Japantown, San Francisco

The weather is chilly so let's head to Japantown for piping hot udon and some ambling.

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

 

Origami Fountains representing lotus blooms by the late sculptor Ruth Asawa.

Tempura udon at Mifune.

Mifune






I love the whimsical ceramics and lovely teapots at Daikoku by Shiki. 

Venetian-style masks and lots of sparkly adornments for the hair at Yumi Boutique.

"A Place of Her Own," November 19 through December 11 at SOMArts, S.F.

SOMArts Culture Center presents a powerful exhibition, "A Place of Her Own," opening November 19. It features more than 30 works ranging from miniatures to the written word to large-scale installations by 20 women artists. Each were asked, "If you had a place of your own, what would it be?"

The first of a trio of SOMArts Commons Curatorial Residency exhibitions for the 2015-2016 season, it is curated by residency recipient Cynthia Tom. Opening reception: 6-9 p.m., Thursday, November 19.

SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St., S.F. (415) 863-1414.

Artist and curator Cynthia Tom. Image courtesy of the artist.

"Holding Pattern" exhibition at 111 Minna Gallery, S.F. through December 31

"Holding Pattern," a collaborative exhibition by San Francisco artists Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock opens tonight at the 111 Minna Gallery in S.F. and runs through December 31. 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St., S.F. (415) 974-1719, www.111minnagallery.com

"Holding Pattern" by KeFe (Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock), Acrylic on Wood Panel (2015)

Collaboration by KeFe (Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock), Mixed Media on Wood Panel

Images courtesy of the 111 Minna Gallery

Mario Palacios Kaim “Recent Work” exhibition at the Bond Latin Gallery, S.F. through November 30

Mario Palacios Kaim "Recent Work" exhibition at the Bond Latin Gallery, S.F. through November 30. Bond Latin Gallery, 251 Post St., Ste. 610, San Francisco. (415) 362-1480, www.bondlatin.com.

“Teorema 76,” Oil on Canvas, 2015, 39.5 x 47”

“Cuadratura 53,” Oil on Canvas, 2014, 31.5 x 46”

 “Cuadratura 59,” Oil on Canvas, 2015, 47 x 63″

“Teorema 77,” Oil on Canvas, 2015, 39.5 x 47”

Images courtesy of the Bond Latin Gallery

Beauty Ranch: Last home of author Jack London

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Park-at-Glen-Ellen-ranch-offers-look-at-Jack-6593582.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: Courthouse Square, Redwood City

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Music-vs-history-at-Redwood-City-s-Courthouse-6466852.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: Lake Merritt, Oakland

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Fairy-tales-gardens-on-shores-of-Lake-Merritt-6372994.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: Main Street, St. Helena

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Rustic-scenery-enticing-cuisine-in-St-Helena-6440152.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: San Francisco Botanical Gardens

The San Francisco Botanical Gardens remains one of my favorite spots to see flora and fauna in the city.

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/A-world-of-plants-at-San-Francisco-Botanical-6522808.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: Great Highway, S.F.

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Sutro-Heights-Park-Baths-offer-S-F-views-to-6346950.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with my Block Report: Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont

http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Living-history-at-Ardenwood-Farm-in-Fremont-6480869.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Catching up with Block Report, my new weekly feature for the San Francisco Chronicle: Coit Tower and environs, S.F.

http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Here-s-where-to-get-the-best-S-F-view-6453304.php

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.

Washington Square Park in nearby North Beach

Mama's-A great breakfast spot. 

3-D video mapping display, “Dia de los Muertos” by artist Bart Kresa through November 24 at the San Mateo County History Museum

A new and wonderful 3-D video projection display,“Dia de los Muertos,” by light show artist Bart Kresa will turn the front of the San Mateo County History Museum into an amazing visual space for celebrating  the Day of the Dead and Halloween.

Free and open to the public, it's part of the Magic Lantern 3-D series presented by the nonprofit Redwood City Improvement Association. the 15 minute show takes place at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:

October 6, 20 and 27
November 3, 10, 17 and 24 

San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. (650) 299-0104, www.visitRWC.org, www.historysmc.org

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus host gala fundraiser "Crescendo Turns 10!" on Sunday October 11

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus opens its 38^th season with “Crescendo Turns 10!” the organization’s annual fundraiser gala, noon-3 p.m., Sunday, October 11.

Held at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, the soiree includes an open bar reception, superb fare by executive chef Luis Lujan and his culinary team at the Ritz-Carlton as well as live and silent auctions. Performances include two medleys by Cher impersonator Chad Michaels and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus vocal ensembles: The Lollipop Guild, The HomoPhonics, SWAG and Vocal Minority.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will also present the Human Rights Champion award to Congresswoman and house democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.

Tickets: $150-$200 per person. www.sfgmc.org/events

Ritz-Carlton hotel, 600 Stockton St., S.F.

Chad Michaels. Photo by Jose Guzman. Courtesy of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

Catching up with my San Francisco Chronicle Block Report: California Academy of Sciences, S.F.

http://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/California-Academy-of-Sciences-your-local-rain-6493586.php?cmpid=gsa-sfgate-result

All content and photographs by Stephanie Wright Hession. If you share, include a link to my blog.