Just off 24th Street in the Mission District lives a very unconventional ice cream shop. At Humphry Slocombe you’ll find flavors like Foie Gras, McEvoy Olive Oil, Peanut Butter Curry, Sea Salt, Balsamic Caramel, Creme Fraiche, and Guinness Gingerbread just to name a few. For more prudish palettes, Humphry Slocombe also makes more conventional flavors like Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, Maple Walnut, Peppermint and Vanilla Chip. For those seeking something sans any dairy, their diverse selection of Sorbets and Sherbets hit the spot.

All their varieties are made with Straus Organic Dairy and they use natural, organic ingredients when ever possible. Flavors rotate often and they usually carry between 10 and 12 of them at a time. The menu also includes some house specialty sundaes, brownies, ice cream sandwiches, and bacon peanut brittle. |Humphry Slocombe|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Cash Only

Part art gallery, part boutique, this 24th Street shop is the place to go to find unique art and fashion made by local artists and designers. Located in an emerging part of the Mission District, Wonderland SF is the brainchild of owner Irene Hernandez-Feiks, who opened the store to showcase the works of independent Bay Area artists and designers.

With its high ceilings, charming chandeliers, and unique art pieces displayed throughout the store, it’s a great setting for browsing the racks of apparel, accessories, jewelry, and handbags. It’s definitely worth stopping by on the first Thursday of every month for their art openings that are held in the store. |Wonderland SF|

Quite possibly the oldest saloon established in San Francisco, the Old Ship Saloon is a Jackson Square landmark that’s been in business since the three-masted boat named the Arkansas was beached here back in 1851. At inception, a door was merely cut directly into the hull of the boat to convert the ship into an ale house. Over time the ship was replaced with a brick and mortar building that functioned as a hotel, which still operated the Old Ship Saloon in a barroom on the ground floor.

The Old Ship Saloon is a popular place for the Financial District work crowd to stop in for lunch and is often filled with patrons having drinks following a long day at the office. I love the classic look of the exposed brick and black trim interior, the nautical design touches, and the large front windows that offer diners a view of the Pyramid building. The menu is a mix of fried foods, salads and chili, but their specialty would have to be their selection of customizable burgers and sandwiches. |Old Ship Saloon|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 11:30am – 3pm, 4:30pm – 12am,
Kitchen closes at 9pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

With the emergence of gourmet food carts reaching critical mass in the city, it’s no surprise there is now a festival dedicated to the phenomenon. Snaking around a handful of city blocks along Folsom Street, close to Garfield Square in the Mission District, the SF Street Food Festival this year was packed to the brim with hungry visitors, all there to experience something unexpectedly delicious that was prepared from a mobile kitchen. The wait times just to sample dishes from various vendors like |Roli Roti| and |Kung Fu Tacos| were overwhelming to say the least, which made coordinated efforts with friends to wait in multiple lines the right move.

Many of the vendors with more notoriety such as |Hapa Ramen| or |Creme Brulee Cart| ran out of food fairly quickly, but there were still numerous choices that made the trip worthwhile like the homemade smores from |Kika’s Treats|. The choices this year were mixed between established restaurants trying to market themselves with quick bites and fancy non-alcoholic drinks, and actual street food vendors whose locations they operate from change on the regular. There was even a silent auction that raised money for charity by auctioning off cool prizes such as being a chef for a day at |Chez Panisse| and an all day butchery class at |4505 Meats|. |SF Street Food Fest|

Established in 2008, Duke & Duchess is a Hayes Valley boutique that specializes in their house label rugged denim, canvas bags, and locally designed apparel. The store also has a wide variety of sunglasses, key chains, belts, and accessories. Another cool item is their selection of graphic t-shirts sold in a can. With premium denim commanding high prices these days, it’s nice to still see styles that can be bought for less than $100 a pair. Their newest addition is their house brand of canvas bags that look sturdy, durable, and have a great vintage feel to them.

Conveniently located on one of the best streets for shopping, this store is a must visit while exploring the various boutiques and eateries on Hayes Street. Upon walking into the store, I was immediately struck by the cool rustic cedar paneling on the walls, the blown glass lighting fixtures, and the floor to ceiling wall shelves that work together to showcase their great products. |Duke & Duchess|

Prior to the arrival of Kasa Indian Eatery, options for healthy, freshly prepared Indian cuisine in the Marina were scant to say the least. Unlike other Indian restaurants in the city that exude a more ethnic ambiance, I was a bit surprised to see a modern interior space that feels like the Indian version of an upscale quick service restaurant. From the polished stainless-steel kitchen surfaces, industrial coated concrete floors, to the loft-like feeling of the space, the interior is miles from what one may have grown accustomed to when dining Indian.

