Nightlife at the Academy
So I’ve heard people talking about it? But never had a chance to go myself. Until last night. And most likely the last night, for that matter.
The experience was just mediocre. The event started at 6pm, and we got there around 5:55pm (in hopes to get the limited passes to the Planetarium that they hand out). The line was ridiculously long. I mean it was so long that you couldn’t see the end of it. Unbelievable! Because the weather was a whopping 50 degrees that night, we decided to just wait in the car for the line to die down. Finally, we came up with an excellent idea. They have a separate line for special VIP guests, which basically has no one standing in it. We went up to the staff person manning that line, told her we had to use the bathroom so badly, and wah-la! we were in!
When you walk in, there is a huge area right in front of you where cocktails and light snacks are available to buy, cash only. The drinks were pretty expensive, however, they were made just how I like it, stiff.
The crowd was extremely diverse. Probably the most diverse crowd I have ever seen at a Nightlife-type event. Age ranged from 21-75. People were dressed in shorts and tshirts to girls in dresses as though they are about to paint the town red.
Then we went around and saw all the exhibits of the Museum. And this was the part that I really wasn’t expecting. It has been a long week at work, and the last thing I wanted to do on a Thursday night was check out the Rainforest exhibit. Been there. Done that. I wanted to party. I wanted Nightlife.
I never saw the DJ, although I faintly heard the music in the background. People were spread out all over the museum, so there wasn’t much focus on socializing and meeting people, either.
All in all, the experience was mediocre. Definitely glad I went to check it out at least once, but that will definitely be my last. I would much rather be at a local wine bar enjoying a glass of grape juice with my loved ones.
San Francisco’s Hidden Gem: South Park
And when I say “South Park”, I don’t mean the cartoon.
The other day I had the absolute pleasure of stumbling upon what has to be the cutest little neighborhood in San Francisco. South Park.
South Park is within the better known SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, surrounded by 2nd and 3rd street and Bryant and Brannan.
It is this cute little oval-shaped park , surrounded by local cafes, restaurants, and business. The park is dog-friendly (which I love), houses a swing set, and a number of park benches to relax on. BBQ at South Park, anyone?
Shecky’s Girls Night Out
For those of you who are avid readers of my blog, you probably know by now that I cant get enough of my girlfriends. Every other week, me and my best group of gal pals get together during the week for some fun. From dining at different restaurants in the city to meeting up for a movie, we always find something to do that is different and exciting.
One of the best girls night we have ever had was hitting up Shecky’s Girls Night Out shopping event, which happens twice a year in San Francisco. This season, it is being held tomorrow, Wednesday June 17th and Thursday June 18th at the Herbst Pavillion in Fort Mason Center. Starts at 5pm and goes through 8pm.
What is Sheckys? Shecky’s is an online and event destination for what’s cool and undiscovered in fashion, beauty, and fun with the girls. Their mission is to spoil girls with fashion, beauty, fun, and the best girlfriend group experiences.
If you get tickets in advance here, you get admission and a Shecky’s goodie bag for only $15. And trust me, they aren’t stingy with their goodie bags, either. From samples of shampoo and body wash to low calorie chocolate bars, the bags are filled with goodies you will defintiely find good use for.
Once you walk into the Pavillion, you will find hundreds and hundreds of boutique designers waiting to sell their products to you, for up to 75% off. Shoes. Shirts. Dresses. Belts. Bags. Makeup. Jewelry. You name it. Its there. To top it all off, they provide alcohol to all those ladies that show up. Sake, anyone?
I’ve been to the last two Shecky’s Girls Night Out events in San Francisco, and both times I have always had such a great time. Aside from getting great deals from local designers, it is just so much fun hanging out with your favorite girls at a shopping event like this.
Don’t forget to get your tickets. The $15 price is for a limited time only. The day off, the price goes up to $25.
An Insider’s Guide to the Top 10 Things to Do When Visiting San Francisco
Tourists, this post’s for you!
Looking for a long weekend getaway to San Francisco this summer (remember, our summer “starts” in September and goes through October)? Looking for ways to ensure your weekend in San Francisco is worthwhile and full of excitement? Then you’ve come to the right site.
Sure, there are the typical things you can do like seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, driving down crooked street aka Lombard Street, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, dining in the ever so bustling Chinatown, and taking a ferry to Alcatraz. But what about seeing more than just the postcard-worthy parts of the city?
