getaway san francisco holiday / fall edition 2012

fall 2012fall 2012

Loaded with Activities, Maps,Entertainment, and Food in San Francisco and the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO $4.95

What Mall?

3 Best Open-Air Shopping DestinationsCheers!Lift Your Glass to Fabulous Microbreweries and Wineries in the Bay Area

Best FaMily VaCation eVer 10 Spots to Have Fun

sliCe oF Paradise Experience Half Moon Bay/Pacifica

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18480 San Francisco Getaway Ad 8/23/12 11:42 AM Page 1

4 GEtAWAY san francisco

on the cover 18 Best Family

Vacation ever 10 Spots to Have Fun

24 slice of Paradise Experience Half Moon Bay/Pacifica

26 Cheers! Lift Your Glass to Fabulous

Microbreweries and Wineries in the Bay Area

30 What Mall? 3 Best Open-Air

Shopping Destinations

explore 10 Welcome to your Bay area Getaway!

12 Map: san Francisco City

14 Map: Featured Portions of the Bay area

15 Map: half Moon Bay

16 Map: Peninsula

18

30

24

26

contents fall 2012

fall 2012 5

Start scanning!

What will I see?If you scan a QR code within the pages of this magazine, you will be tranported directly to the Web.

• Get informed about the Bay Area. • Visit a business before you walk through the doors. • Learn more about what makes an activity or destination special and unique.

Learn something new. All you do is scan! You might be whisked away to watch a video about an exciting destination or win something in a contest. In a word, QR codes are FUN!

How do I scan it?Smart Phones equipped with cameras can take a picture of a QR code and “read” it, with the help of a decoding app. Once the code is read, your phone’s browser will take you to wherever that code is programmed to send you.

Where do I get a Reader?If you don’t have a QR code Reader, get on your smart phone and search your: AppStore, Google Play Store, or Blackberry AppWorld. Download the app with the MOSt stars. (the better the app, the faster the QR code will scan.)

If you don’t have a camera-, web- and app-enabled phone, just point your browser to PlanMyGetaway.com to see all the great new content from GEtAWAY San Francisco.

What is a QR Code?

You’ve seen the cashier at the store scan your items, right? Well, QR codes are

not unlike those bar codes in the way they function. they contain information that is useful. In the case

of the cashier, it’s the information to ring up your

item. In the case of this magazine, it’s your ticket

to EXPANDED CONtENt!


articles

26 Cheers! Lift Your Glass to Fabulous Microbreweries and Wineries in the Bay Area

30 What Mall? 3 Best Open-Air Shopping Destinations

34 take a trip! Uncommonly Cool tours

13 Local Resources + tV Guide

36 Dining Guide

44 Shopping Guide

48 Activities Guide

36

34

Vol. 1: No. 2 – Fall 2012

Michael J. Low Publisher [email protected] 925-718-5293

editorial

Diane Hansen Editor-in-Chief [email protected]

Jennifer Jo Loofbourrow Creative Director

Helena Fowler Associate Editor

advertising

Cyd (Cyndi) Yee Director of Sales [email protected] Direct 650-522-0202 Cell 707-337-2695 Office 925-718-5293

Kay Ellsworth Business Relations Support [email protected]

PlanMyGetaway.com

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:

Jan 15–Apr 14, Spring: Apr 15–July 14, Summer: July 15–Oct 14,

Fall: Oct 15–Jan 14 by GETAWAY San Francisco 218 Jasmine Way,

Danville, CA 94506, Phone: 925-718-5293. No part of this

periodical 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 [email protected] 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.

48

food & shopping

lifesyle

the getaway list

fall 2012 7


Are you ready to release your inner child, fearlessly experience what you have never experienced before, and pack your vacation so full of memories you will have a perma-smile on your face for months? If so, you are in the right place!

San Francisco and the Bay Area are packed to the brim with ways you can really let loose and play. the holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s time to channel some of that positive energy into experiencing something new. there will be plenty of time for turkey dinner preparations and gift-wrapping come late November and December. Now is your time to have some fun!

this issue is dedicated to just that—FUN! We have hand-picked activities for you, designed to help set the kid inside you free.

If you have...

• Kids: Check out Best Family Vacation Ever: 10 Spots to Have Fun and learn all about exhibits, live shows, and experiences your whole family will enjoy.

• The urge to be a bit self-indulgent: Turn the page until you reach our feature on Half Moon Bay/Pacifica, perhaps one of the most relaxing destinations in the Bay Area.

from the editor

Contact GETAWAY San Francisco

planmygetaway.com

[email protected]

/getawaysanfrancisco

@getawaysf

Welcome to San Francisco and the Bay Area!

Diane Hansen Editor-in-Chief

• A love of beer and wine: Save a lot of time and discover the Fabulous Microbreweries and Wineries in the Bay Area. Plan your trip to discover the greatest vintages and the best microbrews without leaving your hotel room.

• Ever been called a “shopaholic:” You will revel in our picks of the coolest finds, biggest bargains, and best shopping in the area.

Don’t leave San Francisco until you have experienced at least one live show. We have featured some of the best inside—but be sure to scan the QR code and hop over to our event calendar at planmygetaway.com to see what’s going on tONIGHt.

As always, I love hearing from our readers. I want to know, what do YOU want to read about? 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!

fall 2012 9


Welcome to Your Bay Area Getaway!

explore

Fall in San Francisco and the Bay Area is simply beautiful. The air feels crisp, clean, and invigorates you like nothing else. Hills? No problem. Walking? You could walk for miles. In fact, you could skip down the street, you feel so good. Fall makes us all feel like a kid again. Halloween encourages us to dress up and show our playful side. thanksgiving is when we all eat like we are ten years old again, have bottomless stomachs, and take long naps. there are many places you could have chosen for your fall getaway. We are glad you chose to come here, and you are reading GEtAWAY San Francisco to help you make the most of your experience. 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 FranciscoFew 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: Shopping! San Francisco is home to some of the best shopping in the world. If you can dream of buying it, you can most likely find it here. One of our favorite places to stroll and shop is Union SqUare. No, it’s not a mall. Union Square is made up of a series of streets and features some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities in San Francisco. Along with stores you would find in a mall, like White

hoUSe/Black Market, you will find kitschy shops like lUSh, a store that sells products made out of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, the finest essential oils, and safe synthetics, without animal ingredients. Visit their

San Francisco is home to some of the best shopping in the world.

fall 2012 11

San Francisco/Bay Area Event CalendarIf you are looking for something to do, you have come to the right place! Check out what’s happening now. Scan this QR code with your smart phone and go directly to our event calendar. If you don’t have a smart phone, you can see our event calendar online at bit.ly/IxmaOP. Just select your favorite event type to get started.

“cosmetic deli” and get ready to re-think your beauty regimen. You will be amazed by what can be made with all-natural ingredients! unionsquareshop.com

Marin County/North BayDon’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: Food, food, and more food! Pick a town, and you will find delicious eats around every corner. Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, tiburon—this is the no chain zone, filled to the brim with adorable mom-and-pop places that will positively capture your heart. One of our favorites is radiance cUiSine. For one, it’s located inside a mystical bookstore! they must put a little magic in the food too, because we

can’t get enough of this healthy vegetarian/vegan spot. When we go, we like to get their daily curry with brown rice. All of their food comes from local farms and it’s unbelievably fresh. the café is small (the main business is the book store). So go on off-hours to avoid a wait or just browse the store until your table is ready. they are open Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 7 p.m. Well worth a trip out of the city! radiancecuisine.com

The Peninsulathe Peninsula separates the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. the cities in this area, like Marin County/North Bay, are packed with charm. Some cities here include: Burlingame, Foster City, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Mateo, and South San Francisco.

