Full first day in SF

As I sit here on the floor of my dorm room in SF, freshly showered and relaxed, I am going over the very, VERY long day I have just enjoyed, and am amazed at how I am still able to keep my eyes open. It's not late - barely past 9, in fact, but given the traveling and the time difference, I have been running on all cylinders for the last 21 hours. Morning came at 3 a.m., dressed, quick breakfast and out the door for a 5:30 flight. I didn't think checking in would be possible that early in the morning, and though I was in line by four, I was being rushed through the process by a series of stewards, from baggage to security to customs, and no sooner did I arrive and my time was up, I was boarding a plane for Detroit.

Now, I like a healthy layover, a good, solid 2-3 hours to wander through the airport, stroll leisurely to my gate after perusing some of the shops and restos. This was not the case in Detroit, with a meager 45 minutes to quickly deplane, rush from one terminal to the next by way of a rainbow tunnel, and run to my gate at the other end of the world - fingers crossed that my checked bag would follow suit! It seemed that no sooner had I boarded and I was landing in San Francisco, to the welcoming sight of Lesley and James waiting for me at arrivals, and my backpack on the luggage carousel - all was right with the world.

Lesley and James had big plans for the day, but not before getting a good breakfast - we headed to Mazarine Coffee for avocado toast - because where else in the world would you want to tuck into a thick-cut, crisp slice of bread topped with the creamy green fruit and other assorted toppings, than in what is arguably the BIRTHPLACE of the avocado toast, California. Over delicious coffee(my third of the day) and even more scrumptious food, we discussed the possible difference in flavour that an avocado grown in California might have compared to one from Mexico.

Bellies full, we parted ways, Lesley and I heading to SF MOMA, leaving James to get some work done. I have been to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and so had high hopes for the offering in the San Francisco iteration. With strong emphasis on American artists, SF MOMA had a slight pop-y vibe, offering glimpses of Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and the like. We browsed galeries of brightly hues geometric shapes, rows of neon tubes in rainbow colours, towers of mechanical cylinders piled by threes. We marveled at how large canvas scored like graph paper can be called art, and how Instagram may have change the way museum now curate their exhibits. We enjoyed several photography exhibits, including one based on all the "mistake" photographs, and how even THEY can be considered art. But, with every good museum, eventually it all becomes a little too much, and the art begins to blur together, not making any sense anymore, though it could have been the fatigue, too. We rejoined James and wandered around the Ferry building for a bit.

Dinner found us heading to Park Tavern in the Italian neighborhood of North Beach. Sister restaurant to Marlowe, which I had visited with Lesley and James on my last trip to San Francisco, Park Tavern promises high-end bistro fare. We start with classy cocktails at the bar, and no sooner do we take a first sip and our table is ready, so we move into the dining room. Enjoying the lingering sun and cool breeze from outside, we dive into the menu headfirst, enjoying tasty treats like Wagyu beef jerky and brussel sprout chips, a house specialty and all too delicious. Tasting every component of every course like we are judging some classy food contest, we continue with a take on fried green tomatoes, and a Kobe beef tartare served with a deconstructed ceasar salad. James and I are particularly impressed with a garnish of pickled caper berry leaves.

The mains are no less impressive - my pan-seared salmon, with its dusting of fleur de sel, is probably the best salmon I have ever eaten. And dessert! Oh my, the dark chocolate torte is divine, the crème brulée lusciously-creamy, and the light-as-air chocolate chiffon birthday cake comes complete with a lit birthday candle! Besides the food, highlights(or should I say conversation points)of the meal included the cranky lady at the neighboring table who kept complaining about the cold breeze and sun in her eyes, finally resorting to eating with sunglasses on, and the dog-lover outside who ate with a large golden retriever cured up in her lap. And our waiter was great too.

So now here I am, sitting on the floor of my dorm room, relaxed and full and happy and sleepy, and just about ready for bed. Tomorrow's another day in beautiful San Francisco, and we have big plans for the day. Until tomorrow -