Ten Reasons to See Next To Normal

There are more than just ten reasons to see the incredible musical Next To Normal but if these ten don’t entice you I don’t know what will! Treat yourself and get a ticket!

1. One of the best musicals I have ever seen
2. Amazing powerhouse voices- my personal favorite was Emma Hunton who plays the daughter Natalie
3. The lyrics- so brilliant and clever- Winner of the 2009 Tony’s Original Score (music & lyrics)
4. Every song is just as good as the next- no lulls
5. Alice Ripley winner of Best Actress in a Musical in the 2009 Tony’s is in the cast
6. People in the theater could not get out of their seats quicker to cheer the cast on during the bows
7. It is only in San Francisco from January 25-February 20 at the Curran Theater
8. Makes you leave the theater speechless but at the same time gets you thinking, analyzing, and discussing the show.
9. Makes you cry. Makes you laugh. Gives you chills!
10. The set and lightening is ingenious but not over the top - just an example that you don’t need crazy special affects to create an amazing show- it is all about the story, the music, and the talent! 

Here is a little taste!

For show and ticket information check out the link below

http://shnsf.com/shows/nexttonormal

Reporting from 18 Rabbits, Erin 

San Francisco Yellow Go Car Rentals

This past weekend my close friend from NYC was here in San Francisco for a visit. I wanted to do something unique and then a bright idea came to mind. At times I spot these little yellow go cars driving around the city, and although a tad ridiculous looking I have always wanted to give it a shot. So that became the big plan for our Saturday morning.

We picked our cars up in Fisherman’s Wharf and were greeted by a friendly staff. The cars have a GPS guided tour and for one hour it is $49, for two hours it is $88 and any additional hour is $29 per hour. The go cars only fit two passengers and somewhat resemble Steve Urkel's toy car- please excuse my Family Matters reference. It runs similar to a motorcycle with the gas and brakes in the handles and lacks the ability to move in reverse. After a safety video we put the helmets on and got ready to cruise.

I was the starter driver and only after a few brief panic moments I got comfortable driving and it was amazing! We decided to turn on some tunes instead of the GPS tour and started to create our own tour (big thanks to my sister who was the lead tour guide). We drove along the water, through the Richmond and my favorite was driving through the park- driving past SF buffalo and the massive windmill. The car goes up to about 30 mph and only once did we have to hop out of the car to help it up a hill. Overall we felt very comfortable driving it amidst the large buses and steep hills.

The best part about the yellow go cars was seeing just how beautiful San Francisco is. Sometimes when you live in such a city you steer away from partaking in tourist attractions. You get into your daily routine and at times forget what an incredible city we live in. So my advice if you live here or if you are just visiting is go rent a yellow car. It is a blast and makes you appreciate where you live or just makes you want to move here!

Side note-we named the car Tina

Reporting from 18 Rabbits, Erin 

Good Food Awards 2011

Last weekend, the first annual Good Food Awards took place at the historic Ferry Building in San Francisco. This event was hosted by the Seedling Projects, a group that focuses on initiatives and events that promote sustainable production and consumption. Previously, they played a large part in organizing events like Slow Food Nation (San Francisco, 2008) and the San Francisco Street Food Festival. 

This last weekend, the Good Food Awards celebrated the nation's best producers that produced authentic, organic, responsibly-produced products. The seven categories of food that were honored this year were beer, coffee, cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, pickles and preserves. The winners had a great variety of tastes from all across the country--ranging from an Organic Gingerbread Ale from Bison Brewery in Berkeley, CA to Savory Brussels Sprout Relish from Ann's Raspberry Farm in Fredericktown, OH.

On Friday, a private ceremony for all the winners was hosted on the upper floor of the ferry building. The space was transformed with an old-time American farmer feel--with wood crates, a large American flag and red, white and blue bunting.  Alice Waters hosted the celebration where all the winners were recognized. Afterwards, there was a reception on the main floor of the Ferry Building where all the attendees were given samples of all the winners products. Most called it an early night, as they had to prepare themselves for an 8 AM marketplace on Saturday.

On Saturday, all the producers arrived by 7 AM to prepare their products for the marketplace, which was held outside the Ferry Building alongside the normal Saturday Farmer's Market.  I was put in charge of the Pickle producers (one of the quirkier groups), making sure that everyone had what they needed. The winning products in this category were quite diverse, including Spicy Oregano Purple Carrots from Cultured in Berkley, CA to Purple Sauerkraut from Spirit Creek Farm in Bayfield, WI. I think that my favorite pickle product was McClure's Brine produced by McClure's Pickles in Detroit, MI. This brine is a popular drink that is used for mixed drinks, including Bloody Mary's and other pickled cocktails. It can also be drank straight, and I overhead one customer rave to his friends that it was "the new Kombucha". 

