Faves and raves by Vincenta Licata (Click the picture to see Vincenta’s faves)
Personal stats
AGE: No thank you
YEARS IN THE CITY: 30-ish
NEIGHBORHOOD: Between Russian Hill and Cow Hollow
OCCUPATION: Learning and development professional
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Former DJ (KSAN/KUSF/Radio Caroline), current improviser, and someone who is constantly grateful for wonderful friends, family and living in a place like S.F.
FAVORITE PLACE TO BE AMAZED
BATS Improv
WHERE: Fort Mason Center, Building B, third floor, Marina Boulevard at Laguna Street
WHAT: Best improvisational theater in S.F.
INFO: (415) 474-6776 or www.improv.org
One of the best values for live theater in The City, BATS puts on a different show every Friday, Saturday and most Sundays — 100 percent improvised, brilliantly crafted by very talented performers. Celebrating 25 years this year!
FAVORITE GRASSY OPEN SPACE
Marina Green
WHERE: Marina Boulevard and Fillmore Street
WHAT: An expanse of green open space along the Bay
INFO: www.sftravel.com/mgreen.html
The best place to go for a nice long walk, jog or run overlooking the yachts of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Does it get any better than this?
FAVORITE PLACE TO CELEBRATE SPRING
A Giants game at AT&T Park
WHERE: AT&T Park, Third Street at King Street
WHAT: Home of the 2010 World Series Championship San Francisco Giants
INFO: sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com
When I’m ready to shake off the winter blahs and spend more time outside, I pick the gorgeous AT&T Park. The excitement you get from just approaching the park is palpable.
FAVORITE WALK WITH FANTASTIC VIEWS
Crissy Field
WHERE: 1199 East Beach, Presidio of San Francisco
WHAT: Recreational area on the Bay
INFO: www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/crissy-field.html
Another place that takes my breath away. It’s a stunning stroll with marshes, coastline, sandy beaches and the Golden Gate Bridge. And when you need a break, there’s the warming huts. Everything you need for a great Bay adventure.
FAVORITE LIBRARY
Golden Gate Valley Branch
WHERE: 1801 Green St., at Octavia Street
WHAT: A San Francisco neighborhood public library
INFO: (415) 355-5666 or sfpl.org/index.php?pg=0100000801
Built in 1917 and recently re-opened after renovation, this library reminds me of the classic architecture of the library I went to as a kid back in St. Louis. A beautiful building and another little oasis to take a time out from the big city.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT
Pesce Seafood Bar
WHERE: 2227 Polk St., between Green and Vallejo streets
WHAT: A cozy, Venetian-style Italian restaurant
INFO: (415) 928-8025 or pescebarsf.com
A hidden little gem on Polk Street serving excellent Italian food. Makes you feel like you’re in Italy, apart from when the 19-Polk rolls by!
FAVORITE PLACE TO REMIND MYSELF I LIVE ON THE COAST
Ocean Beach
WHERE: Point Lobos Avenue and the Great Highway
WHAT: The Pacific Ocean
INFO: (415) 561-4323 or www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/ocean-beach.html
Living in The City, I sometimes forget that I actually live on the West Coast. I go there to just stand in the sand, whether it’s cold and windy or sunny and warm. I love the expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the sound of the waves.
FAVORITE PLACE IN GOLDEN GATE PARK
San Francisco Botanical Garden
WHERE: 1199 Ninth Ave. and Lincoln Way
WHAT: A beautiful urban oasis
INFO: (415) 661-1316 or www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
This place instantly relaxes me — walking the beautifully landscaped rolling hills and paths, sitting by the pretty little pond. I can’t identify a plant or tree, but I appreciate being there and meditating on nature. A peaceful spot in the middle of The City.
