Our Trip to San Francisco

The Waymos have gone rogue in Austin; they used to come to a full stop for twigs in the road.

Try the the Goodwill (Boutique) on West Portal Ave. That one is definitely a cut above the others. Also, some of the thrifty stores on Fillmore are pretty high end too.

If you don’t often go to black tie events and wouldn’t need a dress to keep, try Rent the Runway!

Wasteland in Haight Ashbury has some gems! (it’s not a thrift shop but it’s second hand)

Aw this comment made my day. Especially now with everything that’s been happening in our country. Thanks for this. It brought tears to my eyes. Stay varied, beautiful and wild, America !

PNW- Since my kids were babies, we’ve been roadtripping through different parts of America…I was never a domestic traveler, always international. But man, traveling through America consistently humbles me and astounds me with it’s beauty, its wild nature, the people who are mostly so kind, and it’s sheer glory.

They’re sold out, and when products are sold out our approach is to include a similar one. I included the link in the comments when someone asked. Hope this helps!

Sometimes I laugh out loud reading the ATTITUDE in the comments you somehow graciously reply to, Joanna. I don’t know how you do it. All my respect. Hopefully it tickles rather than nettles you, too!

NY public schools all have the same spring break. Private schools generally have a different spring break from public schools, but all private schools don’t necessarily have the same spring break. It’s mildly annoying, especially if you have multiple kids in different schools, as many of us do!

NYC Public schools typically have our spring breaks around Passover. If a child goes to a Catholic school, of course their spring break would be centered around Easter. Some charter schools follow the NYC DOE calendar while others follow their own.

I love SF and hope you learn to love it too! I don’t live there, but many of our close friends do (my husband did for a decade). A few of my favorite things to do in town are the MOMA, Golden Gate Park and the de Young, getting a snack (and a can of wine) at the Ferry building and taking the ferry to Sausalito (and then right back to SF, Sausalito is great but not the part walkable from the ferry imo), hanging out in Bernal Heights (the neighborhood I would choose if we moved to the bay), dinner at The Italian Homemade Company, and getting a “purse focaccia” from Lucca on Chestnut and walking around Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio!

OR take the ferry the opposite direction to Oakland and walk around! We used to live in Jack London Square, we miss it.

I love the idea of a purse focaccia!!!! Thank you both for these beautiful tips— excited to try them 💜

Hi Jenny, I’m an OT and I did my psych rotation at SFGH, specifically so I could eat at La Taqueria after work! It’s still there {that was way back in 1989} and it’s still the best. The Mission is a great neighborhood, so I wish you lots of fun exploring.

SF Native here, lived near NYC for two years in my 30s -56yo now for context. Don’t let the naysayers sway you-there’s been a lot of hate on SF: high housing prices, crime, dirty, grime, etc. It’s no different than any other urban city: there are some rough areas, there are some affluent areas, and mostly there are more in between areas that are full of distinct “district” charm. The ocean is a stone’s throw, the redwoods just a bit further out, the mountains, a few hours. I loved my time in NY, but the SF Bay Area is special. I hope you will make wonderful memories here on your residency, and congratulations!

Congrats Jenny, I work at the General (in research)! Welcome!

SFGH is so so special. I worked there for years and remember it fondly, imperfect as it is. Congrats on joining a remarkable community of people taking care of some extraordinary patients. Don’t sleep on the UCSF shuttle system, too! Welcome to SF!

Yep, most of them are currently Jaguars.

Hi! SF resident and frequent Waymo rider here :) yep you’re correct! All Waymos are the Jaguar I-Pace.

They are all the electronic Jags that Jaguar couldn’t find a market for with the general population. I love them. There is something sweet about Waymos.

I was thinking the same thing! Although to be fair, the leg room on planes is the worst. And I’ve got short legs!

I thought the same thing until I took a closer look. The poor guy looks like his knees are crammed right up to the seat in front of him. It must be tough to be tall in an airplane!

Tall person here, yes it is hard on airplanes! We no longer have to pay extra for long inseams or torso sizes but we do have to pay for “even more legroom” on airplanes as though we had a choice to be tall. Oh well.

For real, sadly. It’s almost always dudes too. The women usually adjust their long legs when they see/hear someone approach. God bless Joana’s heart for the lol. I would have growled.

Oh London is such a special city (I spent my teen years there) I know you’ll miss it. But welcome back to SF — I live here now too. I’m glad the post reminded you of how great this city is.

I also lived in London prior to moving to SF. Both cities have a special place in my heart. Thankfully I still get to spend at least part of each summer in the UK because my partner is a Brit, but coming back to SF with its beautiful light, air perfumed with Jasmine, hills, colorful buildings, and moody fog feels good. London wins for arts, international population, ease of onward travel. SF wins for weather, natural beauty, pace of life. Nowhere is perfect, but there’s plenty to be appreciated in both cities. I wonder how many other CoJ readers have made the London -> San Francisco move?!

On how many folks do the move, I likely have one ahead of me. I did a master’s program in the UK and have worked here since, but with my graduate visa up early next year have been wondering about next steps. The joys of a life abroad are vast, particularly in these times, but it’s truly not one without complication. I’ve just started seeing someone seriously, and my routines and wide breadth of hobbies and social circles will be so hard to leave.

My family was hiking in Palm Springs in January and my husband told me the woman behind us looked just like a former coworker. I sort of rolled my eyes because we’re 2000 miles from home and there’s millions of people in the country. But no, it was her! When we came around a bend, he saw her company branded backpack and confirmed. What a small world!

I live in very southern OK and for the past two years, my best friend and her husband have lived in OKC (about 2.5 hours away). We go to visit them in the fall each year for the state fair and both years now I have seen this couple that we all went to high school with. It’s a lot less exciting than your story but it still feels very coincidental that we see them in the same time and place each year without planning. This year I’ll be on the lookout for them and it’ll be disappointing if we don’t see them haha.

My mom used to run into people randomly – once on top of a pyramid in Egypt! I’ve apparently taken up the mantle because last year, I ran into my first boss and his wife on a Jack the Ripper tour in London!

That’s so funny. When I was a kid I ran into my cousin at walmart when we were both traveling to the beach. We lived in different states but took the same vacation at the same time without knowing. She ran and told her mom she saw us and her mom didn’t believe her haha.

DITTO!

Exploritorium. Raddest science museum. Many exhibits are comprehensible without English. Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown. Pair with some dim sum for lunch and a ride on a cable car. Ferry ride to Angel Island with rental bikes and bike the 5 mile loop trail. Get some delicious ice cream (Buy Rite, Smitten, or Garden Creamery). Giants baseball game and get the garlic fries. Have fun!

If he is at all into science and hands on stuff, the Exploratorium is incredible! And a short walk from the Ferry Building, which has tons of food options.

Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge for a trip to Sausalito (eat at Avatar’s) and Muir Woods which is so beautiful – you can do both in a day

Hi- I’d say alcatraz, make reservation, walk across golden gate bridge, wax museum and clam chowder in bread bowl and Musee Mechanique ( bring quarters otherwise free to get in), science museum in gg park ( or just go to see the giant windmill near the ocean), tunnel tops park is awesome and has yummy food trucks, Disney Family museum – right next to tunnel top parks is excellent and very visual, in the Presideo you can go to ILM offices and see real star wars stuff in the lobby for free- there is also a statue of yoda in the front, and a tiny beautiful park nearby as well as a starbucks to keep everything chill! Bring a sweatshirt and sunscreen and a hat ( cause I am a mom and nothing ruins a trip like a sunburn or being freezing ) Have a great time

Moe, Tanya, Juhi, Lou: thank you so much!

