1980 Union St (between Buchanan St & Charlton Ct)
If you want to relive your college days of never ending frat parties, this is your place. Beer pong? Uh, no thanks. Maybe I've just gotten too old for this crap but jesus, it's just not fun. I suppose if you really want someone to hit on you in hopes of boosting your self confidence, you may also check this out. If you're a cougar, you'll probably love this place. I think I'll leave it. I have to say, that staff here must have a high pain threshold because I sure as hell couldn't put up with half of the stuff that goes on here. My hat is off to you.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Yountville Clothes For Children
2416 Fillmore St (between Jackson St & Washington St)
I am not a parent, but I'm at that age where it seems like most of my friends are having kids. I like to come here for really cute, fashionable kids clothes. So much better than places like the freaking Gap or Old Navy. The fact that people seem to love my gifts doesn't hurt either.
I am not a parent, but I'm at that age where it seems like most of my friends are having kids. I like to come here for really cute, fashionable kids clothes. So much better than places like the freaking Gap or Old Navy. The fact that people seem to love my gifts doesn't hurt either.
The Marina Safeway (aka Dateway)
15 Marina Blvd
Yes, I know this is an odd review but I just have to do it. If you live in San Francisco, you'll get it. And yes, for those who don't know, I really do mean Safeway... as in the grocery store.
It is fun to come to Dateway and make up stories about your fellow shoppers. After you know about the rep of this place, you can't help but see it as a meat market (and no, I'm not talking about food.) You always feel there is some type of ulterior motive on the part of everyone in there. Don't come here for food. Come just to people watch. I swear, this is a bigger pick up spot than most bars. I keep wanting to talk my H in to having a psuedo fight with me in the middle of this place just b/c I think it would be funny... according to him, I'm not funny. :*(
Yes, I know this is an odd review but I just have to do it. If you live in San Francisco, you'll get it. And yes, for those who don't know, I really do mean Safeway... as in the grocery store.
It is fun to come to Dateway and make up stories about your fellow shoppers. After you know about the rep of this place, you can't help but see it as a meat market (and no, I'm not talking about food.) You always feel there is some type of ulterior motive on the part of everyone in there. Don't come here for food. Come just to people watch. I swear, this is a bigger pick up spot than most bars. I keep wanting to talk my H in to having a psuedo fight with me in the middle of this place just b/c I think it would be funny... according to him, I'm not funny. :*(
Cielo European Clothing
2225 Fillmore Street (between Clay St & Sacramento St)
Expensive but very much worth it. Great Dries Van Noten selection. Sales staff is professional and friendly, no snobbery here. Great from the aspect that it just isn't ridiculously trendy. It is pricey, yes, but if you love fashion and you're willing to pay for great clothes, come here. Cielo is awesome. If nothing else, I think it is worth it to come in while you're on Fillmore shopping in other places. Just a lovely place to browse in.
Expensive but very much worth it. Great Dries Van Noten selection. Sales staff is professional and friendly, no snobbery here. Great from the aspect that it just isn't ridiculously trendy. It is pricey, yes, but if you love fashion and you're willing to pay for great clothes, come here. Cielo is awesome. If nothing else, I think it is worth it to come in while you're on Fillmore shopping in other places. Just a lovely place to browse in.
Heidi Says
2426 Fillmore Street (between Jackson St & Washington St)
If you're looking for designer clothing but also prefer a more intimate shopping experience to that of Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus, Heidi Says is your store. Plenty of DVF, Milly, Philip Lim, etc... Yes, these are brands that can be found elsewhere, however, if you're more in to supporting local stores rather than large department stores and crave a more intimate experience, this is your place.
If you're looking for designer clothing but also prefer a more intimate shopping experience to that of Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus, Heidi Says is your store. Plenty of DVF, Milly, Philip Lim, etc... Yes, these are brands that can be found elsewhere, however, if you're more in to supporting local stores rather than large department stores and crave a more intimate experience, this is your place.
