$150 MAY get you a $2.4mil House In SF

I know, this is hardly a bargain, but if you won it sure would be. I'm a sucker for the lottery, raffles, scratchers, you name it. I fully subscribe to the "you gotta be in it to win it" mentality. All you need is a dollar and a dream.... well, in this case $150 and a dream.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is holding a San Francisco Dream House raffle.

A $150 raffle ticket buys a chance to win a magnificent $2.4 million San Francisco home (or choose $1.8 million in cash). They have a bunch of other prizes and early bird drawings as well (buy your ticket by April 3 and you are entered into the first early bird drawing as well as all subsequent drawings). I think there are 3 early bird drawing before the house drawing.

You can see pictures of the house and enter here: www.sfraffle.com.

When they ask you how you heard about the raffle, please mention my name (jennifer storey).

Good luck!

All You Can Eat Brunch at Farmer Brown

My friend Allie calls Farmer Brown her new favorite restaurant ("the ribeye was sooooooooo good.") Farmer Brown is about "supporting local and African-American farmers, using organic, biodynamic, and/or sustainably raised foods, and beverages." The focus is Southern food, a gift that Chef-owner Jay Foster (formerly of Emmy's Spaghetti Shack and BlueJay Cafe) feels is often mis-represented.

The Bargain: On Saturday and Sundays, the have a $15 All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet that includes eggs, bacon, fresh biscuits, buttermilk pancakes, fried chicken, and so much more...Also, live music by Jazz Mafia and Others. Their website also claims to have "the best bloody marys in the city". Um, I'll be the judge of that! I don't know about you, but $15 for brunch is a good deal. Add the all-you-can-eat and now its a bargain.

Farmer Brown 25 Mason (@ Market) - on the cusp of union square and the 'loin. www.farmerbrowbsf.com

Brunch: Sat & Sun 10am-2:30pm
Dinner: Sun-Thurs 5pm-11pm / Fri & Sat 5pm-12am.
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5-7pm, specialty cocktails are $7, wells $6, and draft beers $3.

Ann Taylor Sample Sale: Tues. March 31

Ann Taylor Sample Sale Tues. March 31. Thousands of Spring & Fall Items. They restock the floor every hour. It's a sample sale, so expect crowds, but when you can score a great top for $5, what do you expect.

Sample sale is held at A Miner Miracle Shop and ALL proceeds support A Miner Miracle's programs that offer clothing & image consulting to low income men and women seeking employment.

Ann Taylor Sample Sale
899 Mission Street (@5th)
10am-6pm

All You Can Eat Pizza: Mondays at Goat Hill Pizza In Potrero Hill

Ever Monday evening is Neighborhood Night at Goat Hill Pizza in Potero Hill. That means All You Can Eat Pizza & Salad.
I'm a Jersey girl, so I am pretty particular about my pizza. This stuff is good (I even served it at party for my boys last year with my Jersey parents in attendance.) I've been in San Francisco for almost 14 years and my mom still tries to point out things that are better on the east coast. Pizza is one of those things she often tells me is "terrible out here". Even she said "oh this is good."
Adults: $10.95
Kids (6-12): $5.95
Under 6: free!

300 Connecticut at 18th St.
(415) 641–1440

Free Eye Exams for Infants + Eye Wear Specials

Acuity Vision Boutique in Presidio Heights is offering the "Acuity Kids Program." It includes a free initial comprehensive eye exams on infants 6-12 months old. The mission of this program is to detect early childhood vision impairments. The critical period of treatment for many vision threatening problems that could result in amblyopia is 0- 2 years old.

Also, for those of us who already wear glasses, if you buy 2 pairs of prescription eye glasses, you get the second frame at 1/2 off. There are also a bunch of contact lens specials that could include a discount on sunglasses or free solution depending on the types of lenses you order.

Acuity Vision can be found at 3610 Sacramento St. (@ Locust)
www.acuityvision.com
415-673-2020

For My Philly Friends: 1/2 Price Tastykake on Wednesdays

I'm sure all my friends from Philly already know that The Cheesesteak Shop on Divis is (I think) the only place in San Francisco to get a TastyKake. (If you don't know what a TasyKake is, this post will be of no interest to you.)

If you do know what a TastyKake is, well, Wednesdays just became your favorite day. Wednesday's are Half-Price Tastykake Days at the Cheesesteak Shop. You can thank me later.

The address is: The Cheesesteak Shop, 1716 Divisadero St. (between Bush and Sutter).

Free Lunch Every Sunday at The Kindness Kitchen

This is one of those things that really strengthens my faith in humanity.
Every Sunday, Kindness Kitchen (housed in the Maharani Restaurant on Post btw Van Ness & polk) serves a complete Indian lunch for free. I could try and explain this, but the volunteers who provide this amazing gift do a much better job that I could.

"This is no secret: What goes around comes around. Kindness Kitchen is a concept whose time has come...The vegetarian and vegan dishes are served with love, kindness and offered as unconditional gift. We leave it to our esteemed guests to pay it forward in the best way they can, in kindness, generosity and in the spirit of give and take, in whatever way they wish....We wish and hope you will continue the cycle of generosity in your own way."

