Oh, Lucie !
You're in good company with those pre-travel jitters - I know me and the 24 hours before - yet once we walk out the front door, I'm better-hope you get to relax and have a grand time on your trip !

Bon Voyage, sweetie

R5

Updated list:

Yes:
Cat and Mr Cat
Faina
Linda
Patrick and Lee
Paula
Stu Dudley
Trvl Maven

Maybe:
Lucie
Roger
Shanghainese

Anybody has restaurant suggestions? Preferrably not expensive, we've had people cancelling before if the prices were hight.

Maybe close to public transportation? Anybody taking BART?

Hey, if you think I'll pick a restaurant for you, I'll go with Daffodil (or maybe it's not funny?)

Thank you, King Neo, I'm a shanghai lady on the demure side although I've been mistaken for a male due to my writing style. Only last week when I was vilified on the Asia board by a foul mouth, a british gent commented on me as "he can certainly stand up for himself"!

Cat -- I think you should be looking for something else than shoes if Mr Kat is coming, something sparkling, hint, hint.

I will BART in from the East Bay.

Shanghainese, that is a good idea!

Although my red pumps were such a hit, it will be hard to pass up the Cole Haan store. Of course, if we are in FW, it might be easier to pass it up since it won't be as close.

Paula, I'll email you tomorrow! We may actually drive up, though. We'll see...

Cat -- You are demure too, I was hinting about Tiffany!

I know. I'm that rare girl that isn't turned on by Tiffany's.

Sexy shoes, though....hold me back!

Cat, Take Bart from the Oakland Airport(shuttle to Bart).

Take the Embarcadero Bart stop in San Francisco.

Walk to the Embarcadero, (two blocks), then hop on the F line (muni). It will take you to FW area.

Well I bought my plane ticket so I am coming for sure. Can't wait to see everyone!!

Do we have a where and when yet?

Not yet. Waiting for suggestions.

Thanks Susie.

Anyone have tips for a good hotel near FW? Something nice but doesn't have to be super fancy...

cat, we're staying at Columbus Motor Inn, between FW and North Beach -- best part is it has FREE parking if you're driving.
I've not stayed there before, but have stayed at their "sister" Cow Hollow Motor Inn. Nice, average large rooms -- more comfortable than fancy.

AAA rates are something like $120 a night.

So where are we meeting? I suspect Friday night is a bit of a problem -- busy night. Somewhere in North Beach maybe? Any ideas. Faina doesn't seem to want to take responsibility for choosing.

We did a gathering at Mona Lisa once (but for lunch) and I will say they took great care of us. Other ideas?

I ate at a great Italian place a few years ago, if I could only remember what it was called. Maybe you who are more familiar with the area might know. Is North Beach near enough to FW to walk? We were staying at the Radisson FW and walked there. It was on a corner, and the thing I remember most is the antipasti platter. It was so good, and fresh, with a whole bunch of things that choose from, that changed each night.

NEo, I'll look at your hotel. Thanks!

I am sorry I will miss this great event; I am going to be in Sedona for a conference.

Cat- I love the Argonaut in FW; it is a Kimpton boutique hotel in an elegant nautical theme.

North Beach is walking distance but not in high heels! .... a quick cab ride though.

There should be lots of great restaurants; it IS San Francisco! Gary Danko is near FW and is highly rated but probably very pricey. I like Fog City Diner which is a quick trolley or cab ride away; it is moderately priced.

Sign me a maybe.

If Sezchuan/Hunan is any one else's favorite. I love Hunan's on Samsome a block North of Broadway. Good prices and can accomadate parties no problem.

http://henryshunanrestaurant.com/

Spicy but really good!

ty

Well since I have plenty of free time on my hands and if you don't mind a gimp. My cast will have been off for three days by then. So count me in!!

Besides, I haven't been to San Francisco since I was a little kid. And I have wanted to meet many of you for awhile.

Tom

Shoot... I really wish I could be there!! I will have just gotten home on the 22 from being gone for 2 weeks and it is just not sensible for me to even think about coming up but will be there in spirit.

Tom - how are you feeling?

Dawn,

As they say,'one day at a time'. Some days are better than others. My stay here in Arizona has been really helpful. My sister and her family are great, especially her kids.

Tom

Well, you really should be asking Stu Dudley where would be a good place to eat. He may have left on vacation already. Have you checked his recommendations?

If budget is an issue, North Beach Pizza might work. I have never been but heard great things about their pizza:

http://www.northbeachpizza.com

Basta Pasta is inexpensive:

http://www.studyworld.com/culinary/B...-Francisco.htm

I like North Beach Restaurant. It is more expensive than Basta Pasta but the food is great, nice atmosphere:

http://www.northbeachrestaurant.com/menu.htm

The pastas are all between $19-$29. Meat and Chicken entrees between $22 - $39. Fish entrees $19 - $41. You wouldn't be disappointed.

If we are in town, I would love to come.