Hopefully, the cold and rain are behind us now … at least for a little while. Not that bad weather would stop me from dropping in for a couple of scoops at Bi-Rite Creamery & Bakeshop.

Brought to you by the folks behind the popular Bi-Rite Market (just across the street), the creamery specializes in small-batch, artisanal ice creams, sorbets and baked goods. In addition to a cone (or bowl), you can order up an ice-cream sandwich (mmmm … ginger snap cookies with pumpkin ice cream), sundaes, popsicles, banana splits, brownies, ice-cream pies and cakes, cookies and even cupcakes.

With flavors like Double Ginger, Chai-Spiced Milk Chocolate and Honey Lavender, there simply is no substitute for this place when an ice-cream craving hits you. My favorites: Roasted Banana and Salted Caramel. Since Bi-Rite uses seasonal ingredients, the menu does change — but don’t worry, it’ll never disappoint.

Tip: The creamery is closed on Wednesdays.

Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 626-5600

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On a rainy or blustery day — as we had this weekend — there are few things that can beat a delicious, steaming bowl of udon noodles from O Chame. I have ordered udon from dozens of restaurant menus, in the Bay Area and in Japan, and as far as I’m concerned, this is as good as it gets.

From the moment I walked into O Chame for a recent lunch stop, I felt relaxed. The warm terra cotta walls and dimly lit dining room has a peaceful vibe to it. There’s a large communal table at the entrance, as well as booths and several smaller tables; in total, about 40 seats.

While there are quite a few good starters to choose from (I love the tuna sashimi), you may want to save your appetite for the udon — which is really the main attraction here. I can’t resist the version with smoked trout, mustard greens and enoki mushrooms. The pork tenderloin is also fantastic. (You can replace the silky udon noodles with soba, but I wouldn’t.)

Service is friendly and efficient — which was perfect for my visit, as I had to get back on Interstate 80 and continue my drive home. But my meal at O Chame proved good for my belly as well as my soul.

O Chame
1830 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA
(510) 841-8783

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After repeated trips to Iran, husband and wife team Melina and Dodd Raissnia developed an interest in hand-made felt rugs. In 2005, they opened a rug shop in San Francisco — offering modern yet organic designs. The name? It’s rooted in the couple’s previous work, which involved making peace flags.

Any of Peace Industry’s designs can be custom made with the colors of your choosing, and the size that fits your needs. At $35-45 per square foot, the rugs can add up to a bit of an investment. But the store has a fantastic policy that allows customers to take a rug home on loan for a few days. Try it out, make sure you like it before you commit to buying it.

Oh, and chances are good that after you feel the felt under your feet, you won’t just like it — you’ll love it.

Peace Industry
535 Octavia Boulevard
San Francisco, CA
(415) 255-9940

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