Warning: The minute you step foot in Wishbone, you will develop such a crush on this adorable gift shop. Its 1,000 square feet are filled with fun and stylish goods.

The eclectic mix here includes: retro candies, Paul Frank pajamas, scarves, greeting cards (I love the Squibnocket line), jewelry, Beehouse teapots, Wry Baby onesies (my favorite proclaims “I can’t read”), Emily accessories, books, wrapping paper, and ribbons that announce “I’m a Big Girl.” Sure, you may not need any of this stuff, but once you spy them at Wishbone, you’ll convince yourself you have to buy them.

On top of having an amazing selection of gifts, the staff at Wishbone is super-friendly. It’s just another reason to stop in here when you’re looking for something special for a friend … or for yourself.

TIP: Wishbone has fantastic half-yearly sales, so keep an eye out in January and July.

Wishbone
601 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 242-5540

Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

UPDATE (May 2007): The Canvas Gallery is now closed.

Free live entertainment. Good food and drink. Artwork from some of the city’s best emerging artists. Sound good? Then get to this cafe/gallery, located across the street from Golden Gate Park.

The multi-functioning space features couches and tables on the left; artwork on the right. In the center of Canvas is a bar/food prep area that churns out all of the usual cafe fare … and more. During breakfast hours, you can’t go wrong with one of the fritattas, served with potatoes and toast. If you’re there for lunch or dinner, it may be tough to decide between the soups, salads, paninis, pizzas and pasta dishes. I tend to go with a salad — they are large enough to be a meal — and try to save room for dessert.

Not hungry? Sip on a sake cocktail while browsing the sculptures and paintings. Or order a hot cocoa to enjoy on the street-side patio. (The indoor seats are often snatched up by people with laptops who are taking advantage of the free wi-fi.)

Open mics and live music are typical evening entertainment here. On the last Thursday of every month, Canvas usually hosts a new art show opening. And Feria Urbana, an indoor market featuring mostly local designers, is a regular event. There always seems to be something happening here, so be sure to check the calendar on Canvas’ web site before you make the trip over.

Tip: There’s a free, but small, parking lot in the back. Enter on Lincoln between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

The Canvas Gallery
1200 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 504-0060

Famished Girl, Scene Girl | Email | Print | //

On a street that is home to more than its fair share of vintage clothing shops, Wasteland still manages to stand out for its decor, selection and service. Not only is it huge, but everything is well-organized so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. (The best of the best is hung up on the walls, so you’ll have to ask for help if you’re interested in any of those gems.)

Dyed hair, tattoos and piercings are not requirements for shopping here. And if you think a store like this, on a street like this, only carries leopard-print skirts and glittery go-go boots, you would be mistaken. Sure, you can probably find those items here on any given day. But you can also find a girly Betsey Johnson dress for an upcoming wedding, a fitted vintage leather blazer, or a pair of gently worn Fluevogs. There’s something in every era, in every style.

As with most vintage stores, the selection at Wasteland changes all the time. So if they don’t have any cowboy boots in your size today, you can always try again tomorrow.

Wasteland
1660 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 863-3150

Shop Girl, Thrifty Girl | Email | Print | //

The Citrus Club is the perfect destination when you’re running on an empty stomach, and a nearly-empty wallet.

This excellent noodle house — which offers dishes from a variety of Asian cuisines — has a casual and inviting Polynesian vibe. The restaurant’s portions and pricing make it a popular spot. So if there’s a wait for a table, order up a sake martini to help pass the time.

The service is friendly and efficient; the waitstaff is all smiles, and the food comes to the table quickly. I can never resist ordering a couple of appetizers — even though I know how generous the noodle portions are here. (I have yet to come close to finishing an entire bowl in one sitting.) The edamames are a must. They are covered in a garlicky sauce that is delicious, and I haven’t found it prepared like this anywhere else in the city. The classic Vietnamese shrimp rolls, served with a peanut dipping sauce, are a cool and refreshing starter.

Moving on to the main attractions: the noodles. I have a soft spot for the Citrus Club’s chicken noodle soup, listed on the menu as “The Ultimate Mommy Soup.” And it is indeed just like the one my mom used to make. It’s a hearty pho — chicken broth, chunks of meat and rice noodles — for only about six bucks. If soups aren’t your thing, wok-tossed noodles are available, too. My husband almost always orders the chow fun noodles, replacing the shrimp with extra veggies.

