I love visiting San Francisco because I have so many lovely friends who live in the city and because it has such a robust design community. My recent 10th Anniversary trip to San Francisco before heading to Napa was a little rushed. I got to visit a lot of my favorite places but didn’t have time to make it to some others and a few new places. I’ve tried to include some of them in this recap so you have a full guide to San Francisco.
I usually stay at the Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights but I decided to stay at the Four Seasons on Market Street near Union Square. It was close to a lot of great shopping and within walking distance to the Ferry Building.
The Four Seasons is embarking on a new renovation of their guest rooms and I was given a sneak peek. The colors refer back to the blue/grey color of the fog and the orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is also represented in the art in this room.
The Four Seasons has great views in a lot of their rooms.
The designers of the new rooms are Meyers Davis who are based in New York.
We were lucky enough to have a delicious dinner at MKT Restaurant in the Four Seasons Saturday night.
After I landed and dropped by bags at the hotel, my dear friend and interior designer Grant K. Gibson picked me up for a quick lunch at As Quoted and then a little design tour of Sacramento Street before my travel companion arrived.
The new de Gournay showroom opened on Sacramento Street in March and it’s definitely worth a visit.
March is one of the chicest stores on Sacramento Street. They have everything from their own spices and condiments, table top pieces, flatware, cookware, books, art, gifts, and even some clothing.
When you visit March, make sure you go back to the garden and back building where they have even more products.
This is a look at just a sampling of what’s in the back building at March.
Sue Fisher King is another classic store on Sacramento Street. They carry a vast array of Astier de Villatte, D. Porthault, books, table top, home decor, accessories, and more.
It was nice to see interior designer and former New Yorker Allison Caccoma in her new store on Sacramento Street.
Allison’s store is a mix of new and vintage pieces.
Love the cheetah painting in Allison’s store!
I have a soft spot for Hudson Grace since I had a book signing there in 2012. They also have stores now in Marin, Palo Alto, Montecito, and Brentwood.
Owners Monelle Totah and Gray McNatton were unfortunately not in the store when we popped by but their collection of hotel silver was on full display at Hudson Grace.
Grant Gibson‘s favorite flower shop is Bloomers where we made a quick visit. I didn’t have time to visit Jonathan Rachman‘s store which I’m really upset about. Hero Shop is also getting rave reviews but I missed going there too. Lebreton is the chicest antiques shop I’ve visited before but didn’t have time for this trip. You always have to leave a reason to return and I have a lot of reasons to plan another trip to San Francisco!
When I stay at the Hotel Drisco, I usually take a few early walks around Pacific Heights. Since I was not staying in the are, Grant was kind enough to do a quick drive through the neighborhood to see some of the beautiful homes.
Pacific Heights has a great view of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz.
Pacific Heights is also home to many notable residents and gorgeous homes.
Friday eventing was capped off with dinner at my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Garibaldi’s is a neighborhood favorite and you should definitely order their speciality the Chicken Milanese.
Saturday morning started off with a great workout at the Equinox that is open to guests of the Four Seasons and then a visit to the Ferry Building.
I was really glad we worked out early after I saw how many food stalls were at the Ferry Building.
Pieces from Heath Ceramics always make great souvenirs to take home from California.
We ended up just grabbing some food from different stalls in the Ferry Building but Grant Gibson recommends Bouli Bar and Slanted Door for sit down meals. We walked by them and they both looked great.
Pretty flowers available at the Ferry Building.
The view from the Ferry Building.
After the Ferry Building, we walked back to the hotel and did a little shopping along the way. One place I was dying to visit because we don’t have them in New York was Cuyana.
The mood board at Cuyana.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Cuyana, they design essential timeless pieces in luxurious fabrics and materials without logos. Their motto is fewer, better things.
One of my old interior design clients moved to San Francisco and now works for Square. I reached out as soon as I finalized my trip so we could catch up. The last time I saw her was when I was living in Paris. So it was perfect that we met up at the French themed Petit Marlowe.
Petit Marlowe is part of the Big Night Restaurant Group which also runs Marlowe, Park Tavern, the Cavalier, Marianne’s, and Leo’s Oyster Bar. I think most, if not all, were designed by Ken Fulk.
Petit Marlowe was named the best first date spot in San Francisco. I chose it because it was new and close to the Four Seasons.
The delicious deviled eggs at Petit Marlowe. Summer Tompkins Walker, the founder of Walker Valentine, and I were trying to get together during my visit but her daughter broke her arm and had to have surgery. She sweetly sent us a bottle of rosé to enjoy that night. Definitely check out her insanely chic monogramed linens and gifts.
After a whirlwind two days in San Francisco, we drove a new 2017 Lincoln Continental to Napa for a relaxing few days at Auberge du Soleil. I’ll have more about this part of the trip soon.
Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge is always exciting.
from Habitually Chic®
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