Suckling Succotash

This post may offend some people but I really don't care. I suppose this is my major etiquette flaw; my sometimes brutal honesty. While sitting in a coffee shop in the Mission, quite happy and calm after my acupuncture appointment (thank you San Francisco Community Acupuncture), I was enjoying my cup o joe when a family walked in. I didn't think twice about them until the mommy pulled out the old milking shroud, pops out one of her breasts and latches on little Suzie. I get it...little Suzie is hungry and children aren't always conveniently hungry but other people really aren't interested in watching junior suckle. I for one prefer the only milk in the coffee shop to be in the cups, frothed into beautiful micro-foam. So please if you are of the public breast-feeding clan please note that it is not particularly appetizing for others to hear/see a woman being drunk from. I do appreciate this woman's use of the milking shroud but perhaps she should have thought to sit in a more secluded area, the one that faced the wall and not the other patrons, or use the very clean family restroom. (Two were available so it's not like she was trying not to use up the only toilet space.) Pro-public breast feeders often get angry at comments like mine saying that breast feeding is a "beautiful natural process". Well so is sex and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't appreciate my husband and I indulging in our "natural process" in such a public place. So remember: When a breast-milk filled bottle isn't an option (even though my classy mommy friends say that it is actually more convenient on the go) please don't do it so close to my latte.

A Very Fine Hat

I find it a curiosity...at first glance a gentleman: funky oh-so-San Francisco square-framed glasses topped off with a smooth chocolate brown Russian-style hat a.k.a. the Ushanka (think Dr. Zhivago meets floral pattern). Cool hat and definitely unique as I wait to try Tony's Pizza in North Beach. I watch the man who has his silverware set just so along with the gently pinky-up stirring of sugar into his iced tea. His actions and looks, especially his hat, spoke of refinement...at least until his meal was served. A generous and juicy slab of meat caressed by the finest in burger compliments atop a fluffy bun matched with golden fries. I thought to myself that this was a meal that demanded consideration, salivating at the end of the bar. Apparently the supposed gentleman disagreed, neglecting to remove his very fine hat to consume his very fine meal. Fancy restaurant, simple cafe or home-cooked meal one should always remove their crown before sitting at the table. Not only is it rude to the vitals and the cook, but it is also an insult to everyone that has to view your indiscretion. So ladies, gentleman and transsexuals alike please remember that it is not fashion to wear a hat of any kind while dining, it is in fact poor etiquette.

Also, to Tony's staff front and back of house thank you for the warm reception, all around excellent service and exceptional pie. Sorry Mary but the little lamb and eucalyptus was quite delicious.