Heidi K. Papers

How is it that, every year, I seem to get ambushed by the holiday season? I’ve still got a bowl of Halloween candy to consume, yet it’s already time to turn my attention to tree-trimming and gift-buying. One thing I’m happy to leave to the pros: My holiday cards.

Heidi K. Papers is an online stationery shop that is based right here in San Francisco (buying local is a goal of mine this year). She has a slew of offerings, whether you’re looking for cards with photos or just text. And you can also pick up some labels and save yourself the trouble of hand-writing your address on each and every envelope.

Now I can focus on other pressing matters – like what to give to the sister who has practically everything. Hmmm … Maybe a set of personal stationery from Heidi K.

Heidi K. Papers
2130 Fillmore Street
Suite #153
San Francisco, CA 94115
415) 846-1083

The Curiosity Shoppe

We love online shopping, but adorable stores like The Curiosity Shoppe make us want to step away from the computer and run out with credit card in hand. Owners Lauren Smith and Derek Fagerstrom launched the store as an e-commerce site last year and, earlier this month, they went brick-and-mortar on us.

The couple managed to transform an old veterinarian’s office into a space filled with great artwork and housewares. Be sure to pay close attention to the fixtures throughout. They, along with their talented friends, designed and assembled everything themselves.

Oh, don’t let the small amount of square footage here fool you: There’s plenty to keep you busy browsing and buying for hours. You’ll be glad you left the house.

The Curiosity Shoppe
855 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA. 94110
(415) 839-6404

Barneys

Finally! San Francisco is now home to Barneys, a must-visit every time I’m in New York City. But now I don’t have to fly thousands of mile to see what’s new at the Co-Op.

The Union Square location is the old FAO Schwarz. Remember that building? It’s not super-big, but it’s better than nothing. On the fourth floor is where you’ll find labels like Diane Von Furstenberg, Madison Marcus, Demylee, Marc by Marc Jacobs … the list of swoon-worthy designers goes on and on.

Oh, and shoes are on the second floor, which is more like a mezzanine than an entire floor. If you wear at least a size 36, you’re in for a real treat. (Luckily, ladies with petite feet like myself still have Nordstrom!)

So the next time you’re shopping downtown, be sure to add this to the list of places to drop by. And, if you want one of those black cotton Co-Op bags, you probably have to ask — but, from what I witnessed during opening weekend, the Barneys staff will be happy to oblige.

Barneys
77 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 268-3500

Salt

On a stroll through downtown Los Gatos last week, I was shocked to see how many charming new shops had recently opened. The most surprising was Salt, a cool women’s boutique that resembles something you might find on Union or Fillmore Streets in San Francisco — not in the suburbs.

Salt has only been open for about a month now, but already, the inventory is impressive. I was immediately drawn into the shop by the Charlotte Ronson print tops. Graham & Spencer, T Luxury, Mimi & Coco and Jenny Han are also carried here.

So if you live in the Peninsula or South Bay, you no longer have to drive all the way up to San Francisco for your next big-date or girls-night-out outfit. With the money you save on gas, you can pick up a necklace at Salt to complete your new look.

Salt
78 West Main Street
Los Altos, CA
(408) 395-0800

Egg and Urban Mercantile

Parking in Cole Valley is tough. Really tough. But it’s worth it in order to pay a visit to wonderful shops like Egg & Urban Mercantile. (Public transportation takes you practically to their door as well.)

This is the perfect place to go when you’re trying to find a gift for hard-to-shop-for friends. (And don’t we all have a few of those?) We love how they mix in goods from local artists (like Kevin Harris and Whitney Smith) with cool products from other small manufacturers (like Bay Area-based Roost).

Egg & Urban Mercantile even has a fantastic selection of letterpress cards, so you can pick up everything you need in one trip.

Egg & Urban Mercantile
85 Carl Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 643-MERC or (415) 564-2248

Sports Basement

No matter how many times this store moves around or where its current lease takes it, sports enthusiasts will follow. Originally located near AT&T Park (or whatever they’re calling the Giants’ ballpark these days!), the sports emporium moved to Potrero when rents got to high in their old neighborhood. Now, they’ve crossed over to the other side of Potrero Avenue and landed in the old Hamm Brewery. An enormous mural at the store’s entrance, next to the bicycle parking, is an homage to the building’s history.

In this brand-new location, Sports Basement has lots more square footage so it no longer feels cramp. Previously, they had just too much merchandise crammed into too small an area. Now, with several levels, you can browse more easily for whatever it is you’re looking for — including bicycling, running, fitness, hiking, camping, swimming and skiing gear. And there’s even free parking, so you don’t have to fight for a spot out on the street.

