Watering holes, Cataclysmic Catalyst, and a new word

Mark was kind enough to recommend a few new watering holes in San Francisco. He also made his own mashup to create Cataclysmic Catalyst. In that vein of thought, I give you a snigglet: Paracatalysis – the identity market-wide halt during Catalyst. Paracatalysis continues into the week after Catalyst as well. Given that the following week is also July 4th week and that the 4th is a Wednesday, pretty much puts the identity market (at least here in the States) to sleep for two whole weeks.

As one who will be at Mark’s dinner, I am thankful that there will be no kilt involved. Having seen it once was plenty.

In need of a new watering hole

It’s Catalyst season once again. And once again I’ll be holed up in the lovely Hilton on O’Farrell. This will be my fourth or fifth Catalyst and my umpteenth trip to San Francisco. And knowing a bit my readers, I know that this is pretty much the same for you too.

Having been to Catalyst this many times you end up in a bit of rut. Yes, having drinks at the Clift Hotel is always amusing. I mean, who doesn’t like the giant chair? I like the bar in the lobby of the Westin Saint Francis as well, but drinking into hotels is getting kinda tired.

Friends, Romans, traveling identity wonks – I ask you to open up your black books of travel and share with the class a suggestion or two for new places to have a drink.

I’ll throw two out to start.   I’ll start by saying, I’ve been to neither yet.  First, Bourbon & Branch seems interesting. I saw it on Gridskipper; anyone been there?  Second, Tunnel Top. Back when Tuesday Night was centered on the regular Tuesday Night beer at Toledo Lounge, there were actually two Tuesday Night factions.  When friends moved west, they started up Tuesday Night West in Tunnel Top.  They described the place as a yard sale with liquor, and let’s face it, that can’t be a bad thing.

See you in a few weeks.