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    Experiencing Keiseki at Kusakabe in San Francisco

    Europe, Food Guide Fancy, Japan, San Francisco, United States /

    Experiencing Keiseki at Kusakabe in San Francisco A great birthday experience by our Director of Vibes enjoying the Kusakabe Sushi in Kaiseki style! Kaiseki is best described as “Japanese haute cuisine,” which refers to fine meals consumed on special occasions. The most essential thing to remember about kaiseki is that the meal is only one aspect of the event. In this way, kaiseki is similar to the tea ceremony, in which tea is merely one component of a larger aesthetic experience. Dishes in kaiseki are first and foremost selected to represent the season; ingredients are always “shun-no-mono,” or the freshest and finest available on the market. Equipments are selected, such as lacquerware trays and precious ceramic bowls, to present each entry. Lastly, each dish is crafted as a delectable masterpiece. Because kaiseki is a traditional form of Japanese cuisine, it includes a lot of seafood and shellfish, as well as plenty of vegetables and rice, which is generally served with miso soup and tsukemono (Japanese pickles) at the conclusion. Of course, the drink of choice is sake, but you may also choose beer or oolong tea. A full-course kaiseki meal typically includes 7 to 14 dishes presented in a certain sequence. Kusakabe 584 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

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    A Flavorful Escape: Dinner at Sorrel in San Francisco

    California, Food Guide Fancy, San Francisco, United States /

    A Flavorful Escape: Dinner at Sorrel in San Francisco During the pandemic, dining at Sorrel Restaurant was a memorable way we celebrated our anniversary and a refreshing escape from staying at home. The restaurant thoughtfully transformed the space into a charming outdoor dining area, seating us outside on the curb. With elegant table settings, soft string lights, and a touch of greenery, the setup created a cozy and intimate atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Amidst the challenges of lockdowns and social distancing, it was a wonderful idea to get out of the house and see people, even from a safe distance. Sorrel delivered an exceptional dining experience with beautifully presented seasonal dishes. As we enjoyed our meal under the stars, we felt a sense of normalcy and connection, savoring each moment in this unique setting that turned our celebration into an unforgettable experience. Sorrel 3228 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

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    A Taste of San Francisco: Highlights from the Ferry Building Farmers Market

    Food Guide Local Market, North America, San Francisco, United States /

    A Taste of San Francisco: Highlights from the Ferry Building Farmers Market The San Francisco Ferry Building, a culinary treasure trove, is strategically located at the foot of Market Street. Its iconic clock tower, a city landmark, is a beacon that draws food enthusiasts from all corners. This historic monument not only serves as an entrance but also as a bustling marketplace, bringing the city’s vibrant food scene to life. The delightful aromas that fill the air as soon as you enter the building immediately awaken your senses. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, the warm fragrance of freshly baked bread, and the subtle sweetness of ripe fruits create a symphony of flavors. The expansive hall of the building is lined with a diverse collection of stores and restaurants, each offering a unique taste of San Francisco’s culinary landscape. The first place I usually visit is the Acme Bread Company, which displays rows of crusty sourdough baguettes, substantial whole grain loaves, and exquisite pastries like works of art. Cowgirl Creamery later entices you with its array of delicious, creamy cheeses. A must-visit for seafood connoisseurs is Hog Island Oyster Co. This busy oyster bar presents fresh, salty oysters gathered from Tomales Bay. Blue Bottle Coffee presents everything from espresso shots to pour-overs created from beans grown only days prior. And, of course, Miette has a beautiful selection of pastries, cakes, and sweets. The farmers market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, showcases the best of Northern California’s agricultural bounty. Farmers from small, sustainable farms bring fresh, seasonal produce, ranging from leafy greens and heirloom tomatoes to stone fruits and citrus. The market features artisanal goods like bread, cheese, and jams, all of which are of the highest quality. Visiting this market is a chance to connect with local farmers and enjoy the region’s freshest ingredients. On weekends, going to the farmers market at the Ferry Building is one of my favorite things to do in the city. The farmers who gather at the Ferry Building on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are the heart and soul of San Francisco’s beloved farmers market. The market feels smaller on Tuesdays and Thursdays when only a few sellers sell a selected range of goods and food. On Saturday, you’ll find the best chilaquiles at the Mexican stall behind the Ferry Building. Crispy tortilla chips smothered in rich salsa, topped with fresh cheese, and perfectly balanced with eggs or chicken make it an unforgettable dish. This is why I come here on Saturdays—to indulge in these incredible chilaquiles. They also serve a variety of other Mexican specialties, offering a delicious range of flavors that’s always worth trying. The San Francisco Ferry Building offers a gastronomic experience as varied and vibrant as the city, making this a must-visit for food lovers! Website: San Francisco Ferry Building, Farmers Market  

