Meow! And I really mean it! Those of you who follow me on Instagram already know about the latest addition to Hopper HQ: Miss Fortuna von Chonk! I drove up to Oregon last week to adopt this beautiful and feisty cat—I know, I know, go ahead and call me crazy cat lady, but I knew she was the one. I just can’t believe this absolute love bug was left to fend for herself by her previous owners. Her foster paw-rent took exquisite care of her the past three months, and now we’re settling in (hella snuggles) and getting to know each other (and which toys she likes).
She appears to be a Chausie-domestic shorthair mix, which I’m learning all about, and is guesstimated to be around three-five years old. If you have any tips about your favorite SF vet or raw food diets or whatever kitty intel you feel like sharing, I’m all ears. (So is she—her cute little pricked-up ears keep cracking me up.) I’m so grateful for my new furry sidekick and chonky shadow (although someone is annoyed with my deadline, she wants to play)! I’m so glad she enjoys binge-watching “Call My Agent” with me, ha! More of that tonight. Bella Fortuna!
It was so great to see the American Rescue Plan (finally) pass through the House and Senate, with $28.6 billion in funding for a grant program to support independent restaurants and bars. YES! Release the funding!
I’m also so heartened to see San Francisco ease into our second week in the red tier, marking the return of indoor dining (at 25 percent capacity), and Alameda County, Solano County, and Santa Cruz County have also just moved into the red tier. Some restaurants are waiting until their entire staff is vaccinated before reopening indoor dining (I will not grow tired of seeing vaccination pics, keep posting them!), and others are taking it slow because any tier setbacks are downright devastating for business. Please keep respecting mask guidelines and social distancing so we don’t slip! We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of the first stay-at-home order for SF, and I know it’s bringing up a lot of feelings for folx. So much has happened in one year. Stay strong, stay resilient, stay respectful, and let’s keep moving toward that light on the horizon.
A few things to note in SF under the new Health Order: outdoor dining no longer has to adhere to the 10pm curfew, although indoor dining has to cease service by 10pm (customers can finish their meal by 10:30pm); indoor dining tables are limited to members of one household, up to a maximum of four people; and outdoor dining now allows for members of three households, up to six people per table.
One place that could really use your help is Japantown. It’s dire over there. Please visit and support Japantown businesses in any way you can, from takeout to shopping. Thank you for paying a visit.
A big “merci!” to today’s sponsored giveaway, Smiirl, who is giving away three of their clever social media Counters! Check it out and nominate your favorite restaurant or small business to enter to win one! Thumbs up!
I’m going to get back to catching up with my insane inbox, under the watchful green eyes of my new supervisor.
Ciao for meow! Marcia Gagliardi
Excellent backdrop choice, Fortuna! I’m happy to see she loves my Rob Delamater print as much as I do. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Mar 9 2021
