summer 2012
SAN FRANCISCO
$4.95
Leave Your Heart in San Francisco
10 Spots That Will Make You
Fall in Love
Why Travel Anywhere Else? Savor a Melting Pot of Flavor & Culture
Fore! 5 Tips to Add 20% More Distance to Your Drive
Go Where Tour Buses Aren’t Allowed Discover San Francisco On Foot
maps,entertainment & food
loaded with activities,
in San Francisco and the Bay Area
VISIT THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
Experience the amazing sights and sounds of the animal kingdom in this urban escape by the ocean.
W I L D S AV I N G S AT S A N F R A N C I S C O Z O O KIDS FREE WITH A PAYING ADULT
Present this coupon to receive one FREE child admission (4-14 years old) with the purchase of one adult general admission. One free admission per coupon. Children 3 and under are free. For more information and directions visit www.sfzoo.org. Expires September 3, 2012. Not to be combined with any other offer.
contents summer 2012
on the cover 18 Leave Your Heart in San Francisco
10 Spots That Will Make You Fall in Love
18
26 Go Where Tour Buses Aren’t Allowed 25
Discover San Francisco on Foot
28 Why Travel Anywhere Else?
Savor a Melting Pot of Flavor & Culture
34 Fore!
5 Tips to Add 20% More Distance to Your Drive
28
explore 10
Welcome to Your Bay Area Getaway!
12
Map: San Francisco City
14
Map: Bay Area
15
Map: San Mateo City
16
Map: Peninsula
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Map: Half Moon Bay
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Discover the Beauty of Filoli
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getaway san francisco
10 Real to Real: Photographs from the Traina Collection now on display at the deYoung Museum
Make it a Summer of
Photo by Justin Miel
SCIENCE!
650.342.7755 | www.CuriOdyssey.org 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
CODE: SUMMER 2012
Bring this ad to receive one free child admission.
44
36 34
articles
Vol. 1: No. 1 – Summer 2012 Michael J. Low
food 28 Why Travel Anywhere Else? Savor a Melting Pot of Culture + Flavor 31
Chai-Yo Thai
32 Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro
Publisher mike@planmygetaway.com 925-718-5293
Editorial Diane Hansen
Editor-in-Chief diane@planmygetaway.com
Jennifer Jo Loofbourrow Creative Director Helena Fowler
Associate Editor
Advertising Jochen Wenzel
lifesyle
Director of Business Developement jochen@planmygetaway.com 415-806-5838
Kay Ellsworth
Business Relations Support kay@planmygetaway.com
34
PlanMyGetaway.com
5 Tips that Will Add 20% More Distance to Your Drive
the getaway list 13 Local Resources + TV Guide 36 Dining Guide
Isaac Wigley
Director of Social Media
Meghan Burk
Communications Director
Dawn Renee-Rice
Associate Editor
GETAWAY San Francisco is published four times a year: Winter: Dec 15–Mar 14, Spring: Mar 15–Jun 14, Summer: Jun 15–Sep 14, Fall: Sep 15–Dec 14 by GETAWAY San Francisco 218 Jasmine Way, Danville, CA 94506, Phone: 925-718-5293. No part of this periodi-
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Shopping Guide
48
Activities Guide
cal may be reproduced or duplicated without the express written permission of GETAWAY San Francisco. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual subscription rate is $28. All payments in U.S. funds only. For subscription information, please contact us at kay@planmygetaway.com or send your name, mailing address and a check for $28 to GETAWAY San Francisco Subscriptions, GETAWAY San Francisco 218 Jasmine Way, Danville, CA 94506.
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from the editor
Welcome to San Francisco and the Bay Area!
If you haven’t left your heart in San Francisco yet, it will be positively leaping from your
chest by the end of your trip. Whether this is your first time in our area, or your hundredth, you will find that there is always something new to discover. I’ve been here for years, and I unearth a new gem every day! New restaurants are opening up all the time. Unique experiences are around every corner. No matter what you like to do, where you like to go or how you like to vacation, the city of San Francisco and the Bay Area has it! It’s truly the perfect vacation destination. This issue, I wanted to give you something unique—the opportunity to revitalize your spirit, discover new flavors and embrace the traditions of the past. This area is a salad bowl of culture. Everything retains its individual flavor, shape, color, texture and flair. Yet, when you consume it as a whole, it’s simply delicious! I want you to savor everything San Francisco and the Bay Area have to offer. Yes, you may need to hop in a car and drive away from the city to uproot some of the area’s gems. I can assure you, though, it’s more than worth it!
You are holding something very special in your hands right now, dear traveler. You are
holding the very FIRST issue of GETAWAY San Francisco. You will find GETAWAY magazines in hotel rooms throughout the nation. However, this is the first time GETAWAY has graced this great area. What does this mean for you? GETAWAY isn’t like any other travel magazine you may have read. It’s like having a friend in the area you are visiting—a cool friend who knows where to go, what to do and how to find all of those neat hidden gems that will make your friends back home incredibly jealous. You can reach out to me personally online, via our Facebook page, or email me any time you like to let me know about your experiences. This magazine is fueled by the passion of those who visit our great area. If you found something amazing or had a good time following one of our recommendations, please contact me through one of the methods below. I can’t WAIT to hear from you! Contact GETAWAY San Francisco
Diane Hansen Editor-in-Chief
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getaway san francisco
planmygetaway.com
diane@planmygetaway.com
/getawaysanfrancisco
@getawaysf
summer 2012
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explore
Welcome to Your Bay Area Getaway! Summer in San Francisco and the Bay Area—you never really know what you will get. All you know is what you experience will enrich your life, enliven your spirit, and speak to your soul. No matter how you like to play, our area has your playground. Each neighborhood is distinct, full of life and opportunities for new things to try, people to meet and photos to capture. The beauty of San Francisco and the Bay Area is unmatched. So, get your camera ready to capture some memories.
San Francisco Few cities have old-world charm artfully combined with modern style, convenience, amenities and activities. San Francisco feels like a cross between a European city, with all of the action and activity of New York, stirred up with the laid back charm that only California can provide. San Francisco has a little something for everyone, no matter what your mood or taste. So, get out there and explore!
Why we love San Francisco: Museums! San Francisco is home to the finest collections in the world. It’s no wonder that renowned fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier decided to bring his exhibit here. Now through Aug. 19 at the deYoung Museum,
you can experience fashion
like never before, as you are whisked away from the catwalk and into a wonderland of delight filled with talking mannequins and astounding fashion in The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Gaultier partnered with Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagne de Crèation in the design of 30 animated mannequins who talk and sing in playful and poetic vignettes. Running until Sept. 16 is Real to Real: Photographs from the Traina Collection, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk now on display at the deYoung Museum
a documentary style photo exhibition that celebrates photography’s fundamental richness and plasticity and draws upon the dynamic collection of San Francisco native Trevor Traine. deyoung.famsf.org
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getaway san francisco
Marin County/ North Bay Don’t call it the suburbs, because Marin County and the North Bay are far from it. Each town in this outlying area of San Francisco has a flavor and a charm all its own. Every single one of them is worth a visit—although you may be hard pressed to visit them all in one day!
Why we love Marin County/North Bay: Unique shopping and lazy strolls! Pick a town and you will find delicious eats and shopping treats around every corner. Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San
They feature only the freshest organic and
Rafael, Tiburon, Point Reyes—this is
locally grown produce as well as organic
the no chain zone, filled to the brim
beef. Delicioso! donpicosbistro.com
with adorable mom-and-pop places that
Half Moon Bay
will positively capture your heart. Our favorite, this issue, is downtown San Rafael. This vibrant downtown shopping district is filled with a mixture of Victorian buildings, ethnic restaurants and quaint shops. It’s the perfect place to meander the day away, relax, eat and find some really cute trinkets to take home. visit-
Half Moon Bay is a little slice of paradise
Why we love The Peninsula: Food, food
within easy driving distance of the city.
and more food! Yes, San Francisco has
Here you will find breathtaking, panoramic
a lot of up-and-coming restaurants and
ocean views.
flavors praised the world over. But, if
Why we love Half Moon Bay: Golf! Half
San Francisco is where you go to taste
Moon Bay is home to the Half Moon Bay
the next new thing, The Peninsula is the
Golf Links,
foodie stop for pure, authentic flavors, old
The Peninsula
with postcard perfect ocean views and
family recipes and a whole lot of heart.
old Scottish charm. The Ocean Course is
You can feel the love at each and every
The Peninsula separates the San Francisco
challenging and is a must-play if you have
restaurant—and the personality too! While
Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The cities in
ever wanted to swing the sticks with a
you are in the area, stop by Don Pico’s
this area, like Marin County/North Bay, are
perfect ocean breeze at your back. The Old
Original Mexican Bistro
packed with charm.
enjoy an organic Mexican food experience.
marin.org
in San Bruno and
an awe-inspiring set of courses
Course is an American classic. It weaves around lakes, through cypress and coastal pines, finishing on one of the highest ranked golf holes in the world. Check out our article about the five things to do to
San Francisco/Bay Area Event Calendar What is this? This is a QR Code. Simply scan it with your smart phone with a QR Code reader. You can pick up one for free in the AppStore (if you have an iPhone) or the Google Play Store (if you have an Android). This one will take you to our Event Calendar. Others will take you to valuable content that will enhance your experience with our magazine – videos and so much more. So download, scan, and get ready to have some FUN!
improve your golf swing before you go. Then, brace yourself for the best day on the green you have ever had. hmbgolflinks.com If you would like to learn more about other parts of the Bay Area, write us via the email address on our masthead for subscription information. We will be expanding into more areas as our magazine grows. summer 2012
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guide
Local Resources + TV Guide Getaway is your guide for all things local. If you can’t find what you need within the pages of our magazine, contact one of these local resources Take Public Transportation Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) 510-465-2278 bart.gov San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MUNI) 415-701-2311 sfmta.com Get to the Airport Airport Shuttle (SAC) 916-444-0008 www.supershuttle.com Airport Shuttle (SFO) 916-444-0008 www.supershuttle.com Call a Cab DeSoto Cab Company 415-970-1300 desotosf.com Friendly Cab 510-526-3000 friendlycab.com Luxor Cab 415-282-4141 luxorcab.com Yellow Cab 415-970-1300 yellowcabsf.com Check Road Conditions California Department of Transporation 800-427-7623 dot.ca.gov
summer 2012
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getaway san francisco
guide
Local Resources + TV Guide Bay Area Information In Case of Emergency, Dial 911 San Francisco Visitor Information Center 415-391-2000 sanfrancisco.travel Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau 510-839-9000 visitoakland.org Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau 510-549-7040 visitberkeley.com Marin County Convention and Visitors Bureau 415-925-2060 visitmarin.org TV Guide Tune in to your favorite shows on these local channels. Channel
Network
2 KTVU (Oakland)
FOX
4 KRON
MyNetworkTV
5 KCBS
CBS
7 KGO-TV
ABC
9 KQED
PBS
11 KNTV
NBC
12/44 KBCW
CW
60 KCSM (San Mateo) PBS For detailed listings, visit tvguide.com. the getaway list See pages 36-51 for information about San Francisco and Bay Area dining, shopping, and activites.
summer 2012
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I love this area. That’s right. I said it ... for all to hear. I am madly, deeply, crazily in love with San Francisco and, really, the Bay Area in general. Why, you may ask? There are few places on Earth that embody the diversity of character, thought and experience as this. If you are a foodie, you’ll find the most delicious food here. Art? Culture? It’s around every corner.
would like to revise that. I say, you may leave your heart in San Francisco, but bits of your spirit, soul, and mind remain scattered around the Bay Area—just waiting for your return. Here are the top 10 places that hold just a bit
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of my soul. Hopefully, they will become your favorites as well.
