Every generation in every city, mourns the loss of the places of our youth that had become the essentials of our childhood memories. I am now "mid-century"... a term used to describe me, aluminum xmas trees and Doelger houses. I have seen so many things that seemed like "essential San Francisco" torn down, closed-up or remuddled. My parents probably would have their own list, and their parents would have such a list, without question. This is a living city and thus, is dynamic and in flux. Somethings that have disappeared are for the better and their loss is truly progress. So ...how much can we lose and still be the undiluted San Francisco? Should any native San Franciscans be reading this- test out my list with your own. Should visitors to our city be checking in, perhaps it will allow you to appreciate what has survived even more.
Gone- and Lamented:
The Montgomery Block- One of the city's most historic buildings... a haunt of Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde... where they made Pisco Punch (let's talk about what that is!). I actually like the Pyramid that replaced it. Just too bad it couldn't have been placed elsewhere.
The City of Paris- OK they did keep and restore the gorgeous rotunda- but that is the only thing good about the new Nieman Marcus that replaced the venerable COP. Sorry Mr. Johnson.
Fun House at Playland at the Beach. Playland was getting a bit tattered and dangerous- but this fun house was the best. Laughing Sal (now at the Wharf), the slide (awesome!), the barrel, the spinning disk, the compressed air blasts, house of mirrors, and undulating walkways. Santa Cruz funhouse is cool - but a second best!
Bernstein's Fish Grotto- This restaurant on Powell Street near O'Farrell had an old ship prow that jutted out into the street. As a kid I thought it was the coolest place to eat. The ship still exists! I saw it in the basement of Frank Lembi's, Hotel Union Square, across the street.
The Fox Theater on Market. What were we thinking when we allowed this to be torn down for a hideous 60's tower. I remember seeing "The Greatest Show on Earth" here with my Nana just before it was torn down.
The Compass Rose at the St. Francis- a recent loss. This was the perfect place to come for a drink after shopping or after theater. It was a place that children were taken during the holidays while out looking at the lights. Formerly a mix of elegant Asian and English decor. It is now just a bland space filled by a very fine and expensive restaurant.
The Old Ferries- I barely remember these. My Nana took my brother and I on one of the last runs across the Bay. Ironically, ferries are back on the bay in force- though not quite the same.
The Belli Buildings- were so important they were among the first buildings in SF deemed 'landmark'. They had both historical and architectural significance. Famed attorney, Melvin Belli's last wife apparently didn't think so. In defiance of preservation and historical groups she ripped off the roofs (reportedly to begin preservation) then let them go derelict. She outwitted everyone and basically demolished all but the facades.
The Western Addition- In the 1960's hundreds of blocks of Victorians were demolished to make way for progress. The black community in San Francisco was largely ousted. Hideous replacements were erected before the insanity was haulted. When people see the remaining Victorians that have been restored today, it is hard to believe that we threw away so much perfectly good, and uniquely San Franciscan, housing.
The Tonga Room- Just recently on the chopping block. Yes it is a bit goofy... rainstorms, a band on a raft floating in a swimming pool lagoon- but it was fun and so well-done! I am not sure if the battle is over yet.
The Carnelian Room- Great views, Ok food, private dining rooms... and lots of prom memories. Just closed.
Jacks- Along with the Tadish Grill, counted as the oldest San Francisco restaurant dating back to the Gold Rush.
Sutro Baths- This is the first place I went ice skating. My grandfather probably swam here. It was Victorian at it's height... hothouse, pools, museum, ice rink (in later years) and stairs, stairs, stairs! It burned just as they were tearing it down. Do I remember a mummy?
Doggie Diners- OK, just a run of the mill hot dog/hamburger chain... except for the giant fiberglass dachshund heads with chef's hats on.
The Arcade Passageway at the old Emporium: Parallel with the sidewalk, there used to be a covered arcade passageway at the old Emporium. It was closed-up many years ago before the Westerfield Center morph. It was the perfect place to display all the wonderful Christmas decorations of the 50's. Though not a perfect re-do, I am thrilled developers saved the facade and the dome of the old Emporium.
St. Mary's Cathedral on Van Ness and St Paulus on Eddy: both grand and gorgeous. Both survived the big fire of 1906, but they eventually succumbed to flames in the late 20th century.
Good Riddance!:
The Embarcadero Freeway- What were they thinking when they put this up? God knew what He was doing when he shook it down, (weakened it so it had to be torn down, actually), in the Loma Prietta earthquake in 1989! When it was built it completely shut the city off from the beautiful waterfront. It could have been worse. the original plan was to have the entire city encircled with freeways.
