The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Bay Area
Tea Tasting, Museums, and Parks
My roommate and I were blessed with sunshine on Sunday. We rode the cable cars to North Beach, and I finally saw the Golden Gate Bridge! To celebrate, we went tea tasting in Chinatown. The gregarious shopkeeper was happy to teach us his craft.
The next day, my roommate and I met our friends for a morning soak at Onsen and ate lunch at Marugame. Although I was initially deterred by the long line at Marugame, the homemade udon noodles were worth it!
We walked off the calories by visiting the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Classic art, modern art, media art, paintings, and sculptures; there is something for everyone at the de Young. That evening, we watched a friend’s theater performance at The Flight Deck and retired to The Hatch for congratulatory drinks.
Cat Town
Our last day began with ordering lattes at Snow White Coffee and strolling down Piedmont Avenue. We stopped by La Farine Bakery and ogled their legendary olive bread. I decided that my money was better spent on books than carbohydrates, so we headed to the Owl and Company Bookshop. They offer vintage and antiquarian books on all subjects.
Next on my list was Oaktown Spice Shop. Oaktown is my Disneyland; I enjoy cooking and using mindfully sourced ingredients. Having worked up our appetites, my roommate and I devoured Dosa by Dosa’s tandoori lamb kebabs, Chennai fried chicken, and potato-stuffed naan. We rounded out the afternoon by grabbing a beer at Drake’s Dealership and playing with rescue cats at Cat Town. Adult beverages and adoptable kitties, what’s not to love?
San Francisco and Oakland, you successfully redeemed my faith in your wonders. Now, I cannot wait to return!