Golden Gate Bridge + Golden Gate Park
The first time I saw the Golden Gate Bridge, it took my breath away. There’s something magical about this iconic San Francisco landmark. As you cross it, the majesty of the structure fills you with such a great energy. One of my favorite things to recommend that everyone do, at least once in their lives, is to hike or bike the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a 24-hour a day activity that you can do without
Beauty is everywhere you look and in
paying a toll. If you have an electric bike, you
everything you see. I really hope you brought
may ride it on the sidewalk; however, you are
your camera, because you will have so many
not allowed to use power on the sidewalk.
memories to capture, you may just have to
The sidewalk is for bi-peds and pedalers only
download your photos to your computer daily,
(human powered bikes, people on foot and
so you will have room to take even more
service animals only). Bay City Bikes and are two companies that rent
photos. San Francisco and the Bay Area are
Blazing Saddles
special places. You may have heard the lyrics,
top-of-the-line equipment you can use to bike
“I left my heart in San Francisco.” But, I
the Golden Gate Bridge. summer 2012
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here, and your general admission ticket covers it all! calacademy.org Explore more: While you are in Golden Gate Park, also check out the deYoung Museum
and the Music Concourse.
Natural Beauty San Francisco Botanical Garden:
The
architecture of San Francisco isn’t the only aspect which makes the city feel like it’s in another country; the city’s mild Mediterranean climate allows the San Francisco Botanical Garden to support the thriving growth necessary for conservation of plants from around the world. This includes plants that are no longer found in Golden Gate Bridge Sidewalk Hours Through Nov. 4, 2012 goldengatebridge.org
planetarium, a natural history museum,
Weekdays, except Holidays: EAST sidewalk 5 a.m.–3:30 p.m. WEST sidewalk 3:30–9 p.m. EAST sidewalk 9 p.m.–5 a.m., via remotely controlled security gates located at both ends of the EAST sidewalk. Cyclists press the “buzzer” located near the closed security gate. After security staff locates the cyclist on a security camera, the gate is opened remotely. Cyclists repeat this procedure to get through the security gate at the other end of the sidewalk.
and nearly 40,000 live animals make
Weekends & Holidays: WEST sidewalk 5 a.m.–9 p.m. EAST sidewalk 9 p.m.–5 a.m., using remotely controlled security gate system described above. After your trek across the bridge, unwind in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park stretches along the bay’s coastline for three full miles, east to west. It’s 20 percent larger than New York’s Central Park and is a hub for outdoor activity. If you are looking to relax near the bay, this is the place to do it!
and a four-story rainforest all under one roof! Hundreds of unique exhibits this museum a must-stop on your San
their native habitats. Here, you’ll enjoy 55 acres of pure beauty—landscaped gardens and open spaces filled with over 8,000 types of plants. It’s a sight to been seen! sfbotanicalgarden.org
Francisco travel itinerary. Dive shows,
Explore more: If you are a real plant buff,
penguin feedings, swamp talks—it’s all
don’t miss the Conservatory of Flowers.
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Japantown The first time I visited Japantown, I was actually working for a company
that produced anime. I was fully immersed in Japanese culture during my working hours, so I knew how hard it would be to find REAL Japanese goods. The moment I stepped into Japan Center in Japantown, I knew my search for exceptional Japanese shopping was complete. If you are into J-culture, you will find your fix here. Japan Center is made up of several buildings and a bigger mall. You’ll find Japanese entertainment, music, anime, clothing, food and beverage (even pre-packaged, imported direct from the Land of the Rising Sun!). If you’ve been saving up for a trip to Japan, Japantown is a good primer. Street signs teach basic Japanese, and if you catch it at the right time of year, the Cherry Blossom trees are spectacular. If you plan to return to San Francisco next Spring, plan to attend the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival,
to experience Japanese culture in
an outdoor celebration like no other. sfjapantown.org Another thing Japantown is NOT short on is delicious Japanese food. For sushi, our pick is one of the newer places on the block. It’s only been open a few months, but Kippu has quickly won over the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of Japantown, the food and sheer selection of rolls at Kippu will tantalize every taste bud you have. Be sure to order the Flaming Dragon. True to its name,
Cultural Centers
this semi-cooked/semi-raw roll comes to you wrapped in foil and ON FIRE! As
This is the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a
of press date: Kippu does not have a Web site, but they welcome visits to their
Academy of Sciences:
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restaurant, located at 1707 Buchanan Street, Japantown, San Francisco.
Photo Opportunities
Three things to do in Chinatown:
These two lakes in Golden Gate Park are a must-visit but for very different reasons. Stow Lake is where you want to go if you want to get out on the water on a boat. Spend the day enjoying the lake on a rented boat, have a relaxing picnic on the shore, or just walk around and enjoy the iconic scenery. Spreckels Lake, on the other hand, is known for something very special. It’s a top destination for the hobby of model yacht sailing. On any given day, you can watch model yacht enthusiasts show what their boats can do. Two sanctioned American Model Yachting Association Region 6 Championship regattas will be held at Spreckels Lake this year.
Dim Sum/Traditional Chinese Food: If
Stow/Spreckels Lakes:
• Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1: The Colonel Bart Trophy Regatta (Santa Barbara class sailboats) • Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8: Region 6 Championship Regatta (Footy class sailboats)
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Chinatown San Francisco Chinatown is the
you are going to the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America, you have to seek out the best food! Our Associate Editor’s favorite place to satisfy her desire for fresh, hot, delicious, authentic Chinese dim sum is City View. Select your favorites from the carts that visit each table, order from their menu or indulge in both. You’ll find City View on the skirt of Chinatown in the Financial District at 662 Commercial Street. Chinese Games: You may have seen or played Mai Jong, Chinese chess or Chinese checkers before, but there’s nothing quite like buying an authentic set, then heading down to Empire Park at Kearny Street and Commercial Street
Chinatown. You can buy your cheongsam
to play. This quaint park is a hidden
off-the-rack at Shanghai Bazaar Oriental
treasure in Chinatown, tucked away
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amidst restaurants and shops with shady spots, metal chairs, benches, and plenty of greenery. Chinese Dresses: Elegant, stylish and form-fitting, the cheongsam, known in
Goods
at 747 Grant Avenue, between Clay
Street and Commercial Street.
The Embarcadero The Embarcadero derives its name
from the Spanish verb embarcar, meaning
largest Chinatown outside of Asia and is the
Mandarin Chinese as the qípáo, was
oldest Chinatown in all of North America.
created in the 1920s in Shanghai and
So, if you are seeking authentic cultural
made fashionable by socialites and upper-
“the place to embark.” This is the place to
experiences, circle Chinatown on your map
class women. Authentic designs can be
embark on your San Francisco adventure,
and get over there as fast as you can.
difficult to find but not in San Francisco’s
if you are looking to have a true visitor’s
“to embark.” Embarcadero, itself, means
experience. Start your adventure with a little shopping at Embarcadero Center. Shop until you drop, then rejuvenate yourself afterward with a little bite to eat. You will find plenty to enjoy amongst more than 70 retail shops and restaurants. Among their newest and most unique shops, with a flair that is pure San Francisco, are Sallumeh, a boutique for men and women with organic and hand-illustrated clothing, Sikara & Co., an inspired shop that sells Modern Fusion Jewelry™ which is a reflection of the founder’s life as a first generation IndianAmerican, and Saffron Rare Threads, a clothing store with classic pieces summer 2012
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Fisherman’s Wharf If you are looking for the best seafood you’ve had in your life, Fisherman’s
Wharf
is the place to find it. San Francisco is a crab fisherman’s port, and you will
find some amazingly fresh Dungeness crab here. At Pier 37, you will find some of the best crab (and views) at Scoma’s Restaurant. Heaping portions of delicious,
fresh seafood are brought to your table. You also will find the best clam chowder and sourdough bread in the world. Put that chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a combination Boudin Sourdough Bakery and Café is known for, and you have pure heaven. To satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to stop by the Candy Barrel, on Jefferson Street, to load up on some real San Francisco saltwater taffy. They have it by the barrel and in just about every flavor you can imagine, even hot-and-spicy! Now, THAT is something to try! fishermanswharf.org
containing unexpected details which carry a vibe of global sophistication. After you are done shopping, take a stroll down the Embarcadero Waterfront. If you are here on a Saturday, keep an eye out for the Farmer’s Market and grab a fresh piece
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Half Moon Bay San Francisco is full of hidden
treasures and marvelous views, but if you want to hit the mother lode of beauty and tranquility, get out of the city and
of fruit from a local grower as you walk.
over to Half Moon Bay. This town skirts
Besides a bevy of shops and activity, this
the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Lined
area delivers the best views of the
with tranquil beaches, two of the most
Bay Bridge.
The Embarcadero is also a
luxe golf courses in the nation and filled
favorite for outdoor fitness enthusiasts, as
with a bevy of recreational activities, Half
well as a departure point for the famous
Moon Bay is a day trip in itself. Start
San Francisco Marathon,
taking place
Sunday, July 29 from 5:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
your day with breakfast and picturesque views at Mullins Bar and Grill, located
at Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Relax with a mimosa and their signature Southwestern Eggs Benedict: two poached eggs over polenta cakes with jalapeño hollandaise and chorizo served with seasonal fresh fruit. After you have had your fill, send the boys off for some world-class PGA golf, while the girls enjoy the day at the Half Moon Bay Spa. Located inside the Ritz-Carlton at One Miramontes Point Road, the most coveted treatment at the Half Moon Bay Spa is the 240-minute “Taste of Half Moon Bay.” This decadent day includes a 60-minute Signature Massage, a Half Moon Bay Facial, and a Half Moon Bay Manicure and Pedicure. The spa also offers hair and nail services, waxing and wedding packages. Fishing, whale watching, horseback riding and eco-tourism are also popular activities in this breathtaking coastal town. halfmoonbaychamber.org
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Napa Valley Wine tours are abundant in Napa
Valley, the California area known for its award winning wines and abundant vineyards. But, have you ever experienced a winery tour via a wine train? The Napa Valley Wine Train pairs fine food and winery tours with a one-of-a-kind Napa tour in the comfort of a plush train. There
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are three restaurants on board to choose from: Vista Dome, a romantic restaurant which delivers almost 180-degree Napa Valley vistas under antique dome windows; Gourmet Express, a luxurious traditional fine dining restaurant with an old-style elegance; and Silverado, a more relaxed barbecue restaurant with a western theme and sliding windows. Winery tours on the Napa Valley Wine Train include lunch or dinner, train fare and a private group tour of one to two Napa wineries—choose from
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Grgich Hills, Valley First, Ambassador, or Domaine Chandon. winetrain.com
San Mateo The charm of San Mateo lies in
the openness of the community, the wide variety of activities and the willingness for locals to share their secrets with visitors. San Mateo is known as the home, or former home, of quite a few people who became notable on a national scale. Football fans will delight to know that Denver Bronco David Binn, three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, Super Bowl XI champion head coach for the Oakland Raiders John Madden, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, and Oakland Raiders fullback Manase Tonga all called San
Mateo home. While you are there, dine where the champions dined at Central Park Bistro, then go toss the pigskin around in Central Park.
