San Francisco Dining & Drinks
August 27th, 2009 by admin

September is California Wine Month. And even if it wasn’t, September is always a great month to visit the California Wine Country!
The California Trade and Tourism Commission has rallied some 75 wineries, hotels, and restaurants across the state to put together special offers for people who want to make the most of Wine Month. Our favorite is the Wine Country Explorer Pass, which in addition to the usual savings it provides those looking to get a taste of Napa and Sonoma, has a special offer with Summit Lake Winery.
Summit Lake Vineyards & Wineryis a wonderful family owned winery, and in September it is offering Wine Country Explorer Pass customers a special 15% off purchases of their new releases and 20% off the remaining bottles of the 2003 vintage.
The CTTC has a portion of their site dedicated to all the various offers available in September. You can see the complete list by clicking here. It is a long list, but they have broken it up by region to help you find the specials relevant to your plans.
“California is the leading destination for wine and food travel in the U.S.,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of the CTTC and chair of the U.S. Travel Association. “We produce 90 percent of American wine and 350 different crops, making us a playground for the culinary arts, which translates to a gourmet paradise for foodies yearning for a deeper connection with California’s great wine and fresh produce. California Wine Month is the ultimate time wine connoisseurs can enjoy the Golden State, and these special offers make it even more appealing.”
Cheers to that!
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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April 14th, 2008 by susan j

Wine tasting photo uploaded by
No visit to Northern California would be complete without tasting wine from a local vineyard. Napa and Sonoma Valleys produce some of the country’s best wine. Here, just north of San Francisco, you can tour a vineyard, taste some local wines, and relax at one of several spas.
If you’re in Napa Valley on a Saturday morning, then you’re in luck. Starting in June and running through October, Goosecross Cellars is offered a one hour from 10:30-11:30 am. Set against a gorgeous rose garden surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the class teaches the basics of wine tasting in a welcoming and fun environment. You’ll learn about wine storage, proper tasting techniques, and other facets of wine. Please call 800-276-9210 or , as classes fill up quickly!
Of course, with a Go San Francisco Card you can also experience one of Goosecross Cellars’ “classic wine tastings and get 10% off wine purchases. The card includes tastings at several other local vineyards, including Franciscan, Simi Winery, and Taste Downtown Napa. Bottoms up!
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
April 3rd, 2008 by susan j

Chocolate photo uploaded by
If you dream of rich chocolate souffles and dark chocolate tortes, then mark Sunday, April 13 on your calendar for the second annual . Highlights of the salon include chocolate tastings, demonstrations, chef and author talks, wine pairings, and more.
Participants include premiere chocolatiers like Cosmic Chocolate, Poco Dolce, Vermeer Dutch Chocolates, and, of course, San Francisco favorite Ghirardelli Chocolate. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children, and children under 6 are free.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then check out these other posts on dining in San Francisco:
Best Desserts in San Francisco
Sites We Like: tablehopper
Tartine Bakery
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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Go San Francisco Card.
March 27th, 2008 by susan j
Sunset Cruise in San Francisco Bay Photo uploaded by
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without time to admire views of San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. To help visitors and locals appreciate the beauty of the Bay Area, San Francisco’s Red and White Fleet have offered cruises along the Bay since 1892.
This year the Red and White Fleet’s California Sunset Cruise celebrates 5 years of service. This relaxed, family-friendly cruise is one of Red and White Fleet’s most popular cruises. Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll want to capture the stunning views of San Francisco Bay at twilight. Other highlights include views of Alcatraz and a delicious buffet created by the renowned sourdough bakery, Boudin.
Red and White Fleet also offers a Golden Gate Bay Cruise and a San Francisco Explorer Cruise.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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Go San Francisco Card.
March 4th, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood Photo uploaded by
This wealthy and historical neighborhood embodies the San Francisco you glimpse in movies, filled with ornate Victorian architecture and the characteristic hills that cinematographers love. The Hollywood vision and breathtaking views the heights allow of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge make this neighborhood a favorite among visitors. You can find high-end shopping as well lavish mansions, offering a glimpse into the legacy of luxury of Pacific Heights.
To get an insight into the history of the area—everything from how the nouveau rich first inhabited the neighborhood in the 1800s to the devastation of last century’s fire and earthquake—don your best walking shoes for the Pacific Heights Guided Walking Tour. (more…)
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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February 7th, 2008 by amy c

