The Haight, The Space Needle, The George Bush Library

”My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.” ~Buffalo Bill

I'm quite behind on recapping the last three adventures I had during my two months off of work.  So let me fill you in today on visiting the most famous hippie hang out in America, a national landmark, and a Republican President's library.  I'm well rounded, you have to give me that!

The Haight 

My parents and I headed to the west coast to spend a few days eating our way through one of my favorite cities in the world, San Francisco.  And eat we did.  We hit up most of my favorite restaurants, our favorite bars, and Ben and Jerry's.  It was awesome.  We did the Red Bus Tour (which I had never done before and really enjoyed), the Alcatraz Night Tour (which was fun, but freezing!!), and took my mom to do some shopping in Haight-Ashbury (and let her reconnect with her inner hippie).  It was great to get some fun time with them!

Me and Dad at our favorite Irish Pub

Alcatraz Cell House

Bus Tour

Mom connecting with her 1960's past

At our favorite restaurant in San Francisco

Dad singing Jambalaya with a street performer. 

They're cute, those two crazies.

The Clampetts invade the Haight

Boat ride to Alcatraz

Family photo at the bridge.

The Space Needle

After College Roomie's wedding, I spent a couple of days in Seattle with Gonzaga Friend.  I had never been to Seattle before, and I really enjoyed it!  It's a beautiful city, great food, and lots of fun events were going on.  We checked out the Folk Life Festival (TONS of dirty hippies playing random instruments and not wearing any shoes), saw the Chihuly exhibit, went up the Space Needle, and walked all over town.  Plus I got the chance to catch up with Gonzaga Friend, which I always love.  She is one of the sweetest people I know, and we always have the best conversations about life!  Oh, and she introduced me to pepperoni and pineapple pizza.  Yep.  You heard me.  Amazing.

Farmer's Market

Guys throwing the fish

Flowers everywhere!

Original Starbucks

Chihuly Exhibit

Folk Life Festival

Space Needle

View from the top of the Space Needle

Me and Gonzaga Friend

Public beach in Seattle

Sailboat at sunset

The George Bush Library

Poor Cousin Whitney.  We had this big trip to San Antonio planned for her Bachelorette Weekend, but then the oven fire happened and I needed to be here to deal with that, so she ended up coming to my house.  Which is cute and all, but it's no River Walk.  Don't worry, we're working on planning a trip there again soon!

But regardless, I think we did a good job of having a fun weekend around here.  There was lot of of ice cream, giant pina colladas, some grilling, getting dressed up for a fancy Italian dinner, shopping, laying in the sun, her first time to eat Pei Wei, and a visit to the George Bush (the first one) Presidential Library.  I feel quite sure that we were their first Bachelorette Party visitors.  We're crazy like that.

Headed out to dinner

Burgers, jalapeno poppers, grilled corn

Cousin Whitney at the Presidential Library

Replica Oval Office

Cousin Whitney in charge!

Traveling to San Francisco (Part 2): Where to Eat

"Every man should be allowed to love two cities, his own and San Francisco."   ~Gene Fowler

Remember 6 months ago when I began my series on traveling to San Francisco with a post on what to do?  Yea.....kinda dropped the ball on the rest of the series.  I'm a disaster.  But, luckily for me, my friend Almost Gypsy Soul is headed to San Francisco in a couple of months and asked me for recommendations, which triggered my memory to finish this blog!

So today, I'm sharing with you my favorite restaurants in one of my favorite cities.  It's funny that I'm writing a blog about this, given my prior confession about my fear that eating in San Francisco might get me fired.  By the end of the summer, that fear was over and I was just happy as a lark eating my way through the city.  I'm telling y'all, some of the best food in the world is in San Francisco. I gained 10 pounds the summer I worked there. Between the food, the wine, and the Specialties cookies that I continually shoved down my throat, it's amazing I didn't gain 100!

With that, here are my go-to spots.

Breakfast

I swear that there is no place in the world that loves their breakfast like they do in San Francisco.  Hands down my favorite meal of the day in that city.  I loved getting up early when it was still chilly and maybe foggy and heading out to one of these cafes to sit on the sidewalk and watch the hustle and bustle begin.  

1.  Hollywood Cafe.  This one I sort of stumbled onto by accident.  It's not ins a fancy building, it doesn't have a fancy name, but I'm telling  you if you want the best breakfast of your life, go to the Hollywood.  My friend Nomad even brought tour groups here for his job.  That's how good it is.  You get breakfast sandwiches on amazing fresh croissants and served with a side of fruit that I swear must be hand picked the night before.  Location wise it's great because it's walking distance from Fisherman's Wharf and not even up any hills!  Everyone who came to visit me when I lived in SF ate here!

2.  Crepevine.  This restaurant is my go-to spot after running a race in San Francisco.  Crepes and/or pancakes and Mimosas.  We've made this a tradition after going there following Bay to Breakers and the SF Half Marathon.  It's go several locations around town that makes it even more convenient.

Post-Half Marathon pumpkin pancakes and mimosa at Crepevine

3.  La Boulangerie.  If I were to be given a last meal, I would have to at least consider the homemade granola and greek yogurt with fresh fruit from La Boulangerie.  There are no words.  Just trust me.  It's like heaven in a big ol' bowl.  Plus it's a great atmosphere--a cute little French bakery with wicker furniture, a cute blue and white striped awning and an amazing pastry selection.  Again, there are lots of locations around town, but I'm pretty partial to the one in North Beach just off of Washington Square Park.

4.  Mama's.  This one is a must do because, to me, it's classic San Francisco.  I found this place when my Dad and I went to look at apartments.  It's right int he corner of Washington Square Park and there is usually a line out the door if you don't get there early.  I honestly don't remember what I've ordered when I have been there, but I remember that the food is good.  It's second to the atmosphere though---a long line where you can see them making your meal, tiny tables in a corner with fresh flowers on them, an old two story building a bit reminiscent of the Full House house.  It's an experience that you need when you visit San Francisco.

Lunch/Dinner

1.  Trattoria Pinocchio.  I think that if I had to pick my favorite type of food, I'd pick Italian (sorry to my Mexican ancestry there...) and this is my favorite Italian restaurant.  It's right in the heart of North Beach, as it should be since that's the main Italian neighborhood in San Francisco.  They have the most fun drink menu, all fresh, homemade pastas, and a great atmosphere.  You can reserve yourself a table outside, which I always like to do unless the fog is rolling in and it looks like it will be cold.  I highly recommend the homemade gnocci.  To.Die.For.

2.  Chioppinos.  This restaurant is located close to Peir 47 right across from The Cannery.  I love the location--close to the beach, the trolley and Fisherman's Wharf.  It's a great blend of Italian and seafood.  My parents loved the seafood there.  I don't eat fish, but I would probably kick a puppy for a bowl of their minestrone soup.  (I wouldn't actually ever kick a puppy, obviously!)  Plus they have a great outdoor seating area and always have really fun music playing in the background.

Chioppinos sidewalk seating area

3.  House of Hunan.  I think everyone wants to eat in Chinatown while they are in San Francisco.  My favorite place to do that is House of Hunan.  The only problem is that it's everyone's favorite place to eat, so if you go at normal times there is a line.  If, however, you can plan your day to go at an off time--say right when the open or at like 3:00 you can get right in.  They serve food family style and it is all seriously amazing.   My favorite is the sesame chicken.  Order that.   You'll thank me.

Other

1.  O'Reilly's Irish Pub.  I'm partial to this pub for lots of reasons.  My Irish heritage and love for Notre Dame probably draws me to Irish pubs.  This one is awesome---old wooden floors, a huge old wooden bar, and usually a bartender who is from Ireland and speaks with an accent.  You can't beat it.  Plus they have great bar food snacks as well.  It's tucked around a quiet corner in North Beach.  I frequented this joint a time or two, but my favorite time was when College Roomie, Cousin Whitney and the Oklahoma Girls were in town for Fourth of July. We all ventured down to O'Reilly's for a little drink and when we walked in, it was a madhouse full of people dressed in white with red scarves just like the Running of the Bulls in Spain.  Turns out, they were having a "Running of the Bars" where they all dress up, make a list of like 5 bars, go to the first one for an hour, then all go out in the street and run (by run I sort of mean walk/stumble while screaming) to the next one.  It was awesome.

2.  Tony Niks Bar.  This bar is also in North Beach (can you tell that was both close to my apartment and my favorite neighborhood?) just off of the park.  It's usually pretty low key, they have an awesome drink menu, and comfy couches for sitting.  Highly recommended if you just want to relax and grab a drink.

Drinks at Tony Nik's the night we all got job offers.

3.  Specialties.  Remember that 10 pound weight gain I mentioned?  My guess is that 9.5 of those pounds came from the semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies at Specialties.  You guys do not even understand.  They are the best cookies ever in life, especially when they are all warm and fresh and gooey.  The bakery even sends out text messages if you sign up to let you know when an order comes out of the oven so you can run over and get 'em while they're hot.  (I could lie and say I wouldn't know about  that, but we all know I'm a fatty and LOVE cookies.)  This place, too, has locations all over the city but they are usually closed on weekends, so go during the week.  (That's at least true for the downtown locations, it might be different at the others, I don't know.)

So there ya go.....a little San Francisco eating advice!  I'd love to hear your favorite SF restaurants....I need a good excuse for another trip to my favorite city!

Traveling To San Francisco (Part 1): What to See and Do

"If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life." ~ William Saroyan

For those of you who are new to the blog, I LOVE San Francisco.  I've visited tons of times and even lived there for 4 months during law school.  I often get questions about what to do and where to go in San Francisco.  I got emails from three different people asking me this last week, so I figured I'd blog about it!  Today, we've got what to see and do.  Tomorrow I'll cover where to eat.

Listen, there is so much to do and see in San Francisco, that you really can't go wrong.  Heck, you really can just set out and wander around and find amazing neighborhoods, shops, farmers markets, restaurants....without even planning it.  But, for you planners like me, here is my list!

1.  Alcatraz.  This is a must.  Everyone who I took out there loved it.  And I never got bored, even after the 10th time!  It is fascinating.  Be sure when you book that you get the boat that actually lands on Alcatraz and lets you off for the tour.  Only one company has the contract with the parks service....other companies just take you on a cruise around it, which is no good.  They offer day tours and night tours....I've never done the night one, but I bet it's super creepy!

2.  Biking the Bridge.  If you're pretty active, I highly, highly recommend biking the Golden Gate Bridge!  I mean, honestly, how cool is it to say you did that?  The bike route is great and super safe and you get some amazing views.  You bike from the rental place near the Wharf down the waterfront, over the bridge, and down into Sausalito, which is the most adorable town!  We did some shopping and got some ice cream and then took the ferry boat back.  It was such a great day!  I think we used this company, but there are lots of great options.

3.  Ferry Building Farmer's Market.  If y'all are thinking "we have these at home" trust me...you don't!  I seriously went here every weekend when I lived in SF.  It's amazing.  The fruit is so fresh and so delicious.  Strawberries and white necatarines.  Sigh.  They also have cheeses and baked goods and veggies and fresh flowers...it's phenominal.  The last time I was in SF for the half marathon, the girls and I bought all the fixins for a picnic lunch at the Farmer's Market and it was awesome.  The market is on Tuesdays and Saturdays!  Go early.  If you're lucky (or unlucky!) like me and Chocolate Brown, you might stumble upon a nudist colony that happens to periodically show up at the park across the street.  That was an interesting experience....

4.  Walk Around North Beach.  Everyone you talk to will have their own favorite neighborhood in North Beach.  For this girl, it's North Beach.  No question.  I love everything about it--the people, the restaurants, the shops, Washington Square Park, St. Peter and Paul....you name it.  The best place to kick off the little tour is at Washington Square Park.  If you go in the morning, you'll see all the cute little Chinese ladies doing tai chi in the park.  From there you can just wander around and I promise you will not be disappointed.  There are great little bookstores, gellato places, bakeries, fun bars, amazing Italian food...you name it.  (More on the food options in my blog next week!)  You can take the trolley (you want Powell and Bay) down and add that to the experience.

5.  Find a San Francisco Event!  There is always, ALWAYS something going on in San Francisco.  During the summer, there is a street fair every weekend, and they are tons of fun.  On the Fourth of July, they have free concerts by the Hyde Street Pier--the girls and I discovered Notorious one summer and could not have had more fun.  Bay to Breakers is a huge party in the streets every May.  The San Francisco Marathon is such a blast!  I could go on forever....

Honorable mentions:  Take in the view from Twin Peaks (on a clear day); Golden Gate Park (don't miss the Japanese Tea Gardens!); Walk around the Haight (the "hippie" area); Seeing all the crazy acts on Fisherman's Wharf; See the Full House houses at Alamo Square Park.

Getting Used To It

"If having money keeps people walking along the sidewalk with their heads turned away from their fellow man, clinging to control of their lives and their wealth, than I would rather be penniless on the streets my entire life." ~Carmen

Last week, ND Friend wrote what may be the most touching blog post I have ever read. She went to downtown Chicago to interact with the less fortunate in order to write on one of the practices of Lent, almsgiving. In doing so, she met Carmen, who uttered the quote above. What was the most strinking thing about this quote was that the person of whom Carmen speaks was me. I became that person one day back in 2008.

You won't be surprised to learn that we didn't have homeless people in Logan, New Mexico. So when I moved to San Francisco, that was something completely new and different to me. It was a side of San Francisco I did not expect or understand. One so different from my own experience there.

When I first arrived, I remember thinking I would never get used to seeing homelessness. By the end of the summer, I knew I would never forget feeling the day I realized that I had done just that...gotten used to it.

At the beginning of the summer, I spoke to every person on the street who spoke to me. If I had change, I gave it to them. If I did not, I apologized. But I spoke. I saw them. I interacted with them. Acknolwedged that they were here. On the same earth as me, people like me, possessing a voice and a soul like me.

