Zinc Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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.