So. My husband and I are going to Europe in June for a friend's wedding and we've decided to stretch our far-too-few pennies to make a trip out of it. He's never been and I haven't been in fourteen years. Needless to say, we are both really excited, will be traveling on a serious budget, and yet want to get the best of each city for the time that we are there.
I've decided after looking at Europe by Eurail 2011 and Rick Steve's: Europe Through The Back Door (heyyy!!!) that our itinerary will be Rome, Florence, Geneva, Paris, London, wedding (also in England). This is an ambitious plan, but after planning out each stop and travel time I've decided it's entirely doable. And unless we were going to spend all two weeks in one city, we might as well zoom a bit and see as much as we can.
Now we are pricing airline tickets and have found a decent round-trip price from JFK-LHR (London) and then would catch a quick flight to Roma from there. It is about the same price as flying to Rome with a stop and home from London with a stop as well. I hate stops. I'd rather do a separate flight altogether. Sadly, we don't have enough cash to buy them right now so we are frantically scraping together what we can and watching the prices.
I have bought us several things that I consider travel-necessities. I know that we will a) be backpacking (and by this I mean, carrying our luggage when we can't roll them); b) staying in pensions as much as possible to avoid hefty hotel prices; c) packing as light as possible and washing clothes as we go to save on packing space; d) be fairly active each day.
This means we need:
a laundry cord on which to hang our washed clothing;
Woolite packets with which to wash said clothing;
very comfortable walking shoes - 2 pair in case we get blisters from 1 pair;
1 pair dressier shoes for nice evenings out;
very thick, breathable socks;
mix 'n match clothes are easy, somewhat cool (stylewise), and versatile;
eye masks for sleeping in bright spaces (hate);
blankets for travel on planes and trains;
pillows for travel on planes and trains (I'm all about comfort);
books for each destination with tips and reliable, current information;
money belts for secure transport and keeping of passports, cash etc.;
a camera;
a scrapbook and glue stick to scrapbook as we go (I'm such a craft dork!);
hats;
rain parkas.
See? Not so bad for a 2 1/2 week trip. The trick is not packing my entire wardrobe. I'm definitely the kind of person who likes to PACK. What if I need this? Ooohhh, this is so cute! It will be a struggle to stay practical and utilitarian with a few accessories to spruce it up. And one nice outfit for romantic dinners.
I am a PLAN-NER. Love to plan. It gives me a chance to milk the experience in advance and have the illusion of control.
So far, things are shaping up just fine. I'll relax a bit when we get our book on Italy, find a pension we can reserve a few nights at, and get our plane tix. Keep on movin!
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, July 9, 2010
Crotchety old man
I had a fabulous time in improv rehearsal last night. We worked with a great coach who kept us on task and helped us through some scenes which was a huge help. I did a scene with my friend, Suzy, where she was my granddaughter trying to shave my face and I was a belligerent, crotchety old man who refused to do anything she asked. After making my initial choice to be a negative, cranky man I started to acquiesce to her desires almost immediately. Brian, our coach, stopped me and said, "What was your first line?" I said, "I can't do it". He said, "Do the voice." I said in a rasping, gravelly, snappish voice, "I can't do it!" and he nodded saying, "Stick with that."
The more I stuck with that - not wanting her to touch me, not finding motivation in the things she presented - the funnier the scene got. In my head I was thinking, Don't fight, don't deny your scene partner, don't be too negative (which is ironic), instead of realizing that my first choice was being positive and supporting my scene partner. If I start off saying, "I can't do it!" then my partner should know that whatever she poses to me I will respond by saying "no" in my cranky way.
It's not a very complicated scene, and it certainly could go many more places, but it was funny. And it was SIMPLE. We were able to play with it and have fun knowing what the structure was and not having to worry.
After Suzy and I finished the scene, we returned to the "back line" (where we stand waiting to enter a scene) and she said, "You have a lot of old man in you" and laughed. It struck fear into my heart at first, thinking of my sometimes hateful father (on whom I based the character), and then decided it was okay to mimic what I've seen in my life and it doesn't necessarily mean I'm destined to the same fate.
Amazing what our minds do to us even in the small moments of success.
Then I went to UCB and saw another member of our team compete with her other improv team in an improv-off called "Cagematch". She was hilarious. I love working with her and was so happy to get to watch her make her choices. The audience loved her. It was thrilling to know her personally and see people shriek with laughter at what she was doing.
Today it's cleaning and organizing and packing as we get ready for our New England vacation next week. We leave tomorrow on my birthday to head to Boston to visit a dear friend of mine who moved there in May.
