Faves and raves by Anna Lazzareschi
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 29
YEARS IN THE CITY: Six
OCCUPATION: Teacher
SELF-DESCRIPTION: A Bay Area local and high school history teacher who loves to explore The City, its history and its food
FAVORITE SAN FRANCISCO LANDMARK FOR LOCALS
Fort Point
WHERE: End of Marine Drive, at the Golden Gate Bridge
WHAT: A unique historical landmark
INFO: www.nps.gov/fopo/index.htm
I’ve loved this place my entire life. It’s one of the oldest things in San Francisco. It’s unique. You can get a taste of San Francisco history and there’s a cool view of the Golden Gate Bridge from below.
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET ICE CREAM
Bi-Rite Creamery
WHERE: 3692 18th St., at Dolores Street
WHAT: Delicious local ice cream
INFO: (415) 626-5600 or www.biritecreamery.com
The reason to go here is Sam’s Sundae — chocolate ice cream, orange olive oil, sea salt, topped off with whipped cream. It uses local ingredients and is all made there. It’s also in a great location near Dolores Park.
FAVORITE BAR TO WATCH THE GIANTS
The Blarney Stone
WHERE: 5625 Geary Blvd., between 20th and 21st avenues
WHAT: Great happy hour
INFO: (415) 386-9914
They have a happy hour for the entire game. There are great bartenders and the garden in the back has a television so you can sit outside on a nice day and watch the game.
FAVORITE WEEKEND GETAWAY
Point Reyes National Seashore
WHERE: 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station
WHAT: Different-world escape
INFO: (415) 464-5100
Only 45 minutes away, it’s a great place to escape The City for a day or two. There are lots of cool trails for hiking and a lighthouse you can walk to. It’s the perfect place for bike riding. There are plenty of nice restaurants in Point Reyes Station nearby.
FAVORITE TAPAS RESTAURANT
Cha Cha Cha
WHERE: 1801 Haight St., between 19th and 20th streets
WHAT: Incredible shrimp
INFO: (415) 386-7670 or www.cha3.com
Completely delicious Cuban food. The shrimp and potatoes are amazing. There’s a great ambiance. Don’t forget to order the Sangria.
FAVORITE WALK
Lands End Trail
WHERE: El Camino del Mar and 32nd Avenue
WHAT: Beautiful views
INFO: www.yelp.com/biz/lands-end-trail-san-francisco
It’s a pretty good walk. You start at El Camino del Mar and 32nd Avenue and end up at the Sutro Baths. Sunny days are perfect to view the ship wrecks on a low tide or the Farallon Islands in the distance.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE A CONCERT
The Warfield
WHERE: 982 Market St., at Sixth Street
WHAT: An intimate music setting
INFO: www.thewarfieldtheatre.com
It’s a cool San Francisco landmark. There’s a nice, intimate setting and historical vibe. It’s in an ideal central location for pre- or post-concert endeavors.
FAVORITE SAN FRANCISCO LANE
Lovers’ Lane
WHERE: The Presidio, at Funston Avenue and Presidio Boulevard
WHAT: A walk in the past
INFO: www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/lovers-lane.htm
Located in the Presidio, it’s only about a mile walk. It’s one of the oldest walkways in San Francisco. When the area was used as a military base, the soldiers used to walk along Lovers’ Lane to San Francisco to meet their sweethearts. There’s an art installation hidden in the trees — you just have to look carefully to find it.
