I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Blue Plate Oysterette - Santa Monica, California

2010-09-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

As part of my recent trip to LA for my big b-day/relaxation weekend, my friend N. brought me here. She'd mentioned a few places and after checking out the menus, BP Oysterette seemed like it would be a cool place. I am so glad we went with it.

Located right across the street from Santa Monica beach, this would be a great spot on a sunny day; I unfortunately wasn't quite that lucky. Oh well, the food was certainly worth it, overcast day or not.

For the record, the entire menu looked delish, but at the end of the day, I don't think you can go wrong with lobster. I had a lobster roll with warm butter (I hate mayo) and I was not at all disappointed! The lobster was sweet, tender and perfect. The brioche roll was heavenly and I think I detected the slightest hint of garlic which really put it over the top. I'm normally not a fan of non-skinny fries, but these were seasoned perfectly.

It ended up being a lovely afternoon with a great friend and great food. What could be better?

Best. Weekend. Ever.

2010-08-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

I'll make some more in depth posts later, but I just have to say, that this weekend was truly one of the best I've had in a long time. I had the pleasure of meeting some of my favorite 'Twirlies' (aka Twitter girlies) and let me just say, they are all amazing women and I am so lucky to call them my friends.

In another update, I also had a birthday this past week. I am officially old... but luckily still young enough that no one thought to gift me a consult with a surgeon. Small blessings, right?

Life has remained crazy and overwhelming and at the same time, so very brilliant. I can't wait to share more... after I've had some sleep!

Royal Street Cafe - Park City, Utah

2010-08-03T00:17:00.001-07:00

This restaurant was a real treat! The Royal Street Cafe is located at Deer Valley Resort and the surroundings are absolutely beautiful.

The blueberry mojito was certainly a standout and a cocktail I'd not had previously. It may be Utah, but RSC certainly didn't scrimp on the booze so kudos for that. I'm really not a big drinker, but I'll make an exception for this.

While the fish and chips were very good (they used salmon and it was cooked to perfections) I have to say that my favorite bite ended up being the tuna tartare with white truffle. I know that tuna tartare is no longer 'cool' for foodies, but this was extremely good. It was light and fresh and the perfect appetizer for a summer day.

My dining companion enjoyed the chicken quesadilla as well as tomato soup that came with a grilled cheese sandwich.

The end of the meal brought those homemade ice cream sandwiches and let me just say, I was not disappointed. Trust me, I seriously considered ordering a second plate of them, they were that good. This is definitely a restaurant to which I wouldn't hesitate to return. For the price, the quality of the food was top notch.

Where Have I Been?

2010-07-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

A lot of changes going on in my life recently.

After 5 years with my company, I resigned in hopes of finding my next great adventure; I found it. I am now the director of PR and branding for a start up company. It is a bit of a gamble but I am truly looking forward to this new step. Being able to build something from the ground up is quite appealing and we've already got a pretty solid client list. The travel is going to be a bit rough, but you can't have it all, right?

So expect a few changes to this blog. I'll keep bringing the good San Francisco info, but I think you'll start to hear more about my travels and more pieces about my life. If you're still following, thank you. Hopefully I'll become more entertaining again in the coming weeks. ;)

Cheers.

Growing up on Alcatraz

2010-06-11T21:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/11/MN5A1DSP0N.DTL&nopu=1

This is an interesting article that I thought I would pass along! :)

Rotunda - Neiman Marcus, San Francisco

2010-04-26T20:19:00.001-07:00

Rotunda is one of those restaurants that I simply love. Okay, full disclosure: it is very 'ladies who lunch'. In other words, this is where my mom takes me after we've been shopping. Even still, I love coming here on my own.

They always give you a tiny tea cup of chicken consomme as well as warm popovers with strawberry butter to start the meal. These two things are to die for. I could eat those popovers daily and never tire of them.

What I photographed above is a standard meal for me when I dine at Rotunda: the lobster club, fries and an absolutely killer bellini. Trust me, that sandwich is worth every bit of the $28 it will cost you to try one.

If you're shopping in the area, this a solid stop for lunch. If you're here around Christmas time, all the better. As for a table by the window, affording you a fantastic view of the decorations around Union Square.

Bouchon - Beverly Hills

2010-04-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of dining at Bouchon for my whirlwind trip to LA this past March. WeezerMonkey (www.weezermonkey.com) agreed to be my date to an event in LA and we decided that we would go on a proper date afterwards. We poured over several choices before finally settling on Bouchon.

Bouchon was a short walk from the event venue and I made it... even though I was wearing heels that measure about 5". My ankles were killing me by the time we entered the restaurant and Weemz, ever the romantic, pulled out a chair for me. *Sigh*

The told us the wait would only be a few minutes and shortly after, they led us to a romantic table for two. Now, I know I've kind of joked about romance here and in my previous entries, but there is a reason for that. The whole set up was quite possibly one of the most romantic I've seen in quite a while. We were seated on a balcony under the stars with candles and a lovely heat lamp, just in case it was chilly. I'm sure if you give her a few days, Weemz will post a few of the photos and you'll see what I mean.

On to the food. It was a great meal. We decided to share the Beignets de Brandade de Morue (cod brandade with tomatoe confit & fried sage.) These were quite possibly the most delicious things ever. The fried sage was insane. It almost melted in your mouth. I have trouble describing how amazing this dish was. I was seriously tempted to order a second plate.

As a main, I ordered the Moules au Safran (mussels with white wine, mustard & saffron) which came with a heaping order of fries. The fries here? A-ma-zing. Weemz decided on the Magret de Canard (herb roasted duck breast) which she was kind enough to let me taste. It was also fantastic, nice and rare. Then again, you can't go wrong with duck. Add to this a side of mac & cheese and we were quite happy.

And dessert. Oh the dessert. I'm not a huge dessert person in general. It is pretty easy for me to decline the dessert menu, but I figured that given the whole trip, it was time to just go big or go home. So with that in mind, I was totally stoked to order dessert that night. I am a big fan of anything 'lemon' so the lemon tart was a no brainer. It was delicious, I'd order it again, however, Weemz choice put the meal over the top. She decided on the Ile Flottante which was meringue with vanilla creme anglaise, almond and caramel. Oh. My. God. The best way I can even begin to describe this was like eating a sweet, fluffy, cloud. It was so light and just utterly amazing. A must try.

When all was said and done, I think the damage was around $150. For the amount of food and the quality, I don't think you can go wrong at Bouchon. I'd absolutely eat here the next time I'm in LA... if we aren't heading over to CUT. ;)

Overall, I had a great time. The whole trip ranks as one of my best. A big thank you to Weezermonkey for the fantastic company.

PS I'll bet if you give her a few days, Weemz will post some photos and I guarantee, they're better than mine. DLSR v. P&S = no contest.

Sometimes A Girl Just Needs A Ride

2010-03-19T18:54:00.001-07:00

I just have to give a glowing review to GoSedan. I booked town car service through them on the recommendation of Weemz and let me just say, they were fantastic. My first driver was waiting to pick me up and he was very professional. He was attentive to the fact that I was on a very tight schedule and he was great at avoiding the parking lot that tends to be the LA freeway system.

My next driver was actually early picking me up from my hotel which was kind of surprising given the time of morning. This guy was the best. He even found an open Starbucks on the way to the airport without my asking him to do so. Just mentioned it as he neared, asking if I'd like him to stop. Now, here's the thing: if you follow me on Twitter, you know that Starbucks is my mothership. I guzzle that stuff like there is no tomorrow. This scored major points with me. I could have kissed him I was so excited.

If you're looking for car service in the LA area, I highly recommend GoSedan. I was very pleased with the prices, the drivers and the overall service. I will certainly use them the next time I'm in LA.

