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Tantrum: A Look Back, and Inside, Cole Valley’s Local Vintage Playland

8/21/2013

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ColeVALLEYSF Spotlight: TANTRUM
by Joe Cannella

If you’ve had the chance to wander into Tantrum since its opening last summer, you have already experienced the peculiar feeling that you’ve been transported to a place that, at one time or another, we’ve all wanted to be. Not because the toys are unique and amazing (they are), and not because everything feels perfect and unaltered by the years. Not even because three year old Thisbe took quarters from the register and offered your kid a free ride on the mechanical seal. Its because they care, and it shows.

Because Amanda Weld and Michelle Spear dreamed up this little world near the corner of Carl & Cole where both parents and kids could enjoy themselves, take a trip back in time, or just live in the moment. Indeed I am the sentimental type, but guess what? So are you. And the beautiful toys and the vintage Beatles memorabilia cards that sit side by side remind you that we’re all kids. We all want to play, and live in the moment and remember, and be young again.
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So let’s talk about where it began. Every business begins with a vision, real people, and a story. Here’s the story. Involved in performance art at the start, Amanda recalls her first creative endeavor:

“When I was five or six, I had a sleep over with two or three other girls and I made everyone stay up helping me write a puppet play. The idea was that we could surprise everyone's parents with it when they got picked up in the morning. Needless to say, it was not as well performed or received as I had imagined it would be.”

The same combination of creative talent and critical focus on quality shines through today. Tantrum is not her first business venture. She recounts her previous shop, Poe Studio, a children's clothing and gift store in Charleston, South Carolina:

I was 25 and newly married. (We marry young down south.) I had been managing a print shop that sold cheap prints to tourists and framed them in badly made frames. I quit that to make a living as an illustrator and after graduating (as a Design-illustration major at the Savannah College of Art), Poe Studio was really supposed to be my studio with some kick-knacks up front (if anyone bothered to wander in). I was painting portraits, mostly, and then I heard about such a thing as a "gift show" and with credit card in hand-went to the NY international Gift Show. I hated to shop but had a blast shopping for others! Before I knew it the 300 ft space was filled and the illustration business (or lack thereof) was buried for another day.
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The move to San Francisco came a few years later. During a west coast tour of her husband Richard’s  band, A Decent Animal, she decided a more permanent relocation was in order and in 2007, Amanda sold Poe Studio to one of her long-time employees and moved to SF, into a two bedroom apartment above Vierra & Friends Salon.

Fast forward a bit and Amanda, now a five year Cole Valley resident with her husband Richard, 8 year old son Henry and 3.9 year old daughter Thisbe, was still known for throwing amazing vintage-themed birthday parties for her son. Between fond memories of her days at Poe Studio, and hearing friend after friend encourage her to open up a new shop, she eventually decided they were right, and began talking with others about the idea.

And then fate, (as fate does) challenged her resolve by giving her exactly what she needed  only a few months later. Occasions, the bath & body boutique literally around the corner from home, was closing up shop, leaving the perfect space. “It was a chicken before egg scenario. My husband spotted the "Going Out of Business" sign in their window before I had seriously considered opening another store. Then it was like...’Yeah right! Like it could ever happen to open something so close-so quickly!’ ”

As the momentum continued forward, one of the friends she had consulted was Michelle Spear: “Amanda reached out to discuss her opportunity and get my opinion on things. The more I heard, the more I got excited and inspired. From there, it just snowballed into this awesome creative [process] back and forth. We set up a room in my house, covered it with all of our thoughts and ideas and fully concepted the store’s vision. Amanda had an awesome core idea and together we added more and more into it to make Tantrum what it is today. (Miraculous that we did all of that in 2 months! It makes me smile thinking about it.)”


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PEETS TO OPEN WEDNESDAY!

8/19/2013

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Photo Courtesy of @kazkiely
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That's right folks, Peet's Coffee will be officially opening this Wednesday! We've definitely been waiting a while, since Tully's closed its door last fall. It looks like there will be some patio tables as well as a few tables inside, including the bench seat next to the window. In typical Peet's fashion, they have an array of coffee and teas, including the new craze: Matcha Lattes. Matcha is basically green tea, so be prepared to receive a green creamy drink from the barista. We're hoping that there will be free wi-fi because as of yet there is no free wifi at any of the coffee shops in the hood (Does La Boulange have it yet?).. 

To all those who wake up when the sun does, you'll be pleased to note that Peet's will be open at 5:30am M-F and 6am Saturday and Sunday. They will close at 8pm daily, which is great considering Tully's always closed so damn early. 

