I have long admired Miette’s cakes and pastries. The European-style bakery, which started out a few years ago in a pink tent at the Berkeley Farmer’s Market, opened in the Ferry Building in 2004. But it wasn’t until recently that I allowed myself to get over just how beautiful the patisserie’s treats are, and actually indulge in eating them.

Miette — “little crumb” in French — is as much a delight for the eyes as it is for the belly. The cakes, many of which come in cupcake form, are delicious and fanciful. (The moist gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting is a favorite.) Petit fours are topped with delicate marzipan flowers. The Parisian macaroons, offered in a variety of flavors, remind me of the ones I had on my honeymoon. Bags of cookies (such as peanut butter and lavender shortbread) are displayed on the tables, while homemade caramels sit in glass vessels beside the register. The pound cakes and bite-size scones are perfect for afternoon tea. To further complete the picture of the perfect little bakery, pastel cake stands and vintage dessert wares line the shelves here.

Although you may be taken aback by some of the prices ($3 for a cupcake), keep in mind that many of the ingredients used are organic and most are from local producers (e.g., Scharffen Berger, Straus Family Creamery, Heirloom Organics). Plus, really, what price can you put on the thrill of diving into an old-fashioned chocolate cupcake that makes you feel like you’re a little girl all over again, playing dress up and having a tea party?

Miette Patisserie
One Ferry Building
Shop No. 10
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 837-0300

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I’m at that age when baby showers and housewarming parties have become common occurrences. When I need a gift to bring to these sort of celebrations, one of the first shops that comes to mind is Lavish.

Elizabeth Leu has created a gift and home boutique that is warm, inviting and chock-full of adorable finds. Step inside and you’ll find a mix of shabby chic antiques, handmade goods, luxurious bath and body products, sweet letterpress cards, and so much more.

Since opening in 2003, Lavish has showcased the work of many local artists. I covet the Rae Dunn ceramics and the Lotta Jansdotter textiles. (Her aprons and totes do tend to sell out, so snap ‘em up if you see any in stock!) In addition to a good selection of onesies and toddler tees, there’s adorable crib bedding by San Francisco-based Sprout. I’ve picked up a couple of great children’s books here, too — perfect for giving or keeping around my house for little visitors.

Although Lavish is a fantastic place to shop for gifts, it really is okay if your shopping bag includes an item or two just for yourself. Who could blame you for not being able to resist that Hable Construction bag?

Lavish
540 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 565-0540

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In an age when state-of-the-art multiplexes — with their 20+ screens and plush stadium seating — have become commonplace in every city, the Red Vic offers a much-welcome contrast. There is just one screen here, and it’s located in an auditorium that’s outfitted with red vinyl seats and old church pews.

The Red Vic is employee-owned and -operated, which means you can expect everyone working at the theater to be friendly and — of course — a big movie buff. Independent releases and contemporary cult hits, as well as second-run and classic films, are featured here.

A trip to the snack bar is a must: There’s a good selection of organic and sweet treats. In addition to salt and parmesan, brewer’s yeast is available as a popcorn topping. The popcorn is served in a wooden bowl — no paper buckets here — while the beverages come in plastic tumblers. It almost feels like you’re watching the movie in the comfort of your own living room … Except there are a few more people in the audience (the theater seats 150), and you don’t have to clean up afterwards.

TIP: Tickets go on sale 20 minutes prior to a show. But, if it’s a popular film, you can expect long lines; it might be a good idea to get to the theater a little early.

Red Vic Movie House
1727 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 668-3994

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When a trip to Paris just doesn’t fit into your calendar or your budget, a visit to Bay Bread Boulangerie may be the next best thing.

The moment you walk in, you’ll be tempted by the various country breads and baguettes behind the counter — all baked fresh throughout the day. The cannelles, croissants, macaroons and madeleines are favorites here. I almost always order a pain au chocolat, which is filled with Scharffen Berger bittersweet and is considered one of the best in the city. And I can’t resist grabbing a bag of mini-palmier cookies for later — souvenirs of my faux trip to Paris.

TIP: Can’t make it to any of Bay Bread’s three locations? They deliver! Visit the web site to order online.

Bay Bread Boulangerie
2325 Pine Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 440-0356

Bay Bread Boulangerie
2310 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 345-1107

Bay Bread Boulangerie
1000 Cole Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 242-2442

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I love this place, but not exactly for its fries. I am a bigger fan of the dipping sauces that come with the fries. I don’t mind that the sauces aren’t authentic (I don’t recall seeing curry ketchup or strawberry mustard in Belgium). And maybe the fries aren’t the best in town (I prefer mine super-crispy). But when the Belgian-style fries are paired with a chipotle remoulade or roasted pepper mayo, the combination is divine.

Frjtz is a hip yet cozy place to meet up with friends or do some reading — unless it’s a Friday night, when a DJ spins in the restaurant and it’s more of a party scene. On a chilly afternoon, you can curl up with a large cone of fries and a hot chocolate while taking in the kitschy decor and the artwork on the walls. My favorite spot inside is the window seat that’s outfitted with lots of cushions for comfort and looks out on to Hayes Street for prime people-watching. When it’s sunny out, consider ordering the fries with a Chimay and heading to the patio in the back — a urban refuge that, with heat lamps, can actually be enjoyed year-round.

