For our 11th anniversary
we dropped the kiddos off with their
aunt and uncle
and headed to our favorite place in the whole world:
San Francisco!
The first day we hit the Mission District
for some serious foodie advenuturing,
the second day we reserved for
hiking in Mt. Tamalpais and Muir Woods
and exploring Mill Valley.
It was...
perfect!
Cannoli-time!
{Too bad it wasn't the best we've had!}
Our "Best Thing I Ever Ate" stop...
The Chef's Tasting Menu came highly recommended
by Chris Cosentino
and can I say,
we are so glad we made it here!
It is the tiniest restaurant I've EVER been in
{picture room for 6-max}
but the variety and complexity of the dishes
that poured out of this tiny 2-man kitchen
was amazing!
We counted our good fortune in being the first
one's in the door,
getting front row seats,
and settling in for culinary masterpieces
plate after plate!
As we finished our last bite-
we heard the chef turn away the next couple to walk in the door.
After one service,
he was done and off to shop
for dinner service!
Here's the restaurant from the outside.
Totally inconspicuous but do not be deceived!
Note:
If you plan on going,
arrive before they open to be first in line.
They WILL turn you away within minutes
because they're already full.
Bring cash!
Be mindful that halfway through our meal
we realized some of the music was
just as punchy as the food!
Also,
leave the kiddos at home.
This meal is best savored with your sweetie!
The rest of the day we spent on our feet
exploring this fabulous city.
We love to window-shop,
and go inside and peruse all the insanely priced
shoes, furniture, etc.-
Question:
Who actually buys this stuff at these prices?
Crazy!
Photo opp for my boys at home!
With all of our strolling we worked up an appetite.
We foolishly thought we could get in to Nopa on a whim-
turns out they suggest you make reservations
at least one month in advance!
Then we hit Foreign Cinema,
again full,
but definitely,
like Nopa,
high on the "To Visit" list!
Finally we settled on two local favorites,
take out pizza from Delfina's Pizzeria
and dessert from Tartine Bakery.
I am now a fan of Proscuitto and Arugula Pie
and Passion Fruit Lime Bavarian Cake!
Can I say how excited I am
to buy the Tartine Cookbook
with my ever growing Swagbucks?
Woo hoo!
Can't wait!
With goodies in hand we cross the bridge!
And there she is...
Home sweet home!
the closest thing to visiting across the pond!
This would lead you to believe that we jumped in our jammies
as soon as we arrived-
afterall,
it was nearly 11 PM!
But no,
this picture was taken after our pitch black walk to the ocean.
It was beautiful...
cold...
but so worth it!
Party pooper!
And yes,
I amused myself by waking him!
Enjoying the gardens...
The Pub
Breakfast on the patio
with a roaring fire...
Bangers, Broiled Tomato, Bacon, Eggs, Toast...
Samuel was in hog heaven-
literally!
For me,
English Porridge...delicious!
Ha!
I hit a Bulls-eye!
Then I nailed him in chess!
What a GREAT day!
I never beat him in chess!
Another shot for the memory books!
Love that I always see a crazy goofy car
when we hit the road together...
Our "hike"...
{smile}
Samuel took a ton of shots of this huge crow.
I spared you by posting only two...
Heading down to "Pirates Cove"...
Love these!
It inspired us to make our own!
And it stood!
After our hike,
we lounged a bit on the beach and munched on treats.
This doggie took a notion to befriend me.
Obviously, he doesn't know me well
or he would have known:
We can NEVER be friends!
{Sorry, kids, not dogs,
have wormed their way into my heart!}
...
Later we checked out Muir Woods
-we'll definitely return with the kiddos-
and ate at the Muir Woods Trading Co.,
another "Best Thing I Ever Ate" recommendation
from Tyler Florence.
We love you Tyler,
but seriously,
save your money and make a banging grilled cheese
at home!
After a tour of downtown Mill Valley
-a charming city-
we headed home!
...
I love you, Samuel!
You are the love of my life!
Happy Anniversary!
xoxoXoO
me