I have lived in Boston and have many memories there, not all of them ones I wish to revisit. But I think I will stay away from the parts where I lived and spend my time having margaritas with my husband and friend. Boston is not my favorite city. In general, I find the culture repulsive, but I also love certain parts of it. I hope to show them to my husband someday and explain what it was like to live there without acid in my voice. The city is not all responsible for what I don't like to remember. Although the annoying frat boys, classism, gay bashings, racism, and general chip-on-shoulder routines that seem all too prevalent in Massachusetts are tedious and stupid. There are great things about the city like the architecture, seafood, city parks, theatre, music, and academia.
Then we are on to Portland, ME to visit a few friends and I can't wait. I love visiting Portland and eating my body weight in lobster, soaking in the sea air and cool breezes while sipping a fabulous cocktail that costs a fraction of what it does in NYC. If it sounds like I'm a tourist, that's probably because I am. People ask me where I'm from and I often have a hard time answering. I have lived on both coasts of the US for about equal parts of my life and different cities for differing amounts of time. I like change and adventure in that way. I get bored easily and don't like to feel trapped in a small place where I know everyone and everything. I prefer to be a bit of a stranger while still having very close friends on whom I can rely. So traveling to me is fun and interesting. I like my anonymity and one of the alarming things about getting older is realizing exactly how small the world is. I like to think I can disappear at a moment's notice. The fact is, I think that would be much harder than it seems.
But I'm not going to disappear (I hope) on this trip. This trip is about seeing loved ones and celebrating the changes that happen in our lives as move forward. No matter where you live, once you're in the presence of a good friend it all feels familiar.
The more I stuck with that - not wanting her to touch me, not finding motivation in the things she presented - the funnier the scene got. In my head I was thinking, Don't fight, don't deny your scene partner, don't be too negative (which is ironic), instead of realizing that my first choice was being positive and supporting my scene partner. If I start off saying, "I can't do it!" then my partner should know that whatever she poses to me I will respond by saying "no" in my cranky way.
It's not a very complicated scene, and it certainly could go many more places, but it was funny. And it was SIMPLE. We were able to play with it and have fun knowing what the structure was and not having to worry.
After Suzy and I finished the scene, we returned to the "back line" (where we stand waiting to enter a scene) and she said, "You have a lot of old man in you" and laughed. It struck fear into my heart at first, thinking of my sometimes hateful father (on whom I based the character), and then decided it was okay to mimic what I've seen in my life and it doesn't necessarily mean I'm destined to the same fate.
Amazing what our minds do to us even in the small moments of success.
Then I went to UCB and saw another member of our team compete with her other improv team in an improv-off called "Cagematch". She was hilarious. I love working with her and was so happy to get to watch her make her choices. The audience loved her. It was thrilling to know her personally and see people shriek with laughter at what she was doing.
Today it's cleaning and organizing and packing as we get ready for our New England vacation next week. We leave tomorrow on my birthday to head to Boston to visit a dear friend of mine who moved there in May.
I have lived in Boston and have many memories there, not all of them ones I wish to revisit. But I think I will stay away from the parts where I lived and spend my time having margaritas with my husband and friend. Boston is not my favorite city. In general, I find the culture repulsive, but I also love certain parts of it. I hope to show them to my husband someday and explain what it was like to live there without acid in my voice. The city is not all responsible for what I don't like to remember. Although the annoying frat boys, classism, gay bashings, racism, and general chip-on-shoulder routines that seem all too prevalent in Massachusetts are tedious and stupid. There are great things about the city like the architecture, seafood, city parks, theatre, music, and academia.
Then we are on to Portland, ME to visit a few friends and I can't wait. I love visiting Portland and eating my body weight in lobster, soaking in the sea air and cool breezes while sipping a fabulous cocktail that costs a fraction of what it does in NYC. If it sounds like I'm a tourist, that's probably because I am. People ask me where I'm from and I often have a hard time answering. I have lived on both coasts of the US for about equal parts of my life and different cities for differing amounts of time. I like change and adventure in that way. I get bored easily and don't like to feel trapped in a small place where I know everyone and everything. I prefer to be a bit of a stranger while still having very close friends on whom I can rely. So traveling to me is fun and interesting. I like my anonymity and one of the alarming things about getting older is realizing exactly how small the world is. I like to think I can disappear at a moment's notice. The fact is, I think that would be much harder than it seems.
But I'm not going to disappear (I hope) on this trip. This trip is about seeing loved ones and celebrating the changes that happen in our lives as move forward. No matter where you live, once you're in the presence of a good friend it all feels familiar.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Hallo. Vacation, dreams & life.
