san francisco top 50

In honor of my 50th post, I've put together a list of my San Francisco top 50.  And here it is, in no particular order:

Restaurants:

1.  Sit outside, sip wine, people watch, and eat the Panna pizza at Pizza Delfina.  (Mission)

2.  Grab some friends and some beer and head over to SOMA StreatFood.  (SOMA)

3.  Ike's Place has the best sandwiches.  Order ahead.  My favorite is the Captain Kirk.  Ryan likes the Love Triangle.  (Mission)

4.  Papalote might have the best Salsa on planet Earth, but not the best burrito.  That spot is reserved for the next item on the list.  (Mission)

5.  El Metate has the best, and cheapest burritos in town.  With outdoor seating, salsa bar, and delicious tortillas, they can't be beat.  (Mission Flats)

6.  There's something amazing about the thickness of the crust, and the grittiness of the restaurant at Golden Boy Pizza.  (North Beach)

7.  It always feels like autumn, in a good way, at Duboce Park Cafe.  Another of the few places to sit outside in the city.  This franchise has other locations at Precita Park and Dolores Park, but Duboce is my favskies.  Also, they offer a discount to members of the Bicycle Coalition.  (Duboce Triangle)

8  B-Star is far superior to it's big sister restaurant Burma Superstar.  Not only does it have a better/hipper atmosphere and an outdoor patio, it's also easier to get a table.  The wild rice salad is amazing, as is the samusa soup.  (Richmond)

9.  Herbivore, although most of the menu is lacking, has the best salad, and you can pair it with a carrot, apple, ginger juice.  It's not my favorite, but Ryan loves the Pad Thai.  (NOPA and Mission)

10.  Mission Beach Cafe has great brunch, if you don't mind a 45 minute wait and a $60 tab.  (Mission)


Bars:

11.  Mission Cheese has good wine, yummy salumi, and CHEESE!    It's great for a ladies afternoon.  And the best part, you can sit outside.  (Mission)

12.  Happy Hour at Nook.  Grab a $3.50 glass of wine, sit outside, and watch the cable cars go past.  (Nob Hill)

13.  Manhattans at Two Sisters.  Nuff said.  (Hayes Valley)

14.  Make a reservation to get the password to the Bourbon and Branch speakeasy.  Or, just say "books," at the door and grab a drink in the library, no reservation necessary.  (Tenderloin)

15.  The basil gimlet at Rye makes me swoon.  (Tenderloin)

16.  The Latin American Club has margaritas that will level you.  Just one will do the trick.  Plus they have a festive, but divey, atmosphere.  (Mission)

17.  Churchill's makes a mean Moscow Mule, and they serve them in mason jars, so it's trendy and cute.  (Castro/Duboce Triangle)

18.  Mission Bowling Club has surprisingly good food and some good, old fashioned bowling (for an inflated city price.)  (Mission)

Treats:

19.  Smitten Ice Cream uses science to make their ice cream super creamy.  (Hayes Valley)

20.  Fraiche's frozen yogurt offers a healthier alternative to ice cream.  Plus, you can choose from a variety of yummy toppings.  (Fillmore)

21.  Hot Cookie has... hot cookies.  And if you are feeling adventurous, you can model in a pair of hot cookie underpants, and have your picture hung on the wall for posterity.  Probably the best chocolate chip cookie I've ever eaten.  (Castro)

22.  The Ice Cream Bar.  The dairy free coconut ice cream will blow your mind.  They also make soda drinks and serve food.  (Cole Valley)

23.  The ham and cheese croissant at Tartine is crispy, savory, perfection.  It's worth the wait in the line that sometimes curls around the corner.  (Mission)

Coffee:

24.  Four Barrel Coffee offers good coffee and a parklet.  (Mission)

I must digress for a moment:  Where are all the cozy coffee shops in San Francisco?  Where can I sit down with a good book and a delicious, well crafted caffeinated beverage?  I've been here for 8 years, and I still don't have the answer.  

