San Francisco

As most of you already know, Dex's current client is up in SF.  Since we had a mutual friend that was getting married on my birthday in the bay area, we decided to make it a big birthday celebration weekend.    

We stayed at Hotel Frank in Union Square.  It was very cute and modern. I loved the black and white decor with hints of emerald green.

Chandelier in the lobby

Our room

My very good friend, Michelle, flew out on Thursday as well. We ended up meeting up at SFO airport and took the BART into the city.

We were starving so we walked across the street to the Cheesecake Factory to grab an appetizer and a drink.

Great view from Cheesecake Factory

Meesh and our "friend"

After appetizers,  we dropped by Iah's place (Michelle's cousin/UCI buddy).  This is the view from his awesome apartment on the 34th floor.  

Next stop - Embarcadero with Dex and Meesh.

Ferry Building 

Inside the Ferry Building - Most of the food shops were closed by the time we got there, so we did some window shopping instead.

Off to CHAYA Brasserie. We sat outside and enjoyed the incredible view of the Bay Bridge. The happy hour sushi was just okay, BUT I really enjoyed the Lychee soju-tini and the creme brulee trio. 

Sesame, Milk Chocolate and Green Tea Creme Brulee

On Friday, Dex had to work, so my friends, Meesh, Ian, Florence and I headed to Tartine Bakery. I had read about Tartine from this list - 2010 Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You Die.  It is definitely one of my favorite spots in SF!

buttery and flaky morning bun

very yummy and creamy eclair

smoked ham quiche

 

Next stop.. JapanTown to check out New People.  When Michelle and I were trying to figure out what we were going to do, we both pulled out the same magazine article highlighting this mall!

"NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film." 

Ian and Michelle shopping

Meesh and I tried on various styles of the Japanese Sou Sou shoes (split-toed boots below).  They were actually pretty comfy. 

 

To be continued...