"And I shall watch the ferry-boats And they'll get high…read moreOn a bluer ocean Against tomorrow's sky" (Van Morrison) The blue waters of the San Francisco Bay serve as a beautiful backdrop to the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace. It's more than just a food hall, it houses over 40 restaurants, cafés, and retail shops, so if you're looking for food, beverages, groceries, consumer goods, or bakery treats, the odds are excellent that you'll find it here. Oh, and they host a Farmer's Market three times a week too. The building has been around since 1898. Its name traces back to what was located on the site in the 1870's - a ferry boat house that was the only way most travelers and commuters could reach the city. Today, the building offers 65,000 sq ft in the first-floor Marketplace space, plus over 175,000 sq ft of upper floor office space. The Marketplace was buzzing with visitors on the day we stopped by. The building is gorgeous with a very high arched glass ceiling that lets natural light pour in on sunny days. We strolled through the Marketplace, stopped at Humphry Slocombe for ice cream cones, grabbed a bench outside on the pier, and just enjoyed the waterfront views and the great San Francisco vibes.

The Ferry Building. Staring straight down Market Street at the very edge of the bay, like a…read moremonument to San Francisco's enduring obsession with itself. It's still here. Same predictable crowd, just with different faces--fresher, younger, and probably with higher valuations. I'm here on a Thursday, right when the circus rolls into town. The food trucks and artisanal tents arrive to feed the hungry, self-proclaimed "elite" crowd. You know the type: tech bros and corporate mid-managers willing to wait forty minutes in line for an organically harvested heirloom radish just to feel something. Yet, against my better judgment, I kind of miss the hustle of coming out here. There's a manic, beautiful energy to it all. It's comforting, in a twisted way, to see those who stood the test of time. Take Gott's Roadside. It's a temple to the American classic, and by a wide margin, the best damn burger I've had in San Francisco. No unnecessary pretense, just grease, beef, and execution. I'm making it a personal mission to crush one before I escape next week. But let's be honest. The RoliRoti Porchetta Truck is the real, singular reason we are here. A traditional Italian sandwich hacked apart on a folding table on the sidewalk. It is a certified delicacy in this town--fatty, unctuous pork, crispy skin, and herbs, stuffed into a roll that has no right tasting that good. It's the kind of street food that makes you forgive this city for everything else.

One Word: SENSATIONAL…read more This store is so well thought out, curated, and every element is inviting and made with love. I have found my new favorite sustainable home goods store that brings all the perfect elements of home goods: timeless items & fabulous quality. The staff are beyond is amazing, welcoming, & inviting 1000% coming back for more items and recommending to my friends

Senses is the kind of store that makes you want to drop in anytime you're in the area. The space is…read morecalming and beautiful, and you're offered a beverage as soon as you enter. There's lots of handmade gifts, many of them made locally or by Palestinian artists.

First visit to Stuff by Luxe. Walked in and was immediately smitten by a beautiful mid century…read moremodern credenza of walnut sitting to the left of the entrance. It was in pristine shape. Went home and pondered it, researched it, and decided it was too good to pass up. I called, they made it easy to purchase over the phone, paid a very reasonable price to have it delivered down the Penisula. It has just arrived, and I am so happy.

Customer service is a dying art. The staff are bothered when you ask questions and god forbid you…read morewant to pay for something. Such a weird vibe. The collection of stuff is cool. Priced high.

Thank you fabulous Flipp...now, have a little bit of "MadMen" decor in my very own apartment!…read more My current favorite obsessions are "MadMen" and adding a touch of transitional decor to my apt &, thanks to Flipp, was able to do both! I have been on the lookout for a cool new loveseat & Dan came to the rescue with the perfect find saving me hours (who am I kidding?...weeks) of furniture shopping! There were so many cool options and Dan is a pro at helping to focus on what would work and making suggestions on home decor ideas...best experience & so easy! Big bonus that you can buy piece & have it delivered that very same week. Patience may be a virtue but it is NOT one of mine - much more of an immediate gratification kinda' gal! (*see my review on Chris Rodriguez Moving Co) I will be going back to flipp for some stellar accents (so many funky little tables, lamps & excited to see the new Trina Turk pillow collection)! I really could just move into the awesome store...perfect Russian Hill location & a groovy garden. If you have a petite place but want BIG style...this is the spot & Dan is your man!

What got me into Flipp was the beautifully placed succulents just outside of the store. I've been…read moreinterested in furniture and I thought it would be interesting to check out Flipp. Although the store itself was rather small, there was a huge variety of items being sold. Not much sofas and chairs, but more like decoration. What I also liked about my visit was that there was an outside part of the store for the succulents and items that complemented it. Overall, interesting experience and I suggest you guys checking this hole-in-the-wall furniture shop!

