Griff had struggled with an appropriate answer to Greens. Ideally it was Big Al's Cactus Room in Oakland, but rowdy post-win Raiders'celebrations -- and Big Al's extraordinary barbequed ribs -- were now only a distant memory. He considered the deck of Heinold's First And Last Chance Saloon in Jack London Square, but Griff only recalled a sunny beer and whisky afternoon. He did not recall if First And Last Chance Saloon served food.

Suddenly, he remembered Mission Rock in China Basin, where Caydance had taken him for lunch not long ago. It was a place, she explained, which would sadly soon emerge differently in the gentrification of this still seedy area that was not far from the Hotel California Trail. But for now, Mission Rock was a dilapidated wooden deck, a view of an old pier, venerable boats, and a ship repair yard. A Pinball machine, plastic deck chairs, big hamburgers, perfect fries, beer in plastic cups.

Griff smiled, remembering last year's game film exchange at Greens. Docked sailboats visible from floor to ceiling windows -- and in the distance, the Golden Gate Bridge, "This is my first year coaching football," Alistair had informed him.

"Where did you play?"