I don’t usually have room for dessert when I go to the Citrus Club, but I do prefer to end my meals with a little something sweet. Luckily, I even love the tamarind candies that the servers deliver to the table along with the check.

From start to finish, this is one of the best places in the neighborhood.

Citrus Club
1790 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 387-6366

Famished Girl, Thrifty Girl | Email | Print | //

With moderate prices, friendly service and excellent food, it’s no wonder Park Chow is packed every night. This is the quintessential neighborhood spot.

Tony Gulisano opened Chow in the Castro about eight years ago. The Sunset location — near the southern edge of Golden Gate Park — came along about a year later. Most of the food is California-Italian, with some Asian influences. The menu is best known (and loved) for its comfort foods. From burgers to pasta, seafood to wood-fired pizzas, there’s a dish here for any palate and any budget. (With the exception of the fish of the day, nothing is over $15.)

There are a plethora of beverages to choose from — including a good selection of beers on tap and inexpensive wines. Depending on the weather, I’m partial to the raspberry lemonade or the hot, spiced apple cider.

My usual Park Chow meal consists of: bruschetta, followed by noodles of some sort, and finally a slice of ginger cake served alongside pumpkin ice-cream. (Saving room for dessert means I still have a good portion of my entree left over for the next day!) My husband can’t resist the daily sandwich special. It comes with a green salad, soup or fries — all for under $10. A great deal.

The atmosphere here is just as warm and inviting as the food. The main dining room features a fireplace and beamed ceilings, while heat lamps keep things cozy on the upstairs deck and street-side patio.

TIP: Park Chow doesn’t accept reservations for groups less than eight, but you can call ahead and put your name on the waiting list.

Park Chow
1240 Ninth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-9912

Famished Girl, Thrifty Girl | Email | Print | //

Before there were step-aerobic classes and treadmills, there was Kezar Stadium. Originally built in the 1920s and once home to the San Francisco 49ers, it is now a popular spot for those who yearn for fresh air — and maybe the coolness of the fog — while they exercise.

After an overhaul in 1989, Kezar now boasts an all-weather track surrounding a football/soccer field, as well as capacity for 16,000 spectators.

The bleachers’ 35 steps offer a good cardio workout. And, after a couple of trips up and down the stairs, you can hit the quarter-mile track below. Run, walk, jog with the stroller … With eight lanes, you can go at your own pace without fear of hindering others.

The stadium is open to the public from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., seven days a week. (For post-sunset workouts, the lights are usually on.) Kezar does play host to quite a few events throughout the year, so call and check before you make plans to go.

Kezar Stadium
755 Stanyan Street (at Frederick)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 753-7181

Active Girl | Email | Print | //

Sure, you can go here for the latest clothing from hip-hop brands like Enyce, Baby Phat and Triple 5 Soul. Or maybe you need a new Yak Pak or Clive bag. But, for me, this place is all about the t-shirts.

The middle of the store is dominated by two multi-tiered tables holding a plethora of t-shirts — all with some sort of graphic on them. A good portion of the designs are part of True’s own line. So while everyone else is wearing the same Juicy tees, you can stand out in a True original. They’re good-quality and priced at around $24 each. (I’m still wearing the same ones I bought as far back as 1997, so I’m definitely getting my money’s worth out of them.)

Michael Brown, son of former mayor Willie, set up shop about ten years ago. Since then, True has expanded to three stores on the stretch of Haight between Masonic and Ashbury: men’s, women’s and shoes. In addition to clothing and bags, the women’s store stocks baby outfits — so even the tiniest hip-hop fans can wear the right gear.

TIP: True holds amazing sales where goods are deeply discounted (at least 50% off). Get there early or be prepared to stand in line for a while (only a limited number of people are allowed inside the store at a time).

True (women’s)
1427 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 626-2331

Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

I do not normally wear make-up. I do not own any concealer or foundation. I do not understand the need for lip glosses, plumpers, tints and whatever else is out on the market these days. Give me my trusty Chapstick and I’m good.

This is why, when I needed to be prettied-up for my wedding, I went straight to the experts at Benefit.