I don’t know any 12 YO boys personally but I see a lot of kids this age at the Japantown mall, FWIW. It can be crowded but it’s a fun place to get a matcha ice cream cone, a bubble tea, and maybe some ramen (Marufuku ramen.) Riding the ferry is always great, too (Angel Island maybe?)

he’s exactly 6 feet for now! my dad is 6’11” and my brother is 6’3″ and my cousin is 6’5″ so we’re waiting to see if he keeps growing!

YOUR DAD IS 6’11??? Wow.

Joanna… 6’11”?? Or a typo and you meant 6’1”, bc if not how has there never been a “my family has very tall people” post??

Joanna – your dad is 6’11” ??? How tall are you?? I think I have been underestimating the height of the Goddard’s all this time, as relative to each other I’ve assumed just slightly above average heights!

Wait, 6’11” !??!?

oh sorry hahahahah typo!!! I meant 6’1″ lol

Your dad is almost 7ft tall!?!?!?! I would have not have guessed that!

Crikey, your dad is 6’11”? All the tight-focus glamour shots of him seated and playing board games rather than, like, passing through the marked doorway of a 7-11 had me fooled!

I am DYING laughing over these comments and how we were all collectively losing our minds over not knowing that Joanna’s dad is that tall…only to find out that he’s not (lolllll)

This thread was such a journey 😂😂

Currently up at 3:30am and sipping ginger tea due to a gnarly stomach virus and very much appreciated this moment of light-hearted reprieve! 😄

oh, shoot, that’s a bummer to hear! mine were a gift from Jamie Haller, and they are incredibly splurgy but omg they are soft as butter: https://shop-jamiehaller.com/collections/loafers/products/the-penny-loafer-in-black they have some on poshmark fwiw: https://go.shopmy.us/p-50220897

Ah that is too bad! I was eyeing those. I’ve been looking for loafers but am worried about this. I had a similar problem with Nisolo shoes, I bought a pair of those pretty huarache sandals from them and they just eat my feet despite having generally rave reviews. Not a loafer, but these are loafer adjacent (? lol) and SO comfortable. https://www.suavshoes.com/products/womensthebarton?variant=32884901806103

Tory Burch original loafers!! They’re incredible! I tried others and agree they’re generally torture. Basically no break-in period. Pricey but not anything too crazy and worth every penny. I wore them on vacations and never had a complaint even after walking all day.

I have a pair from Zara that I love.

Try applying and re-applying Body Glide.

I admired Jo’s Jamie Haller loafers last year but I they were out of my budget. I got the Sesa loafers from Alex Mill and I love them! They are still pretty expensive ($345) plus I took them to a cobbler to get a rubber sole so I wouldn’t wipe out walking in them which apparently in Boston is about $70! But they are really comfortable and well made and likely the last pair of loafers I’ll need (since loafer season is like Sept, Oct, April, May)

OMG Marguerite – on a recent episode of Rooster – the Steve Carrell character kept slipping in his new shoes. This totally tickled my adolescent funny bone!.

Yes, Jasmine. Tory Burch original loafers in black. My husband bought me a pair three years ago for Easter. They have no break in period and wear so well.

I have loved Sam Edelman loafers for years! They tend to last with daily wear about 2 years but relatively affordable and lots of cute colours!

Try the Peche Hugh loafers! Very affordable at $138 but only comes in two colors –brown suede or black leather.

These had no break in period and are super comfortable. https://www.zara.com/us/en/soft-ruched-loafers-p12515610.html?v1=495707323

Paul Green loafers are great, Ive had mine for 5 years and they hold up really well.

Yeah, I’m so torn on this! The fact that they can’t think has some obvious downfalls, but also, humans aren’t always great at deciding what to do in high pressure situations either, and Waymo’s can’t drive under the influence so there are benefits to not having a brain to inebriate. This would be an interesting time to take an ethics class, that’s for sure!!

