Rob Garza is one of the original pioneers of the now flourishing electronic music movement. Originally from Washington DC, now a longtime San Francisco resident, and a new denizen of North Beach, Garza's legacy includes the formation of record label ESL Music and a timeless music catalog that is still popular today. Since relocating to SF, Garza's newest experiments have taken him to the far corners of the globe, as well as local nightclubs, such as Harlot and Public Works, with solo DJ sets showcasing the best of deep house music and Nu-Disco. We met with Garza—along with Alistair Monroe, founder and producer of the North Beach Jazz Festival—for coffee at North Beach's venerable Café Trieste.
7x7: You just moved to North Beach. What do you love about your new 'hood?
RG: I really love the mix of Chinese and Italian cultures and the great food choices from just about everywhere. I think the lasting Beatnik vibe and The Beat Museum are great, too.
7x7: What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?
RG: That’s a tough one, since there seems to be as many restaurants as there are people. If I had to choose a go-to place, it would be dim sum at Yank Sing in SoMa. I love that place!
7x7: What's your perfect night on the town?
RG: Dinner and drinks with family and friends. Then maybe a little clubbing, before hitting up one of the city’s secret after-hours spots. When my schedule permits, of course (winks).
7x7: When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?
RG: I can’t beat a lazy afternoon walk with my son at Crissy Field.
7x7: What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?
RG: Muir Woods. I’ll have to try the Pelican Inn you just mentioned next time I go there.
7x7: Do you have a favorite SF street festival or annual event?
RG: Breakfast of Champions on New Year’s Day at Mighty. That place is great, and they bring some fantastic DJs.
Quick-fire round:
Burrito or Burger?
Burrito
Presidio or Golden Gate Park?
Golden Gate Park
BiRite or Mitchell's?
BiRite
Bike or MUNI?
Bike
Fort Mason or Dolores Park?
Dolores Park
The Independent or the Fillmore?
(laughs)
Baker Beach or Ocean Beach?
Ocean Beach
Three words that describe your life in SF?
Only three?! This is San Francisco!! Family, music, inspiration.
