San Francisco

So, for my 30th birthday, the wife surprised me with a great party that had all of my friends show up for a great time. It was a great night, and a real surprise.

For her 30th, I took her up to San Francisco for a night. The grandparents held down the fort with Knox, while we enjoyed a 1-night getaway.

What a great city.

Here are some pictures of it.




We left to SF at 7:45 Friday morning from John Wayne. Nice, and easy.


a quick hour long flight due to an empty plane and prime flying conditions!



the 24th floor where we stayed had a magnificent view!



the room with a cityscape view..



took a walk to Chinatown

Dim Sum, of course...

"back alley" in Chinatown. for some reason, i'm always on the lookout
for a ninja with 'nunchucks' on the loose...!



the aloha spirit is everywhere



We walked and walked and walked...
had to burn off calories for dinner later

we were accidental tourists

even made it up Lombard St.

the weather was great. not sure why it's always sunny when we visit SF?...



crab snack after our long walk, much deserved



the birthday girl



always a good view wherever you are in SF
crab / alcatraz / brew...



this Franciscan has great style and they play oldies. i like that.



there was no way we were going to walk back... haha!



foodies will know. it was a special night.

Dungeness crab, sea urchin and caviar olive oil puree, toasted bacon brioche



Louisiana Prawn, cream of artichoke, citrus salad, served in a tangerine sauce



Kobe beef cheeks, smoked veal jus,
sweetbread fricasee w/ truffle and spinach
, thyme bordelaise



Seared Filet with a lobster truffled Mac & Cheese "en brioche"
accented with a red wine, shallot, thyme bordelaise



romantic



we paired each course with a wine. wow. a bit foggy the next day.



happy eaters



nic's dessert: the Fleurburger. dark chocolate ganaoche, Beignet banana milk shake
and frozen fennel ice cream "Pommes Frite" 



my dessert, various sorbets with crispy popcorn



the man himself: Chef Hubert Keller

 the next day

Union Square activities



Burger Bar. another Hubert Keller restuarant. great stuff



I HEART SF



city view from the bar at the top of the Grand Hyatt



back home Saturday 4pm.

found this little number in Chinatown for the boy.

couldn't wait to see him!