Bacon Dog Cart

Um. Yeah. I think these are totally vile but I know many people who absolutely love them. This is exactly what you think it is: hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Enough said. I can't go so far as to personally recommend eating this, however, I did feel the need to at least put it out there. I really don't have much more to say other than that but um... here you go. Take it for what you will. And if you eat one of these, please leave a comment and tell me (and other readers!) what you ultimately thought of it.

Michael Mina

Michael Mina has some good food, but I tend to think it is overpriced for what it is and what you get. The little details tend to be overlooked. I understand that this happens, but at the same time, it shouldn't happen at these prices. Everything should be impeccable. I also have to mention that while yes, you're dining essentially dining in the lobby of a hotel, it shouldn't feel as though you are, and it does. That said, I think the food is worth the trip, so, I have to say, I recommend going to the bar. You can get a 3 course meal for $55. Pretty reasonable in my book. You can also order one of my favorites, the lobster corn dogs, as an appetizer. Yum. If you do decide to go for the more expensive meal, it is definitely worth your while to get the lobster pot pie. As for the regular menu, our last meal there came out to about $350 and just compared to other meals I had, I was just underwhelmed for the price. You be the judge.

Sweetheart Cafe

909 Grant Ave (at Washington St)
As if you didn't know, I have a thing for boba and chinese fried chicken. So yummy. I know I had mentioned Sweetheart Cafe before but I hadn't posted much more than that. So here you go. Doesn't it make you hungry? I recommend it for a nice snack... or even a quick, small lunch.

Fillmore Jazz Festival

Music, cuisine, culture... what more could you ask for? Very fun event and one that is good for the whole family. I really do try to come up with family friendly ideas on here even if it doesn't seem like it! I don't have kids so it is one of those areas that I may overlook. Sorry about that. Anyway, this year, check it out July 4 & 5, 2009. See the website for more info.

http://www.fillmorejazzfestival.com/

Land's End Trail

El Camino del Mar & 32nd Ave
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Land's End Trail is one of those things that you just have to check out if you're an outdoors type person. I am admittedly a city dweller... as if you didn't guess, however, this spot is absolutely beautiful. If you want a great walk and a stunning view of the Golden Gate, I recommend it highly.

Dining Out for Life

April 30, 2009

The STOP AIDS Project and Wells Fargo invite you to the 8th Annual Dining Out for Life presented by San Francisco's own SKYY Vodka, SF Weekly, and CBS 5/The CW Bay Area!

Simply dine at one of our participating restaurants on Thursday, April 30, 2009 and 25 percent of your food bill will benefit the HIV prevention programs of the STOP AIDS Project.

Check out the website for more info and a list of participating restaurants: http://diningoutforlife.com/sanfrancisco/participating

San Francisco International Beer Festival 2009

http://www.sfbeerfest.com/index.html

I should state that I am not a beer person so the greatness (or lack thereof) of this event is a bit lost on me. However, I thought is sounded like an interesting happening to inform you about. I try to keep my eye out for all kinds. So. If this sounds interesting, be sure to check out the beer festival Saturday April 25, 2009.

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco

Sample over 300 incredible beers from some of the best craft brewers in the world. Taste a delicious variety of offerings from some of San Francisco's best restaurants.

Admission includes unlimited beer tastings
and noshing.

Miette totally rocks

I know I've mentioned Miette before but I thought I would entice you with a couple treats I picked up. The white is a key lime tart with meringue. It was good. But my very favorite thing at Miette are the lemon tarts. So unbelievably good. They have plenty of great treats but I can't get enough of these.

(Located in the Ferry Building next to Tsar Nicoulai... more temptation!)

Canton Dim Sum & Seafood

655 Folsom St (between Hampton Pl & Hawthorne St)

Here is the thing, I love dim sum. They serve dim sum all day and it is served hot. Prices are not the cheapest around but I find them reasonable. Another plus is that it is easy to get to for me but it is out of the way of the typical super crowded dim sum places in Chinatown. I recommend it. The staff is always very nice. My favorites: shanghai dumplings, shrimp dumplings, baked pork buns... Oh and excuse the bad photo. I was on the bus when it was taken!

Cherry Blossom Festival

http://nccbf.org/home/

One of the best things about the festival is the food. If you can't tell, I like food. Of course, experiencing Japanese culture is pretty cool too. Great thing to check out on a nice day in SF.

Gold Dust Lounge

Another dive bar. Very old school San Francisco. While it is located in the tourist driven Union Square area, it does get its share of locals looking for cheap drinks. And by cheap, I mean like $3 margaritas. The crowd is obviously very eclectic so it is impossible to know who you'll stumble upon... literally and figuratively. lol

Basically, if you've been to San Francisco, you've probably seen this place. If you just want no frills, cheap drinks, don't hesitate to check it out. You can even come for celebrity spottings (aka ME!) around Christmas when I'm trying to get my shopping done. ; )

Hyde Out

1068 Hyde St (between California St & Pine St)

This is a dive bar that is very heavy on the local crowd. I typically tend to post more upscale wine bars so I thought it was time to give a rec for a dive bar. Good drinks, friendly crowd... a little heavy on the drunks, but it is what it is.

The Hidden Vine

620 Post St (between Taylor St & Trader Vic Ally)

I am not a huge "bar" person, but I love my wine. Nothing is more cliched in reviews than "cozy" but this is the perfect word to describe The Hidden Vine. If you're wine people but don't wish to venture to a pretentious setting, this is your place. It is really a "hidden" gem. Prices are reasonable, servers are very informed and the wine list is extensive.

Are you a fan of Andrew Zimmern?

Do you remember durian? You can try it in various forms in San Francisco at one of my favorite dive-y hole in the walls: Quickly. As you can see in the first photo, they have fried durian rolls. They are actually really good. It tastes sweet. If you're a little more adventurous, you can try a Durian Snow with boba. I am a huge Andrew Zimmern fan so I thought I would post this, just in case you are too.

Drunken Lunch at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Cafe

I was wandering around the Ferry Building and I decided that I couldn't resist the power of Tsar Nicoulai. If you didn't know, I love this place. I thought I would show you my bellini... and my caviar omelet. I recommend both. Pictures are always good.

Crabcakes & Sweets (funnel cake!!!)

So... if you know me, you'll know that I don't have much to say about Pier 39. However, over the weekend, I was craving funnel cake. Yes, I eat funnel cake. Seriously. So I decided to wander to the only place that may actually sell them: Pier 39.

At first, I thought I was going to have to leave empty handed, but then, there is was. Hidden off in a corner was Crabcakes & Sweets. I was so excited. I quickly ordered my cake. It came out piping hot and perfectly cooked. I even took a picture.

So. This is what I have to recommend at Pier 39. Bet you weren't expecting that one, huh? Seriously though. Try the funnel cake. I haven't a clue about anything else on the menu but I can totally vouch for those!

A weekend of blogging...

So basically, I had downtime this weekend and to entertain myself, I wandered the city and came up with more blogging ideas. I even found something I will do at Pier 39. Seriously. So stay tuned while I get it all organized. :)