Down and Out in Denver

It’s almost 2011 and time for Alastair to get back on the DOD wagon. Seriously. My apologies for the extended absence. I’ve been real “busy and important” as a good friend liked to say. There’s no excuse. In any case, before I head off to San Francisco to rest, relax, and celebrate the New Year, I thought I would devote this long, long overdue installment of Wednesday’s Links to the City by the Bay. Kay, that’s all. Enjoy!

• The New York Times took a recent look at “How Wine Became Modern: Design + Wine 1976 to Now,” a new exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. I’m very much looking forward to checking out this sensory experience which was designed by New York-based architecture firm Diller Scofidio +Renfro.
• Speaking of wine… Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently listed their top 25 brews of 2010. Seems odd. As one might expect, there are a number of Colorado reps to be proud of. But, the Bay Area received its fair share among the top selections. Hmm. Thirsty? I am.
• San Francisco filmmakers Michael Stabile and Ben Leon recently made a documentary short, featuring John Waters, titled The Smut Capital of America. Nice. I especially love John Waters discussing his time in SF in the 1970s, and in particular the bar in the Tenderloin called The Trap. “It wasn’t a gay bar. I don’t know what it was. It was psychopaths and criminals.”
• Looking to spice up 2011? Just ask “What Would Brian Boitano Do?” Make Spicy Fried Chicken Bites with Derby Dip, of course! This has got to be one of my Oklahoma gal pal’s favorite recipes. Seriously. I’m going to be spending more time dressing up and staying at home in 2011 and this is just the recipe to keep me and my company happy.
• The world premiere of the musical adaptation of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, which boasts music and lyrics by Jake Shears and John Garden of the Scissor Sisters, will take place in May 2011 at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre.