Mariam In The City

Union Street Sweetness

2010-05-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes and cream puffs and crepes, oh my! The Union Street Shopping district is lined with cool trendy stores and restaurants, but some of my favorites are the dessert shops. I have a weakness for sweets and I indulge every chance I get.

If you love cupcakes, have I got the place for you! It’s a cute little shop called That Takes The Cake. The service is always friendly and the cupcakes are always moist and delicious.

Some my favorites:

Gentlemen Prefer Reds - Red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting.

Chocolamento - Chocolate buttermilk cake with chocolate chips topped with mint buttercream and a piece of chocolate mint.

Key Lime-o-licious - Green lime cake topped with cream cheese frosting with graham cracker and green sanding sugar.

Bunny Bites – Moist carrot cake with pecans and pineapples topped with cream cheese frosting and orange jimmies.

Every time I’ve stopped by, someone is there buying the yummy treats by the dozen for a party or celebration. A good friend of mine had cupcakes from That Takes The Cake at her wedding. They were a huge hit!

If cream puffs are more your taste, you need to check out Pacific Puffs, just down the block from the cupcake store. My mouth waters just thinking of their classic puff, filled with a light and sweet mixture of vanilla custard and whipped cream, topped with a thick chocolate gaze.

Another Union Street sweet spot is Crepes A Go Go. Their Nutella strawberry and whipped cream crepes are to die for! I could eat those everyday. The restaurant is pretty small, but they also have a few tables outside, perfect for people watching.

That Takes The Cake, Pacific Puffs and Crepes A Go Go are just a few of my favorite places. But whether you prefer frozen yogurt, chocolate or donuts to help satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re bound to find it on Union Street.

Christmas At Crissy Field

2009-12-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

How often do you get to see a horse with antlers? I saw one on Christmas Day at Crissy Field. It was so cute. The horse was part of the United States Park Police. The officers from the Horse Mounted Unit patrol the Golden Gate National Recreation Area year-round, but it’s not often you see the horses looking so festive!

Holiday Season In The City

2009-12-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Season in San Francisco can be a magical time. Union Square is the center of all the action, with the Christmas tree, the giant Menorah and the bright lights of Macy’s amazing window displays. Even in the middle of the shopping frenzy, everyone seems to be a little friendlier.

This year they have an ice rink at Union Square. It’s a great place to people watch, listen to the carolers and soak in the holiday cheer.

There’s another ice rink at Justin Herman Plaza, across from the Ferry Building. And you can’t forget the Embarcadero Building lights, which add a holiday glow to the already stunning San Francisco skyline.

Ocean Beach Bird

2009-11-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this bird the other day at Ocean Beach sitting on the seawall. I took out my camera in hopes of getting a good shot. I figured it would fly away as I got closer, but it didn’t. It just stood there as if saying “go ahead, take my picture!” The bird even did a slow turn so I could get it from all angles and with just the right lighting. It was very cute. This is why I always like to carry my camera. You never know what you might see in San Francisco!

Mile Rock Beach

2009-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

Lands End in San Francisco is my favorite place in the city to go for a walk or a short run. The Coastal Trail is about a mile and a half long, shaded by cypresses, with scenic 30-mile views of the coast. I’ve been going there for years, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago when I went off the main trail that I discovered a hidden gem, Mile Rock Beach.

I had walked passed the steps leading down to the beach countless times and had never bothered to check it out. The other day I was feeling very energetic during my morning walk and decided to go down the 237 steps to the rocky enclave.

It was breathtakingly beautiful and mysterious. There was a mist that seemed to rise from the wet soil on the hillside surrounding the beach. I could smell the ocean breeze and feel the power of the waves crashing on the jagged rocks.

From the beach, the path continues up to the Mile Rock lookout. At the top of the cliff there is small labyrinth you can walk or you can just sit and gaze at the amazing views of the Marin County coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to see it for yourself, I recommend you enter the Lands End Coastal Trail through the Merrie Way parking lot off El Camino Del Mar, just up the hill from the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths.

Hiking Above The Clouds

2009-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Miriam is training to climb Cerro Aconcagua in the Central Andes in Argentina. It’s one of the Seven Summits and the highest mountain in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres. As part of her training, she goes on long and grueling hikes around Bay Area peaks and this weekend she invited me and my friend Laurie to come along.

Early Saturday morning we drove up to Stinson Beach, where the Mount Tamalpais hiking loop begins. The fog was thick when we started at the base of the Dipsea Trail. The cool and damp air was perfect for our ascent up the hillside.

