»These are the people that you meet Pt VI

Stephan, who is opening a new bistro called Las Mesas, collared me on the street this morning as I was walking home from an errand.

Named for its tables, which feature images from loteria, Mexican bingo cards, his restaurant is the first business to occupy the building in four years. The beautiful backyard won't be available for seating, though, nor will the restaurant have an on-site licence for selling alcohol. Neighbourhood objections prevent this. (Yes, there's a full-service bar on each of the neighbouring blocks; and yes, we are in sore need of outdoor cafés in San Francisco.)