Beverly Hills, That's Where I Want To Be...

2010-03-17T16:00:00.001-07:00

The Mosaic Hotel - Beverly Hills, California - A Review

I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to LA for an event for one of my favorite tv shows and then as a real treat, I even got to go on a date (lol) with one of my favorite fellow bloggers, the absolutely amazing, hilarious and surprisingly romantic, WeezerMonkey.

Anyway, I tend to favor the Beverly Wilshire, but this trip was one hell of a whirlwind and since I was basically going to be in my room to sleep and not much else, I searched for a cheaper alternative. One of my main considerations was that it be close to the venue. I didn't really research the Mosaic too much before hand so I wasn't totally sure what to expect. I'm glad I gave it a chance.

The location is prime, within easy walking distance of some of the best shopping Beverly Hills has to offer. It is off on a smaller side street so it really feels quite residential.

The set up of the hotel was interesting. First and foremost, it is a boutique hotel. When you walk in, the "front desk" is right in your path. Unlike many hotels, however, this isn't a counter. It is more like a concierge desk with only one person working it. Check in itself was quick and welcoming. They put me in a room on the top floor which was insanely quiet. Frankly, this has been one of the quietest hotel rooms I've been in in some time. The room was on the smaller side compared to many but it was quite comfortable. The bath features products by Bvlgari which is a very nice touch. The room was absolutely immaculate.

The hotel does have a small pool area which my room overlooked. It is very small (don't stay here if you're looking for a "scene") but they made great use of the space. Lots of pretty lights at night too.

Complimentary car service in the house Mercedes is available to guests within three miles of the hotel. I did take advantage of this and found the service to be very good. Another great touch.

While the Mosaic did lack the finesse of higher end properties, it truly was not a big deal and I was perfectly happy with my stay. If you want a nice place to stay in Beverly Hills without the high price tags of the Beverly Wilshire, Montage, etc... absolutely consider this one.

PS - Sorry about the crappy photos. They were taken at around 2:00 in the morning with my camera phone so they suck. My digital camera was dead by then as I hadn't charged it, but these are better than nothing. Well, maybe...

I'm Not Dead (Yet.)

2010-03-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive. I know I've been MIA. That said, I'm coming back. Things have been crazy in the Blake household lately so blogging has taken a bit of a backseat. Thank you for sticking with me! New SF (and fashion!) entries to come. I hope 2010 has been treating you well thus far!

It Is All In the Shoes

2010-01-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

So if you read this blog or know me a bit, you'll know that I love clothing and accessories. Fashion has always been something close to my heart. Well right now, we need to discuss ballet flats. So I've been hearing, "Why would you spend $____ for a pair of ballet flats?!" more and more frequently. I am a bit slow on the take away as to why this is the case. What is the difference between putting money in to a quality heel v. a pair of quality flats?

I will admit, finding flats that are truly comfortable has been far harder for me than finding heels. Obviously this contributes to my feelings on the matter. But you tell me: will you spend money on flats or is this an area where you choose to hold back? Can you answer the question above? What makes you want to spend more on heels?

These are very deep thoughts for 7:30 in the morning people!

Party Like A Rockstar

2009-12-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

It is time to say goodbye to 2009. I can't believe it has been a decade since the panic that was Y2K. I don't know about you, but 2009 was quite good to me. I had a few great vacations, those closest to me have remained healthy... of course there were many more memories, but I can't complain. If 2009 has been a hard year for you, I hope next year will be a better one.

Again, thank you for reading. Now let us raise our glasses to 2010! Goodbye 2009, thank you for the memories.

And May All Your Christmases Be White

2009-12-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is my favorite time of year. At least for me, there is still some of that childhood magic left in Christmas. I hope this will ring true throughout my life. So tonight, I wish all of you and your families a happy holiday season and a very merry Christmas. Thank you for following me, for being even the slightest bit interested in my life and for wanting to know more about one of the greatest cities in the world. I hope 2009 has been a great year for you and yours. If you have struggled this year, know that my thoughts are with you. Here is to an amazing 2010. Happy holidays.

Please excuse any typos. I'm mobile right now which means I'm sure to have screwed this up!

Blondie's Pizza

2009-12-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

So Blondie's is one of those places that I simply can't explain why I like. The place is a total dump, it probably should be condemned by the health department, there are always homeless people out front (to be fair, this is true of virtually everywhere in SF!) As for the food, the pizza objectively isn't that good. I'm sure you've had better. I know I have. Now after I've done such an amazing job of selling it and I'm sure you're booking flights/jumping in cars to come here in droves, I have to say, I like it. Some days when I'm just craving nasty, greasy hangover food and I'm out shopping, I come here. It seriously hits the spot.
So. There are better places to go, but if you just want a quick, cheap bite in between shopping at Sephora and heading to say, Barneys, and you like pizza, give it a go. As I said, I can't explain why I love it, but I do. I've been coming here for years. Just a good, greasy slice for very little cash. :)

It's Christmas In San Francisco

2009-11-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of year. There are also about 8 million other photos I could have put in this post so I am using great restraint.
First up, was the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Union Square. On the day after Thanksgiving I slept late. No Black Friday sale madness here unless you factor in the damage I did on Amazon.com in the comfort of my bed. That evening I slipped in to the my favorite Burberry coat, which I got as as an amazing Black Friday score in 2008, and finally made my way downtown.

My first stop in an attempt to get some photo was the Holiday Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center. Unfortunately, the settings on my digital camera were incorrect so my photos didn't turn out at all. I didn't even realize it until later so no photos of that.

I finally boarded the 21 Hayes to make my way to Union Square. The first display I got a photo of was the window at Louis Vuitton. A lot of color there! The crowds were already out in full force. I wanted to get a few shots of Neiman Marcus and their gigantic tree that spans multiple floors but I had to go reserve my spot.

I made my way over to Macy's, which was about half a block away and managed to score a spot at the front of the barricade. It was a good thing I got there when I did because it was packed. We waited. And waited. And waited. You can kind of make out the crowd in some of the photos. I am someone who is not in to crowds. I am really private, I am really low key so this really isn't my kind of evening, but this is one of my favorite activities of the year. Seriously. So finally they start the show, a bunch of songs were sung... someone from American Idol even sang a few. He was actually really good. I don't watch that show so the name meant nothing to me. I should have paid more attention solely for my blog post, but oh well. Just as we were counting down to the lighting, the 38 Express pulled right in front of those of us by Macy's and I thought the people next to me were going to push it over to get their camera shot. Luckily, the bus moved just in time and I was able to get my photo. : ) And that was it. All of the pushing, the crowds, the people for 5 seconds of glory. It was worth it.

The last photos are of some of the decorations at 101 California Street. These are some of my favorite in San Francisco. I love the huge ornaments. These things have got to be about six feet tall.

I have a few other Christmas decoration photos from around the city I'll try to post but I hope you enjoyed these. So, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. I want to thank all of my readers who have had such a positive response to this blog. I love doing it.

Happy Holidays!

Swensen's Ice Cream

2009-11-30T16:53:00.000-08:00

I love Swensen's. This place has been here forever and it totally reminds me of making what seemed like a ridiculously long trek over here from my school in Pacific Heights with my friends to get some ice cream. Those days have long since past but I still enjoy coming here. Right now, they have egg nog, pumpkin and peppermint ice creams that are some of my favorite things ever. The peppermint (with hot fudge!) is pictured above... sorry, it was obviously dark when I took it. It is located right on the Hyde Street cable car line on Hyde St. @ Union. Get your ice cream and then take a walk. It is a nice area to explore.

