Faves and raves by Rasa Vitalia
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: Age is in the mind, youth is in the heart
YEARS IN THE CITY: 12
NEIGHBORHOOD: Mission district
OCCUPATION: Professional dance artist
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Aims to inspire and be inspired through the sharing of mutual happiness and celebration through her art and dance
FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE NEW BANDS
Boom Boom Room
WHERE: 1601 Fillmore St., at Geary Boulevard
WHAT: Up-and-coming bands in a cozy environment
INFO: (415) 673-8000 or www.boomboomblues.com
I always see great bands here! A medium-sized, dark venue to see the best of the best, as well as up-and-coming talent in San Francisco. Great place to hang out and meet people and dance!
FAVORITE PLACE TO RELAX
Kabuki Springs and Spa
WHERE: 1750 Geary Blvd., between Fillmore and Webster streets
WHAT: Kick back after a tough day
INFO: (415) 922-6000 or www.kabukisprings.com
After a hard night’s work, I love to come here and relax and soak. Kabuki is very clean and quiet. You can come in, soak in your spirits and turn inward for a wonderful day of healing and rejuvenation.
FAVORITE CITY WALK
Lands End Trail and Labyrinth
WHERE: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, El Camino del Mar and 32nd Avenue
WHAT: A fun, meditative way to get away from The City while in The City
INFO: www.weekendsherpa.com/story/lands.end.labyrinth/227
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of The City? Well, right in The City is a great nature trail complete with ocean, mountains, vistas and a hidden labyrinth. A wonderful place of inspiration and meditation.
FAVORITE NIGHTCLUB
Supperclub
WHERE: 657 Harrison St., between Third and Hawthorne streets
WHAT: A truly unique nightclub experience
INFO: (415) 348-0900 or www.supperclub.com
Are you ready for a unique nightclub experience? How about lounging on beds while talented performers wow you and food and drinks dazzle your senses? And then, after your supper, come to the dance floor for DJ, lights and disco action! What a cool place!
FAVORITE VIEW OF THE CITY
Corona Heights Park and Habitat and Randall Museum
WHERE: Roosevelt and Museum ways
WHAT: A mountain, smack dab in the middle of San Francisco
INFO: www.coronaheights.com
I stumbled upon this beautiful view one day as I played tourist. I was simply amazed that this mountain is right in the middle of The City with a very cool vista! I can sit up there for hours.
FAVORITE TOURIST TRAP
Sea Lion Marina
WHERE: Pier 39
WHAT: A reminder of how wildlife lives alongside us in The City
INFO: www.marinemammalcenter.org
A great way to remember that we live side by side with our neighbors in the wild and care for our environment. The docks were created to protect our wildlife. Also, the sea lions are just so funny! I also visit the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, who is affiliated with the Pier 39 Marina. It’s a place that cares for our mammals, right here at home!
FAVORITE PLACE TO DRINK COFFEE
Ambrosia Bakery
WHERE: 2605 Ocean Ave., between Lagunitas and Woodacre drives
WHAT: Colorful, tempting cakes, delicious cocoa
INFO: (415) 334-5305
The best lesser-known bakery in San Francisco! Stop by and take a look at all the colorful and tempting cakes! I love coming here for a chocolate-chip cookie and hot cocoa.
FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Hagiwara Japanese Tea Garden
WHERE: Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park
WHAT: Relax with a hot cup of tea
INFO: (415) 668-0909 or japaneseteagardensf.com
The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautifully cultivated garden of wonder. A place to seek quiet repose and a hot cup of tea.
FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Victor’s Pizza
WHERE: 1411 Polk St., between Pine and California streets
WHAT: Romantic and cozy, with terrific Italian dinners
INFO: (415) 885-1660
The best pizza and Italian dinners in town! I really love the dark room with red lighting. Very romantic and cozy!