I am sad that the World Cup is almost over. I'm not a huge soccer (football) fan, but I like the countries of the world coming together to compete and being represented. It's fun to see who roots for what team and why.
My husband and I just bought a condo. In NYC. It has been a long process of being in contract and ignoring it because it wasn't time to do anything, and then doing a lot a lot a lot of paperwork and dealing with different personalities to get things done. It is FINALLY over and we are home owners. It's a great feeling, but I will be more excited about it once I have a feeling as to what our monthly finances will be. It still makes me very nervous. Our new place, however, is really great. It's light and we have views of trees and the sky which, especially in NYC, is rare and luxurious and soothing.
Next week we are going to MA and ME to visit some friends and go to a good friend's wedding. I'm excited to take a trip and also reluctant to leave our new place. We still have crap in boxes and I want to get it clutter-free so when we come home at night it is organized and relaxing. Such are the pressing issues of my life.
I am going vegan for a week. Except I might eat some seafood in New England. But besides that, I'm going to try going vegan to see if I feel better. I would like to try a mostly plant-based diet... everything I read tells me it's great for you, and I have never ever ever thought of myself as a vegetarian, nevermind a vegan. But, if it makes my body feel good then I'm all for it for a short amount of time to see if it works.
I am exhausted today. I had drinks last night with two good friends who came over for the 4th. We had cocktails and went up to our roof to watch the fireworks over Manhattan which was fun. Earlier in the day some other friends came over with their two kids, 4 and 7 months, and their baby took a nap on our bed. While he was napping our cat, Mo, played kitty nanny and watched over him. It was very sweet. As soon as the little one woke up, Mo got up and went about his business. Animals always amaze me with their instincts and emotional awareness.
Now it is the beginning of the week before vacation. And there are a list of important things to do before we leave. I am greatly looking forward to getting away with my man - NYC can be taxing and draining and it's great to get out and see some nature, eat fresh food and just have a different pace of life. Plus we get to see some good friends and celebrate with one of my closest friends and her family at her wedding! That is super exciting.
Someday I would like a vacation bungalow near the ocean. I miss going to ocean (this is the first summer I haven't gone with my family in decades) and listening to it as I fall asleep. There is nothing that relaxes me more and I can come back to my life refreshed and ready to once again tackle the every day puzzles that constitute my daily existence.
Plus, it's fun.
I would like this place. Thank you.
My husband and I just bought a condo. In NYC. It has been a long process of being in contract and ignoring it because it wasn't time to do anything, and then doing a lot a lot a lot of paperwork and dealing with different personalities to get things done. It is FINALLY over and we are home owners. It's a great feeling, but I will be more excited about it once I have a feeling as to what our monthly finances will be. It still makes me very nervous. Our new place, however, is really great. It's light and we have views of trees and the sky which, especially in NYC, is rare and luxurious and soothing.
Next week we are going to MA and ME to visit some friends and go to a good friend's wedding. I'm excited to take a trip and also reluctant to leave our new place. We still have crap in boxes and I want to get it clutter-free so when we come home at night it is organized and relaxing. Such are the pressing issues of my life.
I am going vegan for a week. Except I might eat some seafood in New England. But besides that, I'm going to try going vegan to see if I feel better. I would like to try a mostly plant-based diet... everything I read tells me it's great for you, and I have never ever ever thought of myself as a vegetarian, nevermind a vegan. But, if it makes my body feel good then I'm all for it for a short amount of time to see if it works.
I am exhausted today. I had drinks last night with two good friends who came over for the 4th. We had cocktails and went up to our roof to watch the fireworks over Manhattan which was fun. Earlier in the day some other friends came over with their two kids, 4 and 7 months, and their baby took a nap on our bed. While he was napping our cat, Mo, played kitty nanny and watched over him. It was very sweet. As soon as the little one woke up, Mo got up and went about his business. Animals always amaze me with their instincts and emotional awareness.
Now it is the beginning of the week before vacation. And there are a list of important things to do before we leave. I am greatly looking forward to getting away with my man - NYC can be taxing and draining and it's great to get out and see some nature, eat fresh food and just have a different pace of life. Plus we get to see some good friends and celebrate with one of my closest friends and her family at her wedding! That is super exciting.
Someday I would like a vacation bungalow near the ocean. I miss going to ocean (this is the first summer I haven't gone with my family in decades) and listening to it as I fall asleep. There is nothing that relaxes me more and I can come back to my life refreshed and ready to once again tackle the every day puzzles that constitute my daily existence.
