We have tickets for 8:30. Doors open at 7 p.m. How early should we get there? Where to park? They have valet parking for $20.

Want to eat first in North Beach. Depending on the above answer, looks like we might have to eat as early as 5??? so probably something simple...but yummy. Thanks.

The last time we went to Beach Blanket we ate at Capp's Corner which is steps away from the theater. There was an offstreet parking place across the street from Capp's. This was maybe two years ago.

Capp's Corner! We are going with my son and his GF and they would love it. Close to BBB, too. I saw a recommendation for Mona Lisa on another thread???

Coincidentally we took a close friend to the Tut exhibit a week or so ago and after our tour we ate at Mona Lisa. It's a delightful place and we very much enjoyed the food. It has been recommended by several people here on Fodor's.

Capp's Corner is great -- but really only works well if you order family style and have a group, four would probably be fine -- and it's very traditional. Mona Lisa is good too.

I think the $20 for valet sounds about right. I've parked in a couple lots around there and I suppose that's what they mean by "valet" as they park your car in those lots. One of those is right across the street in what appears to be a lot owned by a funeral home, and again they park your car. I know there are a couple garages near by, one on Vallejo, but I think they may cost almost as much.

That seems a change from my experience that they actually open the doors an hour and a half before the show! It used to be that people started lining up about that time, but doors didn't open until about a half hour or so before the show. My only disappointment about BBB (which I love and you're lucky you'll get to see the holiday version) is that too many times I've stood out in that line for up to an hour freezing to death while waiting for them to open the doors.

Yesterday I almost froze on the way home after 5 pm. If you plan to stay in that line, dress warmly!

I was there only once, my friend got the tickets, we walked in, no waiting outside, and were seated rather close to the stage. I think we were 20-30' before the show.

We ate at Tutto Qua, very popular on Fodor's too

Good thoughts about freezing outside in line! I'll check my notes again on opening time. Not supposed to be very warm today. Son told me to bring gloves.

Yes, I thought the holiday show might be interesting.

Made a reservation at The House but they don't open until 5:30. If son doesn't think that will work, we'll go for an early dinner somewhere like Capp's or Mona Lisa.

Thanks so much for your ideas Patrick and Giovanna. We're off to SF now. Going to stop at Lucca's on Chestnut St. and get Ravioli. Map. Check. Ice Chest. Check. Gloves. Check. CHOW

Let us know how the evening went AT. Hope you didn't freeze in line and that you had a great dinner wherever you decided to eat. Also, most importantly, all of you loved the performance!

Hi All, we had a good time. Found the parking garage on Stockton/Vallejo with no problems. Got to NB about 5 p.m. which was too early for our 5:30 reservations at The House so walked down to E Tutto Qua for a glass of wine. Ended up canceling our House reservations and eating at E Tutto Qua. Our waiter was very attentive, the food was excellent, and the wine was lovely.

Finished about 7 - 7:15 and walked over to BBB. Doors did open at 7 but the show was at 8 instead of 8:30 as I stated. No line; walked in and was seated in the Front Cab. We liked the view but the seats were very hard. I would do the balcony if I ever went again.

The show was a good distraction for me. I had a hard time laughing much but all around me seemed to really enjoy the show. My favorite part was the finale with the Christmas Tree Hat and SF Hat.

FYI my daughter is pregnant with identical twins and we are learning there may be complications so very hard to think about anything else at the moment.

Felt like coming home and putting up the Christmas Tree and felt a little more in the spirit of the season after the show.

Oh, I am reading like I wrote this myself!

As for your daughter, wish you all the best from my personal experience with hospitalizations and other complications of past pregnancies.

The mental condition of the mother is very important, so if she can stop working to avoid the stress, however may seem minimal, this would help.

Thank you Dayenu. She does not realize it yet, but she probably isn't going to get to work as long as she hoped. She was so happy today when I talked to her.

Glad to hear you had a good time, but sorry about your worry and concern for your daughter. It's good she was happy when you talked to her today. I think attitude is important in any health situation. Like Dayenu I wish you all the best and will be holding good thoughts for you.

Thanks so much for your good wishes, Giovanna. Keep you posted.