Bauer's 2012 Stars, Sodastream Protest

[Photo: Flickr/patrick_h]

LISTICLES — Michael Bauer did not escape his Mikey Two Stars reputation this year, filing deuces (and deuce and a halves) for the preponderance of his reviews. But he did award four stars to Benu (22 Hawthorne) and Quince (470 Pacific) in 2012, and it was the first time he's used that rating since 2010. [ISSF]

CASTRO — Cliff's Variety Store (479 Castro) was the misguided target of a protest by people who don't think customers should buy Sodastream soda makers. The company is Israeli owned and allegedly uses illegal production facilities in the West Bank. [SFist]

VIDEO INTERLUDE — Delfina (3621 18th St.) put together a cute holiday video. There's some fun food fight action in Dolores Park. [SFoodie]

BEERWIRE — The Bay Area Brew Festival returns to Fort Mason for a fourth year on January 5. Tickets ($40/$50 VIP) are available here and include unlimited beer, with food sold separately from Hapa SF, Pizza Orgasmica, and more. [EaterWire]