SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
INSIDER 4 ROMANTIC ITINERARIES ALL AGES
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Love Letters Box Recchiuti Confections February Where SanFrancisco ©Irja ElisaPhotography "Secret Garden" by JohnCraft culture andevents inWineCountry. exploring thebest wineries,food, Where magazine’s guideto Year in 22 Valentine's Day gifts cult-favorite baked goodsand A heartfelt publicartseries, 16 The top events onourradar 12 Sync withtheurbanrhythm. 10 72 8 6 33 26 Neighborhoods: four full-day itineraries. your Valentine withoneofthese neighborhoods alongside Explore thecity'scharming 24 Neighborhoods 32 downtown Berkeley Instagramming romantic moments COVER FOR LOVERS
42 34 46 38 ASK THE EXPERT EDITOR‘S NOTE THE FIX
WINE COUNTRY INSIDER CALENDAR 5 TOP ONE BLOCK. ONE DAY SAN FRANCISCO SAN FRANCISCO AROUND THE BAY #SANFRANCISCO Food Art Shop Scene
Chinatown
: Aday in The Lunar New The LunarNew
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COURTESY RECCHIUTI CONFECTIONS CHRISTOPHER¯CLARK FINE ART YOUR TRAVELING COMPANION SINCE 1936®
SAN FRANCISCO
PUBLISHER Nikki Wood ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Nanci Davies 415.901.6267 Mary Goll 415.901.6266 CIRCULATION, MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER Catherine Pastuhov MARKETING COORDINATOR Lindsay Poole BUSINESS MANAGER Justin Birnstihl SALES SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR Megan Rothenberg
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FEBRUARY, THE MONTH of romance and E-mails for all of the above except contributors: love! So listen up ladies and gents [email protected] (and hopefully my husband), there are ample places to inspire your amorous sides. If you’re looking for something special and sparkling, visit the iconic Shreve and Co. Or surprise your significant other with a romantic steak dinner. Have you considered Harris Steakhouse or Osso Steakhouse? Or how about a stroll at Lands End fol- lowed by watching the sunset over the ocean at Cliff House with a glass of bubbly? The Bay Area has no shortage of ideas; just keep reading!
MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris IV
Where® magazine is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Nikki Wood Communications Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Publisher, Where San Francisco Where magazine and the logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. Where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited.
4 WHERE I FEBRUARY 2018 ® YOUR TRAVELING COMPANION SINCE 1936
February 2018 SAN FRANCISCO
EDITORIAL & DESIGN This month many of us are in the mood EDITOR, SAN FRANCISCO Rachel Ward for a romantic activity. One of my favorite ART DIRECTOR Dusty Martin suggestions for San Francisco is a walk up the Vallejo Street Steps. The staircase connects MVP | CREATIVE CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Haines Wilkerson the North Beach neighborhood with the SENIOR REGIONAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Martin
Russian Hill neighborhood and leads to some DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Isaac Arjonilla pretty gorgeous urban views. I'd recommend CREATIVE COORDINATOR Beverly Mandelblatt taking your time with the climb, snapping lots MVP | PUBLICATION SERVICES of photos and packing a little picnic. When PUBLICATION SERVICES DIRECTOR Karen Fralick you reach the top, enjoy the picnic at what is PUBLICATION SERVICES MANAGER Mickey Kibler perhaps the city's tiniest and most charming DIGITAL IMAGING Erik Lewis park, Ina Coolbrith Park. This little lawn is MVP | MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY surrounded by fl owers and has a lovely vista. DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton (A couple of friends of mine even got engaged there!) It just goes to show that you can have a E-mails for all of the above except contributors: memorable San Francisco date on any budget. [email protected]
MVP | SAN FRANCISCO
555 Montgomery St., Ste. 600, San Francisco, CA 94111 415.901.6260; 415.901.6261 (fax)
Rachel Ward Editor, San Francisco @wanderingrachel
#SeizeTheStay #wheretraveler connect with us #vallejostreetsteps wheretraveler.com/seizethestay
IN THE WORLD Where is an inter national network of magazines fi rst published in 1936 and distributed in over 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com. UNITED STATES Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chi- MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS cago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Jacksonville/St. Augustine/Amelia Island, Las Vegas, CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York, Oahu, PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris IV Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Where® magazine is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Kong, Macau, Singapore AUSTRALIA Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney CANADA Communications Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/ Parry Sound, Ottawa, Where magazine and the logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. Where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Berlin, Budapest, it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited.
