Advice you can taste. Adventure you can feel.

Instant SF Local Part Two: Good Eats

Part two was going to be about lifestyle, dining and coffee, but dining kinda took the cake.  So part two is all about dining, and lifestyle and coffee are just going to have to wait.

As you probably have noticed though past Weotta blog posts, like Food Glorious Food, SF is foodie haven. So if you are going to be a local you are going to have to release your inner foodie!

Here are some of our favorite local eateries to get you started…

Pizzeria Delfina is a great place for a quick date or casual dinner with a few friends. They have two small locations, always fresh unique pizza’s, lots of quality ingredients, and great seasonal specials. They are pretty much packed every night of the week with a line out the door on the weekends, but the line moves fast and the service is usually pretty snappy. If they are featuring any pizza with a lightly cooked egg on top, like the one in this photo to the right, you must get it. Read more about their pizzas at Eating-sf.com.

Universal Café is quintessential local San Franciscan dining.  It can be

Eggs can look this good

summed up as great value, super flavors, friendly service, oh so fresh, and as local as can be. They have an ever changing menu, great portions, and fantastic fries.  It is the perfect setting for a casual time with friends, a leisurely business lunch, or a relaxing relatively inexpensive date. But where many folks will say they shine is Brunch. Their brunch is one of the best in SF and deserves a post to its self, so checkout nosaladasameal.com to read all about it.

Nopa has to be one of the most packed and lively restaurants in SF. It is a big, open concrete space that just feels social. It is usually quite noisy and rarely do people mingle, but the people watching is always fun. They have a fantastic long bar that draws the room together. Yes it is hard to get a seat at the bar. This is probably because, as we have said before, they have some of the best bartenders in the city, making some of the best drinks in the city…  try their pisco sour with a raw egg in it.
Oh ya, Nopa has good food too and they serve until midnight most nights.  The best way to describe their food is rustic SF style dining.  It is similar to Universal Cafe, just a little more expensive and perhaps a little more produced.  Their menu changes from time-to-time and their starters are always interesting, making it a fun place to order a few dishes with a good friend and taste, taste, taste.

Okoze Sushi is hands down one of the best Japanese restaurants in SF… just ask my buddy Disco who thinks it is the best restaurant in the city period.  They have some of the freshest fish around, greatest sushi chefs in the city, and friendly service to boot. They are consistently a good dining experience any night of the week, even Sundays. Okoze is a great place to take a group of up to 6 people and share lots of rolls and small plates. Better yet, go to Okoze on a date or with one friend, sit at the sushi bar, and focus on their fresh fish… if you want to have a unique sushi dining experience ask for DJ and tell him, “Grant sent me I am in your hands.”

Yes we have many more favorites to share with you, but these four are a good start to get you dining like a local. We will cover many more in posts to come, and if you need some more suggestions right now check out curious Eater SF. And if you want some great places for a quick nosh checkout  City Mama.

Oh ya, one more dining tip for ya. These days some of our top chefs have been taking their food to the streets through gourmet food carts… checkout Edopeno’s great list of many of the best.

Got any favorites of your own to add?

Become an Instant SF Local Part 1

It is a no-brainer that San Francisco is a fantastic place to live… yes it is expensive and yes we have earthquakes, but both are small prices to pay to be in one of the most amazing cities in the country.  It is a hard fact that we have some of the best restaurants, quality of life, scenery, and of course, weather, in the country.  It’s no wonder that everyday, people from around the world are moving here to SF.  So to help newcomers adapt to life in SF we have put together the Weotta Instant San Francisco Local List. It is a list of how to blend into SF and some local hangouts/restaurants, with a few links to some other helpful blogs…. Locals, you can probably benefit from it too :

Enjoy…

The Weotta Instant SF Local List Part 1
Do the following and you too will be a local

First of all, San Francisco is…
SF or San Francisco… never San Fran or Frisco… out-of-towners call it that so if you want to be a local, never say it.

Attitude
SF isn’t nearly as urban and fast-paced as New York or Chicago. This may be because of the geography and layout of the city, or the fact that marijuana is basically legal here, but I like to think it is because of the people. In general San Franciscans are some of the most easy-going city-dwelling people in the country…. they are smiley, friendly, in shape, smart, out of the box thinkers… they care about their quality of life and giving back to the community around them… I mean come on, where else in the country do you have a group like A Good Idea whose main focus is random acts of kindness? So, in SF you should…

1. Put a smile on your face and say hi to passerby’s
2. Be creative and enjoy what you do for a living
3. Play just as hard as you work
4. Always take time to smell the roses
5. Give back to your community

Dress
Few guys in SF wear a suit and tie on a daily basis and few ladies dress in formal business attire unless they are in finance… that is a different story.  In fact, many people at the younger tech companies get away with a tee-shirt and jeans. In the evening jeans are usually fine at most venues even for ladies, although there are those restaurants like Gary Danko and Spruce where you may want to turn it up a notch.  No matter what you wear in SF it is important to be original and have your own style… check out thesfstyle.com for lots of helpful tips on how you can get creative.

