Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in. If you have an idea for a future session (even if you don’t want to lead it yourself).

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in.

​Can’t join us in-person? There will be a virtual session the Last Monday of each month!

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

Ruby Fiber Arts returns!

​Join Ruby Erica Kwan for an evening of Fiber Arts!

​For those new to knitting (or who haven't knitted in awhile), we can help teach the basics to get you started. Experienced knitters, bring your WIP. Let's create together! Crocheters, macrame artists, cross-stitchers, and yarn-lovers in general are most welcome as well. (As are spectators who could use a chill time to connect and share!)

​*This event is for Ruby members and their invited guests

RSVP link will be available soon

We are honored to welcome Emily Doskow for a virtual AMA about her work specializing in family law for LGBTQ+ and other communities. Over the past 20 years, Emily has led efforts to serve the "dual goals of advancing social justice and helping individuals protect their rights to live free from discrimination in the family structure of their choice."

She has generously agreed to spend time with us to share insights about her work. We will be collecting questions from our community for Emily leading up to her virtual visit, and there will also be time for impromptu questions during the event.

*Please note that a Zoom link will be sent in the reminder email the day before the event. This event is a virtual gathering for women-identifying and nonbinary community

About Emily Doskow

Emily Doskow has been practicing family law in the Bay Area since 1989. She specializes in family formation matters including adoption and parentage cases, sperm and ovum donor agreements, surrogacy agreements, and prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and consults with clients going through an uncontested divorce. She is the author or co-author of numerous books published by Nolo, including Nolo’s Essential Guide to Divorce and The Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples, and is a frequent speaker on LGBTQI family issues. Emily is a member of the Academy of California Adoption Lawyers, a member of the National Family Law Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and a former member of the Boards of Directors of Women Lawyers of Alameda County and NCLR, where she is past co-chair. Emily also teaches mindfulness meditation to lawyers.

Join us for a full moon evening of good vibes!

​In the spirit of Metta, the Buddhist practice of sending happiness wishes, we’ll sit in circle to share and witness what’s on our individual and collective hearts and minds. 

​We’ll pull oracle cards to explore synchronicity as a leaping off point. We’ll practice cultivating the skills of kindness, compassion, joy, and balance—for ourselves and others, through deep listening.

​We’ll complete our time together with a brief, guided meditation. 🥰

​Snacks will be provided (so please rsvp)!

​You’ll leave feeling deeply connected, with a full heart, ready for a night of peaceful sleep (a benefit of Metta practice!).

​This special evening is a gift for Ruby members—come connect with new and familiar friends. ♥️

​About the Instructor

​Tracy Jones is a Buddhist poet, writer, and multidisciplinary artist, facilitating women’s circles for over a decade. As a Ruby Creative in Residence, she is delighted to offer this circle as a celebration for all the kindness that flows from member to member at the Ruby! 

**This is an intimate group for Ruby members

Please join Ruby author and movement teacher Susie Hara for workshops in body-centered writing. The drop-in sessions will be in the large conference room from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, and Feb 4th. We will practice simple, energizing movements to wake up the mind-body connection; map the body as a source for generating writing; spark the writing process with hands-on prompts. An award-winning author, Susie’s lifelong study of movement includes dance, Qigong, Pilates, and yoga. She has taught this workshop at the Z Space and The Writing Salon, and is excited to offer it now at The Ruby. You don’t need any writing or movement experience to join; please bring yourself, something to write with, and a notebook.

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity was created by artist and writer Julia Cameron more than 25 years ago to demystify the art of creation. The book posits that within every person is a source of creativity waiting to be unleashed.

As we usher in a new year, join us in a journey of spiritual and artistic renewal: a journey to reconnect with ourselves and overcome the mental blocks inhibiting our creative process. This group is for everyone, whether you are a writer, artist, designer, or simply someone looking to connect more deeply to your creative self.

In a small group over the course of 13 weeks, we will meet online every Tuesday for 1.5 hours to share, listen, and support one another in our journeys. The intention of this creative cluster is to create a safe space for us to embark on creative recovery together, where no one feels alone in these, often, isolating times.

After our initial intro meeting, every week over the subsequent weeks, you will be asked to complete:

• Morning pages: a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious

• The Artist Date: a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist

• Weekly exercises and prompts

• Meet with your creative cluster to share and listen

RSVPs are now closed.

Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in. If you have an idea for a future session (even if you don’t want to lead it yourself).