Stores:

25.  Aldea is my favorite store for the home.  Great gifts.  (Mission)

26.  Cliff's Variety has never failed me.  If I need a hammer, they can do that.  A feather boa?  No problem. A new toilet seat?  Please, that's not even a challenge.  Le Creuset?  Yup, they've got that too.  Handerpants?  Done.  (Castro)

27.  Browser Books on Fillmore has a great collection of new and used titles.  Books are crammed in here giving the store a cramped, but cozy feeling.  This is what book stores should look like.  (Fillmore)

Activities:

28.  Bike to Ocean Beach.  It's the best way to get there.  

29.  Castro Theatre Sing-a-Longs, the best so far has been The Little Mermaid.  Although, Beauty and the Beast was a close second.  I will add that any movie experience here is pretty awesome.  They start each show with an organ player who descends into the stage at the end of his set.  It's so old-timey.  (Castro)

30.  One of the best lazy weekend activities is walking by Wags on Polk and watching the herd of dogs mingle as they wait for a bath.  Make sure to bring a coffee, you could be there for a while.  (Polk Gulch)

Indoor Places:

31.  Kabuki Bath House is so, so relaxing.  Tuesday is the only coed (bathing suit mandatory) day, otherwise the days are split up by gender, and clothing is definitely optional.  Steam room, sauna, cold bath, hot bath.  Ultimate relaxation.  (Japan Town)

32.  Musee Mechanique has a collection of vintage arcade games.  Bring quarters.  (Fisherman's Wharf)

33.  The Ferry Building in the morning is amazing.  It's empty and smells of coziness.  (Embarcadero)

34.  The Tactile Dome at the Exploratorium is not for the faint of heart.  Get squeamish in tight and dark places? This is not for you.  Definitely worth the extra entrance fee.  (Embarcadero)

Outdoor Places:

35.  For sweeping views of San Francisco, without the crowds of Twin Peaks, Kite Hill is the place.  It's so beautiful we even had our engagement photos taken here.  (Castro)

36.  Mount Sutro is some of the best hiking in the city.  When I'm here, it's hard to imagine that I am actually in the dead center of San Francisco.  Eucalyptus trees, muddy trails, misty fog.  It's another world here.  The entrance is on Stanyan at 17th.  (Inner Sunset)

37.  Hopper's Hands is located at the end of the trail that runs along Crissy Field to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.  There's something so satisfying about giving Hopper ten.  Pet's don't have to feel left out, there are paw-tens for the furry hiker.  (Presidio)

38.  Speaking of the trail along Crissy Field, the Warming Hut is such a cozy place to take a break, learn about the area, and grab a coffee.  Let's face it, it's usually pretty damn cold and windy out there.  The Warming Hut is necessary.  (Presidio)

39.  Baker Beach, this clothing optional beach is just the ticket on a hot day.  Parking is impossible, so better just bike or transit.  Glorious view of the bridge while sunbathing.  (Presidio)

40.  Dolores Park is the Mission's answer to the beach.  On a sunny day this park resembles a Where's Waldo of San Francisco hipsters.  The best place to have a cheap beer and people watch with friends.  (Mission)

41.  The Bernal Slides are such a hidden gem.  They run down the hill in this great mini-park.  They are steep, and metal, and crazy fast.  I went shooting out the end so fast I landed on my hands and knees.  F-U-N.  (Bernal Heights)

42.  Frisbee Golf in Golden Gate Park, is not necessarily for me, but I do enjoy walking with Ryan as he plays.  It's in the park, in a forest, and it's free.  It's pretty nice.  (Golden Gate Park)

Hikes and Camping:

43.  Hawk Camp is easily accessible from the city and has views of the city. (Headlands)

44.  Bicentennial Camp is another easily accessible campground.  No car necessary to get here.  Make sure to make a reservation, it definitely books up.  (Headlands)

45.  The Tourist Club is a fun way to spend the day with friends.  This Bavarian looking bar is set in the redwoods for some seriously scenic day drinking.  Hiking in is the best option, but driving is also possible.  (Headlands)

46.  Sweeney Ridge offers views of the Bay and the ocean.  Make sure to go on a fog free day to make the most of the hike and scenery.  (San Bruno)

Events:

47.  The Easter Sunday Big Wheel Races involve grown-ups cramming their costumed, grown-up sized bodies, onto child-sized big wheels, then barreling down the actual curviest street in San Francisco and breakneck speeds.  It's amazing.  Just go.  (Potrero)

48.  During the first weekend in October, Hardly Strictly Blue Grass festival has free blue grass in Golden Gate Park.  Best.Weekend.Ever.  Get there early to grab some real estate.  Then stop drinking so you don't have to fight hordes of people to get to the port-o-potty.  (Golden Gate Park)

49.  Macy's Christmas Window Display.  There are cats and puppies.  Do I need to say more?  (Union Square)

50.  Pop-Up Magazine is an ephemeral, live magazine.  You sit, you listen to hilarious and thought provoking presenters, you drink a signature cocktail, you leave.  No photographs, no recordings, just your own memories.  Tickets sell out within seconds.  (Davies Symphony Hall, Hayes Valley)

Check out 50 more things to do in San Francisco on my new blog, One Plus Me. 

dining room

After finishing up making improvements in the kitchen, I moved on to my next project: the dining room.

