why we won’t leave san franciscolodging
the lodge at tiburon, moderate to expensive, (415) 435-3133,
www.thelodgeattiburon.com. though located in a charming old sailing town just north of
san francisco, the lodge is thoroughly up-to-date, having just undergone a $6.5 million renovation. this time of year, our favorite spot is a private cabana out by the pool.
the red victorian, moderate to expensive, (415) 864-1978,
www.redvic.com. are you looking for more than just the usual cookie-cutter hotel? look no further than this haight-ashbury b&b. devoted to the summer of love, it oozes hippie culture — but in a very unobtrusive way.
dining
bambino’s ristorante, moderate, (415) 731-1343,
www.bambinosristorante.com. this casual pizza-and-pasta joint is a favorite of another celebrity: craig newmark, the creator of craigslist. the pies may be thin-crust, but there’s nothing thin about the portions here.
r & g lounge, inexpensive to moderate, (415) 982-7877,
www.rnglounge.com. seafood like salt-and-pepper scallops and diced chinese winter-melon soup may take the spotlight at this popular chinatown cantonese restaurant, but those in the know call 24 hours ahead and order the house special, a whole chicken stuffed with sticky rice and then deep-fried.
attractions
sigmund stern grove amphitheater, (415) 252-6252,
www.sterngrove.org. every summer for 70-odd years, music lovers have flocked to this bucolic outdoor amphitheater for a series of free sunday concerts. this year’s lineup continues through august 19 and spans everyone from huey lewis and the news to the san francisco opera.