This review is overdue, but well-deserved. I went into the Bed and Bath store, in search of a nice…read moreaccent pillow for a lounge chair in my master bedroom. I walked out with two: the first, I walked right to within about 30 seconds of entering the store, and it was magically on sale! The second, I discovered as I browsed through the store so full of gorgeous finds, I could have stayed there all day. I didn't need that second one, but it was so beautiful, I was determined to find a place for it in my home, and I did - it is the perfect addition to my existing bed design. Aside from the stunning pieces in the store (absolutely everything is drool-worthy), the service was impeccable. I was immediately helped by one of the gentlemen working that particular Saturday afternoon. You know when a salesperson strikes just the right balance between being very helpful and leaving you be? That was him. His colleague was equally great. It would be easy for the salespeople in a store like this to be snotty at worst, and stand-offish at best. Given the population that likely comprises the majority of their clientele, this wouldn't be at all surprising. But despite walking into the store in workout clothes with pillow creases and smeared masacara on my face because I'd come straight from a massage up the street - let's just say, I've seen better days - they couldn't have provided better, more genuine VIP service. I like nice things and I LOVE great service, so I will most certainly return the next time I'm looking for something extra special and luxurious for my home (or someone else's)!

In our yearly girls Holiday extravaganza. We stopped into Anthem in the Corte Madera~Town Center…read more What a stunning store. Something for everyone. Elegant, fun and everything in between for yourself and home. Thank you Barbara and Christie for greeting us with such warmth. YELP Elite approved..

Small shop of ceramics spun in San Francisco, with beautifully glazed pieces in thick sturdy clay…read more Not inexpensive but good quality and great gifts for a housewarming!

Beautiful well done ceramics and glazing…read more Look at the colors, really simple and calming to the eye Vases and pots for your home decor or gardening Made right here in the Bay Area!

I go to Super Simple to find lovely, well-priced home accessories for interior design projects --…read moreand I always find more than I thought I would. They also have lighting and furniture, plus loads of terrific pieces for the kitchen. Prices are really good, and the owner, James, is terrific. Helpful when that's what you need, but never overbearing or hovering. He's super-responsive and has gone above and beyond for me more than once. Most of the places I source from for projects are out of range for those who can't afford an interior designer, but that's not true of Super Simple -- James has a great selection of affordable, well-designed pieces. I would recommend Super Simple to anyone who has great taste, but a smaller budget.

Every time I walk into this store I remind myself that I find this to be one of the best curated…read morelocal shops. Cleansing Palo santo, accent furniture pieces, gold details, art, books. Even when I don't have a shopping list I find things that enrich my home environment. Yes, super simple indeed!

Randomly got a few things online and picked up on my way to a reading at SF Playhouse. So happy I…read moredid! I totally forgot what a warm and inviting holiday environment Williams Sonoma creates. It's the family feeling you wish your family had. Every single person is charming and friendly, starting with the offer of some peppermint bark the minute you enter. If you need a quick dose of holiday spirit, drop in!

If you want some nice things for your house, then it's hard to top Williams-Sonoma, especially the…read moreSF store which is huge! Staff was very friendly with us yesterday and gave us a lot of attention. My daughter even got a free slice of pizza from them. Things are a little pricey, but if you want some nice French copper cookware, this place has it.

Outside of those that are on your actual bed, you don't know you need pillows until,…read morewell, you need pillows. Read...for your sofa. Read...for the matching chair w ottoman, etc... I'm good w the actual number of pillows at home, but I thought it was time to refresh w a few new pillow cases/covers. I messaged the business, inquired about my measurements, fabrics, color, & availability. The owner got back to me right away. She said she would custom make my request, & gave me all the stats. Yay! In the end, I decided to go w a different fabric (and thus vendor), but my experience w this shop was professional, swift, & accommodating...all well worth noting. One custom made 18" x 18" pillow case (pillow not included) will run you around 80 bucks. It all depends on the fabric and the size you choose, of course. What a great addition to NB. 5 stars

Frances Wolff not only beautifully sews designer pillow covers with a fabric of your choosing but…read moreshe also has a number of fabrics and pillows/pillow covers ready to go. If Frances doesn't have a fabric or pillow cover that fits your decor or you don't have a fabric at the ready, she has a number of textile resources available to her. Frances is now located at 2764 Octavia Street @ Union Street. 415.450.7384.

post.script. (not to be confused with the now closed Postscript Coffee in Jackson Square -…read morecurrently rebranded as Loveski) is a woman-owned gift shop in the Fillmore District. This cute and curated shop was was established in 2019 and mainly focuses on San Francisco-themed items and sells unique tote bags, pins, stationery, greeting cards, mini print vending machines, original artwork, home goods (e.g. scented candles), accessories, etc. This small shop carries items from 100+ brands and independent artists. This shop was quite an unexpected find and it really reminded me of some gift shops in Los Angeles that rent shelf space to independent artists and creators to showcase their work. Overall this is a great gift shop to stop by for anyone who's looking for a one-of-a-kind gift. P.S. - No designated parking lot for the shop & metered street parking or paid parking lots (California/Steiner Lot) only.

Super cute stationery spot. Lots of variety and they had an art vending machine perfect for…read morescrapbooking or junk journaling!