The Ferry Building (before it's current and glorious renovation)- Through most of my 50+ life, the Ferry Building was to be appreciated only from the outside. It was completely an underutilized gem. There was a dreary club, the World Trade Center, (I believe it was called), which filled much of the interior. Three cheers to those who designed this sensative and imaginative renovation!
The "Pink Palace" and much of the substandard 60's housing. After tearing down hundreds of homes in the Western Addition, unsightly, oftentimes dangerous, and substandard public housing was erected. Most of it didn't last 35 years and has since been torn down.
Honorable mention of some of our greatest victories: All the remaining Victorian homes, the Museum of Modern Art, the restored Conservatory of Flowers, 31 Alta Street (wow! great renovation of a rare 1850's home), Casebolt Mansion, Fisk mansion, 813 Grove, 824 Grove, 722 Steiner (owners all get a prize for good stewardship!), the Windmills at the Beach (in progress), The Beach Chalet, Hyde Street Pier, Maritime Museum restoration, City Hall retrofit and restoration, Geary and Orpheum theater restorations, Old St. Mary's retrofit, the Palace Hotel, (better than ever), Mission Dolores, Notre Dame de Victoire church retrofit,
Sorry, we will have to live with these for awhile: The new DeYoung Museum (looks like an airport), The Cal Pacific Medical Center (Pac. Heights and Davies Campuses), the Fontana East and West, The Summit and all other 60's buildings out of scale for their neighborhoods and which block so much light and the views to the bay. The Vallencort (sp?) fountain argh!), the new State building (love the green thing but god awful ugly!), ,
These could go either way: The Japan Center, The proposed Fairmont condo tower, The timeshares at Ghirardelli Square, the old Jack Tarr Hotel (ugly before- now with lot's of potential to go either way), the Mission/Octavia corridor, the old U.C. extension (at Haight/Laguna), the Nightingale House at 201 Buchanan, Julius' Castle, the Payne Mansion.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Monday, July 26, 2010
This Native San Franciscan's 7 favorite places to picnic.
First start by getting amazing things to pack in your basket. I suggest going to Molinari's on Columbus in North Beach. While in the neighborhood pick up some fresh foccacia bread at Liguria Bakery (Stockton and Filbert). This should get you started!
1. Sutro Park- the bluffs above the Cliffhouse has some of the most extraordinary ocean views in town. Bring warm clothes just in case.
2. The waterfall at Stowe Lake or next to the rough stone bridge a few yards away. It is so peaceful here. The lake is filled with a variety of wild birds and hundreds of turtles.
For years we have enjoyed picnics floating around the lake in a rented row boat.
3. The Portals of the Past in Golden Gate Park. The doorway to the former Towne mansion is the city's sole monument to those who survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. It sits on the far shore of the lake like a temple. A melancholly, yet lovely, reminder of old San Francisco.
4. Washington Square Park in North Beach. The park is full of views, activity and life. Not as serene as the above settings- but you will certainly know you are in the heart of San Francisco. Just blocks from Golden Bear!
5. Fort Mason- the bluffs above the bay have sheltering trees and expansive lawns. The view out the Golden Gate is breathtaking.
6. Any sunny place you can find on the path between Land's end (near the Cliff House) and the Legion of Honor at Lincoln Park. As has been mentioned in an earlier blog- this part of San Francisco is little known- even to natives. It is breathtaking. Find a sunny sheltered spot and pretend you are in Carmel/Point Lobos.
7. The east side of Alamo Square. The east side of the park is far more protected from wind then the west. It also enjoys the view of the famous "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" (aka: 7 Sisters).
This view is iconic San Francisco, with the park, the old city in the foreground and the towering skyscrapers of the new city as a backdrop. Pick out the spot where the cast of the long-running TV series, "Full House" had it's opening credits picnic. Guests at Golden Bear often cap off their picnic with a glass of wine with their hosts inside one of these famous homes.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
1. Sutro Park- the bluffs above the Cliffhouse has some of the most extraordinary ocean views in town. Bring warm clothes just in case.
2. The waterfall at Stowe Lake or next to the rough stone bridge a few yards away. It is so peaceful here. The lake is filled with a variety of wild birds and hundreds of turtles.
For years we have enjoyed picnics floating around the lake in a rented row boat.
3. The Portals of the Past in Golden Gate Park. The doorway to the former Towne mansion is the city's sole monument to those who survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. It sits on the far shore of the lake like a temple. A melancholly, yet lovely, reminder of old San Francisco.
