Sure, the Ferry Plaza is the place to satisfy your gourmet cravings. But sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good burger, some fries, maybe a salad. Nothing fancy.

Enter Taylor’s Refresher.

On a recent visit, I ordered the mini-corn dogs (which came with regular fries) and a side of sweet potato fries. The corn dogs were tasty, and of the two fries, the sweet variety — dusted with chili powder — gets my vote. (I would come back here again and again just for those sweet potato fries.) My husband went for the ahi burger — seared tuna with ginger wasabi mayo and Asian slaw on a toasted egg bun. Yum.

If the sun’s shining, be sure to take advantage of Taylor’s outdoor seating. Grab a root beer float or a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy. Just get there a little early to beat the usual lunch or dinner rush.

Note: The original Taylor’s started out as a hamburger drive-in on Main Street in St. Helena.

Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
One Ferry Building
Shop No. 6
San Francisco, CA 94105
(866) 328-3663

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With its dark blue-gray walls, black curtains, cool artwork and globe pendant lights, this is quite possibly the hippest pizza joint I have ever been to. Although I’ve heard some people gripe about the waitstaff’s attitude, during my recent visit, service was not a problem at all. But then again, neither was parking. So maybe my dining companions and I just showed up on a really good night!

The four of us were starving, so we kicked things off with an order of garlic bread — a wise choice. A loaf of sourdough arrived at our table, alongside a helping of butter and a whole, roasted garlic bulb. This is definitely the way to eat/make garlic bread. It was delicious.

But I know, I know, you’re wondering about the main attraction here, the pizza. If you like deep-dish, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I did not try any pizzas of that variety. (I realize that people rave about the deep-dish at Little Star, but it’s just too heavy for me.) We went with three thin-crust pizzas: the white pie (garlic olive oil, mozzarella, zucchini, fresh tomatoes, feta); the classic (sausage, mushrooms, onions, green bell peppers); and our own creation that included onions, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts and gorgonzola (crazy, right?). All three were so outstanding, we could not agree on which was the best. The cracker-thin crust was crispy and buttery. The toppings were fresh and high-quality. We were too full to order dessert, but the cheesecake came highly recommended.

The big downside of a meal at Little Star is that they are now a cash-only establishment. (There is an ATM at the front of the eatery.) Also, they don’t take reservations and this place can get very crowded. Luckily, you can order up a drink (Cherry Kool-Aid cocktail!) and select a few songs on the jukebox while you wait for a table.

Little Star Pizza
846 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 441-1118

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So you just moved into your new place. The bare walls and empty shelves are screaming for artwork. But sadly, your wallet is nearly empty after plunking down the security deposit. Luckily for you (and me), there’s the Artist-Xchange Gallery.

Whether you’ve got $20 or $200 to spend, this is the place to score affordable, original works by local artists. My favorites (and there was lots of competition) include any ceramic designs by Joanna Mendicino, and Niana Liu’s “I Live Here” series that depicts various San Francisco neighborhoods.

And if you’re worried that buying art has to be a snooty experience, the Artist-Xchange will dispel that myth. The staff is friendly and not the least bit intrusive. So you can take your time browsing for just the right piece for your mantle.

Artist-Xchange Gallery
3169 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415)-864-1490

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Z. Cioccolato calls itself “The Sweetest Spot in North Beach,” and once you’ve stepped inside, you’ll no doubt agree with that claim. There are barrels and barrels of candy, from old-school to fancy-schmancy. The fantastic selection includes licorice, caramels, Pop Rocks (yes!), saltwater taffy, gumdrops and truffles.

Although the store stocks over 300 different kinds of candy, the biggest draw here may be the fudge. On any given day, Z. Cioccolato offers about 37 flavors. My favorites are the Tiger Butter (chocolate and vanilla fudge with a layer of peanut butter) and the straight-up dark chocolate. The best part is, you can get free samples of the fudge.

So the next time you’re in North Beach and need a sugar fix, go directly to Z. Cioccolato. They’re even open until midnight on weekends.

Z. Cioccolato
474 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 395-9116

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