San FranCelia

I’ve recently tried to cut down on my meat consumption, mostly for health reasons, but also because industrial farming gets worse and worse by the day, and it just makes me sad (and sick to know what I’m eating via animal fat…seriously.  Watch Food, Inc. Ew.).   During this valiant effort, I’ve gotten to check out some great vegetarian restaurants, which is a definite bonus!  One of the best parts of eating out in San Francisco is the ambiance.  Each neighborhood is so unique and has it’s own vivacious glow that pulls you in every time.  One of my favorite districts, which is kind of random but super central and hip, is NOPA (that’s north of the Panhandle for all of you out of towners).  There are some great stores, restaurants, and even a great Sunday Farmer’s Market in this little pocket of the City.

I recently tried the vegetarian eatery Herbivore in this locale, and it was delicious and super fresh.  They have a massive menu, so you don’t feel limited, and there are options for people on more than just a veggie diet – gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.  Very awesome!  I had a delicious salad full of rice noodles, fruit, and nuts, paired with a fresh organic berry smoothie.  I felt healthier after eating, which if you are like me is usually not the case.  It’s affordable, too, at under $10 for most lunch options.   And remember that ambiance is key – outside patio seating is available in the back AND front at this trendy joint.  Eating in the back is slightly more subdued than the front, which in this neighborhood allows for some great people watching.  And trust me, in this region of the City, you will NOT be disappointed at the people to watch – and lucky for us, with a spot like Herbivore, you won’t be with the food either.

Peace and love Xo

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I know, I know… I haven’t posted in ages.  How could I leave the city of San Francisco alone for so long, you must be wondering, and it’s true; I’ve been away MUCH too long.  The health stuff mentioned in my last few posts has been keeping me away, but I’m hoping to be back in full force this New Year, with better and better haunts for everyone to try.

A place I’ve recently discovered will definitely be added to this list, I’m sure.  I’ve gone on a gluten and dairy-free diet as of late, and this is one of the places that has options galore for a high-maintenance gal like me.  Thai Spice, located on Polk Street in between

Clay and Washington serves up some of, if not the, best Thai I’ve had in the City.  With rice noodles and coconut milk being their staple ingredients, Thai has fast become one of the food options that I can still go out and eat with naught a worry.  Not only is their establishment located in the fun and hip location of Nob Hill, but everything from the tables to the décor to the amazing dishes you are served are presented like, well, presents.  Wonderful ambiance and feel then leads you in to some downright amazing Thai food.  Not only do they have the best Pad Thai I have ever eaten, but their other dishes are equally as remarkable and leave you wanting to try everything on the menu.  Dishes to definitely check out – the Pumpkin Curry with tofu or chicken and the Spinach Rolls appetizer.  Both are simply incredible, and I have no doubt from the ooh’s and ah’s from friends that the other dishes leave nothing to be desired – except maybe a second helping (portions aren’t small though, so you really won’t even have to worry about that).  There are plenty of wines, beers, teas, and Thai teas to pair with these dishes, as well, which make for a fun outing anytime.

Service is easy and relaxed, where they know what is in their food and also can suggest favorites.  It’s not a pretentious, overly expensive place though looks swanky from all aspects.  I don’t know how they do it, but that God they do.  It’s rare to find an affordable, delicious, and all around relaxing spot in such a posh neighborhood, but Thai Spice is breaking the mold and doing it night after night.  Definitely check out this healthy and delicious spot that will keep you craving it long after you leave.

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To be a true San Franciscan, you must be a fan (at least in part) of the Giants.  Now I’m not going to pretend that I’m that into watching baseball on TV – I mean, come on… it’s about 10 minutes of actual play time, and the rest is just watching what I like to call “fat athletes” – think golfers (yeah, you know what I mean) – stand around looking intense and only slightly interested in the game at hand.  However, when I go to AT&T Park on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, the game takes on a whole new feel.  You walk up to the stadium, which is located in the SOMA district of the City, and the huge brick structure of the stadium feels reminiscent of a time when baseball truly was America’s favorite pastime. It’s extremely beautiful, and very welcoming in a way.  Right on the water, it’s easy to see the ocean from your seats, which adds a very luxurious and unique feel to the game.  Being such a new stadium – it opened to the public in 2000 – everything has that shiny and fresh feel, which is always fun.  A night at AT&T Park is the perfect event for almost anything.  You can go on a date (makes the men happy as clams when you make sporting events dates, don’t ya’ know), work get-togethers, or family outings.  You can get extremely cheap tickets in the bleachers, which aren’t even bad seats.  In fact, that’s where the home run balls head most of the time.  Definitely makes for an enjoyable night.

I went to the park for their game against the Marlins recently (we won!), and it was such a perfect night at the ballpark.  Being on

the water, it can get chilly, so the food vendors have wised up and started selling things in the crowd like hot chocolate and warm cookies.  Not what you think of normally for a baseball game, but this is San Francisco, after all – it’s all about being comfortable and contemporary.  Of course all of the regular options are available, so we decided to go with the old stand-bys – hot dogs, peanuts, beer, and kettle corn.  Delicious!  It’s pricey of course, but well worth it while enjoying the game.  Everything comes in large portions, so it’s best for your wallet and your waistline if you share.  The group I was with – my honey’s work colleagues – was super fun.  One of his co-workers visiting from India hadn’t ever seen a game before.  What a fun treat to be at his first game!  He was explained the rules, and from that point on was glued to the diamond’s action.  It’s fun when you see someone light up from a baseball game – it’s truly an enjoyable  American sport where the ambiance and thrill of the stadium, food, and crowd takes you away for awhile.  It certainly gives me motivation to watch sports. 

A definite must, hit up a summer game, as not only is it a San Francisco tradition, it’s also a blast for everyone involved.  The long summer nights make for a really fun way to spend not only a weekday evening, but a weekends night, as well, as most people go out afterwards in the area making the scene both casual and rowdy (especially after a win!).    With this type of experience at the game, you really might not care if you ever get back.  Enjoy!

Peace and love Xo

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