4. Washington Square Park in North Beach. The park is full of views, activity and life. Not as serene as the above settings- but you will certainly know you are in the heart of San Francisco. Just blocks from Golden Bear!
5. Fort Mason- the bluffs above the bay have sheltering trees and expansive lawns. The view out the Golden Gate is breathtaking.
6. Any sunny place you can find on the path between Land's end (near the Cliff House) and the Legion of Honor at Lincoln Park. As has been mentioned in an earlier blog- this part of San Francisco is little known- even to natives. It is breathtaking. Find a sunny sheltered spot and pretend you are in Carmel/Point Lobos.
7. The east side of Alamo Square. The east side of the park is far more protected from wind then the west. It also enjoys the view of the famous "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" (aka: 7 Sisters).
This view is iconic San Francisco, with the park, the old city in the foreground and the towering skyscrapers of the new city as a backdrop. Pick out the spot where the cast of the long-running TV series, "Full House" had it's opening credits picnic. Guests at Golden Bear often cap off their picnic with a glass of wine with their hosts inside one of these famous homes.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
A Native San Franciscan's 10 Favorite Places to Visit that are FREE and Off the Beaten Path
1. Hike from Coit Tower down the Greenwich Steps to Montgomery Street. Make a right and walk up the lower part of Montgomery to Alta Street. At #31 appreciate this beautifully restored Gold Rush Era home. Walk back toward the Filbert steps and don't miss the beautiful art deco building (featured in Bogart and Bacall's film noire classic, "Dark Passage". Look up- Bogart is peering out the window as he did in the film!). Take the Filbert Steps through the Grace Marchant Gardens "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore" is a quote that rings true here! At Napier Lane walk down San Francisco's last wooden street. Be quiet and respectful- people live here. Walk all the way down to Sansome and the Levi Plaza. If you are really energetic make a left and head back up the Greenwich steps - you will pass all of the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
2. Catch a Sunday Free concert at Sigmund Stern Grove. 19th and Sloat. Sundays 2PM. Check earlier blog for schedule and website.
3. Pace through the labrynth in Grace Cathedral. It is a gorgeous setting and the process can be truly "centering". California and Taylor Streets.
4. Walk down Stockton Street (from Washington Square) for a taste of the real and untouristy Chinatown. Though it can be a bit shocking, it is always fascinating. Turn down Washington Street and make a left down Ross Alley to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company (Fortune cookies are a SF invention!). Retrace your steps to Washington Street and cross over to Waverly Lane... the site of many bloody Tong Wars in the 19th cenury. Mid-block on the right is a sign that says Tin How Temple. Take the stairs to the very top and experience one of the oldest Buddhist temples in North America.
5. Go to the Industrial Light and Magic campus in the Presidio. The Yoda fountain is charming and inside the lobby are some wonderful "Star Wars" memorabilia.
6. Walk from the Cliff House at Land's End to the Legion of Honor museum in Lincoln Park. The waves and the cliffs are breathtaking. It is hard to believe you are within the city boundaries of San Francisco. No joking aside, a healthy respect for the cliff's edge is recommended.
7. Take a stroll through the Gold Rush era Barbary Coast in Jackson Square. Walk down Jackson Street from Montgomery. The buildings on the left sit on the shore of the original bay cove (1850's). Look to your right and the buildings are built on fill (1860s). On Hotalling Alley, the original bay shore is represented by the wavey pavement. The cast iron facade of the building on the SE corner is the Hotalling whisky warehouse that was saved, because of it's treasured contents, from the fire in 1906. There was a saying at the time that said SF was punished by fire for being wicked. The plaque on the building pokes at this notion saying (roughly) "If God spanked the town for being over-frisky, why did He burn the churches down and save Hotaling's whiskey?"! Also in the area: The Old Ship Saloon (notorious for shanghaing sailors- built over a sunken ship, as were most of the buildings in the whole area), the original Ghirardelli Building, (Jackson near Sansome), the Firehouse on Pacific (near Sansome) and the old Hippodrome Dancehall (looks like it might have back in the Wild West) on Pacific near Kearney. San Francisco really blew it when it allowed the fabulous Belli buildings at Montgomery near Jackson, to be, (all but), torn down. Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde and Melvin Belli were associated with these wonderful buildings.
8. Free Band Concerts at the Spreckles Bandshell in Golden Gate Park. Sundays from 1PM. to about 2:45. June through late September. The artists vary from the City band to a wide variety of guest artists. There is just something pleasing and timeless about sitting in the park and hearing a live orchestra! www.goldengateparkband.org Check for scheduling.