Plus, it's fun.
I would like this place. Thank you.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
New travel site
There's this article in the Times about frugal travel and how difficult it can be to find the right site, nevermind the right price/ticket, for your trip.
The one I had not heard of before is ITASoftware.com which sounds interesting.
Other notables are:
SeatExpert.com
Kayak.com
cFares.com has rebates with a low annual membership
Vayama.com specializes in international flights
Good luck with all of that.
The one I had not heard of before is ITASoftware.com which sounds interesting.
Other notables are:
SeatExpert.com
Kayak.com
cFares.com has rebates with a low annual membership
Vayama.com specializes in international flights
Good luck with all of that.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Welcome & a San Francisco treat indeed
Greetings readers,
Welcome to the blog by one tall redhead called Catastrophe. Here's hoping what I find interesting, you find interesting... or at the very least, amusing.
I know it will take a while for you to get to know me and appreciate my razor sharp wit, hilarious humor and fondness for alliteration.
This started as an idea for a travel site. A place for me to share my recommendations with all of you and for you to add or expound on them with me.
And then I thought, "Shit, Catastrophe, you have a lot more to offer than just the best dive bar and restaurant recommendations!". And not only do I have a wide range of interests and experiences to share, but I know a few talented and fascinating people.
And beginning in that vein - a friend of mine is going to San Francisco for a visit and so I compiled a list of places that I would check out were I visiting that enchanting city by the bay.
I will share it with you in hopes that you too might find it useful.
Cheers,
Catastrophe Smith
What To Do in San Francisco – AUG 07
San Francisco is a city of charms. If you visit there get ready to eat your way through it. California has some of the best produce in the nation year-round and San Francisco has a great ethnic population and a bunch of rich people that lends itself to great eating. It also has one of the best collection of dive bars in the Tenderloin (and scattered elsewhere) that I have encountered. So if you like strange and seedy, prepare to drink cheap beer.
TIP: San Francisco now has Menu Pages which is a great help when trying to locate a food by type or neighborhood or name!
http://sanfrancisco.menupages.com/
Tomales Bay Oyster Co - if you like oysters just pulled out of the bay sold at wholesale prices (bring your own picnic) and a gorgeous view then call these guys and make a reservation. you will need a car to drive there as it's about 1.5 hours north of SF. gorgeous drive.
http://www.tomalesbayoysters.com/
The Pelican Inn - have a meal or a pint at this old English tavern right by Muir Beach and Muir Woods. It's worth a night there if you can swing it.
http://www.pelicaninn.com/
My favorite restaurant is Betelnut in the marina district. The little dragon dumplings and bbqed, charbroiled pork are mouth-watering.
http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
If you're like me and love to people watch as you sip on your cocktail (or if you smoke), try Blondie's in the Mission on Valencia Street. You will get the most martini you can get for $12 (an entire shaker's worth) and they have an open porch area that is open onto the street. Go before the after-work crowd takes over. It gets very crowded later on and the music gets obnoxiously loud. When you're hungry try Arinell's pizza across the street for some pretty good New York style pizza in San Francisco.
http://blondiesbar.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/QjnmVuqVArA7d-syiUCiUw
This is the best drag show i have ever seen anywhere. It's a DIVE bar and you will need to tip the performers with $1 bills so bring lots. Do not expect good liquor but do expect a show you won't forget. Fri and Sat nights only.
http://www.auntcharlieslounge.com/
If you like getting a real English tea and don't mind the granny-esque furnishings go here and get the real clotted cream and scones and finger sandwiches - it's really fucking good.
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/
Now, I KNOW you won't go to San Francisco without having dim sum. Because that would just be stupid. Yank Sing is the upscale choice - and it's a good one if you don't mind shelling out the dough.
http://www.yanksing.com/
For the more down-home feel and a lot less cash, check out Ton Kiang on Geary Blvd in the Richmond District. I ate here many times, but one of the most memorable is after I got my tongue pierced and could only have soup. It was pure torture watching everyone one around me gorge on dumplings and sticky rice! Go with your mouth intact.
http://www.tonkiang.net/Ton%20Kiang.html
Jade Bar is on the way downtown and is pretty cool with good finger food.
