If you're going to San Francisco....

Mezzaluna · #1 10-21-2007, 08:10 PM

My husband and I are planning a visit to the City by the Bay in May. Any help you can give will be appreciated! I plan our trips with these things in mind:

1. I am a pretty hardcore foodie, but my husband simply eats. Some balance is required, so I get to experience some great food (not necessarily expensive) and he can be nourished. Did I mention he doesn't eat fish in any form?

2. Neither one of us wants to spend a lot of time in museums.
3. We don't do hiking, boating, golfing, tennis or fishing- any sports, really.

We have already determined to spend at least four nights in San Francisco, then decamp for Monterey and vicinity for several days. We're certainly going to Golden Gate Park, Muir Woods, Alcatraz, probably take a drive across the Golden Gate bridge and maybe visit Berkeley. The rest is up for consideration.

What should we not miss? Thanks in advance!
Mezzaluna

P.S.- we don't have a hotel, but prefer full-service hotels. I've been looking in the Union Square area so far.

kuan · #2 10-22-2007, 07:30 AM

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair!

It's been so long since I've been there...

If you can spare the time you can hit Napa Valley. Here's me at the Hakusan Sake brewery.

http://www.usfamily.net/web/kuanheidi/Hakukuan1.jpg

foodnfoto · #3 10-22-2007, 08:29 AM

Sounds like fun.
It's a little old hat (not the trendiest anymore) but the Fog City Diner is really good and will probably satisfy both your foodie tastes and your husband's less curious approach. Check out their website for the menu.

Alcatraz is really a neat trip. The views of SF from the excercise yard are truly spectacular-must have been a special kind of punishment.

Don't miss the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park, but at all costs, avoid Fisherman's Wharf.

North Beach is a neat area. The City Lights Bookstore is still there and fun to poke around in. You're likely to see some famous writers, if you can recognize them. The readings are always interesting.

For something really fun and a truly unique experience, reserve some tickets and go through the Tactile Dome at the Exploratorium. I know, you don't do museums, but this one is really fun! The Tactile Dome is a geodesic (sp?) dome within the museum, that you explore in the dark. You crawl through these different tunnel, shutes and rooms looking for certain items. It's a blast to do with kids too.

A lot of people don't know it, but the ACT (American Conservatory Theater) stages some of the best theatrical productions in the country. I know, Broadway gets all the attention, but if you want to see cool plays with up and coming stars (think Denzel Washington before everyone knew him) go see a show at ACT-they are always good. I've seen Elizabeth Pena and Olympia Dukakis in live productions there.

If you have a car, it's a wonderful drive to cross the Golden Gate to check out Sausilito (a little too snooty in my view) but also Mill Valley, and then drive up to Point Reyes along the Pacific Coast. The Muir Woods will be along the way-not to miss. Near Point Reyes there is an earthquake observation center that has some really nice walks and interesting information about fault lines that run through that area.

Of course, if you go to Berkeley, go eat at Chez Panisse. Why go to the Bay Area and not eat there?

Have fun!!!!

foodnfoto · #4 10-22-2007, 08:37 AM

PS-just looked at the website, and it looks like Sam Shephard's Curse of the Starving Class will be up at the ACT while you are there. It's a great play-funny and biting- and is bound to be a first rate production.

Botanique · #5 10-22-2007, 08:46 AM

Mezz -- PM me! I can help you come up with an itinerary -- or if you like a more relaxed approach just point you in a few directions. I would also love to treat you to dinner! Cheers! Stevie

shroomgirl · #6 10-22-2007, 08:46 AM

Ferry Plaza farmer's market.....oh man......mecca for us farmer's market addicts. Sat. morning is best but the building has some incredible shops open 7 days. Good prepared food there too....Aidells sausages, Lulu's quiche/salads, Dr. Art Lang's dried fruit....choc. satsumas are hands down my fav. choc. ever.......Frog Hollow Bakery, rissotto tart......Japanese Tea shop, the almonds are wonderful, not sure how they toast them........etc....

Mustards, really good food.....not quite as far as Napa. Both of you would be happy.

If you get a chance, and some research is needed....oh Shel you there?
In SF there is the only handmade fillo shop in the US. mid-eastern nams that starts with an S....it's been numerous years since I've been there but oh my....exceptional.

shel · #7 10-22-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shroomgirl

Mustards, really good food.....not quite as far as Napa. Both of you would be happy.

If you get a chance, and some research is needed....oh Shel you there?
In SF there is the only handmade fillo shop in the US.

Mezz and I have been in touch privately - in fact, just this morning.

Mustards is good, but overrated. Many better and less pretentious places in the area.

I'm not sure about that filo shop ... read or saw a show about it, or another one, recently. Regardless of which shop it was, it was amazing to see that dough stretched.

shel

Harpua · #8 10-22-2007, 10:32 AM

Do you guys like tea? We never miss Imperial Tea Court in Chinatown. You sit at a table and taste teas for as long as you want. It's really great on a cold day; you walk out feeling fabulous.

Imperial Tea Court

1411 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94133

Oh man, I was just going to suggest a KILLER Japanese restaurant, but nevermind.

