Interview: Kevin

Name:
Kevin Smokler

Age and Occupation: 31. Writer

How long have you lived in the Bay Area and Why?
4 years. First two in North Beach, henceforth in Cole Valley. Why? Have you seen the organic lettuce out here? Why not? No really, I grew up in the midwest, went to college in the east, graduate school down south. I was out of coasts.

Favorite website:
www.artsjournal.com

Favorite dot com or local business:
The Red Vic Movie House.

What I’m currently Reading:
A sneak copy of Malcolm Gladwell's new book that I scammed at BEA.

SF has the BEST:
Ratio of awesomeness to square mile.

You’ve never lived in SF until:
The mayor has officiated your gay wedding.

Favorite Bay area politician of past or present:
Harvey Milk, man. RIP

Best solicitation from a pan handler:
"Spare a dime, prevent a crime"

You can tell someone is local here IF:
They look sideways at anyone who shops at chain bookstores

SF would be soooo much better if only:
1. It didn't cost so much.

2. It wasn't build on 35 degree slants (I'm from a flat part of the world)

and

3. The ground wasn't shaking with anger beneath it.

Favorite Restaurant:
Bill's Place (23rd and Clement)

Best Burrito in the City:
I miss Burrito Delivery.com which used to be in my hood and has now shipped itself beyond the sea over near SFSU.

Best movie scene filmed in or about SF:
I love me some "Princess Diaries." Even my girlfriend calls me gay.

I want all the SFists out there to know:
This town seems great when you first arrive and practical to leave when you grow up. I've found it wonderfully rewarding to come, set up camp, and stay.