Tag Archives: north beach

Kitesurfers glide, soar through the air

Catching some air then gliding on the water is the ultimate thrill when it comes to kitesurfing and just like the name implies, the sport uses both skill sets.

Riders are strapped to what looks like a cross between a boogie board and a small surfboard while they hang on to a kite contraption that allows them to soar through the air and then land on the water. It’s ideal for adventurous types who love getting out on the water and experiencing more than just tanning on the beach. MiamiKiteboard in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne even does trips out to remote islands with great sandbars. The warm waters of Crandon Park make it the ideal place to learn and participate.

Miami Kiteboard is located at Crandon Park, North Beach, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-345-9974. Click here to visit their website.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana Serves World Champion Slices

Home to a large Italian-American crowd, any old bloke will tell you that North Beach is the neighborhood to be in if you’re looking for a scintillating slice of San Francisco’s finest pizza. But with more than a dozen pizzerias within a five block 1radius, how can you tell the run-of-the-mill from the cream-of-the-crop? Leave it to the professionals. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is the dough and marinara of nine-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani — the first American and non-Neapolitan to ever claim the prize for “Best Pizza Margherita.”

With ingredients imported from Napoli each week alongside produce from local organic farmers and artisan cheese makers, Tony handcrafts his award-winning pizzas in the heart of Little Italy from the same 900-degree, wood-burning oven that catapulted him to fame. Just steps away from Washington Square Park, the full-service restaurant turns out a limit of 73 celebrated medium Margherita crusts a day, fresh-as-can-be ingredients permitting. If you’re not one of the chosen ones, you can take your pick of more than 25 other varieties, from truffle to quail egg and speck to the New Jersey-style “Original Tomato Pie.” If baked dough isn’t your cup of tea, praiseworthy antipasti, pastas, inslata, and dolci also await.

It’s Comedy Central at Cobb’s Comedy Club

When it comes to comedy clubs, the question to ask isn’t Cobbsemptyroom“What?” or “Where?” it’s “Who?” In any case, Cobb’s Comedy Club has you covered. In its 25th year, the North Beach venue plays host to the finest funny men and women working today. From Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle to Ellen DeGeneres and Margaret Cho, Cobb’s rotating cast of headliners are Leno and Letterman regulars, many with a comedy series of their own. Let’s put it this way: a celebrated stand-up doesn’t step foot out of SFO without first making an appearance on this stage.

If you’re hungry for more than laughter, the 400-seat venue offers a full dinner menu of classic American pub food, like crispy fried calamari, marinated chicken sandwiches, and of course, a Cobb’s chopped salad. Just remember to come thirsty: with a two-beverage minimum, they mean business. Sobreity is no laughing matter.

In for a Swanky Night at Bimbo’s 365 Club

Picture 36With nightclubs, jazz venues, bars, and its own Vegas-style light show, North Beach is where San Franciscans have always gone to party.  And in the heart of this “Little Italy” lies Bimbo’s 365 Club, as much a favorite today as it was when Rita Hayworth was a high-kicking chorus line girl. Everyone who is anyone has since walked through these doors, including Chris Isaak, Robin Williams and Jill Scott.

When you walk into Bimbo’s, expect an evening of classic lounge acts, supper club entertainment and a dramatic art deco theme that is entirely reminiscent of the swankiest big band era nightspots. One of Bimbo’s famously plush events is its corporate and private parties for swanky Silicon Valley guests like Cellular One, Oracle, and Yahoo!.  The venue offers tiered seating, dramatic lighting, fine dine table settings and a dance floor next to the concert stage.

Whether you’ve been a regular for years or it’s your first time here, Bimbo’s is the classic nightspot for the upscale traveler.