foreign cinema

November 8, 2012

The last time I was in the Bay Area to see my family, I also spent an afternoon with my dear friend Bonnie at a restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district called Foreign Cinema. We feasted on mussels, croque monsieur, carpaccio, a granita for dessert and some delicious artisan cocktails. I wish I'd taken more photos of the space and the inspired decor (especially the stunning lighting installations), but I guess I was too focused on the incredible food. I'd read great reviews of this restaurant online, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. Everything I tasted was full of exceptional flavor.

Foreign Cinema 2534 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110 415-648-7600

Images by Lauryl Lane.

the japanese tea garden in san francisco

August 3, 2012

Japanese Tea Garden 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 752-1171

As a young girl growing up in the East Bay, I have vivid memories of sitting in the back seat of the car with my little sister as my mother drove us over the Bay Bridge. I remember trips to the San Francisco Library, and climbing what seemed like thousands of stairs. I remember running on the Pier, and the sound of my sandals slapping against the wood decking. I remember eating chunks of hot, fresh sourdough while looking out across the bay and listening to the shrieking seagulls. But one of my most precious memories is climbing on the round bridge at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate State Park. After my family moved away, we still went to the Japanese Tea Garden every time we were back in the Bay Area for a visit. And after I married and moved back to California, I started taking my husband to visit the Tea Garden whenever we'd be up North to spend time with my Dad. It's no secret that I love formal urban gardens, but the Japanese Tea Garden will always remain my favorite because it is entrenched in my personal history. I've been visiting it for the past thirty years, and it remains much the same, year after year. A spot of serenity in the midst of a bustling, vibrant metropolis. It's stunning.

Images by Lauryl Lane.

san francisco's ferry building

May 26, 2012

The Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco is one of my favorite places to visit. The last time I was in the Bay Area, {lovah} and I scooted into the city early one morning to browse the Ferry Building and indulge in lattes at Blue Bottle and sugary treats from Miette Patisserie. Later, we met my sister Erica here for lunch since she works right across the street. With yummy sandwiches from Cow Girl Creamery in hand, we claimed a bench overlooking the bay, and watched the ferry boats coming and going. The Ferry Building is full of incredible artisan shops, delicious eats, and sweet gifts from local purveyors. Every time I visit, I discover something new. It's a true marketplace.

Ferry Building Marketplace One Ferry Building San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 983-8030

Images by Lauryl Lane.

the best view in the world

May 5, 2012

Although I definitely consider myself an Angeleno, the East Bay will always be my second home. I was born in Berkeley and lived in Oakland until my mother and stepdad migrated our family to the MidWest. My Dad has remained in the Bay Area, and now my eldest sister and her husband have settled back into the Oakland Hills after years of living on the East Coast. This is the view from their home, and as much as I love Los Angeles, I have to admit that there is no prettier view in the world than this view of the Bay Bridge, the Bay, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Heaven on earth.

Image by Lauryl Lane.