123 San Francisco

Things to Look for in a Home on the Bay

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There has been a lot of talk about the things to see and do on the Bay – that’s San Francisco for those of you uninitiated – but today I thought I would change gears and talk a little bit about places to live and what you should look for, just so you can be closer to all the great things this city has to offer. As I’m sure many of you could have probably deduced, living in this particular area is far from cheap, but what you really need to look for are all the little extras some of these houses come with. Los Angeles security systems already installed are one thing, but what about the smaller conveniences like dishwashers and bathrooms?

And that’s only half of the equation; you need to get a feel for the areas and which ones might be ideal. If it’s just you and your loved one, you might not need to worry so much but make sure, wherever you decide to settle, that it’s a good place to raise your kids. Not just talking about the streets, we’re talking about the schools and the law enforcement.

That being said, San Francisco is a gorgeous city with plenty of things to see and do. If you have the money and the time, you could really find your dream home on the Bay.

Across the Bay: Oakland

admin — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for somewhere special to take your mother for Mothers Day this year. Dinning out is always an issue, because most of the restaurants are overbooked. You certainly can not ask Mom to cook, so that leaves finding something that everyone can enjoy and can be done in a single afternoon.

If you live in the San Francisco area, I have something that you might enjoy. We tried this last year and it was a real hit for our whole family.

Oakland has some hidden surprises for entertainment. Most people think of the area has a place to work, but it has so much more to offer. Oldsters and children alike can enjoy this outing.

The Oakland zoo is easy to access and well worth the drive over the Bay. The price is reasonable and seniors and childrenare given a discount. Check the weather before you go because it is more fun when it is a little cooler and the animals are active.

A picnic lunch can round out the day. It is easy and fun and you will make memories to last a life time. I know it was well worth the drive for our family. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Three Things Everyone Loves about San Francisco

admin — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are three things everyone loves about San Francisco. Starting with an image that comes to mind when you hear San Francisco which is the cable cars. They were invented in San Francisco in 1873. These cars dominated transportation for 30 years. Now they have become the worldwide symbol for San Fransisco. There are 2 types of cars. The California Street cable cars are maroon and larger.They have open seating on each end and closed in the middle. The powell Street lines are smaller. They have 28 cars made to look like the cars did at different points in history. Rider Information,www.streetcar.org lists all the routes and fares.
Another place everyone loves in San Fransisco is The Golden Gate Bridge. Nine million people visit there each year. It is beautiful to see. The bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait which is the entrance to San Fransisco from the Pacific Ocean. It opened in 1937.
The third place is The Aquarium of the Bay. This is a popular educational spot with self guided tours. Visitors can walk through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels to view marine life. They also have a hands on exhibit including sea stars, urchins, and sharks.

Get to the Castro

www.123sanfrancisco.com — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you plan to visit the Bay Area you need to make sure you allocate enough time to visit the historic Castro District which is the geographically defined symbol of the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events and activism. Concentrated primarily in the business district located on Castro Street from Market Street to 19^th Street, the gayborhood extends down Market Street toward Church Street and on both sides of the Castro neighborhood from Church Street to Eureka Street. Named after Jose Castro (a leader in the Mexican opposition to the U.S. rule of California in the 19^th century) the neighborhood was created in 1887 and its current architecture is very reminiscent of the time.If you’ve seen the movie Milk starring Sean Penn, you’ve already gotten an inside glimpse into this tight knit but open community. In fact, you might want to stop into Harvey’s (named after Harvey Milk who was locally known as “The Mayor of Castro Street”) for a drink and a bite to eat since it has the same open and friendly personality as its namesake. And if you’re craving a seafood dinner (since you are on the coast, after all) make sure you put Catch Restaurant on your list of places to go. Catch has been voted “Best Seafood” restaurant in 2007 and 2008, and it’s definitely not resting on its laurels when I was there in 2010 it was still stellar. It’s casually elegant with a great vibe and the Miso Glazed Back Cod is to die for. I’m a happily married heterosexual woman and I love everything about the Castro district

SF on Film

www.123sanfrancisco.com — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:33:58 +0000

You bet San Francisco has been the back drop for many filmmakers and screen writers dating all the way back to 1927 and Old San Francisco starring Dolores Costello which was touted to be a “romance of the days when ‘Frisco was the Paris of America,” and coming all the way forward to 2010 with The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington.And there’s a whole lot in between.So if you’re in the mood for a San Francisco escape but can’t physically get to the City, why not check out some of these titles and do some landmark spotting of your own!