6 WHERE I FEBRUARY 2018 George Fairbanks Laura Fairbanks CONCIERGE, INTERCONTINENTAL CONCIERGE, LE MERIDIEN MARK HOPKINS SAN FRANCISCO; SAN FRANCISCO; MEMBER, MEMBER, NCCA, LES CLEFS D'OR NCCA, LES CLEFS D'OR
What do you consider outdoor adventure amazing! Welcome the the most romantic place that you forget you’re Year of the Dog! in San Francisco? in the city. Top of the Mark, at the What area would you be Intercontinental Mark Any tips for visitors first to recommend that Hopkins Hotel, who want to check out visitors explore and why? has some of the most the Chinese New San Francisco is a great spectacular views at Year parade? walking city, and one of sunset in San Francisco. Reserve bleacher seats our favorite flat walks is Cozy up and dance early to have the best along the Embarcadero. cheek to cheek at this view of the parade, Start at the historic sky lounge on Nob Hill. or arrive early to get Ferry Building Market- a good curbside seat. place and walk along the Do you have any Thousands will attend bay toward the Explor- Valentine’s Day Pacific Ocean to the biggest Chinese New atorium, Fisherman's traditions? secluded Marshall Year parade outside Wharf and a bit farther Nature hikes hold- Beach and up the trails China. It’s one of the 10 to Marina Green and ing hands can be very to the Golden Gate best parades in the world Crissy Field, with excel- romantic, so we love a Bridge. We love it so and is so unique at lent views of the Golden day hike at Lands End, much that we go back nighttime. The colors, Gate Bridge. It's great winding from the often. It's such a great music and energy are exercise!
A Winter Adventure Awaits. Explore Marin...
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU visitMarin.org
8 WHERE I FEBRUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018
SAN FRANCISCO
1 STROLL Follow the eucalyptus-shaded Lovers’ Lane in the Presidio national park.
2 SAIL Unleash your adventurous side with a sunset catamaran cruise on the San Fran- cisco Bay.
3 DANCE Show up for the free swing dance lessons on Sunday afternoons in Golden Gate Park.
4 WINE AND DINE A soldier from the former Get dinner at a cozy military base in the Presidio neighborhood spot near walking down Lovers' Lane, named such because it led Hyde Street’s clanging to a trolley line used to visit cable cars and twinkling loved ones, in 1915. lights, like Venticello or Frascati.
5 PEDAL Rent a pedal boat at Stow Lake Boathouse and glide under an old stone bridge and past an island with a Chinese pagoda
and waterfalls. TRUST PRESIDIO COURTESY
February at a Glance
Feb. 23-25 Feb. 9-18 Pacifi c Orchid & San Francisco Beer Week Garden Exposition This massive festival features hundreds of events hosted by celebrated breweries, res- This is the largest orchid show taurants, bars and retailers. The opening gala in the United States, featur- at Pier 35 kicks off Feb. 9, and the following ing thousands of orchids and nine days are packed with events taking place a range of new spring and all over the greater Bay Area, from San Jose seasonal plants for the garden as to Santa Rosa. Expect special beer releases, well as garden-related products beer festivals, meet-the-brewer opportuni- and services. Hall of Flowers, ties, beer dinners, tastings, lectures, panel San Francisco County discussions, home-brewing demonstrations
Fair Building, 1199 9th Ave. and educational events. PHOTOGRAPHY NINE ©GAMMA PARSONS; ©RON TOP: FROM
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IN FEBRUARY
“Born Yesterday” at San Francisco Playhouse (All Month) An unscrupulous millionaire and his showgirl fiance head to Washington to bribe a senator for their own financial gain in this sharp and timely comedy about financial corruption in politics.
SF Indie Fest (Feb. 1-15) For its 20th year, the festival returns to the original venues, the Roxie and Victoria theaters. In addition to fresh international films, this year's festival will screen a film from each past festival to highlight the talented filmmakers that it’s launched.
"Book of Mormon" (Opens Feb. 6) The Broadway musical that has delighted sold-out crowds around the country and earned nine Tony Awards returns to SHN Orpheum Theatre.
San Francisco Chronicle Opens Feb. 10 Feb. 24 Wine Competition (Feb. 17) “Casanova: Lunar New Year Concert Judges from every major American wine region select The Seduction and Imperial Dinner winners from over 7,000 entries, making this the larg- The San Francisco Symphony’s annual concert and of Europe” at est competition of American feast includes a pre-concert reception with lion dancing, wines in the world. Join over Legion of Honor Chinese calligraphy, ribbon dancing, tea bars, children’s 5,000 wine enthusiasts for entertainment and lucky red envelopes. Davies Symphony the public tasting. Explore the notoriously Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.6000 amorous Giacomo Casa- nova’s 18th century Europe, Noise Pop Festival from France and Italy to (Feb. 19-25) This indie music, arts and film the Ottoman Empire and festival has hosted countless St. Petersburg, through up-and-coming acts before paintings, sculpture, works they became household on paper, furnishings, names, including the Flaming Lips, Frank Black of the Pixies porcelain, silver and period and the White Stripes. Events costumes. 100 34th Ave., take place at venues around
415.750.3600 San Francisco and Oakland. SYMPHONY SF FAMSF; /COURTESY BOUCHER FRANCOIS BY OREITHYIA" ABDUCTING "BOREAS TOP: FROM
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New 2018 Hearts
Florian Busch This heart was inspired by the openness of the people in the Bay Area. The white represents the fog, with the beauty of the city shining through it. The art- ist installed a black light for added drama.
Barbara Libby-Steinmann This heart depicts the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. The artist found the story ART of the birds with red heads and green bodies that became a local tourist HEART SPOTTING attraction fascinating. The colorful sculptures by local artists capturing the spirit of San Francisco
CHANCES ARE THAT YOU’VE NOTICED at least one of the colorful heart sculp- tures on display around town. These fi ve-foot tall sculptures, each created by a diff erent artist who looked to San Francisco for inspiration, have Lillian Shanahan adorned the city’s plazas, parks, businesses and street corners since 2004, A San Francisco native, the artist used Perler beads when the Hearts in San Francisco public art series began. While there’s in her heart sculpture to no offi cial list of the heart locations around town, many are easy to fi nd, highlight her belief that small aspects of a com- including Tony Bennett’s design entitled “America’s Greatest City by the munity shape the greater Bay,” permanently installed on the corner of Powell and Post streets. This picture. She chose the dahlia fl ower because it’s month, 32 new sculpture designs—including large hearts, table-top hearts the city’s offi cial fl ower. and mini hearts—will be on display before being auctioned off to benefi t For more great art the San Francisco General Hospital. Keep an eye out for hearts as you in the city visit explore the city and snap a selfi e or two. wheretraveler.com (4) PHOTOGRAPHY ELISA ©IRJA NORRIS. SIRRON BY LEFT:
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The Rebel Within at Craftsman and Wolves
The most popular (and the most Insta- grammed) treat EAT at this modern patisserie from James-Beard- SUGAR HIGH nominated chef The beloved baked goods that keep San Franciscans lining up William Werner is a photogenic FOR YEARS NOW, the kouign amann has been a staple in local pastry cases. savory breakfast With origins in Brittany, France, it's like a mix between a palmier cookie and muffi n that has a croissant. At B. Patisserie, chef Belinda Leong has been perfecting her asiago cheese, version for 16 years. Flaky, light, crunchy, gooey and buttery are all fi tting de- green onion scriptors. Oakland-based Starter Bakery’s version, available in