They do wonky things occasionally but – human drivers do wonky (read: dangerous and deadly) things constantly!! I have been in so many Uber/taxis where the driver was driving dangerously fast or not paying attention to the road. I think an improvement over human drivers, even if not flawless, is still great.

Bay Area resident here. We HATE the Waymos, and wish people would stop taking them so that the industry would dry up and blow away. Spend your money on an actual cab that supports an actual working person!

Just chiming in to say that I’m also a SF resident and I like Waymo and take them all the time. I totally respect your opinion and perspective Isabella but I find them safer and better than the alternative (Uber). (When possible I’m always a public transit stan!)

Isabella is correct. Down with the Waymos. Many residents loathe them.

I get new technology is scary, but boy when I am biking home from work and see that a Waymo is coming up behind me instead of a driver, I feel so relieved. The Waymo is not texting or watching something or chatting or eating while driving, and has many more cameras than a person has eyes. Dozens of pedestrians are killed annually in SF alone. I’ll take Waymo any day! So yes, everyone is entitled to their perspective, but to say “we hate them” may be an overstep! Also, the other day (while driving) I was desperate to move over lanes in a short space and a Waymo let me in. I was so grateful I waved.

I know a lot of people hate Waymos, but one thing that I cannot emphasize enough as a woman is how revelatory it was to get into a car and not have to evaluate the creepiness of the driver. I rarely see this talked about, but the knowledge that I’m getting where I need to go without the slightest chance of having to make up a story “oh I’m meeting my husband! He’s 6’5 and a former MMA fighter!” or worse is so meaningful. I want to support real humans doing jobs (and am very much a public transit gal), but I am in favor of the self driving cabs for that reason.

I could not agree more, Case! I always feel aware of being alone in a car with a man, especially at nighttime -/ and it feels SO SAFE to be alone in a Waymo.

I was going to stay out of this, but man, Waymos are not the way. We need fewer cars on the streets, ESPECIALLY in bottlenecked cities like San Francisco, and should be privileging innovations in mass transit, not another way to glut the road with low-volume vehicles. The only thing they consistently do more efficiently than a human driver would is make money for their investors, and when VC stops pouring into making them artificially cost-competitive their fares (which are already higher than what you’d pay in taxis or rideshares) are going to get ridiculous. Moreover, tires are one of the most insidious forms of transportation-related pollution – they’re made with petrochemicals and their toxic emissions as they wear down are comparable to or *worse than* what comes out of tailpipes – and the public does not need shiny new ways to make use of them instead of sustainable solutions that actually benefit high-density communities. This is why we can’t have nice things (like healthy AQI and transportation that works for everyone).

Lauren O, I’m a huge fan of your comments, but this one might be the best one yet. Thank you so much! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to ride the bus (which, while it does use tires, carries many more people more efficiently, safely, and affordably)

Re: feeling safe in an Uber, I was pleasantly surprised on a recent trip to Chicago that I could specifically request a woman driver. (I had to avow that I am also a woman to have this option.) I felt that same relief sliding into the back seat that you described with the Waymo. And I imagine it could be a relief for the driver too? Funny enough, every time I requested one, I got a message that said “Women drivers are busy now. Would you like to wait?” I bet they are! And yes I would!

I loved the view from the inside of the Waymo! I’ve been so curious. I also love the woman driver idea, but the waits are beyond crazy long. Sadly I now think twice about going out at night, if I can’t get a ride, because I have had so many awful Uber/Lyft experiences with male drivers.

Lauren O for president.

I can understand people’s arguments against Waymo in states that might actually invest in public transit, but in Austin, Texas, I really do feel like they’re the best case scenario. My friend who doesn’t have a car can’t rely on the bus (not only is service pretty limited, but people keep getting knifed on them!) and is wary of being alone with strange men in ubers and taxis. Waymo is their preference and that makes perfect sense to me.

My husband has also started doing some trips to see his family on his own, and I wanted to recommend this to other married people (who have a family that they actually want to spend time with)! Spend less on flights, less stress and just energy expended by me, and they all love it. It just feels like a win for all of us.

