Where is the vegan sushi?? Shinzen, Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya in the Mission offers some of the most thought out creations of vegan food I've ever seen. This might explain the line outside the place on this particular Saturday evening. I make it a rule not to wait in lines... but eating by yourself has it perks! I get a seat at the last spot at the sushi bar. The menu is genius for vegans, you can get Nigiri with roasted pepper, eggplant, tomato and green mango. The rolls have clever titles; Secret Weapon, Colonel's Pipe, the Surprise Ending (comes with a shot of sake in the center), the Candlestick ( presented with a flame on the side, seriously), and Hidden Agenda. I've heard from repeat customers that the ramen is excellent. The dessert delivered next to me (sorry for staring) looked exceptional, green tea ice cream with fresh fruit placed beautifully around the ice cream. The beauty is in the presentation, excellent flavor and a place that transcends beyond the monotonous vegan fare.
Plant-Based Mexican Cuisine in the Mission District
Gracias Madre is a plant-based Mexican food restaurant in the heart of the Mission District (between 18th & 19th Street) in San Francisco. What makes this place so special is its ambiance, handcrafted iron works, a beautiful mural in the outside dining area as well as the wood floor inside, and matching chairs. The food can be hit or miss so be sure to ask your waiter or look at the 1,500 images that Yelpers have provided.One thing that stands out is how well the dishes are plated. I tried the Chilaquiles with cashew cheese and Rojo sauce (pretty good), the salsas in the trays, green and red had a perfect blend and balance of peppers and spices which made it hard for me to chose which one to put on my dish. I spent time alternating between the two.
Hidden Gem; Mosaic Tiled Steps
Located between 15th and 16th Ave. off Moraga Street in Golden Gate Heights, the stairs are a project sponsored by nearby neighbors with the support of the Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood Association and San Francisco Parks Trust. 166 steps and the 163 customized tiles that are set into the stairs look different depending on the time of day and where you are viewing them. Once you get to the top of the stairs you'll get a view of the ocean it is a clear day.
Exhibit at the Center for the Book
Degrees of Innovations is an exhibit by the alumni of Mills College hosted by the San Francisco Center for the book on Rhode Island Street in the Potrero. An innovative show with a diversity of pieces that include wall tapestries, miniature books, a dimensional paper black hole, and a frayed book expanding beyond its normal boundaries; it offers a unique take on words, paper and images. The exhibit runs through January 14, 2018 at 375 Rhode Island Street.
Art Walk in the Presidio
Art and nature meet on this 3-mile hike through the Presidio. You can find 4 of Artist Andy Goldsworthy's installations during this hike the "Spire" stands near the Arguello gate in San Francisco's Presidio. Goldsworthy a world renown artist uses site-specific materials found in nature. For this particular installation, the artist used 37 felled Monterey cypress trees which he fastened together to make an impressive 100-foot tall "Spire". The installation, as well as some of the artist's other pieces (Earth Wall, Tree Fall, and Wood Line), can be accessed on a 3-mile hiking loop.
Earth Wall
Arizmendi Bakery A Worker Owned CO-OP
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The advent of food Co-Op's helped in putting the democracy of food back into the hands of the people. Arezmindi Bakery is named after a priest (José Maria Arizmendiarrieta) who helped start cooperatives in the Basque Country of Spain.
Arezmendi's is a worker-owned cooperative that opened in 2000 in San Francisco's Sunset District.
On most days the lines for the bakery are out the door at least in the Sunset District. Voted the best bakery in many publications, I have to agree. Get there early, nothing beats warm baked goods fresh outta the oven. If you get there after 11am, try the pizza for $3.00. (Ride your bike and get a discount)! The Arizemendi's website gives you a list of hours, bread schedule and pizza menu.
Sunset Farmers Market
If your looking for organic fruits and vegetables this is a great stop for a Sunday morning. Nestled between two buildings in a parking lot the market offers a relaxing environment with a smaller feel than most farmer's markets in San Francisco. My favorite booth is the Fifth Crow Farm booth, although a little bit more expensive they provide top notch quality produce. Be sure to stop across the street for some bakery goodies at Arezmendi's Bakery.
Beloved In The Mission
Beloved Cafe located on 24th Street one block west of the Bart station offers a unique calming and grounding experience while amid the hustle and bustle of the Mission. The cafe offers teas, tonics, juices, hot drinks, herbal lattes, and nourishing bowls both savory and sweet. The decor is earthy and woody; lots of plants and custom woodwork making for an intimate setting. I got the Puer Tea and A Super Food Smoothie Bowl; Mango and Avocado. You can check out the menu on the Beloved Website.
A Hike At Mount Davidson Park
The highest natural point in San Francisco Mt Davidson offers picturesque view of the city. Hike to the Mt. Davidson cross, a 130 ft. tall concrete cross. The cross has a rich history from the 3 original crosses constructed of wood ( two of which burned down), purchase of the current cross from the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California who installed a bronze plaque at the base memorializing the victims of the Armenian genocide, to the gathering of 75,000 people for Easter service in 1941 as well as the filming of a scene from the movie Dirty Hairy.