News and Reviews: SFGate
On the Town: Where to go, what to do
Want to get out and make a night of it? Here are a few tips from The Chronicle's Datebook staff on where to go and what to do around the Bay Area.
Take your pick: Check out our mini-review of a recommended restaurant to try; a new movie to see; reviews and previews of live theater, concerts and more to attend; or someplace to go with the kids.
Out to eat
Sam's Chowder House: Few restaurants have the close-up ocean views as this Half Moon Bay restaurant that features a wide-ranging menu, from hamburgers and spaghetti and meatballs to paella, cioppino and fried shrimp.
Seafood should be first on the list here. Two items stand out on chef Lewis Rossman's menu: the New England clam chowder ($6.95/$10.25) where the clams, cream and Yukon gold potatoes are enhanced with smoked bacon; and the lobster roll ($21.95) with chunks of seafood tossed with butter and served on a torpedo roll with sides of coleslaw and chips.
You also can't go wrong with the daily catch, often a grilled fish such as swordfish ($25.50) with potato cakes and Italian chard.
Open continuously for lunch and dinner daily. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted. 4210 Highway 1, Half Moon Bay. (650) 712-0245. samschowderhouse.com.
- Michael Bauer
Bay Area theater
Haiku Tunnel: Josh Kornbluth reprises one of his greatest early hits (later made into a movie), the very funny solo tale of a hardworking, conscientious office temp who begins to fall apart when working for a very powerful, perhaps evil tax attorney. 8 p.m. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. $20. (510) 841-6500, www.shotgunplayers.org.
Movies
Jiro Dreams of Sushi: This delectable documentary profiles Jiro Ono, who runs a 10-seat restaurant in Tokyo and may be the world's greatest sushi chef. An octogenarian who has worked in restaurants since age 9, Ono is an artist whose pursuit of purity and simplicity has earned his establishment three Michelin stars. Rated PG. 81 minutes. In Japanese with English subtitles.
- Walter Addiego
Talks and readings
Armistead Maupin: "Mary Ann in Autumn." 9:30 a.m. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F. (415) 749-6355. www.gracecathedral.org.
Bay Area sports events
The Los Angeles Angels are in town to play your Oakland A's at 7 p.m.