San Francisco and breakfast at Reveille Coff ee Co. locations, has its own twist. Like a traditional crois- sausage baked sant, the signature pastry is layered with salted butter. But unlike a croissant, into the mix and it's also layered with sugar and baked in a pan lined with more butter and a full soft-cooked sugar. The result is buttery, salty, sweet and caramel-y. farm egg in the center. Praised by GQ and Bon Appetit maga- zines, the muffi n sells out nearly every day and continues to Cinnamon Roll Almond Croissant Morning Bun spark curiosity at Mariposa Baking at La Boulangerie de San at Tartine Bakery Company Francisco Laminated croissant and conversation. The most popular pastry This version of the French dough gives this fl aky bun at the gluten-free pastry has a twist, with a light, layered interior For more great confectionary is also extra frangipane and shaved and a crisp, intensely eats in the city visit caramelized exterior. free of dairy and nuts. almonds added on top. wheretraveler.com COMPANY BAKING MARIPOSA BOULANGERIE; LA WOLFINGER; ©ERIC WERNER; ©WILLIAM PATISSERIE; B. COURTESY LEFT: TOP FROM CLOCKWISE
18 WHERE I FEBRUARY 2018 tate Jewelry, which buys and sells fineantique, vintag 100 independent artists across independent 100 its three San Franci JewelsPowell-Hyde displays the cable car line. of Gallery neighborhood standouts like the Mission’s Love & Luxe watches For and crystal. distinctive jewelry by indep the city’s leading pu founded and still in 1854 one of Sutter Street store fewA in 1969. blocks away at 150 to cufflinkscrafted with onyx and diamonds.Lan Jarmilla toing theback late 1700s, from rare ring engagement jewelrywill it,do arou other’s look heart aflutter. If love, you’ll somethingfind sure celebrating lifetimea of 20 WHETHER YOUAND YOUR DARLING A treasure trove of locally flavored delights to shower on on someone spe flavored delights to shower locally treasureA trove of WHERE VALENTINE’S DAY
I FEBRUARY 2018
GIFTING By Renee Brincks Renee By are starry-eyed sweethearts oracouple SHOP
sco galleries.sco nd Lang’s Antique & Es endent designers, to look vyr ffine jewelry,rveyors of e and estate jewelry dat Post St. Shreveis & Co., s tos Art Deco watches to set to your significant and No. the along 3, work of more than more than work of g opened this openedg this cial - - the Lowerthe Haight, Dandelion Choco- spot withoutdoor For more great cheese, wine and and wine cheese, makes authentic, cafe andshop.In cream puffs. Not pastries andhot Visit 24thStreetVisit carries truffles, late alsoserves gourmet goods, bouquet from a other decadent chocolate inits Noe Valley for seating, while San Francisco neighborhood Choux Bakery sweetly pack- locally owned caramels and Cheese Co.in offerings in a wheretraveler.com into sweets? cute Mission flower shop. aged French and bundle Chocolates that witha in the city visit in thecityvisit Charles Treats shopping shopping
FROM LEFT: COURTESY LANG ANTIQUES; CHOUX BAKERY
FIND THE BEST IN CHINATOWN ONE BLOCK AT A TIME / BY GARRICK RAMIREZ
CULTURE ping teas inform an exten- sive menu of inventive boba On Feb. 24, the Year of the drinks. Come happy hour, Dog kicks off when the seek out Cold Drinks, a Chinese New Year parade clandestine cocktail lounge snakes its way through that marries rare scotches Union Square and China- with Asian flavors. town with dancing dragons, Juicy Fruit 768 Jackson St. thundering drums and Steap Tea Bar the crackle of firecrackers. 