Local links: VA Farmer’s Market, a green school, bike classes, new eats & more

Fear the giant feline! Photo by Dreams in 8 Bit

Some local links to see you through your Thursday:

• George Peabody Elementary School (251 6th Avenue) was honored by SF Environment with an Environmental Excellence Award. “George Peabody Elementary eagerly began composting in 2007, when many other schools in the district were not yet doing so. Thanks to their administration’s dedication and students’ efforts, Peabody’s composting program has been consistently successful, year after year.” Way to go kids!
• Today’s local deal: Get up to 52% off at Shabu Sushi (3809 Geary), describing themselves as “Fresh sushi & all-you-can-eat Japanese hot-pot meals made with fresh, flavorful meats.” Offer options are $29 for $60 worth of sushi or other Japanese fare for lunch or dinner, or $10 for $20 worth.
• The SF Bike Coalition is offering free urban biking courses here in the neighborhood. On June 7, there is an Intro course at the Richmond Recreation Center and on July 14, “Bicycling for Seniors” at the Golden Gate Park Senior Center. Plus more dates and locations around the city. Register on the SFBC website
• A new Farmer’s Market is running at the VA Hospital (4150 Clement) on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm. We haven’t been able to get details on how many vendors etc. To check it out, go in via 42nd Avenue entrance. The market runs every Wednesday until November 15th.
• A new “Natural” corner store has opened on the corner of 25th Avenue and Balboa in that new (somewhat unsightly) white building. We’ve only glanced it driving by, but looks like they’re focusing on a healthier selection of corner store fare (e.g. Pop Chips).
• Chron food critic Michael Bauer took another look at Sutro’s out at the Cliff House. “While Kevin Weber remains the executive chef, David Seawell is in charge of the restaurant and is trying intently to draw diners’ attention away from the view. He doesn’t always succeed, but some preparations truly compete.” Bauer calls attention to the ravioli main course and duck breast, but says that the desserts “unfortunately, fell into the stereotype of what some expect from a view restaurant.”
• RichmondSFBlog reader Ben tells us that Purple Kow has opened up at 3620 Balboa, taking over half the space that used to be Kam’s Chinese. Purple Kow offers up as assortment of drinks (milk tea, fruit blend flavored teas, tea creme, fruit slush, coffee), plus some snack and desserts like sweet potato fries, chicken wings, potstickers and chocolate fondant. Open Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm and Friday – Saturaday 11am – 12midnight.