48 Hrs.
All Dogs Go To Heaven
The Bachelor
Basic Instinct
The Birds
The Book of Eli
Bullitt
Copycat
Days of Wine and Roses
The Dead Pool
Double Jeopardy
The Fan
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
The House on Telegraph Hill
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Milk
The Other Sister
Pacific Heights
The Presidio
The Pursuit of Happyness
Quicksilver
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Sudden Impact
Sweet November
Terminator Salvation
The Sweetest Thing
Time After Time
Woman on Top
Yours, Mine and Ours
Zodiac

The Walt Disney Family Museum

admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:23:15 +0000

One of the most infamous names in animation is Walt Disney. Whether it’s for the animated classics, such as Snow White and Mickey Mouse, or for the infamous Disneyland and Disney World, Disney is a worldwide success. The Disney family (Walt and Roy Disney) are the ones who brought the Disney Corporation to life, and now, you can learn about Walt Disney at the Walt Disney Family Museum.Located in San Francisco (the Presidio), the museum contains ten different galleries. Each exhibit is designed to travel through a stage of Walt Disney’s life. In the first gallery, “Beginnings,” you’ll find pictures of Walt Disney as a child all the way through to his teenage years. You’ll even see pictures of Disney as a WWI Red Cross member alongside a life size model of the ambulance that he drove during the war.Another exhibit of the museum showcases Disney’s success as the first, animated film maker in America. “The Move to Features: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” holds original sketches from 1937, as well as pictures of the Disney family at the film’s premiere.But perhaps one of the most interesting galleries is “the 1950s and 1960s: the Big Screen and Beyond.” Here, guests can take a look at the first model for Disneyland, as well as the Lilly Belle train. As is true of all the museum’s exhibits, you’ll also find pictures of the Disney family: particularly, a snapshot of Walt and Co. in one of Disneyland’s Autopia cars.If you haven’t been to the Walt Disney Family Museum, now is the time to go. Tickets are a little pricey, but never exceed 20. Adults’ tickets cost the full 20, while children’s tickets are priced at 12. However, seniors and students can purchase tickets for 15. The Walt Disney Museum is closed on Tuesdays, but otherwise, you can visit any day of the week between 10am and 6pm.

Wax on at Fisherman’s Wharf

admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:08:16 +0000

Since 1963, visitors have been awed by the lifelike figures at the Wax Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum has six different exhibits, each with multiple subsections. From historical moments to film classics, the Wax Museum has a figure for them all.The two biggest exhibits are the “History” and “Sports and Entertainment” collections. The “History” showcase holds some of the world’s most well known figures. There are humanitarian models, such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela, as well as verbal and visual artists, like William Shakespeare and Salvador Dali. However, in the “Sports and Entertainment” display, visitors can see replicas of past and present celebrities. Whether it’s Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, or modern day favorites Johnny Depp and Beyonce Knowles, the museum has both. There’s even a section for sports fans, with featured stars including Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, Barry Bonds, and Muhammad Ali.While the “History” and “Entertainment” collections are the biggest, the “Chamber of Horrors” is the most unique. In this exhibit, you’ll find creepy, Hollywood murders Freddy Krueger and Jason. You’ll also find various torturing devices, such as the Guillotine or the Iron Maiden.But don’t miss any of the museum’s remaining collections, either: the “Hall of Religions,” “King Tut,” and the “Palace of Living Art.” After all, you don’t want to skip a picture with Mona Lisa or King Tut!When purchasing tickets for the Wax Museum, you’re given the choice between multiple packages. If you decide to purchase tickets just for the museum, tickets are 14 for adults, 7 for children and 10 for seniors and juniors. However, if you plan to visit more than one San Francisco attraction, you should consider one of the five combination options. From sight-seeing packages, to water based activities, the combination tickets offer your best value. For more on ticket options, visit the Museum’s website.