I am not sure when that changed. Maybe after realizing that no one else who I ever walked with did the same. Maybe after getting into a routine and finding myself busy with legal memos and Starbuck's runs, and weekend boat cruises. Maybe when I realized I couldn't carry enough change for everyone I encountered. Maybe I became lazy. Maybe because I questioned their motives.

Regardless of the reason, it happened. One day in July, I walked by an African-American woman sitting on the street corner at New Montgomery and Market with a cup and a sign asking for help. She asked if I could spare some change. And I ignored her. I did not look her direction, did not speak back. I walked on, as if she did not exist. As if she and I were different. As though I were better or she were unimportant. Or worse, non-existent.A few minutes later, when I got into the elevator of the 26 story building to go to my fancy office, wearing my new suit, thinking about where would have our expensive lunch, I realized what I had done. That I had gotten used to it. And that it was not okay.

Who was I to dismiss another human being? Who was I to walk by without acknowleding someone's existence? When I left the office that day, I walked back by the street corner. She was gone. As was my opportunity to apologize. To redeem myself. To prove that I was not used to it, and that I never would be again.

I've wondered since that day what happened to the woman from the corner. I wish that I could find her, listen to her speak, look her in the eye, tell her how sorry I am, and thank her for teaching me such a lesson.

Does she remember me walking by as though she did not exist? Sadly, she probably did not....because for her, it was probably a common occurrance. She probably watched hundreds of people a day walk by and act as though she did not exist. I could have changed that for her. I could have made a small difference for her, at basically no cost to myself. And I didn't. I walked right on by.

Society...people...I...failed her. That is something that I will never forget. Something I will forever regret. And because of it, homeless is something I will never get used to again.

Girls Weekend 2011 Blog #6: The Aftermath

"Three things are needed for a good life, good friends, good food, and good song." ~Jason Zebehazy

As soon as the race was over, we all headed to Crepevine for breakfast and mimosas! This little event has become a tradition after College Roomie, Nomad and I went there after Bay to Breakers. This time, I had amazing pumpkin spice pancakes. And a mimosa. A girl has to get her Vitamin C you know! Health first! And after we all stuffed our faces, we headed back to the hotel for a shower and some non-sweat drenched clothes. It's amazing, but a shower, some lip gloss,and a clean fleece can make a girl feel like a new woman!
It was during this time that I discovered this little beauty. That would be the biggest blister in the history of life, covering my entire toe. Yea. Quite the souvineer.

Anyway, because we're hard core like that, we decided to get out and about instead of laying around taking a nap or something normal people would have done. (Looking back, I think this helped TREMENDOUSLY with my soreness the next couple of days--so word to the wise--after you run a long race, keep moving!)

First off we headed for Alamo Square Park to see the "Painted Ladies" (aka the Full House houses).

Then it was time to take a couple of our traditional "We bleed orange" photos!We took lots of pictures--including a fun little photo shoot. Anyone recognize these trees? Think Full House theme song---picnic in the park---cool, huh?

And, because the girls are good sports, they let me practice my person photography skills, which I hardly ever get to do! Lucky for me, my best friends are freaking gorgeous and make it easy!
After that, we headed down to the Marina to check out the sailboats and stroll along the bay.

From there, we hit up Fisherman's Wharf, where the other girls did some shopping, and College Roomie and I met up with one of my friends, who you all know as Little Yao Ming's mom! Of course, Little Yao Ming came to see Aunt Tiffany too.

By then, it was time for the last supper so we were off to North Beach. I had run literally across the City and then walked around a good chunk of it! And I was feeling it. I'm not a girl who takes medicine---ever---but I totally made a pre-dinner stop at Walgreens for some pain killers!

Fortunately, the mixture of drugs, drinks and yummy Italian food cured what ailed me. :) The girls and I met up with Georgia Boy at my favorite Italian place in San Francisco....Pinocchio's Trattoria in North Beach. I know I keep saying this, but it was the perfect night. Great drinks (including the first one I ordered not because I liked the drink...I didn't particularly...but it was called "Screw Love" and I had to say it to the waiter), amazing homeade pastas (homeade gnocci and chicken covered in a gorgonzola sauce), amazing conversations with some of my favorite people (Georgia Boy got lots of "So, you're a guy, explain this..." questions).....I couldn't have asked for a better night.

And then, it was time to pack our bags and get ready to leave the next day. Always the worst part of our Girls Weekend trips.

The Oklahoma Girls headed out super early, while College Roomie and I bummed around the hotel, I went to St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral for a little quiet time (totally am an idiot and forgot to put the memory card in my camera, so no pictures!), and then we had one last lunch with Gonzaga Friend before heading to the airport.

For the handful of you (i.e. the girls who went on the trip!) who are not completely sick of hearing about this trip....stay tuned tomorrow for my final wrap-up post!

From North Beach with stomachs full enough to pop....

Xoxo,

Gossip Girls!