That’s where I come in. I’ve put together a list of things you do NOT want to miss out on while you’re here:
1) Dinner at Delfina Pizzeria, followed by ice-cream at Bi-Rite Creamery, and a top off with a Movie Night at Delores Park
If you arrive on a Thursday, I would definitely spend the evening doing this trio. The Mission District in San Francisco is home to many fine dining establishments, and Delfina Pizzeria is no exception. It is a small place, that doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit. After dinner, grab some ice cream across the street at San Francisco’s very own Bi-Rite Creamery, where you can indulge in flavors such as Salted Caramel and Honey Lavendar. Yumm! After dinner and ice cream, if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Thursday in which Delores Park hosts Movie in the Park, then roll out your blanket and watch a movie outdoors on the big screen. A perfect end to the night.
2) Cocktails at Hilton San Francisco in Union Square – 360 degree views of the city
There are many Hiltons in San Francisco, but the one with the amazing top floor bar and lounge with 360 degree views of the city is at the Hilton in Union Square. Before you head out on the town, be sure to grab a cocktail with your friends and embrace the beautiful views around you.
3) Street Performers at Union Square
San Francisco is home to some of the best street performers you will ever find. The street performers that are regularly at the Cable Car Turnaround in Union Square (on Market and Powell Street) have some amazing dance and music talent. You will know who they are because you will almost always find a crowd of people surrounding them, taking in their talent.
4) Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe
BVC is the bar that brought Irish Coffee to America in 1952. It is the original Irish Coffee place. You can not leave San Francisco without having a taste of the ever so tasty Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe.
5) Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and/or Tiburon and lunch on the Waterfront
Biking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is like visiting the Empire State Building in New York City. An absolute must! There are various places in San Francisco to rent bikes, and then the rest of your day is at your fingertips. My suggestion: Rent bikes from Blazing Saddles in Fisherman’s Wharf, take the outlined path through Fort Mason, across Crissy Field, and onto the bridge. Then depending on how much energy you have, you can stop at Sausalito, or continue on towards Tiburon. Regardless of where you decide to stop for a bite to eat, you will be surrounded by a beautiful portside town with endless dining options.
6) After dinner dessert in San Francisco’s very own Little Italy, North Beach
Our Little Italy neighborhood in San Francisco is just divine. It has this charming, Italian feel to it that people just can’t seem to get enough of. There are so many cozy cafe’s and restaurants in this neighborhood. I suggest you find one situated on Columbus Avenus, request a table on the sidewalk, and people watch as you indulge in pure Italian dessert bliss.
7) Sunday Brunch at Park Chalet followed by Kite flying at Ocean Beach
The best way to end a weekend long trip in San Francisco is by having brunch at The Park Chalet near Ocean Beach. On a beautiful sunny, Sunday morning, this place is bumping with a live band and a delicious brunch buffet. Oh, and did I mention, bottomless Mimosas? The glass walls of the restaurant open up, and on gorgeous sunny days, they open them up and allow people to even sit outside in the attached garden. After brunch, walk across the street over to Ocean Beach (yes, San Francisco does have beaches!) and either bring your own kite to fly, or watch professional kite flyers take on the San Francisco wind.
8 ) Coit Tower
New York City has the Empire State Building. DC has the Washington Monument. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. San Francisco’s version of these three monuments is Coit Tower, exquisite nonetheless. The tower is situated on top of Telegraph Hill in North Beach. Aside from the amazing views you will see from the top of the tower, the murals are what is worth checking out. Paintings on the inside of the tower, on your way up, are inspired by the social-realism style of Diego Rivera. I am going to get a lot of sh*t for making the following reference, but I just have to: Remember that Full House episode in which Comet ran away from home, and the girls were on search throughout San Francisco looking for their beloved pooch? That tower that Comet was sitting in was Coit Tower.
9) Ball game at ATT Park
Sure every major city has their ball park, but no city has a ball park like San Francisco. The venue is situated in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco, which is, you got it!, located right on the Bay. Even if you aren’t an avid baseball fan, the mere pleasure of sitting on the stands and taking in the views is just breathtaking. Aside from the views, you will probably find the most exquisite ball-park foods you will ever find, such as Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog from Tres Agaves.
10) Ferry Building Farmers Market and Taylors Automatic Refresher
The Ferry Building Farmers Market has been voted as the best Farmers Market in the USA year after year, and therefore, it is something you definitely dont want to miss while youre here. It happens every Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and aside from the amazing selection of organic produce, vegetables, flowers, and more, it is a great place to spend a Saturday morning. You can either eat at any of the umpteen places that serve food (breakfast and lunch foods), or you can have the most delicious burger you will ever eat at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher located right there at the Ferry Building. Expect to wait in line, though, because on Farmers Market days, Taylor’s gets packed!
