Eden and Eden

Okay, I have a new favorite store. And I’m almost afraid to share it with you, because shop-owner Rachel Eden doesn’t really maintain any backstock. So, if you see a dress in your size, you need to snap it up because it’s probably the only one available — not just in this store, in the entire western half of the U.S.

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
560 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 983-0490

Rose and Radish

Once upon a time, Rose and Radish was a shop devoted entirely to floral arrangements. But we are so glad that owner Cate Kellison decided to expand the storefront, creating a gallery-like space for modern pieces.

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
460 Gough Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 864-4988

Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop

Hopefully, the cold and rain are behind us now … at least for a little while. Not that bad weather would stop me from dropping in for a couple of scoops at Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop.

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
3692 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 626-5600

O Chame

On a rainy or blustery day — as we had this weekend — there are few things that can beat a delicious, steaming bowl of udon noodles from O Chame. I have ordered udon from dozens of restaurant menus, in the Bay Area and in Japan, and as far as I’m concerned, this is as good as it gets.

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
1830 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA
(510) 841-8783

Peace Industry

After repeated trips to Iran, husband and wife team Melina and Dodd Raissnia developed an interest in hand-made felt rugs. In 2005, they opened a rug shop in San Francisco — offering modern yet organic designs. The name? It’s rooted in the couple’s previous work, which involved making peace flags.

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
535 Octavia Boulevard
San Francisco, CA
(415) 255-9940

Americano

So you’ve been meaning to try Americano, the restaurant in the Hotel Vitale, but every time you walk by after work, it’s packed. People spilling out into the patio — laughing, drinking, consuming — having a great time. Which you’re not opposed to. But some times, you just don’t want so much of a scene when you’re hungry.

Then weekend brunch is the time to check out this restaurant. Especially a sunny weekend, when the natural light just pours into the space and you can see the Bay outside the many windows. Although sleek, the restaurant has an earthiness to it as well — in part because of all the beautiful wood tables and counters. (There’s a lounge area just outside the dining room that is great for catching up on some reading or hanging out with friends.)

On a recent visit here, I couldn’t resist the plate of doughnut. Five doughnuts, about the size of my palm, arrived at the table — filled with lemon curd, coated in powdered sugar, and fried to order. What? You’re running out to Americano right now to order up a batch? You should. They were divine.

Next up, I tried the Americano Benedict, which the waiter implied was an excellent choice. And I know they usually say that, but he really seemed sincere about it. For good reason, too. The dish was spectacular; possibly the best eggs benedict I’ve had. There were the usual eggs and hollandaise sauce. Plus, Americano’s version includes prosciutto and tomato conserva, served on a Portuguese muffin. So good! (The dish comes with a tasty side of home fries, too.)

Yes, this write-up is making me seriously hungry. Must. Go. Eat. Now. Possibly at Americano again.

Americano
8 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 278-3777

La Mediterranee

Way back when I was a student at Berkeley, I dined at the La Mediterranee outpost on College Avenue all the time. But in recent years, after my departure from the East Bay, the restaurant sort of fell off my radar … That is, until I recently met up for lunch at the Fillmore location with a good friend of mine — who considers this place her favorite restaurant.

And you know what? I fell in love with La Mediterranee all over again.

The popular little eatery offers friendly and fast service, as well as affordable and delicious fare. I am a sucker for the fillo dishes here (mmm … meat tart!). And if you’ve got any vegetarian pals, this is the place to take them; the offerings are tasty and extensive.

On a street filled with fancy-schmancy boutiques and other businesses, La Mediterranee is a warm and cozy respite. Yes, it’s a small space where tables are often tight, but that just adds to the charm. As does the mint tea, which is refilled for free.

La Mediterranee
2210 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-2956

Miette Confiserie

Warning: If you are counting calories, you may want to walk right on by this new candy shop. Should you be lured in by all of the prettiness — pink floral wallpaper, soft pastel fixtures — and all of the sweetness — rows and rows of apothecary jars and vintage dishes filled with treats — be prepared to be overwhelmed. There’s licorice, saltwater taffy, chocolates, caramels, lollipops … The options are seemingless endless.

Who needs a golden ticket when this sweet shop is more pleasing on the eyes and tummy than anything Willy Wonka could dream up. (That’s no surprise, considering the Miette Patisserie folks are behind this place.)

Miette Confiserie
449 Octavia Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 626-6221

Daiso

A few weeks ago, I was driving through Daly City, along 280, when there — at Serramonte Shopping Center, glowing in the fog — was the word “Daiso.” Big and red, on the side of a building that used to be a Good Guys.

It was already past nine o’clock, so the store was already closed for the day. But the next day, I made the trip back and was rewarded with so much Japanese goodness!

Daiso is a Japanese dollar-store that opened its first U.S. shop in the Seattle area about a year ago. The Daly City outpost is the first of several slated for the Bay Area. Most of the goods in the 12,000-square feet store are priced at about $1.50. And there is plenty to choose from: kitchenware, office supplies, gardening tools, organization items … Really, I don’t have the space or time to list it all here!

Go and see for yourself. Bring the spare change from your couch. Empty a piggy bank. You won’t need much more than that for a full-on shopping spree here.

Daiso
146 Serramonte Center
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 992-7462

Bernadus Lodge

Located just a couple of hours south of San Francisco, I love Carmel as a weekend getaway destination. There’s the shopping (have you been to the gigantic Anthropologie downtown?!); the spas at Pebble Beach (not to be missed); and the excellent dining options (especially if you’re a seafood fan).

Tucked away in Carmel Valley is Bernadus Lodge, which is its own little oasis in this already heavenly region of Northern California. The Lodge features just under 60 rooms, a small spa, a heated outdoor pool, and two restaurants. The Bernadus Winery is just a few miles up the road, and a stay at the Lodge includes complimentary wine-tasting.

The rooms feature fireplaces, soaking tubs and patios. The decor is simple and comfortable. Service is stellar here — and I like that there’s a flat-rate service charge included in the room rate, so I don’t have to worry about scrounging for dollars to tip the bellhop or valet.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Bernardus is the on-site dining. A small group of us recently gathered at Marinus Restaurant for an amazing dining experience at the Chef’s Table. The booth in the kitchen offered such insight into the behind-the-scenes restaurant action. The chef was a pleasure — friendly and always taking the time to answer our questions or just explain random things to us.

As long as you’re not opposed to relaxing and maybe being pampered just a bit, there’s something for everyone here. Even a croquet lawn.

Bernardus Lodge
415 Carmel Valley Road,
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 658-3400