June 21–Aug. 9, stick
around Central Park for their free concert series featuring local talent and lots of local flavor. cityofsanmateo.org June 21: Take 2 June 28: Stompy Jones July 5: Pure Ecstasy July 12: Rebel Yell July 19: Julio Bravo July 26: California Cowboys Aug. 2: Bud E. Luv Orchestra Aug. 9: Busta-Groove
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Benicia When I visit Benicia, I feel at peace—complete peace. I don’t know if it’s
the bay, or the tranquil downtown area, or how the most delicious food, best spas and most interesting nightlife are nestled into all of that. One thing is for sure: Benicia is a special place. Benicia is filled with spirit. One sign of that spirit that jumps to life during the summer is “First Fridays on First.” On the first Friday of each month, through October, shops and restaurants turn First Street into a festival venue filled with live music, balloons and fun. Outdoor movies are shown at 9 p.m. near the gazebo at City Park. After the movie, end your day with dinner and a cocktail at
The Rellik Tavern,
0
a unique place that mixes the cool vibe of an ultra-lounge
with a bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop. therelliktavern.com
Mount Diablo State Park
Miles away from the city, but with the city within eye-shot on a clear day, you will find Mount Diablo State Park.
Every season in
the park is special, but the summer is when you will find the mountain’s most beautiful wildflowers. This state park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and has a wide selection of activities for outdoorsmen (and women) of all fitness levels. Follow Mount Diablo’s extensive trail system up the mountain to the Diablo Valley Overlook to see a view of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is
also home to fascinating wildlife and Rock City and Fossil Ridge, a group of distinctive rock formations and rocks with embedded fossils that provide the perfect backdrop for some outstanding vacation photos. Boy Scout Rocks and Sentinel Rock are popular places for rock climbers. Hike or bike to Mount Diablo’s 3,849-foot summit or explore some of the park’s more remote trails by horseback. Yes, you can hike, bike, ride and camp here! One visit to Mount Diablo State Park, and you will be hooked on outdoor adventure—Bay area style! Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset. Park directions call 925-837-2525. So … I have one more thing to ask you … Are you in love, yet? summer 2012
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explore
Discover the Beauty of Filoli
Filoli (Fye-low-lee) Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life. One of the last of the grand nineteenth century estates on the West Coast, Filoli lies just west of Interstate 280, in Woodside at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Minutes from San Mateo and Redwood City, Filoli is known for its Georgian mansion, which appeared in the popular 1980s television series Dynasty, and 16 acres of world famous gardens that captivate visitors with lush beauty. Built by a prominent Gold Rush family, and expanded and enhanced by another well-known Bay Area family, Filoli bedazzles not only with its sumptuous luxury but its stewardship of remaining California landscape. Over 650 acres of beautiful, carefully cultivated land behind Filoli are home to wooded trails and orchards of ancient and rare apples, pears and grapes using a special, unique water system created by Filoli’s first owner, William Bourn II. When William Bourn II discovered he could not tap into his own Crystal Springs Reservoir to supply Filoli’s grounds, he created a unique water supply for Filoli. The results of his endeavors can be seen from the Sunken Garden symmetrical reflecting pool, surrounded by flaming orange and gold tulips and a delicate blue-purple flower called Baby Blue Eyes, to the fog creeping over the mountain ridge marking the property’s western
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getaway san francisco
edge—and everywhere in between. Lurline Matson
Festival, in late September, offers
Roth, heiress to a shipping fortune, is responsible
visitors a special, one-of-a-kind
for the grandeur and beauty of the estate and its
taste of Filoli’s August past. Filoli’s
existence today. Donated in 1975, to the National
Gentleman’s Orchard is the largest
Trust for Historic Preservation, Filoli rivals West
heirloom orchard in private hands
Coast estates such as Hearst Castle and the Annen-
in the United States. The autumn
berg estate in Palm Springs. Filoli receives only
at Filoli Festival extends the oppor-
a portion of its revenue from visitors, most of its
tunity to visitors to
income is derived from special events, memberships
tour the orchards and
and use in movies (The Wedding Planner, Rent,
sample these special
Heaven Can Wait, Joy Luck Club).
heirloom pears, apples
Filoli is host to as many as 1,000 visitors daily. Many are often surprised by the amount of space and the remarkable absence of noise that is singular to the formal gardens between the mansion and the majestic Clock Tower. Unique, unexpected and exquisite characteristics such as this, makes Filoli appealing to history buffs, garden aficionados and anyone interested in life on a grand estate, circa 1915-1975. Thirteen hundred volunteers keep Filoli well-tended and staffed. Filoli’s outreach extends to public schools, arts communities, horticultural circles and the general public. Docents in nature education
and grapes. Orchard tours are also available each Wednesday and
Whether it’s the swimming pool next to the bowling green, the walled gardens, the grand staircase in the mansion, the flowers or the history, Filoli surprises and delights.
Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the summer and fall. The very special, not-to-bemissed, annual 9-Day Holiday Traditions fundraiser begins the Friday after Thanksgiving. Tours of Filoli are offered Tuesday through Saturday for both the Garden and the mansion’s interior, showcasing the ballroom and trophy rooms, with the last tour departing at 1 p.m. Filoli is also open on Sundays, but no docent-led tours are available. The estate also houses a full-service café (try their desserts!) and gift shop. Whether it’s the swimming
receive 15 weeks of training. Open from mid-Feb-
pool next to the bowling green, the walled gardens,
ruary through Oct. 21, Filoli hosts numerous special
the grand staircase in the mansion, the flowers
events throughout the year. On six Sundays, June
or the history, Filoli surprises and delights in a
though September, visitors at Filoli can enjoy
memorable manner. Visit Filoli at 86 Canada Road,
afternoon jazz concerts. The Autumn at Filoli
Woodside, CA. 650-364-8300. filoli.org
summer 2012
25
explore
Go Where Tour Buses Aren’t Allowed
Discover the Beauty of San Francisco on Foot
By Diane Hansen
If I had one piece of travel advice for you, whether you are visiting San Francisco or any other city in the world, it would be to leave some unplanned time in your schedule. Some of the most fascinating vacation experiences are the ones you decide to do on a whim. Too many people schedule themselves to the hilt and, by doing so, miss out on an amazing spur of the moment opportunity. Thankfully, I was living by my own vacation advice when I stumbled upon the Victorian Home Walk for the first time. I tend to “staycation” a lot in San Francisco. After all, it is a world-class vacation destination. What would you do if you could come here any time you want? My stomping ground that morning was Union Square, and it was there my spontaneous Victorian adventure began. I ran into a bubbly gentleman with a bright yellow sign that read, “Victorian Home Walk.” We started a conversation about his tour (shhhh … I didn’t say I’m a travel writer). Come to find out, the tour takes visitors and locals, alike, through 26
getaway san francisco
areas of Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow
used to be a stable! Yes, there are
where the tour buses aren’t allowed to go.
homes and structures throughout San
The tour utilizes San Francisco’s Muni
Francisco that were once stables, and
public transportation system to transport
you will see examples of some of the
tour-takers to Pacific Heights and the
best on this tour.
world famous Queen Anne Hotel, the first location on the tour. The Queen Anne is just one of the many lushly decorated Queen Anne-style Victorian structures you can explore. But, tour-takers can actually go inside the hotel to view elegant Victorian furniture, artwork
My camera got so full, I actually had to backtrack to pre-tour photos and delete the ones that weren’t
Tour-takers can actually go inside the hotel to view elegant Victorian furniture, artwork and décor.
and décor. Your experience will only be enhanced by knowing the Queen Anne Hotel is haunted by a ghost who is considered to be the friendliest ghost in all of San Francisco. Miss Mary Lake was once the head mistress of the all-girls finishing school, which once resided within the building. Miss Mary Lake has been
The photo I captured of the San Francisco
known to pick up pillows, straighten shoes
Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge was
and even tuck guests in at night. You will
breathtaking. I posted it on my Facebook
have 20 minutes to meander around the
page, and my friends thought the exact
Queen Anne Hotel, and admire everything
same thing! The Victorian gardens are
within, before continuing along the street
another feature responsible for filling up
to enjoy your Victorian adventure.
my camera. The flowers were absolutely beautiful! During the summer time, they
There is one thing I was very impressed by:
flourish like you wouldn’t believe. It’s just
The tour guide managed to do a walking
a sight to behold.
tour without any strenuous hills. (There was one little hill; but anyone who has walked in San Francisco can tell you, when you feel like you are climbing more than walking, THAT is a hill.) The lack of hills also left room for my mind to be educated like only the tour guide of the Victorian Home Walk could do. This guy (Jay Gifford, the owner and guide) knew his stuff! I learned to appreciate the difference between Queen Anne, Italianate and Stick Style Victorian architecture. You really learn the difference when you are seeing over 200 meticulously
the absolute best. Being a complete pop culture freak, I got such a kick out of seeing the homes featured in Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, and the TV show Party of Five. Did you know Mrs. Doubtfire was filmed where it was because Robin Williams only lived a few houses away? Now I do, because I learned it on the Victorian Home Tour. You’ll also see where Bill Cosby lived and learn about a few other local celebrities, including author Danielle Steele.
You can see all of this, and learn so much more, on the Victorian Home Walk. The guide arrives every day at Union Square at 10:55 a.m. sharp, with that infamous yellow sign. The tour departs at 11 a.m. every day, rain or shine. They mean it! Bring your San Francisco umbrellas! It’s on! The price for the tour is $25 per person, cash preferred, credit cards are not accepted and you pay after the tour. This includes your bus transportation into the Victorian neighborhoods. No reservations are required. Just show up, like I did! You
restored Victorian homes. What’s more, I
The views you experience on this tour are
will be so happy you did! Call 415-
could clearly tell the difference between
amazing. One of them reminded me of the
252-9485 for information. Check them
something Edwardian and something that
Bay view used in the TV show Charmed.
out online at victorianhomewalk.com summer 2012
27
A Melting Pot of
Culture + Flavor
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getaway san francisco
There’s so much to love about San Francisco and the Bay Area, but, if you are a foodie, this place will send you head over heels. If you crave it, there is a chef who can
Answer: You get Pisco Latin Lounge, a
make it—and make it amazingly well! Here
vibrant San Francisco lounge that serves
are just a few of our favorite spots, which
up Peruvian, Cuban and Bolivian cuisine
span the globe of flavor. Bon Appétit!
in an elegant environment crafted to enhance your Latin American experience.
