{"id":9285,"date":"2009-11-11T18:05:31","date_gmt":"2009-11-11T22:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/foodembrace.com\/?p=9285"},"modified":"2009-11-11T18:05:31","modified_gmt":"2009-11-11T22:05:31","slug":"welcome-to-san-francisco-wednesday-and-thursday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/2009\/11\/welcome-to-san-francisco-wednesday-and-thursday\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome To San Francisco: Wednesday and Thursday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi gang! I decided that I would just put Wednesday and Thursday’s recaps all in one big post.\u00a0 It’s just a little bit easier that way when you have so much content and so many pictures to share. :D\u00a0 So let’s get started!\u00a0 San Fran through OHC’s eyes!<\/p>\n

Wednesday:<\/strong><\/p>\n

I got up bright and early and I mean that honestly.\u00a0 My day started at 5am because I was so anxious!\u00a0 I did some last minute emails and then was out the door for a short run when it finally got light outside.\u00a0 I only did 2.5 miles; I had been hoping for more but time just wouldn’t allow for it.\u00a0 I had a large breakfast once I was showered and dressed.<\/p>\n

\"Coffee<\/p>\n

Pumpkin oats with apple!\u00a0 But that wasn’t enough for me and I needed something a little more.<\/p>\n

\"Oatbar<\/p>\n

I grabbed a homemade oat square.<\/p>\n

I knew that due to flying my eating might be off or nonexistent, so I decided that eating while I could would be beneficial.\u00a0 Not long after that it was time for me to ship off to the airport.\u00a0 I flew American and I have to say that I was treated really well.\u00a0 One thing I love about American is the curbside baggage check.\u00a0 I can check my suitcase and get my boarding pass easy peasy without fuss or wait.\u00a0 Both times (at Cbus and SanFran) the guys running the check-in were very friendly and helpful.\u00a0 Once my luggage was checked, I was able to just head through security and right to my terminal.<\/p>\n

I grabbed a Starbucks pumpkin latte with soymilk and the lovely folks at the Cbus Starbucks station also filled my water bottle up for me.\u00a0 I waited to board my flight and passed the time texting with Scott.\u00a0 I didn’t really want to haul my netbook out because I was more interested in watching my environment and trying to keep my nerves down.\u00a0 Basically first time flying jitters.<\/p>\n

I was soo nervous and because I kept my water intake to a minimum so that I wouldn’t be running to the bathroom every five minutes, those did me in.\u00a0 Unfortunately, my flight out to SanFran was very rough for me, though not due to turbulence.\u00a0 Upon take-off, I almost passed out, so I immediately knew something was wrong.\u00a0 I sort of just sat there and kept my mind off my extremely upset stomach and woozy head.\u00a0 I was able to read to help pass the time.\u00a0 Once we landed in Dallas, I was aces and felt so much better!\u00a0 Whew!<\/p>\n

Sadly it was not long-lived.\u00a0 My flight from Dallas to San Fran was a bigger flight and take-off was a lot smoother.\u00a0 However, once we started the descent I started getting more ill.\u00a0 I was just about at my limit and doing the mind over body trick to keep from hurling into the airsick bag.\u00a0 The landing this time was a lot rougher and the slow descent had a lot of turbulence.\u00a0 Not a good combo for a tum that was already flip-flopping around.\u00a0 When I landed, I started feeling better but was still woozy and a bit lightheaded.\u00a0 Once I got my suitcase and was seated on the hotel shuttle, I texted Lori<\/a> to tell her I was on my way.\u00a0 Then I texted Scott and told him I wasn’t flying anymore and that he would just have to come pick me up on Monday morning. ;)\u00a0 I was just so airsick AND hungry, which created the most odd feeling.<\/p>\n

Once I arrived at the hotel, I met with Lori and we headed up to the room.\u00a0 I chilled for a minute on my bed to get my bearings and then we headed out to eat.\u00a0 I didn’t care what we ate at this point, I just needed food in my belly and then needed to promptly go to sleep. :p<\/p>\n

We went to California Pizza Kitchen because it was close by and open.\u00a0 I actually had never been to one before!<\/p>\n

\"pizza<\/a>We split a pizza and I think this was the Spicy Thai Eggplant pizza?\u00a0 I know the crust was honey whole wheat which was actually really good!\u00a0 The rest of the pizza was just alright, I thought it could have been cooked a bit longer.<\/p>\n

\"Salad<\/a>I also got a salad on the side with walnuts, pears, and some sort of fruity vinagrette on top.\u00a0 I felt bad for Lori because I was seriously crashing and my dinner conversation must have been nothing short of a series of grunts and hand gestures.\u00a0 Have I mentioned that night was the first time we met?\u00a0 I was just a peach! :p<\/p>\n