Edit – I bought sandals, not candles. Don’t try and put candles on your feet!

Try wearing socks in them and blowing a hairdryer on them for a little while, then walking around the house for as long as you can stand it! Increase sock thickness over time, do it for a few minutes whenever you think of it. I have giant feet and this is how I’ve made several pairs work. Good luck!

Fill up two plastic bags of water and make a really secure knot. Place a bag in each shoe and stuff in your freezer until frozen solid. The water expands and help expand the shoes.

Take the too-tight sandals to a shoe repair shop. Often, depending on the shoe, they are able to stretch them out for you a bit. I’ve had this done before for too-small woven leather sandals, and it worked well!

I second Jane S’s suggestion. Cobblers can work wonders, especially with leather

My Mom’s trick was to soak a cotton ball in alcohol and put it inside the shoe where it’s tight and wear a bit around the house and it helps them stretch. I’m sure there should be a warning that it could alter the color of the leather, however, we never ran into that.

Ooh Sarah, want to share your favorite stops? I’m moving to south-central California (military) and want to visit as much as possible.

Anna, we stopped in Carpenteria, the Madonna Inn (not a town, but absolutely worth a stop), Los Olivos (ADORABLE tiny wine town), Cambria (all time fave, cute shops, stunning beaches), and Paso Robles where I talked to a traveling street poet for 30 minutes!

This University of Iowa grad thought the same!

Brittney – he must have DOMINATED in college. I wish I could have seen it!

I’d suggest renting a car because the city is pretty spread out. but if that’s not an option, you could just walk and/or use public transportation, it’s a good system. xoxo

Thanks! My husband used to live there and he has…feelings…about how we should visit 😅

As a resident of SF who does not drive, MUNI! take the bus! Take BART! Kids ride free on Muni (except cable cars) and it is such a walkable city. If you really need the booster seats, you might be able to rent them? I know my sister has rented car seats when we’ve traveled with my nephew. Come see us, truly. This city is so much fun for kids.

Sara B, I also lived in SF and have…feelings…about how one should visit! The car situation in that city nearly turned me to a life of crime.

We do it every year. We rent a car and usually have a booster delivered to the hotel. But fear not, you don’t need car. Especially if you have a stroller for the young kids. Especially if you are strategic about where you stay.

Hi! I live in SF with two kids and can procure boosters for you, haha (why does this sound so illicit??). Or use one of the kid gear rental websites! They’re a game changer. But come visit with your kids, I am biased but it’s an incredible place to raise a family :)

SafeRider vests! They are pricey but you can also find them for “rent” here on Facebook marketplace

Our family is lucky to life in SF and we have two kids. I’d bring inflatable boosters (that’s what we use when we take Waymos) or the rider safe vests. You don’t need to rent a car for San Francisco. You can take Waymos, Lyfts and Muni trains/buses with a Clipper Card.

Other commenters have already sung the praises of SafeRider vests! We used them for travel for years. Leant them to all our friends. So very convenient. But yeah, you do not need a car, if you are sticking to the city. That’s what BART and Muni are for!

SF resident here ( also was a hotel concierge for a long time; the original trip helpers/planners): you really don’t need a car. Public transit is pretty good especially major bus lines like the 38 Geary that baring a few blocks runs from one end of the city to the end at the ocean. There are taxis, Waymos, Zooks ( also driverless) and Lyft. You will walk quite a bit. you may want to rent a car for a day; if you want to drive to Muir Woods ( or better yet Armstrong Woods in Sonoma county)Please make reservations ahead of time. You can no longer just drive in Muir Woods ( Armstrong you can). You can take a tour which is easier. You can follow the Sonoma cheese trail (great if you have kids) if you decide to rent a car. Cheery blossom season just started, many things are in bloom. If you visit the Ferry Building ( where Joanna and fam visited)and like chocolate ,stop at Dandelion for a frozen hot chocolate ( or any of their other delights). Have fun!