Cris
2056 Polk Street (between Broadway St & Pacific Ave)
Cris is a consignment store that carries many designer clothes. Finding a good consignment store can be hard to find but I definitely recommend this one if you're a brand whore. They carry shoes that are in nearly new condition and you can score big on a worn once Oscar de la Renta gown. Now that said, if you're looking for more contemporary designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs, while you'll find it here, prices generally aren't that great. It is an interesting place to browse nonetheless. I personally come here on my quest for an impossible to find vintage bag and while I've not had any luck yet, I thought I would pass this along to someone else.
Cris is a consignment store that carries many designer clothes. Finding a good consignment store can be hard to find but I definitely recommend this one if you're a brand whore. They carry shoes that are in nearly new condition and you can score big on a worn once Oscar de la Renta gown. Now that said, if you're looking for more contemporary designers like Marc by Marc Jacobs, while you'll find it here, prices generally aren't that great. It is an interesting place to browse nonetheless. I personally come here on my quest for an impossible to find vintage bag and while I've not had any luck yet, I thought I would pass this along to someone else.
Mingle
1815 Union St (between Laguna St & Octavia St)
Lovely little local boutique which carries a good percentage of local designers. Many of the clothing sold at Mingle are one of a kind or produced in very limited quantity so you won't see many people, if anyone wearing your new dress. Most pieces are more casual and kind of have a hipster vibe. If you're looking for fairly inexpensive yet high quality gloves, this is your place. I purchased a pair of long fingerless gloves here and they have held up beautifully. The owner, Mimi is very sweet and this is just a great business to support.
Lovely little local boutique which carries a good percentage of local designers. Many of the clothing sold at Mingle are one of a kind or produced in very limited quantity so you won't see many people, if anyone wearing your new dress. Most pieces are more casual and kind of have a hipster vibe. If you're looking for fairly inexpensive yet high quality gloves, this is your place. I purchased a pair of long fingerless gloves here and they have held up beautifully. The owner, Mimi is very sweet and this is just a great business to support.
Luella
1896 Hyde Street (between Green St & Vallejo St)A nice neighborhood gem with a good local crowd and consistantly excellent food. Most recently while dining here, I tried their ahi tuna tacos (app.) and they really exceeded my expectations. Risottos here have always been wonderful as well... and trust me, I am a huge fan of risotto. The menu does change, but if they have the scallop and truffle ravioli, it was probably the best thing I've ever experienced at this restaurant and others for that matter. Just a good local place. Like other restaurants in the area, take the cable car to save yourself from the madness of getting a close parking spot. You can be dropped off virtually out front.
http://www.luellasf.com/
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sushi Groove
1916 Hyde St (at Green)
I love Sushi Groove. It is just a tiny little place in Russian Hill. The fish is always very good here. If you're in to specialty rolls, you must try the "High Roller" roll. It is extremely good. They use a wasabi creme fraiche sauce that I have every intention of attempting to replicate. The sasahimi is always excellent and it really isn't all that expensive. Only thing I've ever been disappointed with here is the eel but everything else, I recommend. Oh! And the butterfish is delectable. Good for a moderately priced dinner out. I personally enjoy sitting at the bar. The one thing I will warn is that if you want a quiet night out with your significant other, this is not the place. It gets extremely loud. Parking in Russian Hill is next to impossible and there is not a valet at this place so if you're visiting, I recommend taking the Hyde Street cable car. Ask the operator to drop you off at Green. They will usually announce the stop, but just to be on the safe side, I would ask.
I love Sushi Groove. It is just a tiny little place in Russian Hill. The fish is always very good here. If you're in to specialty rolls, you must try the "High Roller" roll. It is extremely good. They use a wasabi creme fraiche sauce that I have every intention of attempting to replicate. The sasahimi is always excellent and it really isn't all that expensive. Only thing I've ever been disappointed with here is the eel but everything else, I recommend. Oh! And the butterfish is delectable. Good for a moderately priced dinner out. I personally enjoy sitting at the bar. The one thing I will warn is that if you want a quiet night out with your significant other, this is not the place. It gets extremely loud. Parking in Russian Hill is next to impossible and there is not a valet at this place so if you're visiting, I recommend taking the Hyde Street cable car. Ask the operator to drop you off at Green. They will usually announce the stop, but just to be on the safe side, I would ask.