The most amazing part to me, was that the entire event was driven and organized by a few unpaid interns that worked passionately and tirelessly in the months leading up to the event. My twin brother, Gavin, was in charge of contact with all the producers and nailing down the nuts and bolts of the event. So much so, that I became a mini-celebrity at the event. I can't tell you how many producers came up to me with a huge grin, thinking that they were finally meeting Gavin, who they had been in constant contact with in the months leading up to the event.  They were soon disappointed that I was his less curly twin brother, but they had nothing but amazing things to say about how well the event was run, and how well they were treated by all that worked on it. Overall, it was a fantastically run event filled with great food and very interesting, environmentally conscious producers that truly represent the vision of sustainably produced food.

Reporting From 18 Rabbits, Christian

Broccoli Pesto Recipe

Inspired by Delarosa's orrechiete with broccoli pesto, I was determined to re-create this dish as part of our New Year's Eve dinner (with our own spin of course). Tossed with pasta, a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, it pairs great with Champagne.

Broccoli Pesto recipe (as featured in Fireworks in the Kitchen on New Year’s Eve)

·      1 bunch of organic broccoli (about 1 pound)

·      A handful of pine nuts (1/4 cup if you want to bother measuring)

·      2 whole garlic cloves, peeled

·      Knob or 1 inch of parmigiano-reggiano or mitica or pecorino - hard cheese grated about 2 oz

·      2 t. sea salt

·      Pepper to taste

·      1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steam broccoli until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Place all ingredients in a food processor until comes together. It's good to leave it a little chunky. Stream olive oil.

Serving suggestions:

· Toss with favorite pasta and some olive oil - we used homemade fusilli pasta.
· As a spread on Spelt multigrain from Grindstone Bakery, although any brown or rustic bread will do and cut up castelvetrano olives on top.
· Pairing: champagne Chartogne - Taillet blanc de blancs

Yummy and good for you too!

-Reporting from 18 Rabbits, Alison (Founder & CEO)

Fireworks in the Kitchen on New Year's Eve

Our founder Alison shares an eventful experience this past New Year’s Eve…

“While we all sipped champagne, my family was helping me in the kitchen make our New Year's Eve dinner.  My husband was putting together the pasta dough. My six-year old nephew (he was drinking water) was making the pasta - fusilli for this round.  I was cooking the Buffalo Bolognese and mixing the Broccoli Pesto. While three others were also in the kitchen lending a helping hand.

I had the bright idea to bring the pasta resting on paper towels over to the gas stove next to the boiling water when WHOOSH!!! The paper towels went up into flames.  I waved them about in the air. The flames spread until my French brother-in-law walked in and said calmly, "Just drop them".  I did just that and the fire extinguished on the tile floor without incident.  Who says you have to travel to see good fireworks?”

Reporting From 18 Rabbits, Alison (Founder & CEO)

Gazzaniga's Movie Review

This remake of the 1969 classic exceeded all expectations and dare I say, outshined its predecessor.  No small feat considering that the original starred the quintessential cowboy of all time, John Wayne AND the rising Robert Duvall.  The Cohen brothers casted their actors and actresses perfectly and launched what is bound to be the promising career of 18 year old Hailee Steinfeld.  Playing character Mattie Ross, a young girl whose father was murdered by the degenerate Tom Chaney, Steinfeld commands a presence on screen among acting juggernauts Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin.

I was pleasantly surprised by Jeff Bridges performance as US Marshal Rooster Cogburn.  Whenever I think of Jeff Bridges, a few things come to mind.  Bowling, White Russians, a rug that tied the room together, and nihilists.  That's right.  The Big Lebowski, AKA the Dude, Duder, or El Duderino if you aren't into the whole brevity thing.  So when I saw the preview for True Grit with Jeff Bridges as a badass cowboy I wondered if I would be able to shed all the images that naturally pop into ones head of him in flip flops and wayfarers.  As it turns out, he didn't need to because the character Rooster Cogburn had enough comedy and wit to compliment his intimidating ruthless nature, his true grit.  In one particular scene Cogburn found his way into a stash of whiskey before a long ride on a horse and swayed and mumbled in a very dudesque way.  But then again there were times when he became a frightening dark cowboy in a way i didn't know Jeff bridges capable.  All in all I give Jeff Bridges and A+ performance.

Matt Damon was equally as good in his role as a nerdy Texas Ranger.  His character Mr. LaBeef was cross between Linus from the Ocean's series, mark Whitacre from The Informant, and Jason Bourne from the Bourne series.  About 95% Linus and Whitacre, and just a 5% dash of Bourne to make him a fairly functioning cowboy.  Damon character is the perfect juxtaposition to the harsh environment in which he operates, the criminals he hunts, and the company he keeps.

Josh Brolin made a fine short appearance.  He didn't mess anything up.

All in all True Grit was a character piece where 3 extraordinary actors gave 3 flawless performances to make True Grit on of the most exciting movies to see in this last minute push for Oscar Nominations.

Predictions: Nominated for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score.  Wins in Best Film

Zack Reporting from 18 Rabbits