We got back to the room and I apologized and informed Lori that I had to go to bed.\u00a0 It was 9pm Cali time but I clearly was still on EST time and 12am is seriously way past my bedtime.\u00a0 Thankfully Lori was just coming off a trip touring SE Asia so her bodyclock was all wonky and she was tired too!<\/p>\n

Thursday:<\/strong><\/p>\n

We decided that we were going to run Thursday morning.\u00a0 Our hotel was a bit of a hike from the water, just short of a mile or just about a mile walking.\u00a0 One of my goals for this trip was to walk as much as I could so I didn’t mind this at all.\u00a0 We hit The Ferry Building which is right on the water, and just ran.\u00a0 We didn’t calculate distance, just ran for 30 minutes and then called it quits.\u00a0 That worked for me because I was still a bit woozy and in need of water and Lori was still on Hong Kong time.<\/p>\n

I had my camera with me in my running pants pocket which caused my pants to keep falling down!\u00a0 It was a bit heavy and I had to hike my pants back up every few feet.\u00a0 Hawtness!\u00a0 I snapped a few pictures while we walked back to the Ferry Building.<\/p>\n

\"Boats<\/a>\"Sea<\/a>\"Sea<\/a><\/p>\n

We decided to find breakfast on our way back to the hotel.<\/p>\n

We grabbed breakfast at Noah’s Bagels and this was the best breakfast I had all trip.\u00a0 I’m sure people might be shaking their head in disbelief but it honestly was.\u00a0 I know this because I’ve been dreaming about it ever since and seeing the pictures makes me want it again even more!<\/p>\n

\"Coffee\"<\/a>I started off with some coffee with cream and sugar.\u00a0 It was so freaking good!\u00a0 Sadly I was still a bit dehydrated from my trip so I couldn’t drink much of this coffee; my bod wanted water instead.\u00a0 I was so bummed to have to toss it!\u00a0 I didn’t have coffee this good for the rest of the trip.\u00a0 Boo!<\/p>\n

\"veggie<\/a>This is a veggie egg wrap and some of the ingredients were a total surprise to me!\u00a0 When I asked the guy behind the counter what was in it, I’m not sure he knew exactly. :lol:\u00a0 This was on a whole wheat tortilla and had scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes, and hash browns!\u00a0 SO GOOD!\u00a0 It was also supposed to come with cheese and mushroom but I asked for that to be taken off.\u00a0 I also had a banana there in the background for some fruit.\u00a0 I honestly cannot even begin to tell you how good and awesome this sandwich was.\u00a0 If you happen up on a Noah’s, try it!\u00a0 I may just see if I can replicate this myself. ;)<\/p>\n

After breakfast we headed up to the hotel to shower and then putz around for a bit before we had to meet up with LouAnn<\/a>.\u00a0 We were meeting her for lunch!<\/p>\n

Next to our hotel was this little shopping plaza area.\u00a0 It was covered and had cute shops running along each side.\u00a0 In the middle was a Farmer’s Market!\u00a0 It happens every Thursday and was just amazing!<\/p>\n

\"Plaza<\/a>\"Plaza<\/a>Lori and I walked around checking out the sights and coveting all the fresh produce that we were unable to have due to space issues.\u00a0 No fridge in our room except for a very small one filled with mini bar items.\u00a0 We each did get some apples though to munch on throughout our stay.<\/p>\n

While scoping out all the vendors, we met a totally fantastic local who shared with us some places that we must see.\u00a0 He was running a German Bakery Stand and his name was Byrd.<\/p>\n

\"Byrd<\/a>He was totally California, dude.\u00a0 And totally awesome!\u00a0 He is also the Blues Director for Stanford Radio!\u00a0 His show is on Saturdays, 9am-Noon and you can check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I bought some very dense German Black Bread from him which is full of nuts and whole grains.\u00a0 He also gave Lori and I a sample of a pretzel stick that was baked with onions and cheese!\u00a0 OH YEAH!<\/p>\n

We spent so much time talking and browsing that it was time to head over to meet LouAnn!<\/p>\n

\"Thirsty<\/a>One of the things that Lori and I wanted to do while in town was hit up a local brewery.\u00a0 Thankfully The Thirsty Bear <\/a>was very close to our hotel (be forewarned, if you click on the link there will be music but you can turn it off)!\u00a0 We were able to meet LouAnn there for a lovely lunch and drinks.<\/p>\n

\"Organic<\/a>The TB offers organic beers!\u00a0 This would be my first time having an ogranic beer. I asked right away if they offered a sampler and learned that indeed they did!\u00a0 I was very excited about it and was deciding\u00a0 on whether or not to get that when the server automatically brought it out to me.<\/p>\n

