Raw fish aficionados can rejoice. With the opening last month of Ame, there’s a new upscale destination for dishes such as crudo, poke, tartare, poke and ceviche.

The fusion restaurant, located in the new St. Regis, is from the acclaimed husband-and-wife team of Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (who also own Terra in St. Helena). With its dark wood floors, white linen tablecloths, zebrawood walls, striped floor-to-ceiling drapery and beautiful paintings, the setting is stylish and sophisticated — with a menu to match.

On a recent visit, my husband and I started with the “tuna five” (which is, as the name implies, tuna prepared five ways) and the poke (chopped tuna wrapped up neatly in seaweed). Both were incredible. I was pleasantly surprised by the crunchiness of the poke (thanks to the lightly fried seaweed), and thought the tartare was the best of the tuna five presentations.

For our main courses, he ordered the restaurant’s signature dish of broiled Alaskan black cod served with shrimp dumplings in a broth that was bursting with flavor. I opted for the matelote eel and foie gras on matsutake risotto, which was exceptional. We closely guarded our respective plates, not wanting to share too much.

We were wise to save room for dessert. We split the Valrhona hot chocolate and churros, as well as the pear crisp with gingersnap ice cream. They were both so good, I can’t pick a favorite. (Hmmm … Okay, since the churros are fried, they probably get my vote.)

The entire meal, from start to finish, was a real culinary treat. And the service, from the hostess to the waitstaff, was friendly and attentive. We even lucked out and scored a free parking spot just outside the St. Regis’ doors. That’s extra money that can be put to good use — in the form of another ginger pomegranate cosmopolitan!

TIP: Wondering how to pronounce the name of the restaurant? It’s “ah-may,” and means either rain or hard candy in Japanese.

Ame (in the St. Regis Hotel)
689 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 284-4040

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Like millions of other kids, quite a few of my childhood vacations involved going to Disneyland. And there is one thing that always stood out in my mind from these trips: the churros. It was the first place I ever experienced the Mexican pastries, deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar. They did indeed help make Disneyland the happiest place on Earth for me.

Today, I still have a weakness for churros, but I also have a hard time finding really good ones. The ones at the ballpark? Too dry and cold (I always order them anyway and am disappointed every time). The ones at Taco Bell? Puh-lease. Then a couple of years ago, along came Tacubaya, which was opened by the people behind the popular (and more upscale) Dona Tomas Mexican restaurant in Oakland.

The made-to-order churros are only offered in the morning during the week, but you can have them any time during the weekends. I like to grab a helping of churros and a spicy hot chocolate, then seat myself outside for some great people-watching. But indoor seating is also available, and the taqueria’s menu is actually rather extensive. Huevos divorciados (”divorced eggs,” served with a green and a red sauce) is another popular breakfast dish, and I am a big fan of the fish tacos or sopa de tortilla for lunch. If you’ve got a craving for menudo, Tacubaya serves it on Saturdays and Sundays.

Since Disneyland isn’t very convenient to my house — and, let’s face it, I don’t think those churros were really ever that good (I was just a child!) — Tacubaya is the perfect destination when I need to satisfy a churros fix.

Tacubaya
1788 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 525-5160

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Every Sunday, Canada Road — from Highway 92 to Edgewood Road along the Crystal Springs Reservoir — is closed to motorized vehicles. Although the weekly closure is referred to as “Bicycle Sunday,” you don’t have to hop on a cruiser to enjoy the scenic car-free thoroughfare. There’s 3.8 miles of flat road that is wide enough to easily accommodate all levels of cyclists, hikers, roller-skaters, joggers, walkers and even strollers.

When you need a little break, stop in at the Pulgas Water Temple. You’ll find restrooms, drinking fountains and an unlikely sight: a Roman-styled temple with fluted columns. The monument celebrates the completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct that brings water 167 miles from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. Beside the 60-foot-tall temple is a rectangular reflection pool lined with elongated cypress trees.

It’s hard to believe this tranquil spot is just a short distance from the City.

Off-limits to cars: 9am-3pm November-March; 9am-4pm April-October.

To get there: From San Francisco, take Highway 280 south and exit at Edgewood Road (heading east). Park at the Park ‘n Ride lot and go back under the freeeway (a short distance) to Canada Road.

For more information: Bicycle Sunday.

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Growing up in the Bay Area, Union Square struck me as a place where only the rich could afford to shop. Afterall, it was home to the likes of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Gump’s. Today, these upscale department stores still stand. But alongside them, you can now find plenty of affordable shopping options (hooray!).

First came Forever21, then Spanish retailer Zara, and finally two H&M stores arrived in the Union Square area in November 2005. The Swedish brand — the Ikea of clothing boutiques — created quite a commotion its first few days. Shoppers lined up outside the store for hours, many hoping to snag one of H&M’s exclusive Stella McCartney designs.