Young's Cafe

2009-11-28T01:32:00.000-08:00

Young's Cafe is one of those places that I've seen numerous times on my way to R&G Lounge which is just down the block. I finally wandered in here the other day because R&G was utterly packed and I was hungry as hell. I decided to try their version of salt & pepper squid, potstickers and an order of egg rolls. First, let me say I didn't think it was possibly for a restaurant to eff up egg rolls so badly that even I wouldn't eat them. I love egg rolls. Yes, I am such a white person. Anyway, those were horrible. I don't recommend them. That being said, the potstickers are some of my new favorite in the city. The skin is a bit thick, but they had a taste that I just loved... and continue to crave. The salt & pepper squid was absolutely delish and it was super spicy. Dare I say, their version of salt & pepper whatever is better than R&G? Another plus? Young's is quite inexpensive. I absolutely recommend it. It is a total hole in the wall and it certainly isn't in terms of decor, but the food was good.

Walking in San Francisco

2009-11-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

So, if you live (or visit) SF, hills are a part of life. This is stating the obvious, I realize. Anyway, so I ate a bunch of junk over the last few days. Ice cream sundae, donuts, grilled cheese... things I love but rarely eat and even more rarely do I eat them so close together. So today after a bit of shopping on Union Street, I had to go pick something up at my parent's house. My parents live in Pacific Heights, so not too far from where I was. I decided to walk. The first gives you an idea of how steep the hill was. Try about 3 blocks of that. I'm in pretty good shape but those types of hills test me. lol It was a great workout. I also took a couple view photos because it was so nice. You'd never have guessed it was rainy and yucky, not all that much earlier.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T19:43:00.001-08:00

This was how my day began. Well... at least in part. After a very um... long... night, my GH (gay husband) and I ended up at Fisherman's Wharf at Trish's Mini Donuts. These things are seriously the best hangover food ever. Yum. Well worth the trip to Pier 39 and they weren't even busy today so it was quite awesome. It was a nice day so we strolled down to Aquatic Park to eat and I took the above photos. A beautiful Thanksgiving in San Francisco indeed. And yeah, I'm trying to be more like Weemz and drag a camera every where so you'll get more pictures with my entries. See! I play tourist for you people. ;)
Once again, a very happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Dynamo Donuts & Coffee

2009-11-13T18:02:00.001-08:00

I'm kind of surprised it has taken me this long to post about this. The donuts here are BA-NANAS (said in my best Rachel Zoe voice.) I admit, the thought of a maple bacon donut, was at first, revolting. It is so good. Another favorite? The lemon huckleberry.
Now the bad news is, it is unlikely you'll be in the neighborhood it is located in unless you're hanging out at San Francisco General. But if you are out in the area for whatever reason, stop here. Then call me and we'll go run off the calories. ;)

Can't Stop

2009-11-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is a song by MoZella. It simply rocks. If you haven't listened to it, you need to... especially if you're like me and in to kind of "indie" sounding chick music. If you like Imogen Heap, Ingrid Michaelson, Natalie Merchant, that kind of thing, you'll like it. Promise. :) You should check it out on iTunes.

Sometimes, a girl just needs an affair...

2009-11-11T18:29:00.001-08:00

Okay, I really do have a point. And this is actually a review of The Bar @ The Four Seasons so stay with me!
Sometimes, I just get bored. So I *may* admit that I've had an affair. Or pretended to. With my own s/o. As in yes, full on "So, do you come here often?" cheesery (this is a word because I proclaim it as such.) It can actually be really fun if you can keep a straight face. Really.
So anyway, if you want to play this game, I recommend this bar. lol In all seriousness, the drinks here are great. The place is good whether you're coming to play or whether you're going for drinks with clients.

Madrone Art Bar

2009-11-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

500 Divisadero Street (between Fell & Hayes)

I'm not really a bar person anymore. Chronologically, I'm really not old at all, but to talk to me & sometimes you would probably think I'm about 80. Yes, I know you're unsubcribing me from your reader as we speak.
Anyway, I'm not a bar person most of the time but this place is so cool. Now, just to make myself sound really old, I won't come here after say, 10:00 because it gets really crowded and really hot, BUT, the drinks are awesome. I'm kind of wasp-y (Oh, come on! Like you didn't know?) so I tend to like vodka. A lot. And the infused vodkas they have here are to. die. for. Seriously.
So, if you're looking for a cool neighborhood type place for great drinks, this is it.

Follow me on Twitter?

2009-11-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

So, I tend to like blogging... but it seems like all the cool kids are on Twitter. I've never really been that cool. So after many months of resisting, I'm finally on Twitter. What I'm going to say, I have no idea. But maybe you'll want to check me out anyway. You still won't get me on Facebook. So yeah. Come by. We can be Twits together. We'll see how long my Twitter actually lasts.

Answers!

2009-11-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Q: Have you been to Boulevard? How was it?
My hubby and i are planning a trip to S.F in December and we're thinking about going there!

A: Yes, I have been to Boulevard. It is an absolutely fantastic restaurant. One thing that I really appreciate about Boulevard is the fact that it simply isn't pretentious. It very much earns it's Michelin star, but unlike so many similar restaurants, the focus is all about good service, great food and an overall wonderful experience without the attitude that can be prevelant. I think you will be very happy with it. Hopefully I'll get around to posting my own review soon.

Q: Plouf may be too fancy for my parents. Have a rec for something that is very family and old-timer friendly in San Francisco?

A: One that immidiately comes to mind is Tadich Grill. I actually misread this (mild dyslexia! lol) as "Old time San Francisco" somehow but the more I thought about it, the more sure I was that this was still a good rec. This restaurant has been around for years and has remained a solid choice. So many "old school" restaurants survive on reputation but I feel that this one does it right. Cioppino here is excellent. It is casual but there is something for everyone on the menu. Another plus? They make a killer dirty martini.

Q: What are your favorite restaurants in SF? Low, mid, & high-priced.

A: This is a tough one. Hm... For very cheap, I love Chinese food. You could talk to many people and end up with many answers, but my favorites are Kam Po Kitchen, You's Dim Sum (the ladies who work there are always really nice and give me extra food:) ) and U-Lee for their potstickers. The potstickers are such a comfort food for me.

Mid range: I really like the Butler & the Chef Bistro. I actually live fairly close so I know that plays a part as who doesn't enjoy something that is easily accessible? That aside, my meals have always been very solid. They've never been bad. I feel that you get good food for the money.

Bistro Aix is another that I think is awesome. Unfortunately, I should note they are closed for a renovation so you'll want to check on this before just deciding to make the trip there.

Baker Street Bistro. Simply, just YUM!

Pricey: The Dining Room @ the Ritz Carlton is absolutely at the top of this list. It is probably one of the best dinners I've every had. If you decide to come here, you must have the tasting menu. End of story.

Masa's and Gary Danko are two others that are high on my "recommended" list. Gary Danko is nice if you're just venturing in to "fine dining" and as far as the amount of food you get for the price, Gary Danko is the best "deal".

Q: What inexpensive beauty and fashion items do you like?

A: One thing I am really partial to is Avon's Moisture Therapy Intensive hand cream. We ski a lot in the winter and the area in which our resort of choice is located get extremely dry. This isn't kind to my skin. Last year, I receieved a small bottle of this as part of a Christmas gift. I was astounded at how well it worked. I wish I had a before/after picture of my hands. You don't need a consultant, it can be purchased online and a small bottle is only about $2.00. A huge bottle, $6.00. You can't beat this if your hands get chapped during the winter.

I love plain old cherry chapstick. It keeps my lips soft but it adds a hint of color.