If you’re looking for a bit more sustenance, big salads, sandwiches and savory crepes are also on the menu. Although these are fine options, I’m usually happy with just a drink, fries and a sweet crepe. The Magritta (Nutella, bananas, whipped cream) and the Claudel (caramelized apples, cinnamon, almonds, whipped cream) are my top choices.

After a day of shopping the many boutiques in Hayes Valley, Frjtz is a great spot to pop in and re-fuel.

Frjtz
579 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 864-7654

Frjtz
900 Northpoint
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 928-3886

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I love places that serve multiple functions. For example, laundromats that are also cafes. Shoe stores that moonlight as cocktail lounges. Or, in the case of Azalea, a hip boutique that’s also a nail salon.

The majority of the shop is devoted to men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. In addition to its own private label, Azalea stocks an eclectic mix of local and big-name designers. Pick up a comfy sweater by Tart or a flirty Milly dress. If you’ve got a few hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket, check out the beautiful Bylu necklaces.

Like most good boutiques these days, you’ll also find all of the hottest denim brands here — including Habitual, True Religion, Earnest Sewn, Seven and Paige. And you know what would look cute with your new jeans? A pair of 8ight2wenty shoes; they’re like a funkier version of your ol’ Converse.

When you’re done checking out the clothing racks, step into the back corner of the store and you’ll find the Z Beauty Lounge. It’s a little urban oasis — where you can treat your feet to a warm soaking, or pretty up your nails with a fresh manicure.

I’ve always been a big believer in multi-tasking, and Azalea lets me do just that: I can shop AND get in a little pampering — all conveniently under one roof.

Azalea
411 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 861-9888

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Serving up sophisticated takes on traditional comfort foods, Sauce manages to be both hip and homey at the same time. You can have a perfectly good time just hanging out in the bar, ordering a few delicious cocktails and appetizers (mmm … crispy, crab wontons). Or, you can head into the dining room and go three rounds with a full-on meal.

I recently did the latter: I started with the tomato bisque, followed with the meatloaf, and wrapped things up with the PB&J and doughnut desserts. (I couldn’t decide between the two.) The soup was served with white-truffle grilled cheese that was buttery and perfectly crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside. The meatloaf was wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon and, really, what doesn’t taste good when wrapped in bacon? I had to go easy on the entree — which came with mashed potatoes and green beans — because I knew the main attraction of the evening was going to be the desserts.

The desserts here are worth every single calorie. The PB&J is a seared sponge cake that’s spread with strawberry preserves and Frangelico-infused peanut butter. Vanilla ice-cream is sandwiched between. (No, this is not your mom’s PB&J. It’s 10x better!) The cinnamon-sugar doughnuts, which arrived at the table piping hot, are served with a vanilla-bourbon dipping sauce. The combination is addictive.

While San Francisco magazine’s readers voted it one of the best new restaurants in 2004-2005, Sauce also garnered best-bartender honors (thanks to Trip Hosley’s fine work). So whether you’re looking to get “sauced” (I couldn’t resist!) or need a good pre-symphony/opera dinner, stop in and make yourself comfortable here. With its warm and cozy interior, super-friendly staff and fantastic menu, this could easily become your new neighborhood spot.

Sauce
131 Gough Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 252-1369

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Okay, let me be clear about something: I am not a big fan of pizza. But my husband is. And I love Italian eatery Delfina. So when I heard that Chefs Anne and Craig Stoller were opening a pizza place next door to their Tuscan-inspired trattoria, I figured I’d give it a try. It’s definitely a good thing that I did.

Since Pizzeria Delfina does not accept reservations, we arrived for an early dinner on a Saturday night. We’re talking early-bird special early, yet there was still a short wait. (I recommend using any wait time to grab a coffee from Tartine Bakery, located just a few doors down.) The pizzeria’s interior is small and seats about 24; the stools at the counter are ideal for watching the dough being tossed. Out on the street, there are a handful of tables — wisely situated beneath heat lamps.

We started our dinner with two appetizers. The first featured fresh figs and pecorino cheese. The second was a serving of heirloom tomatoes with black olive vinaigrette, red onion and a goat cheese crostino. Both plates were licked cleaned.

Okay, so what about the pizzas? The menu features six Neapolitan-inspired pies, as well as two daily specials. On the night we went, we opted for one of the usual menu offerings: the Salsiccia, which is house-stretched mozzarella topped with fennel sausage, tomato, bell peppers and onions; and the daily special that was topped with fontina cheese and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. The 13″ pizzas boasted a wonderful thin and crunchy crust. The waiter brought us a small plate with red pepper flakes, dried oregano and grated parmesan — in case we wanted to sprinkle any on the pizzas. We didn’t. The flavors on both of the pizzas was wonderful, and it’s obvious only the freshest ingredients are used here. Again, there was nothing left on the plates when we were done. (My husband was a little disappointed that he wouldn’t have any leftovers.)

Since pizza is the focus here, I didn’t expect much from the desserts. But they were fantastic. They change frequently, and on our visit, we enjoyed a hazelnut-chocolate torte and a blackberry-plum crostata. The waiter was kind enough to bring us a cannoli to sample as well. All were delicious, and a perfect ending to a superb meal.

While I still don’t have a passion for pizza, I must admit that I can see myself making many repeat trips to Pizzeria Delfina. It’s a little pricier than your average neighborhood pizza joint, but the high quality of the food and the friendly service make it worth the few extra bucks … and worth the extra time you’ll probably spend searching for parking in this popular area.

Pizzeria Delfina
3611 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 437-6800

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