The LifeArtDance of Liz Brent

Last night, Dr. M and I went out for dinner and drinks. We went to my neighborhood bar, which is literally around the corner from my apartment. Jay n’ Bee’s is quickly becoming a favorite. Last night I tried one of their pizzas, and become even more enamored. The #2 with garlic, Parmesan, and TONS of spinach was one reason. Delicious! But the enthusiasm and energy of the bartenders was the main reason. And it’s just so lovely to sit by the window and feel like, “This is my neighborhood.”

It’s true, 10 months of living in SF, and I’m just now starting to feel like I actually live here.

Next we went to El Rio, which I had never been to before, and loved it! It could’ve been the spacious back patio with wooden seats and trees, where we cuddled on a bench and gazed at the mini shrine festooned with fake flowers, Christmas lights, and various rusting odds and ends. It could’ve been the karaoke drifting on the night breeze. It could’ve been the dogs sitting with their owners, tail wagging excitement bubbling over at every new passerby. Or maybe it was my drink, “Purple Rain.” The special of the evening, the bartender scooped organic blueberries mashed into agave syrup from a mason jar on the counter into my glass, over ice, and added vodka and lemonade. “Only in San Francisco,” was my thought.

Whatever it was, I definitely was feeling in love with the city last night. Driving back home, I watched people crossing Bryant and realized I was no longer feeling like a tourist – a wannabe – in this town, but yes, like someone who lives here.