\"Thirsty<\/a>\"Sampler<\/a>I guess she assumed my enthusiasm was an affirmation. :lol:\u00a0 Clearly there was no way I could drink 10 samples of beer, especially coming off of being a bit woozy.\u00a0 But I sampled each and every one, and drank about 4 total.<\/p>\n

The most interesting award goes to the Golden Vanilla which is brewed with actual vanilla beans!\u00a0 The vanilla hits you at the finish and this beer was very smooth.<\/p>\n

The favorite award goes to the Brown Bear Ale which tasted exactly like coffee.\u00a0 It was amazing!<\/p>\n

The most disappointing goes to the Koslov Stout which I thought would have more body but ended up being a bit weak.<\/p>\n

I tried an IPA for the first time and did not enjoy it at all.\u00a0 Oooo, I will stick with the darks!<\/p>\n

The most surprising was the Valencia Wheat which was a Belgian wheat beer.\u00a0 Normally I’m just okay with wheat beers but this one was smooth and not beery tasting at all.\u00a0 Perfect for someone who is new to beer or doesn’t care for the beer taste too much.<\/p>\n

The restaurant offers tapas style dishes, I was hungry so I ordered two!<\/p>\n

\"Salad<\/a>\"Salad<\/a>The mixed greens salad which was really good but could have used a bit more substance to it.<\/p>\n

\"Empanadas<\/a>\"Empanadas<\/a>I clearly had no idea what empanadas were because I wasn’t expecting something fried to come out. :p\u00a0 But these were so good!\u00a0 The puree sauces were divine and the inside of these little goodies were fantastic.\u00a0 I thought about sharing but then ended up stuffing my face.\u00a0 Sorry ladies!\u00a0 So good!<\/p>\n

\"Me,<\/a>From Left to Right: Me, LouAnn, and Lori.\u00a0 We had such a fun time chatting and talking about everything.\u00a0 We chatted for several hours and then had to part ways.\u00a0 Hopefully we will all get to hang out again!<\/p>\n

Lori and I ran to the hotel quick to grab some water and then made our way back down to the Ferry Building to get some more pictures.\u00a0 It was overcast and starting to get dark by this point, providing some really interesting lighting for pictures.\u00a0 We walked by all the piers, taking in the sites and gathering ideas for where to look around on Friday as well.<\/p>\n

\"Pretzel<\/a>\"German<\/a>On our walked, I munched on my 1\/2 pretzel stick and a slice of the German black bread.\u00a0 Whoa but that bread is dense and filling!\u00a0 It has a bit of a bitter aftertaste to it that I’m still wondering how to counteract.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>We hit the Ferry Building and cameras came out!\u00a0 This is right before you cross the street to head into the building.<\/p>\n

\"Street<\/a>This is the street the Ferry Building is on.\u00a0 Love all the palm trees!<\/p>\n

\"Pier<\/a>Ah the famous Pier 39!<\/p>\n

\"Sea<\/a>A bunch of sea lions!\u00a0 They are so super smelly, goodness!\u00a0 But totally adorable and hilarious to watch!<\/p>\n

\"Golden<\/a>Sunset and the Golden Gate.<\/p>\n

We walked back through the Ferry Building and stopped by Blue Bottle Coffee.<\/p>\n

\"Blue<\/a>Both of us decided to try some coffee.\u00a0 I wanted decaf and I think I got a decafe latte but I can’t remember exactly!<\/p>\n

\"Latte<\/a>It was completely gorgeous to look at but had no substance at all.\u00a0 I didn’t care for it much and ended up tossing most of it when we got back to the hotel.\u00a0 We chilled out for a bit and then decided that we were both a bit hungry.\u00a0 Not full meal hungry but could use a bit of something.\u00a0 There was a restaurant located in our hotel, Midi.\u00a0 We had a $5 token to use and decided to check it out.<\/p>\n

I would love to show you pictures but it was so dark in there that none of my pictures came out!\u00a0 I had a glass of red wine which came in a very cute decanter.\u00a0 Love that!\u00a0 Lori and I split a cheese plate and some chickpea fries.\u00a0 Yup, you read that right, chickpea fries.\u00a0 They were so tasty good!\u00a0 I could have eaten 10 more plates of them alone!<\/p>\n

After we ate, we headed back up to the hotel room.\u00a0 I showered and then called my love muffin.\u00a0 Then I crashed out in bed.\u00a0 Friday was going to be a full day too!<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for Chinatown and the arrival of many fellow food bloggers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hi gang! I decided that I would just put Wednesday and Thursday’s recaps all in one big post.\u00a0 It’s just a little bit easier that way when you have so much content and so many pictures to share. \u00a0 So let’s get started!\u00a0 San Fran through OHC’s eyes! Wednesday: I got up bright and early […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4KYWa-2pL","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9285"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9285"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9285\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodembrace.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}