Happy Tuesday, Berkeley. You can now subscribe to this newsletter so that you can read it from the convenience of your inbox every week — just fill out the form at the bottom of this article.
This is a short week, but it will probably feel longer than a normal week. So take Tuesday to ease back into the swing of things. The weather is heating up and it’s berry season, so it’s the perfect time to throw this tart in the oven. You could invite some friends over, or you could eat it all yourself. Cold tart leftovers make great breakfasts.
While you’re spending an evening just lounging around, take the opportunity to binge-watch some TV. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was recently rescued by NBC. Or maybe it’s time to hop on the “Westworld” bandwagon. If you’d rather just cruise channels, “America’s Got Talent” will be playing at 8 p.m. and “Chopped” at 9 p.m.
If you’re absolutely not in a TV mood, hop on your Kindle and check out some of the books that graced this year’s Bay Area Book Festival.
Wednesday is going to be about 10 degrees cooler than Tuesday, so pick some inside activities to keep you occupied until it’s time for a midweek night out on the town.
Northstar Cafe will be hosting a Rock Paper Scissors Tournament. Sign-ups begin at 9 p.m., and you must arrive no later than 9:30 p.m. to participate. If you like the event hosts on Facebook and RSVP in advance, you can buy a shot of the liquor of your choice for $1. Otherwise, spirits/wells and beers are $3 or $3.50, and shots are $2. Qualifying rounds will be held in a pub crawl format — the champion will receive a bar tab.
If a night of inebriated shouting and rapid hand gestures sounds too chaotic for a Wednesday, consider going to Scopo Divino, where you can become equally inebriated while listening to the Steve Nelson Trio play some self-described “groovy piano trio jazz” presented in a “Bill Evans-(ish)” style.
Thursday offers some daytime events as well as some nightlife options.
The San Francisco International Arts Festival, catchily called SFIAF, has been taking place since last Thursday. This Thursday, there will be a 90-minute master class on flexibility, hosted by Aloysia Gavre of Troupe Vertigo at Lines Dance Center on Seventh Street at 3 p.m. More SFIAF events will be happening around the city throughout the day and the rest of the week.
After the sun goes down, head over to The Chapel for Barrio Manouche’s album release party. The San Francisco-based international septet will be releasing its debut album that day. Doors open at 8 p.m., and Banda Sin Nombre — a five-piece street band from the Mission that performs folk music from around the world — will be the opening act.
Maybe head to the Mission District a little early and get some dinner at Beretta. Actually, just go there regardless — it’s amazing. I recommend the walnut bread with burrata and mushroom-truffle honey.
If you’re looking for a flashier, less subtle night, still head to San Francisco, but instead of The Chapel, go to Temple. There, the Golden State Warriors’ DJ, DJ D Sharp, will start his set at 10 p.m.
And that brings us to Friday. On a personal note, I will be moving into a new apartment, so my day is already rather packed (pun intended, unfortunately). But I’m still going to find time to listen to Kanye West’s new album, title to be announced, when it drops.
Other notable Friday releases are Ben Howard’s Noonday Dream and Father John Misty’s God’s Favorite Customer.
Before I go, here’s an article to read, whether it’s while you’re waiting in line at Beretta or while Netflix is stuck buffering: Skylar De Paul interviewed Lauren Ruth Ward, an indie rocker from Baltimore who recently played at The Chapel. Keep your eyes peeled for her concert review.
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