We're excited to welcome Peet's into our hood and happy to have them caffeinate the neighbors!
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TANTRUM TO HOST EVENTS FOR ADULTS & KIDS

6/26/2013

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Tantrum has just announced that it will starting offering workshops for kids and adults like.   The store will be hosting a morning of crafts and fun for ages 5-14 every Sunday for just $25 with snacks provided by La Boulange! This is a great way to drop off your kids and get some errands done Sunday mornings, just be sure to pick them up any time before 11am. This Sunday, June 30th, the kids will be making Marionettes using a pom-pom, a ping-pong, string and wooden beads!


To all you adults out there, don't fear, Tantrum has got you covered too! They will be offering an evening craft event every 1st Wednesday from 7:30pm-10pm for $39 with snacks and drinks provided. The first grown-ups crafts event will be on July 3rd and will be making feather headdresses! 


Check out the posters below with more information and let's go get our craft on!

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Ice Cream Bar Proposes Parklet in Cole Valley

4/23/2013

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The Ice Cream Bar and Soda Fountain in Cole Valley has proposed a parklet!! What are your thoughts? Do you think it's a great idea, considering that The Ice Cream Bar has limited indoor seating and it would help create more business for them? Or do you think that Cole Valley is already tight on parking spaces that taking another 2 parking spaces (remember when SFMTA took a bunch on Carl Street due to N Judah Rail Replacement/Improvement Project??), that CV neighbors desperately need. 

On Nextdoor, Ted Loewenberg from the Haight Ashbury Improvement Association invites you to write to DPW with your thoughts. He also invites you to CC him at tedlsf[at]sbcglobal[dot]net so he can provide feedback to the ICB.

Source: Uppercasing
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ARMED ROBBERY IN COLE VALLEY!

4/8/2013

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A UCSF employee was robbed at run point last Friday (April 5th) around 5pm at Cole Street and Carmel Street. The victim was approached from behind and was ordered to hand over her belongings, including a backpack and iPhone, putting a black handgun to her side. The suspect was described as being 25-30 years old male who ran to a new model Ford. 

Do you have any information on the robbery? Call SFPD or send tips via text message 415-575-4444.

As a neighborhood that prides itself on safety and being family-friendly, we at ColeValleySF are disturbed and hope that this is a one time incident. But regardless, those walking around be aware of your surroundings even in our hood., especially when you are checking your phone. 

For more information about the robbery:
http://sfappeal.com/2013/04/cole-valley-mugger-to-victim-you-have-10-seconds-before-i-shoot/

Check UCSF's blog post on personal safety tips:
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/04/104926/armed-robbery-near-parnassus-bay-campus
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Padrecito coming soon!

2/19/2013

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There have been some recent changes to the former EOS corner on Carl and Cole. In the last week, blue paint has been added and just a few days ago the sign was added, "Padrecito." No news when Mamacita's brother restaurant will open but looks like it might be soon! Watch this space for more updates on the new Mexican restaurant coming to our quaint little neighborhood. 

In the mean time, check out Mamacita's (in the Marina on Chestnut) website. Supposedly it is the "Best Mexican in the San Francisco Bay Area." Sounds promising! 

UPDATE (via SF GrubStreet)


Looks like Padrecito won't be opening in February but now they are pushing it to March. Padrecito will be a more refined version of their original restaurant, Mamacita. No news on what the menu will consist of but they have been able to secure their liquor license so there will be sure to be very delicious drinks! 


More info: 
http://sanfrancisco.grubstreet.com/2013/02/padrecito-opening-date-cole-valley-mamacita-eos.html



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Another one bites the dust - Tully's Coffee on Cole Closed

10/8/2012

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Tully's abruptly closed on Cole Street in mid September, along with closing down all but one location in San Francisco. Haven't heard anything from Tully's why the sudden closing of most of their coffee shops but it might have something to do with SF somewhat unfriendly approach to franchises (what about Peet's and La Boulange (now owned by Starbucks?). More store fronts in our little neighborhood have been going under, from EOS this spring to Occasions, Hama-Ko, and now Tully's. Who will be next??!! 

We will miss the many evenings where the ColeValleySF team sat at those bench seats near the window and worked on blog post ideas and social media plans. We will miss those delicious coffee cake slices and their caffe mochas. 

What do you think will go into Tully's store front or rather what would you want in our neighborhood! We've heard neighbors ask for a bookstore, smoothie place, or thai restaurant. We want to hear your thoughts - share them with us on at @colevalleysf! 



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N Judah Line Shutdown and More Construction!

9/11/2012

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Just received this letter in the mail. Looks like it will be another noisy, disruptive weekend. We have listed some of the important information below:

N Judah Shutdown Sept 14th - 17th

Construction begins Friday Sept 14th 7pm to Monday Sept 17th 5am and will continuously work around the clock. (oy)

Work that going to be done during the shutdown:
  • concrete placement of the tracks near Sunset Tunnel (east of Cole)
  • JACKHUMMERING
  • manhole removal and concrete repair
  • trolley pole construction 
  • more JACKHUMMERING


Street closures and parking restrictions:
  • no parking will be allowed on either side of Carl from Stanyan to Cole
  • driveways on the north side of Carl St from Stanyan to Cole will be blocked by construction for the duration of the shutdown.
  • no parking on Carl St for approx 150ft in both directions of 375 Carl (between Hillway and Willard)
  • no parking will be allowed on Carl St for approx 250ft east of Cole St.