Bistro Unique SF (French) Deliciously decadent French food, bottomless mimosas for $10 during Saturday and Sunday brunch— seriously, how can you go wrong? Bistro Unique SF opened this year in Cow Hollow on Union Street, and the buzz is building fast! When you visit, start off with the Escargots a la Bourguignonne. Bistro Unique SF serves this delicacy with perfectly crusted bread. The escargots rest in butter, garlic, pesto and pastis with a little balsamic drizzled in, just for fun. For dinner, choose from any of their French specialties: Traditional Cassoulet, Poulet Cordon Bleu, Noix de Coquilles Saint Jacques a la Provencale, their unique Couscous a L’Harissa and many other delights. Finish it all off with their specialty dessert, Marquise au Chocolat, a family-recipe dark chocolate ganache served with brandied cherries— simply mind-blowing! 1849 Union Street San Francisco, CA 415-218-4136 / bistrouniquesf.com
Pisco Latin Lounge
Pisco Latin Lounge is the first pisco bar in the United States. Focused on the South American brandy as a key ingredient, and drawing its spiritual inspiration from San Francisco’s historic Bank Exchange Saloon, “Pisco Punch” was one of America’s first cocktails—invented in the early 1900s. In addition to a wide array of South American cocktails, Pisco Latin Lounge has a tantalizing menu filled with upscale savory modern tapas that are sure to satisfy you. Enjoy one of their three kinds of ceviche; the popular Peruanaso, Peruvian inspired mini-burger served with house made sweet potato chips; La Ropa Vieja del Pastor, a satisfying Cuban slow-braised pork shoulder; Bolitas de Quinoa Frita, fried Bolivian quinoa shitake balls with romesco dipping sauce; and, Camarones Queso de Cabra, tiger prawns with corn-goat cheese salsa among the intriguing offerings. Whenever available, Pisco Latin Lounge uses organic, local and sustainable ingredients. Delicious, international and responsible! 1817 Market Street San Francisco, CA 415-874-9951 / piscosf.com
(Peruvian) Question: What do you get when you take 50 varieties of one of the fastest growing beverages in America, add cutting edge tapas and South American inspired cocktails by Nuevo Latino trailblazer James Schenk, and serve them up in a cool—yet thoroughly hot—setting by one of the Bay Area’s top restaurant designers?
the ambiance and flavors offered by their restaurant, which bears the same name. Bursa cooks fresh Middle Eastern, Turkish and Mediterranean food fresh every day and serves it up with classic hospitality. Bursa makes eating authentic international cuisine quite affordable with their popular $8 lunch menu, which includes a variety of salads, wraps and kebabs. Our favorites: The Falafel Salad stuffed with chevre, feta cheese and golden raisins, served with mixed greens and avocado salsa; the Citrus Chicken wrap with arugula parsley auli, mixed greens, tomatoes and pickles, and pretty much any one of their delicious kebabs, which they serve with orzo, Jasmine rice and salad. Choose from grilled shrimp, chicken, lamb, beef, Kofte (fresh ground lamb and beef mixed with onions and parsley) or Adana (spicy ground lamb and beef). Miss lunch? No problem. Their dinner menu is extensive and absolutely delicious. Try the grilled rack
Bursa (Middle Eastern, Turkish, Mediterranean) The city of Bursa, in northwestern Turkey,
of lamb, succulent lamb with zatar-spiced rice, pistachios, caramelized onions, asparagus and cacik. Lezzetli! (Delicious)
is well known for its rich history, culture,
60 West Portal Avenue
attractions and breathtaking beauty. The
San Francisco, CA
owners of Bursa, translate this feeling into
415-564-4006 / bursa415.com summer 2012
29
Palio D’Asti
Artichokes with Meyer Lemon Aioli are
Asiana
among the antipasti that rotate, while
sophisticated full-service dining destina-
is a new contemporary, casually
(Italian) If you have always wanted to
lunch favorites include entrée-sized salads
tion located in the heart of Westfield’s
visit Italy and eat your way around the
utilizing seasonal seafood and long time
Valley Fair Shopping Centre.
country, Palio D’Asti is the next best thing.
favorite Insalata di Pollo Arrosto with roast
culinary inspiration from the cuisines of
Voted among the top three “Best Italian
chicken, crispy pancetta, gorgonzola dolce,
Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia
Restaurants” in the Bay Area by sfgate.com
and radicchio. Ever popular individual
and Cambodia, Executive Chef Pailin
readers, the menu is a veritable culinary
pizzas might include a sauce-free Red
Chongchitnant has created an authentic
tour of Italy—emphasizing the cooking of
Wine Braised Wild Mushrooms and Pizza
repertoire of dishes for every taste, budget
Piemonte, Emilia Romagna and Tuscany
Siciliana with pork fennel sausage, roasted
and appetite, as well as a refreshing, and
in the fall and winter, Rome and Umbria in
peppers and smoked provolone, while
out of the ordinary, selection of wine, beer,
the spring, and Sicily and Naples in
entrées might be a Spice Crusted Venison
soju and sake cocktails.
the summer.
Chop with horseradish cream, Prime New
From hearty winter soups and braised and
York Strip Steak with bone marrow anchovy
grilled wild game in winter, to house-cured
butter, Marsala Glazed Organic Chicken Breast with sundried tomato tapenade, winter’s Saffron Fisherman’s Stew, late summer’s Grilled Line Caught Hawaiian
Drawing
The appetizers are beyond appetizing: Garlic Pepper Wings topped with fried shallots and served with sweet chili dipping sauce, a Trio of Red, Yellow and Green Curry with Pan-fried Roti flatbread, and Orange Tamarind Shrimp on wonton
If you crave it, there is a chef who can make it—and make it amazingly well!
chips with Thai basil aioli. Soups and salads include tangy Tom Yum chicken soup,
Coconut Lemongrass Seafood soup, Green Papaya Grapefruit salad, and Grilled Steak salad with mint and toasted rice powder. Various noodle and rice plates, as well as vegetable platters of String Beans Amandine in sweet soy sauce and shrimp paste, Thai Basil Eggplant & Tofu and Cauliflower Potato Curry offer a perfect crudo such as Carpaccio di Tonno and
accompaniment to entrees including
salad incorporating stone fruit in warmer
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Green Curry,
weather, the menu offers exceptional value considering its artisan approach. Daily risotto and wood baked gnocchi are joined by historically accurate polentas of
Swordfish with Fried Capers and Heirloom Tomato Salad or any number of hearthealthy Pesce del Giorno (fish of the day).
corn and buckwheat topped with a variety
640 Sacramento Street
of seasonal sugo sauces and up to 10
San Francisco, CA
different house made pastas including,
415-395-9800 / paliodasti.com
Mezzelune alla Monferrina, truffled almond and fontina filled half-moon ravioli floating in broth with fresh spinach—a seasonal staple since the restaurant opened.
Oryza Bistro Asiana
Korean-style Bulgogi Spare Ribs with mango slaw, classic Vietnamese Shaking Beef and Miso Sake Glazed Barramundi Fish. Hungry for dessert? Forget the fortune cookies. Oryza Bistro Asiana does dessert right! Dig in to their Pandan Ginger Crème Brulee, Black Sticky Rice Sundae with caramelized pineapple, and Plantain Foster with coconut ice cream and sesame
(Southeast Asian) Thinking about going
brittle. Decadent!
out for Asian food, but not sure what
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd
Grilled Scallops with Sicilian Sea Urchin
area of Asia you want to eat from? Try
Santa Clara, CA
Caviar and Classic Roman Fried Baby
all of Southeast Asia! Oryza Bistro
408-246-8010 / oryzabistro.com
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getaway san francisco
Chai-Yo Thai Satay, chicken wings, as well as soft and
must order their Panang Curry, sliced
fried spring rolls can be found on the
beef simmered in panang curry, which is
menu. You will also find unique creations
another version of red curry, with coconut
like Golden Bags: Minced shrimp, chicken,
milk, peanut sauce and authentic Thai
potatoes, onions, carrots, and curry powder
spices.
wrapped with rice paper, deep-fried and served with a cucumber salad. Soups
If the fog in San Francisco is clinging to you, and you need a warm up, a hot bowl of Thai soup will get you warm and ready
Do you know the difference between fresh and prepackaged curry? If you don’t, you will as soon as you take your first taste of the freshest curry in San Francisco at Chai-Yo Thai.
The owner visits the local
market several times a week to buy the items she needs to make her family’s treasured curry recipes. She doesn’t stop there, though. Every ingredient is meticulously selected to create some of the most authentic and delicious Thai food we have ever had. One bite and you will be a fresh curry believer! The cuisine at Chai-Yo Thai is a rich blend of sweet and spicy flavors that take your taste buds on an amazing culinary adventure. Every menu item is lovingly prepared
food
to go out again. The soups at Chai-Yo Thai are hearty, healthy and filled with everything you like. Try their specialty, Tom Yum; a spicy and sour soup with prawns, lemongrass, galangal, tomato and mushroom. Or, if you are in the mood for noodles in your soup, slip a spoon into the Spicy and Sour Combo Noodle Soup, a delicious combination of ground pork, fish ball and roasted red pork with ground peanuts in a spicy broth. You can choose from flat rice noodles, rice stick noodles, vermicelli or egg noodles. Mmmmm … warming up never tasted so good. Salads
Salads at a Thai place? You know it! Chai-Yo Thai’s salads are more than a meal and are distinctly Thai. Try their specialty,
We could go on and on about the extensive menu at Chai-Yo Thai: barbecue, traditional sautéed dishes, noodle dishes, rice dishes and so much more. The food is amazing. Often, though, you will see people stopping in just for a drink. Their non-alcoholic selection of Thai milk drinks and teas is impressive. The Milk Lullaby, a combination of cold 2% milk with a touch of red Sara syrup and condensed milk is enjoyed regularly by students in Bangkok before their afternoon nap. If you want to wake up, more than sleep, stop in for one of their specialty teas (hot or cold), smoothies, Thai Iced or Hot Tea or any of their delightful desserts. There is also a Mitchell’s ice cream shop right next door, owned by the same family, stocked with both traditional and unique international ice creams, they also have a sweet selection of cakes and Thai specialty desserts. Hop over to Mitchell’s or order it from your table. You could read about this wonderful restaurant, or you can do like we did and
Som Tum Thai, a blend of shredded green
just GO!
papaya, tomatoes, green beans, carrots
1331 Polk Street
Curry dishes are certainly a specialty at
and peanuts tossed in chili-lime dressing.
San Francisco, CA
Chai-Yo Thai but, by far, it isn’t the only
Refreshing!
415-771-2562 chaiyosf.com
and comes to your table beautifully styled.
style of Thai food on the menu. In fact, the menu spans a wide range of Thai delights.
Curries
So no matter what type of Thai you are in
Curry is a staple of Thai cuisine. Yellow,
the mood for, Chai-Yo Thai can deliver.
green, red … it’s all so good. Chai-Yo Thai changes up its curry offerings
Appetizers
regularly. Check the menu, and be sure
Small bites are the perfect start to an
to ask your server if anything new is
enjoyable meal. Chai-Yo Thai puts every
available. When we were there, they
bit of attention to detail and flavor into
had a yellow curry seafood dish, served
their appetizers as they do their entrees.
in a hollowed out pineapple—beautiful
Traditional Thai appetizers such as Chicken
and delicious! If you love beef, you summer 2012
31
Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro
food
Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro has plenty of vegetarian options, as well. You’ll love the Zucchini Enchiladas Suisas, sautéed zucchini wrapped in corn tortillas with a tomatillo lime sauce. Be sure to save a little room for dessert, because they are UNBELIEVABLE! One dessert item Don Pico’s is absolutely famous for is their flan—and they have so many kinds! Get your spoon and enjoy
They say the best restaurants are hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop stops. Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro
takes
mom-and-pop to a whole new level. In this case, mom is Herlinda and pop is Isaac (pronounced E-Zock) Mejia, longtime residents of San Bruno and immigrants from the Mexican state of Sonora. The restaurant opened its doors in 1975, but, through the years, the entire family has become involved in running the business. Today, Don Pico’s has become synonymous with Mexican comfort food, and the restaurant is run by mom and pop’s son,
cheese, grilled steak, grilled chicken, fish
Tamarindo Flan, Herlinda’s Homemade
or chorizo. Or, go with a hearty soup. The
Flan, Mango Flan, Abuelita’s Mexican
soups have a Mexican and Italian influence,
Chocolate Flan … or order a few kinds and
like the Mariscada Italiana, a medly of
share with the table!
stewed clams, mussels, shrimp, fish and calamari in a luscious tomato, wine and garlic sauce. Or, go pure traditional with Albondigas Classicos, a rich beef broth with homemade sirloin meatballs, carrots, zucchini, tomato and onions. Enjoy it with homemade rice. Chef Issac’s menu is packed with variety. True lovers of Sonora-style Mexican food will delight in the unique fusion of dishes present there.