The staff at the Fillmore Street location was friendly, and seemed accustomed to dealing with make-up newbies. I explained to them my need to still look like myself on The Big Day — as opposed to a glamour shot of myself — and they suggested just a few goodies that would give me a little color yet keep me within my make-up comfort zone. There were no aggressive sales pitches. No snooty attitude.

Another perk of going to the boutique — instead of just a regular ol’ counter at the department store — is the eyebrow service offered. Yes, they’ll wax and pluck them to perfection. You can also get a facial here and full-body waxing is available.

The next time I need to get my fancy face on, you know where I’m going for good advice and helpful service. Plus, how could you not love a cosmetics company that has products with names like “Lyin’ Eyes” (eye concealer) and “Aruba in a Tuba” (self-tanner)?

Benefit (Pacific Heights)
2117 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-0242

Benefit (The Marina)
2219 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 567-1173

Pretty Girl | Email | Print | //

Five years after opening to rave reviews, Luna Park is still a Mission District hot spot. Sure, the bar — which is usually packed in the evenings — makes an excellent mojito. But it’s the friendly service and wonderful, well-priced food that has people (myself included) coming back again and again.

The menu is American comfort cuisine — with Italian, Asian and French influences. Luna Park’s signature starters are the ahi tuna poke served with fried wonton chips, and a goat-cheese fondue served with thinly sliced apples and grilled chunks of bread. (The latter is my favorite appetizer.)

Although entree-deliberation can be tough, my all-time favorite dish here is the breaded pork cutlet, stuffed with gruyere and mushrooms. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes, string beans and apple-cranberry sauce. Yum. (At $16.50, it’s at the high end of the menu.)

Be sure to save room for dessert, all of which are generous enough to share. And they’re as fun as they are delicious: s’mores that you create yourself, caramel apples that you dip in the sauce and roll in toasted almonds. If you’re not in the mood for a DIY dessert, try the seasonal fruit crisp or chocolate cake.

If you walk in without a dinner reservation, there will likely be a wait. Bide your time at the bar, where you can order up a “You’re a Pepper Too” — a cocktail that consists of an individual bottle of Dr. Pepper accompanied by Absolut Vanilla, organic vanilla syrup, and Dr. Pepper Jelly Bellys. You mix the potions to create your perfect drink.

TIP: Given its popularity, the restaurant can be a bit loud. If you plan to make a reservation, ask about the more secluded booths in the back.

Luna Park
694 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 553-8584

Famished Girl, Scene Girl | Email | Print | //

There is something so simple yet decadent about sitting at one of Tartine’s sidewalk tables on a sunny afternoon, sipping a hot chocolate and diving into a slice of banana cream pie. With a delicious pain au chocolat or gougere on your plate, you might feel like you’re back in Paris at your favorite patisserie.

Although small, it’s hard to miss this corner bakery: Just look for the crowd of people lined up for a morning pastry or loaf of bread (yes, on weekends, the line has been known to form well before the doors open). And there’s good reason to get in that line. In 2004, San Francisco Magazine named chef/owner Elizabeth Pruitt the best pasty chef in the city. And husband Chad Robertson, who is also a co-owner, is considered one of the world’s best breadmakers. With well-deserved accolades like these, you’ll find that there may not be a bad item on the menu.

As more of a sweet than savory person, the morning bun is my favorite here; the bread pudding is a close second. My husband is a fan of Tartine’s pressed sandwiches. He will happily brave the crowds and lines for one of their jambon royale and gruyere, made with their country bread. And you are guaranteed to win friends if you show up for a dinner party with one of Tartine’s chocolate souffle cakes.

All items here are made with high-quality ingredients — e.g., Niman Ranch meats, Strauss Farm Creamery, Scharffen Berger chocolate, and organic Mr. Espresso. If caffeinated beverages aren’t your thing, they also offer a selection of wines that complement the lunch fare.

The service here is polite and efficient. Given how busy it gets, they don’t have time for unnecessary chitchat.

Once you’ve got your order in, getting a table (inside or out) may actually be tougher than finding street parking in this neighborhood. But that just gives you even more reason to get your food to go and walk a block to Dolores Park. On a warm day in San Francisco, what could be better than an impromptu picnic?

Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, California
(415) 487-2600

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //