June 2024 Must Haves
Amour Vert
Yes, Sausalito can read “tourist trap, Crazy Shirts”, but Amour Vert is shop on Bridgeway that reads LOCAL. The brand is based in San Francisco and is sustainably sourced. You may have stopped in their store on Union Street years ago, but the brand has had a major refresh and I am stocking up on the classics. The cute Sausalito shop also carries AGOLDE and Citizens of Humanity and shoes like Veja. Check it out, and ask for the locals discount :)
Suzette Bistro in Sausalito
You can skip the flight to Paris and head straight to Suzette in Sausalito. This intimate French cafe has stunning views of the city, a welcoming atmosphere and steak frites to die for.
Little Original Joes on Chestnut
Duh… everybody is going there. Pro tip- arrive at 4:30 to get ahead of the lines. I highly recommend the pizza salad, the zucchini fries, the rigatoni and the black cherry spritz. Nice job Dugan family!!! The build out of this location is drawing all the rizz.
Your Friend in DC (@urfriendindc on Instagram)
Need advice? Want to up your professional or networking game? I have the BEST recommendation for you- follow Your Friend in DC on Instagram. I met Maryam when I first moved to San Francisco. She was an attorney who was working with Stanford Law School, which she parlayed into working at the White House and then in Government Relations for companies like Google and Twitter. What a powerhouse right?! When Maryam moved to DC to join the White House team she helped me take over her position with Stanford Law School, and gave me all the tips on how to succeed there. We were working with She would say, “Michelle- before you call so and so, think critically about what you are going to tell him that is valuable TO HIM. When he gets off the phone with you, you want him to remember that you gave him something of value and didn’t waste his time.” It may sound harsh, but it’s true! Her advice has helped me focus on delivering value in communication, relationships, and in my role as a real estate professional. She was one of the first people I contacted when I considered leaving professional fundraising and going into real estate, and she is still someone I discuss important life transitions with. Lucky for you- she now has her own Instagram account where she can give YOU this advice as well. Maryam has recently posted about how to effectively transition back into the workforce, why we need to STOP apologizing or justifying our actions, and how to cultivate important relationships that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. You can thank me later…
June 2023 Must Haves
Fisher’s on Sacramento
Chic, chic, chic! Josephine Fisher Interiors has opened a storefront on Sacramento Street. I snagged the most adorable sets of linen hand towels for our powder bath during her opening and am currently eyeing some new custom bedding. I highly recommend making an appointment with Josie to visit her store (perhaps with friends, and a bottle of champagne?!) or following her on Instagram so you can be in the loop on her curated set of pop-ups happening this fall.
Nick’s Seafood (Pacifica)
Two weeks ago I was driving my daughter down to a surf camp in Pacifica and was reminded of a TOTAL hot spot in Pacifica. No, it's not the Taco Bell on the beach- which is also quite an attraction. It's Nick's in Rockaway Beach. This place is a total flashback to a simpler time when dimmed lighting, martinis, live music, and a classic crab sandwich could solve all major problems- and maybe still can! Check out their live music schedule and let me know if you plan to head down.
Stonestown Galleria
Must say I did not ever think I would be making Stonestown a must-have!!!! But in my treks down to Pacifica for surf camp, I was reminded that Stonestown offers quite a few attractions- and parking! Where else can you get Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Target, Zara, Uniqlo, Apple, and Shake Shack all in one place? Because I live in the Marina my go-to is usually Marin, but I will be venturing down Park Presidio to 19th Avenue to hit up Stonestown from time to time now! (on my way back from Nick's for lunch of course!)
Bothin Burn Center
Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Memorial Hospital: I hope you NEVER need this must-have! But just in case one of the things I am most grateful for about living in San Francisco is the access to world-class healthcare sometimes just blocks away from where we live. On Father's Day, my 9-month-old son received second-degree burns- from SOUP! He grabbed a cup of hot soup at a restaurant before I could stop him and his tiny wrist immediately blistered. Within 45 minutes we were being seen at CPMC on Van Ness and the next morning we had an appointment at the Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis. Not even one week later he is completely healed. I love Sollis Health, but my children are not enrolled there, so I was very grateful to have this world-class center so easily accessible for our family. I parked in the garage just across the street on Pine (which St. Francis validates)- and was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. Pro tip- don't wait on burns! See a specialist immediately. If you have had a pleasant experience at one of the healthcare facilities around SF, I would love to hear about it if you are open to sharing!
June 2022 Must Haves
Top Gun: Maverick
Run don’t walk. I had extremely low expectations for this movie, but it’s honestly one of the best I have seen in a while - and in the theater! It is so important to see it in a theater and not from your home. Maverick, the Ghost of Goose- Jennifer Connelly- beach football scenes (almost rival the volleyball) - and of course, the new character, Rooster - are all both sentimental and fresh at the same time. Maybe it’s my love for the original flick that has me high on this film, but see it and decide for yourself! We saw it with friends after an amazing meal at Mamanoko (my all-time fave) - and suggest you do the same.
Smathers & Branson
“Classic Needlepoint Revisited”. You literally cannot go wrong with Smathers and Branson. While these high-quality belts, hats, coasters, and keychains have an East Coast vibe, they are one of my favorite brands because one of the owners/founders is a San Francisco resident. So feel good while you are shopping local! Make it an even more Bay Area vibe by selecting a piece or two from their
Grateful Dead collection.
Brazen Head
I’m featuring two very different San Francisco restaurants this month. Brazenhead is a best-kept secret for those who know it. On the corner of Greenwich and Buchanan, if it weren’t for the relatively new parklet, you would likely miss it. Locals know Brazenhead is the perfect place for an “everyone knows your name” feeling paired with martinis, steaks, and late-night eating hours- just what you need when leaving the Marina Triangle!
Ernest
Get your phone out IMMEDIATELY and book a reservation at Ernest SF. My foodie friend/client got us a 5:30 reservation on a Tuesday at this new restaurant in the Mission. To be honest- I hadn’t heard of it, but now I can’t go to sleep at night without dreaming of their sushi rice, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, California King Salmon, and Lo Mein. Chef Brandon Rice has outdone himself and I will be making the trip across the city again to dine at Ernest.
Yeti
You just can’t go wrong with a Yeti. The coolers, drinkware, and even accessories for the canines in your life make me want to pack up the car and drive to Stinson for a beach barbeque. But these aren’t just for the dads. Customize your children’s water bottles with their names and you are sure to never lose another water bottle again!
