Hidden gems in a concrete and severe landscape

I peaked into the world of Bayview this past weekend, a place with an industrial history, but now certainly in a city-modern and moneyed transition; for sure, it's a San Francisco neighborhood full of hidden treasures. I'm sure the 3rd Street rail would fit the transportation bill - it would get you in and out - but on a warm and sunny day (or warm and moonlit night), ride them bikes for maximum flexibility; you might have to outride a junkyard dog after taking a wrong-turn-than-turned-out-to-be-so-right. And next time I'm bringing my camera; someone in your party should have a camera. You're taking a trip: so close, but so far away.

Yeah, there is plenty more exploring to be done, so much to see (and with that camera, so much to document). I had been meaning to check out a few places in Bayview and the adjacent Dogpatch neighborhoods for awhile now, and finally got off my ass to make it happen; the sun was out - glorious Labor Day weekend - and there was really no excuse: a friend would join me (thanks Jen). I brought a waistband of orange-almond biscotti for the occasion; I'm not sure how my Moscow-bought belt held under this delicious weight.

Such a fashion statement required that our first stop be the new-ish Ritual Gardens inside the Jerrold Ave. location of Flora Grubb Gardens. Such a good idea: them opening up shop, and us going. Of course they can pull a great espresso, but for a novel treat, have them brew you up an individual coffee via their Clover 1s; watch the action: your coffee is surely a product of a spontaneous process of the future, drinkable in the here-and-now (praise science!). And get this, you'll be able to chat with the barista before, during and after (if y'all would like); you'll likely be the only one(s) in line. We learned much about coffee that afternoon.

We also learned much about being able to enjoy our coffee and biscotti while sitting on very expensive outdoor furniture, surrounded by an incredible amount (and variety) of plants. To that cafe environs, I won't say no. Afterwards, after our second cup that is, we got rolling again and found an outdoor concrete slide - bring that cardboard! - nearby at Youngblood Coleman Playground; definitely fun (although the Seward Street Slides are a bit better, if only because there you've got two slides in tandem). Before heading home, we got BBQ and Bud Lights (it's been awhile) at Jordan's House of Ribs, which provided a funny backdrop for dining. You see, it's mostly a bar and if you're middle-aged, African American, and looking to get your swerve-on, this is your place; still, I'll be back for the BBQ, maybe as takeout (which seemed to be more common; we were the only ones eating there, but it was all good).

In any case, the whole neighborhood seems so far away - such an alien vibe, especially in the desolate and "bombed-out" areas near the highways - but the truth is that it's only like a 20 minute bike ride from the heart of the Mission. It's just that once you cross south of Cesar Chavez, the vibe changes immediately; the landscape becomes concrete and severe (excepting the new shine of the 3rd St. corridor itself). But again, that's part of the appeal; I want to take a return trip. At the least, I still want to hit up places like Speakeasy Brewing and Piccino restaurant, but I am open to other suggestions. These places I've mentioned are simply the tip of the iceberg; come with me - or do some exploring yourself - and say you were there at the start; Bayview and Dogpatch are changing rapidly!