FRIENDS IN COOL PLACES

In the city of San Francisco, summer can feel like a cool fall day, fog creeping onto the streets like fingers reaching for a better grip. Beating the heat in Napa Valley can be strategically avoided by popping into the crisp city to meet up with good friends. Long heralded as one of the best places for dim sum, Yank Sing was first on our list to jump-start the day. Reservations were made, and we arrived at a full house and a long line of people waiting to get in. As we watched the sad, sullen faces of turned-away guests without reservations, we felt fortunate for the forethought of making them. Hands down, one of the most delicious meals ever. Instead of rolling the carts around and pointing out your selection, you scan a QR code into your phone and order there. It was an amazingly easy, pain-free way to go. You can even pay as you order and if you want more it’s just one click away. We delighted in ordering most of the menu and sharing bites of each dish. The top three menu items were Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Honey Walnut Prawns, and Szechuan Chicken. The food was AHHH-mazing. The next stop was Blue Bottle Coffee for a quick pick-me-up before heading to Union Square for shopping. Blue Bottle coffee is an experience in itself. Starting 20 years ago, it became a local sensation, sourcing its beans from single-origin sources.

Usually, the streets are brimming with all kinds of people from all over the world, but this day it was mellow and quiet. I breezed in and out of stores and soaked in the city’s mood with ease. Dressed and ready to go a few hours later, we made our way to Kokkari, a much-talked-about and loved Mediterranean restaurant, located on the fringes of the Financial District off Battery. This place had everything, ambiance, hospitality, drinks, and the hum of deliciousness as a slight smoke wafted through the restaurant from the wood-burning stove. With a belly still full of Dim Sum, we opted for sampling off the appetizer list. Each item was perfectly presented, exploded with flavor, and warmed my bones. Paired with a glass of white from their perfectly curated list of old-world and new-world wines. We decided to go authentic with a white from Santorini that reminded me of the sea on the nose, bright acidity, and fruit on the palate. Don’t miss this restaurant when visiting San Francisco and be sure to make reservations, they book up quickly.

As the memory of yesterday danced in our heads and stomachs, we were off to a new adventure, this time for the soul. The Van Gough immersive experience was shown in a 100,000-foot warehouse space in Hayes Valley. Projected animated images of Van Gough’s works filled the walls in a 360-degree pattern, from ceiling to floor. The film lasted 32 minutes, engaging your eyes with wondrous beauty and mastery of the art. Once you arrive, you are directed toward the main warehouse where you find a seat on the floor wherever there is space. A cushion is optional for purchase, but we decided to forego it. The great thing about the presentation is that you could sit there if you wanted and watch it repeatedly. It was a feast for the eyes, mind, and spirit, the walls absorbing the vibrant hues, images, and brush strokes of one of the most inspiring artists in history. Go and see it! You can even take a yoga class while the famous Starry Night dances around your downward dog.