What I love about Chinatown, San Francisco
Come for dim sum, get lost in an alley, or sip tea for hours. In a city that moves fast, SF’s Chinatown invites you to take your time.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a living, breathing experience, wrapped in the scent of fresh pastries, the clatter of mahjong tiles, and the hum of a city within a city. A stop at AA Bakery and Cafe means buttery egg tarts straight from the oven, a quiet seat among Cantonese chatter, and a reminder that some things here never change. Wandering Stockton Street brings memories of childhood shopping trips, where live crabs scrambled in bins and Sundays meant navigating the organized chaos of produce vendors.
From dim sum haunts to late-night karaoke at Bow Bow Lounge, from mural-lined alleyways to historic tea shops, Chinatown is a place to return to, time and time again.
Read the latest by Vita Hewitt
How Lunar New Year at SF Symphony set the tone for 2025
Between an LED-lit dragon weaving through the concert hall, an electric performance by Wu Man, and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s rallying words about San Francisco’s resilience, the night was already packed with spectacle.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
SF Oasis brings back ‘Fresh Prince’— and yes, there’s a Carlton dance
When I heard that Oasis brought their production of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back by popular demand, I had an out-of-body experience and found myself on their doorstep for opening night. It was the draw of the “Carlton Dance” — always and forever. What can I say? I am a product of my generation. Few shows hold a place in the hearts of Gen Xers and Millennials more than The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And Oasis knows exactly how to tap into that nostalgia while making it feel, well, fresh.
Read the latest by Vita Hewitt
What we’re doing this week
David Bowie dance party at Cat Club
Celebrate the iconic sounds of David Bowie at the Cat Club's "LET'S DANCE" party. Join fellow fans on Friday, March 7, 2025, for a night filled with Bowie's greatest hits and the music of artists he inspired. With two dance floors, four DJs, and Bowie-themed karaoke in the front room, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Doors open at 9 PM, and the party continues until 2 AM. Tickets are available for $11.33.
WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2025, 9 PM–2 AM
WHERE: Cat Club, 1190 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Superfine Art Fair at Fort Mason
Experience the art scene at the Superfine Art Fair, returning to San Francisco from March 6 to 9, 2025. Held at the Gateway Pavilion at Pier 2 in Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, this event features over 150 emerging and established artists showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artworks. Attendees can engage directly with artists, explore various mediums, and acquire original pieces.
WHEN: March 6–9, 2025; Thursday–Saturday: 12 PM–8 PM, Sunday: 12 PM–6 PM
WHERE: Gateway Pavilion at Pier 2, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Late Night Revelry at Grace Cathedral
The magic of Grace Cathedral’s Carnivale gala doesn’t stop at dinner—The Late Night Revelry brings a whole new vibe. Expect an open bar, live beats from The Chris Clouse Project, and a Vanity Portrait Studio to capture you looking your best—with a masquerade twist, of course.
This is the after-party where the crowd lets loose, and the grandeur of Grace Cathedral transforms into an upscale, after-hours affair. Tickets start at $100 for one to the after party, and $165 for a duo. Every dollar supports the cathedral’s community initiatives—so you can party with a purpose. Read our review of the gala last year.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 8:45 pm – 11:00 pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco
‘Raymonda’ at SF Ballet
San Francisco Ballet presents Tamara Rojo's reimagining of "Raymonda," set during the 19th-century Crimean War. This adaptation portrays Raymonda as a woman ahead of her time, reflecting the resilience and compassion of Florence Nightingale. The production features Alexander Glazunov's score, performed by the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra.
WHEN: March 1–8, 2025
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
What’s on our mind
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
First time since 2020: voters are optimistic
For the first time since 2020 (or since 2016 if you ignore the COVID bump), the average San Franciscan is feeling good about the city. A slim plurality think San Francisco is on the right track, and nearly half of people who thought the city was on the wrong track in October 2024 now say they “don’t know.” It’s a sign of cautious optimism for the new leadership in City Hall.
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The Bold Italic publishes first-person stories on topics that are on the brains and lips of San Franciscans. We’re a hub for conversations to be heard and discussed, and we celebrate all that’s great about living in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We hope our continuing conversation will get you thinking, talking, and inspiring you to share your opinions with us on living in San Francisco.
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The Bold Italic is brought to you by GrowSF and edited by Saul Sugarman. Send us a pitch, a question, comment, or advertise with us: info@thebolditalic.com