Hope that helps! For any of you planning on making out to San Francisco for a fun weekend getaway and want more details on how to make the most of your time here, please feel free to leave a comment and I will assist you in making sure your vacation suits your needs! 
Two of the Best Bars in America are in San Francisco
…according to Esquire, that is.
As part of the Best Bars in America 2009 list, our very own Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in the Richmond District and The Alembic on Haight make the list.
So why did it make the list?
Tommy’s: America’s leading tequila bar, a temple to the spirit of agave, with stocks of bottlings that go back decades. Aside from the temple of tequila, you will most likely always find Tommy himself, sitting besides his wife at the entrance of the restaurant, greeting and saying goodbye to all those that visited them.
Alembic: The drinks are carefully and mindfully crafted by the mixologists aka bartenders at Alembic. It has been a while since I have been there myself, but I do recall them having a drink that actually has Gold Dust sprinkled on top! For a drink that is worth every penny, make a trip to Haight Ashbury and try one of the many fabulous cocktails the mixologists can prepare for you.
So those are two of the bars that have made it on the America’s Best Bar List according to Esquire. Now, here are the top 5 San Francisco Bars (in no particular order) according to none other than myself:
1. Swig, Theater District
Now I may be partly biased about this place, specifically because I met my beau here, but Swig always ends up being a default place for my friends and I to meet up on a Friday night. That’s because I always know I will have a good time there. It’s rather small, especially with the crowd it sees on Friday and Saturday nights, and finding a seat is often hard to come by. However, the extensive drink menu, friendly bartenders, and fun music make me constantly come back for a great time.
2. Lion’s Pub or “The Den”, Pacific Heights
This bar always seems to have a nice crowd (usually professional, yet fun), awesome bartenders, and amazing beverages! The best thing about this bar is that the mixologists use fresh fruit juices for their cocktails. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to catch up with friends and relax by their adorable fireplace, or stop by yourself for a quick pick-me-up after work, or a big night out for a birthday, the ambiance at Lion’s Pub is exactly what you are looking for. Their Greyhound cocktail has often been referred to as the best in the city. I also love the names of their drinks, such as a Lindsay Lohan, which refers to a shot of Red Headed Slut. Know before you go: This is a cash only bar, with an ATM in the back.
3. Wish, SOMA
I stumbled across Wish a couple years ago, after a friend and I dined at Sushi Groove (which is located right across the street). Since then, Wish has always been one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends before going out to paint the town red. The drinks are affordable, the bartenders are super friendly, and a DJ plays swanky House music. It’s always happening, but never seems to be too overcrowded, and is low-key and unpretentious.
4. Americano, South Beach
I don’t care how cliche this bar has become, but for a work-related happy hour, you can never go wrong with this place. With its prime location on the Embarcadero and large patio with heated lamps, it is a favorite amongst the 9-5 working professional crowd. Their dinner menu is good too. My favorite thing about this place is that they have bartenders that know how to make the finest Pimm’s cup in the city. Whenever we can anticipate a nice sunny day in San Francisco, Americano is the place to go.
5. Cigar Bar, Financial District
Two words. Mojito Mania. Aside from the wonderful vibe at Cigar Bar, their Mojito’s are mind blowing. They usually have a live band that plays Latin Jazz, Merengue, Samba, and Salsa on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights that provide entertainment while sipping on those delicious Mojitos. They also have a heated courtyard for dining and lounging. To top it off, it is one of the few San Francisco bars that remain as a smoking establishment, and carry a wide array of premium brand and hand rolled Cigars.
San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway
First a Dream House. Now a wedding? San Francisco definitely loves giving things away. And starting August 4th, 2009, lovebirds can enter the newest contest to hit the city of San Francisco: The 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway.
Being one of the most romantic cities in the United States, San Francisco has become a popular destination for weddings. And now, you and your loved one, can have over 30 premier Bay Area vendors collaborate to make this lifetime dream come true, Platinum Wedding-style.
The contest is open from Tuesday, August 4th through Wednesday, November 25th and all you have to do is answer the questions provided in the “Enter to Win” form on the website, acurrately and honestly, and upload a lovely photo of you and your beau. The winning couple will be announced on Valentines Day 2010.
The wedding of the year will then take place on Friday, May 14th.
Best of luck to all you lovebirds out there!