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

Please note that, while RSVP is not required, it is very helpful to us in gauging attendance. If you are planning on attending, please RSVP. Those who have not RSVP'd will not be denied entry. Seating is first come, first serve.

Join us on Thursday, April 10 at 7pm when we welcome Lena Moses-Schmitt for the release of her debut poetry collection, True Mistakes, with Leigh Lucas at 9th Ave!

Free to Attend, Please RSVP Mask Encouraged for In-Person Attendance Or Watch on YouTube Live at the Link Below (Please do not RSVP here if you plan to watch online) https://youtube.com/live/T8OIJ0oAsmc?feature=share

Praise for True Mistakes “In True Mistakes, Lena Moses-Schmitt’s fabulous debut, this superb poet and visual artist narrows the distance between faces and flowers, between death and children, thinking and living, making art and seeing the future. Moses-Schmitt teaches us to eye with suspicion the marks on any surface (whether page, painting, or pavement), and at the same time to practice making ourselves available to being moved. The poet holds these two impulses in expert, thrilling tension. I loved reading this book. It’s left me all stirred up!”—Heather Christle, author of The Crying Book and In the Rhododendrons

“Who are we to ourselves? Alone or in the world, in the past or in the future? Can we change, or stop changing? Who is reflected in ‘the painting, which is actually the window’? True Mistakes is full of movement, and its poems are endlessly questing—that effort which suggests both a search and a question. They make living an act of asking.”—Elisa Gabbert, author of Any Person Is the Only Self

About True Mistakes In her debut collection True Mistakes, the poet Lena Moses-Schmitt unleashes her powers of scrutiny on herself and on works of art to interrogate the essential nature of consciousness, identity, and time.

As the poet goes about daily life—taking long walks, painting at her desk, going to work, grappling with the deaths of friends, struggling with anxiety and depression—she ruminates on the boundaries between art and reality, grief and joy, living and imagining. For Moses-Schmitt, thought, like painting, is relentlessly high-stakes: “I often think about things so hard / I kill them.” And: “Is it possible to paint myself so precisely / I disappear? Can I remember myself / so completely I’m erased?” In the context of such ruminations, the poet’s reflections on David Hockney’s seminal pool paintings shimmer with sublimity and insight.

Working to turn “mistakes”—misperceptions, errors in life and in art—into sites of possibility and imagination instead of failure or confusion, Moses-Schmitt offers “a truth for every reader,” writes series editor Patricia Smith.

About Lena Moses-Schmitt Lena Moses-Schmitt is a writer and artist. Her debut poetry collection True Mistakes was selected by Patricia Smith for the Miller Williams Poetry Series and is forthcoming from University of Arkansas Press in spring 2025. Her work appears in Best New Poets, Ninth Letter, The Believer, Ecotone, The Rumpus, Narrative, The Yale Review, and elsewhere. She lives in New York, where she works as the assistant director of publicity at Catapult, Counterpoint, and Soft Skull Press.

About Leigh Lucas Leigh Lucas is a writer in San Francisco. Her chapbook Landsickness (Tupelo Press, 2024) was selected by Chen Chen for the 2023 Sunken Garden Poetry Chapbook Award. She has been awarded residencies at Tin House, Community of Writers, and Kenyon, and has been recognized with AWP’s Kurt Brown Prize, as well as with a Best New Poet nomination, Best of Net nomination, and multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. Leigh’s poems can be found in Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day, Alta Journal, Smartish Pace, and elsewhere. She holds a BA from Stanford and an MFA from Warren Wilson.

Accessibility The event is located on the ground level, and there are no stairs between the entrance and event space.

RSVP

Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in.

​Can’t join us in-person? There will be a virtual session the Last Monday of each month!

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

Hey Rubies! This is a virtual session of the Non-Narrative Writing Group!

​This writing group is geared towards research/non-narrative writing. It's modeled off the existing writing accountability group, but with discussion about crafting arguments, data gathering and methods, tools for knowledge management, and anything else that would be useful! This is open to anyone but I'm hoping to especially bring together some of the academics, journalists, non-fic writers, at the ruby.

​As we build up this group, we're very open to suggestions and recommendations for what you'd like to do in meetings (besides write, haha) and what should we call the group!

​**This is an intimate group of Ruby members

​Hello Ruby Fermenters!

​We're back with some spring ferments! If you know you will be attending, please RSVP sooner rather than later so we can plan well in advance! 