Where to eat in San Francisco

admin — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:01:54 +0000

After a long day at work or a lengthy flight, just thinking about cooking makes the day a little longer. In San Francisco there are so many delicious restaurants, and each caters to different tastes. So instead of choosing from the freezer aisle, pick from our favorite San Francisco restaurants and menus.The CosmopolitanJust one of San Francisco’s triple threats in dining, The Cosmopolitan is a restaurant, bar and piano lounge. For lunch, enjoy a fresh “Cobbsmopolitan” salad, or if you’re feeling a little carnivorous, a BBQ Niman Ranch brisket sandwich with sweet potato fries. Foodies will also exclaim over the dinner menu; with choices from a Grilled Niman Ranch pork chop to a Wild King Salmon roasted in a corn husk with veggies. And don’t forget the happy ending. After all, what puts a bigger smile on your face than a molten center chocolate bread pudding?First CrushLike the name implies, First Crush will leave you with a new passion . . . for food that is. The restaurant constantly alters its menu, but one thing is certain, you’ll always be able to choose from small or large meals. Small menu items have included lobster bisque and pepper crusted wild Hawaiian ahi tuna. As for the larger plates, a favorite has been the basil pesto risotto, with summer squash, rock shrimp, and preserved lemon as just some of the ingredients. However, you could always try the oven roasted peking duck breast, which is paired with caramelized figs, Tokyo turnips, pistachio puree and more. If you’re not too full after your delicious meal, fall in love all over again with First Crush’s desserts: like an orange crme brulee or a valrhona chocolate molten cake.North Beach RestaurantIf you love Italian food, look no further. At North Beach Restaurant you can take a bite out of Italy without leaving San Francisco. Pasta lovers should pay close attention to the starter choices: such as three different raviolis (Toscana, spinach, and seafood) and several seafood linguine dishes. But if neither of these choices appeal, there are still 26 other pasta starters to choose from, as well as multiple antipasti and zuppe options. For the main course, pick from the Dal Mare or Dalla Terra menu. Each offers its own delicacies, such as a decadent Calamari-Steak Mugnaia (Dal Mare) or a Chicken al Mattone (Dalla Terra). To finish off a perfect evening, enjoy a homemade tiramisu.Hopefully our picks haven’t made choosing too difficult. But just in case, visit the restaurants’ websites for more information on hours and menus.

A view from the bay

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:54:52 +0000

San Francisco isn’t called the City by the Bay for no reason. Home to the iconic Golden Gate bridge, as well as Alcatraz Island, some of the sights are best seen from the water. And with a variety of tour companies to choose from, there are plenty of ways to enjoy San Francisco Bay.If you’re looking to have somebody give you the grand tour, consider the Golden Gate Sailing Tours. On a yacht that holds six people, head out to the bay on a private sailing experience. Your captain is Bob Cole, and since he’s sailed the bay for 28 years, he can provide a variety of tours: such as timed excursions (3, 4, and 6 hours), sailing lessons (if you chose), and even corporate tours. But if none of the packages appeal to you, there’s the ability to customize the cruise, too. During the week prices are cheaper, only costing 100 per hour: however, weekend rates have a 25 increase.Another company that provides private, six people cruises is Mission Creek Sail Tours. For fourteen years, the company has offered a variety of excursions for its tourists. Some of the popular packages include 4 to 6 hour cruises and the sunset and wine tasting trips. However, you can also sign up for sailing classes, a bay race, and special event and corporate tours. Each package varies in hourly price. The basic tours cost 130 throughout the week, with a 35 increase during holiday or weekend hours. But weekend rates don’t start until Friday evening.Of course, scenery is always complimented by food. Hornblower Cruises and Events allow you to enjoy dinner and beautiful views from the bay. Aside from celebrations and Hornblower events, the company provides five different cruises. Choose from Sights and Sips, Dinner Dance Cruises, Supper Club cruises, Champagne Brunch Cruises, or an Alcatraz Discovery lunch. If you just want to enjoy a tour, we recommend the afternoon Sights and Sips cruise. Eating is optional, and other than the Alcatraz tour, it is the only cruise to provide history on the sights. Each tour ranges from 2-3 hours and prices vary depending on the package.

The bard on a budget

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:53:56 +0000

In this economy, we can’t all fly out to the Globe Theatre and watch a Shakespearean play. Luckily, now you don’t have to. For the remaining September weekends, The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will be hosting performances of Two Gentleman of Verona in Presidio Park. Oh, and did we mention, the shows are free!Since 1983, The Shakespeare Festival has been providing San Francisco with plays like The Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and their first year performances, The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet. Yet, this year will be the first time the actors have performed the Two Gentlemen of Verona.The play tells the story of Proteus and Valentine, two friends who fall into trouble over girls. What will happen to the pair’s friendship when Proteus tries to pursue Valentine’s girlfriend? And better yet, how will Julia (Proteus’s girlfriend) take such news? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out.The troupe’s director, Kenneth Kelleher, often takes Shakespeare’s plays out of their original context. For the 2007 Midsummer Night’s Dream performance, and the 2009 Comedy of Errors, new additions ranged from the circus to old and modern music. The 2010 performance is no different, taking the friends and lovers into the 60s. Cast members include Sofia Ahmad as Julia, Michael Navarra as Valentine and Eglamour, Emily Jordan as Silvia and Panthene, and Alex Moggridge as Proteus.Depending on what day you make it to the performance, start times change. Saturday the play starts at 7:30pm, but on Sundays, you can catch the show at 2:30pm. If you don’t have plans this weekend, be sure to stop by Sunday. By arriving at 1pm, you can enjoy the additional Shakespearean events.With free admission, and a gorgeous lawn to unwind on, the acting troupe gives Shakespeare lovers a chance to embrace the bard on a budget.