Faves and raves by Dr. Paul B. Tan (click on the picture to see Paul's faves)
AGE: 48
YEARS IN THE CITY: 19
NEIGHBORHOOD: Mt. Davidson Manor
OCCUPATION: General and cosmetic dentist; his website is www.paulbtandmd.com
SELF-DESCRIPTION: His heart has belonged to the unique charm and diversity of San Francisco ever since he moved here to establish his own dental practice in the Financial District
FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS
Buena Vista Park
WHERE: Haight Street and Buena Vista East
WHAT: Lesser-known tennis gem
INFO: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista_Park
There are two wind-protected tennis courts in Buena Vista Park which offer an absolutely spectacular view of The City and the Bay. It’s a hidden gem with less of a wait on weekends than the more popular courts at Dolores Park.
FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC
Davies Symphony Hall
WHERE: 201 Van Ness Ave.
WHAT: There’s nobody else like MTT
INFO: (415) 864-6000 or www.sfsymphony.org
I love listening to The San Francisco Symphony performing in Davies Symphony Hall, across from City Hall. The acoustics are unsurpassed to listen to the brilliant programs conducted by the venerable Michael Tilson Thomas.
FAVORITE DOG PARK
Fort Funston
WHERE: Skyline Blvd
WHAT: Kick back and watch the hang gliders
INFO: (415) 561-4323 or www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/fort-funston.html
My Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Jasper and Bailey, love to run and frolic at the beach along the Pacific Ocean at Fort Funston. You can also see the hang gliders soaring above, but watch out for rogue waves at high tide!
FAVORITE NATURE SPOT
Lands End
WHERE: Seal Rock Drive and El Camino Del Mar
WHAT: Excellent view of The City’s best landmarks
INFO: www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/lands-end.html
San Francisco has so many idyllic areas of natural beauty. A panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands can be seen from the hiking trails high above Lands End. It’s especially serene at sunset.
FAVORITE BOOKSTORE
City Lights Bookstore
WHERE: 261 Columbus Ave., at Broadway
WHAT: A true piece of San Francisco history
INFO: (415) 362-8193 or www.citylights.com
Unfortunately, they all seem to be closing! If I had to pick, how could I not choose City Lights Bookstore? It is so richly steeped in the history and culture of San Francisco.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE A FILM
Sundance Kabuki Cinema
WHERE: 1881 Post St., between Webster and Fillmore streets
WHAT: Adult beverages, comfortable seats, no commercials
INFO: (415) 346-3243 or www.sundancecinemas.com/kabuki.html
I enjoy relaxing with an adult beverage in a comfy reserved seat at Sundance Kabuki Cinema in Japantown. Plus there are no annoying commercials shown before the movie.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
The Slanted Door
WHERE: 1 Ferry Building
WHAT: A delectable combination of cuisines
INFO: (415) 861-8032 or www.slanteddoor.com
This is a tough call, but the edge goes to The Slanted Door at The Ferry Building along The Embarcadero. The French-Vietnamese cuisine, atmosphere and service overall are superb. Order the Shaking Beef!
FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY A BOTTLE OF WINE
Castro Village Wine Company
WHERE: 4121 19th St., between Castro and Collingwood streets
WHAT: Wine comes with friendly advice
INFO: (415) 864-4411 or www.castrowine.com
They offer knowledgeable, friendly advice and specialize in California boutique wines. My personal favorite is a good bottle of pinot noir from Sonoma County.
FAVORITE MUSEUM
The de Young
WHERE: Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
WHAT: Setting is as interesting as the art
INFO: (415) 750-3600 or deyoung.famsf.org
The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is a dynamic setting for collections of art and special exhibitions. I love its striking contemporary design and architecture.