9. Fly a kite on the Marina Green. This patch of grass between Marina Blvd and the Bay is one of the best places to people-watch. Joggers, volleyball players, picnics, sunbathers, dogs... and kites- of all kinds make for a pleasant day against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
10.At Golden Bear Inns and rentals: Complimentary wine or ice tea on the rooftop deck overlooking the bay, Alcatraz, the crookedest street- Lombard, the Golden Gate Bridge, Russian and Nob Hills, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Coit Tower and Grace Cathedral. If the weather is too chilly - complimentary wine inside one of the "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" on Alamo Square.
These and other suggestions are available from your hosts at Golden Bear Inns and Apartment Rentals.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
2. Catch a Sunday Free concert at Sigmund Stern Grove. 19th and Sloat. Sundays 2PM. Check earlier blog for schedule and website.
3. Pace through the labrynth in Grace Cathedral. It is a gorgeous setting and the process can be truly "centering". California and Taylor Streets.
4. Walk down Stockton Street (from Washington Square) for a taste of the real and untouristy Chinatown. Though it can be a bit shocking, it is always fascinating. Turn down Washington Street and make a left down Ross Alley to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company (Fortune cookies are a SF invention!). Retrace your steps to Washington Street and cross over to Waverly Lane... the site of many bloody Tong Wars in the 19th cenury. Mid-block on the right is a sign that says Tin How Temple. Take the stairs to the very top and experience one of the oldest Buddhist temples in North America.
5. Go to the Industrial Light and Magic campus in the Presidio. The Yoda fountain is charming and inside the lobby are some wonderful "Star Wars" memorabilia.
6. Walk from the Cliff House at Land's End to the Legion of Honor museum in Lincoln Park. The waves and the cliffs are breathtaking. It is hard to believe you are within the city boundaries of San Francisco. No joking aside, a healthy respect for the cliff's edge is recommended.
7. Take a stroll through the Gold Rush era Barbary Coast in Jackson Square. Walk down Jackson Street from Montgomery. The buildings on the left sit on the shore of the original bay cove (1850's). Look to your right and the buildings are built on fill (1860s). On Hotalling Alley, the original bay shore is represented by the wavey pavement. The cast iron facade of the building on the SE corner is the Hotalling whisky warehouse that was saved, because of it's treasured contents, from the fire in 1906. There was a saying at the time that said SF was punished by fire for being wicked. The plaque on the building pokes at this notion saying (roughly) "If God spanked the town for being over-frisky, why did He burn the churches down and save Hotaling's whiskey?"! Also in the area: The Old Ship Saloon (notorious for shanghaing sailors- built over a sunken ship, as were most of the buildings in the whole area), the original Ghirardelli Building, (Jackson near Sansome), the Firehouse on Pacific (near Sansome) and the old Hippodrome Dancehall (looks like it might have back in the Wild West) on Pacific near Kearney. San Francisco really blew it when it allowed the fabulous Belli buildings at Montgomery near Jackson, to be, (all but), torn down. Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde and Melvin Belli were associated with these wonderful buildings.
8. Free Band Concerts at the Spreckles Bandshell in Golden Gate Park. Sundays from 1PM. to about 2:45. June through late September. The artists vary from the City band to a wide variety of guest artists. There is just something pleasing and timeless about sitting in the park and hearing a live orchestra! www.goldengateparkband.org Check for scheduling.
9. Fly a kite on the Marina Green. This patch of grass between Marina Blvd and the Bay is one of the best places to people-watch. Joggers, volleyball players, picnics, sunbathers, dogs... and kites- of all kinds make for a pleasant day against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
10.At Golden Bear Inns and rentals: Complimentary wine or ice tea on the rooftop deck overlooking the bay, Alcatraz, the crookedest street- Lombard, the Golden Gate Bridge, Russian and Nob Hills, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Coit Tower and Grace Cathedral. If the weather is too chilly - complimentary wine inside one of the "Painted Ladies of Postcard Row" on Alamo Square.
These and other suggestions are available from your hosts at Golden Bear Inns and Apartment Rentals.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival Features Powerhouse Headliners.
Saturday August 14th - Book tickets now to see legends George Benson, Natalie Cole, Tower of Power, Brian Culbertson and Lucy Woodward. Tickets on Sale Now at www.livenation.com or call 1-800-745-3000. Show is at the Pavillion at Concord.
GoldenBear guests - take BART (subway) to this nearby event.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
GoldenBear guests - take BART (subway) to this nearby event.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
San Francisco Symphony 2010-2011 tickets on Sale now! Tickets start at $15.
