MUSIC: BIG BROTHER AT THE BEACH
Live music is back and in a new way. Dream Inn Santa Cruz will feature two live vertical concerts with Big Brother and another American rock band, Pablo Cruise on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Both nights feature a safe, socially distanced, open air concert live from Dream Inn's pool deck, with incredible views of the Monterey Bay. Pool bars, the hotel restaurant and room service will be available.
FILM: ROCKY HORROR AT THE RIVER
It's just a jump to the right and one to the left, so the theme song goes to Rocky Horror. The recently reopened and revamped Monte Rio movie theatre on the Russian River is the place for Halloween movie fun this weekend. On the big screen a classic: Rocky Horror Picture Show. Showtime is on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a live cover band, a costume contest with prizes and more. Get tickets here.
EAT: A TASTE OF VIETNAM
There's something really special happening at 3rd St. & Clement St. in San Francisco by way of Lily, a restaurant serving super tasty, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. There's a veteran chef at the helm, Rob Lam (Butterfly in San Francisco and Perle in Oakland) cooking his heart and soul out for your eating pleasure. The "winter melon soup" with meatballs and spare ribs (slowly simmered for 36 hours)is the warm hug of love we all need right now. The Chicken Pho Ga is as good as any pho anyplace: slow poached Mary's chicken breast over flat rice noodles, with Vietnamese herbs in a sensational ginger chicken broth and finished with a confit chicken leg (#micdrop). Make a reservation for lunch or dinner Wednesday to Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MOVIE: LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
"Last Night in Soho" is a ghost story and tells the story of Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie), a young woman in the present day who is obsessed with the music and style of 1960s London, and who travels there to study fashion. Once there, she finds her dreams are filled with the escapades of another woman, Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), who went to London in the '60s seeking romance and stardom. The dreams become nightmares and there's your spooky film for Halloween weekend. A solid cast and script with suspenseful direction make this a must watch this weekend. Now playing and spooking in Bay Area theatres.
IMBIBE: BOZAL MEZCAL
There is a Mezcal that is hitting all the right notes and recently won my heart and favor on National Mezcal Day. Bozal, owned by Sonoma County native August Sebastiani, is part of 3 Badge Beverage Corporation's spirits portfolio and is produced in Mexico using traditional methods. You'll find this award winning Mezcal in restaurants all over the Bay Area including Calavera on Broadway in Oakland where we recently met.
BOOK: THE LYRICS BY PAUL MC CARTNEY
One of the greatest living musicians of all time, Sir Paul McCartney, shares the stories behind his most famous songs in this new, first-of-its-kind book. From "All You Need Is Love" to "Yesterday," the former Beatle spills the music beans behind a massive library of hit songs. A must have not just for Beatles fans but those who simply love great music and care to learn more about of the GOATS! Preorder today for delivery beginning on Nov. 2.
DRAG BRUNCH: HALLOQUEEN
The HalloQueen brunch at The Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill in San Francisco is the hottest Halloween ticket in town. Join drag stars Carne Asada, Juanita More and Sister Roma for this tasty, spooktacular affair at San Francisco's most famous hotel on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
FAIR: ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR
Enjoy all the fun and flavor of the fair at Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. The popular event returns for an October audience but offers all the usual food vendors, fair rides, market stalls and fan favorites (piggy races and livestock pens). Check the website for tickets and times.
FESTIVAL: OUTSIDE LANDS
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is the place to be this Halloween weekend for three days of magic music, foodie fun and wonderful wines. Music headliners this year are: Lizzo, The Strokes and Tame Impala. The Gastro Magic stage brings rock stars and rock star chefs together for culinary hijinks. Chef Elizabeth Falkner will bring her Samari sword show to the stage. Some Outside Lands tickets are still available.
BREWS: 21ST AMENDMENT COMES OF AGE
The little San Francisco brewery that could has come of age and is celebrating its 21st year. One of the early innovators, 21st Amendment helped put San Francisco on the brewery map. Check the website for special brews and happenings at their venues in San Francisco and San Leandro. They're open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Liam's List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes. Please email ideas to me at liam@liammayclemproductions.com.
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