Specializing in homestyle Indian food, the menu is split between Kati rolls (similar to a taco) and Thali, which features multiple menu items served on a traditional metal platter. Both choices include their handmade roti, which is similar to a buttery tortilla. Dishes include Chicken Tikka, Chicken Tikka Marsala, Lamb Curry, Kebabs, and various vegetarian options. In addition to these menu options, the Thali platter is served with chutney, raita (yogurt), a veggie salad, and daal (lentils). Just be wary of the green pickled pepper relish for it packs a punch. Best of all, Kasa is open late on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a healthier and more tasty option for late-night food than pizza and hot dogs. Delivery is available after 6pm every night. |Kasa Indian Eatery|

Hours of Operation:
Sun-Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 2:30am

Just a few blocks down the street from Golden Gate Park, Osso & Co. is a chic pet boutique on 9th Avenue, located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. The store is well organized and fully stocked with everything a pet owner should need for their cat or dog.

Osso & Co. has a great selection of collars, toys, even dog houses and training supplies. The eyes are immediately drawn to all the bright colors on their wall of colorful food and water bowls, assorted leashes, and dog artwork. After a nice meal in one of the eateries nearby or some time in Golden Gate Park, Osso & Co. is a great place to stop by for that thoughful gift for man’s best friend. |Osso & Co.|

Originally designed by architect Willie Watson in 1925, the course at picturesque Harding municipal golf course offers beautiful views of Lake Merced and its surrounding landscape. Located adjacent to the San Francisco State University in the Lakeside district, Harding was featured in the 2009 |PGA Tour President’s Cup| and is an affordable option for those looking for a challenging round of golf on an award-winning course. With San Francisco resident discounts of over 60 percent off the daily standard rate, a round of 18 holes at Harding Golf Course is a great deal for the price. For those looking for an even more affordable option, there is a nine-hole course within the grounds called Fleming that’s around $30 for the standard rate. Playing here has a certain calmness about it from the fog that rolls in to the serene Monterey Cypress trees that dot along the fairways. It’s a course I would recommend to anyone looking for a memorable place to play a round of golf in the city. |Harding Park|

Situated amongst the clusters of chic boutiques that dot this busy stretch of Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, one could easily make the mistake of walking past this charming Italian restaurant with its unassuming black exterior and matching black awning. The name SPQR, which is an acronym for Senatus Populesque Romanus, and translates to “The People and Senate of Rome”, should explain its menu of rustic Italian dishes and great selection of Italian wines.

|Chef Matthew Accarrino| and his team have been hard at work, creating a diverse menu of dishes that change seasonally to showcase the best local ingredients. Much time and care goes into every dish, preparing everything including their pastas from scratch. Pretty impressive feat considering the staff can serve so many people every evening and still produce amazing food from its compact open kitchen. It’s often you’ll find owner |Shelley Lindgren| working the front of house as the wine director, and she is a great resource for wine paring recommendations. With friendly and professional service, coupled with delicious and sophisticated Italian fare, it’s no surprise this place is packed every night. Advanced reservations can be booked via their web site and are highly recommended, unless you are fine with possibility of eating at the bar/chef’s counter. |SPQR|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Sun: 5:30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun Brunch: 11am – 2:30pm

Originally named for the rallies once held in this location to show support for the Union Army during the Civil War, Union Square continues to play a central role in the city as a backdrop for various ceremonies, art shows, cultural activities, the occasional protest, and its annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting during the Winter holidays. In terms of historical significance, the 97 foot tall Corinthian column and winged Victory statue were erected in 1903 to commemorate Admiral George Dewey’s victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. In 1941, the world’s first underground parking garage built beneath the plaza was opened.

It’s no mystery why this part of the city is a desirable tourist destination for its proximity to the theater district, landmark hotels like the |Westin St. Francis|, fine dining restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. Major department stores |Neiman Marcus|, |Sak’s Fifth Avenue|, and |Macy’s| have flagship locations bordering the square along with national retailers such as |Williams Sonoma|, |Levi’s|, and |Nike Town|. Union Square is also a destination for luxury goods with stores like |Louis Vuitton|, |Salvatore Ferragamo|, |Prada|, |Gucci|, |Dior|, |Chanel|, |Bulgari|, and |Tiffany & Co.| all having locations in this area. Access to the plaza is served by numerous bus lines, two cable car lines (Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason) that run along its Western perimeter, and the Powell Street BART station located just a few blocks away.