Other delicious delights include Alfajores, Mexican caramel-filled flaky cookies, Strawberry French Vanilla Ice Cream, Mango Ice Cream Sopapilla, Hazelnut Sopapilla, Chocolate Chimichanga, Pastel de Tres Leches and Crème Brulee. The menu is a clear homage to Chef Isaac’s international training. Then again, so is the décor! Chef Isaac decorated the restaurant with furniture and art he collected over the years during his travels.
also named Isaac Mejia. The younger chef
Our favorites
You should definitely bring your camera,
Isaac added his own flavor to what his
Halibut Encebollado – Pan-crusted halibut
because the décor alone is worth showing
parents began, enhancing the menu of
filet smothered with caramelized onions,
tried-and-true traditional Mexican dishes.
garlic, red ripe tomatoes and cilantro.
He used his training from master chefs
Paella a la Valenciana – Don Pico’s own
throughout the world in Japan, England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Peru and, of course, Mexico, to enhance the flavor of his dishes. Start out with an internationally-influenced appetizer, like the Ginger Pork Empanadas, Crab Cakes, Queso Fundido or an Appetizer Sampler which features Mexican classics
saffron reduction fume with chorizo, black olives, shrimp, chicken, mussels and fish.
off to your friends back home. Inside, you will find large mirrors which came from Harry Denton’s. The chandeliers are of Austrian crystal, from the World Trade Center at the San Francisco Ferry Building. The booths are from Original Joe’s on
Mexican Jambalaya – Chorizo braised
Powell Street; the large paintings are from
chicken, prawns, whole beans, rice and
the movie Citizen Kane with Orson Welles.
peppers in jambalaya sauce.
The chairs are from Frankie Valli’s club,
Carnitas Yucatan – Don Pico’s most
Coconut Grove, and the sombreros are
requested dish, braised and shredded,
1920s antiques that Chef Isaac acquired
toasty, tender pork meat marinated in
from a private collector.
citrus and slow cooked to perfection.
Exceptional food in a fun collector-quality
Mmmmm!
environment. Ole! Let’s eat!
your main course. Choose a Senora-style
Tampiquena – A delicious grilled skirt steak
461 El Camino Real
traditional favorite, which you can have
over savory French fries with a cheese
San Bruno, CA
with shredded beef, ground beef, chicken,
enchilada, guacamole and pice de gallo.
650-589-1163 / donpicosbistro.com
like jalapeño peppers, a cheese quesadilla, taquitos, guacamole and nachos. After you have shared with the table, it’s time for
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summer 2012
33
lifestyle
Tips that Will Add 20% More Distance to Your Drive
The right wind-speed, wind direction, your energy level, your good luck ball marker—when you are out on the links, you look for any advantage or edge you can get to add yards and bring your score down. Sometimes, adding oomph to your game can be as simple as getting back to basics and remembering that Mother Nature isn’t the only factor between a good day on the green and a great one.
34
getaway san francisco
1 2 3
: Railroad It
Railroads were meticulously laid to get cargo from Point A to Point B in the most effective way possible. Think of your ball path as a train track and the ball as your cargo. Point your clubface toward the outer track and your feet, hips and shoulders toward the inner. The smaller the club number, the more you should move the ball forward on the track.
: Weigh Your Options
Getaway’s Favorite Golf Courses
in the Bay Area Half Moon Bay Golf Links Ocean Course Old Course
Don’t let your intense concentration let you forget your knees. Make sure they stay soft,
Two Miramontes Point Road
slightly bent—not locked. Start your swing with your weight distributed evenly on each
Half Moon Bay, CA
leg, but put more weight on your back leg as you go into your swing, shift that weight to
650-726-1800
your front leg and follow through.
halfmoonbaygolf.com
: Cradle It
Lincoln Park Golf Course 300 34th Avenue
Don’t strangle it. Golf may be a great stress reliever, but it shouldn’t be
San Francisco, CA
because you took out all of your frustration on your grip. Check the color of
650-759-3700
your hands. If it’s any different than when you are writing with a pen, loosen
lincolnparkgc.com
that grip. Cradle the club just enough to keep your hands on it and maintain control through your swing.
4
: Point the Way
Marin Country Club 500 Country Club Drive Novato, CA 415-382-6700 marincountryclub.com
The next time you head out, wear a belt. Not only will it keep your pants up, it will give you a great barometer for ball direction. As you swing through, point your belt buckle in the direction you want your ball to go. If you are set up right (see the tips above), the ball will follow your command.
5
: Law of Attraction
Bad golf games come when fatigue and
Peacock Gap Golf Club 333 Biscayne Drive San Rafael, CA 415-453-4940 peacockgapgolfclub.com Presidio Golf Course 300 Finley Road San Francisco, CA 415-561-4661 presidiogolf.com
frustration set in. Keep your game upbeat by repeating a positive affirmation before
TPC Harding Park
each swing. Find one that energizes you.
99 Harding Road
Our favorite: “This baby is going to fly!”
San Francisco, CA 94132
And, you know what? She does!
415-664-4690 tpc.com
summer 2012
35
dining guide
The Getaway List >> dining
36
getaway san francisco
of their sophisticated wine as it flows over
order online and have their food conveniently
your tongue in a river of flavor. 60 West Portal,
delivered right to your door! Chai-Yo Thai
Amici’s Pizza
San Francisco, CA 94127, 415-564-4006,
Restaurant serves up cuisine in a tasty blend
“Enjoy a taste of New York right here in
bursa415.com
of hot and cool ingredients to give you an
San Francisco
California!” Wow! With a slogan like that, you can bet Amici’s Pizza is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. With mouthwatering pizza and a friendly atmosphere, Amici’s never disappoints! Their delicious pizzas are baked to perfection in a brick oven to give you the most authentic Italian pizza experience around! You also can have them cater their tasty pizza for your next party. 2200 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, 415-885-4500, amicis.com Bistro Unique For traditional French fare, visit Bistro Unique
Palio D’Asti Authentic Italian fare meets sophistication at Palio D’Asti, one of San Francisco’s finest eating establishments. With Michelen-rated dining and a great location downtown, patrons can enjoy eating wonderful Italian food made only with the finest ingredients. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, seasonal menu, and a place for large groups to meet and dine on only the best in Italian food this side of Italy! 640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-395-9800, paliodasti.com
unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy mouthwatering appetizers, delicious entrees and delectable desserts. 1331 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, 415- 771-2562, chaiyosf.com. Scan this QR Code to watch a video about Chai-Yo Thai. R & G Lounge Specializing in traditional Cantonese food, you will enjoy tasty Asian dishes in a sophisticated setting. Your taste buds will be treated to
on Union Street! Quench your thirst with
Buca di beppo Italian Restaurant
mouth-watering cuisine made with only the
bottomless mimosas at brunch on Saturdays
Italian dishes are served up family-style at this authentic Italian restaurant! Buca di Beppo is a lively collection of neighborhood restaurants boasting a vibrant atmosphere and a delicious array of Italian meals for all to enjoy. Inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, new dishes are created and served up all of the time. Come by and dine on mouth-watering Italian food that rivals no other! 855 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-5437673, bucadibeppo.com
finest, freshest ingredients. Known as one of
A sophisticated and relaxing vibe awaits you at
Chai-Yo Thai
for brunch, lunch or dinner. You can dine on
the Pisco Latin Lounge, with comfortable lounge
Fresh food and bold flavors meet in an explosion of sweet and spicy deliciousness at Chai-Yo Thai Restaurant—one of the top restaurants in San Francisco. You can even
scrumptious fare and mouth-watering dishes
and Sundays or enjoy exquisite meals for lunch or dinner. You will leave the table satisfied after dining on delicious appetizers, scrumptious entrées and decadent desserts. Need an elegant location for a corporate meeting or large gathering? Bistro Unique offers room for up to 49 guests. 1849 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, 415-218-4136, bistrouniquesf.com Pisco Latin Lounge
seating and cocktail tables for two. Enjoy the contemporary feel of this international-inspired lounge while sipping drinks at the “pagoda”
the best Chinese restaurants in the Bay Area, they are well-known for the innovative and delicious cuisine. Dine as a couple in their intimate setting or enjoy a large gathering in their spacious banquet room. 631 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, 415-9827877, rnglounge.com MoMo’s Set in the beautiful South of Market (SoMa) area waterfront, MoMo’s offers delicious meals
either inside or outdoors on the dining deck. When you need space for a large gathering, the spacious wood paneled Hall of Fame is the
surrounded by changing lights of color on the walls around you. Taste the delectable dishes, and let the cool and refreshing cocktails awaken your mouth with explosions of flavor! 1817 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-874-9951, piscosf.com Bursa Named for the beautiful city located in Turkey, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers tasty cuisine that invokes not only the rich beauty, history, culture and attractions of the restaurants namesake, but San Francisco as well. Dine on delicious appetizers and mouth-watering entrées made with only the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the smooth taste summer 2012
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dining guide
Affordable prices, great food and fresh ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
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getaway san francisco
perfect choice. Smaller groups can meet and dine
food is some of the best Asian food in the Bay
in the Mayor’s Office, with its rich wood paneling
Area. Locals and tourists, alike, flock to Kippu
and warm red tones. 760 Second Street,
for their mouth-watering dishes and refreshing
San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-227-8660,
green tea! 1707 Buchanan Street,
sfmomos.com
San Francisco, CA 94115, 415-346-1212
Fog City Diner
Coco 500
Looking for tasty entrees and thirst-quenching
Elegant surroundings, delicious food and a
drinks? Fog City Diner offers you all that and more!
diverse selection of spirits make Coco 500 a
With an inviting ambience and tasty selection
premier dining establishment in San Francisco.
of appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches,
Enjoy the bold and stimulating flavors of their
you’ll leave the table satisfied and full. You also
tantalizing meals as they are served among the
can enjoy a glass of fine wine or a hearty beer,
luxurious décor of this more than 100-year old
depending on your tastes. Fog City Diner also can
building. With a warm and inviting ambience,
accommodate large groups for cocktail or holiday
you can count on Coco 500 for its spacious
parties and cater right to your door! 1300 Battery
dining area that also can serve small or large
Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-982-2000,
parties! 500 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA
fogcitydiner.com
94107, 415-543-2222, coco500.com
Kippu Japanese Cuisine
Hog & Rocks
Affordable prices, great food and fresh ingredients
Come as you are and enjoy this casual,
come together in perfect harmony at Kippu
contemporary bar located in the heart of the
Japanese Cuisine. You can enjoy delicious sushi
Mission District! San Francisco’s first ham and
and sashimi, tasty miso soup and wonderful
oyster bar offers a menu of mouthwatering
California spring rolls when you dine here in
slices of ham and delectable oysters served
Japantown. The prices are unbeatable, and the
with a variety of sides, complimented by
no-nonsense cocktails. You also can enjoy modern bar food while sitting at the bar or at a table with friends! Weekend brunch is delectable! No reservations are necessary but are recommended—you can make them online at their Web site. 3431 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, 415-550-8627, hogandrocks.com The Brixton Sophisticated and classy, The Brixton in San Francisco is a new local refuge for tourists and locals alike. Satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst at this fabulous restaurant
Walzwerk welcome you to try their robust East
located in the heart of Cow Hollow. Offering
German fare and tasty East German beer in a
two happy hours and a menu full of tantalizing
decidedly East German setting. It’s a unique
foods; this is the place to go for elegant dining.
