San Francisco Bay Area

I fell in love with the Bay Area nearly twenty years ago when I visited for the first time to work in Berkeley for a summer...which turned into five more summers.  The weather, particularly in the Summer, is perfection (word to the wise:  pack jeans and a jacket).  The outdoors are at your fingertips and the micro-climates keep things as interesting as the culture.  And the architecture is so intricate and detailed.  Plus, the Ocean.  Every time I arrive, I feel as though I've come home and I always, always hate leaving.

Places to Stay

KIMPTON SIR FRANCIS DRAKE HOTEL

Located right on Union Square, this historic hotel could not be better situated if you're in town for business or shopping.  Of course, I chose it because it's a Kimpton.  The service is fantastic, the physical space could use some TLC.

CLAREMONT RESORT

I am unabashedly a sucker for a gorgeous, historic hotel with amazing views.  When I worked in Berkeley, the lure of the Claremont was ever present but I didn't really have a reason, nor the resources, to stay there.  It's now managed by Fairmont Hotels and they recently completed a renovation that's just gorgeous.  It still has the feel of a destination so if you're really wanting to visit San Francisco, this may not be the best destination for you.  But if you're interested in an escape, Berkeley, or Oakland, it's great.

HOTEL ZELOS SAN FRANCISCO

I lived at this property for a week while producing an event at the Four Seasons San Francisco, which is just down Market Street.  It was a Kimpton at the time and my review reflects that management.  I'm pretty sure whomever is managing it now hasn't figured out how to deal with the noise issues, but it's a great Market Street location and pretty accessible to the Moscone Center if you're in town for a Convention.

Places to Eat

YET ANOTHER CITY WHERE THERE'S NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO VISIT ALL OF THE PLACES I LOVE TO EAT. MAYYYYBE THAT'S BECAUSE WHEN I'M THERE I HAVE TO EAT AT THE SAME PLACES EVERY DAY...

RICK AND ANN'S

One of the many reasons my friend Tosha is such a good friend is because she introduced me to some phenomenal breakfast spots in Berkeley when we worked there together. And this place is no exception. An *actual* Mom and Pop establishment in Berkeley, directly across the street from the Claremont Resort (and yes, that is the real reason I stay there) with indoor and outdoor seating, daily specials and the best whole wheat pancakes you'll ever eat. Skip the syrup and eat it with the house made jam instead. If you're solo, definitely sit at the community table, it's an authentic Berkeley experience.

CAFE MEZZO

Another Tosha find. When I arrived in Berkeley for my second summer, she recognized my hangry desperation and introduced me to this mecca of giant salads long before my beloved sweetgreen was even an idea. I ate there every day for the 4-5 weeks I was in Berkeley every summer. And in 2011, the building burned down but in 2017, they reopened and all was right with the world. The salads are huge, the dressings house made but let's be honest...I go for the wheat bread.

THE GROVE

I think I found The Grove while in SF for work and looking for healthy options. There are four locations and I’ve only been to two of them, but I’ve been known to go there for breakfast (scrambled eggs, avocado, amazing mulitgrain bread) and take a granola to go for an in-flight snack. The food is delicious and affordable, the vibe is super chill, with efficient service.

THE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE

You could spend at least a whole day and probably two weeks’ worth of calories exploring The Ferry Building Marketplace. Some of my favorites include the grilled cheese at Cowgirl Creamery and the ice cream from any one of the vendors. Plus it’s home to one of SF’s greatest restaurants, The Slanted Door.