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Farina's focus is Ligurian cuisine. While there are plenty of meat options on the menu, I would stick with the pastas. In particular: Anything with the fresh pesto sauce. But just be sure to save room for the deep-fried sweet milk and panna cotta. The former comes to the table looking like a pair of sugar-coated donuts. But inside, is a smooth and creamy pudding. And the panna cotta is the prettiest panna cotta I've ever seen! And with its strawberry glaze on top, tasted so good, too. Although the restaurant was plenty busy during my recent visit, the service was still great. Farina is extremely loud, so I'm amazed any of the servers can correctly hear their orders! Farina Farina, The Mission District written by Anh-Minh on November 9, 2007
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 The Curiosity Shoppe, Mission District written by Anh-Minh on October 25, 2007
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 Barneys, Union Square written by Anh-Minh on September 30, 2007
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 Salt, Los Gatos written by Anh-Minh on September 6, 2007
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 Egg & Urban Mercantile, Cole Valley written by Anh-Minh on August 19, 2007
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 610 Mason Street (at Crissy Field in the Presidio) 1177 Kern Avenue Sports Basement, Potrero Hill written by Anh-Minh on August 12, 2007
"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 Bar Bambino, The Mission written by Anh-Minh on July 20, 2007
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 Bakesale Betty, Oakland written by Anh-Minh on July 16, 2007
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 The Slanted Door, Embarcadero written by Anh-Minh on July 5, 2007
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 2512 Sacramento Street Romi, Palo Alto written by Anh-Minh on June 5, 2007
Eden & Eden carries a lot of European labels that you can't find anywhere else around here. So it's perfect for those of us who enjoy walking around in our Ivana Helsinki dress, knowing that every other girl on the street covets but can't have it. In addition to adorable new and vintage clothing, the store offers a well-edited selection of housewares. There's a range of prices — including Lovely Home tea towels and doily placemats that are under $20, as well as vintage floral wall ornaments that are $100-200. Bigger furnishings are more expensive. Even if you can't afford to spend half a month's rent on a floor lamp, maybe you can take home a brightly colored chain necklace for $52? You just have to beat me to the store and buy it before I do. Eden & Eden Eden & Eden, Financial District written by Anh-Minh on May 18, 2007
Rose and Radish stocks lamps, tabletop accessories, adorable knick-knacks such as little animal bobbleheads, and even large-scale furniture (I love the ventless fireplace and Blu Dot tables). But even when I'm not in the buying mood, I like to pop in and check out the displays here. The photo above shows the store all decked out for the "Urban" exhibit. Don't forget to check out the lovely letterpressed cards by the front door. They're the perfect finishing touch to a gift or bouqet of flowers picked up at Rose and Radish. Rose and Radish Rose and Radish, Hayes Valley written by Anh-Minh on May 14, 2007
Brought to you by the folks behind the popular Bi-Rite Market (just across the street), the creamery specializes in small-batch, artisanal ice creams, sorbets and baked goods. In addition to a cone (or bowl), you can order up an ice-cream sandwich (mmmm ... ginger snap cookies with pumpkin ice cream), sundaes, popsicles, banana splits, brownies, ice-cream pies and cakes, cookies and even cupcakes. With flavors like Double Ginger, Chai-Spiced Milk Chocolate and Honey Lavender, there simply is no substitute for this place when an ice-cream craving hits you. My favorites: Roasted Banana and Salted Caramel. Since Bi-Rite uses seasonal ingredients, the menu does change — but don't worry, it'll never disappoint. Tip: The creamery is closed on Wednesdays. Bi-Rite Creamery Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop, Dolores Park written by Anh-Minh on April 25, 2007
From the moment I walked into O Chame for a recent lunch stop, I felt relaxed. The warm terra cotta walls and dimly lit dining room has a peaceful vibe to it. There's a large communal table at the entrance, as well as booths and several smaller tables; in total, about 40 seats. While there are quite a few good starters to choose from (I love the tuna sashimi), you may want to save your appetite for the udon — which is really the main attraction here. I can't resist the version with smoked trout, mustard greens and enoki mushrooms. The pork tenderloin is also fantastic. (You can replace the silky udon noodles with soba, but I wouldn't.) Service is friendly and efficient — which was perfect for my visit, as I had to get back on Interstate 80 and continue my drive home. But my meal at O Chame proved good for my belly as well as my soul. O Chame O Chame, Berkeley written by Anh-Minh on April 13, 2007
Any of Peace Industry's designs can be custom made with the colors of your choosing, and the size that fits your needs. At $35-45 per square foot, the rugs can add up to a bit of an investment. But the store has a fantastic policy that allows customers to take a rug home on loan for a few days. Try it out, make sure you like it before you commit to buying it. Oh, and chances are good that after you feel the felt under your feet, you won't just like it — you'll love it. Peace Industry Peace Industry, Hayes Valley written by Anh-Minh on April 1, 2007
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