Noe Knit

Now that fall has officially arrived, it’s time to start thinking about scarves and mittens. And this charming shop is the perfect destination when you want to get your knit on.

Yarns are organized by heft — so you can go straight to the lightweight skeins or the bulky ones, depending on your preference. On a recent afternoon, I was in search of a thick, non-wool yarn (I’m allergic to wool), and the helpful staff immediately steered me in the right direction. By pointing out which yarns would work for me, they saved me a lot of time.

Like many yarn stores these days, Noe Knit does offer classes — from the basics to advanced techniques. And they have a blog! (Click on the “updates” link on their web site.) You can easily stay up-to-date on their latest inventory and calendar. The blog is also chock-full of great projects, in case you need a little inspiration and already have plenty of knitted socks in your drawer.

Noe Knit
3957 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 970-9750

Church Street Apothecary, Noe Valley

Don’t be fooled by the tiny size of this place. Church Street Apothecary is packed with so many wonderful skin, haircare, bath and beauty products (for adults and babies!). Brands that are carried here include Bigelow, Marvis, Little Flower, California Baby, Phyto, Elizabeth W., Dr. Hauschka … The list goes on and on.

In addition to all the pretty bath and body goodness, the store stocks the essentials — like diapers, band-aids, tampons, OTC meds, laundry detergent, etc. And if you’re not in the market for any of the usual drugstore offerings, there’s still reason to come here. Lots of reasons actually. The apothecary has little Japanese trinkets, kids’ accessories, magazines, beautiful cards, and even the adorable Jill Bliss compact mirrors.

I don’t know how they fit so much cuteness in that storefront, while still making it a clean and inviting space. But, considering that the folks behind Church Street Apothecary also own Doe — another one of my favorite SF shops — I’m not surprised. Once you pay a visit here, you may never step foot in another Walgreen’s ever again.

Church Street Apothecary
1767 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 970-9828

Cliff’s Variety, The Castro

Cliff’s truly does live up to its name: This store is full of a variety of products. You’ve got your typical hardware stuff (paint, plumbing, electrical, shelving, garden tools). Plus an art department, which also covers stationery. And there’s lovely dishware (I love the Beehouse teapots). And a year-round costuming section. And toys. And party goods. You get the picture, right?

Cliff’s inventory is so impressive, they had to open up an Annex right next door. This is where you’ll find more interior-design-ish goods — including pillows, rugs, lamps, window treatments, vases, and bathroom fixtures.

In addition to the great merchandise, the staff is super-friendly. When you’ve got a checklist of mundane things to buy (like grout or lightbulbs), coming to Cliff’s makes household chores actually seem like fun.

Cliff’s Variety
479 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 431-5365

Next Eyewear, Oakland

I have been wearing glasses for a long time — since the first grade, to be exact — so I’ve been to my fair share of eyeglass shops. A few years ago, after moving to Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, I discovered Next. And now, even though I don’t live down the street anymore, I never go anywhere else for my frames.

Whether your taste leans towards the conservative or the funky, chances are good that you can find the perfect frames at Next. In the span of about two years, my husband and I purchased five pairs of glasses at the store. Sure, you can find cheaper eyewear elsewhere, but I’ve found that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to glasses. (Next often holds sales, so be sure to ask about those.)

In addition to selection and quality, Next offers excellent service. The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the frames when you walk in, just ask for recommendations. The staff will immediately get to work on gathering up frames that best complement your face. And you won’t get any pushy sales tricks here. They are absolutely passionate about getting customers the right pair of glasses.

TIP: No car? No problem. Next is within easy walking distance of the Rockridge BART station.

Next Eyewear
5417 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 601-6398

Greens, The Marina

It’s a common problem I’ve come across: A restaurant that boasts a spectacular view falls short in the food department. It relies more on its location than menu to woo diners. Thankfully, this is not the case with Greens. Situated in a converted warehouse space at Fort Mason — with views of the water, sailboats, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands — this vegetarian institution has been delivering exceptional, wholesome food for over 25 years.

The menu at Greens is always changing, depending on what organic and other high-quality ingredients are currently available. But you can rest assured that the food will be simple yet innovative; even meat-lovers can be won over by Chef Annie Somerville’s creations. Years ago, I enjoyed a green garlic soup here that still stands out in my memory. The mesquite-grilled asparagus salad is a great way to start your meal (I love manchego cheese), and the filo pastry entree is so satisfying (flaky on the outside, hearty on the inside).

Do save room for dessert, however, because they’re delicious — and you’ll probably want to linger longer at your table to enjoy that view… and maybe even a sunset!

As if the food and the view weren’t enough to put Greens at the top of your list of places to try, there’s one more thing I love about this restaurant: ample, free parking. There are nights when special events are held at Fort Mason, so that may affect the parking situation, but you can generally still get a spot in the lot.

Greens
Building A
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-6222

Barney’s New York Outlet, Napa

For years, I have been patiently waiting for Barney’s to open up shop in San Francisco. And until that day arrives — which is rumored to be Fall 2007 — a short trip to Napa is all it takes to satisfy my Barney’s fix. The cheapskate in me would argue that the outlet, with its reduced prices, is even better than the real deal.

