San Francisco--Katana-Ya

Katana-Ya 430 Geary St./Mason St., 1 blk. from Union Square, (415) 771-1280. L-D daily; $-$$. No reservations. Conveniently located directly across the street from A.C.T., this teeny venue keeps ‘em waiting and then packs ‘em in. Huge bowls of noodles (choose from ramen, soba, and udon) are topped with fried chicken, tempura, and more (to keep toppings crisp, ask for them to be served on the side). Also note that the miso broth is the least salty option and that MSG is used but can be omitted by request. Beer and saki are the drinks of choice. Service is fast, allowing theater-goers a quick turnaround once seated. Sushi is made at a counter in the back, where often-overlooked seating sits empty. The salmon and avocado roll and the California roll are favorites.

San Francisco--Love God Sex (and other stuff I don't have)

Talented comedian Rick Reynolds spills his guts in his latest one-man show, and it is surprising how funny his gut-spilling can be--especially since he pulls much of the material from his own less-than-perfect childhood and claims not to be pulling any punches. The audience howls all the way through, some more loudly than others. Jason Alexander--yes, that one, from "Seinfeld"--directs. Though comedy, this is aimed at adults; leave the kiddies at home.

Runs through November 17, 2009 at Marines Memorial Theatre, (415) 771-6900; http://www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com/ .

San Francisco--tings dey happen

"tings dey happen" is based on the year actor/playwrite Dan Hoyle spent exploring the West African oil frontier as a Fulbright scholar. In this one-man show he portrays a pacifist militant, a media-savvy warlord, an Africanized Texas oil worker, a prostitute activist, the American ambassador to Nigeria, and more, and he is amazing in his ability to go instantly in and out of character--accent and all. Post-show talkbacks about Hoyle's adventures performing the show in Nigeria will be conducted after each Thursday and Friday evening performance and Sunday matinee. (And, yes, he is the son of local actor and comedian Geoff Hoyle.)

Runs through November 29, 2009 at Marines Memorial Theatre, (415) 771-6900; http://www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com/.

5 North: Chico, Upper Crust

Upper Crust 130 Main St., (530) 895-3866; http://www.uppercrustchico.com/. B-L daily; $. Delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups are made from scratch at this friendly spot. When available, the club sandwich special made with garlicky aioli sauce and honey oat bread is a must. Plus, a case loaded with pastries, cupcakes, and sometimes even a salad plate-sized, vanilla-frosted snickerdoodle cookie--not to mention a selection of coffees--are also options. All this and attractive local art on the walls, too.

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country: Nevada City, Sopa Thai Cuisine

Sopa Thai Cuisine 312-316 Commercial St., (530) 470-0101; http://www.sopathai.net. L-D daily; $$. Situated within a vintage Gold Rush building with narrow iron shutters and interior natural brick walls, this restive retreat features a comfortable Thai ambiance. Seating in one dining room is at tables and wall benches softened with traditional cushions, and in another is on floor cushions with a hole under the table to dangle legs. In good weather, the back patio and deck are choice; a wood sluice gravity fountain adds soothing sounds. Cuisine is a simpler, toned-down version of Thai classics, and you can sub veggies, meat, tofu, or seafood into any dish.

San Francisco--North Beach Museum--CLOSED

update/p.29

Miscellaneous: where to go leaf peeping

It's that time of year. For a free "Fall Color Guide" and up-to-the-minute reports on California fall colors, visit

http://www.californiafallcolor.com/

photography copyright 2009 Jared Smith