We just got back from the most phenomenally delicious and overwhelmingly indulgent week in San Francisco. I wish I could FedEx the extra 5 pounds I gained back to the 415, but the tightness in my jeans was definitely worth it. We ate and drank like gluttons and loved every minute of it.

Our hotel room and location couldn’t have been better. We stayed at The Donatello right in Union Square so walking was always an option. But we also brought our car, so we could drive and take day trips when we wanted. Friends and family met us for a couple meals, and we researched every meal in order to make the most of our eating opportunities in the Bay Area.

Honestly though, I’m actually kind of depressed about being back in San Diego. The food scene is just so much more rich and vibrant and just plain ripe for the picking in San Francisco. I wish I was a 55 year old millionaire “lady-who-lunches” so that I could start a foundation aimed at improving the culinary scene here in my hometown.

Maybe I’ll make a few people mad with these statements dissing S.D., but I just was so impressed with the food choices and the attention to quality in SF. Artisan, craft cuisine (wine, beer, cheese, bread, everything!) abounds and the population seems ready to eat it all up with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, I’m afraid too many San Diegans are perfectly happy with an alfredo sauce from The Olive Garden. Ugh.

Anyway, I’ll stop my rant and focus on the positive… namely, where we ate on our trip. I plan to add our detailed thoughts and impressions, but that will take a larger block of time than I have now. So for the moment, check out where we feasted and try not to be too jealous!

Little Delhi in the Tenderloin (the husband’s #2 favorite meal of the trip)
Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe in North Beach
Trish’s Mini Donuts on Pier 39
Tajine in the Tenderloin
Burma Superstar(my #2 favorite meal of the trip)
Fish. in Sausalito
Mijita in the Ferry Building
Coco500 (our #1 meal of the trip, by far!)
Marakkesh Hookah Bar in the Tenderloin
Mom’s Apple Pie in the Russian River Valley Wine Country
DeLoach Winery in the Russian River Valley
Russian River Brewing Company
Flavor in Santa Rosa
Naan & Curry in the Tenderloin
Ace Wasabi’s Rock N Roll Sushi in the Marina
Taylor’s Refresher in the Ferry Building
Luisa Ristorante in the Marina
Big Sky Cafe in San Luis Obispo

I could hardly have been happier with all of our meal choices. My husband Daniel was slightly disappointed by Tajine, Mijita, and Naan & Curry.

I’ll write more details later, but I’m already feeling overwhelmed just contemplating all the things I want to share with you about the meals and the restaurants and our experiences. Thanks again to everyone who offered their recommendations for our trip.

And if you live in San Francisco, know that you are lucky and I’m envious!!!

♥Beth