San FranCelia

Festival season in the lovely city of San Francisco is now officially in full bloom. Each weekend, you can count on some new street festival to take place, ensuring a day of not only fun, but also an abundance of “people watching”. This weekend, not one, but two festivals were taking place, allowing a profusion of options for the weekend warrior – the Haight Street and North Beach Festivals.

It was a gorgeous sunny day on Sunday (I love how the weather just knows you are going to be outside!), and so I decided to head over to Haight Street with my girlfriends Michelle and Liz. I’ve been to the North Beach Festival before, and though entertaining and lively (with great Italian fare), I always like to try a diverse variety of events if I can. As I got to the top of Haight at Stanyon, I was amazed at the breadth of the festivities. I couldn’t even see where it ended, it was so big. Also noted when I first arrived, are the clear and obvious differences between the various neighborhoods in the City. The crowd at the Union Street Festival (which I attended last weekend – check out the article HERE) and the crowd at the Haight Street Festival couldn’t be more different. While it seems that the Union Festival takes up with a more preppy and drink-loving crew, Haight Street is definitely better friends with the alternative crowd who’d rather smoke a riff than grab a beer (although not averse to the latter, of course). People were wearing, it seemed, anything that they could get their hands on, some resorting to duct tape if thread was unavailable. And while in some cases in the City, it’s simply for the festivities, for this festival, it seemed that the people attending dressed and were this way perpetually and indefinitely. The crowd is more rugged and “street” and the use of copious amount of marijuana is part of the M.O. People are drinking, but the point of the festival isn’t to simply drink and party, which seems to be the feel at the Union Festival. Perhaps it’s the age of the crowd, perhaps the disposition, but the vibe is definitely more chilled out and calm.

I walked the length of the festival, and it was huge, spanning from the Stanyon to a block past Ashbury. They had every type of food (I’m thinking they must use the same food vendors for these festivals since they all use the same yellow signs and have similar options). Here though, they had pounds of chicken kabobs grilling up and even shwarma, which made the whole street smell delectable. There were a plethora of booths that sold recycled hand-made jewelry (one even made earrings, necklaces, and rings out of recycled Scrabble pieces!), paintings of local artists, and t-shirts with that Bay Area touch. At one booth, they were having a massive 1 hour sale on all smoking paraphernalia – knowing your audience is key. Zip Cars had a real car that passersby were able to graffiti on (with a washable pen, of course), and I gave a nod to everyone’s favorite site (this one of course!). Several street musicians were playing, and at the end of the street, the local rock band, We Be the Echo, were going at it full force. It was awesome and really made you move! With the massive swirls of people going to and fro, it made for pure eye candy to anyone who likes to people watch (you know who you are – I’m that way too. I get on Muni and it’s like… hot damn… jackpot!!!).

What’s great about this type of festival is that it exposes people to ideas, images, and groups that they might never have been around before. It’s a great way to open your mind while having a great time. People from all over the Bay, but especially from the Haight, frequent this festival time and time again, bringing their own unique sense of culture and style to the streets of San Francisco. All they ask in return is for you to have fun and recycle your left over beer bottles. Sounds like a good trade-off if you ask me.

Peace and love Xo

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San Francisco has a long-standing tradition of hosting wild and crazy outdoor events.  While the weather can sometimes be a difficult hand to bet on, for some reason, it tends to cooperate during the outdoor festival events, lending to some really fun and memorable times.  This weekend, the Union Street Eco-Urban Festival was taking place, which spreads past the Fillmore section of Union Street in Cow Hollow.  This area, once home to dairy farms and cows in eras past, is now one of San Francisco’s most illustrious local shopping districts, with everything from Ambiance (a true San Francisco treat) to Lush.  Each year, you know the summer is near by the launch of the Union Street Festival. 

It’s a crowded display of kid’s rides, jewelry, art, and design exhibits, mixed with a beer garden that soon overflows into the streets, bands that are always made up of acts over 50, but great none the less, and utter madness.  Making sure to keep your beverage container incognito, you can proceed to wonder up and down a street that is layered with not only these booths and activities, but also the local shops, most of whom give a discount, so busy doesn’t begin to sum up their day.  Many people who live on Union throw parties, adding to the mayhem, so there are literally people spilling out of the windows and balconies.  You almost feel like you’re at a tame version of Mardi Gras that’s also during the day and has kids running around – interesting dichotomy, I know, but that’s the beauty of San Francisco. 

