Faves and raves by Patricia Polen (Click the picture to see Patricia’s faves!)
Personal stats
AGE: 58
YEARS IN THE CITY: 37
NEIGHBORHOOD: Potrero Hill
OCCUPATION: Theatrical designer
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Native Californian, married, making a living doing what she majored in at college and hoped she would be doing for the rest of her life
FAVORITE SUNDAY AFTERNOON SPOT
Java Beach Cafe
WHERE: 1396 La Playa St., at Judah Street
WHAT: Great place to relax after a hike
INFO: (415) 665-5282 or www.javabeachcafe.com
We love to hike at Fort Funston with the dog, then head over to Java Beach where we can sit outside and enjoy coffee, salads, sandwiches, beer, pastries or anything we’ve worked up an appetite for. It’s right across from the beach, which makes it convenient.
FAVORITE FABRIC STORE
Fabric Outlet
WHERE: 2109 Mission St., at 17th Street
WHAT: Everything for sewers at reasonable prices
INFO: (415) 552-4525 or www.fabricoutletsf.com
Britex is great, but if you don’t want to spend your entire paycheck, this place is the next best thing. The owners are always there and their staff is very knowledgeable. And they always play oldies from the ’50s, which gives the place a real retro feel.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A GIRLFRIEND LUNCH
Greens Restaurant
WHERE: Fort Mason, Building A
WHAT: Spectacular vegetarian cuisine
INFO: (415) 771-6222 or www.greensrestaurant.com
Great menu. Great views. Easy parking. A nice ambiance for getting together. I’ve noticed that whenever I recommend we go there, the other person always says “Yes!”
FAVORITE VIEW OF THE CITY
20th Street on Potrero Hill
WHERE: 20th Street, between Vermont and Pennsylvania streets
WHAT: Quiet neighborhood with extraordinary views
INFO: www.potreroboosters.org
This beats any view anywhere in The City. It’s quiet and private because it’s a regular neighborhood not filled with tourists.
FAVORITE THEATER
War Memorial Opera House
WHERE: 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove Street
WHAT: Illustrious home of the S.F. Opera and S.F. Ballet
INFO: sfwmpac.org/operahouse/oh_index.html
I’ve worked in this magnificent building since 1974 and have been in awe of it since then. Patrons know the ornate lobby and beautiful house, but I can attest to how magical the stage and backstage are. There is something special about this place that I haven’t found anywhere else.
FAVORITE THRIFT STORE
Thrift Town
WHERE: 2101 Mission St., at 17th Street
WHAT: Clothes, furniture, accessories, books and more
INFO: (415) 861-1132 or www.thrifttown.com
As a professional costumer, this place is indispensable. As a homeowner on a budget, it is amazing. It’s clean; the staff is delightful; everything is well-organized; the prices are not overblown; and the stuff turns over fast so there’s always new stuff.
FAVORITE PET SUPPLY STORE
Catnip & Bones
WHERE: 2220 Chestnut St., at Pierce Street
WHAT: Great place for pets and people
INFO: (415) 359-9100
Easy to find — just look for the water bowl on the sidewalk. The owner, Pam, is extremely personable. She has a good selection and always has a treat for the dogs. It’s a nice, clean, neat shop, and if she doesn’t have something she will get it for you.
FAVORITE VETERINARIAN
Sunset Veterinary Hospital
WHERE: 3741 Noriega St., at 45th Avenue
WHAT: Friendly, accommodating staff and superior service
INFO: (415) 753-2884 or www.sunsetveterinaryhospital.com
I’ve known Dr. Paul Bannow since 1974, and he is wonderful and caring, as are the whole staff. They have the ability to make you feel like you are the only pet owner in the whole world, and that you are their only concern.
FAVORITE BALLPARK
AT&T Park
WHERE: 24 Willie Mays Plaza
WHAT: Best ballpark in the world
INFO: (415) 972-2000 or www.sfgiants.com
We are so lucky to have a jewel of a ballpark like this. My husband’s boat is docked at South Beach Harbor next to the ballpark, and when the Giants are playing, there is a real feeling of excitement in the air, which is contagious.