San Francisco dining experience to rival no
Enjoy scrumptious appetizers, hearty entrees
other! Enjoy traditional German soups, salads,
and decadent desserts seven days a week at
entrees, and desserts while sipping on a mixed
this dynamic eating establishment.
drink or chugging a hearty draft beer.
2140 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123,
381 S. Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA
415-409-1114, brixtonsf.com
94103, 415-551-7181, walzwerk.com
Izzy’s Steak & Chops
Tommy Toy’s
Locally owned and operated, Izzy’s Steak
For a decidedly decadent dining experience
& Chops offers only the best steaks in San
visit Tommy Toy’s, where you can enjoy
Francisco! How do they offer one-of-a-kind
delicious cuisine amid the royal grandeur of
flavor? Their beef is corn-fed, and the New
Imperial China. The restaurant showcases
York steaks are aged at least 21 days. You also
visually appealing and palate-pleasing food
can enjoy fresh-caught, local fish and choose
amongst a treasure trove of 300-year-old
from several side dishes to round out your
tapestries, hand-silvered mirrors and Tommy’s
meal. Give their creamed spinach or “Izzy’s
personal collection of original Chinese fans.
own” potatoes a try or pile on the fresh veggies!
The opulent setting of this San Francisco
3345 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA
restaurant and the visual appeal, and taste, of
94123, 415-563-0487, izzyssteaks.com
the entrees will have you returning for more!
Bix Warm and inviting, Bix offers elegant dining and live jazz music for the ultimate dining experience. Enjoy eating delicious meals in a luxurious setting while listening to the very best jazz musicians of the Bay Area. Sit comfortably in a booth, at an elegantly prepared table or at the long mahogany bar. Your taste buds will thank you as you dine on tantalizing meals, decadent desserts and thirst-quenching spirits! 56 Gold Street, San Francisco, CA 94133,
Enjoy eating delicious meals in a luxurious setting while listening to the very best jazz musicians of the Bay Area.
655 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-397-4888, tommytoys.com
Marin County/North Bay Hog Island Oyster Company A delicious array of farm-fresh oysters awaits you at the Hog Island Oyster Company! Enjoy their fresh oysters by the dozen or have them served-up grilled. You also can dine on salads, soups and chowders featuring clams, oysters,
415-433-6300, bixrestaurant.com
and some of the freshest ingredients around.
Walzwerk
Fried Oysters or the Oyster Po’Boy will satisfy
Willkommen! That’s German for “Welcome!”
that craving! 610 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559,
—in case you didn’t know. The folks at
707-251-8113, hogislandoysters.com
Looking for something with a little crunch? The
summer 2012
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dining guide
Nestled in one of the cozy private booths, you can enjoy an intimate dining experience.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Sol Food
Hop on board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a
Puerto Rican-inspired California cuisine is
one-of-a-kind experience! The Napa Valley Wine
served up in a colorful and visually appealing
Train offers fantastic dining on board one of the
way at Sol Food. You can enjoy tasty combina-
nation’s only active, historic passenger railroads.
tions of meats, beans and seafood served with
Housed in antique railcars, the dining options are
rice, organic salad, and tostones. If you want
absolutely irresistible! You can choose the intimate
lighter fare, try their fresh ensaladas and filling
setting in Vista Dome, the luxurious surroundings
sandwiches. You also can quench your thirst
in Gourmet Express or relax Old West-style when
with a refreshing drink and satisfy your sweet
you dine in the Silverado railcar. 1275 McKinstry
tooth with a fresh plantain or tasty flan.
Street, Napa, CA 94559, 800-427-4124,
Three locations in San Rafael, CA.
winetrain.com
La Bodega, 903 Lincoln Avenue, Small Place,
Kitti’s Place With an eclectic mix of Thai-inspired California cuisine, Kitti’s Place offers a comfortable and casual family atmosphere. You will feel right at home in their brightly-colored dining room and enjoy the California sunshine when you dine outside at one of their covered tables. Enjoy a tasty array of dishes like salads, curries, burgers, pastas and more! Meals are made to order, so you can enjoy a fresh made entree at Kitti’s Place! 3001 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965, 415-331-0390, kittisplace.com 40
getaway san francisco
901 Lincoln Avenue, Big Place, 811 4th Place 415-451-4765 solfoodrestaurant.com
The Peninsula Oryza Bistro Asiana Get ready for an eruption of taste in your mouth when you try one of the many Asianinspired dishes offered at Oryza Bistro Asiana. Authentic and artfully presented Thai and Southeast Asian food is offered in a contemporary and modern setting where people and
cultures mix in a swirl of individual tastes and
Attic is a restaurant, bar and lounge that
vibrant personalities. With quality ingredients
offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
and succulent flavor, Oryza Bistro will soon
Enjoy the bold and exciting flavors of
become your favorite Asian bistro!
the Far East as you dine on succulent
2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara,
dishes made with local and sustainable
CA 95128, 408-246-8010, oryzabistro.com
ingredients. You also can quench your
Russian Family Restaurant & Catering Looking for a place to eat that offers homemade fare with a Russian flare? The owners at this family restaurant welcome you
thirst at Under Attic, the saloon located under the restaurant. 234 South B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-342-4506, atticrestaurant.com
to come by and sample their delicious and
Spiedo Ristorante
mouth-watering meals and baked goods that
Using local produce, fresh seafood and
you won’t find anywhere else! Enjoy traditional
homemade pasta, Spiedo Ristorante
Russian dishes like syrniki (sweet cheese
offers a tasty menu of hearty Italian
fritters served with yogurt dressing), borsch,
meals to delight your taste buds and
and golubtsi (cabbage rolls) served with draft
please your palate! Intimate dinners or
beer or your choice of wine. 719 Camino
large parties can be accommodated at Spiedo
231 Ellsworth
Plaza, San Bruno, CA 94066, 650-588-2950,
Ristorante and are served by a friendly staff.
A favorite of the Bay Area, 231 Ellsworth is an
russianfamily.net
The “rustic Italian cuisine” offered at Spiedo’s
elegant restaurant that offers fine dining in a
will leave you wanting to come back for more!
luxurious setting. Enjoy delicate soups, fresh
Finish off your meal with a homemade dessert
garden salads, hearty entrees and decadent
for a truly unforgettable meal.
desserts at this San Mateo restaurant. Quench
223 Fourth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401,
your thirst with a glass of wine as you dine in
650-375-0818, spiedo.com
style surrounded by the classic decor. Nestled
Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro Looking for fresh, tasty Mexican food that fits your budget? Don Pico’s Original Mexican Bistro is your answer! They serve only the best, most delicious, locally-grown, organic foods
in one of the cozy private booths, you can
in the San Francisco area. Don Pico’s offers
Espetus Churrascaria
tantalizing appetizers, hearty house specialties
Experience the flavors of Brazil at Espetus
and delicious desserts! While enjoying their
Churrascaria! This Brazillian steak house is
delectable meals, you’re surrounded by an
the Bay Area’s first continuous-service style
eclectic mix of art and décor collected by the
restaurant to date. You can enjoy slowly
New York Pizza
owners’ son Chef Isaac. It’s Mexican food at
roasted choice cuts of high-quality beef,
Known for the Bay Area’s largest pizza, the
its best! 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA
lamb, chicken, pork and seafood served right
“King Kong,” New York Pizza has been serving
94066, 650-589-1163, donpicosbistro.com
at your table. With a fresh and colorful salad
the area for over twenty years. Dedicated to
bar and delicious side dishes, your meal
delivering the highest quality pizza and service,
will be pleasing from the first bite to the last!
the folks at New York Pizza work hard to
710 South B. Street, San Mateo, CA 94401,
provide delicious, homemade pizza from their
650-342-8700, espetus.com
“secret recipe” that will please your palate
Acqua Pazza Enjoy the tantalizing taste of authentic Italian food when you visit Acqua Pazza. Palatepleasing dishes satisfy your hunger and
enjoy an intimate dining experience like no other! 231 South Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-347-7231, 231ellsworth.com
cocktails slake your thirst when you dine in this family-run Italian restaurant and bar. Homemade gnocchi, lasagna and pizza are just a few of the appealing dishes that await your taste buds. Art-filled walls and a spacious floor plan also provide adequate space for large parties! 201 E. Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-375-0903, acqua-pazza.com Attic With an eclectic mix of Asian cuisine and an undeniably unique twist on dining, summer 2012
41
dining guide and delight your taste buds! You also can
Feast inside next to the fireplace or outside under a cozy heat lamp.