Most of the 7.3 mile trail was shaded by Douglas firs and California bays. Along the way we saw waterfalls, a variety of ferns and countless other plants. The sound of the water flowing down the creeks was soothing. Everything was so green and full of life. I felt a burst of energy every time I took a breath. There was something almost spiritual about it.

The path eventually crossed over to the Steep Ravine Trail and then to the Matt Davis Trail. The last trail took us up through a sunny grassy hillside with spectacular views! You could see all the way to San Francisco’s Twin Peaks. The fog at the base of the hillside had not burned off yet and looked like a giant puffy white blanket covering the coast side. It was like hiking above the clouds. Our descent took us through some tight switchbacks and more gorgeous forestry.

We finished our amazing journey in 3 hours and then enjoyed a nice lunch in Stinson Beach. This hiking loop is now one of my favorites in the Bay Area and I’ll definitely be back soon!

Coit Tower

2009-10-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

After 13 years of living in the Bay Area I finally made my way up to Coit Tower today. I’ve driven up to the parking lot atop Telegraph Hill, but I had never gone inside the tower. Taking advantage of the great sunny weather, I made the trek up to the iconic landmark. This time I went walking. I didn’t want the hassle of trying to find a parking space.

Filbert Street in North Beach takes you right up to Coit Tower. If you’re in decent shape, the steep hill shouldn’t be too bad. The walk is short and they have steps to make it a little easier. About halfway up the hill I saw a young guy out of breath, sweating bullets, sitting on the sidewalk. Maybe he should have taken a taxi.

Once I got to the base of the tower, the views were amazing! I then went inside the small circular building. The first floor walls are covered with beautiful murals depicting life in San Francisco from the perspective of different communities in the city.

There is a little gift shop where I bought my $5.00 ticket for the elevator ride to the top of the tower. About 13 of us packed into the old and noisy elevator. When I got off the elevator, I still had to walk two short flights of stairs before I reached the top.

The views from the top were breathtaking! I had a 360 degree view of the city. As I walked around I could see from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge and to the Transamerica building.

Coit Tower was built in 1933. Lillie Hitchcock Coit donated the money for the tower. It was her way of honoring San Francisco firefighters.

Trolley Dances

2009-10-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for new and interesting events around San Francisco. So when I saw a story on the news about the 6^th Annual Trolley Dances, I knew I had to check it out. The production takes the audience out of the theater and on to the streets of San Francisco for a unique journey into the city’s diverse dancing community. All you need to pay is $2.00 in train fare!

The guided tour started in the middle of Mission Dolores Park. The first performance was a Son Jarocho from Veracruz, Mexico. A group of local musicians sang as two members of Grupo Folklorico Los Mejicas danced for the crowd.

From there, we moved over to the pedestrian bridge near 19^th and Church. Members of the Deborah Slater Dance Theater danced a piece called “Men Think They Are Better Than Grass.”

The next stop was the Muni trolley. We packed onto the crowded train taking us to Balboa Park in the southern part of the city. As we approached 30^th and Church the Muni driver announced over the loud speaker to look out the left side of the train for a special performance. Of course I was on the other side and couldn't see much, but I did catch a few glimpses of the couple dancing on the sidewalk. Everyone on the train started cheering as the man lifted the woman into air with her puffy, black and white polka dot skirt. We all clapped and waved good bye to the dancers as the train moved on. It must have been quite a scene for people walking down the street wondering what was going on.

When we arrived at Balboa Park we were greeted by the Oakland based company Deep Waters Dance Theater. Their lively hip-hop style music and energetic moves really got the crowd going, dancing under the trees.

We then headed to the parking lot area for a performance called “Blue Ramp.” Two women in long flowing dresses ran around dancing, splashing water from a bucket and hugged a tree as a third woman played the accordion.

Our last stop was inside the Balboa Park Pool. The first routine was a solo by a young male synchronized swimmer. For the grand finale, the San Francisco Merionettes Synchronized Swim Club performed to a medley of superhero theme songs.

I had no idea what kind of ride the Trolley Dances would take me on, but it turned out to be a very entertaining and memorable journey through the streets of my favorite city.

Blue Angels Flying High

2009-10-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

Thousands of spectators gathered along San Francisco’s waterfront this weekend to catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels. The blue and gold jets are the stars of the annual Fleet Week festivities.

Every year, I can’t wait to see the Navy’s elite squad show off its mid-air acrobatics. The roar of the F/A-18 Hornet jets can be heard across the city, as they hurtle through the sky rattling windows. Of course, not everyone appreciates the noise, but most people welcome the spectacle.

Friday’s practice run was a big crowed pleaser. I got to watch it from Crissy Field, along with hundreds of other excited fans. The sky was clear and ideal for flying, but it was a different story on the weekend.

