My second summer back in the Bay and I couldn’t be more excited. I feel like this summer especially there are so many exciting things to see, do and eat yet so little time. From a parade that’s filled with colors and pride to local delicious eateries like no other, the city is the place to be this summer if you ask me.

Are you ready? I sure am, yalla!

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

June is Pride Month and it goes with out saying that the San Francisco is home to the largest pride parade of it’s kind in the country. The annual San Francisco Pride Parade will take place June 30th. The parade will start at the Embarcadero, head down Market Street and ending at the Civic Center Plaza. The day prior, will see lots of activities, live shows and celebrations of local heroes.

Last year, over 50,000 people marched and many more came out in support. I can only imagine how many this year will be out in our great city celebrating. Grand Stand tickets are still on sale now, so don’t miss out!

All this summer, Andy Warhol’s From A to B and Back Again will be exhibited at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Now through September 2nd, and for the first time in the US since 1989, his retrospective works are being exhibited. This is truly a one of a kind treat and we in the Bay are so lucky. If you’re a member, it’s free, otherwise most admission tickets are under $40! You can even have a private group tour set up for a slightly higher fee, #JustSaying. However, on June 29th, I’m organizing an outing with the local InterNations arts and museum group for an afternoon at SFMOMA. Join like minded art lovers from around the world for an afternoon that’ll be filled with fun and lively conversations.

Lots of really good comedy is coming our way this summer, too. As a loud laughing fan of stand up, I’m already getting tickets left right and center for all these amazingly talented funny people coming to the Bay, many starting at just $25! Here are just a handful of confirmed shows that I’m super excited about:

• June 21 – 23: The massive comedy festival that is Clusterfest is three days of laughs, music, podcasts, drag queens and fun! Anyone else geeking out as I am that Leslie Jones is now confirmed in the line up? YEEEEEEES!
• June 22: San Leandro’s Arts Commission is holding it’s 1st Annual Comedy in the Plaza. This free event should be a blast since it’s being emceed by one of my favorite local comedians and TV personality Brian Copeland.
• July 12 and 13: Mo Amer is coming to Cobb’s Comedy Club for four shows already selling out fast. I’ve seen him perform live and let me tell you, this dude is HILARIOUS! He was recently featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and is currently featured in Hulu’s original series RAMY.
• July 25: The hilarious Greg Props will be recording his hit podcast The Smartest Man in the World live at the historic Punchline! He also has a few shows lined up later in the week but if you’re a fan of the podcast, this isn’t to be missed.
• December 7: Yes it’s past summer but it’s my birthday and I’m super excited! Why? Because on my birthday, my biggest celeb crush that is TREVOR NOAH is bringing his Loud and Clear tour to San Francisco’s new Chase Center. It’s like we were destined to meet on such a special day, you know? hehehe
• December 21-23 and 26-30: And since I celebrate my birthday all month long, I’m so excited that the Bay Area’s very own Ali Wong is coming home for the holidays. She’s bringing her Milk and Money tour to the beautiful theater that is The Masonic. We aren’t even through June yet and this funny lady’s first show is already sold out, WOW!

YUMMINESS ACHIEVED

The best thing I’ve loved about eating my way through my hometown is discovering ones that have been open for at least 20 years, that I’ve passed by on numerous occasions and some how missed out on. Until now! For the last year since moving back, Toyose has been my go to spot at least twice a month for either take out or late night dinner with my gal pals.

When I say it’s a legit hole in the wall, I mean a hole in the wall. Toyose is literally a home garage converted into a laid back eatery in the Outer Sunset. A fusion of Korean and Asian American cuisine, they have some good stew pots, fried rice, tempuras and katsu plates. My go to lately has been their spicy chicken wings… Oh my God, they are so finger licking good in every sense of the word that I keep forgetting to take a picture of them.

They are only open from 6pm to 2am so expect to wait some nights for about a good 20 minutes or so. Just walk in, write your name on the board and the number of people. You’ll be seated and quickly served by some friendly faces. I’d use the wait time to check the menu and figure out what you’d like to chow down on. I’d totally recommend for groups to order a bunch of plates and start sharing.

You’re welcome!

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed unless otherwise noted. If you’d like me to check out and rant about a happening around town or a yummy eatery for my SF Sundays rant series, please email ha@mshala.co.