Why we love The Peninsula: Airport convenience! SFO is on the Peninsula. So if you have a flight to catch, but don’t want to stop the fun, this is the perfect place to keep playing until the very last minute. Be sure to visit downtown San

Bruno. Stroll along the Avenue, the main drag of downtown, which has many quaint shops and restaurants reminiscent of the architecture found in the early 20th century American West. Grab a bite at don Pico’S Mexican BiStro and then hit the tanforan Mall for a little last minute souvenir shopping. sanbruno.ca.gov

Half Moon BayHalf Moon Bay is a little slice of paradise within easy driving distance of the city. Here you will find breathtaking, panoramic ocean views that will simply blow your mind.

Why we love Half Moon Bay: It is paradise, pure and simple! Half Moon Bay is home to the half Moon Bay Golf linkS, an awe-inspiring set of courses with postcard perfect ocean views and old Scottish charm. After your round of golf, grab a fresh microbrew from the half Moon Bay

BreWinG coMPany. It’s evident from your first sip that beer really matters here. their signature Mavericks® Beers and Ales, named after the world-famous surf spot practically in their back yard, are available year-round. this fall, try their Mavericks® Amber Ale. It won the bronze medal at the World Beer Cup 2012! hmbbrewingco.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.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

fall 2012 13

guide

Local Resources + TV GuideGEtAWAY 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)415-701-2311sfmta.com

Get to the airPort

Airport Shuttle (SAC)916-444-0008supershuttle.com Airport Shuttle (SFO)916-444-0008supershuttle.com

Call a CaB

DeSoto Cab Company 415-970-1300 desotosf.com

Friendly Cab 510-526-3000 friendlycab.com

Luxor Cab415-282-4141 luxorcab.com

Yellow Cab 415-970-1300 yellowcabsf.com

CheCk road Conditions

California Department of transporation800-427-7623 dot.ca.gov

Map: San Francisco City


Map: Featured Portions of the Bay Area

fall 2012 15

guide

Local Resources + TV GuideBay area inForMation

In Case of Emergency, Dial 911 San Francisco Visitor Information Center415-391-2000sanfrancisco.travel

Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau 510-839-9000visitoakland.org

Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau 510-549-7040visitberkeley.com Marin County Convention and Visitors Bureau415-925-2060 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 activities.

Map: Half Moon Bay


Map: Peninsula

fall 2012 17


Spots to

10Have Fun

Nature at its most majestic is just a few miles away at Muir Woods.

fall 2012 19

1 Learn Together

Children’s Creativity Museum

tHE CHILDREN’S CREAtIVItY MUSEUM, in San Francisco, inspires kids to imagine, create, and share in a rich multi-media environment. Your kids will walk away from this museum with a unique project they created. talk about a souvenir! No matter what medium your child likes to create in, the Children’s Creativity Museum has it! Love movies and motion graphics? Hit the Animation Studio and Movie Studio. Enjoy art? the Design

CuriOdyssey, San Mateo

Congratulations! You have broken your family away from the television, video games, and other digital distractions long enough to take them on a family vacation. While you still have cell phones, and other mobile gaming devices to contend with, you also face another challenge: How do you create a memorable, fun family vacation that keeps your kids engaged? Moreover, how do you make sure the activities you plan are fun for the entire family and everyone has the best time possible?


Studio and Imagination Lab are wonderful. Have a musical child? Set them loose in the Music Studio. Kids who like to invent will have a blast in the Innovation Studio. No matter which studio or lab you choose, they are all led by skilled artists and guides who are trained to spark your family’s imagination. Go creativity crazy! creativity.org

2 Play Together

CuriOdyssey

cUriodySSey, in San Mateo, will bring you and your kids up close and personal with the natural world through fun and interactive exhibits. their newest exhibit, Backyard Science, removes science from the lab and takes it outside to the gardens. Experience ambient sound tubes, listen with a giant ear, and test what it’s like to have superhuman vision. CuriOdyssey is also home to nearly 100 animals, from golden eagles to rubber boas. Most of

their animals are native to California and are housed in naturalistic wildlife habitats individually designed to accommodate the needs of the animals that live there. It’s more than a zoo. It’s a wildlife experience. We love CuriOdyssey because the kids learn, but they hardly notice it because they are busy having so much fun! curiodyssey.org

3 Lock and Load

Laser Quest

We love a good game of Laser tag! the GEtAWAY crew tries to get together as often as we can for a little friendly competition. One of our favorite places to play is laSer qUeSt in Mountain View. Black lights illuminate a festival of color as the maze twists and turns. the layout provides ample places to hide out from the lasers, aim, and fire, which makes for a really good time. this place gets busy, so reservations are recommended and are very worth the effort. Zap or get zapped! laserquest.com

The crew tries to get together as often as we can for a little

friendly competition.

fall 2012 21

4 Pedal to the Metal

K1 Speed

If you feel the need for speed, head over to k1 SPeed and challenge your family to a race. their Arrive and Drive pass allows you to come in any time and get your adrenaline rush in one of their eco-friendly electric karts. The coolest part about K1 Speed is they are all about the racing. During your race, you can monitor your performance in real time, thanks to their live telemetry systems. Every time a racer crosses the start/finish line, his or her lap time and overall position is displayed on a production screen for all to see. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the rush of real competition speed racing, this is it! Plus, it’s all indoors and open seven days a week. So no matter what day it is, or what the weather throws at your vacation, you can still feel the wind in your hair. k1speed.com

5 Watch Pigskin Fly

San Francisco 49ers

If you are a 49ers fan, a visit to candleStick Park is absolutely essential. this season is one of the last two the 49ers will play in this historic venue where the Catch—one of the greatest moments in football—occurred. the Catch was the

winning touchdown reception from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the Jan. 10, 1982, NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. Montana threw a high pass to the back of the end zone and 49ers receiver Dwight Clark made a leaping grab with his fingertips from the back of the end zone to score the winning touchdown—with only 51 seconds left in the game! After the 2013 season, the 49ers will be moving to their new venue in Santa Clara. 49ers.com

6 Ice Cold Fun

the Bulls

the first puck of the ECHL, formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League, season drops on Oct. 12 for the San franciSco BUllS, our pro hockey team, and the league’s newest franchise. the Bulls join the Pacific Division of the premiere AA hockey league, which includes the Bakersfield Condors, the Las Vegas Wranglers, Ontario Reign, and the Stockton thunder. If you are looking for a family-friendly sports experience, this team is a must-see. Plus, the stadium they play in has a super cool name— Cow Palace. Get your Bull on. sfbulls.com

Go creativity crazy! Feel the adrenaline rush and the wind in your hair.


7 Get Locked Up

Alcatraz

Kids want to play cops and robbers? Take

them where some of America’s most

notorious criminals were incarcerated:

alcatraz. the federal penitentiary that

operated on Alcatraz Island from 1934

to 1963 held some of the most infamous

criminals, like Al “Scarface” Capone and

See Chinatown, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, and Golden

Gate Park through the eyes of the Beatnik generation.

the “Birdman” Robert Stroud. It’s one of

the world’s most legendary prisons and,

during the tour, you will be able to walk

through the empty dining hall, feel the

cell walls, and understand what it was

like to be held prisoner on “the Rock.”

Feel up to a spooky encounter? try one of

the nighttime, flashlight-led tours. these

are especially popular around Halloween.

alcatraztours.com

Retractable projection screens inside The Magic Bus

fall 2012 23

8 Go Ape

Muir Woods

If you remember Rise of the Planet of the

Apes, you probably remember the scene

where Caesar went to the redwood forest

and played in the trees. that forest was

MUir WoodS, but on top of it being a really

cool location to shoot a movie, the park

is full of history. Muir Woods has a rich

history, from its use by the Coast Miwok

people, to its role in the Gold Rush, early

tourism, and the Mount tamalpais Mill

Valley Scenic Railway. It’s a great place

to teach your kids about the history of

conservation and land use in a beautiful

setting. nps.gov/muwo/historyculture

9 Trip Out

the Magic Bus

When you hop aboard the MaGic BUS, it’s

a trip back in time. this is more than a

tour; it’s a rolling live show and a great

way to show your family what the 60s were

like. Sing along to classic 60s tunes with

a flower in your hair and see Chinatown,

North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, and Golden

Gate Park through the eyes of the Beatnik

generation. this colorful, musical,

quasi-magical bus will take you through

the era of the Hippy, Beatnik, and Rock ‘n

Roll movements with retractable projection

screens that cover the windows. It’s a look

back in time your family won’t soon forget.

magicbussf.com

0Theatrical ExperienceDavies Symphony Hall

Bring your crew to experience the arts

in kid-sized presentations designed just

for families at davieS SyMPhony hall.