enjoy tasty appetizers, salads, sandwiches, flat breads and pastas at this local favorite. 219 South B. Street, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-344-3444, newyorkpizza.com Sushi Sam’s Enjoy authentic Japanese sushi at Sushi Sam’s, where locals and tourists flock to satisfy their cravings for fresh sushi. You can dine on their delicious Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. With bold flavors and mouth-watering entrees, you can find just about anything that will please your palate from sushi to noodles to tasty soups! Ask about their Chef’s special with homemade dessert, so you can end your dining experience on a sweet note! 218 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-344-0888, sushisams.com
Half Moon Bay/Pacifica A Grape in the Fog Relax with friends, and enjoy a glass of wine when you visit A Grape in the Fog, a charming wine bar in Pacifica. Delight in a glass, flight or bottle of boutique wines from all over the world as you take in the Tuscan seasideinspired décor. You also can nibble on delicate appetizers from the small plate menu. Stop by at night for a unique experience—Quiz Night, Live Music, Comedy Night and more! 400 Old County Road, Pacifica, CA 94044, 650-735-5854, agitf.com Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar From the farm to your table, Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar provides fresh and delicious Italian meals to fulfill your craving for Italian food! You can enjoy delicious homemade lunches and dinners and decadent desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Finish up your meal with, or come in for, a relaxing drink at their bar and lounge. Your taste buds will be tantalized with a glass of wine, beer or cocktails. 315 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-726-5125, pastamoon.com Sam’s Chowder House Award-winning Sam’s Chowder House offers amazing food, fantastic views and cozy 42
getaway san francisco
ambience. You can enjoy a truly unique dining
El Toro Loco
Cameron’s Inn
experience from the sweeping views of the
Tired of the same old restaurant food? Set in
Set in the style of an English Pub, Cameron’s
ocean to the oceanfront outdoor dining. With
the charming area of Pacifica, El Toro Loco
Inn is locally owned and operated. Also, known
a tantalizing menu of fresh seafood, you can
offers delicious and authentic Peruvian and
as the home of the “half pound burger,”
feast inside next to the fireplace or outside
Mexican food that will wake up your taste buds
Cameron’s offers an extensive menu of tasty
under a cozy heat lamp. Sam’s Chowder House
with explosions of flavor! Feast on their sweet
selections of sandwiches, salads, burgers,
offers the best food, views and atmosphere you
and spicy shrimp diablo, hearty carne asada
pizza, chicken and seafood. Finish your meal
could ask for! 4210 Cabrillo Highway North,
and healthy veggie burritos for a truly unique
with a sweet dessert, and quench your thirst
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-712-0245,
dining experience. During your meal, you can
with any one of the sixty bottles of beer or
samschowderhouse.com
quench your thirst with a mug of beer or glass
twenty drafts on tap.1410 Cabrillo Highway
of sangria. 1624 Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica,
South, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019,
CA 94044, 650-355-5548
650-726-5705, cameronsinn.com
It’s Italia When you want gourmet pizza, mouthwatering pasta and colorful salad, It’s Italia has what you’re looking for. Their foods are tasty, fresh and delicious! You can enjoy their scrumptious menu selections amid a Tuscanstyle courtyard patio. The bar is an ideal place to be at night, and the locally famous bartenders promote a lively atmosphere. Choose from an extensive list of wines and dine on delectable Italian food at It’s Italia! 401 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-726-4444, itsitalirestaurant.com Half Moon Bay Brewing Company Offering a warm and lively social ambience, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company features live music and dancing with a perfect ocean view. This restaurant and brew pub offers only sustainable and environmentally-safe seafood and the best tasting ale around! Stop by and enjoy the delicious menu of salads, seafood and more! It’s also the perfect gathering place for large parties to dine and socialize amid a relaxed atmosphere. 390 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-728-2739, hmbbrewingco.com Brazzle Berry Enjoy a wide selection of healthy foods and desserts at Brazzle Berry! You’re in control of your portion size as you add healthy fruits, nuts and an assortment of tasty toppings. Simply weigh it and pay by the ounce for a customized and delicious sweet treat. Brazzle Berry offers the perfect healthy snack where you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to portions and toppings. 80 Cabrillo Highway North, Suite M, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-722-0840, brazzleberry.com
summer 2012
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shopping guide
The Getaway List >> shopping
44
getaway san francisco
Embarcadero Center
Pier 39
hotels and several businesses. Come to Japan-
For a unique shopping experience, visit Embarcadero Center located in the Financial District of San Francisco. High-end shops, interesting architecture and a fantastic downtown location meet up in perfect harmony to create a serene shopping and dining experience to rival no other! This shopping center offers an eclectic mash-up of business offices, specialty stores and dining options, so you can get everything done in one trip! 1 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-772-0700, embarcaderocenter.com
At Pier 39, you’ll find a festive shopping center
town to explore and experience Japan right in
that features a variety of specialty shops. You
the heart of San Francisco! Enjoy shopping a
also can enjoy eating at any one of their many
huge selection of stores, browsing art galleries
restaurants that offer a delectable array of
and dining on delicious Japanese cuisine. At
seafood, California cuisine and casual fare.
the corner of Geary Boulevard and Webster
Located on San Francisco’s historic waterfront,
Street, sfjapantown.org
Union Square Historic and charming, the Union Square area is THE retail and cultural hub of San Francisco offering the largest collection of hotels, boutiques, restaurants and galleries housed in Victorian-era buildings. Union Square is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. In the actual square, you’ll discover art displays, performing groups, local artists that beckon to you from the sidewalk to buy locally-crafted items such as souvenirs and gifts to take back home, or just a nice place to sit and soak up the city! In the surrounding Union Square area, you’ll find a combination of high-end labels, big name brands, unique and
you’re treated to the picturesque scenery of the Bay, fantastic shopping and good eats! Pier 39, Beach Street & The Embarcadero,
The Castro District One of the United States’ first, and largest, gay
San Francisco, CA 94133
neighborhoods, The Castro offers an eclectic
Chinatown
Take a stroll through this vibrant community
Enter the Dragon Gate of downtown San
where you can find everything from vintage
Francisco’s Chinatown, and you will visit
clothing, to high-end fashion, specialty foods,
the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and
antiques and so much more. You will never run
throughout the United States! When you come
out of something interesting and unique to find
here, you’ll be amazed at the variety of shops
when you visit The Castro! Located, primarily,
that line the streets. From cultural items and
on Castro Street from Market Street to
party decorations to Chinese snacks, fashion
19th Street.
and apparel, you will find everything you are looking for and more when you visit Chinatown! Located on Grant Avenue at Bush Street,
mix of specialty stores, art galleries and more!
Fillmore Street Located in one of the city’s finest areas,
sanfranciscochinatown.com
Fillmore Street is a fantastic place to go in San
Japantown
ence. Filled with a diverse selection of shops,
Japantown is a gateway to Japanese culture,
you can find just about anything stylish and
cuisine and shopping; it also sports a few
chic. From the thriftiest stores to the trendiest
Francisco for an unforgettable shopping experi-
specialty boutiques, and some of the best restaurants and hotels in San Francisco— there’s something sure to please every shopper, diner and hotel guest. Located at the center of where Geary Street, Powell Street, Post Street and Stockton Street meet, visitunionsquaresf.com Westfield San Francisco Center An upscale shopping and dining adventure awaits you at the Westfield San Francisco Center in historic downtown San Francisco! Enjoy shopping at fabulous boutiques, specialty and major department stores when you come here. When you’ve worked up an appetite from browsing, stop by one of their many dining establishments located under the Dome for an unforgettable dining experience. Don’t forget to stop by one of the spas or salons for some pampering too! 865 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-495-5656, westfield.com summer 2012
45
shopping guide boutiques, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Fillmore Street! Vibrant and fashionable, Fillmore Street offers upscale shopping in a picturesque setting. Located on Fillmore Street from Jackson Street to Geary Street. fillmorestreetsf.com Ghirardelli Square Located on the west side of Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square is home to world famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Company’s ice cream and chocolate cafe—the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Manufactory—where you can watch how chocolate is made, get free samples of delicious chocolates and have oodles of chocolate delights, like their unbeatable ice cream sundae and ultra-rich brownies. Not interested in ice cream or chocolate? Ghirardelli Square also offers a host of upscale and boutique shops. You can find one-of-a-kind and unique fashion, gifts, and accessories when you shop in this charming
blocks of historic Main Street that offer plenty
and beautiful area near Fisherman’s Wharf.
of variety and treasure-hunting galore. The
Stop by one of the cafes for a tasty treat and
shops and boutiques are known for their
enjoy the beautiful views of the bay! Located at
unique, one-of-a-kind items—many of which
900 North Point Street at the corner of Beach
are crafted locally. You can find everything
Street and Larkin Street.
from home furnishings and gifts to high quality
Stones Town Galleria
art and everything in between! 657 Main
Charming and cozy, the Stones Town Galleria
Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-4456, sthelena.com
mall offers an eclectic mix of shops. With two floors, the mall has plenty of great places
V Marketplace
to shop and offers a fantastic food court,
A unique shopping experience awaits you in
as well. Locals, and tourists alike, enjoy
the beautiful Napa Valley at V Marketplace! As
the convenience of the location and the
their motto says, it’s “where shopping meets
casual atmosphere. Aside from the usual big
lifestyle” in a perfect blend of specialty shops,
name department stores, there are plenty
galleries, kitchenwares, art and collectables.
of boutiques and specialty stores sprinkled throughout the mall. 3251 20th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, 415-564-8848, stonestowngalleria.com
Marin County/North Bay Napa Premium Outlets
You also can visit the wine cellar and tasting clothes at great prices. You can even find
bar or view a cooking demonstration while
fantastic bargains on kid’s clothing and shoes,
you’re here. With an infinite variety of exclusive
men’s and women’s shoes, accessories,
products, you’re sure to find what you’re
jewelry, gifts, fine leather, luggage, and more!
looking for! 6525 Washington Street, Yountville,
629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa, CA 94558,
CA 94599, 707-944-2451, vmarketplace.com
707-226-9876, premiumoutlets.com
Northgate
Shop your favorite brands like Banana
Downtown St. Helena
Northgate offers premier shopping to locals
Republic, Gap, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Talbots
Considered to be Napa Valley’s Main Street,
and tourists alike. Shop the styles you like at
and more when you visit the Napa Premium
downtown St. Helena offers exciting shopping
prices you will love, when you visit Northgate.