Got Questions?! SHIMMICK Construction has gladly given you their phone number if you have any questions or concerns. 
Jeremiah Kent (Project Manager): 510-817-0729


Got photos or complaints? Share them with us all this coming weekend on Twitter by using the hastag #sfmtacarl! 


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Cole Valley Street Fair - Sept 23rd 2012

9/4/2012

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That's right folks. It is that time of year again, the wonderful Cole Valley Street Fair is coming Sept 23rd 2012! From the Cole Valley Improvement Association, there seems to be a pretty good line up of musicians and loads of vendors. Below is a brief snapshot of the fair's events. For more information, please check CVIA's website: http://www.cviasf.org/cole-valley-fair-2012/.

Vendors:
  • Drywell Art (drywellart.com)
  • Jfish Designs (jfishdesigns.com)
  • Nohi Kids (nohikids.com)
  • Made in the Haight (madeinthehaight.tumblr.com)
  • YoungPunks.com
  • Like Minded People (likemindedpeople.us)
  • Trestman Chiropractic (trestmanchiropractic.com)
  • Farm Fresh to You
  • Randall Museum
  • SCRAP: Scrounger's Center for Reusable Art Parts
  • Cara Lyndon Designs (caralyndon.com)
  • Voice Keen Jewelry (vocekeen.com)
  • Urban Bazaar (urbanbazaarsf.com)
  • BookSmith Bookstore (booksmith.com)


Entertainment:
  • Buki the Clown
  • John Roy Zats
  • The Fly Right Sisters
  • Daniel Mandel
  • Young of the Beast
  • Dubious Ranger
  • jumpy house (yes!!!)


Food:
  • Soul Groove (chickenandwafflesandwich.com)
  • Happy Dumplings (happydumplsings.com)
  • El Porteno (elportenosf.com)


See you all there! We'll be walking around, mingling, and enjoying the fair! We'll be giving away our ColeValleySF postcards!
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Ice Cream Bar Spotlight

6/27/2012

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ColeValleySF's Spotlight of the Month

"1930's style soda fountain serving organic homemade ice cream"
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The newest success story to Cole Valley is the one of a kind, Ice Cream Bar. Owner, Juliet Pries decided to open a 1930's style ice cream bar due to her love of baking and ice cream! Though she did not realize how long the process would take. From city zoning and planning committee meetings, it took Pries practically 2 years to finally open her shop. Like in any city, there is always a lot of bureaucracy and formalities in order to get a restaurant approved. This might explain the storefronts that are vacant for months on end. 

Luckily during this process, Pries decide to devout her time to finding items and pieces to make her shop unique. That back wall cabinet you see in the main picture (the soda fountain bar), that piece was found on eBay. The purchase included the 'Ice Cream Bar' sign. "Let's call it that," Pries said when she decided to keep it simple and keep the old school name. From then on Pries was motivated to have the 1930s style aesthetic. From old ceiling lamps to the vintage cash register and soda carbonating machine, the shop slowly came alive. Even the menu itself was influenced by the 1930s prohibition soda fountains.

Pries wanted to, "try to do it the way they did it," in the 1930s. She decided to bring on board, famous mixologist, Russell Davis, who together with Pries, created the soda fountain menu, full of tinctures and lactarts. "Everything is from scratch, and everything is made in house." The ice cream selection offers a wide variety of unique flavors. There's even some fantastic vegan options (see photo in slideshow). Pries is super excited about the summer season because that means lots of different fruit options to choose from. They just announced their blueberry ice cream. She's also thinking of incorporating peaches and other summer fruits this season. 

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As with every ColeValleySF Spotlight, we always want to know, "What do you like best about Cole Valley?" For Pries, who was previously a Cole Valley resident, she loves how diverse and friendly the neighborhood is. As a new store to the area, she stated that all the other merchants were very welcoming and excited for the new addition to our quaint little neighborhood. 

The Ice Cream bar is a great addition to the neighborhood. It's a place where all different types of people are welcome. Those not interested in the bar scene in the Haight, can enjoy a unique nightlife experience while drinking  sodas infused in tobacco! There are even folks that come into the restaurant that remember the soda fountain era. They reminisce and tell stories about various soda jerks and tinctures that were their favorites. While the older generations are telling stories, there are young children running around, giddy from their ice cream sugar highs. It's even a place where Pries has seen many first dates and, "they were definitely first dates!" 

The Ice Cream Bar is definitely a unique spot in San Francisco. A place to go back in time and experience a period of American history that many of us were never alive to experience. So come on by and get yourself a scoop!

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