I no longer use this b/c I have a horrible time with color matching, but the absolute best foundation I've found in terms of lasting all day without touch ups is Revlon's liquid ColorStay. It simply blows other products out of the water. If you can find one that matches your skin tone, use it. For anyone wondering, I now use Bobbi Brown Oil Free Even Finish Liquid and love that as well. Revlon, however, is about 1/4 of the price.

Q: Some favorite movies and books?

A: I read a lot actually, but I am hard pressed to name a favorite book. I love a variety from crappy chick lit to biographies to the Twilight series. I would say that I am draw to bios most often though. I really like more obscure characters throughout history.

Another book I would say is a favorite is Zorba the Greek. As I said, my reading material is rather eclectic. I really love nothing more than coming home at the end of the day and reading while taking a hot bath.

I am really far more in to TV shows than I am movies... For TV, my all time favorites include Castle, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, Six Feet Under, Gilmore Girls and... actually, I'll stop as I could spend the evening naming shows.
Castle really appeals to me because of the wit as well as the chemistry between Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion. The dance between the two of them is fun to watch. And as for Boston Legal, that was absolutely one of the best shows on television. I'll end this post with two words: Denny Crane.

Q: What are your favorite stores and designers for day-to-day wear?

A: My favorite stores in general are probably Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, & Lululemon. Lately, my time has been so limited that I like being able to have access to everything I need & having it all in one place has been important. As far as local boutiques, Mingle (this store especially is so cute!), Blu, Cielo, & Susan San Francisco are high on my list.
I really like simplicity in my clothing. Simplicity need not be confused with boring, but I like pieces that can easily transition from work to play. I love Milly and Lanvin. I would say that my closet is very heavy on both of these. James Perse's shirts are a true addiction for me as well. Theory is also very wearable. And finally, Chanel. This actually is more apparent in my accessories. As much as I'd love a closet full of it, I'd need to make a lot more money to fund those clothes on a regular basis!

I hope this provided some insight in to me. I felt like I was blabbering on a few of those, so excuse the length of some of my answers. : )

Chez Papa Resto

2009-11-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

This area can get really tousisty. Okay, it is touristy. In a city like SF, this can often be hard to avoid so I just kind of embrace it. I won't allow my street cred (lol x 1000) to be threatned. So, while I wasn't expecting a lot, I did give Chez Papa a chance and it is freaking amazing. Is it the best meal I've had in the city? No, however, it is a soild restaurant. I love French food so that is always a draw for me. If duck confit is your thing, you must try it here! To die for. Steamed mussels? They will put you deeper in to food coma. Fries? OMG. The fries. Simply put, if you like French food, this should be a stop while you're in SF.

What do you want to know?

2009-11-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

About San Francisco? Fashion? A little about me? Feel free to leave a comment here. I'll make an "Answers" post tomorrow.

Wine Gums Revisited

2009-10-29T15:29:00.001-07:00

They're here. And while I have shown um... a little... restraint, I need them taken away. I didn't really explain these in my other post. The best way to describe these would be similar to a gum drop, minus the sugar coating and the softness. These are far more chewy. Think gummy bear that has been sitting in the fridge. The flavors are unique. I don't know why it is called a "wine gum" as it doesn't taste like wine, nor gum, however, the hint of wine is there in the fruitiness. They aren't overly sweet like many things of this nature. Simply put, you have to try them.
I am not a chocolate person in general. I can say no to chocolate without a problem. Fruity gummy candy? Not so much.
If you decide to taste them, post and let us know your favorite flavor. Mine is the dark purple one. It probably most resembles wine and has a nice berry-ish taste. Kind of hard to describe but truly addictive. You won't just eat one.
Must work out extra hard tonight... and in weeks following. LOL

Nob Hill

2009-10-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is raining. And you're having an illicit affair. You run from your hotel out in to the rain and your lover catches you and you kiss. It is like a movie. Um. Or not. So Nob Hill is a great, quiet neighborhood and home to some of the most historic hotels in the city. The cable car lines run through it and it has some stunning views, especially if you elect to stay on a high floor in say, The Fairmont.
Several years ago, I was browsing in a touristy shop and I stumbled upon a card that had a couple kissing on California street on the cable car line in the rain. It was just one of those scenes that kind of embodies a lot of the movie fantasies I've seen and for some dorky (I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic) reason, it stuck.
I know many people think of San Francisco and romance in the same sentence and this area is one where that idea may just come true.

Wine Gums

2009-10-27T19:06:00.001-07:00

I don't know if any of my readers are Canadian (or British?) but these things are my new obsession. These things are so utterly addictive. I went so far today as to spend $30 USD to order myself some in bulk. And I hope this supply lasts a year, though given the way I went through them previously, I think I'll be lucky if they last 2 weeks. Kidding... well... kind of...
So I have to ask, have you had these? Are you in to them? I have showed amazing restraint on now blogging about them until now but do you remember that little post about "fixations"? Yeah. Here is another of mine. ;)

Photo is a stock photo, but I'm more than happy to photograph my own when they arrive. I am counting down until tomorrow!

Blush

2009-10-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

So if you're followed me for any period of time, you're already aware of my love affair with Pinkberry and it's various imitations. Love it. I also try to eat organic most of the time so this place certainly peaked my interest. I won't drone on, but I will say that this is worth it if you're in the neighborhood... in other words, if you're headed to AT&T Park. The "blush" flavor is unique... even caused ME to stray from my traditional plain froyo. And they have mochi!

Zinc Details

2009-10-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

I won't bore you with the details of the process I went through in decorating my house. I'm kind of a freak in that I like my living space to look like something out of a interior design magazine. I even coordinate my Christmas color scheme right down to the wrapping paper. Yeah. You get the idea. That being said, I do like unique pieces as well that I can mix in with the rest of my decor. This is where Zinc Details came in. They have tons of fun pieces for your home (or office.) If you're in to decorating and like to browse, I highly recommend stopping in.

Wicked - The Musical

2009-10-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

While nothing beats having seen Wicked on Broadway, the show in SF is very good. If you love musicals and have the opportunity, I recommend checking it out while you're here. Playing at the Orpheum Theatre.
Tickets: http://www.shnsf.com/

Jade Arrived

2009-10-18T17:07:00.001-07:00

It came. Photos to show you what it looks like on an actual person. Definitely not normally "me", but I love it!

For the Love of Lanvin

2009-10-18T16:48:00.001-07:00

Up until about a year and a half ago, you would not have caught me in flats. I simply didn't like them. Then I fell hard for Lanvin. Their flats were so comfortable for me and while clearly well made, very understated. I like that. I don't need flashy luxury items and these were perfect. After my love affair with the ballet flats started, I was searching for a pair of flat boots and eventually wanted the pair I posted above. I spent a good week trying to track down a pair on Barneys super sale. I literally had called every Barneys New York store in the country. No one had them. I had just about given up when I finally got through to the Madison Avenue Store and the sweet SA said she thought she had one pair left, but only if I was willing to accept brown. It was meant to be. These remain my "go to" boots. The leather is fantastic and they rock for walking to and from work when, as much as I love them, a 4 inch pair of Louboutins just isn't going to work.
After the post about OTK boots, I thought I'd show you my favorite riding boots. Who makes yours? What do you lust after?

Over-the-knee Boots

2009-10-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Obviously these have been a big trend this season. I noticed that they were popping up about a year ago but now they seem to be out in full force. What do you think of the look? This is something I would really like to try and I'll be honest, I totally kick myself for not splurging on this gorgeous pair Chanel made for FW08 last year but I also find myself wondering how wearable they really are. Do they walk too fine a line being a little too "Pretty Woman"? I am still debating. Too many boots out there right now, too little money! ; )

Fashion & Beauty

2009-10-15T08:20:00.001-07:00

So this blog started out as basically being a "local's guide to SF" which I will maintain. However, I also want to put a bit more of myself out there. One of my other loves aside from the city is fashion and beauty. It is something I know and can talk about. So I'm branching out. I'll be adding a few more "just me"/"f&b" type entries. I hope you'll find this interesting. Trying to keep things well rounded.