http://www.jadebar.com/
Medjool has a fantastic roof deck in the Mission District - it gets yuppie and crowded after work but would be worth staking out a table and seeing the view: http://www.medjoolsf.com/
The best Thai food in San Francisco is at Suriya Thai in the Mission. It's affordable, cash only and will blow your mind. So will the little, green peppers that resemble bell peppers but are a completely different species - so beware. Get the Pumpkin Curry, Money Bags and Gaeng Keaw Wan. You won't be sorry.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/889462/
Hanaro is a gem of a dive bar. Free popcorn, a gas fireplace for those cold San Francisco nights and the bar staff couldn't be more accomodating. The clientele is crazy but largely harmless. Decent juke box.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41757950/san_francisco_ca/hanaro.html
Citrus Club in the Haight - great noodles, soups and saketinis.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/903995/
Amoeba Records also in the Haight. Great second hand music store.
http://www.amoeba.com/
Mexican food- the best mexican taquerias in SF are in the Mission District. Try Valencia St at 16th St and walk West.
My personal favorite is El Farolito on 24th St and Mission St.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/best/results/7798
My favorite bar in SF is Bruno's on Mission St - call to make sure it's open (it gets resold all the time)
http://www.brunoslive.com/ Has jazz and cocktails and looks like a James Bond bar. Can get annoying on weekends.
Go to Baker Beach and hang out. Part of it is a nude beach which is not that appealing, but it has spectacular views of the GGB and the Bay.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11363255/san_francisco_ca/baker_beach.html
Go to Golden Gate Park and rent bikes if you can. Ride to Ocean Beach at the end of the Park and back. There's a ton to see in there - botanical gardens, bison, archery field, fly fishing, fields, ponds etc. Rent a paddle boat on Stowe Lake. Afterwards walk up 9th Ave to Irving Street and have lunch or a pint at The Little Shamrock and play some darts.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=17796
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pn-KO9C7bLiDqfkZiTFqdA
For Japanese food I recommend WeBe Sushi in the Mission - cheap, good and no frills. Or Hotei on 9th Ave and Irving. People say Ebisu across the street is better, and it is certainly more expensive, but i think Hotei is just as good and cheaper.
http://www.ebisusushi.com/
http://www.hoteisf.com/
http://www.webesushi.com/
Blowfish is a hot spot that might be worth checking out if you a want sceney higher end place. But it might not be worth it.
http://www.blowfishsushi.com/webform1.aspx
I would highly recommend getting Vietnamese food while you’re there. It's one of my favorites. They are all over the place, especially in the Tenderloin and are yummy. Some people swear by Slanted Door, a high-end Vietnamese restaurant. I, personally, find it overrated and overpriced. The location, however, is hard to beat as it's on the water with sweeping views of the Bay.
http://www.slanteddoor.com/
Top of the Mark is a bar with panoramic views of the city. It's fancy but worth a look if you want to see the city. Mark Hopkins Hotel.
http://www.topofthemark.com/
Foreign Cinema is in the Mission - they show movies on the wall outside and have overpriced food that is good. it's yuppie and too $$$ but is a cool atmosphere. Check out the Laszlo Bar connected to FC – cute bartenders and cool interior. Gets sceney and crowded between 10pm – 12am. http://www.foreigncinema.com/home.html
http://www.laszlobar.com/
Japanese baths - if you're a woman (no men allowed...ever) and want a small but charming spa with some character go to Osento on Valencia Street in the Mission. You will get chilled water and limes, a couple of saunas, a hot tub, a cold plunge and a sun deck for your money. It's cheap and the real deal. Once you've paid for the day you can leave and come back. Massage is available for an extra fee.
http://www.osento.com/
For a larger, more modern feel, men included (and more money) go to Kabuki -
http://www.kabukisprings.com/
it's deluxe and refreshing. They have days for women, men and coed times as well.
The Tonga Room in the bottom of the Fairmont Hotel is ridiculous and overpriced, but great for a one-drink experience. It's Tiki and it rains every hour there. http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco/GuestServices/Restaurants/TheTongaRoomHurricaneBar.htm
Sno-Drift is pretty cool - fake taxadermy. When I was there many years ago they had free chocolate fondue and strawberries which is hard to beat. Can be annoying and have loud music later on weekends.
http://www.sfstation.com/sno-drift-b3994
The Cliff House is a must when first visiting San Francisco purely because of its location. It's perched on a cliff (makes sense) overlooking Ocean Beach and the...um, ocean. It's gorgeous. If you can make it for sunset, all the better. It's not cheap and the food is good, but not great. In a city of great food you go for the view - and it's a good one.
http://www.cliffhouse.com/
Universal Café has good brunch. Try the ginger scones or scrambles.
http://www.universalcafe.net/universalcafe.html
To slip away from it all, get a bottle of good wine, a cheese plate and see some local art try Hotel Biron on Rose Street. It's tucked away from the city, but in the middle of it all and has a little back room with leather chairs that's dark and cozy.