Well, for others, you must check out Minako. I think there may be many articles on it. Organic sushi.

Oh yea, I also agree that you should skip Fishermans' Wharf.

I went to a wedding in Frisco a few weeks ago; it was held at Crissy Field. It's a gorgeous park on the Golden Gate side and you can see much of the city and the bay. So pretty!

Mezzaluna · #9 10-22-2007, 10:47 AM

What a treasure trove of ideas and knowledge! But after all, this is Chef Talk.

I looked at Chez Panisse and will consider what to do about it as we get closer to our May trip. I know you need to get reservations there; they will take them up to one month in advance but you have to give them $25 per person deposit for making the reservation. I understand why, but then.... Others seem to think there are enough really good restaurants in the Bay Area that we could look elsewhere and be satisfied.

Shroom, the market sounds fabulous! I love Aidell's sausages.

FnF, the ACT and City Lights bookstore will also go in the file. I'd love to see a production while we're there, and bookstores are magnets for me.

Harpua, DH and I both enjoy tea, so that's on the list too! My MIL told us about the tea house in Golden Gate park- also on the list.

Kuan, if we don't make it to Napa, do you have other suggestions?

Botanique, I've replied.

Mezz

CookieLady · #10 10-22-2007, 11:06 AM

I second the recommendation for the Ferry Building Marketplace. The marketplace is wonderful for foodies. A farmer's market sets up outside Tuesdays and Saturdays.
ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

If you are walking North Beach and visiting City Lights, I suggest a stop for lunch at Molinari's Delicatessen. In many ways, it is the ultimate Italian deli. Both you and your hubby will be more than satisfied there. You go in, grab a number, and then pick what bread you want your sandwich on from the bin in the middle of the store. Then you can peruse the menu board. When your number comes up, hand them your bread and tell them what you want. I love their meatballs! Take it outside to the three or four tables they have set up and people watch to your heart's content. Truly a great experience!

I know you don't want to spend a lot of time in museums, but SF has one that is unique that you might want to check out: The Cartoon Art Museum.
cartoonart.org
Defiinitely worth a look-see and won't take up a lot of time.

On your way to Monterey, you will probably pass through Half Moon Bay. If you do, Pasta Moon is a delicious stop in a cute, funky town.
pastamoon.com

While in Monterey, the Aquarium is super cool!

SF and Northern CA is one of my favorite places on earth. You will love it!

annud · #11 10-23-2007, 07:04 PM

I went to school in Berkeley so I know that side a little better. Chez Panisse is a bit out of the normal price range, ha! But there are fantastic restaurants nearby. Cheese Board Pizza makes some of the best pesto. There's a Jewish deli, Saul's, that's supposedly topped national knish and matzo ball taste tests (never confirmed this, but they're pretty tasty).

Oh, and if you stand on Shattuck or University Avenue, pick up a rock, close your eyes and throw, the rock will probably hit the best Indian, Thai, or Himalayan hole-in-the-wall you'll ever eat at. hehe...

shel · #12 10-23-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annud

I went to school in Berkeley so I know that side a little better. Chez Panisse is a bit out of the normal price range, ha! But there are fantastic restaurants nearby. Cheese Board Pizza makes some of the best pesto. There's a Jewish deli, Saul's, that's supposedly topped national knish and matzo ball taste tests (never confirmed this, but they're pretty tasty).

Oh, and if you stand on Shattuck or University Avenue, pick up a rock, close your eyes and throw, the rock will probably hit the best Indian, Thai, or Himalayan hole-in-the-wall you'll ever eat at. hehe...

The cafe, upstairs, at Chez Panisse is great. Less expensive as well. Ingredients are still top notch. Hardly anyone mentions the cafe. Caf&#233 Menu - ChezPanisse.com

Saul's is not a very good "Jewish" deli, whatever that's supposed to mean. Much of the food isn't even close to approaching a NYC deli, service has always been spotty, and prices are getting to be too high for what you get in the way of food and service.

Cheeseboard pizza is darned good, and the Cheeseboard has some great baked goods and a wide selection of cheeses from around the world - staffed by people who know cheese, not just sell it.

Next door to Saul's is a small pastry place - Masa's I think it's called. SUPERB! Not expensive. Comfortable and cozy with seating for about ten or twelve.

Indeed, there are quite a number of good, inexpensive holke-in-the wall places along University Avenue.

Shel (who spends a lot of time in the Gourmet Ghetto)

deltadoc · #13 10-24-2007, 06:46 AM

I wouldn't pass up the chance to stand under the "Haight-Ashbury" street sign and have my picture taken!

doc

shel · #14 10-24-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltadoc

I wouldn't pass up the chance to stand under the "Haight-Ashbury" street sign and have my picture taken!

So, you're finally catching up with the sixties

Shel

Pastry Maven · #15 10-24-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltadoc

I wouldn't pass up the chance to stand under the "Haight-Ashbury" street sign and have my picture taken!

doc

And while you're in "The Haight," stop in at Cha-Cha-Cha (CHA3.COM) for some fabulous Sangria and Cuban/Caribbean food!

Cheers!

Micki