827 Sacramento St. Murals also contribute to the Cold Drinks vivid streetscape. Erin Jang’s 644 Broadway new “Chinatown Flavor” EAT transforms a stairway along tiny Vinton Court. Hidden For a quick bite, get dump- on Ross Alley—the oldest lings plucked from giant alley in San Francisco—di- steam baskets at Good minutive 41 Ross Gallery Mong Kok Bakery and features community-based crispy, ginger-infused wings exhibits such as “Chinatown at New Golden Daisy. Home Cooking.” At the Chi- Century-old Sam Wo has nese Historical Society of new digs, but its barbecue America (housed in a Julia pork-filled rice noodle Morgan building), displays rolls remain. Katsu House tell the challenging story of assembles poke bowls early Chinese immigrants. from a cozy take-out shop. "Chinatown Flavor" Michelin-starred Mister Vinton Ct. at Grant Ave. Jiu's reinvigorates Canton- 41 Ross Gallery ese dishes such as a roasted 41 Ross Alley quail with homemade Chi- Chinese Historical nese sausage. At China Live, Society 965 Clay St. a culinary temple to Chinese DRINK cuisine, you can shop exqui- site pantry staples and cook- books at the boutique and The market-filled sidewalks slurp tingly dan dan noodles brim with bins of exotic at Market Restaurant. fruits such as spiky rambu- Good Mong Kok Bakery tans and citrusy buddha’s 1039 Stockton St. hands. Have a new favorite New Golden Daisy blended into a fresh juice at 1041 Stockton St. Juicy Fruit. At the modern Katsu House Steap Tea Bar, globe-hop- 112 Waverly Pl. Clockwise from top: Diorama Sam Wo 713 Clay St. of the Geary Act at the Chinese Mister Jiu's 28 Waverly Pl. Historical Society of America; China Live 644 Broadway the "Chinatown Flavor" mural; inside the plush Cold Drinks For more things to do lounge; chicken salad at Mar- in Chinatown go to
ket Restaurant in China Live. wheretraveler.com CHANG ©PATRICIA WEBBER; ©MATT FACTORY; COLOR CHSA; COURTESY TOP: FROM CLOCKWISE
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FIND THE BEST OF BERKELEY’S DOWNTOWN / BY JESSIE FETTERLING
SHOP Spice Company combines a trendy atmosphere with Fantastic Comics not only traditional Indian fare. carries the Marvel-esque Spices such as garam new releases, but also masala and tamarind add a graphic novels, collected kick to the cocktails. editions and local comic Angeline’s Louisiana books. Opened in 1970, Kitchen 5812 College Ave. Body Time was the Gather 2200 Oxford St. original Body Shop before East Bay Spice Company the owners sold the name 2134 Oxford St. to the London skincare DRINK company in 1992. It still encourages customers to Jupiter checks all the customize their scents. boxes for a college-town In the Gourmet Ghetto, hotspot: pizza, beer and A Priori stocks eco- live music. It serves up conscious, locally sourced to 12 of its own beers vases, wooden bowls and alongside 30 local guest handcrafted jewelry. taps. Be sure to head Fantastic Comics out to the heated beer 2026 Shattuck Ave. garden. Tupper & Reed Body Time mixes classic cocktails in 1950 Shattuck Ave. a historical brick building, A Priori 2112 Vine St. which for more than 80 EAT years housed a music store owned by John Tupper Get a taste of New Orleans and Lawrence Reed. The at Angeline’s Louisiana extensive cocktail list Kitchen. It serves up includes spirits such as ab- savory fried chicken, sinthe, a perfect ingredient jambalaya, gumbo and for mixologists to light on shrimp creole. At Gather, fire to entertain patrons. flavorful dishes appeal Revival Bar & Kitchen's to the meat-eater, vegan bar menu emphasizes and every dietary restric- smaller craft distillers and tion in between. Start organic wineries. Enjoy a with a small plate of pork drink alongside an order cheeks topped with a of St. Louis ribs or blistered fried farm egg or a bowl padron peppers. of lentil soup made from Jupiter mushroom broth. East Bay 2181 Shattuck Ave. Tupper & Reed Clockwise from top: Spread at 2271 Shattuck Ave. Gather restaurant; pizza and Revival Bar & Kitchen beer at Jupiter; the outdoor 2102 Shattuck Ave. heated patio at Jupiter, popular For more things to do in year-round; the stylish bar at Berkeley go to
East Bay Spice Company. wheretraveler.com ©AAARONKITCHIN.PHOTOGRAPHY YAMAMOTO; ©LANCE ©AAARONKITCHIN.PHOTOGRAPHY; HATA; ©LARA TOP: FROM CLOCKWISE
24 WHERE I FEBRUARY 2018 OTT CHERNIS/SF TRAVEL (2) TRAVEL CHERNIS/SF OTT
SAN FRANCISCO CAN BE A DREAMY PLACE. In honor of the month of love, here are four itineraries for two. Each agenda couples a pair of neighborhoods for a day full of sightseeing, romance and distinctly San Francisco charm.