How to talk like a San Franciscan

2009-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I know you're reading this and you're thinking that I've outdone myself coming up with a blog topic that no one cares about. You are probably correct. We'll see.

Gough (Street) = goff
Noe Valley = No-E Valley
Haight = Hate
Moscone = Moss-ko-nee (say it fast though)
San Francisco = San Francisco or the city. Not 'San Fran' or 'Frisco'

I totally mean this in a lighthearted way. If you ask me for directions to "Go" street, I won't freak out... nor will most people.

Cafe Algiers

2009-10-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

If you're in this area (basically, if you're staying at the Hyatt, Hotel Vitale, or Harbor Court) and you want a cheap lunch, try this. They are quick, the sandwiches are absolutely huge and they have the best mochas. Yes, it is a sandwich shop, but who doesn't love a good sandwich? If budget is a concern, you really can't go wrong. Sandwiches are no more than $6.

Fixations

2009-10-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

I tend to become fixated on things. This is really quite beneficial when it comes to work because I am a perfectionist on top of that and so things get done and they get done well. This seems to be a bit of a problem when it comes to well... things. I like clothes. I like make up. I like nail polish. If it is style related, I'm probably in to it. So Chanel recently released this new nail color, Jade. It was seen on the runways and people went nuts for it. Unfortunately, I have to include myself in the ridiculous masses on this one. It isn't a color I would typically go for, but something about this pale green just stands out to me. So I've spent hours trying to find a bottle. Even the world's best SA didn't have one in stock for me. I finally got a bottle today after a few DAYS (yes, I give myself the side eye so it doesn't hurt my feelings that you are too) of searching, a lovely person on one of my message boards was kind enough to let me know where I could find one. It is on its way to me. Finally.

Just a little more insight in to your friendly SF neurotic. Trust me, there are many of us.

Muni Stories: See what I mean about crazy people on Muni?

2009-10-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rm4SazjKsQ

I've told you a few Muni stories. I know I posted one some time ago where I had witnessed two men nearly come to blows. Well now someone actually captured a Muni moment on film. This really happens. Crazy stuff always seems to happen on the 30 so for those who want to come up to Chinatown from Fisherman's Wharf and want a potential show, this is the bus you want to be on. If you're lucky, you will be presented with your own crazy Muni story. Maybe I need to start walking around with a video camera.

Bistro Burger

2009-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

There are several locations, but I generally go to the location(s) on either Bush or Sansome. Burgers range between $5-8 and then obviously you have to add in your sides if you want them. It can be a semi "cheap" eat or a rather pricey one for burgers depending on what you order. They have quite a variety of burgers as well, which is great. The fries here are super good!They also serve breakfast and you can eat there fairly inexpensively so that is also something to keep in mind.

http://www.bistroburger.net/

Kim Thanh Restaurant

2009-09-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

In previous posts I've talked about my love of all things salt & pepper (especially the lobster or crab!) at the restaurant R&G Lounge. If you don't mind a rather undesirable area (but not too far from Union Square!) you can come here and get seafood that is just as good. Just like R&G, salt & pepper anything is good here. Crab, geoduck, fresh prawns... this has become one of my new favorite places and prices are more reasonable than R&G. If you like Chinese & Vietnamese and love seafood, this is a place to check out.

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

2009-09-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

216 King St (between 3rd St & 4th St)

This is making the list for those who are going to AT&T park and need a place to eat. It is
entirely unlikely that you'll be around here otherwise and overall, it probably isn't worth a special trip. That being said, I think Amici's has some of the best thin crust pizza. For those who are vegan, they even offer vegan cheese. Prices are kind of high, but I still enjoy it. If you're in the area and you're craving pizza, this is worth a stop.

Golden Gate Meat Company

2009-09-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

I had a hot dog here (*gasp* yes, even MsBlake likes a good hot dog once in awhile!) that was absolutely so yummy! Friends of mine rave about the bbq pork sandwich. I trust their taste so I'm recommending it, though I dislike bbq and pork so I can't comment from my own perspective. You can find a cheap lunch here ($7.50 for half a chicken and potatoes) and the portions are generous. A good alternative to many of the pricey lunch places in the Ferry Building if you're in this area. I have also picked up meat here to prepare at home and it has been very good, however, since that really isn't going to apply to most of you, I won't go on. : )

Fairmont Heritage Place

2009-09-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Many of the hotels near Fisherman's Wharf/Ghirardelli Square don't really give you a lot for your money. This Fairmont property has brought a much needed truly nice hotel (without a theme!) to the area. The feel of this place is more or less like your own apartment and some of the rooms have an absolutely killer view. I used to live in a building very near by that had the same view so I know what I'm talking about. Still rather low key given the location as word hasn't spread quite yet. If you're looking to stay in this area and aren't on a strict budget, this is the property you need to book.

(View will be similar, but this was not taken at the Fairmont.)

http://www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli

Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

2009-09-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

September 19 - 20

I get how weird this may sound to some of you Andrew Zimmern fans out there, but last year, there was a vendor selling durian mooncakes which were really good. If you want to try durian, I tend to think this is a fairly good way to do so. : ) There are all kinds of good foodie treats and it is also very family friendly. If you're in the area, this is an event you may wish to check out. If you want to try a mooncake, you can also get them in various Chinatown bakeries around this time. Amazingly, I don't have a photo... must take one!

A Taste of Greece Greek Festival

2009-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

http://annunciation.org/festival/

I feel like everyone likely already knows I come from a Big Fat Greek Family. If you want to experience a bit of this, join in the fun at the Greek Festival. September 25 - 27. You can even go to the website I listed above and print out a ticket to get free admission. : )

I bought a lot of apples this weekend...

2009-09-07T17:32:00.001-07:00

The title of this entry makes it sound like I'm ready to launch in to some werid indie song I wrote. lol Anyway, I bought a ton of apples and what better thing to do with them than make one of my favorite fall desserts? I got this cute little pie mold from Williams Sonoma and made a bunch of mini apple pies with them. Then I decided to make one big pie as well. You can really use any standard apple pie recipe... the only thing I add that certain recipes may not include is madacascar burbon vanilla to both my crust and filling. I used a mix of pink lady and granny smith apples. I may have gone a bit overboard, but I had a good time. : ) Happy Fall.

Primo Patio Cafe

2009-09-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

214 Townsend Street

Primo Cafe is a good place. They serve carribean food and it is inexpensive and they have good sangria. Standouts are the tropical tacos, finger snaps and calamari... actually, everything I've had here is really tasty. Everyone I know loves the jerk chicken so while I can't speak from personal experience, that also seems to be a solid choice. Chances are, unless you're going to a ball game, you probably won't be in this are of town, but if you are, this is one place I recommend in the area for good, affordable food. Do keep in mind that it is a hole in the wall. If you're looking for anything upscale, this isn't it.

Sebo

2009-09-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is probably some of the all around freshest fish you'll ever get in SF. If you want a more traditional Japanese sushi experience, this is it. If you like rolls, you probably won't enjoy this place. Now on to the bad: service can be hit or miss and can come with a bit of an attitude. Prices are high, however, for the quality, I don't think the prices are totally out there. All in all, a great meal. If you can ignore spotty service, this is worth the visit.

Oh, and if you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain No Reservations, he ate here on the San Francisco episode.