We have a Neighborhood for everyone…

• Kids and babies, you got Noe Valley and Cole Valley
• Young and hip, you got the inner mission
• Young and preppy, you got the marina
• A little older but still living the single life, you got Polk street and the Russian hill area.
• Ritzy and settled, you have Pacific heights
• A little down to earth with a touch of green, you got the Pan Handle and Upper Haight
• A little cheaper and isolated, you have the Richmond/Sunset
• Young professional, you have Soma/hayes valley
• And the list goes on, but you get the idea…

Ok, there is part 1… stay tuned for part2: lifestyle, food and coffee. And if you want some reading in the meantime check out Underthesheets-shhh’s list of top ten reasons you’ve been in SF too long, which is probably a good problem to have : )

UPDATE: Part 2 is up

Party Going 101

After our three part series on how to throw a great party we have been getting a lot of requests for advice on how to be a great party guest.  So here you go…

SELECTING YOUR AFFAIR
Let’s just say you are invited to 5 parties this weekend.  Which should you attend?
-Which sounds the most fun?  Life is short, weotta enjoy every minute.
-Are you special?  Three ways to see if this is true…

1. Did the host invite all their facebook friends?
2. Did the host send you a personal invite?
3. Is the total guest list is under 30 people?

-How much do you like the host(s) and have you enjoyed their parties in the past?

WHAT TO BRING
If a person says, “really, no need to bring anything” you can translate it as, “I really like you and if you bring something I am not going to turn you down, but I will not be upset if you don’t.” In other words, always bring something, whether it is a bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates or a small house gift… it is just the right thing to do.

When figuring out what to bring keep these three things in mind…

1. The kind of affair it is (classy, casual, funky, themed…)
2. The host’s taste–if you know the host loves good champagne then pick up a bottle or two.
3. If you bring alcohol make sure it is something you would enjoy.  This is a good way to make sure there will be something at the party you will for sure drink.

Note: If you are bringing other people always ask the host first and make sure to contribute accordingly and/or make sure the friends you invite know they should bring something as well.

ATTENDING
Always greet your host with a hug even if your host is a man. Guys, if you don’t know how to give a good man hug here is a nice instructional video from video jug. MAN HUG

Make conversation. You know, small talk… fun talk… the kind of talk that builds a new friendship, creates a new connection, and makes meeting new people interesting. Very important… never, never, never start a conversation by asking what a person does, even if you are at a work-related party… it just really gets things going in the wrong direction. Think about it… it basically is the shallowest of shallow things to do.  There is so much more to a person than what they do for a living, and if you connect with a person it will just come up naturally.

Talk to everyone. Parties are about mingling and meeting new people so don’t just stick to the crew you came with or corner that one cutie that strikes your fancy. If there is someone there you are into, make eye contact, approach, exchange a few laughs, and keep mingling.  In other words, make him or her want YOU… you can bet if there is interest there will be a second rendezvous later in the evening. I know this sounds hard, but it works… trust me.

So there are the basics… Weotta have a classy affair

Get Your Fab Summer Style On

Summer fashion in San Francisco may seem like a lost cause. After all, there’s a reason “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” is uttered endlessly by city dwellers throughout July and August.

However, I’m writing this piece in rebellion against the notion that summer fashion in our beloved city by the bay simply means dusting off your winter wardrobe! Why shouldn’t we experience the joy of shopping for a new season along with women in warmer climates?

I’m here to tell you that we can because of one spectacular word – cardigan. It actually may be the most essential piece of San Francisco summer style and should probably have an article unto itself. But, in this piece the cardigan is going to play a supporting role (and I promise to toast it the next time I find myself with a glass of wine in hand!) So, here are my picks for the six items that San Francisco women should be wearing underneath or along with their precious cardigans this summer:

The Maxi Dress: Three words: easy, comfortable, stylish. The breezy maxi dress is this summer’s essential “throw-it-on-and-go while looking fabulous” piece. An effortlessly packable garment (all hail the invention of matte jersey!), this envy-inspiring silhouette is perfect for a weekend get-away. And for those of us who’ve survived a summer in San Francisco, you probably already have a plethora of trips on the calendar – bon voyage!

A Printed Top: The epitome of glam boho. The airy printed top is the intersection where earthy vintage meets carefree chic. Pick your poison – whether you choose an ultra-feminine lush floral print or a flirty one-shoulder style, you’re guaranteed to be sporting a perfect summer day look.

