San Francisco

I'm in the Bay area for a conference, looking forward to seeing old colleauges and meeting new ones. After some hunting around, I decided to stay in the Fisherman's Wharf area. I usually like being in this area during the work week as it isn't as crowded as the downtown area and there is a 24 hour fitness gym within walking distance of the Hilton Fisherman's Wharf hotel. I also like coming to this hotel because they tend to treat me a little better than the others, maybe because they don't get as many HHonors members. Also, the internet provider here is AT&T. Normally not a big deal but I am an AT&T internet customer and can access the internet without charge. Always a plus to not pay additional money for internet. I was given a junior suite and it is rather comfy and large. The only odd thing about the room is that it is a little dark as there is only one window and it is rather small for the size of the room. The continental breakfast offered is satisfying, all I needed was a bagel and smoked salmon. Although not close to the Bart, there are several bus lines that run by the hotel which makes it an easy place to stay even though I need to be in downtown.

I grabbed dinner with a friend at Oola restaurant. From their website, they seem focused on organic meats and cheeses. Located south of market, it was an intimate restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised that there was a loft space for additional dining space. Since I had some snacks at an event right before dinner plus sweet potato fries at the Urban Tavern, I wasn't starving. So we ordered several appetizers and drinks and it was large enough in servings to satisfy. I ordered the corn soup and shared the baby back ribs and fries. For dessert, the chocolate caramel cake totally hit the spot and the watermelon martini wasn't too bad either.

The next night, grabbed dinner with another friend and friend's friend at 5A5 Steak Lounge. Again, I went to an event function at the Ferry Building and wasn't super hungry after snacking on the tasty h'or devours and desserts. The caterer for the Ferry Building, Paula LeDuc Fine catering, is awesome. They had these "snicker" bites that I found completely irresistible and took a handful with me when I left!

Strolled to the restaurant afterwards and I wasn't sure what to expect. Ordered a lychee martini (super yummy) and split a buffalo filet and truffle fries with my friend. The meat was excellent! The fries were really good (I generally prefer crispier fries but these were still very good especially with the srirachi aioli sauce). For dessert, shared matcha dougnuts and sticky toffee bread pudding. The matcha flavor made me think of Kyoto and I wasn't sure what to expect of the doughnuts. Both desserts were excellent, I liked that the doughnuts came with doughnut holes! :) A very pleasant dining experience!

As the weekend is approaching, I moved to the Hilton Union Square. Also, it helped that the hotel rates dropped!! Checked the night before and the room rate went down $60! I was able to check in early and the front desk even granted my request for a junior suite. The room is fairly spacious, I think the walk in closet could fit a twin bed inside. ;p

The conference is being hosted at this hotel and the meals here have been very good. I'm now convinced that hotel food can be good if the host is willing to spend money. I've been in this hotel for other events and the food wasn't ever memorable until this particular conference.


Being done with the conference, I'm on my own and opted to stay elsewhere. I moved to the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. I can't remember if my last time at this hotel was for work but I do remember being here for a work event. The room was nice, seemed to have business travelers in mind when designing the room. The hotel is right next to Chinatown and there is a heavy asian influence within the hotel's design. Another perk is that the hotel offers private car airport service for a flat rate of $45. On a side note, for those interested in Giants' game, the concierge does have a connection and has tickets available.

 

Being that it was an abnormally nice weekend in SF, headed towards Coit Tower. The views were spectacular and for the $5 fare, I took my time at the top. After strolling up to see the Coit Tower, wandered into Nob Hill for dinner at Ti Piacera. I opted for a pizza from the appetizer menu since I wasn't hungry. It was good, an average tasting pizza with sausage and onions. Afterwards, wandered over to Chai-Yo Sweets & Treats on 1335 Polk Street since I wasn't in the mood for italian desserts. I had the red sticky rice from this Thai sweet shop and it hit the spot!

I have yet to try the breakfast buffet in this hotel and will have to on another visit since I went to the Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant across the street for a late breakfast. Located on 11 Walter U Lum Place, I was told that it was one of the better Vietnamese pho shops in SF. Of course, I had to see this for myself as I've not had many good experiences with Vietnamese food in this city. It is tough to compare to Westminster in Orange County but this restaurant was good. The pho was tasty, could have been more flavorful but I would visit again to eat.

Since this was my last day in SF and the weather was cooperating, I headed to AT&T Park to catch a game where the Giants were playing against the Cardinals.