Local designer Sunhee Moon’s eponymous store carries such a good range of items, you could easily fill your closet with just her creations. There are casual tops, sweaters, stylish woven shirts that are perfect for work and after-work drinks, skirts, jeans, dresses… whatever your wardrobe needs, you can find right here. The boutique appeals to conservative dressers who prefer solids, as well as those who lean towards funky and bold patterns.

In addition to Sunhee’s designs — which are all made in the Mission District — a few other lines are also carried, such as comfy tees by Splendid. The staff is uber-friendly, and yes, you may actually catch Sunhee herself in the store. (Even if she’s not there, her dog probably is.) Don’t forget to check out the sale bin in the back, near the dressing rooms.

Sunhee Moon
3167 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 355-1800

1833 Fillmore Street, #101
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 928-1800

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Kate Logan has created a hip and stylish boutique that carries clothing and accessories that she loves. Hence the name: Ooma stands for “objects of my affection.”

On a recent visit, my favorite finds here included Sarah Shaw’s handbag hangers (pretty and functional!); the Angela Adams belts and handbags; Trina Turk’s vibrant tops; and cropped pants by birdie. Local designers — such as Paala and NolaBella — are also well-represented. And if you’re in the market for baby outfits, there’s even a good selection of those at Ooma. (By the way, the markdowns are in the back of the shop, next to the dressing rooms.)

North Beach is one of those neighborhoods that I love, but I admit, I don’t visit the area that often because the parking can be such a nightmare. But get this: If you park in the lot on Filbert and Columbus, with any Ooma purchase, your parking is validated. Does it get any better than that?

Ooma
1422 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 627-6963

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Looking for affordable designs from local artist? Have I got a store for you. But there’s a catch: You’ve got to get there quick — before it goes away.

Localpatron popped up this past holiday season and was slated to stay open through late January… then late March… and now it looks like it will be around until at least late May. The temporary shop’s mission is to showcase the work of Bay Area artists. You can find all sorts of original creations — including clothing (for women and men), jewelry, handbags, ceramics, greeting cards and paintings.

I love the silk dresses by Erin Mahoney and the coats by Pink Elf. For the bare walls in my house, I had my eye on some photographic artwork. Now that the storefront is open a little longer, a trip to Localpatron is definitely in my near future — and should be in yours.

Localpatron
593 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 255-8823

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It’s no secret that I love beignets. I have almost given up on finding local ones that are as heavenly as those that are served in New Orleans, but the sliver of hope that remains is what compels me to visit any restaurant that has beignets on the menu.

And that is how/why I ended up at the Magic Flute on a recent Saturday morning. The brunch offerings include cinnamon and sugar beignets, served with a tasty lemon curd and sweetened cream. The dish arrived at the table with three large beignets, each about the size of my palm. No, they weren’t light and airy or sprinkled with powdered sugar like the ones in The Big Easy, but they were still good.

My companions both ordered the Hunters Scramble — which is eggs, chicken-apple sausage, potatoes, sweet peppers, onions and fontina cheese topped with truffle oil and served with a side of salad. I sampled the dish and it was delicious. Also on the brunch menu are several other egg entrees, salads, sandwiches (I hear the lamb burger is a winner) and pastas.

While the food here is solid, there are two even better reasons to come here for brunch: the outdoor patio and the specialty cocktails. The patio is charming and, with the heat lamps, can be enjoyed year-round. As for the cocktails, I highly recommend the Fushia — a mix of champagne and cranberry juice. It’s a great way to kick off a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning.

Magic Flute
3673 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 922-1225

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