PRESIDIO + JACKSON SQUARE spicuous nearby alley is the Hidden Vine, If you and your partner enjoy: where you can sink into one of the comfy nature, history, wine couches with a glass of wine in hand or play a game of bocce under the stars. 408 Treat yourself at B. Patisserie, where Merchant St. the decor is modern, but the exquisite In another deceptively unassuming pastries are made using traditional alleyway is a cryptic neon sign reading Parisian and Viennese techniques. Valen- Bix. Walk in the door, and you’ll find your- tine’s Day ushers in particularly dazzling self in a cavernous Art Deco supper club creations. 2821 California St. with fluted columns, a grand mezzanine, When you explore the Presidio, a jacketed servers and live jazz. 56 Gold St. retired military base that’s now a 1,500- acre national park, make sure to meander EMBARCADERO + down eucalyptus-shaded Lovers’ Lane. FINANCIAL DISTRICT Look through the trees and you might If you and your partner enjoy: spot nature sculptor Andy Goldsworthy’s views, science, French food “Wood Line,” a winding arrangement of branches in the forest. At the quiet Im- Begin your rendezvous with oysters migrant Point Overlook, take a seat and and Champagne overlooking the bay on gaze at a view of the vast Pacific and wild the patio at Waterbar. On your way out, FROM DAY TO NIGHT Marin Headlands. be sure to take a selfie at Cupid’s Span, a (This page from top left) Make your way across town to Jack- 60-foot-tall sculpture. 399 Embarcadero After Dark at the Explor- atorium; Magnificent Mag- son Square, a small neighborhood with Walk to the Ferry Building Market- nolias winter bloom at the distinguished 1800s-era brick buildings place for Edible Excursions’ Valentine’s San Francisco Botanical San Francisco and a rich Barbary Coast history. You Day tour. Past tours have sampled good- Garden; one of many trails might feel as if you’re in another century ies like chocolates from Recchiuti Confec- in the Presidio; Cupid's as you amble down the pedestrian Ho- tions, rose and chocolate macarons from Span and the Bay Lights on OPPOSITE PAGE: ©SHUTTERSTOCK/SF TRAVEL. THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ©MATT BAUME/FLICKR; ©KATHRYN RUMMEL; ©SC RUMMEL; ©KATHRYN BAUME/FLICKR; ©MATT LEFT: TOP FROM CLOCKWISE PAGE THIS TRAVEL. ©SHUTTERSTOCK/SF PAGE: OPPOSITE for Lovers HERE GOES CREDIT PHOTO taling Place. Tucked away in an incon- Miette and heart-shaped Mt. Tam cheese Embarcadero. 26 WHERE I APRIL 2017 27 San Francisco can be a dreamy place. In honor of the month of love, here are four itineraries for two. Each agenda couples a pair of neigh- borhoods for a day full of sightseeing, romance and distinctly San Francisco charm. from Cowgirl Creamery. ceiling. 150 Post St.; 7 Claude Ln.; Take a jaunt along the Embarcadero 185 Sutter St. waterfront to the Exploratorium, a state-of-the-art science museum where GOLDEN GATE PARK + HAYES VALLEY every exhibit is a hands-on, interactive If you and your partner enjoy: activity (perfect for parties of two). The outdoor exercise, fashion, the arts museum hosts the adults-only After Dark gathering on Thursdays, where drinks are Golden Gate Park more than matches served, and the focus turns to poten- New York’s Central Park in size, and like tially racy themes like Sexplorations. On its East Coast counterpart, it presents your way out, catch a glimpse of the Bay plenty of opportunities for romance. SWEET INDULGENCES Lights, a shimmering art installation of Rent a pedal boat or rowboat at the Stow (Clockwise from far left) The 25,000 LED lights installed on the Bay Lake Boathouse and glide under an old Hidden Vine, a tucked-away Bridge. Pier 15 stone bridge and past an island with a wine bar in Jackson Square; End in the Financial District with an Chinese pagoda and waterfalls. The con- stylish sweets at Miette intimate dinner. (Hint: The storied local cessions window sells pink popcorn. If candy shop in Hayes Valley; jeweler Shreve & Co. is nearby.) Situated you prefer to stay on land, rent a tandem Recchiuti Confections' My in a quiet alley, Café Claude transports bicycle and ride past the park’s Dutch Forever Valentine Box; des- sert at Gaspar Brasserie; diners to bygone Paris with classic French Windmill, secluded Shakespeare Garden handcrafted cocktail at dishes and live Jazz. Around the corner, and Conservatory of Flowers (a palatial Gaspar Brasserie. French brasserie Gaspar Brasserie sets Victorian greenhouse made of glass and an amorous tone with glowing vintage wood). The San Francisco Botanical chandeliers, tufted leather banquettes in Garden leads a Valentine’s Day walk-
OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY HIDDEN VINE; GASPAR (2). THIS PAGE PAGE THIS (2). GASPAR VINE; HIDDEN COURTESY TOP: FROM CLOCKWISE PAGE OPPOSITE CONFECTIONS RECCHIUTI MIETTE; COURTESY TOP: FROM a rich shade of cherry and a pressed tin ing tour through rare pink and magenta
29 magnolia blossoms. 50 Stow Lake Dr.; 1199 9th Ave. Part two takes place in Hayes Valley. Stop for an impossibly smooth, made- to-order ice cream cone at Smitten (the secret ingredient is liquid nitrogen). Or if your sweet tooth would be better served with candies or a petite baked good, the whimsical sweet shop Miette looks like something out of a storybook. 432 Octavia St.; 449 Octavia St. Shop for your Valentine at Alla Prima Lingerie, a boutique importing luxury labels from Europe. 539 Hayes St. Make reservations for an intimate dinner at chef Traci des Jardins’ landmark Jardinière, a restaurant many San Franciscans consider synonymous with amour, or Absinthe, a French brasserie with a decadent Belle Epoque vibe. 300 Grove St.; 398 Hayes St. Get tickets to see the San Francisco Ballet perform in the shows “Bright Fast Cool Blue” (Feb. 13-24) or “Distinctly SF Ballet” (Feb. 15-25) at the ornate War Memorial Opera House, or see the San engagement and wedding rings) in the SIGHTSEEING FOR TWO Francisco Symphony perform at Davies Russian Hill neighborhood, where you’ll (Clockwise from far top Symphony Hall. 301 Van Ness Ave.; 201 encounter unexpected views of Alcatraz left) Crissy Field with Alca- Van Ness Ave. and the bay around every other corner. traz Island in the distance 1987 Hyde St. in the Marina District; Davies Symphony Hall on MARINA + RUSSIAN HILL Swing by Cheese Plus, a charming Van Ness Avenue in Hayes If you and your partner enjoy: corner market stocking gourmet goods, Valley at night; the kitchen architecture, shopping, picnics for a bottle of bubbly, a snack and a fresh view in always-buzzing bouquet. Climb up to the miniature Ina Union Larder in the Rus- Start at the Palace of Fine Arts, a Coolbrith Park above the Vallejo Street sian Hill neighborhood. Beaux Arts monument with a grand Steps, where you can snuggle up on a rotunda that was built for the 1915 bench surrounded by garden flowers World’s Fair and is now a popular site for and soak in the view of the city while wedding photos. The path around the you enjoy your light picnic. 2001 Polk St.; swan lagoon makes for a lovely stroll. Vallejo and Taylor sts. 3301 Lyon St. At night, Hyde Street oozes Old World Continue to Crissy Field, a former enchantment with its al fresco dining, airfield that’s now one of the city’s most clanging cable cars and twinkling lights. scenic and popular recreation areas. Ad- Get dinner at a cozy neighborhood spot mire the panoramic views of the Golden like Venticello or Frascati. The former Gate Bridge as you walk along the water- serves Northern Italian fare, and the front past beaches and marsh. latter’s forte is California-Mediterranean. Pick out a special bauble at the tiny If you want to extend your night, order and fashion-forward No.3 boutique. It a glass of wine at the sleek, Barcelona- stocks edgier pieces by indie design- inspired Union Larder, buzzing most ers (making it a favorite among urban nights of the week. 1901 Hyde St.; 1257 OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: ©MASON CUMMINGS; COURTESY UNION LARDER. THIS PAGE: SF SYMPHONY SF PAGE: THIS LARDER. UNION COURTESY CUMMINGS; ©MASON TOP: FROM PAGE OPPOSITE PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE GOES CREDIT PHOTO millennial couples looking for alternative Taylor St.; 1945 Hyde St.
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#wheresanfrancisco A COLLAGE OF ROMANTIC URBAN IMAGES, THROUGH YOUR LENS