Sure, the next time you have out-of-town visitors, you could take them to Alcatraz or Fisherman’s Wharf or Coit Tower. Or, you could head across the Bay Bridge and enjoy a tour of the Scharffen Berger factory. Just a few good reasons to go: It’s free, you get to sample some awesome chocolate, and the weather’s usually better in Berkeley than in the City.

The hour-long tour kicks off in the factory gift shop, then proceeds to a small room just outside the manufacturing area. This is where the sampling, learning and question-asking happens. Next up is the actual tour, which is rather short and allows you a peek at the big machines used in the chocolate-making process. (Bring a camera so you can take a picture of your friends wearing the lovely hair nets that are required in the factory.)

When you’re done with your tour, you’ll no doubt be in a chocolate-eating mood. So load up on goodies in the gift shop, or stop in at Cafe Cacao. I’d gladly pay a $3 bridge toll just for their banana and chocolate pancakes!

Scharffen Berger
914 Heinz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 981-4066

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Tired of wasting time flipping through the shelves and racks for your size? Can’t stand the fact that the one pair of jeans in your size is always the one pair that’s just out of your reach? The Blues Jean Bar feels your pain and offers a remedy: Browse the store’s denim bar, pick the pairs that strike your fancy, and just ask the “jean bartender” for your size.

Not only does The Blues Jean Bar make the shopping experience hassle-free for you, they offer dozens of labels and styles. You’ll find the latest from True Religion, Paige, Sacred Blue, Antik Denim, Earnest Sewn, AG, Hudson and more.

Once you’re done browsing the extensive denim selection, head upstairs to check out clothing from the likes of Penguin, Porridge and Alice & Trixie. Jewelry, handbags and flip-flops are also carried here.

The next time you’re having trouble finding the perfect pair of jeans, be sure to belly up to The Blues Jean Bar.

The Blues Jean Bar
1827 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-4280

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Citizen Cake is what I consider a catch-all eatery: It’s great whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, a light snack, or just a little treat for later.

Although I’ve enjoyed pre-theatre dinners here (the menu is California-inspired), Citizen Cake may be best appreciated in the mornings. During the week, you can order a drink and a pastry and then settle into a seat by the window — read the newspaper or people-watch. (Yes, cupcakes are perfectly acceptable for breakfast.)

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the restaurant can get quite busy, but if you manage to get a table or counter seat, you’re in for a delicious brunch. Being the donut fan that I am, I can’t resist the donuts with sugar glaze and housemade jam. The Dutch baby souffle pancake is another favorite of mine. For a twist on a classic, try the French toast served with cocoa nib-banana butter and maple syrup. If I’m in a savory mood and lunch is also being served, the croque truffe — truffled mushrooms and Gruyere on sourdough levain — is my go-to.

When there’s no time to sit down, the counters on the left side of restaurant provide some unbelievable take-out options. Cakes. Cookies. Pastries. Ice Creams. Breads. If it’s chilly out, grab a cup of hot chocolate or hot cocoa — yes, there is actually a difference! The hot chocolate ($5) is made with more spices and isn’t as sweet as the hot cocoa ($3.50). Either is a great way to start the day.

TIP: If you’re downtown and need a dose of sugar, stop by Citizen Cupcake — on the third floor of the Virgin Megastore at Stockton and Market Streets.

Citizen Cake
399 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94012
(415) 861-2228

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True or false: Deep in the suburbs of San Francisco, you’ll find the largest collection of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris.

True! Just a short drive down the Peninsula will take you to the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts — which offers 24 galleries, a sculpture garden and even an excellent museum cafe.

The Auguste Rodin collection, housed indoors and out, offers a glimpse of the French sculptor’s work throughout his life. All of the biggies are here: The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, The Three Shades, The Kiss and about 180 other pieces.

After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the musem — formerly known as the Stanford Museum — closed for an extensive renovation. Ten years later, it re-emerged as the Cantor Center. Now totaling about 120,000 square feet, even if you’re not a Rodin fan, there’s still plenty to see.

The Cantor Center is one of the most comprehensive and diverse art collections in the Bay Area. In one gallery you’ll find treasures from the Ming Dynasty. In the next, African masks and carved figurines. Keep wandering and you’ll stumble upon paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe as well as sculptures by Willem de Kooning.

When you’re ready for a break, stop in at the Cool Cafe — where most of the ingredients are organic. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, plus there are a couple of picnic tables on the lawn.

Oh, and did I mention that the museum is free? And there’s plenty of parking on the weekends? Suddenly, a trip to the suburbs sounds downright appealing.

Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts
328 Lomita Drive and Museum Way (off Palm Drive)
Stanford, CA 94305-5060
(650) 723-4177

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With a menu that includes meatloaf, duck confit and macaroni and drunken Spanish goat cheese, The Blue Plate succeeds at being both comfortable and sophisticated. After six years, this cozy spot is still packing them in every night.