Michael Tilson Thomas at the baton. Guest artists from Jessye Norman, Rufus Wainwright to Itzhak Perlman and Lang Lang. How about Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and Orff's Carmina Burana for a teaser? Check website for more details. www.sfsymphony.org or call
415-864-6000.
Book a room at GoldenBear when you book your tickets. An arts weekend in San Francisco can be affordable!
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
415-864-6000.
Book a room at GoldenBear when you book your tickets. An arts weekend in San Francisco can be affordable!
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
Comedy Club Lovers Alert! Tracy Morgan, Norm MacDonald, Goldthwait, Ralphie May coming soon.
GoldenBear vacation/corporate rentals, North Beach, is only blocks from San Francisco's premier comedy club... Cobb's. 915 Columbus @Lombard. Check the Cobb's website for dates and full listings of performances. www.cobbscomedy.com 415-928-4320
Hilarious!
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
Hilarious!
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
City Arts and Lectures Series- Patti Lupone, Nora Ephron, Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Breyer and many others.
The City Arts and Lectures Series kicks off it's 30th Anniversary of Cultural Studies lectures on September 16th with US Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Bryer. Lectures continue regularly until November 22nd with Nora Ephron. All lectures are at 8PM at the Herbst Theater in the Civic Center.
Check the website for a full listing of speakers.
www.cityarts.net
415-392-4400
Golden Bear properties are located within easy distance to Herbst Theater and the Civic Center.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
Check the website for a full listing of speakers.
www.cityarts.net
415-392-4400
Golden Bear properties are located within easy distance to Herbst Theater and the Civic Center.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
The Best San Francisco Advice I Can Give to Our Guests...
1.Wear layers of clothing. Most every time of year the weather here is unpredictable and changes depending on the time of day and where you are in the city. The myth of "Sunny California" usually does not apply to San Francisco. The winter is usually rainy. June through early July's pattern is usually fog in the morning, followed by sunshine and then fog in the evening. However there are parts of the city that see no sun in these months. The Spring and especially the Fall are warm and clear- but there is always the sea breeze.
2. Book Alcatraz well in advance. We have seen many visitors who have waited until they got here to book- only to find Alcatraz sold out days or weeks in advance. Check earlier entry on this blog for a list of all important phone numbers, including Alcatraz.
3. Don't rent a car to tour San Francisco. It is like driving around Manhattan. Parking is hard to find and can be expensive. Most every San Francisco attraction is near a GoldenBear property. San Francisco can be hard to navigate with all the hills, one way streets, streetcar and cable car tracks. Parking is difficult throughout the city and their are fines and tickets galore (ie. don't forget to curb your wheels when parking on hills). Of coarse, if you are renting a car for a day trip to the wine country or Monterey - Golden Bear locations are near many rental companies.
4. Book Beach Blanket Babylon tickets. It often sells out so book in advance. In all the years we have run GoldenBear we have never heard a guest say they didn't love this show.
5. The 49 Mile Drive through the city is a grab bag of worthwhile vistas and some that are forgetable. It seems like whoever drew this up needed to come up with 49 Miles (49ers of Gold Rush fame) and didn't want to leave any neighborhood out. Check with the hosts at GoldenBear for advice on what to see and what to skip. The 49 Mile drive runs right past our door in North Beach.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
2. Book Alcatraz well in advance. We have seen many visitors who have waited until they got here to book- only to find Alcatraz sold out days or weeks in advance. Check earlier entry on this blog for a list of all important phone numbers, including Alcatraz.
3. Don't rent a car to tour San Francisco. It is like driving around Manhattan. Parking is hard to find and can be expensive. Most every San Francisco attraction is near a GoldenBear property. San Francisco can be hard to navigate with all the hills, one way streets, streetcar and cable car tracks. Parking is difficult throughout the city and their are fines and tickets galore (ie. don't forget to curb your wheels when parking on hills). Of coarse, if you are renting a car for a day trip to the wine country or Monterey - Golden Bear locations are near many rental companies.
4. Book Beach Blanket Babylon tickets. It often sells out so book in advance. In all the years we have run GoldenBear we have never heard a guest say they didn't love this show.
5. The 49 Mile Drive through the city is a grab bag of worthwhile vistas and some that are forgetable. It seems like whoever drew this up needed to come up with 49 Miles (49ers of Gold Rush fame) and didn't want to leave any neighborhood out. Check with the hosts at GoldenBear for advice on what to see and what to skip. The 49 Mile drive runs right past our door in North Beach.
Posted by George
www.sfgoldenbear.net
Saturday, July 24, 2010
San Francisco Opera Season 2010-2011 Promises to be a Winner!
