The Mission

Activism was born in the Mission District. I went to meet an old friend at his apartment on 18th and Anderson and it was like walking into a scene from “Almost Famous.” I was introduced to a series of interesting people: a woman sitting at a sowing machine in her underpants, another on the floor with a board across her lap, covered in fortune telling cards, a band playing bossonova music in the kitchen, a couple circus performers and a slew of other colorful characters. Fifteen people in all lived in this commune, where they all slept at night was unclear. We headed to a dinner party where “Homemade Hustle,” (a vegan catering company made up of two girls dressed like it’s 1985), were testing out recipes for an upcoming event. In a back room, a beautiful brunette with thick, tortoise-shell frame glasses read her own poetry with a fierceness I haven’t heard in my lifetime, a room full of people listening intently and cheering her on. I didn’t know that this scene still existed in our modern day world. I must have heard the word “interconnectedness” seven or eight times before I headed home.

The following day, I went to a private dinner put on my chef Sam Mogannam and farmer Martin Bournhonesque at 18 Reasons (18th and Valencia), a non-profit space created by the owners of Bi Rite, a company that brings farms, restaurants and a grocery store together in a single collaborative effort. At the table was the copy writer for Edible San Francisco, restaurant owners, farmers, food enthusiasts and Rachel Cole, the project’s organizer. We discussed the similarities between Salt Water Farm’s community dinners and those at 18 Reasons. The menu was simple and sublime, showing off seasonal produce, local cheese and a smoked goose breast that was outstanding. The space also lends its self to local artists and social events to help create community. (www.18reasons.org)