Zuni Cafe

2009-08-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this blog for close to a year (I apparently need more of a life) and I've not blogged Zuni yet. This surprises me. You hear a lot about the chicken here and it really is good. It is kind of on the expensive side for chicken. Okay. It IS expensive. *mumbles* $48... But there is a reason people rave about it. They also do oysters which I really enjoy. A solid neighborhood restaurant.

www.zunicafe.com

Ruby Skye

2009-08-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Remember that movie Party Monster? This place kind of reminds me of that, minus the awesome costumes. This is where old ravers come to die. I will admit, I am not in to the nightclub scene at all any more. Sorry. You have an old fart (who really isn't *that* old!) giving you advice. I remember when this was the place to come. I was much younger then. Ruby Skye is just kind of a meat market. There have been some really good DJs but as a whole, I'll leave this club to other people. Lots of tourists looking for some booty and plenty of pervs*. I think the guy who rides a certain muni line solely to rub up against unsuspecting people is a regular. Fun, fun nights.

I'm sure a bunch of you are just dying to take me as your super fun date to this club, huh?
*I'm totally not kidding abuot the perv population who frequents this place.

Walgreens - Union Square

2009-08-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

This one time, I came here late at night (open 24 hours) thanks to my drunk best friend and upon exiting, we were confronted with a homeless guy beating it out front. At least it wasn't in the store. Ah, San Francisco!

Oh... um... you can buy toothbrushes here if you forgot yours!

McCormick & Kuleto's

2009-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I have mixed feelings on whether to write this one or not...

So simply put, native San Franciscans typically avoid restaurants in the Fisherman's Wharf area. With that being said, I used to live very near this place. Something always has to be said for location. What makes me actually write about this restaurant is one thing: their happy hour menu. If you come on Mon - Friday from 3:00 - 6:00, you can order off of this menu and order items anywhere from $1.95 - $4.95. Obviously, if you're on a budget and want some cheap eats, this is a good deal. There is even a burger/fries included. There is better food to be had and while I certainly wouldn't direct you here as a first choice, if you're staying in the area and you are on a serious budget, this is worth checking out. Good views are a plus. If you are not here for the happy hour food, this place is absolutely not worth the regular menu prices.

Bay Bridge Closure Labor Day Weekend!

2009-08-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

http://baybridgeinfo.org/1/index.html

This will begin at 8:00 pm, Thursday, Sept 3 and reopen on Tuesday, Sept 8 @ 5:00 am. You will want to plan ahead. Public transit is recommended or if you must drive, you will need to find an alternate route.

Fries rock my world

2009-08-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

I love fries. I can turn down chocolate and most other sweets without a problem, but you put fries in front of me and I can't say no. I could probably have filled my blog with posts only about what fries I like, but that would be even more boring than it already is but I am going to do a few posts on them. I promise to use restraint.

Pictured above, truffle fries with asiago cheese from Fog City Diner. I've mentioned these before in the post on Fog City, but they deserve their own mention. These are truly delish and probably one of the best things on the menu in my opinion. If you love fries, truffle oil and end up at Fog City Diner, these are a must order!

Sinbad's

2009-08-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

This ranks very high... on my 'places to avoid' list.
The only reason I'm even giving this a mention at all is because it is being recommended in guide books and such. It is not good. Yes, there is a view of the Bay Bridge, however, you can walk across the street to the Americano and enjoy your drinks on the patio for the view. You can go over to the Ferry Building right next door and eat outside at Hog Island Oyster Company and enjoy the view... or you can go out and simply enjoy the view for free without eating. It is just not worth it. There are plenty of choices in the Ferry Building so if you're in the area, it isn't as though you're without choices.

Many years down...

2009-08-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

And God willing, many more to come.

Happy birthday to me.

1 California - Muni Stories Revisited

2009-08-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

This bus always seems to have the most bat shit crazy drivers. They will stomp on the gas throwing people around and then hit the break so hard that everyone goes flying forward. I seriously thought that someone was going to break their neck one day. Get your ass on the bus and grab a seat or hold on to whatever you can would be my recommendation... assuming you don't have a death wish.
The cable car operators on the California line can be obnoxious too but I tend to take that rather than the 1 california. Oh and if you're a reasonably attractive female, the cable car operators will probably be nicer to you. I'd rather chance having a car crash in to the side of it than be killed by the bus driver.

Americano

2009-08-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

I tend to come here after work a lot. Even though it is located in a hotel, I really enjoy it. The drinks are nice, but they are also a restaurant and the food has always been good. They have these parmesan fries that are one of my favorite things ever. All of the entrees I've ordered are yummy as are the desserts. They have a huge patio which is great on a warm night... or frankly, even on the not-so-warm nights as they have a bunch of heat lamps. I live in a the area so it is easy to hit the Americano on my way home. Now I have to say, the place is an utter zoo on Friday & Saturday nights so if that is a problem, don't come here on those days. You'll be miserable. The crowd on those nights can be a bit... um... well... not fun.

Kung Fu Tacos

2009-08-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

I make an effort to go when this is in the FiDi. Yet another street food craze, Kung Fu Taco truck is kind of a mix of asian fusion with mexican food. They have these duck tacos that are extremely good. Now the draw back here is the cost. $3/each would be a deal except that these things are kind of tiny. Nonetheless, I still recommend trying it if street food is your thing. It is creative and the food is very yummy. I also highly recommend the vegetarian tacos. Follow on Twitter to find out where the tacos will be.
http://twitter.com/kungfutacos

BART Strike Averted!

2009-08-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

A tentative deal has been reached so the strike has been canceled. Thank God! :)

Roots

2009-08-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Roots is one of those restaurants that I'm actually surprised I tried. It isn't the menu, but rather the location. It is located in the Orchard Garden Hotel near the gates of Chinatown. I first came for a work lunch as my office isn't all that far away. I ended up being pleasantly surprised. All of the food is local where possible, as well as organic. They have truffle fries and crab mac & cheese which are both excellent. I came here with one of my friends a few months ago and the whole dinner for entrees, fries, drinks and dessert was under $100. Overall, it is a good restaurant with solid food. Definitely recommended.

Red Velvet Cake

2009-08-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

TheNest.com has had this recipe for red velvet cake posted for the longest time. I was in the mood to bake today so I thought I would decide to try it. I had nothing to lose. I have to say, it is very good! I was actually surprised. I'm not really sure why, but I was. I am surrounded by people who love chocolate so I decided to use my own recipe for fudge frosting rather than sticking with traditional vanilla. Anyway, I highly recommend their recipe if you're looking for a good one.

Link to the recipe: http://www.thenest.com/Recipes/34986/detailview.aspx?id=34986&type=7&pageIndex=1

BART Strike!

2009-08-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

BART is set to strike at midnight on Sunday. While this isn't a huge concern for those who don't live here, do be aware that public transit is probably going to be a mess as other agencies will be the ones picking up the slack. Just something to keep in mind if you'll be in the Bay Area any time soon. For more news, see www.sfgate.com

Del Dotto Caves Winery & Tasting Room

2009-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to write some winery reviews for a while. I figured now was as good a time as any as I have some time to kill. Del Dotto has some amazing wines. If you're trying to decide on a tour, definitely do the caves here. Trust me on this. You will not be disappointed. The tour is on the more expensive side ($40 per person) but if you ask me, it is worth every cent.

Which neighborhood do you think I'm from?

2009-08-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

You actually don't need to answer that. Just for fun, I thought I would post this article from the SF Chronicle. Yes, these are stereotypes. I don't take this (or myself lol) too seriously so I hope you won't either.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/31/LVP318PDQB.DTL

U Lee

2009-08-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Huge, tasty potstickers. That is why you come here. I love potstickers. They are a major comfort food for me. I used to come here on my way home a lot because it is right on the cable car line. It was really easy to hop off, grab some dinner, jump back on a cable car and head home. I don't get over here as much anymore but it is worth the trip. Just take the Hyde Street cable car and get off at Hyde & Jackson. I've enjoyed most of what I ordered, but the big stand out are the potstickers.

