San Francisco

I was fortunate to be able to spend a few days in San Francisco over the new year. My dearest friend, Laura, moved out to San Francisco this past July, and while I’m certainly sad to have lost her to the West, I’m thrilled to have a reason to visit the West Coast. What a special city San Francisco is, and how lucky all of you in Northern California are to live in such a magical area. I completely fell in love with the city and the general area; from the way the sun shines (so different than in Chicago) to the beautifully coloured Victorian houses, the atmosphere in San Francisco was such a nice reprieve from the cold winter that is currently dominating in Chicago. We spent the week doing a few of my favourite things: cooking, museuming, going to wine country, drinking champagne, walking, visiting farmers markets and doing a bit of dancing. Here are a few photographs from my time out West.

We spent New Year’s Day strolling around Golden Gate Park

Went to SFMOMA the next day and had a great, cheap Vietnamese lunch. I really loved SFMOMA and thought it was a nice blend of the type of things you could see at Chicago’s MCA and Art Institute. Loved the architecture:

My favourite painting at SFMOMA, by Clyfford Still

We went to the Farmer’s Market at the Pier on Saturday. The produce and products there were unbelievable; I love Chicago’s farmer’s markets, but wow, this was incredible!

Later that same day we went up to Sonoma to do a few wine tastings. Sonoma was one of the most magical places I have been to. I don’t think I have felt so relaxed in many years. I can’t wait to go back.

We had a little lunch at a great restaurant in downtown Sonoma called The Girl and the Fig, and we had Fig Royales to drink.

Butternut squash risotto cakes.

And here is a quick portrait of my lovely friend Ali. I met her when I was studying abroad in Costa Rica, and we later met up in Barcelona when we were both studying in Europe. I hadn’t seen her in nearly five years, and it was such a treat to get to spend some time with her. She has such a beautiful, interesting face; I wish she was more fond of getting of her photo taken!