On Saturday, the Blue Angels abruptly stopped the show after the fog rolled in, leaving a lot of people disappointed. The Sunday performance also had to be modified and shortened because of the cloud coverage.

The weather may have put a damper on the weekend air shows, but hopefully they’ll be back next year!

Opera at the Ballpark

2009-09-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of cool things to do and see in San Francisco, but this one is among the top five on my list. Opera at the ballpark! And the best part, it was free!

Thousands of opera lovers showed up at AT&T Park on September 19^th to watch a live simulcast of the San Francisco Opera’s rendition of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore. It’s the suspenseful story of a corrupt count, a dashing warrior and a Gypsy who plots to avenge her mother’s wrongful death.

The best seating was on the baseball field, where people laid out their blankets and enjoyed the evening under the stars. You could even buy a gourmet picnic basket that included everything from a bottle of cabernet sauvignon to house made chocolate truffles.

By the time my best friend Young and I arrived at the park the field was already full, so we had to sit in the stands. We ended up at the next best spot, right behind home plate.

The weather was great, clear skies and a slight chill in the air. We were in heaven! And everyone around us also seemed to be thrilled to be there.

At 8 o’clock the stadium lights dimmed down and the show got underway. The performance was broadcasted on the jumbo screen with subtitles. The beautiful music and the singers' powerful voices filled the ballpark like a rock concert.

Opera at the ballpark was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it for the entire family.

The Fog

2009-09-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about San Francisco is the fog. Some people find it dreary and depressing, but I think it’s comforting and mysterious.

I love how the fog slowly creeps into the bay through the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day. In a matter of minutes it can blanket the city with its chilly breeze.

And there's something so soothing about the fog horns. It's like listening to a lullaby.

It rarely gets hot in San Francisco, but when it does, you always know nature’s air conditioning will soon return to cool you off.

Candy Land Treat

2009-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

The popular children’s board game Candy Land came to life in San Francisco today, so I decided to go check it out. The event was to celebrate the game’s 60th anniversary.

Lombard Street, known as the world’s most crooked street, was transformed into a life-size version of the game. Organizers closed off the street to traffic and covered the road with multi-colored foam pads and posted signs leading to “Lollipop Woods” and the “Chocolate Swamp.”

It was fun taking a walk down memory lane, remembering when I used to play Candy Land as a kid. Apparently it was also fun for the hundreds of others who showed up to take pictures next to the colorful display.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

2009-08-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

My friend Annemarie just bought the cutest new car. She got one of those cool Mini Coopers. It’s blue with white racing stripes on the hood and that undeniable new car smell. So what better way to put it to the test than by going on a road trip!

We packed our bags and headed down to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the weekend. The picturesque beach town is about two and a half hours south of San Francisco. Some of the beautiful homes in Carmel look like something you would find in a fairytale, with their perfectly manicured landscaping.

Carmel is a great getaway for a fun or quiet weekend. Whether you prefer to spend the day at the beach, playing golf, wine tasting or shopping, there’s something for everyone.

A trip to the Carmel area is not complete without a visit to Point Lobos State Reserve. The park is three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 and has some of the most spectacular views of California’s Central Coast. We did a three hour hike that took us through several coves and hidden beaches. Along the way, we saw sea lions, deer, countless lizards and birds. At one point, a wave of peace and tranquility washed over me as I stood on the rocks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. That was by far the highlight of the trip.

On our last day, we stopped at the Carmel Mission. Walking through the historic building felt like going back in time. The monumental bell tower grabbed my attention as we entered the courtyard, which was filled with bright flowers and a sense of happiness. I took some of that happiness home with me. It was a perfect way to end our trip.

Our adventure to Carmel in Annemarie’s new car was excellent! I’ll definitely be back.

Surprise Around the Corner

2009-07-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever taken a wrong turn that took you to an unexpected and amazing place? It happened to me the other day and for a brief moment what I saw took my breath away.

I was driving up a steep hill in North Beach, looking for a shortcut to the Financial District. When I got to the top, the street came to a dead end. I looked left, another dead end. The only way out was to go right. As I turned I saw the most incredible view of the Transamerica building.

For a few seconds I forgot about everything, as I stood in awe of the giant pyramid. I’ve seen the iconic landmark hundreds of times, but not from this perspective. It looked so imposing and powerful, perfectly framed by the Victorian style homes.

If you want to check it out, drive or walk up to the top of Green and Montgomery.

San Francisco is such a beautiful city. You never know what treasure you’ll find around the corner.