Fog City Diner
1300 Battery St (on the Embarcadero)If nothing else, here is a photo op for the So I Married An Axe Murderer fans. Or you could eat here. In all honesty, while they serve diner food, they try to fancy it up a bit. It really isn't bad, though it is a bit overpriced. That said, you must try the truffle fries if you decide to eat here. They are my favorite thing on the whole menu. The rest of it I can take or leave. You get a huge portion with the fries so you could just come here and have them as a snack depending on what you're in the mood for. There is also a really peaceful park next door where I like to sit and read should I find myself craving fries from them on a nice day.
San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade
1800 Market Street
Pride is celebrated in SF every June and is really quite disverse. Obviously you have the GLBT community but many straight people also come out to support it and to just be with their friends. Pride in SF is definitely a crazy, one of a kind experience. Dykes on Bikes. The San Francisco Bears, Gavin Newsom... you get the idea. I have to make it clear that I understand not everyone is comfortable with this, but I thought it was worth a mention nonetheless and if you are, I recommend it if you're in town. Granted, leave prudeish-ness at home because as I said, this is definitely an experience!
For more information see http://www.sfpride.org/
Pride is celebrated in SF every June and is really quite disverse. Obviously you have the GLBT community but many straight people also come out to support it and to just be with their friends. Pride in SF is definitely a crazy, one of a kind experience. Dykes on Bikes. The San Francisco Bears, Gavin Newsom... you get the idea. I have to make it clear that I understand not everyone is comfortable with this, but I thought it was worth a mention nonetheless and if you are, I recommend it if you're in town. Granted, leave prudeish-ness at home because as I said, this is definitely an experience!
For more information see http://www.sfpride.org/
Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Okay, it is kind of dorky but it is fun to try to spot these little guys. They may look like someone's pet but they are wild parrots as the title may suggest. It wouldn't be anything special, however, these types of birds really aren't something you would expect to encounter in a city like San Francisco. They annoy the heck out of some locals who live on the steps and in the area but since I don't, I retain the right to think they're adorable... and since you don't live here, I'm sure you'll feel the same. ; ) Just a simple pleasure to watch these little guys.Hog Island Oyster Company
Yes, I know I'm talking about oysters but this is one of the highlights of the menu: the grilled cheese sandwich. That is my sandwich in the photo... yes, I took a bite before I thought I should photograph it. I was hungry. If you like cheese, you must try this.
That said, the seafood is also fresh and fantastic. They have some good happy hour stuff if you come in the evening. The oysters have always been fresh and fantastic. Keep in mind that the happy hour line gets insane but still worth it. And yes, I come here for grilled cheese and oysters at least once a week.
Quickly Part Deux
This is one of the menus in Quickly. Yes, I took a picture with my camera phone specifically to post on this blog because I am a dork. You can't read it but it gives you an idea of the large selection. All of those are just the drink menu, no snacks.
Oh and if you're a fan of Biazzar Foods with Andrew Zimmern and you saw the episode when he went to Asia and ate durian, they sell fried durian here if you're brave enough.
Quickly
1170 Powell Street (location pictured)Many people have a love it or hate it attitude when it comes to Quickly. I have quickly (lol) become addicted to their strawberry rose tea with tapioca. Boba teas (bubble tea) is really popular in SF in this is just one of the many places you can go to get it. Quickly is all around the city. There are many other boba places in Chinatown so don't feel limited to this one. Other great flavors are thai milk tea, ginger milk tea, taro milk tea. Quickly can be hit or miss but I love their greasy snacks like popcorn chicken and fried mini octopus.
Another fun thing to do is read the menu just b/c the spelling/grammar is terrible. Yes, I'm a nerd.
If you want to avoid this place, check out the Sweetheart Cafe on Grant Avenue
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Bay to Breakers
Basically, this is one big city wide block party! Very fun and unique event. If you're under the impression that San Franciscans are rather nuts, well, this is kind of a stereotype at its best but it sure is fun. Join the race (or not) or just come and check out the festivities.
http://www.baytobreakers.com/main.html
http://www.baytobreakers.com/main.html
Top of the Mark
The view from Top of the Mark is one of the best in the city. On a clear night, it is truly breathtaking. This bar is a lovely place for a drink after a nice dinner. Top of the Mark has some of the best martinis ever and a very extensive martini list at that. I think there are 101 varieties. All of the drinks I've had here are just excellent though at the price, they should be.If you want to splurge for brunch, they have an excellent one on Sunday that I would highly recommend. I was there for Easter awhile back and it was truly outstanding.