A dinner here starts off just right with the complimentary rosemary focaccia — brought to the table straight from the oven, piping-hot. On a recent visit, the appetizers ordered at my table included the grilled hearts of romaine, veal sweetbread piccata and coriander crusted lamb. There wasn’t a bite left on any of the plates. (And yes, we did ask for a second helping of the delicious focaccia.)

For the main course, the meatloaf hits the spot if you’ve got a comfort-foods craving; while the Niman Ranch pork osso buco is another highlight of the menu. The grit cakes that accompany the pork are perfectly crisp on the outside, with bits of tasso (cured pork) added in for a nice flavor.

Although my first two courses here were excellent, my favorite part of the evening was the dessert: apple fritters served with honey ice cream. These fritters are not like the ones you get at the 24-hour donut/Chinese food/burger joint down the street from you. The Blue Plate’s version — served hot — consists of apple slices, dipped in batter, deep-fried and coated with sugar and cinnamon. What’s not to love?

The next time you’re in the mood for solid, American fare, step up to The Blue Plate. Just be sure to make a reservation, or you may be stuck waiting outside for a while.

TIP: The restaurant is comprised of several dining rooms. Ask for the front if you want to watch the action in the kitchen. If the weather isn’t bad, definitely go for a table in the garden.

The Blue Plate
3218 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-6777

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I am especially fond of boutiques like Mingle Shop that showcase the works of local, independent designers. They’re a win-win: By shopping here, I’m supporting emerging local artists *and* I’m also taking home pieces that I know I won’t see on 1 out of 10 people on the street. (Ever found yourself in a social situation, standing face-to-face with another girl wearing the exact same coat or top as you? Awkward.)

Just a few of the store’s highlights include: dresses and tops by Erin Mahoney, lace-trimmed lingerie by Porcelynne, tees by Addy Boy, and jewelry by Blue Wild Indigo. At the register, be sure to check out the hand screen-printed cards by Berkeley-based Good On Paper.

Since many of the items at Mingle are one-of-a-kind or limited edition, if you see something you like, snap it up quickly. It probably won’t be there on a return visit. And, yes, this place is such a gem, there will be many return visits. Merchandise is added on a weekly basis, so there’s always something new — and different — for your closet.

Mingle Shop
1815 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 674-8811

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I am proof that getting married and owning a house does not make one domestic. For starters, I can’t cook. None of my mother’s culinary genes were passed on to me. But, thankfully, there is Boulette’s Larder.

Former Stars chef-owners Amaryll Schwertner and Lori Regis opened up shop in late 2004, naming their business after the Hungarian sheep dog that can often be found hanging out beneath the big, communal dining table. (Boulette is French for “little meatball” and a larder is a storeroom.) Although Boulette’s Larder serves breakfast and lunch, it’s the prepared meals — made with local produce and organic ingredients — that have made a repeat customer out of me. I get to eat well in the comfort of my own home, without much effort or skill involved. A little heating on the stove or in the oven is all it takes.

The take-home menu is seasonal, but typical offerings include braised short ribs, Hungarian pork-stuffed cabbage rolls and Moroccan lamb shank. Soups (mmm … butternut squash), salads, side dishes and desserts are also available.

For those who actually can and like to cook, Boulette’s Larder carries ingredients for whipping up your own fabulous dishes. You can purchase stocks, rillettes, doughs, bread and cake mixes, out-of-the-ordinary spices (including 11 varieties of salt!) and prepped organic vegetables. It’s like the pantry of your gourmet dreams.

All of this wholesome goodness does come at a somewhat steep price. But the way I see it, I’d easily spend more on a dinner if I went out to eat and, chances are, the quality of the food and the preparation wouldn’t be as high. The mise en place approach — having all the ingredients for a dish prepared and ready to combine up to the point of cooking — saves me time and plenty of inevitable frustration in the kitchen. And that alone is worth the money.

TIP: Piping-hot beignets are only available on Sundays. Grab a batch and enjoy them with a rich, European-style hot chocolate.

Boulette’s Larder
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 399-1155

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When Annie’s closed up shop last year, local fashion hounds lost one of the great resources for all things chic. But then along came Elisa Wen, which opened in the former Annie’s space, and all was well again. The new boutique — a pretty, open and inviting space — seems to carry all that is hip and good these days.

Browse the racks and you’ll come across designer labels such as Catherine Malandrino, Rebecca Taylor, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, Miguelina, D&G and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. On the more casual tip, there’s a good selection of basic tops by Splendid, Michael Stars and Susanna Monaco.

And what goes perfectly with a simple tee or a flirty chiffon top? A pair of True Religion, Salt Works or Hudson jeans — all of which are also available here.

If accessories are on your shopping list, check out the Fornarina and Delman shoes. Bahay Bags and Gusto handbags will complete your rockin’ new ensemble.

Elisa Wen
2512 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-9700

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