we said …
where we roam in san francisco
lodging
hotel del sol, moderate, (415) 921-5520. with its oversize
hammocks, swaying palms, relaxed vibe, and bright splashes of
color, the del sol reminds us of staying at a friend's beach house.
an added bonus is the fact that its marina district location is
quiet, cozy, and eminently walkable.
hotel montgomery, moderate, (408) 282-8800. have
business in nearby silicon valley? then consider the stylish and
recently renovated 94-year-old montgomery in downtown san jose.
even with all the hotel's amenities and techie-friendly treats, the
price won't tax your expense account.
dining
impala, moderate, (415) 982-5299. take your taste buds
south of the border at this months-old dinner spot and club. if the
lively music doesn't get you dancing in your chair, the
mouthwatering menu items - think cactus salad and beef brisket
barbacoa - from partner chef kerry simon (a recent iron chef
america winner) surely will.
rue saint jacques, moderate, (415) 776-2002. nob
hill is known for its good eats, and the fare at eric lanvert's new
place (he also oversees côté sud) adds another winner to its
culinary ranks. focusing on french cuisine with a california
influence, it features dishes like confit of rabbit on a bed of
roasted-garlic mashed potatoes with a ciboulette sauce, almost as
much fun to say as it is to eat.
nightlife
the boom boom room, (415) 673-8000. the neighborhood's not
that great and the room is cramped and steamy, but that's all part
of the appeal of this sultry blues club that belts out everything
from new orleans funk to high-energy soul seven nights a week. if
it's good enough for elvis costello, it's good enough for us.
attractions
boudin sourdough museum & bakery tour, (415) 928-1849.
san francisco and sourdough go together like boston and baked
beans. this fisherman's wharf bakery dating back to 1849 now offers
a peek into its flagship facility, so you can see how the city's
signature bread is made and learn about its gold rush origins. our
favorite part? the fresh-from-the-oven samples!
the de young museum, (415) 863-3330. this
century-old museum, known for its extensive collection of art from
the united states, central america, africa, and points beyond, is
making headlines again thanks to its fabulous new home, which is as
beautiful on the outside as the works are inside. don't miss the
144-foot observation tower, which offers stunning views of golden
gate park.
we said...
where mark ruffalo roams in san francisco
lodging
hilton san francisco,
expensive, (415) 771-1400
the ritz-carlton,
very expensive, (415) 296-7465
dining
cafe jacqueline, soufflés, expensive, (415) 981-5565
the dining room at the ritz-carlton, modern
french-japanese, very expensive,
(415) 296-7465
dottie's true blue cafe,
american, expensive,
(415) 885-2767
house of nanking, chinese, moderate, (415)
421-1429
millennium restaurant at the savoy hotel,
vegetarian/vegan, expensive, (415) 345-3900
quince, italian/french, expensive, (415)
775-8500
rose pistola, mediterranean, expensive, (415)
399-0499
the slanted door, vietnamese, expensive, (415)
861-8032
nightlife
tosca café bar,
(415) 986-9651
redwood room at the clift hotel, (415)
929-2372
attractions
american zoetrope studios,
(415) 788-7500
city lights bookstore,
(415) 362-8193
kee fung ng gallery,
(415) 434-1844
recreation
golden gate park,
(415) 831-2700
seward street mini park, 19th street and
seward