Gourmet Kitchen

2009-08-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

1051 Stockton St

For super cheap eats, come here. Jook is only $1.25. They have Chinese fried chicken (if you haven't tried this, you should.) The chow mein is really good and only $3 for a whole mess of it. In no way is it diet friendly and it can be a bit greasy, but if you don't mind and just want cheap Chinese, it may be worth your while.

House of Nanking

2009-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Overrated, overrated, overrated! This is in pretty much all of the guide books on San Francisco but personally, I don't think it is worth it. Prices are high for Chinese food and while I'm not exactly opposed to that, there are many other Chinese restaurants that are as good/better for the prices you pay here. There is always a long line out front as well. If you want similar food, I'd probably direct you to Chef Jia's for a lower price... all in all, there are just many other Chinese restaurants I'd recommend. I will concede that if you like Sweet & Sour, either of these restaurants are probably up your alley.
Personally, I'd hit R&G Lounge.

Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Blogging... Chinatown Walking Tour

2009-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I mentioned a great architecture tour that I enjoyed and recommended. Another tour done by the same guide is a walking tour of Chinatown. There are many Chinatown tours. I mention one on my "short list" of what to do. That is done by a local who lives in Chinatown. This one is a bit different but another to consider looking in to. It gets high praise from locals as well which is always a good thing.

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

And of course...

2009-08-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

There was the bar at the pool. I think this was probably one of the highlights for me. I am not a big drinker and rarely do I indulge in the frozen sugary adult slushies but Vegas is always one place where I do and don't feel the least big guilty. The frozen vodka lemonade was so good. I would show you a photo of that too but it is up against my bikini clad body and I'm not sure I have the guts to put that on the internets. Bloggers have feelings too. Anyway, if you stay at the Palazzo, indulge in the lemonade if fruity frozen drinks are you thing. You won't be disappointed.

Palazzo

2009-08-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

This was one of the rooms that we had at the Palazzo. I ended up photographing this one mainly because it was the one that hadn't been slept in yet and so everything still looked fairly neat.

CUT

2009-08-01T18:04:00.001-07:00

I have been in love with CUT since I went to the location in Beverly Hills over a year ago. I really looked forward to dining here while in Las Vegas. I decided not to annoy my dining companions so I only got a few photos of the food, but I will say that the meal was fantastic. While the highlights are typically the "cuts", the highlight of this trip was, without question, the dessert! Now, if you know me at all, you'll know that I'm not a huge dessert person. I have freakish willpower at avoiding most desserts in general (fries are another story) but this dessert was SO good. Pictured are the kobe sliders (you actually get 4... I was hungry and I ate one before taking the photo), fries with ketchup and garlic bernaise aioli, and house made donuts with lemon custard filling and strawberry gelato. It ended up being a great meal. Other highlights are the lobster with truffle sabayon and the kobe beef spare ribs. One of my dining companions had the spare ribs which sounded totally unappetizing to me, but they ended up being quite amazing. Obviously the steaks are good, but that is more or less a given. If you're looking for a high end steakhouse, I highly recommend CUT.

Viva Las Vegas... Or Something

2009-07-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

If you couldn't already tell by the title, I've been spending some time in Las Vegas. It is really, really freaking HOT. I think it was 112 on Tuesday. For someone who thinks anything over 80 will result in death, you can imagine my thoughts on this. The photo above was one I took while lying in a lounge chair down at the pool. If you can't tell from the photo, it is the Palazzo. If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas sometime soon, overall, I do recommend the hotel. I have to say that as a whole, I actually like the Wynn a bit better, but still, the Palazzo is very nice. I'll blog a bit more on my trip later. Hope everyone is having a good summer! : )

City Lights Bookstore

2009-07-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

261 Columbus Ave @ Broadway

I am kind of a book worm. No, I don't necessarily have to read anything that is especially intellectual all the time but I love books. I love the feel of old books. I love the scent... If you can relate to any of this, you may consider hitting City Lights during your visit. I just like to come here to browse. If you're looking for something specific, I don't necessarily think this is the best place to come. I also have to admit, that I think the staff generally leaves a lot to be desired. There is one woman in particular who is just downright rude if you ask a question so as I said, it is best to just browse on your own and see what treasure you find.

Foreign Cinema

2009-07-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Foreign Cinema is simply overrated. It just is. You come here for a somewhat unique experience and it is an interesting concept, but in terms of the quality of food and what you recieve for your money, well... there are more worthy places in the city if you ask me. Also keep in mind that if you actually want to see the movie during dinner, you best find out in advance what time it will start. If you're an early diner, chances are, you won't get to see it.
All in all, I won't go so far as to say that this is a place to avoid at all costs, but come knowing that there is better food to be had for the price. If you want unique ambiance, this fits the bill.

Lucky Creation

2009-07-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

854 Washington Street

I do eat meat but I am known to often prefer veggie food at times. This is one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants. I'm a big fan. For those who are vegans, this is a good place to try when you're in the city. They make some of the best fake chicken ever and I also highly recommend the gluten appetizer. Sounds weird, but totally don't knock it until you've tried it. The one thing I have never been a fan of here are the soups. The place is definitely a hole in the wall so just be aware of it. Bring cash.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2009-07-11T21:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is a chain. Yes, I understand why people don't want to support them. Yes, I'm telling you to come anyway... but only at a specific time of year: around the holidays. Why? The white peppermint mocha ice blended rocks. Simple as that. If you like sugary coffee drink goodness, try this one. They actually do have good tea that I'll sometimes get, but that specific ice blended is what lifts my holiday spirit sometimes.

Oh and I found that photo and it cracked me up. That is someone in a giant Ice Blended costume. lol

The Tamale Lady

2009-07-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood: Mission

Okay, I'll be perfectly honest here... Mexican food is just not my thing. I'm fully prepared for you to never read my blog again when I admit that the only "Mexican" food I actually enjoy are tacos and I'm not even that picky about how Americanized they are. Waiting for hate mail. Anyway, the Tamale Lady has become something of an icon in SF. Many people are huge fans. I personally applaud her for adding to the street food craze even if I'm not a fan of the goods. Many of my trustworthy friends do rave about her so I thought I'd pass the info along. Granted, some of the raves come from people who are drunk while they eat them, but what they heck, check them out and decide for yourself.

An article on the Tamale Lady:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2003/06/28/MN161258.DTL

Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

2009-07-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

708 Post St (between Jones St & Leavenworth St)

If you are a burger person, Pearl's is worth trying. Those on a diet need not visit because there is pretty much nothing on the menu that isn't loaded with calories. Just the way it should be. ; ) You can even make it a kobe burger for an additional charge if you so choose. Not the best kobe burger I've had but certainly not bad. If you're staying in the Union Square area, this should be an easy treck for you.

Flim Night in the Park

2009-07-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.sfntf.org/

If you have the time during your visit, film nights in the park are worth checking out. See the website above for more infomation as well as the dates of upcoming screenings.

Jubili Frozen Yogurt and Cereal

2009-07-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

1515 Fillmore Street (between Geary Blvd & Ofarrell St)

I'm kind of shocked that this wasn't one of my first posts. I am totally obsessed with Pinkberry as well as their various knock offs so it is only natural that I seek those out in SF. Anyway, this is some of my favorite Pinkberry-esque frozen yogurt in the city. The best part? They have mochi balls! My favorite! I recommend if if you're in the mood for frozen yogurt and like the tart flavors. If you like the sweet "ice cream" yogurt, this probably isn't your place.

