Greetings from...

San Francisco!  

Sounds of trolley bells, jazz music and the hustle bustle of foot traffic outside my hotel window! I just love this city so much more with every visit. Over the weekend I was lucky enough to discover a few new things:

1. My first sip of Tokaji (toh-KAY-oh-SOO) wine. I guess this is the hottest thing in the bay area right now. Move over Pinot! Tasted like a light dessert wine - but very drinkable and no instant sugar rush/headache. Sited as being created in the 1600's on accident (threat of war invasion kept the grapes from being harvested on time in the Tokaj region in in Slovakia) Tastes like: Honey and orange with a balance of citrus.

2.  Exploring Russian Hill - you know that hilly slope with the famous twisty turvy Lombard Street? When visiting San Fran - we typically stay in Union Square, and hang out in the Mission, Marina, Pac Heights and outside of the city. Thanks to some amazing friends hosting a FABULOUS dinner party in their cute quintessential San Francisco home, we were able to check out this charming neighborhood. Do you know why its called Russian Hill? I guess back in the Gold Rush when the hill was being settled, a Russian cemetery was discovered.

3. Dogs ARENT allowed at Point Bonita in the Marin Headlands (one of our fav spots to visit while in the Bay!), but they are allowed at Rodeo Beach. Really fun day exploring the headlands, hiking, taking photos of the city from Point Bonita (we actually didnt get caught with the dog for about 30 mins..shhh) breathing in fresh sea air, exploring the old military barracks and last but not least, getting to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Its unbelievable how much there is to do just right outside of the city. If you havent explored this area its a MUST!

4. After all of these visits to San Fran, Im embarrassed to admit Ive never walked the Ferry Building! With over 30 merchants - the Ferry Building represents San Francisco's food and beverage at its finest. From restaurants, coffee shops, patisseries, wine merchants, farmers markets, and antique cookware - this place has it all. Go for lunch, breakfast, or dinner - or just stroll with a Blue Bottle Coffee (move over Starbucks!). 

5. Still at the Ferry Building - you must eat at Boulette's Larder. If not for a quick bite of organic and sustainable soups, sandwiches and salads, the a MUST order is the Cannele. Super rare, these are the best Ive tasted. They only make a dozen a day, so rush down before noon. 

Ill be back tomorrow with more on San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area on where to eat, shop, drink, discover and play!