Despite my previous best efforts, the dining room still looked unfinished.  After much perseverating, I decided that what was missing was a bit of height on the wall opposite our built-in.  Although I love our cedar chest, it just wasn't the right piece of furniture to fill the space.  I started scouring Craigslist.  I ultimately decided on the Expedit bookcase from IKEA in black brown, my IKEA color.  This might be the best piece that IKEA makes.  It has infinite customizable options, and oh, so many uses.  Luckily, these are a dime a dozen on Craigslist.  

I ended up purchasing one for $90, and it came with two baskets.  A 4X4 Expedit sells for $140 new, so this was a savings of over $50, with the baskets.  I immediately posted my pick-up/delivery job to TaskRabbit, and as usual, easily found someone to complete the task.  Part of what works so well with TaskRabbit is the accountability.  Because both people posting tasks and people completing tasks are reviewed, there is follow through.  I wish the same were true for Craigslist.  The seller of the cabinet ended up forgetting to send along the baskets with my TaskRabbit.  Thus, I did not get what I paid for.  Sigh.  

As soon as my TaskRabbit had left, I started moving in.  I quickly realized to really get the effect I was going for, I needed the missing baskets.  I ended up borrowing a car and making a trip to IKEA.  Even though this was exactly what I was trying to avoid.  As it turned out, I ended up with some baskets that I'm digging way more than the ones I would have ended up with had my Craigslist purchase gone exactly as planned.  

And now, I have the dining room that I was imagining.

Kottebo Baskets

Kasset storage boxes

My goal is to keep the dining room as tidy and useful as it is in these photos, but Ryan and I own, and this is not an exaggeration, five bicycles.  I should also add that I only own one of those bikes.  Three of them hang in our laundry room, but the other two are our day-to-day commuter bikes.  Since we use them so frequently, they need to be accessible.  This means they live in the dining room.  

Lately, I have been likening the bikes to the war on graffiti in New York City.  Having graffiti around is just asking for more, and sometimes even less, desirable offenses.  Our bikes are the same way.  Having two bikes permanently parked in the dining room opens the door to other, and definitely more, heinous offenses.  Mostly, leaving mail on the dining room table, and stacking cast offs for Goodwill in the corner.  It can get out of control.  My next project will be attractive bike storage.  Preferably one where the bikes can be stacked in a corner.

Next project

Expedit Shelving unit:  $90

Baskets:  4 for $68

Mirror:  Free

Decorative empty frames (left over from our wedding):  $6

Burlap table runner (left over from our wedding, the remainder being sold on Craigslist for $50):  Free

TaskRabbit:  $30

Total:  $188.00  

diy wedding

Much like other aspects of our life, Ryan and I were sticking to a budget for our wedding.  Our goal, although not achieved, was to come in under budget.  (Damn, weddings are expensive!)  I first looked to Pinterest for inspiration and Etsy for cheap wedding finds.  What I discovered was most of what I liked I could do on my own, and for cheaper.  

To make DIY more fun, my mom flew down from Spokane to turn the weekend into a craft extravaganza.

We started with a to-do list:

1.  parade streamers

2.  escort cards

3.  photo booth frames

4.  photo booth bunting

5.  flower girl baskets

6.  table numbers

7.  rehearsal dinner centerpieces (to double as center pieces for the desert table, bar, and guest book table)

8.  signs for buffet table

9.  table runners (left over burlap was sold on craigslist for $50!)

Then, we headed to Michael's, one of the most overwhelming stores in the world, second only to IKEA.  After setting up the supplies, pouring the wine, queuing up Orange is the New Black, we got started.  

Stella is always ready to sit on whatever you are currently working on.

First up, flower girl baskets.  I found baskets on Etsy, that I liked, but I wasn't into spending $39.99 plus shipping for each of the two baskets I needed.  Our baskets, which were easy to make, were only a total of $5 each.  

The inspiration

Our baskets

Next up, table numbers.  I was going for a rustic feel, with simple clean lines.  Once again, I found table numbers on Etsy that had the feel I was going for, but they were $75 for 15.  I knew I could do it for cheaper.  We ended up spending $50 on our table numbers, and once again, we didn't have to pay for shipping.  

The inspiration

Our table numbers

Pictured with our parade streamers

For escort cards, I turned to my sister.  She has an interest in calligraphy, and other things creative.  Not only did she address all of my envelopes, but she also made the place cards, the menu, and the signs for the buffet.  Our escort cards set us back $12.  

The inspiration

Our escort cards

My new name, for the first time!