A Taste of Wine Country

2009-07-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Most people think of Napa and Sonoma when it comes to wine in California, but there are hundreds of excellent wineries across the state. I recently spent a beautiful evening with wonderful friends at Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, about an hour and a half south of San Francisco.

The vineyard welcomed us with open arms as we drove through the iron gates. The Old World European-inspired facility sits on top of a hill overlooking the breathtaking wine country landscape.

I don’t know much about wine, but I’m fascinated by the whole wine-making process. It starts out so basic from the earth and ends up so elegantly in a glass.

We never had wine in my house growing up, my family preferred beer. The first time I remember having a glass of red wine with dinner was at my friend Kim’s house when I was 22. I thought it was a bit strong, but I enjoyed it and still do.

Clos LaChance was having a sale that day and the place was filled with wine lovers. Picnic tables were set on the lush green lawn and live music played in the background. The relaxing atmosphere was inviting.

My friends and I sipped wine and ate some tasty snacks as the sun began to set. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday evening in the Bay Area!

A Walk To Remember

2009-07-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

You never know what you’re going to see when you go across the Golden Gate Bridge. Several years ago I watched as police stopped a man from jumping to his death and I’ll never forget running through the dense fog with thousands of others during the San Francisco Marathon.

I’ve crossed the bridge hundreds of times, but today’s walk was one to remember. The weather was beautiful, sunny and unusually warm. The majestic span stood tall against the backdrop of the clear sky and the deep blue ocean. The beauty of the bridge still amazes me, like the first time I saw it. People come from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the mighty Golden Gate and I feel so lucky to be able to see it whenever I want.

My friend Laurie joined me for the walk and we headed out towards Sausalito. Along the way we ran into hundreds of tourists taking pictures and riding bikes across the bridge, but the rock stars of the day were the bridge workers. They were painting the railing on the eastern side of the bridge and they looked like they were having a great time. Dressed in their overalls and hard hats they smiled at everyone that walked by and even posed for pictures with their paint brushes.

Adding to the great scenery was the special appearance by the Coast Guard helicopter. We could hear and feel the thumping of the rotor blades, but we couldn’t see it. Then, all of a sudden the bright orange chopper emerged from under the bridge! Everyone around us stopped in their tracks. It was so cool. I had seen the Coast Guard chopper do that maneuver before from a distance, but this was a whole new perspective.

We eventually made it across the Golden Gate and down to Sausalito. Laurie and I enjoyed lunch at a small water front café and headed back to San Francisco. We topped off our fantastic walk with an iced coffee at Starbucks, just another wonderful day living in the city by the bay.

San Francisco, Love At First Sight

2009-07-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was 12 years old when I first visited San Francisco. I immediately fell in love with its waterfront views, steep hills and charming architecture. I felt invigorated by the energy in the crisp air and for the first time I could picture myself living somewhere else besides the East Los Angeles neighborhood where I grew up.

My mom and I were in the Bay Area visiting my uncle who lived in Oakland. He took us on BART into the city. That short train ride would take us into a different world I would never forget. I thought it was freezing, compared to L.A. My mom bought me a purple hooded sweatshirt with a very 80’s looking logo on it that said San Francisco. I thought I was so cool.

We hit the usual tourist stops, but the biggest thrill had to be riding the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Of course, I had to ride standing up, hanging from the side of the car. The hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf was so exciting. The smells of the freshly cooked crab and the sourdough bread filled the air. I felt so lucky to be there and couldn’t wait to brag to my brother and cousins back home about the wonderful things I had seen. We were waiting in line to ride the Red and White Ferry when I told my mom “I want to live here someday.” My dream eventually came true!

I’ve been living in San Francisco for over 5 years now and I still feel like I did when I was 12, seeing this great city for the first time. The older I get, the more I appreciate how lucky I am to live in one of the best places on earth.

Today I went for a walk at Crissy Field. It was a post card day, clear and breezy and buzzing with tourists. I walked all the way to Hopper's Hands at Fort Point and back to the Marina Green. I could have spent all day out there soaking up the sunshine and people watching. The dog walkers are always a sight to see, trying to control their pack of dogs as they tangle themselves with the leashes. There’s also the men fishing off the pier near the Warming Hut patiently waiting for the big catch. And then, there are the busloads of tourists speaking every language in the world, taking millions of pictures and captivated by the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Weekdays are my favorite time to stroll through that area. It’s less crowded and you can always find a spot to sit down and enjoy lunch while looking out into the bay. I go out there when I need to clear my mind and relax.

I’m not sure how much longer I’ll live in San Francisco, but my list of things to do before I leave keeps growing by the day and I’m determined to make the most of everyday while I’m here.