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