On Nov. 3, the San Francisco Symphony

marks the Dia de los Muertos (Day of

the Dead) with its fifth annual concert

celebrating Latino culture. On Dec. 2, treat

your children to Deck the Hall, a festive

concert featuring the magical music of

the holiday season. Experience fantastical

story-telling on Dec. 8, when the classic

children’s story Peter and the Wolf will be

narrated live. Expose your family to more

traditional orchestral music on Dec. 15,

when the San Francisco Symphony

holds its kid-friendly concert when the

orchestra plays songs kids know and love.

sfsymphony.org

Experience the symphony in kid-sized presentations designed

just for families.


explore Experience a Slice of Paradise

Half Moon Bay/Pacifica BY: DIANE HANSEN

When I want to unwind and get out of the city, there are a lot of options. Sure, I could relax by the Bay or stroll through Muir Woods to get that feeling. But, when I really want to get away, without hopping on a plane, I grab my golf bag and hit the Pacific Coast Highway to relax in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. I love a good road trip and these two towns along the Pacific Coast are as fun to get to as they are to enjoy. From San Francisco, I take the 101 to the 280 and ride that to Coast Highway 1. the scenery becomes spectacular rather quickly. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Yes, I believe Aerosmith made that line more popular in the mainstream. It doesn’t make it any less of a classic thought, though. See, when you visit Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, you are on a journey toward experiences that will sooth your mind, make you smile, and relax every muscle in your body—no matter how you like to unwind.

BEACHES

One of my favorite beaches in Pacifica is rockaWay Beach on Rockaway Beach Avenue. Rockaway Beach provides the perfect combination of astounding beauty, exciting waves, leisurely beach, and heart-pumping walking trails. the Ramones sang about it for good reason. It’s one cool place to hang. It’s also the perfect beach to pull off and visit when the beach is just a portion of your journey. You can park really close and walk down, which is so convenient. the sand is soft, wonderful black sand, and rock-hounds will love the beautiful limestone rocks scattered around the beach. It’s also a good place to relax and watch surfers catch waves. Rockaway Beach is quiet, intimate, and the perfect place to

collect your thoughts and find yourself. All of the beaches in this area are gorgeous. But, this one is really special to me.

GOlF

I’ve always dreamed of playing at Pebble Beach. It hasn’t happened, yet. But, I have played at my other dream course, the Ocean Course at half Moon Bay Golf

linkS. the Ocean Course is challenging and is a must-play if you have ever wanted to swing the sticks with a perfect ocean breeze at your back. I don’t know if my ball was flying further, or if I was just in a trance from the view! I’m also partial to the Old Course, an American classic that weaves around lakes, through cypress and coastal pines, and finishes on one of the highest ranked golf holes in the world. You don’t have to be a pro to play either of these courses—I’m far from it. You just have to love the game and appreciate the beauty of playing in such breathtaking surroundings.

DAY SPAS

When I really want to splurge, my spot to do it (and do it right!) is the half Moon

fall 2012 25

and view, navio at the ritz-carlton is my choice. Get there early to sit next to the window and enjoy a breathtaking view.

SHOPPING

I’m a huge fan of shopping streets, where I can hop from one shop to the other, grab a bite, and then hop some more.

Cruising and shopping on Coast Highway through Pacifica is a great time. I weave on and off the road, browsing shops, and picking up trinkets along the way. Of course, before I hit the beach, I have to hit nor-cal SUrf ShoP. I don’t own a board, and they have plenty of rental equipment. So, on those days when I feel like I’m ready to brave the waves (usually about once or twice a year), I’ll rent here. I got my last bathing suit here, too. I’m kind of a thrift store junkie, so it’s not uncommon

KEEP YOuR EYES ON THE ROAD the scenery to and from Pacifica and Montara, towns you encounter heading to Half Moon Bay, are absolutely breathtaking. While you are out exploring this beautiful country, please keep your eyes on the road. Accidents have a way of ruining a great getaway.

DEvIl’S SlIDE traveling this route, you should be aware of Devil’s Slide, a beautiful but dangerous part of the road. It’s safe to travel. However, Caltrans and local voters have decided to create a bypass for it to improve road safety and enhance the habitat for surrounding wildlife.

THE DEvIl’S SlIDE TuNNEl this fall, the Devil’s Slide tunnel will open and bypass Devil’s Slide. two tunnels have been created beneath San Pedro Mountain, each 30 feet wide and 4,200 feet long. At the northern end, a bridge 1,000 feet long will span the valley at Shamrock Range. Pacific Coast Highway has been realigned to provide a smooth transition in and out of the tunnel. Locals and visitors alike are incredibly excited about this new tunnel. We are, too! Drive safe and enjoy your getaway!

on a trip to Pacifica to see me in leilani’S

thrift ShoP. I always find a deal here, and I love finding deals! I also like shopping on Palmetto Avenue after breakfast, just as the shops are opening. It’s a great start to the day!

Half Moon Bay is all about Main Street for me. My favorite shops here are coaStSide

BookS, a great little book shop with books, knick-knacks, and jewelry; toqUe Blanche, tHE place for cookware and cooking accessories; and, the PoSh Moon, where I make it a habit to pick up a new dress every time I visit. the shop smells so good, too! Before I leave, I stroll through PerSonal fx, a store that is an art display in itself. If you are an art lover, it’s a must-stop.

Hmm… I think I’m in need of a beach break. How about you?

Bay SPa, located inside the ritz-carlton at One Miramontes Point Road. My favorite thing to do is block out half of the day and indulge in 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 and waxing. So, I make that a must-do as well when my cuticles and brows are looking a little rough. If I’m not on a Ritz budget, I’ll make my way to one of the many other day spas in town. My spot for a message is heaven on earth. If I feel like going a little more Zen, I hit Body and SoUl day SPa. Both are on Main Street in Half Moon Bay. My favorite after-beach indulgence in Pacifica is viSionS SeaSide SPa on terra Nova Boulevard. I adore their “Steamy Wonder,” a wrap that melts away inches and makes my body feel beyond great.

DINING

Anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m a seafood freak. Living in San Francisco, I definitely get my fix. But nothing tastes better on a day of relaxation than a nice fillet and some white wine with a beautiful view. café Pacifica on Palmetto Avenue in Pacifica doesn’t have a view, but its food is down-home delicious. I like to leave early and stop here for breakfast for their Gangsta wrap, a big, delicious breakfast burrito-style wrap. For Italian, I always hit up tortellini oriGinali on Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay. their chicken rosemary ravioli is simply to die for and the meatballs are freakishly huge (and delicious). to enjoy that fillet, wine,


Cheers!food

Fabulous Microbrews and Wineries in the Bay AreaFIRST, THE BREWS…

There’s something so different about drinking a microbrew versus a store-bought beer. The flavors are richer, more complex, and deeper. You can taste the freshness of the hops, barley, and notice the little accents so much more readily. When you put a microbrew to your lips, you know that batch is one of a kind, unique, not mass-produced. In many ways, it tastes like it was brewed just for you.

One of our favorite microbreweries along the coast is half Moon Bay

BreWinG coMPany in Half Moon Bay. We particularly love grabbing one of their Mavericks® brews and taking it outside to the fire pit to relax. this

coastal venue is a breathtakingly cool place to enjoy a beer. they have a full menu, as well. In 2011, Travel+Leisure magazine selected them as one of “America’s Best Beach Bars.”

