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USA : SAN FRANCISCO - October 2008

Go Shop

D-STRUCTURE
( 520 Haight St. Tel. 415-252-8601 )
www.d-structure.com This stylish shop stocks lots of fashions from local designers, and changing art exhibits grace the walls. The art, like the clothes, are for sale.
IDEELE
( 1600 Haight St. Tel. 415-431-8836 )
Adorably unpretentious, this clothing shop in the Upper Haight neighborhood caters to women who enjoy fashion, but wouldn’t call themselves “fashionistas.” Expect stylish nods to the less outrageous aspects of 1970s and ’80s styles.
NEEDLES & PENS
( 3253 16th St. Tel. 415-255-1534 )
www.needles-pens.com Full of small publications from around the country, homemade threads from local designers and DIY knickknacks, it’s worth stopping in to this Mission District institution to check out one of the many changing art and photography displays.
UPPER PLAYGROUND
( 220 Fillmore St. Tel. 415-861-1960 )
www.upperplayground.com Head to Upper Playground for decidedly hip T-shirts, hoodies and sneakers. The UP brand also features books, toys, accessories and housewares. Locals flock to this place in droves.

Go See

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
( 55 Music Concourse Dr. Tel. 415-379-8000 )
www.calacademy.org Set in a building constructed expressly for its recent relocation, the California Academy of Sciences claims to be the only place in the world with an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum all under one roof. Exhibits give visitors a look at science from the California coast to the Amazon rain forest.
COIT TOWER
( 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd. Tel. 415-362-0808 )
Legend has it that this tower on top of Telegraph Hill is supposed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. There are 1930s-era murals inside the building and good views from the outside.
CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS
( At Golden Gate Park, 501 Stanyan St. Tel. 415-666-7001 )
www.conservatoryofflowers.org Set inside a huge, architecturally striking greenhouse, this conservatory has more than 2,000 types of exotic plants. The huge jungle ecosystem is especially impressive.
PRECITA EYES MURAL ARTS CENTER
( 2981 24th St. Tel. 415-285-2287 )
www.precitaeyes.org Start here for a deeper appreciation of the murals in the Mission District. Besides a walking map and postcards of local murals, they offer scheduled tours each weekend and bike tours by appointment.
RANDALL MUSEUM
( 199 Museum Way. Tel. 415-554-9600 )
www.randallmuseum.org A hands-on science museum for wee ones, the Randall Museum is a hit with kids— especially the earthquake exhibit, which lets them measure their own “floor quakes” with a seismometer. Set high on a hill, the museum also boasts spectacular views.

Go Eat

CHILI CHA CHA
( 494 Haight St. Tel. 415-552-2960 )
www.chillichacha.com Its corner locale may not look like much, but step inside this Thai restaurant and you’ll find a lively, casual little nook where favorites like shrimp pad thai always live up to expectations. $
MARKETBAR
( 1 Ferry Bldg. Tel. 415-434-1100 )
www.marketbar.com This Ferry Building eatery has indoor and outdoor seating; outside is perfect for people-watching on jam-packed weekends. The cuisine is seasonal Italian, and the made-for-sharing charcuterie plate and wine list impress. $$
SAM WO RESTAURANT
( 813 Washington St. Tel. 415-982-0596 )
Although exterior looks may be deceiving, the food at this century-old Chinatown mainstay delivers. Grab a seat on the second floor to enjoy the street scene, and try the barbecue pork rice rolls. $
TU LAN
( 8 Sixth St. Tel. 415-626-0927 )
This Vietnamese joint was put on the map by Julia Child, who called it one of her favorite restaurants in the city. Years later, it’s still well worth the trip for spring rolls or pho. $
ZUNI
( 1658 Market St. Tel. 415-552-2522 )
www.zunicafe.com A San Francisco fixture, Zuni looks like a snazzy café from the outside, and inside it’s all gourmet. Even the burgers transcend mere burger-ness, although you’d do well to order the specialty whole roasted chicken. $$$

Go Party

CASANOVA LOUNGE
( 527 Valencia St. Tel. 415-863-9328 )
www.casanovasf.com With intentionally tacky black velvet paintings decking the walls, this cool, kitschy lounge recalls a red-hued parlor designed by a retro playboy. A younger crowd takes over the comfy couches on weekend nights as DJs spin obscure lounge, psychedelia, jazz and glam music.
INNER MISSION BEER PARLOR
( 3349 20th St. Tel. 415-648-4104 )
www.missionbeerparlor.com In the relatively quiet Inner Mission neighborhood, lovers of good beer and wine make this place their second living room. Beers from around the world bring an international clientele—especially Spanish and French.
RED’S JAVA HOUSE
( On Pier 30. Tel. 415-777-5626 )
With tables out back that are right on the Bay and a full bar, this is the place to sip a drink. The downscale demeanor keeps this gem from becoming a madhouse on warm days.
TONY NIK’S CAFÉ
( 1534 Stockton St. Tel. 415-693-0990 )
This bar off the main drag in North Beach might look a touch on the tony side, but on weeknights it’s an unpretentious local favorite. Weekends bring out singles and a fancier-dressing clientele.

Go Day-Tripping

BOLINAS, CA
( 30 miles north of San Francisco. )
This famously reclusive beach community can be hard to find—locals are said to take down road signs. But it’s worth seeking out for the fine restaurants, impressive botanical gardens and desolate beauty of nearby Point Reyes National Seashore.

Fun Fact!

San Francisco is less than 50 square miles, but its streets, if placed end to end, would stretch about 1,139 miles.

Compiled by JOSH KRIST

Previous issues for SAN FRANCISCO
 
   
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.