We just returned from a 5 day trip to San Francisco. A suprise birthday gift from my husband.
Thanks to help from this board I had exactly the right clothing for San Francisco weather. It was so hot here I couldn't even think about what to pack for such wonderful cool days and nights.
WE ATE: Plouf - we needed a bit of lunch upon arriving to hold us until late dinner. Plouf is just off of Bush & Carson (I think) in an alley of restaurants not too far from Chinatown gates. We shared a bowl of mussels and a bottle of wine. Great way to start our short week. They do mussels 8 different ways.
Zuni - one of our favorites. Great oyster menu. I must remember to ask for downstairs table next time - they always stick us upstairs.
Delfina - This is a small, noisy place - great fun and the FOOD!!! I had bitter greens salad - probably one of the best salads I have ever had & I've had a lot of them. We split an order of Pasta with Pork. It was really wonderful. Entrees of fish and chicken were just as good. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Great wine too.
Campton Place - This was unbelieveable. We had eaten here a couple of years ago and thought it was very charming - they have done some remodeling and it is even more beautiful. The light fixture in the center of the room is breathtaking. Our service and food were the BEST. I had no choice but to vote this as my favorite meal and restaurant of the week.
Aqua - We had eaten at Aqua in Los Vegas and so enjoyed it that we wanted to eat here. It was a beautiful but very noisy room. We each had the tasting menu and it was wonderful. Each course was just perfect.
Neibabum (sp)& Coppola - we stopped in for a light lunch. Great building with beautiful revolving door. Very nice and the food was just the afternoon break we needed.
WE WANDERED: Really our favorite thing to do in this city. We bought a 3 day muni pass and used it for cable car, trolly cars and the undergound. We always enjoy Union Square & Chinatown. This time we added a walking trip thru the Russian Hill area. Very charming shops and restaurants. We felt like we were in France.
We also rode the trolly out to Noe Valley and had a very nice walk thru this charming neighborhood.
We were able to get tickets to the Giants game (thru help from this board). We were right behind home plate about 12 rows up from the field. The ball park was really fun. We tried the Gilroy Garlic Fries - they were great - lots of garlic. After the game we stopped at Bacar - a very hot wine bar.
Sat morning at the farmers market is a must if we are here over the weekend. A great place to go early and have breakfast at one of the stands - we had tamalas, crab cake and bacon. So much fun to look at the beautiful produce - We always have to buy a few things to carry home on the plane. This year it was white peaches and fresh mushrooms. We had the porcini mushrooms last night and the peaches for breakfast. Nice way to make our trip last for a few more days.
WE SHOPPED: I bought 2 new pairs of walking shoes for upcoming Eurpoe trip. A pair of Josef Seibel sandles with velcro strap. They are great with slacks and pretty enought to wear with skirts for evening. And a pair of more casual Merrils. Slip-ons with black suede top and tennis shoe type soles.
I also found a square angel food cake pan. This has been on my shopping list for a year or two so this was a pleasant suprise.
Thanks for all the help this board provides. We had a great time. jan

Wow, Jan, you really did it up! Delfina is one of my absolute faves, great to hear you enjoyed it. And Zuni, and Plouf, and Gilroy Garlic Fries! Yum. Glad you hit the farmer's market too. It's not for every tourist, but for foodies it is a must. Thanks for the great report.

Where did you stay?

Jan-
It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Plouf is one of my favorite restaurants. I used to work in the Russ Building on Montgomery Street, and would sneak over there for a late lunch of mussels and a beer whenever I could.
FYI, Plouf is on Belden Lane (or Belden Alley, depending on who's being consulted). Belden is in the middle of the block of Bush Street between Kearney and Montgomery.

Jan,
OK. I'm hungry now. So much for the diet! Good report.
Kal

Susan, We stayed at the Four Seasons. It was really beautiful - a nice, calm hotel. The location was perfect for us. jan

Did you find your square angel food pan at Sur La Table?

Yes we found it at Sur la Table. Also found measuring spoons that will actually fit into a spice jar! jan

Sur La Table is the best! While I still have a fondness for the original cramped store in Seattle, the San Francisco store is one of my favorites. Good layout and a great selection for anyone who enjoys cooking.