APRIL 29TH, 2011
The City by the Bay is the ultimate big-city-boho getaway.
eat
In a city revered for its restaurant scene, new spots better be ready to play with the big boys. Flour + Water
serves up rustic Italian fare (Neapolitan pizzas and homemade pastas)
in a hip industrial setting. The menu was so fantastic we opted to try
several different plates: farro garganelli with braised pork shoulder
and fennel ($17), boartadella pizza (pea tendrils, spring shallots,
pecorino and fresh horseradish, $17) and nettle cappellacci dei
briganti with boar sugo, carrot and pine nut ($17). Not a forkful was
left. This super busy spot now takes reservations, and be sure to make
them (rumour has it Steve Jobs wasn't able to skip the line). 2401
Harrison St., San Francisco, www.flourandwater.com
Take a walk to Chinatown and find the bustling R&G Lounge, featured on Anthony Bourdoin's No Reservations
and one of the Michelin Guide's favourite places. The lunch specials
are cheap and cheerful (starting from $6)—the chicken cashew was tasty
and worth a tenner. 631 Kearney St., San Francisco, 415-982-7877, www.rnglounge.com
shop
Some clothes are worthy of reincarnation—at least the clothes at Afterlife
are. Mixing the kitsch (old boy band concert tees) with high-end
reconstructed pieces, this breezy boutique doesn't require a PhD in
vintage shopping to score something great—and wearable. Afterlife, 988
Valencia St., San Francisco, www.afterlifeboutique.com
stay
Atop the hill where the city's iconic cable cars meet, the opulent and historic Fairmont San Francisco
is the perfect spot to rest (on Frette linens, no less) after exploring
the city's endless niches. Seeing as it was the first hotel in the US
to have concierges, it's no wonder the staff is attentive and
knowledgable, with spot-on recommendations for everything from
breakfast diners to late-night drugstores. We loved the hallways lined
with black and white photos of dignitaries who have spent time at the
hotel, from presidents JFK to Obama. From $179/night, http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
—MT