What makes Half Moon Bay Brewing Company special: It’s incredibly dog friendly! their house-made dog treats, Maverick Bones, are available for $3.50 per bag. Made with the spent grains from the breweries artisanal beers, they are healthy and pets love them. Bay Woof’s “Beast of the Bay Awards” named them “Best Dog Friendly Restaurant” and one of the “Best Dog Friendly Bars” in 2012. hmbbrewingco.com

fall 2012 27

Mmmm Anchor Steam … yes, you can buy some in just about any area grocery store, but there is something special about this San Francisco classic microbrew. You can taste it fresh out of the tap, mere yards from the tank it was brewed in at the anchor BreWinG coMPany. the beers at Anchor are historically delicious with roots all the way back to the California Gold Rush. You might know them from their most popular brew, Anchor Steam.

What makes Anchor Brewing Company special: You have to take the brewery tour! It’s one thing to see the tanks and know beer is being brewed; it’s quite another to see a full operating factory in action. Here’s the hook though, the tour is booked, sometimes, up to six months in advance. Anchor makes great beer, but the fact that the tour is free and comes with tastings at the end has created a mighty demand for the tour. the tour takes place twice each weekday. For tour reservations, call 415-863-8350. anchorbrewing.com

At the core of SPeakeaSy aleS & laGerS

is their original steam-fired brew house. the philosophy here is that good beer takes time and sometimes it takes two days of brewing to completely fill one of their fermenters. After spending a week or more in the cellar, most of their beers are dry-hopped and filtered for improved shelf life, clarity, and a more focused flavor. Speakeasy is a tribute to

the end of Prohibition, sparked by the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act. the brewery opened in 1997, but the brew house’s irreverent spirit was forged in celebration of the creation of the 21st Amendment which allowed the alcohol to flow once again.

What makes Speakeasy Ales & Lagers special: Enjoy strong beer, a laid-back vibe, and free popcorn! the Double Daddy doubles down on malt and hops, raising the stakes with four varieties of Pacific Northwest hops and three hop additions, including dry hopping, with pale malted barley and English Munich malts. Be careful with this one! Double Daddy packs a punch at 9.5% alcohol by volume. goodbeer.com

Of 1,300 American breweries that existenced in 1914, only 162 survived Prohibition.

If you are looking to have fun, laugh a lot, and spend the evening cracking jokes and making up your own beer names, sip your next pint at ShMaltz BreWinG coMPany.

the beer has a lot of character, but even funnier are the carnival-crazy labels. they group their beers into two categories, the Chosen Beers and the Freak Beers. Schmaltz embraces its Jewish roots with a selection of kosher beer and beers for the rest of us freaks.

What makes Shmaltz Brewing Company special: they brew some of the most creative (and funny) beers in the area! A few of the Chosen Beers include: He’Brew Funky Jewbilation, Hop Manna IPA, Genesis Dry Hopped Session Ale, and Messiah Nut Brown Ale. the Freak Beers are carnival-themed and include their Coney Island Lager, Mermaid Pilsner, Albino Python, Sword Swallower, Human Blockhead, and Freaktoberfest. schmaltzbrewing.com


NOW, THE WINES…

It’s a common misconception you have to travel to experience great Northern California wine. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Some of the best boutique wineries are outside of Napa and Sonoma, either in San Francisco or not far outside.

BlUxoMe Street Winery is proud of its roots in the SoMa (South of Market Street) neighborhood, which used to be called South of the Slot (the slot being the cable car line that ran down Market Street). today, SoMa has exploded with art and culture, and the wineries here are re-emerging as well, this winery being one of them.

What makes Bluxome Street Winery special: We love the ambiance of their tasting room.

this cool industrial-style room is cozy, yet beautiful, in its simplicity. Enjoy the ambiance while enjoying the Bluxome flight of five wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Russian River Pinot, Sonoma Coast Pinot, and the Napa Cabernet. Bluxome Street Winery makes their wine on-site, but they grow in the Russian River Valley area and Napa. If you stop in the

last Saturday of each month, you can explore the “Meet Market,” an event with local artisan vendors. bluxomewinery.com

If a wine is capable of tasting like bliss, it does at SeBaStiani in San Mateo. Sebastiani

is one of those wineries you want to make sure you bring the camera when you visit. It’s absolutely beautiful, from its spacious grounds to the inviting fireplace and cozy chairs. the environment perfectly complements the wines in every way.

What makes Sebastiani special: At Sebastiani you don’t have to stop at tasting the wine, you can experience it! Private tours, tastings, and seminars are available if you really want to get behind the scenes, and flavors, of the wine. sebastiani.com

the ambiance at BlUe cellarS is very casual, but the wine tastes like you are sipping it from a mansion overlooking the ocean. this small winery produces 80 to 100 barrels a year, and their tasting room is located in an old military hangar, sharing space with the treaSUre iSland

Winery.

What makes Blue Cellars special: Red dessert wines, hands down, have received the most accolades here. try the Petite Syrah Port, a rich and beautiful blend, or the Chardonnay Port, with accents of toasted almonds, apricots, and ambrosia crème. Well-paired nibbles are served along with the tastings, which rounds out the experience. bluecellars.com

trojak-knier Winery was started by two long-time friends, Jim Knier and Eric trojak, as a home wine-making project in Jim’s garage. With borrowed equipment, the pair made a 30-gallon bottle of Zinfandel from a vineyard in Gilroy. Soon, they started sourcing their grapes from Napa Valley and beyond. the wines at Trojak-Knier are said to be able to hold up for years on end, the mark of a superior wine.

What makes Trojak-Knier Winery special: You can call their winery in Half Moon Bay for a tasting appointment. their tasting room is not a regular attraction and is normally reserved for members of their Founders’ Club. However, on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–5 pm, they accept visitors. Call 650-728-3613 for a tasting appointment. Cheers! trojakknier.com

California winemaking started not in Napa, or Sonoma, but in San Francisco. In SoMa, to be exact. The 1906 earthquake was the end of many wine businesses and Prohibition ended most of the rest.

fall 2012 29

This magazine is different!GetaWay san Francisco isn’t like

any other travel magazine you may

have read. it’s like visiting a friend in

the area—a cool friend who knows

where to go, what to do and how to

find all those neat hidden gems that

will make your friends back home

incredibly jealous.

see, we won’t tell you to go

somewhere and spend your vacation

dollars there if we wouldn’t happily

spend our money there as well. We

check out eVery restaurant, bar,

shop, show, attraction and experi-

ence it all. if we haven’t given it

the GetaWay san Francisco stamp

of approval, you won’t see it in the

pages of this magazine.

that is the GetaWay san Francisco ProMise!

have a tip for the next issue? email

our editor-in-Chief!

[email protected]

San Francisco/Bay Area Event CalendarIf you are looking for something to do, you have come to the right place! Check out what’s happening now. Scan this QR code with your smart phone and go directly to our event calendar. If you don’t have a smart phone, you can see our event calendar online at bit.ly/IxmaOP. Just select your favorite event type to get started.


What Mall? Three Best Open-Air Shopping Destinations

1 Best Designer Shopping Experience: Union Square

Where: Located at the center of where Geary Street, Powell Street, Post Street, and Stockton Street meet.

Why: Historic and charming, the Union Square area is tHE retail and cultural hub of San Francisco. Here, you will find the largest collection of hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries uniquely housed in Victorian-era buildings. In the actual square, discover art displays, performing groups, and local artists that beckon to you from the sidewalk to buy locally-crafted items as souvenirs and gifts to take back home. the shopping here is nothing short of world-class. If you can dream of it, it’s here: high-end labels, big name brands, specialty boutiques, and some of the best restaurants and hotels in San Francisco—there’s something sure to please you, no matter how specific or eclectic your tastes may be.