Kindness Kitchen is located in the Maharani Restaurant
1122 Post Street btw Van Ness & Polk
Lunch is served from 11:30am-3:00pm (menu changes each week)
See a recent menu at www.kindnesskitchen.com

Recession Meal at Frjtz

I used to go to Frjtz in Hayes Valley all the time when my first child was an infant and I was prone to wondering "how did this become my life??". My melancholy mood would be lifted by yummy crepes, mussels and, of course, french fries. But then we moved and I heard they had closed the Hayes Valley shop for remodeling and opened another one on Valencia. Well, now through the end of May the VALENCIA street location is offering a Recession Special. Monday-Friday only. $7 will get you a drink, entree & dessert. Thats a great deal considering most entrees are in the $9-$10 range.

Frjtz: 590 Valencia (btw 16/17)

Kids Eat Free at Asqew Grill

I got a tip that Asqew Grill in Laurel Village was offering a "Kids Eat Free" promotion for the month of March. I called to confirm and not only is it true but, it is valid at all Asqew Grill locations. When I asked if there was an age limit for the kid I was told, "Anyone who is shorter than the counter". Hmmm, not sure how tall their counters are, but I bet its safe to say the 5 and under set would be covered!. Happy Family Eating.
Locations:
MARINA: 3348 STEINER ST @ CHESTNUT
HAIGHT ASHBURY: 1607 HAIGHT ST. @ CLAYTON
CASTRO: 3583 16TH ST. @ MARKET ST.
LAUREL VILLAGE: 3415 CALIFORNIA ST. @ LAUREL
DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE: 865 MARKET ST @ 4TH ST.

Rainbow Grocery 20% Coupons

I am always surprised that more people don't already know about this, but since I always get a "really, I didn't know that" when I tell folks, here it is. Every Wednesday & Thursday of every month (except Nov & Dec), you can get 20% off EVERYTHING at Rainbow Grocery when you bring in your coupon from the AT&T Yellow Pages. I know, who keeps that thing. If you're like me, you toss it in recycling before even bringing it into your house. Don't do that! There are a ton of great coupons in that thing, so pull them out before ditching the rest (or use it as a booster seat for one of your kids.)

For those who are not familiar with Rainbow: It's a worker owned co-op that is committed to "Providing affordable vegetarian food products which have minimal negative impact ecologically and socially" and "Buying goods from local organic farmers, collectives, bakers, dairies and other local businesses whenever possible". They stick to them too.

What I love about Rainbow: They have the largest bulk section in the city bar none. From spices, to beans, to pasta, to cereals, peanut butter, miso, oils, etc, etc, etc. I know that pretty much anything i buy there I can do with a clear conscience. Don't get me wrong, I still hit my local Safeway at least once a week, but Rainbow is in a class on its own. Oh, the cheese section alone is worth it. It can be crowded on coupon days, but 20% is well worth it.

Rainbow is located at 745 Folsom Street and they are open daily 9am-9pm.

Adults Only at Cal Academy of Science

I've been to the Academy of Sciences at least 10 times already (I've got three kids!) and every time I go, I say to myself "I've got to get back here without the kids one day." Well, now I can and not only without my kids, but without ANY kids there at all.
Now through October 2009, Thursday evenings the Academy are for the 21 and over crowd. Music, booze, food and "provocative science" (those are the academy's words!). 6pm-10pm
It's $10 to get in ($8 if you are a member). Keep in mind that regular admission is something like $24.95 for adults, so its a real bargain.
Check out their website for that evening's performace: http://www.calacademy.org/events/nightlife/

SF Giants vs. Oakland A's $5 TIckets! for Spring Training Game

Spring Training time is here and you can watch SF Giants play against the Oakland A's for only $5. Get your tickets today.

WHEN: Thursday April 2, 7:15 pm at AT&T Park.

You can buy tickets here from Ticket Network.

Four Barrell Coffee offers FREE COFFEE! Monday mornings through April 20

Four Barrel Coffee in the Mission district is offering free coffee every Monday morning from 8am to 10am in what owner Jeremy Tooker (one time Ritual co-owner) is calling his “F.U. Recession” giveaway. This is straight up coffee folks... no chai, no nonfat milk, no vanilla syrup. just coffee and FREE. Source: sf.eater.com

Four Barrel Coffee 375 Valencia St (at 15th St)

A Miner Miracle Shop (5th & Mission)

Ever since I found this store, I have been telling literally everyone I know about it.

A Miner Miracle Shop is a woman's clothing boutique downtown that sells name brand clothes (think Michael Kors, DKNY, Ann Taylor, Lucy) at 50-90% off retails. Hello??? I got a super soft Michale Kors winter coat for $59. I got a an Ann Taylor cashmere hoodie and a nice "work" shirt. All three of the items set me back less than $100. The coat alone sells for $300 in Bloomingdales across the street. The store is not huge, but everything in there is top quality. No junk to sort through. Everything is in season, names you know and the best value ever.
Now, as if that was not enough, here is where I fell in love: Every penny the store makes supports A Miner Miracle's programs that offer clothing and image consulting to low income men and women seeking employment. Its a total win win. I get a good deal on great clothes AND I am giving to charity! Its a no brainer.

Miner Miracle SHOP is conveniently located near Union Square, across from the Westfield Shopping Center. 899 Mission Street at 5th Street (Ground floor of the garage at 5th and Mission - and 1 block from Powell street BART) Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (415) 543-0293.