Chinatown photo uploaded by
In honor of the Chinese New Year, we’re kicking off our series highlighting San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods with a look at its world-famous Chinatown…
San Francisco’s has come to be known as “a city within a city” for its ability to transport you to another world. Not only is it the oldest Chinatown in America, but it is still one of the largest and most culturally authentic in North America. The best way to enjoy Chinatown is to just walk. By wandering aimlessly, you’ll be sure to pick up on the aspects of Chinatown that are uniquely San Francisco and those that attract billions of tourists each year.
The best time to explore Chinatown is Saturday afternoons when the live markets take over Stockton Street. Fresh produce, Chinese delicacies, and live animals turn this San Francisco Street into an Asian Mecca. Tourists should definitely stroll Grant Avenue if looking for souvenirs and the classic Chinatown experience.
However, a look into Chinese heritage is best found off the main drag, where you can try the best outside of Asia, learn how they make fortune cookies, and glimpse the inner workings of this amazing community.
For those of you looking for more advice than “walking aimlessly,” here are a few tips and must-see spots to experience both the classic and off-the-beaten-path Chinatown. (more…)
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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January 31st, 2008 by jamie a
Lemon Cream Tart at Tartine Photo uploaded by
During your travels in San Francisco, you’re bound to need a little mid-day pick me up. For the best in gourmet bakeries, check out on 18th Street in the .
Grab a delightful breakfast pastry, a hot pressed-sandwich, or a slice of pie, cake, or a delectable tart from their . Rita over at the loved it, and we hope you do too!
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San Francisco?
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January 22nd, 2008 by jamie a

Latte Heart from Ritual Coffee Roasters Photo uploaded by
Why not get out and do something new this Valentine’s Day? Skip the traditional chocolates and flowers, and head out on the town for a night of fun with your loved one or with a group of your friends to celebrate each other.
If you’re a foodie who’s just aching to try out a new restaurant, this listing of spots all around San Francisco from OpenTable.com are offering special promotions for the holiday. From prix-fixe seven course meals to live jazz bands, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
There’s also a myriad of special Valentine’s Day cruises from Hornblower Holidays, offering dinner & dancing on the open seas!
If you’re on your own or with a group of single friends this Valentine’s Day, never fear! The Professionals Guild is hosting their Un-Valentine’s Day Singles Party at the Golden Gate Yacht Club. The event is on February 2nd and will run from 8 pm to midnight, complete with mixer games, great dance music, free appetizers, a salsa dance lesson and a no-host bar.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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Go San Francisco Card.
January 21st, 2008 by jamie a
Sushi in San Francisco Photo uploaded by
If you’re a foodie and love trying new restaurants, get ready for Dine About Town! From January 15-31, the 7th year of the festival is underway.
There’s a giant list of restaurants, from new American cuisine to Vietnamese fare, offering special 3-course lunches for $21.95 and dinner for $31.95. Reservations are recommended, so hop on to the site and search by cuisine, neighborhood or your favorite restaurant and give them a call.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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Go San Francisco Card.
January 8th, 2008 by susan j

Restaurant photo uploaded by
We’re all about keeping travelers up-to-date on all thing San Francisco. This is no easy feat, considering how much is constantly changing in the Bay Area, with new restaurants, bars, museums, you name it popping up all the time.
One of our personal faves for staying current on San Fran’s dining scene is , a weekly email written by Marcia Gagliardi. Each issue features reviews of new restaurants and bars, food-related events, news, juicy gossip, and more. Check it out!
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.