There was also some scrumptious cuisine at the festivals.  For a pretty decent price, you can get everything from Korean barbeque to Dim Sum, Funnel Cake to Corn Dogs.  Being in the City, they offer healthy cooking with organic options, so it’s really relieving if you are trying to eat healthy, and you don’t feel too guilty eating the “festival food”.  I split a Corn Dog early in the day, and although I would have loved to eat more, I wanted to check out a local restaurant.  We headed over to the Marina where we headed into Blue Barn.  It’s a create-your-own salad, soup and sandwich bistro that is both casual and breezy.  While the counter girl who took our order was a little snippy for my taste, it was a really delicious and fresh salad that added in unique Californian elements to really satisfy.  My Caesar salad had fresh tomatoes and avocados, two things I would have never thought to put in a Caesar, but were ultimately really tasty.  As you eat, you can look out wall length windows and take in the relaxed atmosphere.  Located on Chestnut Street, it’s a little spot that’s a great alternative to the larger chain salad restaurants – definitely a fun, anytime spot. 

Most people (at least those in their 20s) hit the local bar scene after the festival.  The Marina and Cow Hollow are entrenched with 20somethings that are ready to go out and have a good time.  While sometimes a little douchy (and that goes for the ladies too), this bar scene is one of the must visit nightlife spots in the City.    It’s a really fun night out on the Saturday day of the fair, since most are dressed casually from a day outside drinking, and are also talking about the fun they had that day.  Since this year the weather was perfect, the bars spilled deep into their front patios to let everyone enjoy the sun…and scene.  I did this bit last year, and judging from what I saw this year, it looked just as eventful and entertaining!

 Definitely hit up as many festivals you can that you’re interested in.  They are unique to San Francisco, and never fail to gratify and amaze.

Peace and love Xo

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One of the most wonderful places (my dream residential neighborhood, in fact) to simply just “be” in is Presidio Heights.  This district has gorgeous single-family mansion homes that will blow your mind.  Each one is cared for and reflects a different architectural style, of course not clashing with one other in any way.  With a stunning view of the Bay from the South, you won’t

find a more calming or aesthetically satisfying location.  Here, on Sacramento Street – which starts at the beginning of the neighborhood, so it has a cozy feel – you’ll find an assortment of trendy and small boutiques that sell everything from clothes to candles to flowers.  There isn’t much here to get a truly productive and purchase heavy shopping day accomplished, but to simply be out to take a slow stroll on a nice day, it has plenty to peak interest. 

There are also several restaurants in the area, from the upscale new contemporary Californian addition Spruce, to the brunch spot I went to last Sunday, The Magic Flute.  This is a must try for anyone who wants great service and wonderful food, all while sitting in a lovely garden setting.  I went with my two girlfriends Liza and Brooke, and all three of us raved, which is always a good sign (I hate when the only great dish is the specialty).  They each ordered a scramble – the Hunters Scramble and the Chorizo Scramble respectively – and I ordered the Magic Flute Quiche and a Cappuccino.  The quiche was heavenly – thick and full of delicious cheese, spinach, bacon and onions, served hot with a side salad and fruit.  Delicious!  As I sat in the garden patio (heat lamps on, of course), I felt relaxed and tranquil, exactly the way you’d imagine a Presidio Heights neighborhood restaurant would make you feel.  That, along with the fashionable décor and upscale feel, makes me want to have this as my indefinite brunch spot.  For dessert, because yes, brunch should get dessert too, we ordered the Cinnamon and Sugar Beignets – to die for…  seriously.  Three large beignets covered in cinnamon and sugar are served with fresh lemon curd and sweetened cream – perfect ending to a superbly tasty meal.  Brunch is a really good way to reconnect with friends or have a relaxing romantic morning with your honey, so once in awhile it’s good to splurge (check my Recession Re-thinking articles to get some tips to help you save for a fun brunch with friends).

Magic Flute requires reservations, so call ahead, and be prepared to spend around $25 before any alcoholic beverages.  It’s exceptional, and for a fun couple of hours with friends, you’ll not mind the slightly high price tag.  Check out this neighborhood for a lazy Saturday or Sunday when it’s nice out and all you have to do is simply exist.

Peace and love Xo

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