Wednesday, August 14, 2013

USA Vacation 4: I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I definitely understand why Douglass Cross penned the lyrics to the song. I loved San Francisco, not just because we visited some really great friends there on our vacation, but also because I loved the blend of old and new, the rolling hills, the proximity to the ocean and the great gastronomic experiences. I can't believe the husband and I only spent two days there, because I could definitely have stayed a lot longer!

The famous Golden Gate Bridge was, well...not exactly visible as it is in every movie and postcard that seems to feature this attraction. And apparently, seeing it in fog like this is very typical---it's the clear days that are unusual! Or so I've been told.


Even here, by Crissy Field, all that could be seen of the bridge was the lower part of it.


But a photo opp with or without the bridge in the background will push through! Have camera, will have photo for the vacation album!


If you're out for a walk by Crissy Field, head over to the nearby Palace of Fine Arts and enjoy the beautiful structures by the pond. Great for photo shoots, too!


One of my favorite parts of our visit to SF was driving around, up and down the streets and enjoying the architecture and views of the sea.

Like this top view of what is probably the most photographed street in San Francisco, Lombard Street.

And here's the view from the bottom of the unusually steep and winding street. No speed trangressions here, I should hope!

And apparently, there is more than one way to drive down Lombard Street.


Another landmark to pass by is Ghirardelli Square near Fisherman's Wharf. This area used to house the headquarters of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and still features a number of shops, a small green and different views of the sea. And quite a few boats of different types and ages.







I have no idea who the lady in the foreground is but otherwise, isn't it a nifty view of the hilly streets of the city?


One can't visit San Francisco and not pass by Fisherman's Wharf. If not for a meal of clam chowder served in a bowl of the famous sourdough bread....


....or for a photograph of Alcatraz and a very persistent sea gull.....


...or for a inner tour of this submarine in the wharf (obviously the husband's choice, not mine!)...


... then at least for a visit to Pier 39, the pier that the sea lions at some point just decided to invade and claim for a chill-out spot and which now draws crowds from all over who come to see these great creatures snoozing in the sun, lying on the same crowded floats, despite there being many other floats to choose from.


And, oh my God, the food! San Francisco is known as one of the best restaurant cities in America, which is golden nugget of information for a food fanatic like myself! 

Our hosts took us to dinner at this small restaurant on Mission Street called Salt House, which is located in a refurbished printing press warehouse from 1907 and which features Contemporary American fare. I wish I had remembered to take photos of the food for this post, but it was all so good that I was busy stuffing my face and photography had to take a back seat for once! If you are more than two people, I recommend ordering different things from the menu and sharing so that everyone gets a taste of everything. The food is served in small, gourmet portions and is definitely worth the visit. My favorites were the poutine (french fries smothered in gravy), poached egg and the S'more dessert cup. Oh, and making a reservation is a good idea, too.


Another place I enjoyed a good meal was at Town on Laurel Street in the San Carlos area where they definitely know how to do great brunch dishes. As an Eggs Benedict fan, I had to try the Benedict A Trois, which featured the classic Eggs Benedict as well as a steak and crab cake variety. Nom! 


The husband had his first try of Chicken and Waffles (which this restaurant apparently does well). Mmm, gravy....


Also a place worth visiting and making a table reservation for, especially for weekend brunch.


Ah, San Francisco, you stole my heart away in just two days! I shall see you again someday.

PS. For all you guys out there who love to shop, the Standford Shopping Center is a nice place to check out as well...!


1 comment:

  1. Good articles, Have you heard of Mr Benjamin, Email: 247officedept@gmail.com --WhatsApp Contact:+1-9893943740-- who work with funding service they grant me loan of $95,000.00 to launch my business and I have been paying them annually for two years now and I still have 2 years left although I enjoy working with them because they are genuine Loan lender who can give you any kind of loan.

    ReplyDelete