Madrone Art Bar

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.

Nob Hill

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.

How to talk like a San Franciscan

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.

Kim Thanh Restaurant

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.

Sebo

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.

Kung Fu Tacos

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

City Lights Bookstore

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.

The Tamale Lady

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

Flim Night in the Park

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.

San Francisco Architecture Tour

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/

San Francisco Street Food Festival 2009

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

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

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.

Hotel Drisco

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/

The South Park Cafe

108 South Park St

Yet another great local spot with very reasonable prices. You can get a 3 course dinner here (an appetizer, entree and dessert) for under $40 which is pretty much a steal for SF. Yes, this is another out of the way spot so keep that in mind. As far as the food, I really think this is just as good as some of the more basic places along the tourist paths. They had mussels that were pretty to die for on my last visit.

The Butler & The Chef Bistro

155A South Park Street

This is a good neighborhood spot. Now, you really have no reason to be in this area as it is more residential and surrounded by luxury high rise developments so do keep that in mind. That said, it is charming, reasonably priced and has a good neighborhood feel. While this may not be gourmet or a great foodie place, if you want more of a local, out of the way feel, make it a point to come here. The French toast is utterly amazing.

Sunday Streets

http://sundaystreetssf.com/

This is kind of a cool experience and a good way to enjoy and explore some neighborhoods here in SF. You get to be outdoors, be active... depending on how much time you have, I think this is something very much worth checking out.

Muni Stories Part I

Guy beating it in the back of the bus? Check. People ready to kill other people? Check. Sometimes live animals from Chinatown? Yep. You get the idea. After bitching about Muni to a friend, we got on the bus. I was totally expecting the typical experience and then... nothing happened. We even got to keep our seats at the very front of the bus the entire ride. WTF?! They made a liar out of me. : o

Then again, after leaving friend at the BART station, I got on another bus and witnessed and fight between Crazy Guy and Pissed Off Guy. Crazy Guy apparently touched Pissed Off Guy who just flipped out and threatened to be the crap out of him. All of us on the bus just watched with looks on our faces that simply said, "Ah, Muni..." People always miss the good stuff.

GLBT Historical Society

499 Castro St (between 17th St & 18th St)

While obviously this is something that those who may be GLBT may like, I would also invite others to experience the history here. There is a little museum here that is truly a gem. If you saw, and enjoyed, Milk, I really think you will appreciate this as well. Explore the history of how the neighborhood turned from a very Irish-Catholic neighbhorhood to what it is today. You can see so much memoribilia, including the buttons from the Coors boycott as well as the suit Harvey Milk wore when he was assasinated. It is truly touching and haunting all at the same time. I feel very strongly about this place. Admission is only a few dollars and it is well worth the stop.

Also, since you'll be in the area, Harvey's old store, Castro Camera is just a little ways up. Castro Camera is defunct, but if you want to see the building, it is still there.

http://www.glbthistory.org/

Castro Theatre

429 Castro Street (between 17th St & 18th St)

Even if you aren't familiar with SF, chances are, you've at least seen a picture of the Castro Theatre. This place is truly an SF icon. I came here to see the movie, Milk, and it was amazing. Truly something out of a different era. Even if you don't want to see a movie, it is worth the photo op.

http://www.castrotheatre.com/