Our favorite shops:Antiques – We love BiG PaGoda and lanG antiqUeS, for very different reasons. At Big Pagoda, you will find contemporary Asian-influenced furniture and antique Chinese pieces. the fusion of modern and historic is pretty spectacular. Lang Antiques is more of what you would think of when you think “antique store,” but they specialize in something very specific. Lang has over

shopping

fall 2012 31

7,000 individual, authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces of antique jewelry and estate jewelry that represents every major design period. Simply stunning!

Art – If you want to find outstanding art, shop where the artists live and play. San Francisco is a breeding ground for talent. So if you are looking to take home a lasting vacation memory, perhaps a trip through the art galleries is just what the decorator ordered. Be sure to hit artPeoPle

Gallery, a gallery which showcases the best new artists, undiscovered masters, and fresh talent; Gallery 444 where the owner and founder, Bettie Mitchell, has been in the art business on San Francisco’s Union Square for over 30 years and specializes in exciting original works featuring important contemporary artists; and the Martin laWrence GallerieS, which focus on original painting, sculptures, and limited edition graphics by Pablo Picasso, Chagall, Rembrandt, Andy Warhol, and other popular artists.

Clothing and Accessories – Union Square is home to some of our favorite national chain clothing stores like Anne taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, BCBG, Bebe, and Forever 21, as well as unique shops that give our wardrobe a local flair. You’ll also find shops from top designers, like Betsey Johnson Clothing, Burberry, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Our favorite local clothing store in Union Square is deSiGner

conSiGner, a wonderful consignment shop with a great amount of variety. It really feels more like a boutique than a consignment shop, but, true to the spirit of consignment, you can find a lot of high-end brands at great prices. So, no matter what your style, you can find something that fits it to a tee.

Eat here: BiStro UniqUe Sf (french)

Deliciously decadent French food and 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 Provençale, 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!

2Best Hippy Shopping Experience: Haight Street

Where: Beginning at the intersection of Haight Street and Ashbury Street

Why: Haight-Ashbury was the epicenter of the hippy culture. today, it’s a cool culture clash where the 60s, New Age, modern techies, upscale vintage, and specialty boutiques meet. Locals in the 1960s included members of the Grateful Dead, who lived at 710 Ashbury Street, Janis Joplin who lived at 122 Lyon Street, and members of Jefferson Airplane who called 2400 Fulton Street home. You can still experience the flavor of that era at many of the shops on Haight Street. Unlike Union Square, you aren’t going to find a lot of big national chains here. Haight Street is packed with local flavor. Mixed in between shops of the ‘60s, up and down the street, you will find high-end vintage clothing stores, a number of exclusive boutiques, and many hip restaurants. Each of them have their own flavor and color and is a classic San Francisco outdoor shopping experience.

Gallery 444


Our favorite shops: Clothing and Accessories – aMBiance mixes their romantic, funky, and vintage-inspired clothes, shoes, and accessories together to give you the San Francisco look. From casual outfits to formal dresses, bargains to small splurges, this store is a must on your shopping list. verd’S fUnk carries wonderfully trendy fashions crafted by local artists and exceptional fashion designers. If you are looking to shop somewhere with a cool attitude and a fun vibe, check this one out. A visit to Haight Street wouldn’t be complete without a stop in at aardvark’S odd ark (locals call it Aardvark’s). It’s one of the largest vintage/thrift stores in San Francisco. If you want to experience the epitome of the 60s and 70s, this is your place.

Music – If you think the music store is dead, don’t count on it! It’s alive and well on Haight Street at aMoeBa MUSic.

Born in 1990 in Berkeley, California, Amoeba Music is inspired by many of the great independent record stores. they stock everything—from the most popular artists to the most obscure in all genres—including jazz, international folk, popular music, roots music, classical music, all kinds of rock and soul music, just to name a few of the most obvious categories. their staff is an all-star team of record store veterans who make music their lives in one way or another. Many are musicians themselves and their collective depth of

straight from Nepal and the surrounding region. Explore their interesting inventory of CDs, jewelry, wall décor, books, and apparel. they get new items every week. So, if you are here for an extended period of time, this place is worth two visits.

Eat here: BlUe front café (Mediterranean)

Blue Front Café is a Mediterranean restaurant owned by Greek Orthodox-born Khoury brothers. They source their upbringing in the Old City of Jerusalem to create a delicious menu filled with delights from Greece and the Mediterranean. It doesn’t get much more authentic than this! Blue Front Café has a cozy,

knowledge is virtually unparalleled in the business. Rolling Stone Magazine suggests Amoeba Music could be the “World’s Greatest Record Store.” Step in and decide for yourself.

Specialty Stores – What would a trip to the best hippy-shopping street in San Francisco be if you didn’t step inside a real hippy shop? take a trip down memory lane at PoSitively haiGht Street and get your hands on some serious tie-dye and Grateful Dead memorabilia along with colorful t-shirts, all reminiscent of the ‘60s. If you are looking for something simply dreamy to take home, dreaMS of

kathMandU is where you will find a wide assortment of unique treasures, sourced

Amoeba Music, Haight Street

fall 2012 33

welcoming atmosphere that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Haight Street. to taste a little bit of everything from the region, order the Middle Eastern Plate, which features hummus, babaganoush, a tomato and cucumber salad, tabouleh, dolmas, falafels, and pita bread. At Blue Front Café, you won’t pay top dollar for the authentic deliciousness you will experience there. Most entrees are under $12 and the majority of them are less than $9.

3 Best Quaint Shopping Experience: Mill Valley Shopping District

Where: In the North Bay in Mill Valley, at the intersection of Miller Avenue and throckmorton Avenue

Why: Settled in among the giant redwoods, the picturesque, quaint town of Mill Valley sits just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Nestled along throckmorton and Miller Avenues, you will find shop after shop of some of the finest and, often times, most unique goods and services. From trendy fashions to old-time duds, the pleasure of shopping in this environment is only equaled by the local eateries. Mill Valley Shopping District has a great mix of unique, one-of-a-kind shops for your shopping pleasure, as well as some very comfortable and even almost-famous coffee shops. the district is home of the

legendary Sweetwater where John Lee Hooker and Jerry Garcia have performed. Mill Valley is also home to the first Banana Republic store, which started the trend of safari-type clothing many years ago.

Our favorite shops: Books – Located in the historic train depot in the heart of Mill Valley, the

Book dePot has a warm hometown feeling and friendly atmosphere. You can start there with a light breakfast, stop by mid-day for lunch, or finish your trip with a glass of wine and a good book while you look out on the town square. the Book Depot has an

impressive, carefully chosen, children’s section. So, if you are looking for a nice gift for a niece or nephew, this is the spot to stop. If you have a fashionista in the family, check out their extensive selection of domestic and international magazines. Vogue Italia? Yes, they have it.

Clothing and Accessories – Margaret O’Leary is the namesake, designer, and manufacturer of the fine knitwear and sportswear for men and women sold at MarGaret o’leary. Classic shapes, simple designs, luxurious yarns, and rich colors are the hallmarks of O’Leary’s creations. Her clothing transcends time and appeals to every woman and man. Celebrities like Sinead O’Connor, Joan Chen, Madonna, Winona Ryder, Kevin Spacey, and Hillary Clinton have recognized the beauty and quality of her brand and have proudly worn her clothing. Her designs were also used by the tV show Will and Grace and by Faith Ford and Laurie Metcalf in the tV show Norm.

Jewelry – Kathleen Dughi’s exquisite, intricate jewelry is a must-have for the discerning shopper, and you can find it all at her store in the Mill Valley Shopping District, kathleen dUGhi. Dughi, who spent six years as the head designer of renowned Shreve & Co. uses the Italian lost art of fabrication to set diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other fine gemstones into stunning handmade platinum, 22-karat

and 18-karat yellow gold power rings, stackable wedding bands, oversized crystal necklaces, and stunning tahitian pearls, making each piece a one-of-a-kind estate-quality creation.

