When I was a kid, I resolved that I would try to always live within roughly an hour of Ghiradelli Square. Anchored by the old Ghiradelli chocolate factory, which became a big-time ice cream place over 20 years ago, the square has evolved a lot over the past decade.
Now, much of Ghiradelli is taken up by the company that operates the Fairmont hotels; Ghiradelli Square is the home of a large Fairmont fractional ownership property. We don't know too much about that operation.
What we do know more about are some of the other shopping/restaurant experiences still available there (beyond the ice cream place, which is still a major institution and destination for tourists and San Francisco schoolkids).
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
San Francisco Fisherman's Warf - Restaurants
Tourists visiting San Francisco invariably come down to Fisherman's Warf. Stretching from Ghiradelli Square down to Pier 39, this is a main tourist thoroughfare. Many hotels. Many places selling jackets and sweatshirts to tourists not prepared for the weather. Amazing views of the Bay and Alcatraz, and of the sublimely beautiful fog-shrouded city.
In terms of restaurants, however, the Warf can be hit or miss. Really, mostly miss. Of the places to eat on the Warf, only a few stand out.
* Gary Danko is, literally, the best restaurant in San Francisco. Be prepared to make reservations there 2 months in advance. Despite the reputation, I've been impressed by the friendly and unpretentious five-star (plus) service.
* Scoma's is a large seafood place down an alley, sitting right on the water. It is "one of the Warf's oldest institutions." The food is pretty good, and locals have been known to eat there.
* The Buena Vista has been at the corner of Beach and Hyde forever. This is where they invented the Irish Coffee. The dinner isn't much to write home about (the burger is safe, but just a burger), but the Irish Coffee is worth a try. They also have very good breakfasts. Great atmosphere, if you don't mind it a bit loud. People-watching. Views of cable cars. An important cultural experience.
In terms of restaurants, however, the Warf can be hit or miss. Really, mostly miss. Of the places to eat on the Warf, only a few stand out.
* Gary Danko is, literally, the best restaurant in San Francisco. Be prepared to make reservations there 2 months in advance. Despite the reputation, I've been impressed by the friendly and unpretentious five-star (plus) service.
* Scoma's is a large seafood place down an alley, sitting right on the water. It is "one of the Warf's oldest institutions." The food is pretty good, and locals have been known to eat there.
* The Buena Vista has been at the corner of Beach and Hyde forever. This is where they invented the Irish Coffee. The dinner isn't much to write home about (the burger is safe, but just a burger), but the Irish Coffee is worth a try. They also have very good breakfasts. Great atmosphere, if you don't mind it a bit loud. People-watching. Views of cable cars. An important cultural experience.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Starbucks
Starbucks coffee shops are everywhere. But, like McDonalds and other franchise establishments, there are a handful that are in fantastic locations. One is located near Fisherman's Warf in San Francisco. Across from the famed Buena Vista, home of the Irish Coffee, and from the warf cable car turn-around, you will find a Starbucks. Lots of activity. Tons of frozen tourists, trying to warm up after suffering the frozen temperatures in the fog at the cable car turn-around. And a handful of locals. Including us, sitting at a table, drinking a salted carmel hot chocolate, and blogging.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sausalito Arts Festival
The 59th Annual Sausalito Arts Festival is this Labor Day weekend (September 3, 4, and 5, 2011). Hours are Saturday and Sunday 10-6 and Monday 10-5.
Sausalito is an amazing spot, on the northern peninsula across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The fog usually rolls out around midday.
The festival is large (unusually large for an art festival in northern California). Hundreds of artists are displaying work there. Features a wine garden where you can enjoy California wines.
Nearby, you can enjoy Sam's Cafe in Tiburon. Sam's has a big deck right on the water (which is like having a private yacht). Outdoor seating on the deck; indoor seating is much quieter. Sam's has a great casual brunch (I had the smoked salmon hash; salmon, eggs, green peppers on top); they also have good fish and chips. Tiburon has narrow streets and is really beautiful; it feels like you're always on vacation there.
Right next door is the Waters Edge Hotel, in case you don't want to go home! Haven't stayed there, but it is right next to Sam's and there are many restaurants and other spots within easy walking distance. The ferry, which goes to San Francisco, is nearby.
If you bring children, be sure to bring a stroller, drinks, and snacks, because the festival is huge; lots of walking and lots of people. It isn't always easy to find drinks and snacks. Also, if you or your child are sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. The festival features several music venues that are close to the art.
Sausalito is an amazing spot, on the northern peninsula across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The fog usually rolls out around midday.
The festival is large (unusually large for an art festival in northern California). Hundreds of artists are displaying work there. Features a wine garden where you can enjoy California wines.
Nearby, you can enjoy Sam's Cafe in Tiburon. Sam's has a big deck right on the water (which is like having a private yacht). Outdoor seating on the deck; indoor seating is much quieter. Sam's has a great casual brunch (I had the smoked salmon hash; salmon, eggs, green peppers on top); they also have good fish and chips. Tiburon has narrow streets and is really beautiful; it feels like you're always on vacation there.
Right next door is the Waters Edge Hotel, in case you don't want to go home! Haven't stayed there, but it is right next to Sam's and there are many restaurants and other spots within easy walking distance. The ferry, which goes to San Francisco, is nearby.
If you bring children, be sure to bring a stroller, drinks, and snacks, because the festival is huge; lots of walking and lots of people. It isn't always easy to find drinks and snacks. Also, if you or your child are sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. The festival features several music venues that are close to the art.
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