http://www.hotelbiron.com/
Park Chow - near GGP and in the Castro - good and cheap
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60713-d357132-Reviews-Park_Chow-San_Francisco_California.html
Duarte's Tavern - Pescadero - i REALLY recommend if you can drive down there going here and having artichoke soup, pie and crab. A GORGEOUS drive down Route 1 South. http://www.duartestavern.com/
Baobab is African food that is really yummy in the Mission - http://www.bissapbaobab.com/
Personally, the Dakaroise salad with shrimp haunts me and the chicken Mafe is heavy and finger-lickingly yummy.
Axum is great Ethiopian http://www.axumcafe.com/
Cheap and really good. Try the honey wine and vegetarian platter.
Also, I recommend the crepes at Frites in Hayes Valley. They have a cute garden too.
http://www.frjtzfries.com/
Zeitgeist on Guerrero
Biker bar, cheap, outdoors and good. Get a (veggie or regular) burger and a pint of beer and enjoy the afternoon sun and/or fog.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/868351
And for a drink go to the Carnelian Room at the top of the Bank of American building on California Street in downtown SF. The view is breathtaking - literally.
http://carnelianroom.com/
If you're a beer connoisseur go to Toronado on Lower Haight Street and check out their menu. While you're there get a sausage from Rosamunda Sausage Grill next door (you can carry out & bring your dinner into the bar). You won't get a better, cheaper beer-complimentary meal anywhere.
http://www.toronado.com/
I would also recommend the ferry to Angel Island for a picnic or Sausalito for a lunch or dinner. Beautiful.
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
If you're feeling energetic rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and then take the ferry back! A stunning view and great workout.
http://www.thebikehut.com/
http://www.sfbike.org/?maps
If you're into hiking check out the Steep Ravine hike on the way to Stinson Beach (you can hike there too from the same trail or end up in the Marin Headlands with a view of the city). It's a definite workout and absolutely gorgeous. You get to see ferns, redwoods, some wildlife and spectacular views. I suggest bringing water, something to eat part-way through and sunscreen.
http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html
A Maxfield Parrish fan? Or just a fan of a dark wood hotel bar? Go to The Palace Hotel in downtown SF and have a cocktail at the famous Pied Piper Bar. It has a gorgeous mural done by the master himself and some very comfy seating choices. It's not inexpensive and you won't find a representative sample of San Franciscans, more probably a handful of businessmen and women from elsewhere, but you will find a soothing, upscale atmosphere in which to sip your martini.
http://www.sfpalace.com/main/dining.htm
Welcome to the blog by one tall redhead called Catastrophe. Here's hoping what I find interesting, you find interesting... or at the very least, amusing.
I know it will take a while for you to get to know me and appreciate my razor sharp wit, hilarious humor and fondness for alliteration.
This started as an idea for a travel site. A place for me to share my recommendations with all of you and for you to add or expound on them with me.
And then I thought, "Shit, Catastrophe, you have a lot more to offer than just the best dive bar and restaurant recommendations!". And not only do I have a wide range of interests and experiences to share, but I know a few talented and fascinating people.
And beginning in that vein - a friend of mine is going to San Francisco for a visit and so I compiled a list of places that I would check out were I visiting that enchanting city by the bay.
I will share it with you in hopes that you too might find it useful.
Cheers,
Catastrophe Smith
What To Do in San Francisco – AUG 07
San Francisco is a city of charms. If you visit there get ready to eat your way through it. California has some of the best produce in the nation year-round and San Francisco has a great ethnic population and a bunch of rich people that lends itself to great eating. It also has one of the best collection of dive bars in the Tenderloin (and scattered elsewhere) that I have encountered. So if you like strange and seedy, prepare to drink cheap beer.
TIP: San Francisco now has Menu Pages which is a great help when trying to locate a food by type or neighborhood or name!
http://sanfrancisco.menupages.com/
Tomales Bay Oyster Co - if you like oysters just pulled out of the bay sold at wholesale prices (bring your own picnic) and a gorgeous view then call these guys and make a reservation. you will need a car to drive there as it's about 1.5 hours north of SF. gorgeous drive.
http://www.tomalesbayoysters.com/
The Pelican Inn - have a meal or a pint at this old English tavern right by Muir Beach and Muir Woods. It's worth a night there if you can swing it.
http://www.pelicaninn.com/
My favorite restaurant is Betelnut in the marina district. The little dragon dumplings and bbqed, charbroiled pork are mouth-watering.
