If there’s one thing I never tire of when visiting the city, it’s the ferry building. I have to go every single time. It’s one of those few places that fall under the must-go-or-i’ll-whine category. I’m not sure most people I know understand this fascination, but at least Gordon indulges me when I’m in town. (Thanks Gordon!) If you love food though, it’s really not that surprising. This place has it all. Awesome food vendors, amazing produce and foodstuffs, a breathtaking waterfront location… and I’m only talking about the outside farmers’ market! Inside the beautifully restored building (dating back to 1898) are some fabulous restaurants, eateries, and more purveyors of fine goods. Of course there’s also the photo geek side of me that sees eye candy and photo ops everywhere. All in all, this place is like my version of Disneyland.

So rather than bore you with details of what we saw, ate, and did, let me take you on a little photo tour of our afternoon.

colors of fall

I just love the intricate details of the building, and all the natural light that floods the marketplace

closeup of the steel frame structure

beautiful stuff to be found at the market, and Gordon being goofy as usual

couldn't help but stalk this apple stand. the apples in their rustic boxes were so photogenic!

the angry skies took a break just for us

freshly shucked slurpees (oysters) by the water, what's not to like?

George, who graciously allowed me to take his portrait. Thanks George!

snack time: 4505 Meats; Zilladog (hotdog + kimchi + chicharrones); 4505 burger; more chicharrones

onto more from Hog Island, this time at the restaurant.

Hog Island's heavenly clam chowder and grilled cheese

not too shabby of an afternoon

I’m sure if I lived up here I wouldn’t have the same fervor about the ferry building; but since I don’t, I’ll just pretend that it’s the happiest place on earth.

A couple of weeks ago we took a quick trip to San Francisco to visit my good friend Gordon for a few days. Who knew that a weekend of eating, hanging out, and eating some more could yield so many good memories (and yes, tons of photos). I’m going to have to split it up into several posts, so here are some of the highlights from the first couple of meals.

Our first evening in the sopping-wet city, we headed out to Contigo, a little tapas restaurant in Noe Valley.

Highlights were definitely the queso fresco, lomo iberico, patatas bravas, and churros con chocolate, though I have to admit that most of our enthusiasm for the food was tempered by a ridiculously long 45 minute wait past our reservation, since the party occupying our table were in no hurry to leave. Bad, bad Contigo.

After an endless downpour throughout the night, we were gifted the next morning with beautiful, sunny skies! Time for some breakfast.

Gordon took us to Dynamo in the Mission for some doughnuts. With about a dozen flavors to choose from, the crowd favorite was the maple glazed bacon apple. Um.. bacon, need I explain more? (We also got a passionfruit milk chocolate for good measure.)

With a box of doughnuts in hand, we made a quick jaunt to Philz. Though I’ve had their coffee (beans) before, Gordon assures me that I need to try their made-to-order poured coffee.

Philz has a real bohemian vibe. No test tubes, beakers, La Marzoccos, or Clovers here. Just straight-up, handmade drip coffee. Now that’s love in a cup!

A steaming cup of Jacob’s blend + maple glaze bacon.. this is killing me. I really shouldn’t write these posts late at night.

Next up, off to the Ferry Building!