Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Food and Household Goods
San Francisco's “foodies” are a sophisticated breed, and they
thrive on the city's reputation for fine food. When not dining
out, they cook at home from well-stocked pantries in their
ultra-equipped kitchens. Cravings for good wine, gourmet
groceries, and for the items that make cooking into an art
form can easily be satisfied here. For the home, there are
dozens of stores carrying the latest household goods,
computers, and photographic and electronic equipment.
Ferry Plaza
on Saturdays is
from 9am to 2pm. Chinatown's
produce stores have the feel of
an exotic farmers' market and
are open every day. All kinds of
things are sold at the flea
markets. The one in
Berkeley
is
within easy reach. Be prepared
to barter and to pay in cash.
There may also be a nominal
entrance fee.
Gourmet Groceries
From abalone to zucchini
(courgettes), and from fresh
Californian produce to
imported specialty foods,
gourmet grocers such as
Whole Foods
carry a variety
of items.
Williams-Sonoma
has jams, mustards, and much
more for gifts or as a special
treat.
David's
is known for its
lox (smoked salmon), bagels,
and New York cheesecake.
For a quick takeout lunch or
a choice of beautifully
packaged foods, try one
of the department store
food sections such as
Macy's
Cellar
. Most large chain
grocery stores have good
international sections.
In addition to fresh takeout
items, Italian delicatessens stock
olive oil, polenta, and pasta from
Italy.
Molinari Delicatessen
is
famous for its ravioli and
tortellini, ready to throw in the
saucepan.
Lucca Ravioli
has a
friendly staff, who makes their
pasta on the premises.
Pasta
Gina
, located in lovely Noe
Valley, sells pasta, prepared
pesto, and other sauces with
ample meatballs.
It is worth going to the two
Chinese quarters - Chinatown
(see pp96-101)
in the city center
and Clement Street
(see p63)
-
for Asian food products and
produce. At
Casa Lucas Market
you will find Spanish and Latin
American specialties.
Household Goods
Gourmet cooks dream of
Williams-Sonoma
's many
kitchen gadgets and quality
cookware. From practical pots
and pans to beautiful serving
plates,
Crate & Barrel
sells
moderately priced items for
your kitchen and patio.
Chinese cooking gear is the
specialty of the house at
The
Wok Shop
. For bed, bath, and
table linens and general
household goods visit
Bed,
Bath & Beyond
.
Sue Fisher
King
sells elegant, fashionable
items for the home and bath.
For a kaleidoscopic range of
fabrics and accessories, from
silks, woolens, and cottons, to
buttons, ribbons and laces,
and even upholstery
materials, look no farther than
Britex Fabrics
.
Francisco, with some of the best
bread in the city. More Italian
specialties come from
Il Fornaio
Bakery
, a popular offshoot from
their restaurant on Battery
Street. Head to
Fillmore Bake
Shop
for heavenly pastries,
while the gourmet cupcakes
made fresh throughout the day
from
Kara's
are also delicious.
San Franciscans are coffee
connoisseurs and there are
many specialty shops.
Caffè
Trieste
sells custom-roasted
and blended coffees and a
variety of brewing equipment.
Caffè Roma Coffee Roasting
Company
and the
Graffeo
Coffee Roasting Company
both
sell excellent beans. The
locals are also loyal to
Peet's
Coffee & Tea
and
Tully's
Coffee
company.
Chocoholics usually frequent
See's Candies
,
Cocoa Bella
Chocolates
, and San Francisco's
own
Ghirardelli
. Ice cream is
good from
Ben & Jerry's
and
Hot Cookie Double Rainbow
.
Head for
Bi-Rite Market
for
locally grown products and to
Cheese Plus
for a huge
selection of cheeses.
The staff at the
California
Wine Merchant
makes good
recommendations and are very
knowledgeable about their
affordable wines.
Computers, Electronics,
and Photographic
Equipment
One of the best places to head
to for computers is
Central
Computers
. For software and
for anything else electronic,
pay a visit to
Best Buy
. It's
one-stop shopping for the
nerd population.”
For new and second- hand
camera gear, repairs and film,
go to
Adolph Gasser
. Some of
the discount camera shops
along Market Street have
shady reputations, so it is
advisable to check with the
Visitor Information Center
(see
p119)
for the best and most
reputable places to shop. If
you just need film or other
photographic supplies,
Photographer's Supply
offers
very low prices along with
good advice.
Farmers' Markets and
Flea Markets
Locally grown produce arrives
by the truckload at farmers'
markets in the center of the
city. Stalls are erected for the
day, and farmers sell directly to
the public. The
Heart of the
City
is open from 7am to
5:30pm on Wednesdays and
until 5pm on Sundays. The
Specialty Food and
Wine Shops
A baguette of fresh sourdough
bread from
Boudin Bakery
is
an addiction with locals and a
tradition with visitors.
Boulangerie
brings Paris to San
