The Curbed Cup, our award to the San Francisco neighborhood of the year, is kicking off with 16 'hoods competing for a glorious JPEG of an illustrated trophy. This week we'll have two matchups per day, and all the results and full tournament bracket will be reviewed on Friday. Voting for each pairing ends in the wee hours the next morning. Let the eliminations commence!
We're calling today's first matchup the Battle of the Big Ones. In one corner we have SoMa, the always-changing 'hood that lost some steam after the dotcom bust, then quickly regained it when new residential towers shot up and continue to get built. It's home to the city's leather fairs, some funky live-work spaces, top tier restaurants, and the absence of hills. Its Transbay Terminal is currently being demolished, but new details about the Target moving into the Metreon and SFMOMA expansion emerge on a monthly basis. But every neighborhood has its faults. SoMa is known for its never-ending blocks and lack of consistent curb appeal. But as one reader put it, "I live, work, eat and play in SoMa. If I ever need to leave, there's a variety of different modes of public transport to get me where I need to go, and fast. Super central can't be beat."
And then we have The Richmond. And no, we're not separating it into Inner, Central and Outer. The Richmond has access to Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and the Pacific Ocean. It's considered a family neighborhood. It's known for its pleasant shops and family-owned and operated businesses. It's where you'll find some of the best Dim Sum in the city. But its lack of development and shiny and new makes it a less visited area of the city. So what say you, dear readers? Which nabe will advance to Round Two? Every vote counts, so spread the word!
· All Curbed Cup 2010 coverage [Curbed SF]
[SoMa photo via; The Richmond photo via.]