Ladies, is there a better way to show off your legs?

Denim Shorts: Who wears short shorts? That’s right, they’re back! Actually, denim shorts in general are scorching hot this summer. So, if you’re faint at the thought of “Daisy Dukes” don’t fret – anything goes as long as your fabric of choice is denim. You can sport recession friendly “make-your-own” cut-offs, or for a more polished alternative, go Bermuda. My personal favorite is the Boyfriend, which is carrying over from spring and making the transition from jeans into shorts. Style-wise, also look for faded and distressed denim to add vintage appeal and a worn-in look if you really want to be effortlessly cool on a hot summer day.

Gladiator Sandals: Elegant yet functional, the gladiator sandal is a shoe fit for any of us modern-day heroines. Paired with the above-mentioned must-haves, you’ve got a refined take on bohemian chic that is a surefire way to rev up your summer style!

Bright Swimwear & Cover-ups: This summer, bring provocative poolside with bold silhouettes (think plunging V-necklines, halters, strings and bandeaus) and bright colors like watermelon pink, kiwi green and tangerine orange. Pair with an airy tunic and you’re as stylish at the beach as you are in the city!

Aviator Shades: Timeless yet contemporary. Sleek yet retro. Make a sophisticated statement by framing your face in a fabulous set of aviator shades. Need I say more?

The best part of summer in San Francisco? Come September, our “real summer” arrives. We can throw the cardigans aside and finally show-off our summer style in all its glory!

Spring Style for the Weotta Man

There is no place like home…well, that is if San Francisco is where you hang your hat. Sure, our beloved city by the bay is sometimes prone to bitter cold fog, temperamental weather and windy days but when the sun breaks through and San Francisco is awash in golden rays, we’re reminded of the majesty of where we live – even all you East Coast transplants and ex-pats from Europe can’t argue with that!

Remember the glorious weekend we just had? The one where you probably never saw the inside of your apartment? With hopefully more of those sublime warm temperatures ahead, this is the perfect time to talk about an important task we guys often overlook…spring shopping. That’s right, it’s time to shed the wool jackets and pants and invest in a lighter, more casual wardrobe suitable for the Bay’s mild spring. And Weotta do it soon, so that we’re ready to spend the next beautiful weekend in style.

The question now becomes, what do I buy? The answer is simple if you follow these three “Cs”: Comfortable, Casual, and Colorful. Here are 5 must-have pieces for men this spring.

Khakis- timeless and oh so classic

Chinos/Khakis: Great for work or play; these versatile pants never go out of style and come in a plethora of fabrics. Play it safe and go with cotton ones that you can pair with everything from a sweater to a t-shirt for a clean and simple look. Keep a light-colored pair for lazy afternoons, and the darker, pressed ones for work. Make sure to look for a flat front style, and visit a tailor to get the length hemmed just right. Or, roll up the cuffs, throw on a pair of sandals and you’re BBQ ready!

Wear it over almost anything

V-neck sweater: Yes, the incomparable and always stylish v-neck is back this spring – with a twist. Instead of the traditional colors of years past, pick a cheerful hue, like baby blue, yellow, green or tan. Choose an easy to care for fabric like cotton, and you’re set for San Francisco’s temperate weather. The key to dressing in SF during the spring and summer is “layers.” Remember that boys and girls, layers.

Not just for the beach

Shorts: What spring day is complete without a pair of shorts? You’ll want a variety of styles, like cargo shorts, board shorts, and even some Bermudas in different colors to show off those tanned legs. Choose khaki, white, blue, or even black – just don’t be caught dead wearing cycling shorts unless you’re on a bike… lycra doesn’t look cool on you when you’re hanging out in Union Square… as for the running shorts, save those for the treadmill or your treks through Golden Gate Park.

A big no no

Sandals: Choose from a cornucopia of styles, including casual flip flops or “leather mandals.” Pick a safe color like brown or black, and make sure you’ve got those toenails clipped. There’s no bigger turn-off than callused, dry feet with nails the length of a Leavenworth Street tranny’s. For help in this area check out Jen’s post, “You’re So Polished!” And please don’t wear white socks and sandals… a big no-no and fashion faux paux!

A must have

The white shirt: Every man should have one in his wardrobe – great for everything from church to brunch. Tuck it into your khakis, let it hang out over a pair of blue jeans, or pull a v-neck sweater on top and you’re ready for a brisk day in the city. For a more casual look, wear the sleeves rolled up to just below your elbows, leave it un-tucked, and throw on a pair of board shorts with your flip flops. Voila! You’re ready to lounge poolside.

But before you hit the stores, a couple of helpful hints for the shopping impaired.

Note: If you have your own stylist, please ignore this step and proceed to the nearest mall or boutique.