http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
If you're like me and love to people watch as you sip on your cocktail (or if you smoke), try Blondie's in the Mission on Valencia Street. You will get the most martini you can get for $12 (an entire shaker's worth) and they have an open porch area that is open onto the street. Go before the after-work crowd takes over. It gets very crowded later on and the music gets obnoxiously loud. When you're hungry try Arinell's pizza across the street for some pretty good New York style pizza in San Francisco.
http://blondiesbar.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/QjnmVuqVArA7d-syiUCiUw
This is the best drag show i have ever seen anywhere. It's a DIVE bar and you will need to tip the performers with $1 bills so bring lots. Do not expect good liquor but do expect a show you won't forget. Fri and Sat nights only.
http://www.auntcharlieslounge.com/
If you like getting a real English tea and don't mind the granny-esque furnishings go here and get the real clotted cream and scones and finger sandwiches - it's really fucking good.
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/
Now, I KNOW you won't go to San Francisco without having dim sum. Because that would just be stupid. Yank Sing is the upscale choice - and it's a good one if you don't mind shelling out the dough.
http://www.yanksing.com/
For the more down-home feel and a lot less cash, check out Ton Kiang on Geary Blvd in the Richmond District. I ate here many times, but one of the most memorable is after I got my tongue pierced and could only have soup. It was pure torture watching everyone one around me gorge on dumplings and sticky rice! Go with your mouth intact.
http://www.tonkiang.net/Ton%20Kiang.html
Jade Bar is on the way downtown and is pretty cool with good finger food.
http://www.jadebar.com/
Medjool has a fantastic roof deck in the Mission District - it gets yuppie and crowded after work but would be worth staking out a table and seeing the view: http://www.medjoolsf.com/
The best Thai food in San Francisco is at Suriya Thai in the Mission. It's affordable, cash only and will blow your mind. So will the little, green peppers that resemble bell peppers but are a completely different species - so beware. Get the Pumpkin Curry, Money Bags and Gaeng Keaw Wan. You won't be sorry.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/889462/
Hanaro is a gem of a dive bar. Free popcorn, a gas fireplace for those cold San Francisco nights and the bar staff couldn't be more accomodating. The clientele is crazy but largely harmless. Decent juke box.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41757950/san_francisco_ca/hanaro.html
Citrus Club in the Haight - great noodles, soups and saketinis.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/903995/
Amoeba Records also in the Haight. Great second hand music store.
http://www.amoeba.com/
Mexican food- the best mexican taquerias in SF are in the Mission District. Try Valencia St at 16th St and walk West.
My personal favorite is El Farolito on 24th St and Mission St.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/best/results/7798
My favorite bar in SF is Bruno's on Mission St - call to make sure it's open (it gets resold all the time)
http://www.brunoslive.com/ Has jazz and cocktails and looks like a James Bond bar. Can get annoying on weekends.
Go to Baker Beach and hang out. Part of it is a nude beach which is not that appealing, but it has spectacular views of the GGB and the Bay.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11363255/san_francisco_ca/baker_beach.html
Go to Golden Gate Park and rent bikes if you can. Ride to Ocean Beach at the end of the Park and back. There's a ton to see in there - botanical gardens, bison, archery field, fly fishing, fields, ponds etc. Rent a paddle boat on Stowe Lake. Afterwards walk up 9th Ave to Irving Street and have lunch or a pint at The Little Shamrock and play some darts.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=17796
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pn-KO9C7bLiDqfkZiTFqdA
For Japanese food I recommend WeBe Sushi in the Mission - cheap, good and no frills. Or Hotei on 9th Ave and Irving. People say Ebisu across the street is better, and it is certainly more expensive, but i think Hotei is just as good and cheaper.
http://www.ebisusushi.com/
http://www.hoteisf.com/
http://www.webesushi.com/
Blowfish is a hot spot that might be worth checking out if you a want sceney higher end place. But it might not be worth it.
http://www.blowfishsushi.com/webform1.aspx
I would highly recommend getting Vietnamese food while you’re there. It's one of my favorites. They are all over the place, especially in the Tenderloin and are yummy. Some people swear by Slanted Door, a high-end Vietnamese restaurant. I, personally, find it overrated and overpriced. The location, however, is hard to beat as it's on the water with sweeping views of the Bay.
http://www.slanteddoor.com/
Top of the Mark is a bar with panoramic views of the city. It's fancy but worth a look if you want to see the city. Mark Hopkins Hotel.