I waited out the madness and made my first trip to the Powell Street H&M — the flagship West Coast store — nearly a month after its grand opening. It was crowded, but not unbearable. The 35,000-square-foot store stocks women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, cosmetics, lingerie and a teen line (called “Divided”); the Post Street location, just a few blocks away, offers a smaller selection of women’s merchandise.

While I find myself unable to wear H&M’s clothes (the sizes don’t work for me), I can appreciate the fact that they offer hip creations for even the most budget-conscious among us. Dressy trousers for $30, cozy cardigans for $35, lacy camisoles for $10 — you can’t beat the combination of style and price. And even though I strike out with their clothing, I can always find something in the accessories section.

Whether I’m willing to stand in a long line to buy it is another issue …

H&M
150 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 986-4215

H&M
150 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 986-0156

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I personally believe that it is never too cold for ice cream (at least not in the Bay Area), so even in the winter you can find me ordering up a scoop at this modern-day mom-and-pop ice-cream parlor.

Sketch is a true labor of love; co-owners Ruthie Planas and Eric Shelton — who met while working at Aqua — were married in the fall of 2005. (The tip jar is labelled their “honeymoon fund.”) The couple’s gelato-style ice cream is made with organic milk from the Strauss Creamery, in small batches that are slow-churned. Thanks to the lack of eggs and cream, the creations manage to be light and full of flavor.

While there are some favorites that are usually on the menu (burnt caramel ice cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, espresso granita), Sketch offers seasonal flavors, too; on a recent visit, pomegranate granita could be had. Frozen bananas and homemade cookies are also available. And, yes, you can assemble your own ice-cream sandwiches (try the oatmeal cranberry cookie for this!) — or have your scoop served on a crepe, brioche or waffle.

Although there is no indoor seating, there are outdoor tables and benches that are lined up perfectly for people-watching on busy Fourth Street. And if you happen to be one of those people who do think it can be too cold for ice cream, have yours served affogato-style (a scoop in hot chocolate), or warm up with a cup of spiced cider or Blue Bottle coffee.

Sketch Ice Cream
1809A Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94170
(510) 665-5650

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Ambiance is repeatedly voted one of the city’s best women’s boutiques, and it certainly deserves the accolades. Whatever you’re in the market for — a fancy dress, the latest “it” jeans, funky shoes, sparkly jewelry — you’re sure to find it in one of the Ambiance stores.

The two Union Street locations are next door to one another and have distinct vibes and merchandise: one is more upscale (carrying labels such as BCBG, Nanette Lepore and Betsey Johnson), while the other is more casual (Ben Sherman, Free People, Tulle). The shoe collection includes some of my favorite lines — including Kenzie (so comfortable!), Reaction by Kenneth Cole and Seychelles.

No matter which shop you step into, you’ll find great selection and service. And don’t miss the sale room adjacent to the higher-end shop!

Ambiance
1864 & 1858 Union Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 923-9797 & (415) 923-9796

Ambiance
1458 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 552-5095

Ambiance
3985 & 3989 24th Street
San Francisco, CA
(415) 647-7144 & (415) 647-5800

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Contrary to what its name implies, you do not have to be a gardener — or even have garden space of any sort — to appreciate this wonderful store.

Step inside and you’ll find an assortment of goods for your home, as well as your body (I love the Red Flower line of bath products). The beautiful wood tables — which are available for purchase — are topped with the coolest merchandise: dishes, vases, serving pieces, books (for kids and adults), teapots, candles, chirping birdies and way too many other wonderful things to describe in this space. My favorites include the colorful tile trivets (they’ll set you back about $30), the maps of Paris (under $10), and the Mariage Freres teas ($16 for a tin).

And what if you actually do garden? The Gardener does sell a few plants (succulents, potted flowers), gardening tools and outdoor furniture. Many of these items are featured in front of the store. Don’t miss the really cute doormats out there, too!

Yes, this is the type of store that is so good, it’s bad for your budget.

TIP: Can’t make it across the Bay Bridge? The Gardener has a small shop in the Ferry Building.

The Gardener
1836 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 548-4545

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A designer-friend of mine introduced me to this art supply store a couple of years ago, and I’ve been going out of my way to shop here ever since. (It helps that there’s a free parking lot once I do make the trip over.)

Although ARCH stocks a good selection of technical pens, parallel rulers, Spirolls and such, you don’t have to be a designer or architect to appreciate this place. There are plenty of things that the average person can covet: stylish organizational items for the office (such as binders and magazine holders); papers and envelopes; lovely bath and body products; letterpressed cards from the likes of Hello Lucky and Snow & Graham; and plenty of cute gift items. I’ve picked up vases, stuffed animals, books, wrapping paper, craft supplies and so many random knick-knacks at ARCH. I can never walk out of the store empty-handed!

The next time you’re on the hunt for gifts, be sure to add ARCH to your list of shopping destinations. On top of the exceptional variety of goods, you’re sure to receive helpful and friendly service, too.

ARCH
99 Missouri Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 433-2724

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