Monthly Recap: April

 

Happy First Day of May! I can’t believe it’s already May…and I am probably going to say that for each following month. 2017 is absolutely FLYING!! This monthly recap highlights new adventures, friends visiting from out of town and tons of amazing food. I hope you all had a wonderful month!

I have been super excited to start this book for awhile – a chilling history of events that have made San Francisco into what it is today – just starting and can’t wait to finish!!

 

• Davenport – We had been wanting to cruise the coast for awhile and initially set out to see the “super bloom” that has California glowing but stopped in at Davenport to have a look at this swing (see above) that we had seen on IG. 1. We were not prepared for the hike…it was literally crawling on all fours to get down the cliff 2. We didn’t anticipate getting really wet…and we did 3. it was GORGEOUS! We all agreed that we are going to return (with proper gear) and make a day out of the beach. Highly recommend! 
• Twin Peaks – this was my first time up to Twin Peaks and it did not disappoint! The day was clear and sunny and we walked around, camera ready, taking in all of the surroundings. San Francisco, you are a beautiful city.
• Flower Mart – I know this is a common adventure of mine – esp on a Saturday but when we went this week the flowers were UNREAL. So bright, so big and I was so visually overwhelmed…in the best way possible. I ended up buying these STUNNING French Tulips whose heads are no joke the size of my fists. I always go see Lupe from Lupe Farms who has a stellar selection without making you pay ridiculous prices.

• Oliver’s Butchery – Dogpatch | Butcher – We first discovered this off the path butcher just by walking around after brunch at Serpentine several months ago. They have some of the most beautiful cuts of meat I have ever seen…no joke. When we went there was a single customer that purchased ALL of the chicken…that was like 20-30 breasts…people literally cannot get enough of this place. Order: Bavette Steak, marinated chicken, and their filet…to die for…**
• Serpentine – Dogpatch | Brunch – I have been here for brunch and dinner and can’t say enough about this amazing Dogpatch restaurant. Comforting favorites mixed with modern dishes makes this a great place for everyone. Their minimalist industrial decor is also top notch. Order: Buttermilk Donuts, Avocado Toast, and Huevos Rancheros**
• Miette – Ferry Building | Dessert – I had been wanting to try this bakery for awhile and when we had an office birthday it was the perfect opportunity. Best part? Their cakes are seriously as good if not better than they look. Order: Strawberry Tomboy*
• Liholiho Yacht Club – Lower Nob Hill | American/Pacific – I had been waiting to get a reservation (at a decent time) for over a year when a friend texted and asked if I wanted to go. You hear a lot about these restaurants that are impossible to get into and not being as good as one would have hoped – this was NOT the case – Liholiho was FABULOUS and I can’t wait to try Louie’s Gen Gen Room (their basement bar concept) Order: Tuna Poke, Beef Tongue (I know…it was awesome!), Fried Rice, Shrimp & Baked Hawaii (we had the short ribs for our main but we weren’t totally impressed)*
• Contrada – Marina | Italian – I am a sucker for anything Italian and was so excited to try this new addition to Union St. We went on a Friday with some friends and ended up ordering what felt like most of the menu because everything looked so so good. Great spot – I hope they can stick around for years to come! Order: Campanelle, Cacio e Pepe, Fiorentini &  Margherita Pizza*
• Mason Pacific – Nob Hill | New American – This was my first time back since the restaurant has new ownership and a new chef and it was just as good as I remembered. If you can, sit in the bar area – much more lively and (in my opinion) a better dining experience! Order: 1/2 Roasted Chicken & their Bread & Butter** 
• A16 – Marina | Italian – This place holds a special spot in my heart – it was one of the first restaurants I ever tried in San Francisco on a trip probably 5 years ago now as well as the first official date location with my boyfriend (swoon). I love this place – awesome, authentic Italian food for everyone with a great wine selection. Order: Burrata, Salsiccia Pizza, Maccaronara Pasta & Affogato!** 
• Caffe Centro – SoMa | Cafe – We had been saying we were going to try this place for quite awhile as it is literally a block away from our place. We went in for coffee, tea and had their Acai bowl – it was great! Wonderful little neighborhood gem! Order: Acai Bowl (need to try more of their selection!)*
• Belga – Marina | Brunch – Their website says “the sophistication of French with the heft of German” and is always packed when I have walked by on the weekends. With one of my close friends in town, we decided to stop in for brunch before heading to a going away party. The brunch and cocktails were fabulous and the space is really friendly for larger groups. Order: Eggs Benedict, Croque Madame & a Georgette cocktail!*
• Southern Pacific Brewery – the Mission | Brewery – This was the venue for the going away party for two of our friends moving back to Seattle. I am not a huuuge beer fan (I’m working on it!!!) but I loved this place. Huge space, good (and cheap) beer – perfect for a fun day date out or with a large group of people!*
• Vive la Tarte – SoMa | Coffee Shop/Bakery – Heaven. Go. Immediately. This large space boasts a massive catering kitchen, full cafe area and loads of seating. The pastries here are something out of a fairy tale – they taste even better than they look – which one might find impossible. Order: EVERYTHING**
• Cockscomb – SoMa | Californian – We are really lucky to have not only incredible restaurants in San Francisco, but some amazing restaurants in SoMa. There is nothing better than being able to walk to and from dinner! Cockcomb is located just down the block from Marlowe – another neighborhood favorite. Tucked away in a side alley this place is all about their meats. You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. Next time, I will for sure request to sit up on the balcony for a whole new dining experience! Order: Gnocchi & when we were there they had a “surf and turf” special with King Crab Legs and Steak…if you go and its available you must order it – I have never seen such amazing crab legs!*
• Sam’s Chowder House – Half Moon Bay | Seafood – You might have heard of this roadside staple from the Today Show naming their Lobster Roll one of the “Top 5 Sandwiches in America” but if not, you should try to get down to this establishment ASAP. Their waterfront location is a prime sunset watching venue and they make some killer lobster rolls. Order: Lobster Roll – duh*
• Project Juice – Hayes Valley | Juice – To say I am obsessed with this place is putting it lightly…they have the cure for everything; healthy snack, meal, hangovers, EVERYTHING. They are expanding and I can only hope, wish, (plead??) for them to come to SoMa. Order: Green Protein Bowl, Get up and go-go & their avocado toast!**
• Craftsman & Wolves – Mission | Coffee Shop/Bakery – Every. Single. Time I am in the Mission I usually make whoever I am with go with me to “get a coffee” which turns into coffee + baked goods + some of their homemade marshmallows…such an awesome place – I mean look at the cake below….10/10 Order: ANYTHING!!**