Buffet cards

Because of our love for Papalote salsa, the rehearsal dinner centerpieces were a cinch.  We reused the mason jars that once held the addicting salsa, and added rafia and floating candles.  This simple centerpiece, which was used for both nights, was just $10.  

The inspiration

Our mason jar centerpiece is pictured on the guest book table with our DIY Paper Source letters.  

Last, but not least, we wanted a few picture frames to use as props in our photo booth.  I bought three frames at a garage sale for $6.  One was already a lovely gold, and after we spray painted the other two  silver and blue, they were photo booth ready.  

There you have it, our DIY wedding.

Professional photos by Katrina Davis Photography and Luke Keegan Photography.

Photo booth photos curtesy of Lech Naumovich Photography.

the mystery spot

This weekend, Ryan and I went to a wedding in Santa Cruz.  The best part, other than celebrating the union of two people and reconnecting with old friends, was the close proximity to the Mystery Spot.  Laugh at the kitchiness if you must, but the Mystery Spot is actually kind of awesome.  

Ryan, rightly so, went in with incredibly low expectations.  I could be wrong, but I think he was pleasantly surprised by the mysteriousness of it all.  I, for one, am a Mystery Spot believer, and quite possibly their most enthusiastic advocate.

Although the wonkiness of the structure, which legend says slid down the hill, is to blame for the dizzying effect, it is still impressively bizarre.  Patrons stumble about like drunk sailors leaning at an unusual 45 degree angle. Water runs uphill, people shrink by two inches, tree branches grow at odd angles, these are just some of the optical illusions (eh, hem mysteries) of the Mystery Spot.  

And the most incredible part?  The Mystery Spot is located on the corner of Mystery Spot Road and Branciforte Drive!  These Brancifortes, were pretty stoked.

Cost: 

$6 per person

$5 to park

Know before you go:

• This is an incredibly popular destination.  If you are planning on visiting, make sure to make an online reservation before hand.  
• Wear shoes with good traction.  I was wearing boots and this was an unfortunate mistake.  Weird gravitational pulls and slippery shoes are not a good combination.

finding fall

I grew up in the Midwest and Eastern Washington.  For me, fall is crisp weather, colorful leaves, and cozy sweaters.  Living in California means that I have to adjust this vision of fall.  Pumpkin patch visits mean sun dresses, not scarves and jackets.  This is a hard concept for me to wrap my brain around.  You would think after eight Bay Area autumns I would have this lack of seasonal change down, but I don't.  This time of year, I long to return to the Pacific Northwest, where my rain boots and layers are put to good use.

Seattle

A few weeks ago, I headed up to Seattle for my friend Margaret's bachelorette party.  It's not often that I visit the Northwest in the fall, and I was treated to the perfect weather.  Brisk air, puffy clouds, and fall leaves swirling in the air.  But, rather than satisfy my itch, it made me long for seasonal change even more.  

In San Francisco, the leaves either simply dry up and fall off the trees, or stay green year round.  When leaves actually do change colors, it is something truly worthy of documentation.  

Ginko leaves turn yellow

Often times, fall just jumps out of no where.  Walking down the street on a sunny, seventy degree day, you may turn the corner and suddenly find fall.

San Francisco

Are there places in the Bay Area where autumn exists?  Where do you go to find fall?

teens on trails

This weekend, Ryan, representing Transit and Trails and The Bay Area Open Space Council, worked with The Golden Gate Nationals Parks Conserveney to host a Teens on Trails event.  The teens cleared the sand from the beach front promenade on the Great Highway at Ocean Beach.  Although the ubiquitous sand will certainly return, this job must be done in order to keep the walkway wheelchair accessible.  The high schoolers earn required volunteer credits for school, as well as visit new outdoor spaces.

After the cleanup was complete, Ryan showed the students the Transit and Trails video, promoting carless Bay Area exploration, then took a mini-hike through Golden Gate Park.  

The plan was to hike oneway, then return on the free Golden Gate Park shuttle.  Ryan and I spent the previous day experimenting on the shuttle and finding fun locations to take the kids.  Turns out, the shuttle is pretty lax in adhering to their schedule.  One the drivers was on a lunch break, which meant the shuttle, which normally runs every 15 minutes, was only running every 30 minutes.  

Some of the students were able to hop on the shuttle, but with not enough room for all, the rest of us hiked back.  

Post hike, lunch was served and a raffle was conducted.  Raffle entrants were required to arrive at the event using public transportation.  Raffle winners received REI daypacks, which were generously donated by REI.   All participants received Novara water bottles, also donated by REI.