We are going in May with 2 kids and have a car booked for the trip. I went back and forth and it just made more sense even with traffic. We are going to Yosemite after so planned to drive but it also allows us to visit Muir Woods and get the kids around safely without having to carry booster seats! We will check them on the flight.

When I’ve visited San Francisco, I’ve always found it really helpful to rent a car (due to wanting to spend time across the bridge in the Marin Headlands and Muir Woods. Plus I actually think it was more cost effective than taking ubers, ect everywhere. It really depends on what you will be doing, too! If you are staying in a certain part of the city and walking/ubering short distances, that could work!

My two cents as someone who lives in SF with a 4 year old: you don’t need a car IN the city. Mini and buses work well- you just need to narrow down what you want to do and make sure you stay somewhere conveniently located. For example, I live near Alamo Square park. I can easily walk to many buses from my home (the 38 to the Richmond neighborhood and ocean, the 5 to Golden Gate Park and the ocean, the 24 to the Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods, and the 21 to the Mission. There’s also another bus I’m blanking on that’s a further walk that goes up Masonic to Tunnel Tops Park and the Presidio.) my neighborhood is very walkable and has very cute shops and restaurants along Divisadero. When my parents visit, they stay at a small hotel nearby called the The Grove Inn, if that’s helpful. Also- my take is that a great way to get around SF is by e-bike. If your kids ride bikes and the weather is good, a day biking through Golden Gate Park to the ocean is a top notch one. Lyft bikes are everywhere and relatively convenient (but maybe a little expensive), or you can check out local bike shops.

thank you so much for sharing this, Indira. the church for his memorial was so so beautiful. xo

I’ll ask her!

gap factory! https://go.shopmy.us/p-50200988

I own these Gap pants, and per the comments, bought them in the tall length (I am 5’7″), and am very happy with them. If you are even a wee bit tall, you might consider that .

ice cracking! that’s so exciting.

just texted her!! xo

here you are :) https://go.shopmy.us/p-50200988

so fun!!! I would recommend hanging out at Dolores park, the views are so beautiful — you can walk to get ice cream at bi-rite, just a block away. I love sutro baths, they just feel so beautiful and windswept. for restaurants, I love Hook Fish for lunch in the outer sunset neighborhood and then you can walk along the beach path along the ocean, which goes forever! curious to hear other people’s recs :)

You cannot go wrong at SFMOMA!

My husband is an artist and has representation with a San Francisco gallery. We have loved the bi-annual San Fran Trip. We live in Cleveland so California in January was such a joy this year! It was 70 degrees and sunny our entire trip! We had our 8 year old with us for the first time and she LOVED china town, we all enjoyed exploring Golden Gate Park and had some amazing pizza and seafood just walking around. What a beautiful city to explore!

Hi! SF native still living here. Quick recs- The Richmond is having a MOMENT w fancy coffee, vintage stores, etc. amazing designer consignment at goodbyes on Sacramento, any crossroads location but I like Fillmore st best for fancy secondhand, or goodwill boutique on west portal (all more contemporary than like 80s vintage if that makes sense) Arizmendi bakery Walk at crissy field and Golden Gate Park Rent a bike and bike through GGP! So fun!! Tacos in the mission and/or Nopalito Bread at the Mill A snack from Birite with a view at Alamo square Hayes valley and an ice cream at Patrica’s green Enjoy :)

Go to Mandalay for amazing Burmese food, Prubechu to try food from Guam (I believe the only restaurant in the US to specialize in this cuisine) and Foreign Cinema for a vibey solo dinner and movie. For thrifting, I love Vacation, which is right by City Lights Booksellers, a bookstore opened by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. For gifts for yourself or others, go to Foggy Notion. Say hi to Karl (the name of SF’s omnipresent fog)!!