Outlets. When you’re on a budget, this is
for locals and tourists alike! You’ll find
With a large variety of department stores,
the perfect place to shop and still get quality
charming shops located along the two square
specialty stores, boutiques and more you can
46
getaway san francisco
find everything you need to outfit your entire
Hillsdale Shopping Center
family. You also can pick up a few accessories,
This hidden gem, located in Palo Alto, offers
a couple of video games or visit the salon while
fantastic shopping in a charming area! The
Main Street – Downtown Half Moon Bay
you’re there! 5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael,
Hillsdale Shopping Center has an eclectic mix
CA 94903, 415-479-5955, shopatnorthgate.com
of department stores, boutiques, specialty
Half Moon Bay/Pacifica
Downtown San Mateo
everything from clothing to accessories and
You can find anything and everything
everything in between when you visit this
you’re looking for when you visit the shops
neighborhood shopping center. Located at
of downtown San Mateo! The shops of the
60 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403,
charming and historic downtown area are
650-345-8222, hillsdale.com
Visit historic Main Street in Half Moon Bay, and you’ll find a unique mix of shops that offer everything from antiques to the trendiest fashion. Browse for books, candy, and locally made products or paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more! Set in a charming area, you can enjoy a delightful stroll down Main Street as you look for gifts, souvenirs, home furnishings, and artwork to satisfy your tastes. experiencehalfmoonbay.com
The Shops at Tanforan
Spanishtown Art Center
When you’re looking for a spacious shopping
For an unusual and interesting shopping adventure, take a stroll through Spanishtown Art Center in Half Moon Bay. Dinosaur sculptures beckon from the entrance to this eclectic mix of artsy shops and stores full of trinkets galore! You will find yourself enchanted by the whimsical sculptures, artwork, furniture, jewelry and more, as you walk through the shopping center. Treasure is just waiting to be discovered when you visit the Spanishtown Art Center! 501 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay,
stores, galleries and more! With its convenient
The Peninsula
sprinkled amongst beautiful, historic buildings providing a unique shopping experience in picturesque setting. Whether you’re looking for clothing, gifts, jewelry or specialty items, you’re sure to find it here! Located at Tilton Avenue and 9th Avenue between Delaware Avenue and El Camino Real. sanmateodowntown.org Palo Alto Downtown The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto offers locals and tourists a charming shopping experience in the downtown area. Bordered by historic residential neighborhoods and
location, in a quiet area, you can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience. You can find
center that offers a huge variety of stores, The Shops at Tanforan are perfect for you! You can find just about anything at the shopping center that you might need, like clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, gifts, books, and more. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance to the San Bruno BART Station, so you don’t have to worry about parking! 1150 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, 650-873-2000, theshopsattanforan.com
CA 94019, 650-712-1050
delightful tree-lined streets, you can walk around downtown discovering the many varieties of shops, boutiques and galleries. As you soak up the sunshine, check out the specialty stores full of clothing, gifts, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, books and more! Located between Alma Street and Webster Street and Lytton Avenue and Forest Avenue. paloaltodowntown.com Stanford Shopping Center Discover one of San Francisco Bay area’s premier shopping centers set in the picturesque town of Palo Alto! The Stanford Shopping Center provides over 140 shops, boutiques and specialty stores. As you stroll through the shopping center, you will be amazed at the breathtaking gardens and delighted with the sculptures and fountains that populate the gardens. Locals, and tourists alike, flock to this scenic shopping center for a one-of-a-kind experience! 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, 650-617-8200, simon.com summer 2012
47
activities guide
San Francisco Victorian Home Walk
The Getaway List >> Activities
Take a guided tour through Pacific Heights to see the colorful Victorian row houses, spectacular mansions, and beautiful gardens of San Francisco. While on the tour, you’ll also get a chance to go inside a Queen Anne period Victorian home. With an easy pace, leisurely stroll and fantastic view of the bay, you can enjoy the beauty and history of the Victorian homes without climbing any hills! Meets in Union Square at the corner of Powell Street and Post Street, 415-252-9485, victorianhomewalk.com Ghost Walk – Pacific Heights Take a walk on the spooky side with a ghost walk through Pacific Heights! Meet up at the Queen Anne Hotel lobby, then expect a hair-raising supernatural tour for three hours through the beautiful tree-lined area of Pacific Heights. You can take the tour starting at 7 p.m. most nights of the week and walk a one mile loop around the area. It’s an adventure that’s out of this world! 415-922-5590, sfghosthunt.com Golden Gate Park Spend a fantastic day at Golden Gate Park, where you can picnic by the pond, walk through the fragrant botanical gardens or take in a tour of the de Young Museum. There are so many fun things to do at Golden Gate Park! You also can take the kids to the playground or take a peaceful stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. There’s something for everyone! golden-gate-park.com The California Academy of Sciences It’s as if the whole universe was gathered under one roof! The California Academy of Sciences, in Golden Gate Park, is a spectacular and sustainable structure that brings together an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rain forest to the delight of visitors who flock there. You will enjoy the many exhibits that showcase marine life, the solar system, human history, ecosystems of the world and so much more! 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, 415-379-8000, calacademy.org
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getaway san francisco
San Francisco Botanical Gardens
GoCar Tours
Get ready to be amazed at the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, located in Golden Gate Park! Come by during the day to experience a leisurely tour through the colorful and breathtakingly beautiful gardens of flowers, plants, and trees. Kids can enjoy summer day camps and story times in the library, and adults can visit the bookstore for informational and beautiful books featuring local flora. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re a “budding” plant enthusiast! Located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, 415-661-1316, sfbotanicalgarden.org
Blast your way through a thrilling tour of San Francisco on a GoCar! Considered one of the most unique ways to tour San Francisco, you can take in the beautiful and scenic sites on a GPS-guided tour while riding one of these fast and exciting GoCars. As it talks to you, you’ll be self-guided to all of the fun and interesting things to see and do around San Francisco. It’s definitely the “cure for the common tour!” 2715 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, 415-441-5695, gocartours.com
Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours Enjoy a fun and exciting bike tour through San Francisco, and the surrounding area, on either a self-guided tour or a daily guided tour with Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours. You can ride your bike through the historical and picturesque areas of the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Sausalito, Ocean Beach, and more! You also can cross the Golden Gate Bridge, or ride through the scenic Muir Woods, for an unforgettable outing. Rental and tour locations are online. 415-346-2453, baycitybike.com CityPASS San Francisco Save money and enjoy your visit to San Francisco when you purchase a CityPass! You can have unlimited cable car rides and admission to five must-see San Francisco attractions with your CityPASS. Enjoy a seven-day passport to ride Muni and cable cars through historic downtown San Francisco. You also can enjoy free admission to places like the Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, and more! Order your CityPASS online or at one of the CityPASS attractions. 888-330-5008, citypass.com Electric Tour Company Segway Tours Enjoy an exciting tour of San Francisco on a Segway! Zig and zag through the Wharf and the Waterfront, the Golden Gate Park, and the Advanced Hills tours, or try one of the many other available tours. It’s a fun experience that will make your visit to San Francisco unforgettable! You also can take a tour on an electric bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and catch a ride back on the ferry. Locations posted online, 415-474-3130, electrictourcompany.com
San Francisco Kayak Tours Glide your way through the waters of the San Francisco Bay as you tour the area in a kayak! A guided adventure awaits you, whether you’re an expert outdoor explorer or a novice kayaker. Experience life like never before, and get in touch with nature as you’re guided by an expert who knows all of the natural wonders of each waterway. You can choose from a variety of locations, tour lengths and levels! Boat launch locations are available online. 415-787-2628, sfkayak.com Oxygen Paragliding Ready to fly the skies? Oxygen Paragliding will help you get started! They are California’s foremost paragliding school and training facility that specializes in personalized paragliding lessons, local guiding and tandem flights. You can get comprehensive lessons if you’re a newbie, or hook up with other experienced pilots to lock into a local network, advance your skills or find new sites to fly! 415-789-6225, oxygenparagliding.com
Park. This beautiful golf course is named after avid-golfer, and former president, Warren Harding. You can play an exciting game of golf on the 163-acre course that offers rolling green hills and the challenges of golfing around sandtraps and trees. 99 Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132, 415-664-4690, tpc.com Presidio Golf Course Get in touch with nature and enjoy the view at the Presidio Golf Course and Clubhouse. A National Historic Landmark since 1962, golfers have been playing on this beautiful course for decades. You can book a lesson if you’ve never played, or watch experienced golfers play exciting tournaments. After a relaxing day on the green, you can stop by the Presidio Café for a quick snack! 300 Finley Road, San Francisco, CA 94129, 415-561-4661, presidiogolf.com Fisherman’s Wharf This is the #1 tourist attraction in San Francisco! Here, you will find unlimited fun, fantastic food, entertainment and exciting cruises – something for everyone! Fisherman’s Wharf is a tourist delight that offers so many fun things to do and see with a little bit of history thrown in. You also can stop by to get the freshest seafood in the Bay Area. There’s year-round fun to be had at this San Francisco waterfront community that you won’t want to miss! Located along the waterfront from Pier 35 to Ghirardelli Square, fishermanswharf.org
Marin County/North Bay
Planet Granite
Morgan’s On The Trail
If you like rock climbing indoors, physical fitness and yoga, then Planet Granite is the place to be! With several locations in the San Francisco area, you can have fun and burn some serious calories climbing everything from beginner routes to hand carved cracks and steep hard climbing terrain. You also can take part in exhilarating yoga classes, fun group fitness classes and invigorating personal training to get you in shape! Visit online to find a location near you! planetgranite.com
Take an exciting ride on horseback through Marin, the East Bay, and Golden Gate Park! Whether you’re a beginner or you were born in the saddle, you’ll have a mount suited to your skill level. You’ll receive casual instruction as you ride through scenic San Francisco. Experienced riders can try competitive events, such as endurance and trail trials. Enjoy a unique experience when you visit San Francisco! 707-953-1623, morgansonthetrail.com
TPC Harding Park
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you can enjoy an exhilarating adventure on a kayak with Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center! Take
Relax and enjoy the California sunshine as you play a round or two of golf at TPC Harding
Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center
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activities guide classes to learn how to kayak, or rent a kayak to take out on the water for a trip around the Bay. You’ll have fun kayaking through the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, in a group or on a family trip, for a memorable experience! Sausalito, CA, 415-332-8790, seatrek.com
can dine in style at the on-site restaurant! Two Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-1800, halfmoonbaygolf.com Sea Horse Ranch The folks at Sea Horse Ranch want you to have a truly unique and unforgettable experience that you can brag about! Open year-round, you can visit anytime to ride one of their beautiful horses on the Coastal Equestrian Trail that takes you along the coast, through the bluffs and even on the beach! First time riders are welcome, too! You also can lease a horse, or board your own, at their facility. 1828 Cabrillo Highway North, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650-726-9903, seahorseranch.org
California Bike-N-Bean This hidden gem, located in Marin, is one of hottest bike shops around! With an everchanging flow of new bikes, accessories and components arriving weekly, there is always something new to check out at this bike shop. You can demo one of their bikes or rent one for the day. While you’re waiting to pay, you also can enjoy a robust organic espresso and watch the latest mountain bike videos on the flat screen. 100 El Prado #2, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-507-1992, bike-n-bean.com Classic Billiards Have a “ball” playing an exciting game of billiards at Classic Billiards! You can play daily, schedule a party or event, or purchase accessories for your billiards table at home. Round up your friends and bring them by for a rowdy game of pool, or sit and watch as others play this fun and addictive game. You also can purchase a table for your home or rent one for your next get-together! 1300 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-455-8511, classicbilliardspool.com
The Peninsula Go Kart Racer Ready for a thrilling adventure? Go Kart Racer offers fun and excitement with their highcaliber racing machines on three European-designed road courses. The karts are designed to be safe and stable, so you can have fun while experiencing real racing action. They provide the suit, helmet and instructions—you do the rest! Race wheel-to-wheel with other drivers, squeal around hairpin turns and have a blast reaching the finish line first. 1541 Adrian Road, Burlingame, CA 94010, 650-692-7223, gokartracer.com 50
getaway san francisco
Riptide Charters Malibu Grand Prix Have your next party or get-together at Malibu Grand Prix where you can enjoy racing specials, 10-buck Tuesday and get 5,000 free tickets on your birthday! They also offer a discount club, where you can get great deals just for being a member. Experience the thrill of riding to victory on the go-kart tracks, make a hole-in-one on the mini golf course or beat the highest scores in the arcade. 320 Blomquist Street, Redwood City, CA 94063, 650-367-1906, malibugrandprix.com Año Nuevo State Park Break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the serenity of the Año Nuevo State Park. From December to March every year, you can watch from afar, or on a guided walk, as male elephant seals compete for the females’ attention, and the females give birth to their young in the dunes. A visitor center also features natural history exhibits with an adjacent bookstore, restrooms, drinking water and picnic tables. 1 New Years Creek Road, Pescadero, CA 94060, 650-879-2025, parks.ca.gov Half Moon Bay Golf Links Play your favorite game of golf amidst the beauty and splendor of Half Moon Bay! With sweeping views of the sparkling ocean on one side, and the majestic mountains on the other, this premier golf course offers a magical experience unlike any other. You can feel the breeze of the Pacific Ocean as you swing your club or walk to the next hole. Afterward, you
Spend the day at sea whale watching, sport fishing or just have a tour of the bay with Riptide Charters. Cap’n Smitty will lead the way and take you out to sea for a “rip”-roaring good time! You can get a personalized tour of the area, custom corporate charter packages, team building activities and much more! If you have specific needs, they will work with you to customize your outing. Located on H-Dock at Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay, CA, 888-747-8433, riptide.net Coastal Elegance Get in touch with nature and explore the beautiful coastline with Coastal Elegance, an eco-tourism company that wants to make each person’s visit special! Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and experience nature at its best with an eco-cycling tour or an intertidal nature hike. You’ll be guided by a local who knows the coastside intimately. You’re invited to come along and discover the hidden natural treasures along the coast! 650-712-8456, coastalelegancetours.com Metropolitan Golf Links Playing a game of golf on this beautiful and serene golf course will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s no doubt that one game on this course will want you coming back to play again and again. You also can practice your putting on the driving range, attend tournaments, join the golf academy, or have your wedding or event at the clubhouse. 10051 Doolittle Drive, Oakland, CA, 510-569-5555, playmetro.com
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