Perfect picnic

Did you know there’s a right and wrong way to order fried chicken from Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen?

My husband was happy to educate me on this obscure fact over the weekend. We decided to take our dog on a day trip to Lake Michigan, and being spontaneous people who don’t want our pet trying to break into the cooler during a three-hour drive, we waited until we got to Portage to grab lunch for a picnic. We were looking for a Subway, but when we finally found one, it shared space in the gas station with Popeye’s.

Excuse me, but fried chicken and picnics on the beach are a quintessential combo I can’t resist.

So as we strolled into the TravelCenter lobby, my husband said to order him “the usual” and beelined for the bathroom. The problem is, we don’t have a Popeye’s near us, so I’m not familiar with their menu in the least. (OK, yes, they have fried chicken.) I started off asking for a 3-piece dinner for my husband and a 2-piece basket for myself. And then I stood there, congratulating myself on navigating another new situation, until she asked which sides we wanted.

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While vacationing in Long Beach last month, I dined out at several places worth writing about. One such place was Parker’s Lighthouse. We went to celebrate a special occasion so there were 20 of us. A nightmare for servers because you know, they have to split the tip.

I ordered an $11.00 glass of wine, which my mom thought was kind of expensive, but was really the average price for a glass. Little did I know, I should have saved my money for the entrees.

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Tomokazu in United Domestic Terminal @ SFO

Want something healthier to eat at the airport or on the plane than a bland muffin? If you are tired of grabbing a boring sandwich while you race to catch your flight, you have a healthy choice at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Recently I discovered a delicious alternative to the greasy burger that is just waiting to upset your stomach half way through your flight. At least that is what happens to me too often.  Tomokazu is a Japanese Restaurant in the United Domestic Terminal, well past security but conveniently located next to a hub of gates.  You won’t miss your connection if you decide to grab a pre-made bento or special order your meal.

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Gold Dust Lounge @ Union Square

Do you love old westerns? Are you comfortable in somewhat seedy surroundings? If you answered “yes” to both, then you are in luck because situated on noisy Powell Street in Union Square, is the Gold Dust Lounge.

This old dive has been plying its customers with White Russians since the era of San Francisco ‘s Barbary Coast days. If Laffing Sal or “Laughing Sal” was real, she would have been right at home in this place. Someone who probably did stop in was Sally Stanford, the famous local madam.

Built in the 1930′s, today the Gold Dust Lounge still has live music but now $3 champagne. You’ll love their happy hour or maybe just stop in for a drink some night after seeing a show at the American Conservatory Theater.

They take cash only, but considering how cheap the drinks are, I think this is a great place to experience true San Francisco color. Though I am partial to the Buena Vista for mine, I hear that their Irish Coffee is pretty good. If you are coming from out of town, all the Union Square hotels are close by and the Villa Florence is next door.

Bring the hand sanitizer and a full stomach, but if you have a taste for a creepy good time with your strong cocktail, the Gold Dust Lounge is the place for you.  Maybe the money you save on drinks will help pay for your hotel.

247 Powell Street
(between Geary and O’farrell Sts)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-1695