Ferry Marketplace Flavors
San Francisco offers more flavor than any other city on the continent.
If you simply want to put a frisk in your step, a smile on your face, while invigorating the senses, step out of your hotel lobby on a crisp San Francisco Saturday morning and begin walking. It’s a stimulation of life - the flavors The City offers will freshen the colors even the most experienced traveler sees.
Head to the Ferry Building Marketplace and begin the adventure there. One of the most magnificent Farmer’s Markets in the world, - foodies flock here each Tuesday and Saturday year round- the sight of softball-size heirloom tomatoes, peaches that dwarf Ali’s hands, pastries that please Keller, along with other foodie fascinations will freshen your desire to call San Francisco home.
More though, than just organics, the aroma of freshly roasted Bruce Aidells’ chicken apple sausage and scrambled egg burritos mixed with the smells of the sea, The Ferry Building Marketplace is a melting pot of entrepreneurial vision, corporate structure and transplanted vagabond.
The City effects most this way. Once under its spell, solidly planted natives become mentally nomadic fantasizing about never returning home. The hills gracing the bay call to be explored. Equaling a trek through Yosemite if the pace is rapid and the day is long, the most experience hiker will feel their muscles burn by day's end.
Plus, the window shopping is better. Filled with a forest of shops and unique boutiques Fillmore, Union, Chestnut, Upper Sacramento, Grand, Sutter, Post and Geary will give El Capitan a run for the money and the unique variety of retail exclusive to The City displayed in the artistic windows along the way will summon purchases to bring back home. Before you leave the Ferry Building make sure you check out these sites.
1). Culinaire- One of many San Francisco antique shops, this emporium of French culinary antiquities features an exclusive array of treasures that will transport the soul to Paris. However, like so many things French, the prices are towering, the view, magnifigue!
2). The Slanted Door - Before Charles Phan began his trek to the bay side location his renowned eatery was on Valencia in the Mission District. The wait was long, the afternoons flavorful, and the evenings, usually a madhouse with customers who had not reserved a table, trying, lying, or bribing for one. The place was small by comparison. Things have changed. Phan has grown in seats, changed the style of atmosphere to offer a panoramic view of the bay and has switched to a more contemporary designer space. A reservation is still a must and bribery of any sort is out of the question. Although the food still tickles the palate and pleases the taste buds, often the service resembles whitecaps that grace the view- a bit choppy.
3). Taylor’s Refresher- Don’t think for a moment this is a greasy spoon burger stand that popped up as a concept restaurant. This 2006 James Beard Award winning restaurant serves golden goodies that residents of St. Helena, California have enjoyed decades. San Francisco has been graced with this second location since St. Helena resident and Ferry Building concept guru, Steve Carlin, persuaded the owners to come south. The food is fabulous, the service quick and friendly. The freshness ia above par and the preparation much better than one would ever expect. The experience is, let’s just say, refreshing.