The De Young museum in Golden Gate Park is having a “Monet in Venice” exhibit that I can’t wait to see. The botanical garden and the Japanese garden in the park are favorites of mine, too. Dim sum at Yank Sing is fabulous — note that you need a reservation. City Lights books, linked to the city’s history of beat poets and to leadership of the 1960s free speech movement, is great, too. Have fun!

SMS recs are spot on! Great shopping and strolling recs. Am obsessed with The Mill’s Wonder Bread. Would add that the place to get the best tacos in the Mission is La Taqueria.

butting in ( see my earlier comment) Our Italian district, North beach as moored a bit since the pandemic but still very Italian. If you like seafood, hang out with the locals at Sotto Mare. If you need a mixed menu with something for everyone try Original Joe’s just across from Washington Square park. You’ll see the iconic St Peter and Paul cathedral ( where Joe Dimaggio and Marilyn Monroe took their wedding photos. For dessert my favorite bakery in Mara’s; the best cookies, pastries and good espresso. They also serve delicious gelato. The service is a bit brusk ( the owners or from Milan originally)but it’s part of the charm. Maybe grab coffee at Cafe Trieste and catch some poetry or ( if all are over 21) head to Vesuvio’s for cocktails in a very ” groovy” setting. The famous “beatnik” bookstore City Lights is right next door and is definitely worth a peek. This neighborhood is close to Fisherman’s Wharf and several bus lines and our famous cable car service this neighborhood. Happy visiting!

check out the Haight (upper Haight close to Golden Gate Park) for vintage. Local secret: there is an amazing Good Will thrift shop in the West Portal neighborhood that is fantastic with designer and good quality items. If you are staying downtown take BART, it’s fast and easy and you can walk from the West Portal station. It’s a cute area. Not big but worth a look and you will not believe that thirst store! Clement street ( starting at Arguello, take the 38 Geary and walk a block to To Arguello and Clement to start your walk. It’s an eclectic blend of Chinese and Asian bakeries and restaurants,mixed with cute boutiques. Le Soleil is local Vietnamese , Breck’s or Blue Danube for good local coffee ( we have a huge coffee culture here) For casual Dim Sum I like Wing Lee and Good Luck. Lily Is a bit upscale trendy Vietnamese. Chapeau ( dinner only) wonderful French cuisine. Fun shopping at Kamei ( housewares and more) or check out May Wah a huge Asian ( mostly Chines) grocery. Happy hunting!

definitely do the Delores Park thing – but stop at Buy Rite before. I am partial to their Pot de Creme in the refrigerated case! I loooove chocolate pudding!

Seconding Joanna’s Hook Fish Co recommendation! Their seafood options are the best! Plus its a really cute spot.

Lol Emily on the hyper-specific Choco pudding rec from Bi Rite! I am personally obsessed with their key lime pie jars. My husband hides them in the back of the fridge around major life events for me as a gift that never gets old hahaha. Everyone’s recommendations are amazing. I love the inner Richmond and inner sunset neighborhoods for shopping. The Haight has TONS of vintage, too. This is niche but I recently spent a lovely afternoon at Udupi Palace eating vegetarian dosas (inexpensive and wonderful) and then walked along the shops at Valencia and had a cocktail at the Bee Hive. The ice cream at Garden Creamery nearby there is legendary. I also really like wandering around Japantown. There are some very appealing hardware and home goods stores if you’re into cool Japanese stuff!

Sorry one more thing – if you go to Hook Fish as many have recommended you MUST stop at Blackbird Books across the street! Their back patio is beautiful and they have a cafe.

Jeevan is one of Paul’s brothers (Paul is my sister’s late husband) xoxo

I was doing the same mental gymnastics and scrolling to see if someone else asked!

I too was confused about your brother-in-law…I didn’t think the brother of your brother-in-law is also your brother-in-law! He would have that relationship with your sister.

aww thank you! that’s so sweet :)