Faves and raves by Jane Ganahl
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: Mid-50s
YEARS IN THE CITY: Since childhood
NEIGHBORHOOD: Works in SoMa, resides in Half Moon Bay
OCCUPATION: Co-founder of S.F. literary festival Litquake and author of “Naked on the Page: The Misadventures of My Unmarried Midlife”
SELF DESCRIPTION: Writing and organizing writers in this literary mecca
FAVORITE BOOKSTORE
City Lights
WHERE: 261 Columbus Ave. between Broadway and Kearny Street
WHAT: Selection of hard-to-find political titles
INFO: (415) 362-8193 or www.citylights.com
“City Lights just reeks of history, and [founder] Larry Ferlinghetti is a god in literary circles. They really seek out titles that you can’t find anywhere else.”
FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT
South Park Cafe
WHERE: 108 S. Park St.
WHAT: Weekday lunch and lattes
INFO: (415) 495-7275 or www.southparkcafesf.com
“The cafe is right around the corner from the Writers’ Grotto, which makes it really convenient when I’m visiting friends there.”
FAVORITE CAFE TO READ A GOOD BOOK
Mission Creek Cafe
WHERE: 968 Valencia St. between 21st and Liberty streets
WHAT: Sitting in the back room
INFO: (415) 641-0888
“There’s a big bookshelf back there filled with books; you can take a title and read it on an honor system. It’s really quiet and there are plenty of comfortable cushy chairs.”
FAVORITE PLACE FOR LIT READINGS
Edinburgh Castle
WHERE: 950 Geary St. between Polk and Larkin streets
WHAT: Listening to readings from new and established authors
INFO: (415) 885-4074 or www.castlenews.com
“This was Litquake’s birthplace a few years ago; they’re just so friendly to writers and authors. The manager, Alan Black, just published his own book.”
FAVORITE CITY STROLL
The Embarcadero
WHERE: From the Ferry Building to AT&T Park
WHAT: A leisurely walk taking in the views
“I know it sounds touristy, but I’m a sucker for a good view. I also like to stop in to Red’s Java House for a coffee.”
FAVORITE WELLNESS OFFICE
Core Care Center
WHERE: 1634 Union St. between Franklin and Gough streets
WHAT: Alternative health treatments
INFO: (415) 928-5423 or www.corecarecenter.com
“I’ve sent three friends here. They do everything from nutritional programming to overall wellness. Mark Weill, who runs the center, is amazing.”
FAVORITE LITERARY BAR
Hotel Rex
WHERE: 562 Sutter St. between Mason and Powell streets
WHAT: A Bombay Sapphire at the bar
INFO: (415) 433-4434 or www.jdvhotels.com
“It looks like a library, with floor to ceiling bookshelves, and has really comfy chairs. You feel like you’re part of the Algonquin roundtable.”
FAVORITE SPA
Nob Hill Spa
WHERE: 1075 California St. at Mason Street
WHAT: Lounging around the indoor pool
INFO: (415) 345-2888 or www.nobhillspa.com
“You can even eat lunch by the pool. Sitting in those big, fluffy white robes is just so luxurious and relaxing.”
FAVORITE SPOT FOR GROUP DINNERS
MarketBar
WHERE: 1 Ferry Building No. 36
WHAT: Sharing frites with friends
INFO: (415) 434-1100 or www.marketbar.com
“Their frites really are among the best in The City. If I’m with hungry writers, they gobble them up by the handful.”
