Faves and raves by Pamela Day (Click the picture to see Pamela’s faves)
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: Six in dog years, so do the math
YEARS IN THE CITY: Native
NEIGHBORHOOD: Potrero Hill
OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur/creative
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Curiouser and curiouser; always trying, seeing, doing new things
FAVORITE BREAKFAST
St. Francis Fountain
WHERE: 2801 24th St., at York Street
WHAT: Classic ice cream parlor, fountain and diner
INFO: (415) 826-4200 or www.stfrancisfountainsf.com
This is the place where the founders of the 49ers met and cooked up the idea to form a football team! Order the hog cakes — you will thank me.
FAVORITE FLORIST
Birch
WHERE: 564 Hayes St., at Laguna Street
WHAT: Not your typical flower shop
INFO: (415) 626-6860 or www.birchsf.com
Every time I visit, I get a dose of inspiration and an education in the art of minimalist impact.
FAVORITE EXPERIENCE
Audium
WHERE: 1616 Bush St., at Franklin Street
WHAT: Sound-sculptured space
INFO: (415) 771-1616 or www.audium.org
Get ready to take a sound bath in 176 speakers in this unique, one-of-a-kind theater. It’s pitch black and the sound envelops you in a way you’ve never felt before.
FAVORITE STAYCATION
Flora Grubb
WHERE: 1634 Jerrold Ave., at Third Street
WHAT: Charming and inspiring nursery
INFO: (415)626-7256 or www.floragrubb.com
An oasis of beautiful gardens with an outpost of Ritual Coffee Roasters. Get a cappuccino and take in the loveliness.
FAVORITE CHEAP EATS
Off the Grid
WHERE: Fort Mason Center, Laguna Street and Marina Boulevard
WHAT: Great street food on Friday nights
INFO: www.offthegridsf.com
A sea of the best food trucks and tents in town, with newly added libations from the Haight’s own Magnolia Brewery. The line at Chairman Bao is worth the wait. Off the Grid has multiple locations on different days, but Fort Mason is the motherlode.
FAVORITE AMAZING COFFEE
Four Barrel
WHERE: 375 Valencia St., at 15th Street
WHAT: The best coffee in The City, period
INFO: (415) 252-0800 or www.fourbarrelcoffee.com
This is San Francisco’s answer to Stumptown. These people take coffee very seriously, and you can taste the difference. I love the neighborhood feel and sharing a table with strangers.
FAVORITE WAY TO CONNECT
Meetup
WHERE: All over SF
WHAT: The world’s largest network of local groups
INFO: www.meetup.com
Have a hobby, interest, something you want to learn, or just want to find like-minded folks? This is a great way to do it. I’ve met fellow knitters, city hikers and entrepreneurs, all nearby.
FAVORITE PIZZA
Una Pizza Napoletana
WHERE: 210 11th St., at Howard Street
WHAT: The best New York-style pizza
INFO: (415) 861-3444 or www.unapizza.com
Anthony Mangieri is a purist and a pizza priest. His pizza making is clearly his meditation, and his pizzeria feels a bit like a church. Limited choices, no substitutions, and ask for pepper flakes and you might get kicked out. Yet each slice is completely sublime.
FAVORITE YOGA
Any class taught by Dina Amsterdam
WHERE: Yoga Tree, 1234 Valencia St.
WHAT: Inner Yoga/Yin Yoga
INFO: www.dinaamsterdam.com
Dina brings 20-plus years experience with yoga, plus complementary disciplines, to deepen and open your practice. She also teaches at a variety of places around The City.
— Paula Grace
