San FranCelia

If you are slammed for time, as we all are (I’m moving in a week and they are still making me come into work… I think there ought to be some sort of paid time off for moving, don’t ya think?  Yes, yes, I’m sure you do, too…), then you’ll love these ‘quick eats’ spots in the Financial District that will rev you up and keep you going, without going the fast food (gasp!) route.

For coffee in a flash, and without the criminally long lines you’ll find at Starbucks and Peet’s, head to Café Venue.  While there are several locations in the Financial District, the one at Montgomery and Bush is especially great (wonderful people, plus you can get a frequent coffee drinker card and get your 10^th cup for free!).  Aside from the delicious custom coffee, you’ll be greeted by the fresh

aroma of a continental breakfast each morning, as they serve legendary breakfast burritos made to order.  And let me just say, they are mouth-watering.  With fresh tortilla, hot off the grill meats and melted cheeses, you can’t ask for a better way to start the day.  They also have bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc., for all of us who either can’t handle a large breakfast burrito first thing in the morning, or don’t have the time it takes to enjoy a leisurely morning meal.  You’ll be in and out within 10 minutes, less if you just get a coffee and bagel (takes me about 5 minutes on a Friday when I’m usually – ok always – running later than normal… not bad!)

Another great spot that is super tasty (and cheap!) is Pasilla Mexican Grill, located on Kearny and Pine.  While not a great place to sit and eat (you can, but there ais the constant hubbub of people coming in and out for take-out, and it makes for an annoying eating experience), it’s excellent for a grab-and-go lunch.  For about $7, you can get most major Mexican meals (think basics – burritos, tacos, salads, etc.) and it’s delicious!  The people there are super friendly, and it takes literally 5 minutes.  Amazing!

Lastly, check out Baladie gourmet Greek food at Kearny and Bush.  Not only is it cheap (the most expensive dish is $8.50!), but it’s speedy and delicious.  There is a vast clientele ranging from the FiDi elite to the hipsters, which gives this small enclave a great eclectic feel.  They even deliver for free on orders over $30, so get your coworkers to chow down with you some day for an easy, fast, and cheap group lunch.

At this speed, I need to remind myself to take a deep breath and enjoy this gorgeous city (and district!), but it is nice to know they have options for the crazy’s like me.

Peace and love Xo

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San Francisco will never leave you wanting more music.  One of the best remnants of the hippie era is the City’s love of music.  Outdoor, indoor, local, international – we love it all.  Throughout the summer there is the festival season, which we all love, but there is also a plethora of outdoor concerts, most of which are free.  And what’s awesome is that they go well beyond the summer months.  What other city is this great?  Tell me that.  This coming weekend is no different.  In honor of Woodstock’s 40^th anniversary, they will be playing a free tribute concert called “West Fest” on Sunday in Speedway Meadows of Golden Gate Park.  The massive span of lawn is the perfect venue for a concert.  Gorgeous views of every type of foliage and tree, completely blocked from the City, and lots of space… lovely.  Every type of person gathers for these events, so it’s sure to be energetic, fun, and colorful!  Many of the original musicians will be involved in the show, too, including Ray Manzarek  of The Doors and Denny Laine of Moody Blues.  How cool!  And it’s FREE people!  I consider the many, many things to do for free in San Francisco as part of my rent.  It makes me feel ok spending so much, since really, I’m getting so much free of charge, and in my case, since I’m a block from the popular concert spot that is Speedway Meadows, I’m in the perfect locale to enjoy it with ease.  Lucky me.  West Fest lasts all day starting at 9am, but getting there early will be best if you have to park.  Try to take public transit though – better for everyone’s sanity.  Enjoy – it’s on of the last ones for the season, so take it all in!

Peace and love Xo

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Ever been walking along a street that’s super familiar and then you look up and notice a store, a café, anything cool and unique that you’ve never seen before?  I love this about San Francisco.  Every neighborhood is unique and different, and each boasts endless restaurants and shops that can always surprise.  How it happens that you pass by something a million times without seeing it, I’ll never know, but I’m always happy when it eventually does.  In my own neighborhood, the Richmond, this phenomenon is no different.  The

Richmond, while not as trendy as the Marina or hipster as the Mission, boasts a laid back beachy vibe, regardless of the infinite fog.  While walking to my local coffee spot a while back, I noticed for the first time this delectable bakery window filled with scones of every kind and pastries stuffed with fruit and crème and deliciousness.  I had to go in!  John Campbell’s Irish Bakery turned out to be quite the find.  Everyone simply has to experience it.  Besides scones and sweet breakfast treats, they have these breakfast sandwiches that are old world Irish and insanely delicious.  Freshly grilled sausages, cheese, eggs, and bacon falling out of just from of the oven ‘bap’ – freshly baked Irish bread.  Heaven.  This place has a wonderful aura that invites you in on a lazy weekend day.   Because it’s not very big, it’s not ideal for sit down eating, but, if you are in the neighborhood on the way to the park or live in the area, it’s the spot to hit for fantastic to-go fare.  And, at under $10, you’ll also save some green… How very Irish.

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