Dog sitting for the weekend lent itself the opportunity to stop in at Catnip & Bones to find some treats for Oliver, my cousin’s Maltese Yorkie. This small pet boutique located on Chestnut Street is bright and welcoming, clean, and neatly organized with nearly everything an owner could want for their cat or dog. Oliver was most interested in the dog desserts and edible chew toys, and since I could not decide between all the choices, the owner’s recommendations helped keep that puppy preoccupied all afternoon.

Open 7 days a week:
Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 10am-6pm

Pictures below show some of the interior tile work in the bathrooms as well as the start of trim and cabinet installation. The floor tile in the top level hallway bathroom is a Helsinki Silver Dusk marble by Walker Zanger. The coffered ceiling over the living room and dining area adds a formalness to the space that matches well with the trim and base boards. One of the pictures below shows the cabinets for the lower level bar being installed. This bar/kitchenette for the lower level will house a sink, dishwasher, cooktop, microwave, and a fridge with ice maker under the counter.

Perched on a corner in the Mission, no sign or awning to give away its location, one could easily drive past without noticing they’ve missed one of the best bakeries in the city. Luckily, the constant line of patrons pouring out the door of Tartine Bakery helps draw the eye, and by constant I mean, rain or shine, expect to see some sort of line. While I was waiting in line to order, I couldn’t help but appreciate the dated decor that’s changed very little since the sixties, exuding a sorta hipster charm that has come to define the Mission district for some.

This is one of my favorite places for buttery/flakey croissants, amazing morning buns, scones, and freshly baked loaves of French bread. I love their macarons, which make a nice gift if you can manage not to eat them first. The chocolate souffle cake is extremely rich and should advisably be consumed with one of their oversized lattes, which are served in a bowl. For those looking for something savory, try one of their pressed sandwiches or the croque-monsieur. |Tartine Bakery|

Open 7 days a week:
Mon: 8am-7pm
Tues-Wed: 7:30am-7pm
Thurs-Fri: 7:30am-8pm
Sat: 8am-8pm
Sun: 9am-8pm

Following a late night movie at the Metreon, the search was on for a kitchen still open late on a Sunday. Luckily, the brightly lit florescent sign at Anna Belle’s caught my attention. Located in the Hotel Mosser, Anna Belle’s menu features local and sustainable American fare served until a half hour past midnight. The dinner menu features a range of hearty dishes such as the prime rib, pork chops, and short ribs, and the bar menu has plenty of fried foods, various pizzas, and a delicious burger. Diners looking for a casual meal can either opt for a high-top near the bar, or chose one of the tables in the more intimate main dining area. |Anna Belle’s|

Open 7 days a week:
Mon-Sun: 11am-3pm
Mon-Sun: 5:30pm-12:30pm
Daily happy hour(s): 4pm-7pm, 11pm-12:30pm

By mid January, the exterior of the Project Noe house is nearly complete. The cedar shingles were carried down to the street level, the trim around the garage will be painted black. Along the stairs that lead up to the front door, step lights with copper covers illuminate the Brazilian black slate. The walk ways, backyard, and master deck all have this black slate, adding a consistent look to the home that contrasts well with the cedar shingles. The stacked slate in the backyard was also installed to add some texture to the retaining wall.

Changes to the interior include the installation of the radiant heating system, which is powered by a Munchkin instant hot water system and anchored with an 80 gallon reserve tank. To the right of the plumbing system  located in the garage is the server for the Crestron system. Crestron is recognized as the most robust and sophisticated home automation system available on the market. This system has the ability to integrate and control any home automation remotely via touch screen panels throughout the house. From adjusting the interior lighting to choosing the music playing in every room, the Crestron system is highly customizable and is the standard for home automation systems in high-end homes.