Guest Writer

SF Artists Challenge “Doom Loop” Narrative by Spotlighting Their Creative Spaces
ArtSpan’s annual SF Open Studios offers residents and tourists the free opportunity to engage directly with local artists by visiting their studio spaces. Visitors can expect to learn more about each creator’s work and process, and have the opportunity to purchase work directly.

Here’s A Love Letter to Secret Garden’s Decadent Dishes
PHOTOS AND WORDS BY ANDY SAMWICK It’s no secret one of the most charming dining destinations is where lots of San Francisco magic has been made as of late. The food magicians behind Secret Garden have been popping up at Stable Cafe since April. Stable has been the launchpad for

SF’s Longest Running Musical Show is in This North Beach Cafe
In its 52nd year, the Caffe Trieste free Saturday Afternoon Concert Series might be telling the truth when they claim to be “The Longest Running Musical Show in San Francisco”.

A Brief History of the Color Pink
By Carolyn McCoy Pink is the new black: I base this non-scientific proclamation on the popularity of that rosy color that now seems to be popping up like roses all through our society thanks to popularity of the Barbie movie. Lines outside of theaters for this feminist blockbuster have showcased

Meet The Carnies Running This Bay Area Art Party
BY LAUREN PARKER Photos by Jolene Engo and Julie Lanyi Sentient Engine’s beginnings are two intertwining love stories, and one of them was with an air cannon. Sentient Engine, a DIY maker space in a West Oakland warehouse that opened in fall 2020, has one mission according to co-proprietor Zane

So Much Love And Attention Was Paid To Stoa-Lower Haight’s Newest Bar Destination
PHOTOS AND WORDS BY ANDY SAMWICK Soft openings for restaurants, bars, and clubs have always been exciting, the moment before a business’ grand entrance. They’re usually full of friends and family members of a new venture coming together to celebrate and look at the accomplishment in finally opening up the

Automat Closed And With It Went My Heart
PHOTOS AND WORDS BY ANDY SAMWICK Thanks to inflation, going on a date these days requires choosing a spot with a lovely ambiance and is consistently delicious but also doesn’t break the bank. Seems like the tallest of orders. But there are those spots in San Francisco, and I was

Berkeley’s Greek Theater Is One of NorCal’s Finest Venues
By David Coppin-Lanegen Throngs of people pounded their feet against the stone pavement, their long scarves and long hair dyed wailing, schizophrenic colors. As they danced, Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes crooned, his voice blue and blending with the pink-orange sky and colorful people of The Greek, in Berkeley. Formally