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    Free Things to do in San Francisco – Lands End Trail

    Blog, Destination, San Francisco /

    Free Things to do in San Francisco – Lands End Trail One of the many things I love about living in San Francisco is the many excellent hiking and walking trails throughout the city. Since getting rid of my car many years ago, I have been doing my urban walks and exploring different areas of San Francisco. As a native San Franciscan, one of my favorite hiking trails is the Lands End Trail.  At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the Lands End Trail explores the historic Sutro Baths and offers a brilliant view of the Pacific Ocean. This is the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco. Shipwrecks and a history of landslides litter this corner. At the tip of Land’s End is Point Lobos, named by the Spanish for its many lobos marinos (sea wolves), as the barks of those sea lions, as they are called today, drifted up from the rocks below. The trails wind their way around rocky cliffs above the ocean, moving through shady stands of cypress and eucalyptus, offering 30-mile views up and down the California coast and emerging onto fantastic views of the shore, headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite the terrain, this section of the Coastal Trail was once a railroad bed, and the adjacent street, El Camino del Mar, extended through Lands End. The two roads led to the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Ocean Beach. The hike itself is moderate, and it is an excellent walk for people of all ages. I have seen older adults, children, families, dog walkers, runners, and joggers using this trail. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, this hike may not be right for you. Although the hike is pretty easy, there are many stairs on the trail, so if you have bad knees or hips, this trail may not be the best for you.  I have been on this trail for years, and it can sometimes get crowded. I visited the Lands End Trail a couple of weeks ago, and while I noticed people present, it didn’t feel crowded. Most everyone wore a mask and respected other people’s spaces. Details 4 miles 300–500 feet of elevation if you take the offshoots Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, CA 94121 Getting There The trail is accessible from the parking lot at the end of Geary Avenue. There are two main parking lots here, one near the Sutro Baths and another by the memorial. Choose the former if you want to see the baths and do the whole trail; choose the latter if you want a wonderful view of the bridge and have limited time. Note that these parking lots can get busy on the weekends. Tips & Highlights Contact for more information: Lands End Lookout (415) 426-5240 When hiking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, stay on trails and keep your distance from cliffs. Walk north along the city’s edge—and the continent—on the Coastal Trail. Scan San Francisco from the Legion of Honor overlook and return via the El Camino Del Mar Trail. Check out the memorial to the USS San Francisco—a WWII cruiser that sustained 45 hits and 25 fires during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942—and the newly improved adjacent overlook. The West Fort Miley batteries offer a grassy picnic area among three turn-of-the-century gun emplacements. Author & Photo Credit: Jojo Latest Post All Posts Blog The Maha Kumbh Mela: A Journey of Faith and Endurance Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 1: Immersed in the Sea of Humanity Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: Our Journey Beyond the Sangam Read More The Maha Kumbh Mela Day 2: A Sacred Dip and A Holy Parade Read More Serendipity in Jaipur: A Journey Back in Time Read More Jaipur: A City of Temples, Thalis, and Timeless Chaos Read More Savoring Jaipur: The Ultimate Rajasthani Thali Experience Read More Daily Turmoil: The Unchanging, Timeless Chaos of Jaipur Read More When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unknown in India Read More

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