Eat here: jennie loW’S (chineSe) – After 20 years of teaching Chinese cooking in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jennie Low finally realized her dream of opening a restaurant serving home-style Chinese food, with good service in a pleasant atmosphere. Her first restaurant, Jennie Low’s, opened in 1987 and is located in the Mill Valley Shopping District.

the restaurant features traditional dishes from many regions of China, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechuan, and Hunan, as well as more inventive dishes using California’s vast array of fresh foods. Recently they added “Light Creations”—new recipes and modifications of the old favorites—in direct response to customers’ requests for meals lower in fat. Jennie Low is the author of Chopsticks, Cleaver and Wok, which can be found on Amazon.com. Autographed copies are available for purchase inside the restaurant. Who knows? You might see Jennie too!


Take a Trip! entertainment

and you pay after the tour. this includes your bus transportation into the Victorian neighborhoods.

Away I went and our first stop, using the Muni public transportation system, was the qUeen anne hotel. tour-takers can actually go inside the hotel to view elegant Victorian furniture, artwork, and décor. We had 20 minutes to meander around the Queen Anne Hotel, and admire everything within, before continuing along the street. One of the things I was very impressed by: the tour guide managed to do a walking 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

Uncommonly Cool Tours 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 amazing spur-of-the-moment opportunities. tours are one of those spur-of-the-moment things you can book on a whim (or just show up to) and have a great time.

there are a lot of tours in San Francisco, but there are a few that are something really special. these are more than walking, talking, and telling stories. these are true experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

vICTORIAN HOME WAlK

When I discovered the victorian hoMe Walk, I was meandering around Union Square doing research for an article you read earlier this issue about the best open-air shopping experiences. Little did I know, I was about to have a Victorian adventure. I ran into a bubbly gentleman with a bright yellow sign that read, “Victorian Home Walk.” We started a conversation about his tour (shhh… I didn’t say I’m a travel writer). Come to find out, the guide arrives every day at Union Square at 10:55 a.m. sharp, with his 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,

fall 2012 35

Stick-Style Victorian architecture. You really learn the difference when you are seeing over 200 meticulously restored Victorian homes. What’s more, I could clearly tell the difference between something Edwardian and something that used to be a stable! Yes, there are homes and structures throughout San Francisco that were once stables, and you will see examples of some of the best on this tour.

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. I also saw where Bill Cosby lived, and learned about a few other local celebrities, including author Danielle Steele. Flexibility is important when you are on vacation and this tour is among the most flexible of them all. No reservations are required. Just show up, like I did! You will be so happy you did! Call 415-252-9485 for information. victorianhomewalk.com

THE MAGIC BuS

I’m a people watcher. Walking around town, on my way to the store or to discover some new spot that might be cool to include in the magazine, I always stop for awhile, sit, and just take in my surroundings. Well one day, strolling down Haight Street, I saw a big technicolor bus drive by. Inside, I saw singing people, with flowers in their hair. Now, I knew I was on the most famous hippy street in town, but I didn’t know hippies still existed in those quantities! Come to find out what I saw was the MaGic BUS, a bus tour that is more than a tour: it’s a trip back in time. this rolling live show really brought the sixties to life—and I was just walking down the street! When I researched it, I saw how groovy this tour really is. the music I heard coming from the bus was classic ‘60s, and I wasn’t hallucinating. Everyone on the bus had a flower in their hair (even some of the guys)! the Magic Bus weaves its way through the streets of San Francisco to explore Chinatown, North Beach,

Haight-Ashbury, and Golden Gate Park. this isn’t just a talk and drive, though. they have screens on the windows that transform modern city streets into the way they looked in the ‘60s. trippy! the videos explore the Hippy, Beatnik, and Rock ‘n Roll movements with colorful story-telling, cool neon lighting, and positive ‘60s vibes. the two-hour long ride begins in Union Square at Geary Street, tuesdays through Saturdays leaving at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Even the reservation number is groovy 855-WOW-MAGIC. magicbussf.com

TASTES OF THE CITY TOuR

I’m a big foodie. How much of a foodie, you ask? Well, when I first came to San Francisco, I did it for the food. I’d like to say it was for the opportunity, the history, the shopping, and the recreation. Nope. It was for the food. San Francisco is one of the culinary capitals of the world, and every single block has its own unique style of cuisine. there are just a handful of places here I have eaten at more than a few times. So when I discovered the taSteS of the city toUr, I just had to be a tourist in my own city. this isn’t just one tour. You can choose from two distinct parts of the city: North Beach/Little Italy or Chinatown. Every one of their trips they go into local bakeries, restaurants, and cafes,

and taste the food. What I really enjoy about this experience is tour-takers get to spend time with artisans, restaurateurs, and other locals. On my trip I spoke with a baker about the humidity and fog and how it can sometimes affect rising dough. Really fascinating stuff! the guides who lead the tours are passionate, professional, and some of them are chefs themselves. they really bring the magic of the city out. I knew I was in love with the food in San Francisco. this tour made me fall in love with it just a little bit more. Call 888-358-tOUR for information. localtastesofthecitytours.com

Are you ready to explore? I know I’m ready to get out and discover even more!


tHE GEtAWAY LISt >> DINING

dining guide

fall 2012 37

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

BuCa di BePPo italian restaurant

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,

415-543-7673, bucadibeppo.com

Chai-yo thai

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 order online and have their food

conveniently delivered right to your door!

Chai-Yo Thai Restaurant serves up cuisine

in a tasty blend of hot and cool ingredients

to give you an 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

mouth-watering cuisine made with only the

finest, freshest ingredients. Known as one of

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,

415-982-7877, rnglounge.com

San Francisco

Bistro unique

For traditional French fare, visit Bistro Unique

on Union Street! Quench your thirst with

bottomless mimosas at brunch on Saturdays

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

A sophisticated and relaxing vibe awaits you at

the Pisco Latin Lounge with comfortable lounge

seating and cocktail tables for two. Enjoy the

contemporary feel of this international-inspired

lounge while sipping drinks at the “pagoda”

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

of their sophisticated wine as it flows over

your tongue in a river of flavor. 60 West Portal,

San Francisco, CA 94127, 415-564-4006,

bursa415.com

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,

Enjoy the smooth taste of their sophisticated wine as it flows over your tongue in a river of flavor.


dining guide

MoMo’s

Set in the beautiful South of Market (SoMa)

area waterfront, MoMo’s offers delicious meals

for brunch, lunch or dinner. You can dine on

scrumptious fare and mouth-watering dishes

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 perfect choice.

Smaller groups can meet and dine in the Mayor’s

Office, with its rich wood paneling and warm red

tones. 760 Second Street, San Francisco, CA

94107, 415-227-8660, sfmomos.com

FoG City diner

Looking for tasty entrees and thirst-quenching

drinks? Fog City Diner offers you all that and more!

With an inviting ambience and tasty selection

of appetizers, salads, soups, and sandwiches,

you’ll leave the table satisfied and full. You also

can enjoy a glass of fine wine or a hearty beer,

depending on your tastes. Fog City Diner also can

accommodate large groups for cocktail or holiday

parties and cater right to your door! 1300 Battery

Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-982-2000,

fogcitydiner.com

kiPPu JaPanese Cuisine

Affordable prices, great food, and fresh

ingredients come together in perfect harmony

at Kippu Japanese Cuisine. You can enjoy

delicious sushi and sashimi, tasty miso soup,

and wonderful California spring rolls when

you dine here in Japantown. The prices are

unbeatable, and the food is some of the best

Asian food in the Bay Area. Locals and tourists,

alike, flock to Kippu for their mouth-watering

dishes and refreshing green tea! 1707

Buchanan Street, San Francisco, CA 94115,

415-346-1212

CoCo 500

Elegant surroundings, delicious food, and a

diverse selection of spirits make Coco 500 a

premier dining establishment in San Francisco.