​Ruby Humaira Mahi is guiding us in making:

​1) Sauerkraut

​2) Kohlrabi Kraut

​3) Meyer Lemon Kosho

​All these recipes can be found in the State Bird Provisions cookbook. There will be a $10 per person materials fee to cover ingredients. Please remember to bring your own jars/crocks!

​Looking forward to this community Kimchi making session on Tuesday April 8th!

Health, Safety, and Accessibility
We ask all non-members for proof of vaccination at the door (Ruby members themselves are required to be vaccinated so they've already been checked). To save time at check-in, you can also send us your proof of vaccination to staff@therubysf.com (a photo of your vaccination card works fine). Masks are highly encouraged and we have KN95s/K94s available at the front desk.

​The space where we will be fermenting is up a set of stairs. We can be on hand to help people who could use support up the stairs or to haul things up. Please also let us know if there are other ways we can ensure you are comfortable in the space.

RSVP

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity was created by artist and writer Julia Cameron more than 25 years ago to demystify the art of creation. The book posits that within every person is a source of creativity waiting to be unleashed.

As we usher in a new year, join us in a journey of spiritual and artistic renewal: a journey to reconnect with ourselves and overcome the mental blocks inhibiting our creative process. This group is for everyone, whether you are a writer, artist, designer, or simply someone looking to connect more deeply to your creative self.

In a small group over the course of 13 weeks, we will meet online every Tuesday for 1.5 hours to share, listen, and support one another in our journeys. The intention of this creative cluster is to create a safe space for us to embark on creative recovery together, where no one feels alone in these, often, isolating times.

After our initial intro meeting, every week over the subsequent weeks, you will be asked to complete:

• Morning pages: a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious

• The Artist Date: a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist

• Weekly exercises and prompts

• Meet with your creative cluster to share and listen

RSVPs are now closed.

Join Eesha and Lizzie for Film Club’s newest event series, exploring trends in filmmaking by Asian diasporic filmmakers and how the concept of "representation" has evolved over the past thirty years! Enjoy movie screenings at The Ruby, complete with refreshments and a post-screening discussion/reflection!

This month will be our long-anticipated screening of Past Lives from Korean-Canadian dramatist and film-maker Celine Song. The film centers on Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, who are wrest apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance." From the Guardian: "It's a movie that speaks to the migrant experience and the way this creates lifelong alternative realities in the mind: the self that could have stayed behind in the old country, versus the one that went abroad for a new future."

RSVP

Break your fast with The Ruby! ☪️🌉

Our Iftar event is on March 25 from 6:30 to 8:30. Food will be served at sunset and we are getting catering from the amazing Mama Lamees, desserts, and chai. (There will be a vegetarian and gluten free options.)

We have limited space, so be sure to sign up quickly!

PS: The event is not limited to only those who are fasting that day. (Although if you are not fasting, we ask you to please not drink or eat before sunset in front of others. 😊)

Ramzan Mubarak!! 💛

Event Details

• Proof of vaccination is required. Masks are encouraged.

• Please review FAQs below on the location & accessibility - This event is aligned and dedicated to our mission of building community and safe spaces among people those who identify as women, non-binary, and transgender.

RSVP

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity was created by artist and writer Julia Cameron more than 25 years ago to demystify the art of creation. The book posits that within every person is a source of creativity waiting to be unleashed.

As we usher in a new year, join us in a journey of spiritual and artistic renewal: a journey to reconnect with ourselves and overcome the mental blocks inhibiting our creative process. This group is for everyone, whether you are a writer, artist, designer, or simply someone looking to connect more deeply to your creative self.

In a small group over the course of 13 weeks, we will meet online every Tuesday for 1.5 hours to share, listen, and support one another in our journeys. The intention of this creative cluster is to create a safe space for us to embark on creative recovery together, where no one feels alone in these, often, isolating times.

After our initial intro meeting, every week over the subsequent weeks, you will be asked to complete:

• Morning pages: a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious

• The Artist Date: a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist

• Weekly exercises and prompts

• Meet with your creative cluster to share and listen

RSVPs are now closed.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a brand new beginner, these classes will offer a space to combine breath, movement, stillness, and surrender. The classes will be an accessible, heartful flow with some music and some silence. There will be plenty of room to dial it up or dial it down, depending on what you need from the class. I find that writing as a practice and yoga as a practice have many synergies, and I hope these classes will continue our commitment to accessible and affordable community yoga at The Ruby!

