I have been to San Francisco five times. Each time, I fall in love with it a little bit more. I'm lucky that The Doc loves it as much as I do. It also happens to be the home of my youngest bro and all-around great guy Casey, so I can't really go wrong when I visit.
Muir Woods and Sausalito
Nothing will simultaneously inspire you with awe and make you feel utterly insignificant like some natural grandeur. We took a quick half day tour with Gray Line. We stopped for a few photo ops along the way, then were dropped off for a few hours to explore the trees. It was magical.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a lunch with an epic view in Sausalito at The Spinnaker, then headed back to the city. I am not a big guided tour kind of gal, but this was the perfect length, and no way would I drive myself down the windy windy hills of Muir, so I can recommend. I would definitely like to spend a little more time in Sausalito.
Bookstores
If you know me, you know I love the books. A lot. San Francisco has (especially in The Mission) some of my favorite bookstores. I particularly love Dog Eared Books, I always come home with a stack and some merch from here. Usually my brother Casey will also take me to see some street art and eat at some hole in the wall Mexican food before or after the book excursion, thus always creating a perfect day.
This marvelous trip also found me speed shopping at Sausalito Books by the Bay, a beautiful shop THAT ALSO SELLS WINE.
Nob Hill
We stayed at the tippy top of NH at the Mark Hopkins. It was a great way to burn those foodie calories. This hotel is old school and beautiful, and we enjoyed a night cap at the historic Top of the Mark. Right across the street is the Hotel Fairmont, and that is one gorgeous building. I love this central location, and when my sweet husband is pushing me up the last few steep steps, I know right where I am at!
Legendary Meal
It is a well known fact that I am a foodie, and that my two favorite guys are my husband and my bro. The stars aligned for me on a Thursday night.
Here is the description of International Smoke, home of one of the greatest meals of my life.
International Smoke San Francisco is the wildly popular collaboration between award-winning Chef Michael Mina and renowned restaurateur, chef, 2x NY Times best-selling cookbook author, philanthropist, television host and producer, and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry. Inspired by Curry and Mina’s shared love of global travels and international cooking techniques, International Smoke ignites a new spark of flavor and creativity focused on woodfired steaks, seafood, ribs, and vegetarian entrees to create flavorful dishes that are craveable worldwide.
We opted for the Tasting Menu (full table participation required), and it was one of those great decisions in life.
The food and the conversation were beyond good. We closed that place down. Big shout out to all of the stellar staff, I am sure they hated us quite a bit, but everyone was lovely.
It was the quickest of trips, but highly necessary as I had not laid eyes on my brother since right before the pandemic kicked off. He is in good hands with my neph-dog Roland, and the magic of San Francisco to keep him entertained.
We'll be back soon, we need lessons on how to eat these appropriately.
Do you have a special dinner memory?
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