*new restaurant **old favorite

• Best Advice I Ever Got: Creative Directors tell us the best career advice they have ever received 
• Spring cocktails to enjoy this season! Sun + cocktails + more patio enjoyment = perfect Spring
• Map of the Best New Cocktail Bars in San Francisco – always helpful!!  
• Behind the bush: a history of Danielle Steel’s Spreckels Mansion – I have seen these hedges and always thought they looked strange/out of place – love finding articles that answer random questions!

• Crimetown – Podcast – lately I have been listening to various podcasts at work instead of music and we all know I love crime themed things…this is an awesome podcast and really opens your eyes/ears to the mob and their influences. 
• Moana – Movie – yep…every once in a while you need a good Disney movie – Moana was a classic and a great feel-good movie to end a weekend with!
• A Time and a Plate – Podcast – I love the author’s blog – The Kitchy Kitchen – and when I found out she had a podcast I immediately started listening. I love her historical take on food and what it means for past and present day. 
• Founder – Movie – We were looking for something to watch and we had heard this was a good movie and it most definitely did not disappoint. I will say that it left my “feathers a little ruffled” but as I have been informed…that is how the business game is played.
• Gary Vee – Podcast – This guys is the definition of tough love, blunt and just a boss – he is intense to listen to but you can gain some insane insights on business and life in general. 

*Images from Google Play & iTunes

• Heat sensitive, color changing mugs – these are SO CUTE!! 
• Summer = picnics = sitting on the ground – this bag turns into a picnic blanket – NEED 
• A book of secrets in the form of postcards…I have heard of this company “Post Secret” for awhile – looks like a fun coffee table book!
• I think I need this HUGE Cabana Round Beach Towel…I love this!!!

 

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

*some of the links in the Monthly Recap contain affiliate links – all opinions are my own