Monday, December 21, 2009

SF Favorites 2009 in Review

Some of these are new places, some are institutions, but for one reason or another have become favorites for us in 2009:

Bi-Rite Creamery: Just try it. I always thought the Grand Old Creamery in St. Paul, MN was the best ice cream, but this is hands down some of the best in the world. They also sell pies and cakes and I dare you to have just one scoop (impossible!). We love apple pie, salted caramel and the chocolate sundae with salt and olive oil.

Mission Pie: We tried this place around Thanksgiving time when we had our house on the market, were invited to attend a party and there was no way that we (aka Kelly) had time to bake...why bake a pie when you have Mission Pie within a mile of your house!? If you must bak you can buy the crust at Mission pie and DIY, but really with pie this good why bother!? Favorites include apple, pear cranberry and any of their pastries.

Tartine Bakery : Kelly finally tried this place at 8am on a Tuesday while the house was being painted. Finally only a line inside the door instead of around the block. Everything was divine including the quiche, cookies and bread pudding. This is a must visit even if only for takeout pastries but sincere warning there is ALWAYS A LINE and for good reason.

Flour + Water: Although incredibly difficult to get into, worth the wait and even going during seniors hour when they open at 5:30 pm. Homemade pastas, wonderful meat dishes, well thought our and prepared sauces and the desserts are off the charts. For the quality, we thought the prices were reasonable. This has to be one of the best newcomers for 2009 in SF.

K9 Playtime: Smokey loves going here for doggie daycare and with the convenience of it being around the block from Jose's office, you really can't beat that. Smokey goes to the small dog room and loves to chase the ball (really play keep away), wrestle and get snuggles from the aunties and uncles who make sure all is going well.

Two Rock Dog Ranch: We had tried several other boarding facilities and were always a bit uneasy that our super spoiled scottie mix wasn't getting enough exercise while we were away (he usually gets 3 walks a day). We toured several sites outside the city and were delighted to find Two Rock. They provide 10 hours of cage free play in a beautiful setting outside of Petaluma. But what really delights us (Kelly really) is that Smokey is excited to go here and can't wait to go and play with all of his friends. We really have piece of mind leaving him here and we can't say that for all the other boarding facilities we have used.

Pawtrero: This is in our neighborhood so it is convenient and we can walk to this dog store within 5 minutes (& Smokey knows the way and will gladly take anyone here who is willing to go). But what we love about it most is that everyone in there knows us, loves our dog and is super helpful and knowledgeable. We use their self-serve bathing facilities weekly (Smokey has a skin allergy and requires a weekly bath) and it saves us hours of cleaning our own bath tub and well worth every penny. They have a great selection of food, treats, leashes, collars & of course toys...including Squeaky balls!

Clementine Art Supplies: Full disclosure, my friend Katherine works here, however the products are great and that is why they made the list. They are all natural, non-toxic and smell great. Love, love, love their stuff and gifting it.

...more to come...


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