Enjoy the bold and stimulating flavors of their

tantalizing meals as they are served among the

luxurious décor of this more than 100-year old

building. With a warm and inviting ambience,

you can count on Coco 500 for its spacious

dining area that also can serve small or large

parties! 500 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA

94107, 415-543-2222, coco500.com

Affordable prices, great food, and fresh

ingredients are blended together in

perfect harmony.

The Brixton, San Francisco

fall 2012 39

hoG & roCks

Come as you are and enjoy this casual,

contemporary bar located in the heart of the

Mission District! San Francisco’s first ham and

oyster bar offers a menu of mouthwatering

slices of ham and delectable oysters served

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

located in the heart of Cow Hollow. Offering

two happy hours and a menu full of tantalizing

foods; this is the place to go for elegant dining.

Enjoy scrumptious appetizers, hearty entrees,

and decadent desserts seven days a week at

this dynamic eating establishment.

2140 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123,

415-409-1114, brixtonsf.com

izzy’s steak & ChoPs

Locally owned and operated, Izzy’s Steak

& Chops offers only the best steaks in San

Francisco! How do they offer one-of-a-kind

flavor? Their beef is corn-fed, and the New

York steaks are aged at least 21 days. You also

can enjoy fresh-caught, local fish, and choose

from several side dishes to round out your

meal. Give their creamed spinach or “Izzy’s

own” potatoes a try or pile on the fresh veggies!

3345 Steiner Street, San Francisco, CA

94123, 415-563-0487, izzyssteaks.com

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, 415-433-6300, bixrestaurant.com

WalzWerk

Willkommen! That’s German for “Welcome!”

in case you didn’t know. The folks at Walzwerk

welcome you to try their robust East German

fare and tasty East German beer in a decidedly

East German setting. It’s a unique San Francisco

dining experience to rival no other! Enjoy

traditional German soups, salads, entrees,

and desserts while sipping on a mixed drink or

chugging a hearty draft beer.

381 S. Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

94103, 415-551-7181, walzwerk.com

toMMy toy’s

For a decidedly decadent dining experience visit

Tommy Toy’s, where you can enjoy delicious

cuisine amid the royal grandeur of Imperial China.

The restaurant showcases visually appealing and

palate-pleasing food amongst a treasure trove of

300-year-old tapestries, hand-silvered mirrors, and

Tommy’s personal collection of original Chinese

fans. The opulent setting of this San Francisco

restaurant and the visual appeal, and taste, of the

entrees will have you returning for more!

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

Enjoy eating delicious meals in a luxurious setting while listening to the very best jazz musicians of the Bay Area.


dining guide

their fresh oysters by the dozen or have them

served-up grilled. You also can dine on salads,

soups, and chowders featuring clams, oysters,

and some of the freshest ingredients around.

Looking for something with a little crunch? The

Fried Oysters or the Oyster Po’Boy will satisfy

that craving! 610 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559,

707-251-8113, hogislandoysters.com

naPa Valley Wine train

Hop on board the Napa Valley Wine Train for

a one-of-a-kind experience! The Napa Valley

Wine Train offers fantastic dining on board one

of the nation’s only active, historic passenger

railroads. Housed in antique railcars, the

dining options are absolutely irresistible! You

can choose the intimate setting in Vista Dome,

the luxurious surroundings in Gourmet Express

or relax Old West-style when you dine in the

Silverado railcar. 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa,

CA 94559, 800-427-4124, winetrain.com

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

sol Food

Puerto Rican-inspired California cuisine is

served up in a colorful and visually appealing

way at Sol Food. You can enjoy tasty

combinations of meats, beans, and seafood

served with rice, organic salad, and tostones.

If you want lighter fare, try their fresh

ensaladas and filling sandwiches. You also can

quench your thirst with a refreshing drink and

satisfy your sweet tooth with a fresh plantain or

tasty flan. Three locations in San Rafael, CA.

La Bodega, 903 Lincoln Avenue, Small Place,

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

Asian-inspired 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 vibrant personalities. With quality

ingredients and succulent flavor, Oryza Bistro

will soon become your favorite Asian bistro!

2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara,

CA 95128, 408-246-8010, oryzabistro.com

Nestled in one of the cozy private booths, you

can enjoy an intimate dining experience.

fall 2012 41

NewYorkPizzaSanBruno.biz

(650) 876-9999700 E. San Bruno Ave., San Bruno

CA 94066

Pizza

russian FaMily restaurant & CaterinG

Looking for a place to eat that offers

homemade fare with a Russian flair? The

owners at this family restaurant welcome you

to come by and sample their delicious and

mouth-watering meals and baked goods that

you won’t find anywhere else! Enjoy traditional

Russian dishes like syrniki (sweet cheese

fritters served with yogurt dressing), borsch,

and golubtsi (cabbage rolls) served with draft

beer or your choice of wine. 719 Camino

Plaza, San Bruno, CA 94066, 650-588-2950,

russianfamily.net

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 the San Francisco area. Don Pico’s offers

tantalizing appetizers, hearty house specialties

and delicious desserts! While enjoying their

delectable meals, you’re surrounded by an

eclectic mix of art and décor collected by the

owners’ son Chef Isaac. It’s Mexican food at

its best! 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA

94066, 650-589-1163, donpicosbistro.com

aCqua Pazza

Enjoy the tantalizing taste of authentic Italian

food when you visit Acqua Pazza. Palate-pleasing

dishes satisfy your hunger and 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, Attic

is a restaurant, bar, and lounge that offers a

one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enjoy the

bold and exciting flavors of the Far East as

you dine on succulent dishes made with local

and sustainable ingredients. You also can

quench your thirst at Under Attic, the saloon

located under the restaurant. 234 South B

Street, San Mateo, CA 94401, 650-342-4506,

atticrestaurant.com

sPiedo ristorante

Using local produce, fresh seafood, and

homemade pasta, Spiedo Ristorante offers a

tasty menu of hearty Italian meals to delight

your taste buds and please your palate!

Intimate dinners or large parties can be

accommodated at Spiedo Ristorante and are

served by a friendly staff. The “rustic Italian

cuisine” offered at Spiedo’s will leave you

wanting to come back for more! Finish off

your meal with a homemade dessert for a truly

unforgettable meal. 223 Fourth Avenue, San

Mateo, CA 94401, 650-375-0818, spiedo.com

esPetus ChurrasCaria

Experience the flavors of Brazil at Espetus

Churrascaria! This Brazillian steak house is

the Bay Area’s first continuous service-style

restaurant to date. You can enjoy slowly

roasted choice cuts of high-quality beef, lamb,

chicken, pork, and seafood served right at

your table. With a fresh and colorful salad

bar and delicious side dishes, your meal

will be pleasing from the first bite to the last!

