The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
I recently had the opportunity to spend an afternoon in San Francisco's Chinatown and Union Square. Although it was a quick visit, I made a list of of my favorite places that I highly recommend you also take the time to visit when in San Francisco:China Town OP Therapy Academy 811 Clay Street (Crosses with Grant Street in China Town) San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 989-8822
Open 7 Days a Week 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. $35 for one-hour Foot & Body Massage Foot reflexology is part of the 5000 years history of healing in art and culture. It works by releasing stress and enhancing relaxation. It cleans the cells, eliminates accumulated toxins which are the root cause of those knots, and restores the free flow of energy (QI) along the meridian. This is the perfect stop after walking through all those steep streets after shopping in San Francisco! Eastern Bakery 720 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 982-5157 Open 7 Days a Week Call for Hours Prices vary from 50 cents (yes!) to $110 for a full-sheet of mixed-fruit cake (feeds 40-80) They are known as the oldest Chinese bakery in San Francisco's Chinatown, and pride themselves in baking everything from scratch without preservatives. Eastern Bakery also has a small selection of pre-made dim-sum (AKA has probably been in the case for quite some time). The owner and her mother where my tour-guides, and although beans in a moon-cake sounded like something most locals would want, I opted for something straight out of the oven: coconut filled bread! A fresh and doughy snack with a 'slight' sweet coconut filling. It was the perfect afternoon snack!
Asian Trends 742 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 788-3828
Open 7 Days a Week Call for Hours This is one of a mini-chain of five Chinese-owned (and themed) stores, but only two of the five are my favorites and must-go-to stops in your tour of China Town. This one in particular had a few items (some of which you can see on Instagram), that you can take back home or give as souvenirs, without embarrassment! Merchant of China 930 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 834-1615 Open 7 Days a Week Call for Hours If I see a big "SALE" sign, you can bet your morning Java that I will wander in. I was happy to find in this boutique a small, but well made, non-cheesey collection of toddler-sized Asian-themed outfits. I couldn't resist, and I got a mandarin-collared dress for my four-year-old niece.
Kan's Restaurant 708 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 362-5267 Open 7 Days a Week HOURS After a few minutes walking through China Town, the smells get to you and suddenly you are hungry. With all fault of my own, the eager and happy lady outside this restaurant reeled me in with the promise of $2.95 Dim Sum and a private view of China Town. Unfortunately, the only reason to visit this restaurant is the view. Prepare to be disappointed otherwise. New Peking 747 Grant Street San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 788-2388 Open 7 Days a Week Call for Hours I can not say enough about this boutique - I LOVE it, and love the super helpful staff. The selection of products goes beyond your typical chatsky Chinatown fare! Not only did I find a super-cute pair of dragon slippers for my nephew, I also found a purse-sized "treasure box," that I started using immediately!
Union Square Lefty O'Douls 333 Geary Street (Union Square Area) San Francisco, CA 8900 (415) 982-8900 Open 7 Days a Week 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. As snobbish as I tend to be, there's always something comforting when I wander into this down-home locals fav: Cafeteria-style, pick your dinner (or lunch) as you go, pay at the counter, choose your table or eat at the bar. Simple. Personally, I prefer to eat at the bar and let the bartender make "adult-drink" recommendations while I listen to the band of the evening. It never fails: I always meet some pretty cool people! p.s. If you do stop on by, please say HI to Paul and Bethany and try their Cinnamon Shot! Macy's 170 O'Farrell Street (Union Square) San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 397-3333 Open 7 Days a Week 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. This is the "mothership" worthy of any and all visits to San Francisco before you go anywhere else to shop. A special shout-out to Jeremy in the Inglot (Beauty/Make-up) department for his amazing make-up tips! (Disclaimer: Macy's is my client, but I am a long-time fan!) Although I only spent an afternoon in Chinatown and Union Square, I had a great time and look forward to my next visit. (View photos from my visit to San Francisco's Chinatown here.) Happy travels!
