Mom and Gma left early this morning, so alas, I’m all alone with the beasts pets until Zach returns in less than a week.
Yesterday’s plans for a hike were derailed by the need (?) to go to SF for the day. And what a day to go! The sun was shining; the sky was blue; the air was crisp; and tourists were at a minimum. I swear I get lucky every time I go to the city — this time even included über cheap parking (so rare!)!
We started off our wandering at Pier 39 and were greeted by Welcome Back Sea Lions signs. I didn’t know they went anywhere??? For those non-SFers, the sea lions are a must see at Fisherman’s Wharf. Years ago they took over all the docks, forcing boats and yachts to find elsewhere to ‘park.’ Since then, the sea lions are a huge attraction for tourists and natives alike. I can watch them for hours as the “Arr, Arr, Arr” and sun preen and have king-of-the-dock fights. Ahh, yes, so apparently they all mysteriously disappeared for a bit earlier this year and now they are back. AND it’s the 20th Anniversary of the sea lions’ home, for which SF erected a sign. So cute!
A mama and her cubs at Pier 39, SF
Onward through the Wharf for some necessary(?) shopping. Then we went to one of SF’s longest running restaurants: Buena Vista Cafe.
The original building where the Buena Vista sits today was a boardinghouse until 1916 when the landlord converted the first floor into a saloon. That saloon was named the Buena Vista. (“Good View” in Spanish) The view was good indeed and it served as a warm meeting place for hundreds of fishermen and handlers who worked for the nearby Sardine Cannery. There they could take in a whiskey while scouting the bay for incoming fishing boats which would mean, “Quick! Finish your drink and back to meet the boats!”
In 1952, with the help of a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer, the Buena Vista introduced to the world it’s now famous Irish Coffee. The recipe has never changed and the view is still quite good.
I must admit their Irish Coffee is quite delish, but will get your body and head a-buzzin’! It’s some strong stuff and definitely a worthwhile tasty treat in the winter. My Mom, however, decided she needed a glass to accompany her lunch. In true SF wharf fashion, she elected the Shrimp Salad Sandwich on Sourdough (sounds great, minus the Shrimp Salad!):
Mom's shrimp salad sandwich
I opted for something more up my alley and got a super yummy veggie burger packed high with red onions and pickles and a side of sweet potato fries.
Veggie burger and sweet potato fries
The fries were a FAIL! They were coated in batter and so thin that I didn’t get that lovely yammy taste I was hoping for. Oh well, less fries at lunch means more bread at dinner. Keeping up with the SF theme of the day, we picked up some olive sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery. Wowsa – this was soooo good with some TJ’s EVOO and a bit of cracked pepper.
Hello bread, get in my belly!
Sorry for the all the lame-o iphone pics — forgot my camera at home!
Have you been to SF lately?