San Francisco Opera kicks off it's Season in September with "Aida". It will be a varied season with something for most every taste: "Werther", "The Marriage of Figaro", "Madama Butterfly", "Cyrano de Bergerac", "Das Rheingold", "Die Walkure", "The Makropulos Case", "Gotterdammerung", "Siegfried". Stay tuned for "the Ring" summer in 2011!
http://www.sfopera.com/
As always- The GoldenBear Inn's locations make a night at the opera, affordable and convenient!
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
http://www.sfopera.com/
As always- The GoldenBear Inn's locations make a night at the opera, affordable and convenient!
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
August 14-15, 2010- te SF Outsidelands Concerts Return to the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park
Music, Food, Music , Wine, Music, Fine Art, Music... Don't miss out on the San Francisco Outsidelands festival and concerts. Restaurant and Winery tents, DJ's, and lots and lot's of live music by some of the most cutting edge bands in the country, make this festival more and more popular every year. There is far too much to describe here so just visit the official website:
http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/
Easy transportation from all locations of the Goldenbear Inns!
posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/
Easy transportation from all locations of the Goldenbear Inns!
posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
September 24, 8PM. Opera at ATT Park. Live Simulcast. San Francisco Opera presents Aida
Opera lovers get ready! The new season of the San Francisco Opera is ready to kick off in September. For those who enjoy opera, but who would like a more casual experience- there will be a live simulcast performance of "Aida"at the AT&T ballpark. Getting there can be half the fun...Golden Bear Inn's guests can take an evening bayside stroll along the Embarcadero to the park or take the antique streetcars (the F line) home within blocks of our North beach location.
http://www.sfopera.com/
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
http://www.sfopera.com/
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
A weekend of Garlic Bliss... in Gilroy or Just a few Blocks from the Golden Bear Inns
July 23, 24, 25 - Gilroy, California celebrates it's Garlic festival. Garlic in all it's forms can be found for purchase, tasting or just for smelling. If there is no time for the hour+ drive from San Francisco- Golden Bear Inn's guests can just take a stroll down Columbus Avenue to "The Stinking Rose" for the very same delights!
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Golden Bear Wishes You a Happy Bastille Day: San Francisco Celebrates
San Francisco never needs an excuse to celebrate. Ever since the days of the Gold Rush the city has enjoyed a vibrant French community. Today is Bastille Day and there are parties and events all over town. $1 French pastries, special drinks and street parties to name a few of the events. Go to:
http://onlyinsanfrancisco.com/bit.ly/bIp6EY for a list of some of the events.
Posted by George at www.sfgoldenbear.net
http://onlyinsanfrancisco.com/bit.ly/bIp6EY for a list of some of the events.
Posted by George at www.sfgoldenbear.net
"Dirty Dancing" in the Park
This Saturday, July 17, 2010, 8:00 PM. Film Night @ Union Square will be showing a free outdoor screening of the iconic "Dirty Dancing". Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey... and YOU, under the stars. "Nobody puts baby in the corner!" http://365insf.com/98-film-night-in-the-park-at-union-square
Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Free Museum Marathon July 16-18
July 16-18 The following Museums- SFMOMA, De Young, Contemporary Jewish Museum, MoAd and Zeum, are all taking turns offering free general Admision. Enjoy the cultural feast! http://bit.ly/d3rha1
Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Posted by George at http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Golden Bear Accomodations: Important Phone numbers and live links to book top San Francisco Attractions and Restaurants
Alcatraz: 415-981-7625 http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Beach Blanket Babylon: 415-421-4222 http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/
678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green Street)
Goldenbear Vacation, Corporate Rentals and B&B's: www.sfgoldenbear.net
Opera and Ballet: 415-865-2000 War Memorial Opera House
Symphony: 415-421-TIXs 401 Van Ness at Grove
Sedan or Limo from the Airport, Sightseeing or private Wine Country Tours:
Ask Amber for Details when Booking.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: (Excellent tours of San Francisco in restored antique vehicles) 415- 205-3303 or 877-467-8623 http://www.mrtoadstours.com/
The Wine Train: (travel through the Napa Valley vinyards at a slow pace while dining in an elegant vintage train) 1-800-427-4124
Our Favorite Restaurants: The following restaurants may, or may not, be included on serious foody reviews as the "top 10" . They are however, representative of many locals' favorites. Over the last 15 years, these are some of the eateries our return guests are most eager to revisit.