Sports Basement
1590 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 575-3000

610 Mason Street (at Crissy Field in the Presidio)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 437-0100

1177 Kern Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 732-0300

Bar Bambino, The Mission

“There’s a cute place called Bar Bambino in the Mission. It’s in a not-so-nice neighborhood, but the interior makes you forget all that.” So that was the email from a friend of mine, making the pitch for us try this two-month-old cafe and wine bar — conveniently located just one block from the 16th Street BART station.

She was definitely right about the decor; it’s a gorgeous spot. At the front of the restaurant is a communal table with a cool glass-bottle chandelier above it. Parallel to the bar seating is a handful of small tables. Go down the hallway and you’ll come to another haven within this haven: an outdoor patio, perfect for weekend brunches.

On a recent visit, my dining companions and I ordered: the salumi plate (a must!), grilled asparagus, sausage panini, pork shoulder (slow braised in milk with sage and lemon — yum!), and boiled fresh sausage with lentils. Everything was delicious.

Somehow, we managed to squeeze in a little dessert as well: a platter of cookies (the cranberry/chocolate biscotti was my favorite) and the olive oil cake with grilled peaches. Good stuff.

I came into Bar Bambino not really expecting much, but I was totally impressed by the place. It has the trifecta going for it: excellent ambiance, food and service. Our water glasses were never empty (they carbonate their only sparkling water here!) and the entire staff was always so friendly.

Bar Bambino definitely warrants a repeat visit. Maybe next time I’ll bump into you at the communal table?

Bar Bambino
2931 16th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 738-VINO (0444)

Bakesale Betty

If this place had been around back when I lived in Oakland, I might never had moved away! When you walk through the bakery’s doors, you may be tempted to order one of every freshly baked item available. And this woudn’t be a bad idea, because everything is yummy here — especially the banana bread.

What makes the banana bread so superior? The honey and, perhaps more importantly, the cinnamon crumb topping (it’s not just for coffeecake anymore!). You may think you can’t possibly eat an entire loaf, but you can. It’s that good.

My husband, a big scone fan, loves their seasonal options. And the lemon bars are deliciously tart. Oh! And the sticky date pudding, and the brownies … I could go on and on here. But really, get yourself to Betty’s and sample the treats for yourself. Just don’t try to visit the bakery on a Sunday or Monday (they’re closed both days). On Sundays, you can find Betty’s represented at the Temescal Farmers’ Market in Oakland, as well as the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market.

Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 985-1213

The Slanted Door, Embarcadero

This entry is long overdue — because The Slanted Door is an oldie but goodie. Despite being around for over a decade, the place still manages to be a scene. As soon as the doors open for dinner, there’s a line at the hostess stand and plenty of people at the bar/lounge waiting for a chance for a table.

And these people — as well as those of us who plan ahead and book a reservation — will be well-rewarded. Even though I’ve dined here dozens of times, there’s always something fresh/new on the menu that impresses me. During my most recent visit, I loved the manila clams and the abalone appetizers.

And perhaps the restaurant’s most popular dish, the shaking beef, is a must-order. The lamb rack is also delicious. And the claypot chicken and caramelized shrimp remind me of my mom’s Vietnamese cooking, so I recommend these entrees as well. (Psst … There are a good number of tasty, veggie options if you’re not big on meat.)

With everything served family-style, that means you get to sample plenty of dishes. But do save room for dessert. I usually favor the ice cream or sorbet trios; they were recently offering mint, ginger and chocolate scoops of ice cream and peach, mango and strawberry sorbets. If you do fill up on other menu items, you can still order a pot of Blue Bottle coffee or — my personal preference — a Vietnamese iced coffee. Then sit back and enjoy the view of the bay, with the sailboats and ferries passing by.

The Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building, #3
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 861-8032

Romi, Palo Alto

I recently returned from a trip to NYC and was missing all of those wonderful boutiques out there.

Then, along came Romi.

I discovered this fantastic shop in downtown Palo Alto — a few blocks from the main drag of University Avenue. Step inside and, after perusing the racks and stacks of designer clothing, you’ll forget you’re in the suburbs. (It’s just as cute as some of the shops I encountered in NYC’s Soho and Meatpacking districts.)

I tried on several items, and walked out with a simple yet stylish Susana Monaco dress. Other labels carried here: Alice & Olivia, Nanette Lepore, Lauren Moffatt, Rebecca Taylor and T-Bags. You’ll also find premium denim by the likes of Citizens of Humanity, J Brand and Aristocrat.

The staff was super-friendly. And if I wasn’t in such a hurry, I could’ve spent at least an hour going through all of the merchandise at Romi.

Psst: Although the store in Palo Alto has been around for over a year, they recently opened a location in San Francisco as well.

Romi
624 Emerson Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 322-7664

2512 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-7664