As you sit in the completely packed space, you are given a menu that consists of about eight choices that change depending on the night.  Mission Street Food hosts guest chefs each night, and so every visit is ensured to be a different experience.  They are almost like tapas, where everything is mini – this keeps it affordable, as well.  We had a vegan wonton miso dish, wonton shrimp in a crab bisque sauce, short ribs with mashed potatoes (the beef literally fell apart… delicious!), and salmon cakes with polenta, among other delights.  Each was delectable and different, leaving us wanting more (which we quickly satisfied by ordering a second and even third round).  We even brought two bottle of wine and paid a really minimal corkage.  Amazing.  You get the meal of a high-end restaurant  (chefs come from places such as Gary Danko’s) and the vibe of the Mission.  Can’t get better than that.

The pièce de résistance of this wonderful hot spot is the giving aspect to their little operation.  While they are raising money for newer kitchen equipment through private donation now, all of the proceeds of the restaurant, above and beyond the cost of the food, goes to a charity of the guest chef’s choice.  Servers only work for tips.  How amazing is that?!  It’s a full-time charitable restaurant.  Now that’s a true San Francisco innovation.  Enjoy!

Peace and love Xo

Once in, you order straight away (cash only, keep in mind) so your food can start to cook before you sit (how efficient!).  It’s the cutest place too – small and quaint, with hints of old world charm.  Then the food comes out and all other stimulus turns into white noise.  Gorgeous presentation combined with mouth-watering ingredients makes for a spectacular Sunday brunch experience.  A

favorite of my group, and a must try, was the Monte Cristo sandwich.  Ham and turkey on warm bread, toasted with cheese, then egg battered and fried – they pair this delight with a sweet jam for the perfect savory/sweet blend.   I mean, are you kidding me?  It’s perfect!

All this and the service is impeccable, too.  They are friendly, fast, and your glass is never empty, whether it be water, coffee, or something stronger.   I can’t recommend this place enough.  Go try Mama’s if you haven’t, and if it’s one of your favorites too, I’ll see you in line.

Peach and love Xo

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

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.

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

Then over to the Marina to hit up the Apple Store (very Silicon Valley of me, don’t you think?) and grab lunch, and we walked all over the district to find something not only tasty (of course), but also a place that allowed us to eat in a relaxed spot al fresco.  Popular to most, the Bay Area burger chain, Barney’s, is a delicious find whether it’s in the East Bay or Noe Valley.  In the Marina, though, is something special.  First of all, I don’t think you can get a better burger in the City than at Barney’s – any of the chain.

It’s fresh, perfectly cooked to order, and they have about 20 different types to choose from in case you don’t necessarily feel like a regular old cheeseburger (think any type of topping – very gourmet).  We ordered a Caesar salad to split, then also split the Three Cheese Burger cooked medium rare with a side of skinny cut fries.  The burgers are huge, so if you have similar tastes, it’s great to share whenever possible (particularly those of us who are being budget conscious).  This can be hard, because usually the guys can pack these away entirely (who am I kidding… so can I.  Not a bad way to get stuffed though, I say…yum!) 

Why I think the Marina locale, specifically, is something worth making a special trip for (because I really love the Noe Valley location, too) is their back patio.  It’s this gorgeous tree covered and hidden away spot that has both picnic tables and regular tables mixed together to create a really intimate and relaxing place to spend a lazy Sunday.  The crowd is the always present Marina ‘hung over bunch’, and while spending the night at the bars with this group I could usually live without, Sundays in the Marina are always subdued as most people either aren’t awake and coherent, or they just want to relax and recoup (the small minority are up at 6am running and have been more productive in 2 hours than I’ll be all Sunday… but they’re not eating burgers so the joke’s on them).  On a beautiful day, this is definitely a place to go with either a group of friends for an early lunch, or for a late lunch date in the warm sun with your honey.  Right now there are flowers in bloom, so it gives off an especially lovely feel.  The service, too, is great here – no frills and overpowering niceties, but they get you what you need quick and the food comes out delicious and hot.   Definitely a burger place find.  Now all we need is weather like this more often than once in the summer, and we’d be all set.  Happy eats.