Class will be held on the 2nd floor, classic Ruby space.

About the Instructor

Marissa Mika has been on the yoga mat since 2010 and teaching since 2019. She’s studied and practiced with Yoga Like Water in London, Point Reyes Yoga in the Bay Area, and Yin Yoga with Corina Benner in Philadelphia. You can read more about Marissa and her approach to practicing and facilitating yoga here.

*This is an intimate gathering for Ruby members

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity was created by artist and writer Julia Cameron more than 25 years ago to demystify the art of creation. The book posits that within every person is a source of creativity waiting to be unleashed.

As we usher in a new year, join us in a journey of spiritual and artistic renewal: a journey to reconnect with ourselves and overcome the mental blocks inhibiting our creative process. This group is for everyone, whether you are a writer, artist, designer, or simply someone looking to connect more deeply to your creative self.

In a small group over the course of 13 weeks, we will meet online every Tuesday for 1.5 hours to share, listen, and support one another in our journeys. The intention of this creative cluster is to create a safe space for us to embark on creative recovery together, where no one feels alone in these, often, isolating times.

After our initial intro meeting, every week over the subsequent weeks, you will be asked to complete:

• Morning pages: a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious

• The Artist Date: a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist

• Weekly exercises and prompts

• Meet with your creative cluster to share and listen

RSVPs are now closed.

Please join Ruby author and movement teacher Susie Hara for workshops in body-centered writing. The drop-in sessions will be in the large conference room from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, and Feb 4th. We will practice simple, energizing movements to wake up the mind-body connection; map the body as a source for generating writing; spark the writing process with hands-on prompts. An award-winning author, Susie’s lifelong study of movement includes dance, Qigong, Pilates, and yoga. She has taught this workshop at the Z Space and The Writing Salon, and is excited to offer it now at The Ruby. You don’t need any writing or movement experience to join; please bring yourself, something to write with, and a notebook.

Hey Rubies! This is a virtual session of the Non-Narrative Writing Group!

​This writing group is geared towards research/non-narrative writing. It's modeled off the existing writing accountability group, but with discussion about crafting arguments, data gathering and methods, tools for knowledge management, and anything else that would be useful! This is open to anyone but I'm hoping to especially bring together some of the academics, journalists, non-fic writers, at the ruby.

​As we build up this group, we're very open to suggestions and recommendations for what you'd like to do in meetings (besides write, haha) and what should we call the group!

​**This is an intimate group of Ruby members

Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in. If you have an idea for a future session (even if you don’t want to lead it yourself).

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

The Ruby’s Cookbook Club is a combination potluck and book club. Participants should cook a dish from the book (at least 8 servings). After RSVP-ing you'll be shared on a form to sign up for your dish. To help with planning, please confirm your dish by March 11.

We're so honored to be cooking from and discussing The Memory of Taste: Vietnamese American Recipes from Phú Quoc, Oakland, and the Spaces Between by Tu David Phu and Soleil Ho! Soleil is a beloved alum and forever friend of the Ruby. They'll be joining us for dinner!

This is a great book! You can find it at your local library and we highly recommend purchasing at a local indie bookstore (here's our Bookshop link. The Ruby library will also have a desk copy.

***A Note on Health & Accessibility: This event is open only to vaccinated individuals providing proof of vaccination. Masking is highly encouraged. Joining this event requires walking up a set of stairs. Please let us know if we can help you up the stairs. Additionally, this event is aligned and dedicated to our mission of building community and safe spaces among people those who identify as women, non-binary, and transgender. ***

About The Memory of Taste

A playful collection of over 85 Vietnamese and Viet American dishes and immersive travel photography from Top Chef alum Tu David Phu that’s “full of powerful writing and compelling flavors” (Saveur).

“Stripped of Oriental exoticism, this is a cookbook infused with the intense flavors of refugee kitchens and the inauthentic authenticity of the diaspora.”—Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of Pulitzer Prize winner The Sympathizer

Tu David Phu trained in the nation’s top restaurants only to realize the culinary lessons that truly impacted him were those passed on by his parents, refugees from Phú Quôc. In his hometown of Oakland, California, his parents taught him hard-won lessons in frugality, food-covery cooking, and practical gill-to-fin eating.