Farmers in the Metron
The other day, my boyfriend and I decided to head over to the Metreon to watch “Drag Me to Hell”, which was nothing but a “drag”. Anyhow, upon walking into the Metreon’s corner of 4th and Mission entrance, we noticed something going on in the side room on the left. A Farmer’s Market at 6 in the evening. On a Monday. I mean, I know San Francisco is known for having some of the finest Farmers Markets in the country, but a Farmer’s Market that happens every day, for 10 hours a day, this was something we had to check out.
The Island Earth Farmers Market is open in the Metreon 7 days a week. 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays. They have about 50 vendors that come in everyday to offer their goods. From African food to Crepes to Dim Sum and Mediterranean foods, the options are endless. Samples are also very easy to come by. Aside from farm fresh, organic food, there are a lot of vendors selling orchids, hand made jewelry, and blown glass. There is something for everyone at the Island Earth Farmers Market in the Metreon.
I do believe that there hasn’t been much promotion and marketing about this Farmers Market, because the evening that I visited, there was something missing. People! So the next time you are headed over there to watch a movie or play in the arcade, make some time to check out the Market in the Metreon.
Top 5 Reasons Why I Love San Francisco
It’s times when I leave San Francisco that I realize just how much I love it here. Here are my Top 5 Reasons why I love SF:
1) Picturesque
San Francisco has some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see. With water surrounding three sides of the city, two bridges, and an abundance of hills and peaks, every view is more magnificent than the last. My two most favorite views of San Francisco are Crissy Field and the view of the San Francisco skyline while driving on I-280N. Just beautiful!
2) Culture and Diversity
San Francisco is home to over 100 neighborhoods, each with its own unique flare. From Alamo Square to Westwood Park and Little Russia to Little Hollywood, there is something for everyone. My personal favorite is the very beautiful, edgy South Beach area. With Restaurant Row on Steuart Street, and the lights of the Bay Bridge at dusk, walking along the Embarcadero in this neighborhood is definitely something you don’t want to miss.
3) Green
Now, I don’t mean green, like the color. I mean green, as an eco-friendly, and environmentally conscious. I want to live a long healthy life, don’t you? Well, in San Francisco, chances of biting the bullet because of smog and air pollution is slim to none. Did you know San Francisco was the first city to ban plastic shopping bags? Did you know we currently have a recycling rate of 70%? With hybrid taxis, and a solar powered convention center, San Francisco has transformed from grass roots to rooftops.
4) Restaurants
It’s almost unfair. The quality and quantity of restaurants here make San Francisco an unparalleled food city. With small farms and wine country just a short drive away from San Francisco, you can always count on each meal being farm fresh and ingredient driver. And each neighborhood has its favorite. Here are some of my neighborhood favorites:
Mission: Delfina Pizzeria and Bi-Rite Creamery for dessert
Marina: Mamacita and Tuttimelon for dessert
South Beach: Ozumo
5) Weather
I’ll admit it, there are times when I wish San Francisco was just a tad bit warmer, but overall, comparitvely speaking, we are blessed with amazing weather all year around. It never gets too hot or too cold. And I secretly like the fact that our “summer” starts in September, when the rest of the country is getting their fall clothes out from the closet.
Bay Area’s Bike to Work Day
I had every intention to bike to work today, but ended up taking my usual N-Judah instead. Why? I blame the weather. (I know it is sunny and beautiful right now, but I promise, it was crappola this morning!)
Thousands of Bay Area residents, however, had no excuses. An estimated 150,000 commuters and students hopped on their bikes today for the 15th Annual Bike to Work Day.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has been holding this event for the last 15 years in May (May is National Bike Month) to encourage Bay Area residents to get healthy and fit, protect the environment, all by promoting bicycling as a viable method of transportation. Did you know that more than one million Bay Area residents live within five miles of their workplace? So why drive when you could bike? That’s the SFBC motto.
Bicyclists ranged from CEO’s and VPs in dress shirts and ties to school kids wearing jeans and backpacks to hard core riders in their spandex and biking gear, pedaling along bike paths and city streets. “Energizer Stations” were set up all throughout the Bay Area, where bicyclists could stop for refreshments, free giveaways, or simply to be “pumped up” by fellow participants.
As for me, I am kicking myself for not sucking it up and biking to work today, but, it’s not like I can’t bike to work tomorrow or the next day. People should bike to work as often as they can for the reasons stated above. Here’s to continuous healthy living in San Francisco. Never a dull moment!
Twitter: charelle
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- Getting ready to leave Tahoe and get back to the city before kick off!! SF is going to be cray cray today!!
- Omg! Such a beautiful snow filled Tahoe morning! I feel like a little girl on Xmas!! Pics to come soon!
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