Scoma's: (all prices at the wharf are about the same- the quality here is excellent and the portions a bit more generous. No reservations. Very casual. The setting is the only atmosphere- low key decor) http://www.scomas.com/
415-771-4383 800- 644-5852
La Barca: (Excellent Cal-Mex food with wonderful blended margaritas. Huge portions, excellent service. Beware on some nights the place can be crowded and VERY noisy. Go at about 5:30-6:30 and you will be pleased).
415-921-2221 2036 Lombard Street near Webster.
Firenze by Night: (In the heart of North Beach. High quality standard Italian fare- but their seafood dishes will bring a smile to your face- at considerably less prices than the wharf.). 415-392-8585 1429 Stockton Street
Sodini's: (one of the last truly mom and pop Italian restaurants in North Beach. Authentic!) 415-291-0499 510 Green Street
The Slanted Door: (One of my all time favorite of the newer SF restaurants. Vietnamese/Cal fusion with views of the Bay Bridge. In the Ferry Building.) 415- 861-8032 1 Ferry Building
Boulevard: (Our other favorite of the newer SF dining hotspots. Fine food/creative/subtle. located in a charming city landmark on the waterfront).
415-543-6084 http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/ 1 Mission Street
Tadich Grill: (reputed to be the oldest operating restaurant in SF from the Gold Rush 1849. Something special. Try the cioppino) 415-391-1849
240 California Street.
Sam's Anchor Cafe: (If you find yourself in Tiburon after a bay cruise or a bike ride over the GG Bridge - have lunch or dinner on the deck over the bay. The best calamari ever! Famous for their burgers and entertaining seaguls).
415-435-4527 27 Main Street, Tiburon http://www.samscafe.com/
Pelican Inn: (Stop in before/after a visit to nearby Muir Woods. You will swear you are in a west country 16th century English inn. Tops in atmosphere with traditional, but well-prepared dishes. After, take a walk on Muir Beach and look back at the city of SF). 415-383-600 10 Pacific Way , Muir Beach http://www.pelicaninn.com/
Trattoria Contadina: (Excellent Italian fare. Just off the Powell/Mason cable car line. Reservations are a must. It is just that good). 415-982-5728
1800 Mason at Union
Fisherman's Grotto #9 (downstairs Venetian): (a favorite of our family for over 50 years. The decor is simple, traditional with wondeful Venetian gondola posts. The seafood is of excellent quality and the price, consistent with the wharf. http://www.fishermansgrotto.com/ 415-673-7025 9 Fisherman's Wharf
Cliff House (bistro): 1090 Point Lobos 415-386-3330. (The main modern restaurant to the right is really pricey and disappoints. Go to the bistro for brunch. Views, good service, reasonable, atmosphere and good food).
House of Nanking: (Though not necessarily authentic, many locals call this the best Chinese food in town. It is crowded, there is a line, but it moves fast. Go for adventure and fun - but not for a quiet dinner. It is very interactive and very inexpensive). 415-421-1429 919 Kearney Street
Roosevelt Tamale Parlor: 2817 24th St. (Authentic California-Mexican food in the heart of the Mission. It is clean. the food is fresh. the sevice is friendly).
415-824-2600
Gary Danko: http://www.garydanko.com/ 415-749-2060 800 North Point (If you are a foody... Eat here Now!).
House of Prime Rib: (Simply the best, and least fussy, place for someone who want a really fine beef dinner. The salad is also extraordinary. No reservations. 415-885-4605 1906 Van Ness Ave. http://www.houseofprimerib.net/
Betelnut: (I love everthing about this place. Indoor/outdoor Chinese/Cal fusion). 415-929-8855 2030 Union Street http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
The French Laundry: (the current high temple of eating in Northern California. Reservations are usually very hard to come by. Take out a second mortgage on your house first! Those in the know say it is worth it.) 707-934-2380 6640 Washington Street, Yountville http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
Chez Panisse: 510-548-1572 1517 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. (Alice Waters' restaurant and cafe have been lining them up for years. Not as pricey as French Laundry can be, she still remains the grande dame of Bay Area eateries) http://www.chezpanisse.com/
More restuarant tips to follow!
Posted by Goldenbear host- George
Beach Blanket Babylon: 415-421-4222 http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/
678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green Street)
Goldenbear Vacation, Corporate Rentals and B&B's: www.sfgoldenbear.net
Opera and Ballet: 415-865-2000 War Memorial Opera House
Symphony: 415-421-TIXs 401 Van Ness at Grove
Sedan or Limo from the Airport, Sightseeing or private Wine Country Tours:
Ask Amber for Details when Booking.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: (Excellent tours of San Francisco in restored antique vehicles) 415- 205-3303 or 877-467-8623 http://www.mrtoadstours.com/
The Wine Train: (travel through the Napa Valley vinyards at a slow pace while dining in an elegant vintage train) 1-800-427-4124
Our Favorite Restaurants: The following restaurants may, or may not, be included on serious foody reviews as the "top 10" . They are however, representative of many locals' favorites. Over the last 15 years, these are some of the eateries our return guests are most eager to revisit.
