MOVIE: SPENCER
Kristen Stewart brings Princess Diana to life in the new movie Spencer in a stellar, layered performance Stewart shows the glamour and the grim, playing the former wife of Prince Charles during her most challenging days. A solid support cast and smart script make this a must-see and new take on the life of the world's most beloved and photographed woman, the late Princess Diana who died tragically too young and too soon in 1997 aged just 36.
Spencer is now streaming on Netflix.
THEATRE: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
It's a curtain call for Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar." The lavish 50th anniversary production is being staged for one last weekend at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco. It's been retooled and reworked for a more contemporary audience. It's the musical that helped launch the composer's career and kicked off the modern musical revival.
EVENT: CATURDAY DOLORES PARK
Dolores Park in San Francisco is the park to be with your feline friends this Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cats fat and skinny, black and tabby, young and old are all welcome. Just keep the mice away and cat naps are not encouraged. Check the weather before venturing to San Francisco's most cat friendly park.
GIVE: BP28
As we continue to digest the news of Buster Posey's retirement, here's a way you can support him and his family – learn about the work they are doing around pediatric cancer. Their mission: Changing outcomes for children with pediatric cancer by raising awareness and funds for pioneering research and treatment. Thank you Buster and Kristen for your big giving hearts! It's been an honor to show up as auctioneer for BP28 these past few years.
MUSIC : ABBA'S "VOYAGE"
It's been 40 years since Swedish supergroup ABBA released new music. The wait is over with "Voyage." It features 10 shiny, shimmering, catchy pop tracks on one brand, spanking new album. Thank you for the music ABBA. The album delivers, giving fans what they have long been waiting for. A world tour may be on the cards soon and that will make this Dancing Queen most happy!
VINYL: BILLY JOEL VINYL COLLECTION
This vinyl release is part of a global celebration of the piano man's 50 years in music. This first collection focuses on Billy's 1970s material from "Cold Spring Harbor" to "Songs in the Attic." The definitive nine LP box set library includes Billy's first six studio albums and first live album. There's a local connection with the previously unreleased bonus Double 12" Vinyl Exclusive: Billy Joel - Live at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. A must-have for the Billy Joel fan and for anyone who loves great piano ballads!
FINE DINING: LUCE
Chef Rogelio Garcia is making his mark at LUCE with an exceptional eight-course tasting menu showcasing contemporary California cuisine with flavorful nods to Europe and Latin America. Among the standout dishes:
* Japanese oak grilled Hawaaian Kampachi
* Liberty Duck with a pistachio crust
* Tagliatelle pasta with white truffles
* Tuna & avocado
Splurge on the wine pairing ($95) with the chef’s elegant and flavor bomb tasting menu. A nod to the stellar staff serving with deep wine knowledge and enthusiasm. Do not leave without enjoying chef's delish deserts. Enjoy my chat with Chef Garcia below.
FREE: LUNCH AT COMSTOCK
One of my favorite bars is open again and is inviting you in for a cocktail and FREE lunch. Comstock Saloon in San Francisco's North Beach is a throwback to the good ole saloon days, the décor takes you back but the modern crafted cocktails remind you these are current times. Jonny Raglin and team shuttered during COVID-19 and used the time to polish up the brass and fixtures. Stop by on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a complimentary lunch menu item with your cocktail. Welcome home!
DIWALI: CELEBRATE & EAT
Diwali, or Deepawali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists around the world. It gets its name from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means "row of clay lamps." Many people in India will light these lamps outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness, in tune with a holiday that is an ode to the triumph of good over evil. There are Diwali celebrations all around the Bay and you are invited to celebrate too by dining out at local Indian restaurants.
Here are a few of my favorites around the Bay:
AMBER INDIA
Santana Row, San Jose
BATIKA INDIAN BISTRO
Fairfax
BESHARAM
Dogpatch, San Francisco
NEW DELHI
Downtown San Francisco
ROOH
SOMA, San Francisco
RITU INDIAN SOUL FOOD
Mission, San Francisco
VIC'S CHAAT
Berkeley
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.
Facebook: @liammayclem
Instagram: @liammayclem
Twitter: @liammayclem