1. Create a budget: Figure out how much you can afford to spend and stick to it.
2. Bring a friend: No, don’t bring your drinking buddy Steve who can pound a 12 pack of Milwaukee’s Best in 5 minutes and is still rockin’ that regrettable 90’s grunge look. Bring a female friend, someone who can help you pick out the right colors and styles that fit you and your personality.
3. Shop around: Try not to buy everything in the first store you visit. Take the time to venture into at least 3-5 different stores to see what they have to offer.
4. Find brands/labels that fit: As you become familiar with designers, you’ll notice that some labels fit you better than others; take note and remember them for future shopping trips.

Good luck and in case you’re feeling extra generous, I have a 32 inch waist, 34 inseam, wear a 42 long for jackets, and a size 11½ shoe! And if you have trouble finding something for me, see my 2 stylists, Roger or Julie at Nordstrom’s, they know what I like.

You’re So Polished!

Have your feet spent the winter hibernating in trendy ankle booties and elegant stilettos? With spring around the corner, it’s almost time to set them free! Is your mouth watering at the thought of a new season of shoe shopping? Will it be gladiator sandals, huaraches, espadrilles or all of the above? Not so fast. Before running off to Saks and Neiman’s, take a good look at your feet. Are your heels dried and cracked? Do your cuticles look jagged? Or are your feet just plain overworked from trekking up and down hills around The City? If you can answer yes to any of the above, your feet are long overdue for some serious TLC.

As luck would have it, San Francisco is brimming with every kind of pedicure imaginable from Lavande’s indulgent “Chocolate Pedicure” to the “Extremely Buff Pedicure” at Burke Williams for all you weekend warriors out there. The best part is, not only will your feet look and feel great, but you’ll get some well-deserved luxury without becoming a recessionista! Get Zen with it at Bamboo on Union Street. Their green tea footbath and white tea hydromask will stimulate your feet and get them ready for a night on the dance floor! For avid runners, hikers and bikers, a sports pedicure at Spa Radiance on Fillmore Street is the perfect treat after pounding the pavement. Give your overworked feet the gift of a warm soak with camphor, lavender, and rosemary. Girls just want to have…Lush Life Nail Bar. Grab your friends, your favorite bottle of bubbly, a few gossip mags, and play catch up while getting your toes painted in one of OPI’s newest spring shades. Soothe all that aches after a weekend of shredding the slalom in Tahoe at Silk Nail Salon on Franklin Street. Round up the ski bunnies and reward your calves with a hot, steamy towel massage after your pedicure. And if you really need to escape the urban hustle bustle, book an appointment at Recharge Day and Medical Spa on California Street. Sip lavender tea while soaking your feet in a warm, aromatic footbath, and let your stress melt away. Now you’re ready to say “kiss my feet” with confidence!

Weotta have great feet!

Sexy in The City

Is it what’s inside, or underneath, that really counts?

What can make you feel sweet, sexy, empowered and seductive all at the same time? Scrumptious chocolates? Not quite. Flickering candlelight? Getting warmer. A luxurious bubble bath? Almost there. Fabulous lingerie? Now you’re hot!

Don’t you feel secretly sexy when you’re wearing an amazing lacey bra and tulle thong with an unassuming pair of jeans and a t-shirt? How about the amped-up seduction a pair of thigh-highs creates under that stunning dress? Ladies, fine lingerie is just as important as those coveted Manolos, Jimmy Choos and Louboutins you’re so in love with. It’s time to embrace your femininity and treat “the girls”, as well as your derrière, to the luxurious treats that are plentiful in San Francisco’s superb high-end lingerie boutiques.

The Chantelle t-shirt bra... a must have, ladies... Weotta have at least one!

The next time you find yourself strolling along Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, latte in hand, stop by My Boudoir where you can find lingerie for every mood from sweet Cosabella and playful Princesse Tam Tam to sexy Millesia and seductive Marlies Dekkers.

Looking for the perfect t-shirt bra but with a little added flair and a matching panty? Search no further than Les Cents Culottes on Polk Street in Russian Hill where you can bask in brands like Aubade, Chantelle and Simone Perele. Even men are on their radar with underwear for him from Eminence, Coup de Coeur and Gregg Homme.

Want more? Visit Alla Prima Fine Lingerie in Hayes Valley or North Beach and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find gorgeous Italian, embroidered bras and panties from La Perla that may make you want to prance around your flat wearing nothing but lingerie even on a rainy, winter San Francisco day!

And last, but not least. No lingerie list would be complete without the grand dame of them all. If you really want to be irresistible, a naughty little number from Agent Provocateur located on Geary Street in Union Square should do the trick!

Say goodbye to Victoria’s Secret and hello to “I’m all grown up now” sexy.