Although the space isn’t super-big, it’s filled with plenty of good-quality merchandise. Cashmere sweaters, flirty chiffon dresses, fancy stilettos, buttery-soft leather handbags, stylish wool overcoats — all marked down! The left side of the store is devoted to women’s clothing, while the right side is for men. In the back, before you hit the fitting rooms, is the accessories section (which should not to be overlooked).

Sure, some people come to Napa for the wine-tastings. Me? Not so much. That deeply discounted Diane von Furstenberg dress and a beautiful pair of Ferragamos is all the reason I need to make the drive there.

Barney’s New York Outlet
(at the Napa Premium Outlet)
821 Factory Stores Drive
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 224-0200

Ichiban Kan, Japantown

There are times when your wallet is feeling a little light, but you just have to indulge in some retail therapy. Don’t despair. Take a trip to Ichiban Kan, the Japanese equivalent of a dollar store.

This place is chock-full of inexpensive gems. A recent visit yielded floral tablecloths, bamboo coasters, teapots, teacups, ceramic dishes — basically everything you need to dress your tabletop, for around a buck each. But the fun doesn’t just stop there. You can find pillows, plastic organizers, toiletries, window blinds, kitchen tools, and even terrycloth slippers emblazoned with a four-star hotel’s name on them (the perfect detail for a guest bedroom, perhaps?). In addition to housewares, Ichiban Kan stocks a plethora of Japanese food, so you can definitely satisfy your Pocky cravings here.

Ichiban Kan is modeled after the 100-Yen stores in Japan — which helps explain why it is a notch above your typical dollar store. The aisles are clean and organized, the staff is friendly, and the merchandise is too cute to pass up. At such low prices, you don’t have to!

Ichiban Kan
22 Peace Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 409-0472

98 E. 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 347-1347

Crimson Mim, Los Altos

There is such a dearth of good boutiques in the suburbs. So when I stumbled upon Crimson Mim, I knew I had to write about it. This place feels so urban and chic, you may temporarily forget that you aren’t in the city.

Although it’s not very big — 800 square feet or so — the shop is overflowing with the coolest clothing and shoe selection. We’re talking footwear by Gunmetal, Bettye Muller and Cynthia Rowley. In addition to popular apparel brands such as Rachel Pally and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, you’ll find smaller, independent labels like Porridge, Talla and Paolo. Handbags, jewelry and belts are also stocked at Crimson Mim.

The staff here is super-friendly and helpful, making it easy to see why this specialty boutique has developed a loyal following. Before Christine Campbell opened up shop last year, I’m not sure how fashionistas in Los Altos managed!

Crimson Mim
322 Main Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 947-7463

Taylor’s Automatic Refresher, Embarcadero

Sure, the Ferry Plaza is the place to satisfy your gourmet cravings. But sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good burger, some fries, maybe a salad. Nothing fancy.

Enter Taylor’s Refresher.

On a recent visit, I ordered the mini-corn dogs (which came with regular fries) and a side of sweet potato fries. The corn dogs were tasty, and of the two fries, the sweet variety — dusted with chili powder — gets my vote. (I would come back here again and again just for those sweet potato fries.) My husband went for the ahi burger — seared tuna with ginger wasabi mayo and Asian slaw on a toasted egg bun. Yum.

If the sun’s shining, be sure to take advantage of Taylor’s outdoor seating. Grab a root beer float or a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy. Just get there a little early to beat the usual lunch or dinner rush.

Note: The original Taylor’s started out as a hamburger drive-in on Main Street in St. Helena.

Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
One Ferry Building
Shop No. 6
San Francisco, CA 94105
(866) 328-3663

Little Star Pizza, Western Addition

With its dark blue-gray walls, black curtains, cool artwork and globe pendant lights, this is quite possibly the hippest pizza joint I have ever been to. Although I’ve heard some people gripe about the waitstaff’s attitude, during my recent visit, service was not a problem at all. But then again, neither was parking. So maybe my dining companions and I just showed up on a really good night!

The four of us were starving, so we kicked things off with an order of garlic bread — a wise choice. A loaf of sourdough arrived at our table, alongside a helping of butter and a whole, roasted garlic bulb. This is definitely the way to eat/make garlic bread. It was delicious.

But I know, I know, you’re wondering about the main attraction here, the pizza. If you like deep-dish, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I did not try any pizzas of that variety. (I realize that people rave about the deep-dish at Little Star, but it’s just too heavy for me.) We went with three thin-crust pizzas: the white pie (garlic olive oil, mozzarella, zucchini, fresh tomatoes, feta); the classic (sausage, mushrooms, onions, green bell peppers); and our own creation that included onions, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts and gorgonzola (crazy, right?). All three were so outstanding, we could not agree on which was the best. The cracker-thin crust was crispy and buttery. The toppings were fresh and high-quality. We were too full to order dessert, but the cheesecake came highly recommended.

The big downside of a meal at Little Star is that they are now a cash-only establishment. (There is an ATM at the front of the eatery.) Also, they don’t take reservations and this place can get very crowded. Luckily, you can order up a drink (Cherry Kool-Aid cocktail!) and select a few songs on the jukebox while you wait for a table.

Little Star Pizza
846 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 441-1118