Centered around Tu’s childhood memories in the diverse Bay Area and family stories of life on Phú Quốc island, The Memory of Taste explores the Phu family’s ability to thrive and adapt from one coastal community to another. With tried-and-true tips like how to butcher a fish, tastebud-tingling flavor combinations, and stunning photographs, Tu guides both novice and experienced chefs alike in his take on Viet cooking, including:

• Staples in every Vietnamese kitchen like Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice), Dán Sả (Lemongrass Paste), and Nước Mắm Cham (Everyday Fish Sauce)

• Seafood dishes that utilize the less “desired” parts like Huyết Cá Tái Chanh (Tuna Bloodline Tartare), Canh Chua Đầu Cá Hồi (Hot Pot-style Salmon Head Sour Soup), and Xương Cá Hồi Ghiên Giòn (Fried Fish Frames)

• Fine-dining dishes from Tu’s pop-up days like Gỏi Cuốn Cá Cornets, Mì Xào Tỏi Nấm Cục (Truffled Garlic Noodles), and Bánh Canh Carbonara

• Adapted recipes from new traditions like Bánh Ít Trần (Sticky Rice Dumplings), Cơm Cua Hấp (Dungeness Crab Donburi), and Phở Vịt Nướng (Roasted Duck Phở)

The Memory of Taste is Tu’s story of returning to his roots and finding long-hidden culinary treasure. In his debut cookbook, Tu offers readers a chance to enjoy the bounty of his parents’ lessons, just as he has.

About Soleil Ho

Soleil Ho (they/them) is a cultural critic and opinion columnist at The San Francisco Chronicle.

RSVP

Come join the Ruby Writing Accountability Group! A warm and welcoming community to support each other on our projects!

​Looking for a supportive writing community without the hassle of applying for workshops and retreats? Join The Ruby’s Writing Accountability Group!

​All Rubies are welcome, whether you are journaling, just beginning to explore your writing, working on a poetry collection or zine, or grinding on the umpteenth revision of your manuscript – no matter where you are in your practice, you’ll find a friendly community here.

​The Writing Accountability Group is an accessible complement to the writing workshops, residencies, fellowships, and conferences that writers have traditionally relied upon to improve their craft and build community. Often these opportunities are pricey and time-consuming, and many have limited availability. For writers with limited time, applying for and attending these opportunities can even take time away from the writing itself! This group is our solution to these challenges.

​During the first 30-45 minutes, a Ruby member will lead a short craft or generative exercise, after which we will break and spend the remaining time working independently on our own writing (though you are always welcome to skip the exercise in favor of focusing on your writing the whole time). You can attend these sessions as often or as infrequently as you’d like; there’s no commitment to join every time.

​Our craft talks and generative exercises are wholly led by group members! In the past, we’ve had exercises around closely reading a short story, prompts to help us think about our writing from a different perspective, generative exercises using memes, and even discussions around writing goals and struggles. Leading a session is a great way to enrich our community with different craft approaches and activities that improve all of our writing – and you’ll have our support along the way! We’ll also be on hand to help you introduce the exercise once everyone gets settled in.

​Can’t join us in-person? There will be a virtual session the Last Monday of each month!

​Whenever you’re feeling discouraged with the writing or publishing process, we’re here to give you a boost!

​This is an intimate group of Ruby members**

​Hey Rubies! This writing group is geared towards research/non-narrative writing. It's modeled off the existing writing accountability group, but with discussion about crafting arguments, data gathering and methods, tools for knowledge management, and anything else that would be useful! This is open to anyone but I'm hoping to especially bring together some of the academics, journalists, non-fic writers, at the ruby.

​As we build up this group, we're very open to suggestions and recommendations for what you'd like to do in meetings (besides write, haha) and what should we call the group! Please bring snacks to share!

​**This is an intimate group of Ruby members

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a brand new beginner, these classes will offer a space to combine breath, movement, stillness, and surrender. The classes will be an accessible, heartful flow with some music and some silence. There will be plenty of room to dial it up or dial it down, depending on what you need from the class. I find that writing as a practice and yoga as a practice have many synergies, and I hope these classes will continue our commitment to accessible and affordable community yoga at The Ruby!

Class will be held on the 2nd floor, classic Ruby space.

About the Instructor

Marissa Mika has been on the yoga mat since 2010 and teaching since 2019. She’s studied and practiced with Yoga Like Water in London, Point Reyes Yoga in the Bay Area, and Yin Yoga with Corina Benner in Philadelphia. You can read more about Marissa and her approach to practicing and facilitating yoga here.