Fleet Week 2009

2009-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

October 8 - 13

http://www.military.com/fleetweek

If you're in town, be sure to check out the air show... and trust me, even if you choose not to watch, you'll hear it, so you may as well watch anyway. ; )

Butter

2009-07-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I'm reviewing this but here it goes... Butter is a "white trash" themed bar. They have a food menu which consists of jello shots, deep fried twinkies and tangtinis (yes, this is exactly what you think it is.) This place can be fun with the right people and the white trash theme is kind of falls in to ironic territory given the fact that it is a haven for yuppies. They get to let lose and be "trashy" while still being well, yuppies. Anyway, this is a somewhat fun spot to go with your girlfriends (or gay husbands) every now and again but the novelty, at least for me, wears off fairly quickly.

http://smoothasbutter.com/

San Francisco Architecture Tour

2009-07-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

So obviously, I have no need to go on tours, but growing up in SF, I've always loved the architecture around the city. I heard about this tour a while back and eventually decided that I had nothing better to do so I thought I'd see what it was about. If you have any interest in architecture whatsoever, I highly recommend this tour. I tend to think I am pretty informed about the city and I've basically used this blog as a way to write my own mini guide but this tour was great. I love SF and I always want to learn more and this was a great way to do that.

http://www.architecturesf.com/

Taylor's Automatic Refresher

2009-07-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Chances are, you've heard about Taylor's on some Travel Channel or Food Network show at some point or another. The burgers are very good. If you don't have a chance to make it to the original in St. Helena to try it, you do have the option to do so while in SF. Prices are on the higher side for fast food which is the only reason I have kind of mixed feelings about this place. I am all for paying good money for food, but I'm not sure this outranks In-N-Out Burger quite enough to warrent such high prices. All in all though, it is worth at least one trip to see what you think. The burgers are fairly thin but they still seem to be on the rare side so if you dislike rare beef (I do) make sure that you specify that you would like it well done.

http://taylorsautomaticrefresher.com/

DeSoto Cab Company

2009-07-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

I was going from the Embarcadero down to the Marina and one of the doormen at a hotel in the area was nice enough to hail a cab for me even though I wasn't a guest. Well unfortunately, I got this guy as a driver. First thing, the cab could use a good cleaning. I could have overlooked this until... As soon as I got in the guy starts hitting on me. Okay, I can deal with that well enough then he starts getting sexual, leering at me in the rear view mirror, you get the picture. He drove like a maniac and I'll be honest, I was ready to jump out of the car at a stop light or something. I was seriously creeped out. He took a longer route, driving up the fare on top of just giving him more time to make me uncomfortable. We finally got to the Marina and we were close enough to my destination that I said this was fine. I paid him and started to get out and he asked for my phone number. After I said no, he actually drove slowly behind me and followed me until I ducked in to a store. There is no way I'm getting in one of these cabs again after that experience.

Little Star Pizza

2009-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

846 Divisadero Street

If you love deep dish pizza, Little Star is the place I'd recommend. I personally prefer thin crust, but I will even say that they do a pretty good job. The service is friendly and they appear to be on top of things. I've never gotten the idea that they have forgotten about me. If you like super thin crust, Little Star probably won't be your favorite BUT I can also say that it is very unlikely that you'll actually have a bad meal here.

Ad Hoc Fried Goodness

2009-07-05T19:04:00.001-07:00

So Ad Hoc is this yummy restaurant in the wine country. One of the things they are best known for is their fried chicken. If you come to SF and decide to spend a few days in the wine country, this is one of the restaurants I recommend. Prices are fairly reasonable in my mind and the food is delish. The recipe for their fried chicken has been floating around the internet for a while and Williams Sonoma made it even easier to recreate at home by putting out a kit that has everything you need. I decided to take a chance and try the kit and it turned out very well. I recommend it if you've dined at Ad Hoc and enjoyed it or if you're simply a fan of fried chicken.

I made mine just using strips of organic chicken breast that I cut up (I hate dark meat) and it worked quite well.

If you prefer, here is the recipe so you can make your own from scratch: www.foodandwine.com/recipes/lemon-brined-fried-chicken

Cathay House

2009-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

718 California Street

This review is for the bar. This is a place to avoid in terms of the food, but the bar seriously rocks. I work in the area and so sometimes I'll come here when I need an easily accessible drink. The bartender Chuck, is great. If you want a decent drink and you're in the area, don't be afraid to stop by... just don't eat the food. If you do, well... don't say I didn't warn you!

So... be careful going up the stairs if you go to R&G Lounge

2009-06-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Seriously. So chances are that if you choose to go to R&G Lounge, you'll sit in the basement. This is all well and good... But yet again, I tripped going up the stairs. AGAIN. You'd think I would learn by now. And yes, it will be another few months before I show my face at that place again. lol

San Francisco Street Food Festival 2009

2009-06-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

http://sfstreetfoodfest.com/

August 22, 2009
11 am - 7 pm
Folsom Street between 25th & 26th

Something that sounds rather worth while if you'll be in the city that day. : )

The Creme Brulee Cart

2009-06-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Street food is becoming more and more popular in SF and one of the latest crazes is the Creme Brulee Cart. You can find out where the cart will be by following the owner on Twitter. Something to keep in mind, this is not the same quality of creme brulee you would find in an upscale restaurant. That said, it is simple and good. It is, in my opinion, worth your while. Cash only, so come prepared. $3/each.

http://twitter.com/cremebruleecart

LGBT Pride Festival 2009

2009-06-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.sfpride.org/

Saturday, June 27-28.

Pride is kind of a SF rite of passage in a way... even if you're straight. Come on out, have some fun and a one of a kind experience. I would say that some of it isn't exactly child friendly. If you're super conservative, this is an event you'd probably be better off skipping. For the rest, come on out and enjoy. All info can be found on the website above.

Happy Pride.

Fresca

2009-06-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

2114 Fillmore Street

Many people seem to really enjoy Cha Cha Cha for a tapas bar. I don't. I tend to like Fresca more. Before I get off track, let me say, they have truffle mashed potatoes. I will eat anything so long as I get that delish truffle flavor. Yum!

I've been here numerous times and I've not been disappointed yet. The lobster & crab ceviche is a must... actually, I'm going to save time and say, try it all. I also recommend coming for dinner as that is what I've had. Prices are pretty reasonable.

"Whatever happened to predictability? The milk man? The Paper Boy..."

2009-06-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

1709 Broderick St (between Bush St & Pine St)

Wake up San Francisco!

3 supposedly straight men living together and raising 3 girls in San Francisco. Right. Kidding.
Unless you live under some kind of rock, you know Full House. Who was your favorite character? Danny Tanner? While I was very disappointed to realize that Danny Tanner didn't actually live here, you can still come by and take a picture and pretend that he does.

Hotel Drisco

2009-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

2901 Pacific Ave (between Baker St & Broderick St)

If you want to feel like a local during your stay, I'd say that this hotel is your place. Located in the fabulous neighborhood of Pacific Heights, you'll probably feel more as though you're in your own apartment. I recently had friends stay here and they loved it. If you don't mind being out of the way, this is a place I highly recommend considering. As someone who grew up in this neighborhood, I have to say that I think you'll quite enjoy "living" here for a few days.
http://www.jdvhotels.com/drisco/

Sam Wo

2009-05-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

So simply put, you get what you pay for: bad food, poor service and poor atmosphere. Yeah, this place has been around forever. This is a place I'd avoid. I certainly don't need a place to be expensive for me to enjoy it, far from it, but there is just nothing worth while about it. Although, if you've heard about the "world's rudest waiter", this is the place that made him famous. And it seems as though there are plenty who work there waiting to fill his shoes...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edsel_Ford_Fong