels huge, but it's actually quite compact. A mix of modern design (think Dwell) and dramatic religious imagery...I want to get married here! Oh yeah, I have to find a partner first.

Links: WSJ review