*This is an intimate gathering for Ruby members

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity was created by artist and writer Julia Cameron more than 25 years ago to demystify the art of creation. The book posits that within every person is a source of creativity waiting to be unleashed.

As we usher in a new year, join us in a journey of spiritual and artistic renewal: a journey to reconnect with ourselves and overcome the mental blocks inhibiting our creative process. This group is for everyone, whether you are a writer, artist, designer, or simply someone looking to connect more deeply to your creative self.

In a small group over the course of 13 weeks, we will meet online every Tuesday for 1.5 hours to share, listen, and support one another in our journeys. The intention of this creative cluster is to create a safe space for us to embark on creative recovery together, where no one feels alone in these, often, isolating times.

After our initial intro meeting, every week over the subsequent weeks, you will be asked to complete:

• Morning pages: a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious

• The Artist Date: a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist

• Weekly exercises and prompts

• Meet with your creative cluster to share and listen

RSVPs are now closed.

Please join Ruby author and movement teacher Susie Hara for workshops in body-centered writing. The drop-in sessions will be in the large conference room from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, and Feb 4th. We will practice simple, energizing movements to wake up the mind-body connection; map the body as a source for generating writing; spark the writing process with hands-on prompts. An award-winning author, Susie’s lifelong study of movement includes dance, Qigong, Pilates, and yoga. She has taught this workshop at the Z Space and The Writing Salon, and is excited to offer it now at The Ruby. You don’t need any writing or movement experience to join; please bring yourself, something to write with, and a notebook.

Join us for a happy hour and mahjong night hosted by Nicole Wong and the Mahjong Project.

Join us for an evening of cozy winter drinks and mahjong hosted by The Mahjong Project (IG: @themahjongproject), created by Ruby, Nicole Wong! 

Whether you are looking to learn how to play, or you are a seasoned player, all levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Nicole will be on-hand to instruct beginners how to play, and there will also be tables for those who just want to jump in and play by their own house rules.

There will be various snacks and libations both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Attendees are also welcome to bring nostalgic snacks to share!

More about The Mahjong Project

Ruby member Nicole Wong has spent the past few years documenting her family's very specific and complicated house rules for playing mahjong. Along the way, she's collected stories and anecdotes about the game from friends, family members and people in her community, and talked to experts who have studied the game's history and enduring popularity. Her book Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora is now available for pre-order, and will debut in April 2025!

website: www.themahjongproject.com

Instagram: @themahjongproject

RSVP

The Ruby is excited to host Graphic Lit Book Club! Whether you’re a graphic novel and graphic memoir enthusiast, you’ve always hoped to dive into the world of long-form graphic narratives, or you’re just looking for your next great read, we’re thrilled to have a space for discussing graphic literature in a cozy book club setting.

​Co-hosted by Rubies Zareen Choudhury and Rebecca Rubenstein, Graphic Lit Book Club will meet from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at The Ruby, with light snacks and tea provided.

​For our March gathering, we’ll be reading and chatting about My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris, "the fictional graphic diary of 10-year-old Karen Reyes, filled with B-movie horror and pulp monster magazines iconography."

​​​Read more about the book below, and snag your copy from a local comic book shop, an independent bookstore, or even your local library.

​About My Favorite Thing Is Monsters:

​"Set against the tumultuous political backdrop of late '60s Chicago, My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is the fictional graphic diary of 10-year-old Karen Reyes, filled with B-movie horror and pulp monster magazines iconography. Karen Reyes tries to solve the murder of her enigmatic upstairs neighbor, Anka Silverberg, a holocaust survivor, while the interconnected stories of those around her unfold. When Karen's investigation takes us back to Anka's life in Nazi Germany, the reader discovers how the personal, the political, the past, and the present converge."

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a brand new beginner, these classes will offer a space to combine breath, movement, stillness, and surrender. The classes will be an accessible, heartful flow with some music and some silence. There will be plenty of room to dial it up or dial it down, depending on what you need from the class. I find that writing as a practice and yoga as a practice have many synergies, and I hope these classes will continue our commitment to accessible and affordable community yoga at The Ruby!

Class will be held on the 2nd floor, classic Ruby space.

About the Instructor

Marissa Mika has been on the yoga mat since 2010 and teaching since 2019. She’s studied and practiced with Yoga Like Water in London, Point Reyes Yoga in the Bay Area, and Yin Yoga with Corina Benner in Philadelphia. You can read more about Marissa and her approach to practicing and facilitating yoga here.

*This is an intimate gathering for Ruby members