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Chasing Joey Chestnut: Practice Spots for Competitive Eaters

Whether you're chasing Bay Area native Joey Chestnut's sixty-three hot dog world record, beefing up for a casting call of "The Biggest Loser," or just have tapeworms, there are many reasons to consume a deep-fried Twinkie, a five-pound burrito or a bacon-topped doughnut, and we're here to show you where to get those and other Type-2-diabetes-style snacks. Why? Because life is short ... really short if you frequent these heart-attack hot spots.

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Top Bay Area Tattoo Shops

If tattoos were once the insignia of sailors, bikers and inmates, they're now so accepted around here that it's not hard to find a young chef or graphic designer with more ink than an entire chapter of the Hells Angels. Luckily, anyone looking to get tatted is in the right place: San Francisco is home to some of the best tattoo artists and shops in the world, and here are the best of the best.

Do-It-Yourself Craft Classes in SF

Blame the economy, blame the percentage of creatives in this city, blame our love of all things homemade--whatever the reason, the DIY ethos thrives in San Francisco, as evidenced by the popularity of Indie Mart, Maker Faire and street food carts citywide. To get in on the movement and save a few bucks (or make them), pick up some skills in bookbinding, glassblowing, knitting or cooking at one of these local schools and studios. (Photo of Crucible students: Dave Wright)

Get the Pitcher: Cocktails by the Jug

Drinking by the pitcher is not only a cost-efficient means of getting hammered, but it allows you the pleasure of sharing a communal spirit amongst friends (while secretly wondering which so-called friend is going to bogart the last glass). Save a few bucks and make a few friends by sharing a pitcher of sangria, caipirinha or margarita at one of these local drinking spots. (Photo: Sangria for two at Sugar Cafe)

Don't Call It a Staycation: Getting Away Without Going Far

Staycations are so last year--gas prices are almost affordable now and flights are downright cheap--but you may still want to hold off on that trip to Peru until after the next round of layoffs. Fortunately, we're surrounded by places people fly thousands of miles to visit, so stay local and let your coca leaf-fueled hike to Machu Picchu wait until you're unemployed.

How to Give Back Locally

We're lucky here in San Francisco: our five-seat bars, mom-and-pop restaurants and hidden gem boutiques have kept (mostly anyway) the big chains at bay. But this focus on local applies not just to the hedonistic pursuit of a good time, but to the opportunities to give back to the community that loves you. Here are just a few of the city's options for lending a helping hand, dollar or hour:

Nouveau Fro-Yo

Non-fat, all-natural, sugar-free? The brilliant minds behind SF's frozen yogurt trend sure have cashed in on all the hyphenated adjectives that help sell their tart, icy wares as more of a health-conscious snack than a decadent dessert. But as the city reaches fro-yo saturation, are we in for a melt-down? Check out these spots we hope stick around for awhile.

Kid-Approved Silicon Valley

We've made finding family-friendly entertainment in Silicon Valley as easy as ABC and 123.

Silicon Valley on a Budget

Low on cash? Get a lot for a little at these Silicon Valley favorites.