Scoma's: (all prices at the wharf are about the same- the quality here is excellent and the portions a bit more generous. No reservations. Very casual. The setting is the only atmosphere- low key decor) http://www.scomas.com/
415-771-4383 800- 644-5852
La Barca: (Excellent Cal-Mex food with wonderful blended margaritas. Huge portions, excellent service. Beware on some nights the place can be crowded and VERY noisy. Go at about 5:30-6:30 and you will be pleased).
415-921-2221 2036 Lombard Street near Webster.
Firenze by Night: (In the heart of North Beach. High quality standard Italian fare- but their seafood dishes will bring a smile to your face- at considerably less prices than the wharf.). 415-392-8585 1429 Stockton Street
Sodini's: (one of the last truly mom and pop Italian restaurants in North Beach. Authentic!) 415-291-0499 510 Green Street
The Slanted Door: (One of my all time favorite of the newer SF restaurants. Vietnamese/Cal fusion with views of the Bay Bridge. In the Ferry Building.) 415- 861-8032 1 Ferry Building
Boulevard: (Our other favorite of the newer SF dining hotspots. Fine food/creative/subtle. located in a charming city landmark on the waterfront).
415-543-6084 http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/ 1 Mission Street
Tadich Grill: (reputed to be the oldest operating restaurant in SF from the Gold Rush 1849. Something special. Try the cioppino) 415-391-1849
240 California Street.
Sam's Anchor Cafe: (If you find yourself in Tiburon after a bay cruise or a bike ride over the GG Bridge - have lunch or dinner on the deck over the bay. The best calamari ever! Famous for their burgers and entertaining seaguls).
415-435-4527 27 Main Street, Tiburon http://www.samscafe.com/
Pelican Inn: (Stop in before/after a visit to nearby Muir Woods. You will swear you are in a west country 16th century English inn. Tops in atmosphere with traditional, but well-prepared dishes. After, take a walk on Muir Beach and look back at the city of SF). 415-383-600 10 Pacific Way , Muir Beach http://www.pelicaninn.com/
Trattoria Contadina: (Excellent Italian fare. Just off the Powell/Mason cable car line. Reservations are a must. It is just that good). 415-982-5728
1800 Mason at Union
Fisherman's Grotto #9 (downstairs Venetian): (a favorite of our family for over 50 years. The decor is simple, traditional with wondeful Venetian gondola posts. The seafood is of excellent quality and the price, consistent with the wharf. http://www.fishermansgrotto.com/ 415-673-7025 9 Fisherman's Wharf
Cliff House (bistro): 1090 Point Lobos 415-386-3330. (The main modern restaurant to the right is really pricey and disappoints. Go to the bistro for brunch. Views, good service, reasonable, atmosphere and good food).
House of Nanking: (Though not necessarily authentic, many locals call this the best Chinese food in town. It is crowded, there is a line, but it moves fast. Go for adventure and fun - but not for a quiet dinner. It is very interactive and very inexpensive). 415-421-1429 919 Kearney Street
Roosevelt Tamale Parlor: 2817 24th St. (Authentic California-Mexican food in the heart of the Mission. It is clean. the food is fresh. the sevice is friendly).
415-824-2600
Gary Danko: http://www.garydanko.com/ 415-749-2060 800 North Point (If you are a foody... Eat here Now!).
House of Prime Rib: (Simply the best, and least fussy, place for someone who want a really fine beef dinner. The salad is also extraordinary. No reservations. 415-885-4605 1906 Van Ness Ave. http://www.houseofprimerib.net/
Betelnut: (I love everthing about this place. Indoor/outdoor Chinese/Cal fusion). 415-929-8855 2030 Union Street http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
The French Laundry: (the current high temple of eating in Northern California. Reservations are usually very hard to come by. Take out a second mortgage on your house first! Those in the know say it is worth it.) 707-934-2380 6640 Washington Street, Yountville http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
Chez Panisse: 510-548-1572 1517 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. (Alice Waters' restaurant and cafe have been lining them up for years. Not as pricey as French Laundry can be, she still remains the grande dame of Bay Area eateries) http://www.chezpanisse.com/
More restuarant tips to follow!
Posted by Goldenbear host- George
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