Hayes Valley Leftovers: A Decade Of Blue Bottle, KitTea Volunteering And More

Hayes Valley Leftovers: A Decade Of Blue Bottle, KitTea Volunteering And MorePhoto: Meaghan Clark / Hoodline
Meaghan Clark
Published on January 31, 2015

It's been another busy week in the neighborhood, and in case you missed it, we're got another weekend roundup of Hayes Valley's tastiest news leftovers.

Celebrating 10 years: Blue Bottle's Hayes Valley coffee kiosk celebrated 10 years this week. In a blog post recounting his first days in the alley, founder James Freeman writes it was "a pee-smelling dead-end alleyway adjacent to the wrecked Central Freeway." Oh, how times have changed. In honor of a decade in the neighborhood, the coffee cart hosted a photo contest; customers submitted their favorite images taken at the shop over the years, and a few were awarded $50 toward an online subscription. To see who won, head on over to Blue Bottle's Facebook page

Remodels and moving sales: Sean will reopen today after closing down for a remodel that allowed them to prep for their spring collection. After eight years on Hayes Street, owners of the retailer's San Francisco flagship thought it was time for a makeover to keep up with the ever-changing neighborhood.

Fiona's Boutique (573 Hayes St.) is prepping for a move online. The shop is still unsure of its final departure date, but is looking to liquidate inventory. So if you're on the lookout for an array of jewelry, handbags or scarves, visit the brick-and-mortar boutique while you still can (everything is up to 70 percent off). 

New digs: It's time to welcome a new full service salon to the neighborhood. Taylor Monroe hosted its grand opening celebration last night where customers enjoyed beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music from DJ Kris D. The new salon takes over from Oxenrose Salon and is open for business at 448 Grove St.

In case you missed it: The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Associated hosted their second annual HVNA Membership Appreciation Party at Muka Lounge on Thursday night. Members and guests enjoyed live music from Hayes Valley musician Trent Berry and a selection of treats from local restaurants.

In other HVNA news, the next public safety meeting is February 2nd at 7pm, hosted at the Korean American Center (745 Buchanan St.). The evening's theme is "crimes against businesses and non-profit groups."

Tasty bites: A number of Hayes Valley restaurants were featured in 7x7's 2015 100 Things To Eat Before You Die roundup. On the list was Souvla's Greek yogurt with baklava crumble and syrup, pretzels from Biergarten, garlic quail from Lers Ros, Monsieur Benjamin's sweetbreads, potato knishes from 20th Century Cafe, Rich Table's dried porcini doughnuts, and oysters from Zuni. 

Feline friends: As we await the opening of KitTea with bated breath (Twitter teasers revealed the new location at 96 Gough would be opening in just a few weeks), anyone interested in getting their paws dirty can apply to be a KitTea volunteer. Applications for assistance in cat adoptions are now being accepted in association with Give Me Shelter, a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter for homeless kitties in San Francisco.