Faves and raves by Margarita Camarena
Personal stats
AGE: 36
YEARS IN THE CITY: 11
NEIGHBORHOOD: Sunset district
OCCUPATION: Graphic designer/massage therapist
SELF-DESCRIPTION: San Francisco’s essence and history is inspirational; its soil is very much like her Mexico City homeland. In energy, it makes her feel at home, except that this home has a Golden Gate.
FAVORITE SALON
Atelier Emmanuel
WHERE: 166 Geary St., Suite 1606, at Stockton Street
WHAT: Exquisite massage and elegance in hairstyling
INFO: (415) 362-8063 or www.atelieremmanuel.com
There is a transformation that happens when I go there. The ambiance is relaxed and professional. I come out feeling wonderful and looking my best after a massage and a hair appointment.
FAVORITE HEALING SPACE
OmSpring
WHERE: 550 Wisconsin St., at 19th Street
WHAT: Transcendental Ayurvedic classes and treatments
INFO: (415) 206-9920 or www.omspring.org
Suteja is a gifted healer and teacher. She uses multidimensional techniques, including meditation, bodywork, chakra healing and Ayurvedic treatments. The herbs and lifestyle changes she recommended took me to a place in my body I never thought existed!
FAVORITE WORKOUT PLACE
The Sports Club/LA
WHERE: 747 Market St., at Grant Avenue
WHAT: A luxurious experience with a welcoming, approachable and professional atmosphere
INFO: (415) 633-3900 or www.thesportsclubla.com
Beautiful facility, great pool and lots of cardio machines. The instructors are exceptional and the trainers exceed everyone’s expectations. They will do whatever you are ready to do to reach your fitness goals.
FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR
Northpoint Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center
WHERE: 965 North Point St., Unit A, at Polk Street
WHAT: The most gentle adjustments with a twist
INFO: (415) 931-9355 or www.yelp.com/biz/northpoint-chiropractic-san-francisco
I was unable to walk after hurting my back, so I went to see Dr. Eric Rubin at Northpoint Chiropractic. After getting treatments two days in a row, my pain was gone and I was able to go back to work.
FAVORITE ASTROLOGER
Linea Van Horn
WHERE: Sunset district
WHAT: Practical astrology you can use in your everyday life
INFO: (415) 418-9677
Linea did my natal astrology chart so that my life and life patterns became clearer, which helped me make different and more-conscious choices.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Starbelly
WHERE: 3583 16th St., at Market Street
WHAT: Cuisine for vegetarians, vegans and carnivores who embrace the joy of eating
INFO: (415) 252-7500 or www.starbellysf.com
Chef Adam Timney is a master of creating dishes featuring exotic flavors with nurturing fillings. The menu is so diverse that it includes every food preference.
FAVORITE CHURCH
The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
WHERE: 610 Vallejo St., at Columbus Avenue
WHAT: A church founded in 1849
INFO: (415) 986-4557 or www.shrinesf.org
This church is humble and beautiful, with lovely frescos and architecture which speaks of its time. Even if you’re not a Catholic, it is a perfect place to sit and meditate.
FAVORITE MUSEUM
California Academy of Sciences
WHERE: 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park
WHAT: Beautiful, educational and fun, with some great nightlife
INFO: (415) 379-8000 or www.calacademy.org
The three-story Amazon rainforest swirls above a transparent tunnel, my favorite place in the museum. Weekly Thursday night events feature music, entertainment and cocktails.
FAVORITE BOOKSTORE
Green Apple Books
WHERE: 506 Clement St., at Sixth Avenue
WHAT: Local bookstore that has a great selection of new and used books
INFO: (415) 387-2272 or www.greenapplebooks.com
I love supporting local businesses, so I always go to GAB. The used books are in great condition, and the history section is vast. It’s a great place to go on a budget, or on a rainy day with a hot chocolate.
