Friday Night Out
My friend Cory reps this local rapper Voicerock and has kept telling me to come out and see him. Cory's a good guy and a go-getter. Thus his more than subtle invitations had more to do with my job in local media regarding the club scene than a friend asking a friend over. But that's ok. I'd do the same thing.
So tonight, or rather last night (it's 3:33 am now), I was off to the San Francisco Rose to check out Voicerock. I've heard one of his demo cd's and despite not being a big fan of hip-hop, his stuff is pretty good. I took my neighbor Julie and as we walked into the Rose, what we heard didn't sound too gangsta. A live band playing rockabilly? A black guy on trumpet at the head that looked like Voicerock? What was going on here?
What was going on turned out to be some really awesome original sounds of new jack jazz rock. When I asked Cory how the band describes its sound, he said even they don't know. It just flows and they are figuring it out. Without your standard hip hop bassbeats, the songs jammed and the rapping gave it an entirely unique sound. Not in the Limp Bizkit sense but think Gin Blossoms with Andre 3000. Or maybe Wyclef Jean. And then after, Voicerock sings Radiohead's Creep. Whoa! Where did that come from? But he kicked it the right way remaining loyal to the song and with a good vox. A rapper who can actually sing! Unlike most others.
After the Rose, we attempted Zubar to meet up with some others but to no avail. Lower Greenville was too friggin' crowded. No surprise. So we decided on Exposition Park. Turns out my coworker Seth was also manning the door and had asked me to come to minc to see DJ Phil Weeks for DJ Redeye's Birthday Party. I'm not big on DJ events as it's not like you can sit there and watch. No guitar solo or dance moves. Just someone spinning. But I kept missing out on his invitations, so we went.
On our way, down First St. we passed a packed Fallout Lounge. Almost passed that is. The place was happening as it was the official after party of the Devo Concert. And they and When in Rome were expected to be there. We went in to sounds of heavenly 80s new wave and an impromptu dancefloor of hipsters grooving to music made before they were born. It was close to one by this point and it didn't look like Devo was coming in. Apparently WIR was there but who would recognize them?
After our drinks we traipsed down to minc. Although Seth was the doorman, he wasn't the money man. Grrrr. So I had to risk possibly paying ten dollars to get in. Which wasn't going to happen. With fair warning, Seth said Brooke was being hard about people trying to get in without paying. I took my chances.
Walking in we were greeted by an imposing woman with bleach spiked hair and white rimmed glasses and a cash register. Signaling ten with her hands I whipped out my business card complete with my Clubs Editor title. Smooth sailing right? Heck no. She went on to say how our paper never gets her coverage, she's given us a lot of money (umm, you do that when you buy an ad, lady). I then had to tell her that anything I wrote wouldn't go in our paper but our blog. Her counteroffer was to let me in but not Julie unless she paid. We didn't have cash so I just said forget it. I guess seeing a possible missed opportunity, she allowed us in only if I was "REALLY doing my job and not just trying to get in." Sure, lady. But this kinda attitude doesn't bode well for me even wanting to write it up in our blog. I'll have to think about it.
Once in, the place was packed with a mixed group of twenty and thirtysomethings. From all backgrounds, they congregated for dancing and drinks. However, I'm not sure who noticed the DJ. I passed by the DJ booth and then to the back patio for philosophical discussions about a 47 year old woman and the black cloud that looms over her life.
Drinks were done and it was off to the Monkey Bar up the street. I've always been curious about this place because of its location, its reputation, its website and the fact the Clever Monkeys perform there each week. Deciding to walk up the street from minc (a bad idea, lot further than we thought), we sort of hurried since it was 130 already. Gotta get there soon to enjoy at least one drink. Let me tell you, high heels really can slow things down. Not mine! Julie's! Friday night, a funky hip bar, I was ready to have a good time. And as the bartender opened the door for us, I could have sworn I heard crickets. Where were the fun times? The drunk party people? The loud music? To say the place was deader than a doorknob would be an understatement. At least knobs get a twist. But I would go back to hang in the patio area. A nice set up with intimate colored lights, lots of chairs and sofas and a nice elongated pond in the middle. This was definitely the saving grace of the Monkey Bar. I probably won't go back soon, but I will go back to spend some time in that back patio.
Deciding we were hungry, we opted for Jack in the Box. Not excited by that prospect, we were lucky to find the Exposition Park Cafe still open. And was THAT a find! Open till four on the weekends, the gathering place for after bar peeps wasn't yet full but had a small crowd. The place took over the Crayton's spot and has done a fantastic but quiet job of it. A redesign that lights up and opens the place, it had a hip vibe with homey service. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Something I've never understood nor ordered. But I'm glad I did. The waffle was of perfect texture and fluffiness. Topped with sweet melted butter and strawberries, the maple syrup only enhanced the flavor. The syrup was a magical concoction. It was perfect maple syrup. A bit sweeter than most but instead of overpowering the waffle, it combined perfectly and made each bite a step toward heaven.
The breast of chicken was fair. It was good but a slight hint of the taste of grease sort of leaves the mouth cautious. I drizzled honey over it and despite the extra taste, it was prepared well and perfectly crunchy. According to the menu, it was tortilla crusted. I failed to ask for details.
The manager Kellie was incredibly nice and helpful. She loves the place and the passion shows in her enthusiasm and body language. With that kind of service and good food, Exposition Park Cafe should have lots to look forward to.
