Hey Julie!
Very exciting that you guys are coming to town and congrats on the anniversary! Have you been here before? I have tons of advice on things to check out, like some beautiful day hikes to the North in Marin, some must-eat taquerias and shopping, bars, I love this place. Hit me up when you guys get into to town and I'll give you the low-down--maybe I can buy you guys a drink! (415) 847-7448
For the night of your anniversary, I'd recommend a place near my house in Russian Hill, called Frascati (http://www.frascatisf.com/main/frascati_main.html). Prob my favorite restaurant in SF right now and very romantic ;)
Enjoy California!
Ross
Hi, Ross-
Yes- you're the ideal California advisor! I've done a similarly fast and intense CA coast trip before with a friend, but not long enough to really experience anything. I'd love to receive any recommendations from you and I'll also try to give you a call. We fly out of SF for NY on the 22nd, so depending on how we pace ourselves I'm not sure how much time we'll have. I'm going to look up Frascati right now!
Peace,
Julie
Hey Julie,
If you're in Chinatown in SF, hit up a boba place or Chinese bakery and go sit in the main park to watch hundreds of old Chinese people gambling. There's great street art on and around Valencia street, lots of murals and the Women's Building, plus amazing food pretty much anywhere you pop into. Plus you can play "spot the hipster."
In Santa Cruz, there's Cafe Brasil and Taqueria la Cabana on Mission St. (but uh...they might not impress someone who's spent so much time in Mexico and Cuba, and the lines are always long at Brasil, and terrible salsa in la Cabana); Maryanne's Ice Cream; amazing garlic french fries at Vasili's on Mission & Bay...Nisene Marks in Aptos for hiking (Emma's recommendation - I always went further on to Big Sur.)
It doesn't sound like you have the time for it, but if you're interested in a three day uphill in and uphill out backpacking trip in Big Sur, I definitely recommend the Sykes Hot Springs. It's worth the pain. I can tell you loads more about San Francisco and Santa Cruz, if you want - just let me know. I'm getting homesick just thinking about it. ENJOY THE FOOD!!!!! I'm eating potatoes and potatoes here!!! :) Just kidding. Sort of.
Peace, Lauren.
Hi, All-
Just wanted to thank you for your San Francisco advice. While I'm now kicking myself for structuring our trip in such a way that we didn't spend more time in San Francisco (more on that in a blog), I appreciated your recommendations. The highlight of our visit was that we got to meet Ross and enjoy the view of the bay from his amazing home over wine and good conversation. We had a very decent Italian meal at Calzone's on Greene and Columbus because Ross's recommendation had already closed for the evening by the time we pulled into town. I'll keep your recommendations for a future trip. And Lauren-- can you explain why San Francisco is so garlic obsessed? In addition to your recommendation of garlic fries (which I saw on multiple menus), I saw a restaurant called The Stinky Rose: A Garlic Restaurant, and numerous other garlic references.
Gilroy, a small town just a few miles south of SF is the Garlic Capital of the World. At harvest time in July the entire town smells of it and there is a huge, mouth-watering festival.
Maybe that's where the garlic obsession. Although we have a Stinking Rose in L.A., too, so maybe garlic is just yummy.
Joined: 09-14-06
Hi, All-
So, Francisco and I will be crossing into California--cross your fingers--this weekend and will FINALLY have the opportunity to do a quick but intense California coast trip, driving from San Diego to San Francisco over the course of a few days. I'd love some advice about must-see places, great places to eat and/or stay, and any place seriously romantic, as the 21st is our anniversary.
Peace,
Julie