Travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer.
The first trip of the year: San Francisco!
Le hubs and I just returned from a mini weekend getaway to the Bay. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in sight (except for the omnipresent blanket of fog of course), we spent three glorious days shopping + eating + exploring + shooting our way through the city!
Here is a little cheat sheet of all the places we visited on this trip and some take-away tips to make your next trip to San Francisco fabulous, fun, and always inspired!
WHERE TO SHOP
Russian Hill – where all the designer items come for a rebirth! Notable shops:
Sui Generis – the most beautiful Hollywood Regency interior- love the brass fittings, the floral wallpaper, the styling, the design apparel, what I imagine heaven would look like!
Atys Contemporary Living Accessories– love all the imported goods, from Sweden, Japan, Italy, there’s so many amazing handmade items from this hidden gem!
Castro + Crossroads Trading– the largest one in the city, lots of amazing designer finds at a MAJOR discount. The men’s selection is especially noteworthy
WHAT TO EAT
Koi Palace – Canto Dim Sum in Daly City. On the way into the city if you’re flying into SFO. No reservations, there’s always a line so go right when they open to snag 1 out of 400 seats available. Must order XO sauce on the side (aka crack sauce) to eat with EVERYTHING. Also must eat: Sugar Egg Puff – the most delectable chinese donut ever.
LihoLiho Yacht Club + Louie’s Gen Gen Room
San Francisco’s newest hotspot and the TOP of every foodie’s list of recommendations! Think modern, upscale Asian fusion with Hawaiian/ Chinese influences. Must eat the sesame beef tongue buns, the pork jowl dinner plate, baked Hawaiian for dessert! Don’t forget to make it down to the basement for after dinner drinks at Louie’s Gen Gen Room!
Kin Khao – Michelin star Thai food in the Financial District. Modern, minimal, and upscale. Must eat: Khao Soi a northern style chicken curry broth with noodles, ngop pla mt. lassen trout, khao kan jin a pork + rice + blood sausage appetizer and of course papaya salad but theirs is legit!
Gary Danko– an institution in these parts. SF fine dining at its fanciful French best. Prix fix dinners for 2 will set you back about $300 so buyer beware! It really is worth every single penny though if you’re into French fare.
b. Patisserie – modern French style pastries set in an airy, Parisian-inspired tea salon featuring an open pastry kitchen so you can see all the confections they are cooking up for the day.
Must eat: Kouign Amann, get every flavor they have available. Like a flakey croissant meets monkey bread, divine!
Chinatown | R & G Lounge: Celebrated Cantonese food served in a casual downstairs basement (very gangsta) or the elegant upstairs banquet room.
Must eat: Claim-to-fame signature live crab with a light salt and pepper batter
Skool– A seafood centric Japanese gastropub with a focus on sustainability and artful presentation. Come for Sunday brunch but don’t forget to order their infamous squid-ink pasta, so delicate and refined, yet rich and hearty. Love a dish that leaves me wanting more!
Golden Boy– Perfect late night pizza parlor known for their clam + garlic toppings! Best after a night of drinking and debauchery, ask for it to be made extra crispy!
WHERE TO SHOOT
Tank Hill– rocky terrain makes this a bad idea for kids but great for couples, dogs, hiking, and spectacular photo ops. Fantastic view of the city (because Twin Peak is always congested with people) Don’t miss a back shot with the city skyline in full view from the only bench situated on top of this hill. Breathtaking!
Ferry Building – A gourmet food hall filled with artisan merchants, farmer’s market, delectable cuisine, in a historic and architecturally striking building at the foot of Market Street.
Palace of Fine Arts – Scenic. Iconic. Spacious. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in order to exhibit works of art presented there. One of only a few surviving structures from the Exposition, it is still situated on its original site. You can also book weddings, galas, private events, concerts here.
California Street + Powell Street: The best view of a distant Bay Bridge sandwiched between downtown skyscrapers on an undulating California St. Such a cool drive downhill when you start from the top and the perfect intersection for shooting street style.
SHOP THE LOOK
Poncho: Shein | Button Top: Shein | Jeans: Madewell | Coat: Shein | Sunnies: Quay | Bag: Chanel from Tradesy | Shoes: Free People (old, similar HERE)
Use code: Q1JULIEKHUU15 (Extra 15% off any SHEIN purchase valid until March 31, 2019)
Dolores Park– hipster haven located two blocks south of Mission Dolores with an incredible 270 degree view of the San Francisco skyline. The perfect spot to grab a panini at Tartine Bakery, cop a squat, and people watch until sunset. Golden Hour is especially magical!
WHERE TO STAY
Harbor Court Hotel – boutique hotel with urban sophistication and an edgy city vibe. Love the reception desk that looks like a vintage luggage trunk and a massive lobby that feels like a hip, modern cigar lounge. Perfect for staycations or a home away from home!
Instead of wondering when your next vacation will be, design a life you don’t need to escape from”
Now get out there and see what the world has to offer! My hope is that through this new YouTube series #JKvacays I will show you how to travel in style from a whole new designer’s perspective.
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