http://www.topofthemark.com/
Foreign Cinema is in the Mission - they show movies on the wall outside and have overpriced food that is good. it's yuppie and too $$$ but is a cool atmosphere. Check out the Laszlo Bar connected to FC – cute bartenders and cool interior. Gets sceney and crowded between 10pm – 12am. http://www.foreigncinema.com/home.html
http://www.laszlobar.com/
Japanese baths - if you're a woman (no men allowed...ever) and want a small but charming spa with some character go to Osento on Valencia Street in the Mission. You will get chilled water and limes, a couple of saunas, a hot tub, a cold plunge and a sun deck for your money. It's cheap and the real deal. Once you've paid for the day you can leave and come back. Massage is available for an extra fee.
http://www.osento.com/
For a larger, more modern feel, men included (and more money) go to Kabuki -
http://www.kabukisprings.com/
it's deluxe and refreshing. They have days for women, men and coed times as well.
The Tonga Room in the bottom of the Fairmont Hotel is ridiculous and overpriced, but great for a one-drink experience. It's Tiki and it rains every hour there. http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco/GuestServices/Restaurants/TheTongaRoomHurricaneBar.htm
Sno-Drift is pretty cool - fake taxadermy. When I was there many years ago they had free chocolate fondue and strawberries which is hard to beat. Can be annoying and have loud music later on weekends.
http://www.sfstation.com/sno-drift-b3994
The Cliff House is a must when first visiting San Francisco purely because of its location. It's perched on a cliff (makes sense) overlooking Ocean Beach and the...um, ocean. It's gorgeous. If you can make it for sunset, all the better. It's not cheap and the food is good, but not great. In a city of great food you go for the view - and it's a good one.
http://www.cliffhouse.com/
Universal Café has good brunch. Try the ginger scones or scrambles.
http://www.universalcafe.net/universalcafe.html
To slip away from it all, get a bottle of good wine, a cheese plate and see some local art try Hotel Biron on Rose Street. It's tucked away from the city, but in the middle of it all and has a little back room with leather chairs that's dark and cozy.
http://www.hotelbiron.com/
Park Chow - near GGP and in the Castro - good and cheap
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60713-d357132-Reviews-Park_Chow-San_Francisco_California.html
Duarte's Tavern - Pescadero - i REALLY recommend if you can drive down there going here and having artichoke soup, pie and crab. A GORGEOUS drive down Route 1 South. http://www.duartestavern.com/
Baobab is African food that is really yummy in the Mission - http://www.bissapbaobab.com/
Personally, the Dakaroise salad with shrimp haunts me and the chicken Mafe is heavy and finger-lickingly yummy.
Axum is great Ethiopian http://www.axumcafe.com/
Cheap and really good. Try the honey wine and vegetarian platter.
Also, I recommend the crepes at Frites in Hayes Valley. They have a cute garden too.
http://www.frjtzfries.com/
Zeitgeist on Guerrero
Biker bar, cheap, outdoors and good. Get a (veggie or regular) burger and a pint of beer and enjoy the afternoon sun and/or fog.
http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/868351
And for a drink go to the Carnelian Room at the top of the Bank of American building on California Street in downtown SF. The view is breathtaking - literally.
http://carnelianroom.com/
If you're a beer connoisseur go to Toronado on Lower Haight Street and check out their menu. While you're there get a sausage from Rosamunda Sausage Grill next door (you can carry out & bring your dinner into the bar). You won't get a better, cheaper beer-complimentary meal anywhere.
http://www.toronado.com/
I would also recommend the ferry to Angel Island for a picnic or Sausalito for a lunch or dinner. Beautiful.
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
If you're feeling energetic rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and then take the ferry back! A stunning view and great workout.
http://www.thebikehut.com/
http://www.sfbike.org/?maps
If you're into hiking check out the Steep Ravine hike on the way to Stinson Beach (you can hike there too from the same trail or end up in the Marin Headlands with a view of the city). It's a definite workout and absolutely gorgeous. You get to see ferns, redwoods, some wildlife and spectacular views. I suggest bringing water, something to eat part-way through and sunscreen.
http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/stinson.html
A Maxfield Parrish fan? Or just a fan of a dark wood hotel bar? Go to The Palace Hotel in downtown SF and have a cocktail at the famous Pied Piper Bar. It has a gorgeous mural done by the master himself and some very comfy seating choices. It's not inexpensive and you won't find a representative sample of San Franciscans, more probably a handful of businessmen and women from elsewhere, but you will find a soothing, upscale atmosphere in which to sip your martini.
http://www.sfpalace.com/main/dining.htm
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