Faves and raves by Melissa Ayres (Click on the picture to see Melissa's faves)

Personal stats

AGE: 40

YEARS IN THE CITY: 30

NEIGHBORHOOD: Cole Valley

OCCUPATION: Public health nutrition and wellness professional and guild-certified Feldenkrais teacher

SELF-DESCRIPTION: Grew up in San Francisco and moved back after a 10-year stint in New York in order to move and breathe in the Pacific coastal air, trees, plants, ocean and hills at almost every horizon

FAVORITE PLACE TO LOOK AT MURALS

Balmy Alley

WHERE: Balmy Alley between 24th and 25th streets

WHAT: Bay Area Mexican culture and history through rich colors

INFO: www.precitaeyes.org

Local artists convey important social commentary through rich colors and unique styles that reflect Bay Area Mexican culture and history.

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

La Taqueria

WHERE: 2889 Mission St., between 24th and 25th streets

WHAT: Fresh, flavorful and authentic

INFO: (415) 285-7117

Sabroso! Consistently fresh and flavorful, authentic Mission-Cali-Mex flavors, without rice or fluffy fillers.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR JEWISH WORSHIP

Mission Minyan

WHERE: Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., between Guerrero and Valencia streets

WHAT: Represents a cross-section of Jewish people

INFO: www.missionminyan.org

It’s welcoming. Lots of singing and intentionality, egalitarian while still traditional, strongly reflects the nature of the folks who started it from the Nachlaot district of Jerusalem that represents a cross-section of Jewish people, and known for tolerance and good vibes.

FAVORITE PLACE TO GET A CAPPUCINO

Caffe Trieste

WHERE: 609 Vallejo St., between Grant and Columbus avenues

WHAT: Consistently good

INFO: (415) 550-1107 or www.caffetrieste.com

Consistently good-quality cafe beverages.

FAVORITE PLACE TOTAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS

The Jazz Heritage Center

WHERE: 1320 Fillmore Street, at Eddy Street

WHAT: Dedicated to preserving S.F. jazz history

INFO: (415) 255-7745 or www.jazzheritagecenter.org

It’s awesome — a center dedicated to preserving San Francisco jazz history and promoting cultural diversity through arts education and performance.

FAVORITE FARMERS MARKET

Upper Haight Farmers Market

WHERE: Stanyan and Waller streets

WHEN: Wednesdays, 4 to 8 p.m.

WHAT: Fresh, affordable, locally and sustainably grown

INFO: www.pcfma.com

Tolerable size, great variety of consistently fresh, affordable, locally and sustainably grown produce, sold by friendly, accessible farmers. A few vendors offer prepared foods, including out of this world, gluten-free desserts. Weekly live music performances add to the friendly community atmosphere.

FAVORITE NATURE SPOT  

Ocean Beach

WHERE: Western edge of The City

WHAT: End up there after biking through Golden Gate Park

INFO: www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/ocean-beach.html

The perfect place to end up after a bike ride through the park.

FAVORITE CHEAP EATS RESTAURANT

India Palace

WHERE: 1740 Fillmore St., between Post and Sutter streets

WHAT: All-you-can-eat buffet lunch for $10

INFO: (415) 567-7789 or www.indiapalacesf.com

Tasty, trustworthy, all-you-can-eat buffet lunch with dessert and chai tea for $10.

FAVORITE  PLACE FORFREE ENTERTAINMENT

Sacred Grounds Coffee House

WHERE: 2095 Hayes St., between Clayton and Cole streets

WHEN: Wednesday nights

WHAT: Longest-running open-mic poetry slam

INFO: (415) 387-3859

The longest-running open-mic poetry slam, an opportunity for talented locals to share intelligent thought, passion, creativity and craft.