“I have seen purer liquors, better cigars, finer tobacco, truer guns & pistols, larger dirks and bowie knives, and prettier courtesans here in San Francisco than any other place I have ever visited: and it’s my unbiased opinion that California can and does furnish the best bad things that are available in America.”
Hinton Rowan Helper
Since I have recently had several people, okay only four, ask me why I haven't updated my blog, I have decided to update my blog.
San Francisco was a wonderful city! Wonderful people, sights, history, monuments, diversity, and culture.
This Spring we took a San Francisco/Wine Country trip with our great friends Joe & Estela to explore what the lovely Lady had to offer; yes, San Francisco is a female.
San Francisco Quick Facts
- Population 7,427,757 - 13th most populated city in U.S.
- 1848/49 Gold Rush transformed the small fishing village into an International city
We stayed at the San Francisco Fairmont in Nob Hill. If you have been to San Francisco the one thing you remember are the plethora of hills that make up the city. The San Franciscans have obviously adapted their parking, building, and architecture in peaceful harmony with the hills.
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| San Francisco Fairmont Lobby http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco |
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| View from our hotel room |
We started our trip off with a delicious gourmet meal at the Big 4 Restaurant which was walking distance from the hotel. I highly recommend it.
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One of the Big Four! I'm going to commisssion a portrait of me posing just like this & in the same outfit! Friday, we started our day off with an Alcatraz Tour, Fisherman's Wharf, and of course clam chowder! 
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We ended the day with a performance of Beach Blanket Babylon, the longest musical revue in theater history. It was a zany musical spoof of pop culture with extravagant costumes. It has had sold out performances since 1974 and is an internationally acclaimed San Francisco institution.
Saturday morning was dedicated to the Golden Gate Park. A huge and fantastic park with over 1,000 acres, it's filled with museums, gardens, lakes, ponds, an aquarium, a golf course, horse stables, a conservatory, walking paths, and more. It was Spring time in San Francisco and what a perfect time to visit the Tea Garden of the Golden Gate Park! Blossoms, hot tea, cool crispy morning, koi fish...
After the park we dressed for my favorite tradition, afternoon tea. Hot tea, finger sandwiches, pinkies out, and relaxed conversations with great friends. After tea we strolled, not walked, you read right, strolled around the hotel. We stumbled upon an enchanted forest where we found a house made entirely of candy. Wait, back up, we found a small men's apparel ("clothing" is trite & boring) & cigar store called Vendetta. Guess what this owner had?! Give up?! Pre-Embargo Cuban cigars!
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| Fellows enjoying tea |
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| So these 2 women & a farmer's daughter walk into a bar... |
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| Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar |
The day ended with a Dallas Mavericks Game in Oakland! Back at the hotel we ended the evening with a visit to the iconic hotel bar called The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. What a unique place! The original Tiki décor theme with a recent million dollar restoration, I can't even start to describe this place. The dance floor was built from the remains of the U.S.S. Forester, a lumber schooner that actually sailed the San Francisco harbor and South Seas. There was a band playing from a thatched covered barge in a lagoon in the middle of the room. Oh, did I mention the lightening, rain, and thunder that erupts on cue around the lagoon? Let me say by the end of the night security was busy escorting a "swimmer" from the lagoon & more. "What happens at the Tong Room & Hurricane Bar stays at the Tonga Room" & gets published in my blog!
Sunday, we started our Napa Wine Tour....work, work, & more work! We own a small wine lounge in Houston, TX. http://www.absolvewinelounge.com/about.asp So, this was research for work! We are all business!
Off to Cakebread Winery where I bought a couple of jars of honey. http://www.cakebread.com/ Then on to Gloria Ferrer Winery in Sonoma, known for their sparkling wines. Back across the Golden Gate Bridge and home again, home again jiggety jig! We used Beau Wine Tours & they provided us with an excellent experience! http://www.beauwinetours.com/
After trying to check in to receive our boarding passes, we were told all of our flights were cancelled. Long story short, it was the day after the Southwest Airlines fuselage situation, and we were delayed in San Francisco an extra day. With Joe & Estela able to catch their flights, Greg & I walked over to Chinatown a few blocks away and explored. For a late lunch we made afternoon reservations at Crown & Crumpet Tea Room, and ended up chatting with the owner and having a grand time. It's located in the Ghiradelli Square and has a great décor and menu. I recommend it for a marvelous tea experience.
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| Joe helping us with "research" on the bubbles of Napa! Our first stop was Silverado Vineyards Winery. It's owned by Walt Disney's daughter, and had the best view from atop a hillside. It was gorgeous.  Joe & Greg enjoy view from Silverado balcony.
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Next we were off to Cliffe Lede Vineyard where each section of grapes is named after a classic rock song. They also had great garden art and an art gallery. http://www.cliffledevineyards.com/
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| Cliff Lede Vineyard |
O' Brien Estate where after our tour we enjoyed a gourmet box lunch by the vineyard.
Off to Cakebread Winery where I bought a couple of jars of honey. http://www.cakebread.com/ Then on to Gloria Ferrer Winery in Sonoma, known for their sparkling wines. Back across the Golden Gate Bridge and home again, home again jiggety jig! We used Beau Wine Tours & they provided us with an excellent experience! http://www.beauwinetours.com/
After trying to check in to receive our boarding passes, we were told all of our flights were cancelled. Long story short, it was the day after the Southwest Airlines fuselage situation, and we were delayed in San Francisco an extra day. With Joe & Estela able to catch their flights, Greg & I walked over to Chinatown a few blocks away and explored. For a late lunch we made afternoon reservations at Crown & Crumpet Tea Room, and ended up chatting with the owner and having a grand time. It's located in the Ghiradelli Square and has a great décor and menu. I recommend it for a marvelous tea experience.
