2220 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 359-9100 View Map
Dog sitting for the weekend lent the opportunity to stop in at Catnip & Bones to find some treats for Oliver, my cousin’s Maltese Yorkie. This small pet boutique located on Chestnut Street is bright and welcoming, clean, and neatly organized with nearly everything an owner could want for their cat or dog. Oliver was most interested in the dog desserts and edible chew toys, and since I could not decide between all the choices, the owner’s recommendations helped keep that puppy preoccupied all afternoon.
Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 10am-6pm
600 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 View Map
Perched on a corner in the Mission, no sign or awning to give away its location, one could easily drive past without noticing they’ve missed one of the best bakeries in the city. Luckily, the constant line of patrons pouring out the door of Tartine Bakery helps draw the eye, and by constant I mean, rain or shine, expect to see some sort of line. While I was waiting in line to order, I couldn’t help but appreciate the dated decor that’s changed very little since the sixties, exuding a sorta hipster charm that has come to define the Mission district for some.
This is one of my favorite places for buttery/flakey croissants, amazing morning buns, scones, and freshly baked loaves of French bread. I love their macarons, which make a nice gift if you can manage not to eat them first. The chocolate souffle cake is extremely rich and should advisably be consumed with one of their oversized lattes, which are served in a bowl. For those looking for something savory, try one of their pressed sandwiches or the croque-monsieur. |Tartine Bakery|
Open 7 days a week: Mon: 8am-7pm Tues-Wed: 7:30am-7pm Thurs-Fri: 7:30am-8pm Sat: 8am-8pm Sun: 9am-8pm
54 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 777-1200 View Map
Following a late night movie at the Metreon, the search was on for a kitchen still open late on a Sunday. Luckily, the brightly lit florescent sign at Anna Belle’s caught my attention. Located in the Hotel Mosser, Anna Belle’s menu features local and sustainable American fare served until a half hour past midnight. The dinner menu features a range of hearty dishes such as the prime rib, pork chops, and short ribs, and the bar menu has plenty of fried foods, various pizzas, and a delicious burger. Diners looking for a casual meal can either opt for a high-top near the bar, or chose one of the tables in the more intimate main dining area. |Anna Belle’s|
Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sun: 11am-3pm Mon-Sun: 5:30pm-12:30pm Daily happy hour(s): 4pm-7pm, 11pm-12:30pm
Battery Chamberlin Road
The Presidio
San Francisco, CA 94129 View Map
With one of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s no surprise that Baker Beach is a very popular destination year-round for locals and visitors alike. Located on the western shores of the Presidio, this mile-long stretch of beachfront is a romantic locale for a walk along the shore or a relaxing place to enjoy a good book. On warm days, the beach is very popular for sunbathers (the northern section of the beach is favored by the clothing-optional type). There’s even a picnic area near the parking lot with tables and grills perfect for a warm weather barbeque.
Upon parking, one may think the hilly terrain at the right of the entrance is merely a sanctuary for wild plants, but it’s actually the site of a former military gun installation built in 1904 to protect the harbor. Baker Beach was also the site of the first five Burning Man Festivals from 1986 to 1990. The festival has since moved on to Black Rock Desert, Nevada due to campfire size restrictions that prohibited the burning of large wooden structures. Though Burning Man would have had to be much smaller at Baker Beach, here’s a cool video of the festival from 2009 to envision what the party could have been like:
150 Stockton Street, Level 4
San Francisco, CA, 94108
(415) 249-2720 View Map
Being my birthday and all, lunch somewhere a little more fancy than the typical Thursday norm seemed in order. Some white wine at noon on a Thursday? Hmm, why not. The Rotunda is located at the top of Neiman Marcus and is one of the more notable spots in Union Square for that special brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea. Nearly every table gets a great view of the Beaux Arts stained-glass skylight, but seats facing the unobstructed views of Union Square are highly sought after and are usually reserved well in advance.
Once seated, a demitasse of chicken broth served with a small crunchy popover wets the appetite, followed by their signature freshly baked popovers served with raspberry butter. I usually find myself ordering the burger when I dine here, but since it was my birthday, something a little more decadent this time around seemed appropriate. The lobster gratin penne pasta had a rich sauce, the deep-fried lobster imperial rolls were crunchy and delicious, and the lobster club was a rich take on an American classic sandwich. For the finale, a banana bread pudding with candied pecans, banana chips, caramel and chocolate was a great end to a decadent weekday lunch.
Open 7 days a week: Mon-Thurs: 11am-4pm Fri-Sat: 11am-5pm Sun: 12pm-4pm Afternoon Tea: Sun-Thurs: 2:30pm-4pm Fri-Sat: 2:30pm-5pm
2220 Chestnut Street