710 South B. Street, San Mateo, CA 94401,

650-342-8700, espetus.com

231 ellsWorth

A favorite of the Bay Area, 231 Ellsworth is an

elegant restaurant that offers fine dining in a

luxurious setting. Enjoy delicate soups, fresh

garden salads, hearty entrees, and decadent

desserts at this San Mateo restaurant. Quench

your thirst with a glass of wine as you dine in

style surrounded by the classic decor. Nestled

in one of the cozy private booths, you can

enjoy an intimate dining experience like no

other! 231 South Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo,

CA 94401, 650-347-7231, 231ellsworth.com

neW york Pizza

Known for the Bay Area’s largest pizza, the

“King Kong,” New York Pizza has been serving

the area for over twenty years. Dedicated to

delivering the highest quality pizza and service,

the folks at New York Pizza work hard to

provide delicious, homemade pizza from their

“secret recipe” that will please your palate

and delight your taste buds! You also can

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

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 seaside-inspired

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


dining guide

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

ambience. You can enjoy a truly unique dining

experience from the sweeping views of the

ocean to the oceanfront outdoor dining. With

a tantalizing menu of fresh seafood, you can

feast inside next to the fireplace or outside

under a cozy heat lamp. Sam’s Chowder House

offers the best food, views, and atmosphere

you could ask for! 4210 Cabrillo Highway

North, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019,

650-712-0245, samschowderhouse.com

it’s italia

When you want gourmet pizza, mouth-watering

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 Tuscan-style 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

el toro loCo

Tired of the same old restaurant food? Set in

the charming area of Pacifica, El Toro Loco

offers delicious and authentic Peruvian and

Mexican food that will wake up your taste buds

with explosions of flavor! Feast on their sweet

and spicy shrimp diablo, hearty carne asada,

and healthy veggie burritos for a truly unique

dining experience. During your meal, you can

quench your thirst with a mug of beer or glass

of sangria. 1624 Francisco Boulevard, Pacifica,

CA 94044, 650-355-5548

CaMeron’s inn

Set in the style of an English Pub, Cameron’s

Inn is locally-owned and operated. Also, known

as the home of the “half-pound burger,”

Cameron’s offers an extensive menu of tasty

selections of sandwiches, salads, burgers,

pizza, chicken, and seafood. Finish your meal

with a sweet dessert, and quench your thirst

with any one of the sixty bottles of beer or

twenty drafts on tap. 1410 Cabrillo Highway

South, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019,

650-726-5705, cameronsinn.com

fall 2012 43


tHE GEtAWAY LISt >> SHOPPING

shopping guide

fall 2012 45

San Francisco

eMBarCadero Center

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

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 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 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

Pier 39

At Pier 39, you’ll find a festive shopping center

that features a variety of specialty shops. You

also can enjoy eating at any one of their many

restaurants that offer a delectable array of

seafood, California cuisine, and casual fare.

Located on San Francisco’s historic waterfront,

you’re treated to the picturesque scenery of the

Bay, fantastic shopping, and good eats!

Pier 39, Beach Street & The Embarcadero,

San Francisco, CA 94133

ChinatoWn

Enter the Dragon Gate of downtown San

Francisco’s Chinatown, and you will visit

the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and

throughout the United States! When you

come here, you’ll be amazed at the variety of

shops that line the streets. From cultural items

and party decorations to Chinese snacks,

fashion, and apparel, you will find everything

you are looking for, and more, when you visit

Chinatown! Located on Grant Avenue at Bush

Street, sanfranciscochinatown.com

JaPantoWn

Japantown is a gateway to Japanese culture,

cuisine, and shopping; it also sports a few

hotels and several businesses. Come to

Japantown to explore and experience Japan

right in the heart of San Francisco! Enjoy

shopping a huge selection of stores, browsing

art galleries, and dining on delicious Japanese

cuisine. At the corner of Geary Boulevard and

Webster Street, sfjapantown.org

the Castro distriCt

One of the United States’ first, and largest, gay

neighborhoods, The Castro offers an eclectic

mix of specialty stores, art galleries, and more!

Take a stroll through this vibrant community

where you can find everything from vintage

clothing, to high-end fashion, specialty foods,

antiques, and so much more. You will never

run out of something interesting and unique

to find when you visit The Castro! Located,

primarily, on Castro Street from Market Street

to 19th Street.


shopping guide

FillMore street

Located in one of the city’s finest areas,

Fillmore Street is a fantastic place to go in

San Francisco for an unforgettable shopping

experience. Filled with a diverse selection

of shops, you can find just about anything

stylish and chic. From the thriftiest stores to

the trendiest 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 and beautiful

area near Fisherman’s Wharf. Stop by one

of the cafes for a tasty treat and enjoy the

beautiful views of the bay! Located at

900 North Point Street at the corner of Beach

Street and Larkin Street.

stones toWn Galleria

Charming and cozy, the Stones Town Galleria

mall offers an eclectic mix of shops. With two

floors, the mall has plenty of great places

to shop and offers a fantastic food court,

as well. Locals, and tourists alike, enjoy

the convenience of the location and the

casual atmosphere. Aside from the usual big

name department stores, there are plenty

of boutiques and specialty stores sprinkled

throughout the mall. 3251 20th Avenue,

San Francisco, CA 94132, 415-564-8848,

stonestowngalleria.com


naPa PreMiuM outlets

Shop your favorite brands like Banana

Republic, Gap, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Talbots,

and more when you visit the Napa Premium

Outlets. When you’re on a budget, this is

the perfect place to shop and still get quality

clothes at great prices. You can even find

fantastic bargains on kid’s clothing and shoes,

men’s and women’s shoes, accessories,

jewelry, gifts, fine leather, luggage, and more!

629 Factory Stores Drive, Napa, CA 94558,

707-226-9876, premiumoutlets.com

doWntoWn st. helena

Considered to be Napa Valley’s Main Street,

downtown St. Helena offers exciting shopping

for locals and tourists alike! You’ll find

charming shops located along the two square

blocks of historic Main Street that offer plenty

of variety and treasure-hunting galore. The

shops and boutiques are known for their

unique, one-of-a-kind items—many of which

are crafted locally. You can find everything

from home furnishings and gifts to high quality

art and everything in between! 657 Main

Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, 707-963-4456,

sthelena.com

V MarketPlaCe

A unique shopping experience awaits you in

the beautiful Napa Valley at V Marketplace! As

their motto says, it’s “where shopping meets

lifestyle” in a perfect blend of specialty shops,

galleries, kitchenwares, art, and collectables.

You also can visit the wine cellar and tasting

bar or view a cooking demonstration while

you’re here. With an infinite variety of exclusive

products, you’re sure to find what you’re

looking for! 6525 Washington Street, Yountville,

CA 94599, 707-944-2451, vmarketplace.com

northGate

Northgate offers premier shopping to locals

and tourists alike. Shop the styles you like at

prices you will love, when you visit Northgate.

With a large variety of department stores,

fall 2012 47

specialty stores, boutiques, and more you

can find everything you need to outfit your

entire family. You also can pick up a few

accessories, a couple of video games, or visit

the salon while you’re there! 5800 Northgate

Mall, San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-479-5955,

shopatnorthgate.com

the Peninsula

doWntoWn san Mateo

You can find anything and everything

you’re looking for when you visit the shops

of downtown San Mateo! The shops of the

charming and historic downtown area are

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

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

hillsdale shoPPinG Center

This hidden gem, located in Palo Alto, offers

fantastic shopping in a charming area! The

Hillsdale Shopping Center has an eclectic

mix of department stores, boutiques,

specialty stores, galleries, and more! With

its convenient location, in a quiet area, you

can enjoy a relaxing shopping experience.

You can find everything from clothing to

accessories, and everything in between, when

you visit this neighborhood shopping center.

Located at 60 31st Avenue, San Mateo, CA

94403, 650-345-8222, hillsdale.com

the shoPs at tanForan

When you’re looking for a spacious shopping

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

Half Moon Bay/Pacifica

Main street – doWntoWn halF Moon Bay

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

sPanishtoWn art Center

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,

CA 94019, 650-712-1050


tHE GEtAWAY LISt >> ACtIVItIES

activities guide

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

san FranCisCo BotaniCal Gardens

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

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

San Francisco

ViCtorian hoMe Walk

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

fall 2012 49

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

GoCar tours

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

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

Planet Granite

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

tPC hardinG Park

Relax and enjoy the California sunshine

as you play a round or two of golf at TPC

Harding 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


activities guide


MorGan’s on the trail

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

sea trek oCean kayakinG Center

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you

can enjoy an exhilarating adventure on a kayak

with Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center! Take

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

CaliFornia Bike-n-Bean

This hidden gem, located in Marin, is one

of hottest bike shops around! With an

ever-changing 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

high-caliber 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

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

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

riPtide Charters

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

getaway san francisco holiday / fall edition 2012

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