Brenda's French Soul Food
652 Polk St (between Eddy St & Turk St)
I definitely recommend the beignet. They are extremely tasty. I wasn't a fan of the chocolate but I should also say that I don't care for chocolate in general so don't let that influence whether you order it or not. The plain and the apple were my favorites. All in all, I really haven't had anything on this menu that I didn't enjoy. The po boy is quite tasty. Eggs Benedict is fabulous... Oh and definitely try the watermelon sweet tea! So good. Like Dottie's, the neighborhood isn't real lovely, but Brenda's is a true gem. I highly recommend making the trip. And once again, like Dottie's, you'll want to go early to avoid a wait.
http://www.frenchsoulfood.com/
I definitely recommend the beignet. They are extremely tasty. I wasn't a fan of the chocolate but I should also say that I don't care for chocolate in general so don't let that influence whether you order it or not. The plain and the apple were my favorites. All in all, I really haven't had anything on this menu that I didn't enjoy. The po boy is quite tasty. Eggs Benedict is fabulous... Oh and definitely try the watermelon sweet tea! So good. Like Dottie's, the neighborhood isn't real lovely, but Brenda's is a true gem. I highly recommend making the trip. And once again, like Dottie's, you'll want to go early to avoid a wait.
http://www.frenchsoulfood.com/
Dottie's True Blue Cafe
522 Jones St (between Geary St & Ofarrell St)One of my favorite breakfast spots in San Francisco. I recommend the pancakes or french toast. Both are so yummy. This place is super popular so go really early or expect a wait. The neighborhood is not the best so just be prepared. It isn't too far from Union Square but it kind of feels like a totally different world. Just a heads up. Anyway, all in all, I highly recommend it. It has become more touristy over the last few years probably because we all recommended it a little too often but it is still worth it. Just remember, if you love pancakes/french toast, you'll be thrilled!
First Annual Fabulous Food Festival
This sounds promising for the foodies out there. If you're in town, admission is only $10 and may be worth your while if you're in to food. : )
"The First Annual Fabulous Food Festival will feature a festive feast of flavors. Festival goers will enjoy a unique retail marketplace with delicious free samples offered by over 250 exhibitors and sponsors. Specialty and gourmet foods will star, and everything "foodish" will be featured.More than twenty different food categories will be featured, including: Baked Goods, Condiments, Confectionery, Dairy and Eggs, Grains/Cereal Pasta, Lifestyle (including slow, kosher and green), Meat/Game/Pate, Oils and Vinegar, Sauces, Seasonings and Cooking Enhancers, Seafood, Soups, Stews and Beans, Spreads and Syrups, Vegetables, Fruit, Snacks, Stews and Beans. In addition, beverages for sampling and purchase will be provided by prominent local wineries, micro-breweries and producers of non alcoholic beverages. Food-related offerings, including cookware and cooking publications will also be available. The merrymaking will be further enhanced by live musical entertainment and ongoing giveaways."
http://pacificexpositions.com/FabFoodFest/
"The First Annual Fabulous Food Festival will feature a festive feast of flavors. Festival goers will enjoy a unique retail marketplace with delicious free samples offered by over 250 exhibitors and sponsors. Specialty and gourmet foods will star, and everything "foodish" will be featured.More than twenty different food categories will be featured, including: Baked Goods, Condiments, Confectionery, Dairy and Eggs, Grains/Cereal Pasta, Lifestyle (including slow, kosher and green), Meat/Game/Pate, Oils and Vinegar, Sauces, Seasonings and Cooking Enhancers, Seafood, Soups, Stews and Beans, Spreads and Syrups, Vegetables, Fruit, Snacks, Stews and Beans. In addition, beverages for sampling and purchase will be provided by prominent local wineries, micro-breweries and producers of non alcoholic beverages. Food-related offerings, including cookware and cooking publications will also be available. The merrymaking will be further enhanced by live musical entertainment and ongoing giveaways."
http://pacificexpositions.com/FabFoodFest/
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