From its hippie chic street beat to its international cuisine, San Francisco's a-sizzling!
Where to stay: For the absolute in comfort and style, check into Hotel Vitale (www.hotelvitale.com). The 199-room boutique hotel – the first luxury waterfront property of the city – is located in the revitalized Embarcadero across the street from the historic Ferry Building. Expect modern and elegant designs with deluxe suites that offer panoramic views. The who's who of the city's finest can be found sipping cocktails at Americano Restaurant & Bar. You would be remiss not to book a treatment at Spa Vitale (www.spavitale.com). Services include The Bathing Ritual; rooftop bamboo garden baths to help soothe all that ails you with infusions of fresh, seasonal products made exclusively by SumBody.
Where to dine: The question is more where not to dine! San Francisco is renowned for their top-level cuisine, and with good reason. Whatever your gastronomic tastes, you're sure to find something to tempt your palette in this coastal city. Here, the list of our must-visit restaurants:
Foreign Cinema (www.foreigncinema.com):
Located in the trendy Mission District, this oh-so-chic resto is perhaps the best brunch spot in the city. Chefs and co-owners Gayle Pirie and John Clark have brought their travels from Europe and Asia to the table with their daily changing menu of California/Mediterranean cuisine. True to name, foreign films are screened in their quaint outdoor patio while stylish clientele munch on a selection of yummy oysters from their oyster bar or their most popular omelettes, like the late summer Champagne omelet complimented with golden chanterelles, crème fraiche, Fontina and crispy potatoes. But, a word of caution: Book early as tables fill up fast!
For the quintessential steakhouse experience head to Epic Roasthouse (www.epicroasthouse.com). The dining room, designed by world-renowned designer and restaurateur Pat Kuleto, is at once elegant and industrial in feel with its masculine furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering picture-perfect views of the Bay. The exhibition kitchen where Chef Jan Birnbaum prepares his sumptuous menu, has a custom-built wood-burning oven which offers signature dishes like their naturally raised Kobe beef, Carlton ranch pork and lemon rosemary garlic chicken with toasted brioche salad. The deserts are almost as delectable as the mains: Beignets with Bicern café au lait is the choice du jour with an espresso. Or, opt for the cornmeal black mission fig gallette with sweet summer corn ice cream. You won't be disappointed!
Yoshi's (www.yoshis.com): For lighter fare, head to Yoshi's. A delicious take on Japanese cuisine, the simple and seasonal menu offers the most mouth-watering sushi around. Try the Tsukiji Selection where Chef Sho offers 5 varieties of seasonal fish from Japan's coastal waters, hand picked by their buyers at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market. Or, share a selection of tasters with friends like their panko-crusted Ahi Tuna katsu with balsamic ginger sauce and their smoked Kobe carpaccio with tomato ponzu geleé. After dining, a few steps away is the jazz club where featured artists like The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Sheila E play to intimate crowds.
Oola Restaurant & Bar(www.oola-sf.com): This American Bistro is intimate, sexy and the perfect setting for a date. Chosen in 2005 by Bon Appetit magazine as one of the "Top 50 Hot Spots" in the United States, this quaint candlelit respite offers patrons rich tapas like foie gras torchon with brandied cherries or mouth-watering baby back ribs with soy ginger glaze. Finish off that bottle of Californian Pinot Noir with a selection of their artisan cheeses like chimay with walnuts, creamy Roquefort with caramelized pear and camellia with onion jam.
Poleng Lounge (www.polenglounge.com): Known as the college hangout for many San Francisco residents, this funky Balinese-styled, bar-cum-restaurant offers an eclectic dining experience. Led by a brave Chef Timothy Luym, starters include B.B.Q pork belly and – for the adventurous – their surprisingly appetizing poached marrow with coconut bread. Save some room for the nibble and share plates like Walu Kinlaw; a Filipino ceviche with butterfish cooked in sugar cane and thai chilies, or their sizzling sisig; a spicy pork medley with coconut vinegar and fresh calamansi (a fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia).
Local Tastes of the City Tours (www.sffoodtour.com): To experience La Vita Bella in San Francisco, book a Little Italy food tour with this local company. Set in the charming North Beach district (www.sfnorthbeach.com), tour guide -- and food impresario -- Tom Medin takes you on a behind-the-scenes gastronomic journey throughout the neighbourhood's best Italian eateries. Sample everything from fresh espresso coffee, to homemade foccacia and Parmigiano Regianno straight from the Italian countryside. Also of note is the luscious cannoli's from Victoria Pastry (www.victoriapastry.com) Tom won't let you leave North Beach without one!
Check out our slideshow of San Francisco on the next page!
For more on San Francisco and its many attractions, please visit: www.sfcvb.org
Also, to learn more about California, please visit: www.visitcalifornia.com