Peace and love Xo

If you are interested in experiencing a little taste of Northern Italy right here in San Francisco, and you don’t want to make the trek to North Beach – which boasts great food but horrible parking – I suggest heading over to Presidio Heights (my favorite neighborhood these days) for the taste and feel of Italy at its best.  I wanted to try somewhere new, and decided the locally celebrated – but hidden – spot, Sociale, would be perfect. I had heard good things, but being so

tucked away and “alone”, so-to-speak, amidst the throng of Italian restaurants in the City, I hadn’t ventured there – until now.

When you first walk up to this little treasure, you are greeted with a long pathway that is covered with a flowered veil, and home to a small florists shop on your right. If gives off a delightful aromatic fragrance that instantly calms and makes you feel relaxed. As you get to the restaurant, there is a small veranda to the right with people sitting outdoors under twinkle lights and heat lamps. Classic. I only glanced inside, as I requested somewhere romantic and, thus, was placed on the terrace, but it seemed romantic and lush with hues of yellow and gold with some dark mahogany thrown in for effect. The service here is exceptional – just enough face time with your server, but plenty of alone time. Starting off with a glass of red wine and some bread, it was the perfect temperature outside, even in this balmy San Francisco climate. Thanks God for heat lamps! We had the Ricotta Gnocchi and the Grilled New York Steak cooked rare, and each was unique and savory. The steak was perfectly cooked to our order, and was placed on a bed of greens with a cardoon and artichoke galette. The gnocchi, while very different than the sauce lathered variety that you’ll often find on the Italian restaurant circuit, was amazingly fresh and light, with veggies that seemed to be picked from the garden – scrumptious! For dessert, we split the beignets, and while I have had better at other places, they were a great way to end the meal, being paired with a blackberry glaze that you could dip them in.

The biggest highlights for this place, which I touched on briefly, are definitely the atmosphere and ambiance. You walk in off the street, and are instantly calmed and relaxed, as the actual restaurant looks to be as picturesque as a restaurant would be in the Italian countryside. It’s a converted Victorian, so it gives you the feel of being intimate, but is also spacious in contrast. The décor is so romantic and fun, with twinkle lights and flowers decorating every nook and cranny of the patio. Even with the staff in more formal wait clothes, it still seems to give off an air of comfort with understated elegance – not too flashy as to make you feel uncomfortable, and no snobbery, which is something I cannot tolerate in a restaurant, no matter how high end. I highly recommend this place for a different take on Italian cuisine that will convert into a perfect date night. You will be taken to a new world with this one, so definitely check it out.

Peace and love Xo

Every time I am Downtown, I am surprised at the lack of good, cheap eats.  It seems that with the influx of tourists comes pricey menus that are not usually worth it.  Not only that, but they also always close super early, as if people only need to eat during the day and if, God forbid, at night, only before 9pm.   I was with some friends, one of whom lives right in the heart of the Downtown

shopping district, and we, like most people, wanted to get something to eat, only it was past 8:30pm…  Imagine my pleasure then at discovering a great little sushi spot nearby that’s open late and has tasty sushi, for reasonable prices.  Perfect.  Dojima-Ann, on O’Farrell St. between Cyril Magnin St. and Powell St., has lovely service and delicious sushi – a real treat in an area that doesn’t usually boast a lot of affordable fare that’s also high quality.  While not much to look at externally or internally, the people are both efficient and friendly, and again, it’s yummy, so décor is the last thing you think about.  There was a short wait here, so be prepared to hang out and talk for about 10 minutes – other than that, no complaints.

We ordered a variety of rolls, from the Spicy Tuna (which was actually really hot and spicy, wonderfully enough) to some flavorful salmon Nigiri.  Everything was fresh and smelled fantastic (which is always a test for me at sushi places).  The dining area was packed, and because of this, proved to have a lively atmosphere and fun ambiance, despite the lack of frilly decoration.  It’s an eclectic Downtown crowd, which is always an interesting mixture of tourists and local inhabitants. 

Prices range from $5 – $10 per roll/entrée, so it’s easy to have this place as one of your regular spots if you’re in Downtown often.  If you’re like me, it’s good to have a few of these in each neighborhood, that way if you have friends from out of town visiting (which, since we live in such an incredible city, happens more often than you would think) you have some spots in mind at all times that everyone can afford and are also tasty and fun.  Two key things when hosting friends in the City. 

Enjoy this ‘cheap eats’ spot – just because we’re a little broke as a nation, doesn’t mean we in the City have to stop pursuing the hunt for great cuisine!

Peace and love Xo

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

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