Specialty foods such as this ham will be on display at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show

San Francisco, California is a food-lovers paradise. This city by the bay launches and closes restaurants faster than a chicken lays eggs. In fact, it is commonly accepted in the food business that a new restaurant is more likely to fail than succeed.

What keeps foodies coming back to San Francisco’s Fancy Food Show

So what keeps foodies  coming back to San Francisco’s Fancy Food Show like moths to the flame?  It’s all about what’s new and what’s next in the gourmet food industry.  What are the latest food trends in the business?

As a travel writer who enjoys dining out and writing restaurant reviews, I can tell you that the San Francisco restaurant scene is exploding with food carts and trucks. How can foodies track down these food trucks? Often times you’ll be able to follow street food vendors using Twitter.

2010 Specialty food trends

What are some other top specialty food trends from 2010 according to the editors of Foodspring? Rumor has it that San Francisco-based Chronicle Books will publish a High Times Cannabis Cookbook in the near future.

Michael Winnike introduced his Happy Goat Caramels at the 2010 Winter Fancy Food Show

A-List chefs give back
• Food trucks 2.0
• D-List celebrities pitch pistachios, including Snooki and Rod Blagojevich
• Sea buckthorn berries
• iPad menu apps
• Mandatory calorie listings on menus
• Food deserts
• Eataly
• Death of Oldways founder K. Dun Gifford
• Umami in a paste
• Hyperlocal food production
• Solar-powered food trucks
• 97 Orchard Street: An Edible History
• High Times Cannabis Cookbook
• Child Nutrition Act

Fancy Food Show Facts

This trade-only event is where buyers from the top names in specialty food retailing come looking for next year’s hot product and trends. Now in its 36th year, the Winter Fancy Food Show is the largest marketplace for specialty food on the West Coast. 80,000 products are slated for display by 1,300 exhibitors from 35 countries. Sorry, the Fancy Food Show is for members of the specialty food trade and media only.

Additionally,  Food Fete takes place on Monday, January 17 in the evening.  Again, my apologies, this is an invitation-only press event that connects gourmet food and beverage products with food and lifestyle journalists and bloggers.

What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco?

If You Go:

San Francisco Fancy Food Show, January 16-18, 2011

George Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA

Social media enthusiasts may follow Foodspring on Twitter.  You may also follow Nancy D. Brown on Twitter for the latest travel news.

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Article and photos by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown

San Francisco

Welcome to the Divisadero Corridor a San Francisco Neighborhood

Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Series About San Francisco Neighborhoods

To really get to know San Francisco and to feel like a traveler and not just a tourist, visitors to the city should venture beyond the famous landmarks and get out into the neighborhoods. San Francisco’s neighborhoods are as diverse and interesting as the people who live here – it is so much fun to find the neighborhood that has your name all over it so that you can return time and time again to experience the delights of the city as locals would.

Divisadero Corridor Neighborhood – DivCo for short
Some neighborhoods are a few short blocks (i.e. Dogpatch), while others are eight square blocks (i.e. Chinatown). The neighborhood on our radar at this very moment is somewhere in between. This neighborhood is newly-named “DivCo” short for Divisadero Corridor. DivCo is a “microhood” of a neighborhood called “NoPa”, which is short for North of Panhandle. The whole area, at one point, was simply called the Western Addition. Sounds complicated, I know, but just think of these new neighborhood names as a sign of gentrification, neighborhood pride, and viable businesses and homes clustered together forming a community.

What makes a thriving San Francisco neighborhood - a farmers' market

Western Addition – Now Micro Neighborhoods
In the case of DivCo, the area we’ll concentrate on,  this sprouting community runs roughly six blocks of Divisadero, from McAllister to Page. It is worth noting that not everyone embraces the name DivCo – naturally many old-timers and even some newbies hate it, so maybe you shouldn’t bandy that term around while you’re exploring this neighborhood.

The OLD Divisadero Streets of San Francisco
For many years, Divisadero was one of those streets that you find in every city – not the most scenic route but usually expeditious for getting from one side of town to the other. No reason to stop along the way, just power through to get to the final destination. That was the old Divisadero street; the one that we see today is the result of the Divisadero Streetscape Improvement Project: landscaped mediums (109 new trees!), new olde-world style street lamps, improved sidewalks and pedestrian access, and even a parklet.

What makes a thriving San Francisco Neighborhood
With the improvements came the things one expects of a thriving neighborhood in San Francisco: excellent restaurants, interesting bars, unique local shops, art venues and a farmer’s market. The neighborhood is still finding its vibe, which is nice because it is accessible and cool, but not too hip. It’s not a scene, but a neighborhood that lacks pretense and will welcome you. Now’s the time to explore!
To explore all that DivCo has to offer, start at lunch time and end at dinner. In between meals you can shop, wander, have a beverage or two and people-watch. Here are our recommendations:

Enjoy a salad or sandwich at San Francisco's Mojo Bicycle Cafe

Eat Lunch at Mojo Bicycle Cafe. Enjoy a salad or sandwich and a glass of wine at this bicycle shop/cafe. Have dinner at Ragazza. San Francisco is in the midst of a full-scale pizza war, and the recently opened Ragazza has some heavy artillery. The salads and sides are standouts too – the roasted squash with ricotta, currants and almonds is one of our faves.

Shop The Perish Trust. Art, antiques and amusements is how the owners describe their inventory. We call it a selection of beautifully curated items that proprietors Rod Hipskind & Kelly Ishikawa have put in their shop to tempt you.
The Prairie Collective – four friends and three business share space in this shop, offering jewelry, flowers, art, and all sorts of “uncommon goods”.
The Other Shop – get your mid-century modern on at this collective of 18 knowledgable and selective dealers.
Drink at Mini Bar SF. The name says it all – it is mini. What it lacks in size it makes up for in style, nice people and always interesting art.
Madrone Art Bar has art, art and more art. Plus specialty cocktails, super nice bartenders, a good crowd and great music.

San Francisco's Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

Explore Alamo Square. Enter Alamo Square one block off  Divisadero Street on Fulton. The Painted Ladies with the backdrop of the downtown San Francisco skyline never gets old, and soon you’ll be able to see The Painted Gentlemen too.

Some of the city’s best Victorians are located in this neighborhood, so have a wander around.
Divisadero Art Walk – community galleries, bars and restaurants feature art. Locals and visitors become art walkers at around 5pm. The shows generally lasts until midnight. This monthly event is a great time to get a feel for the community.
Divisadero Farmers Market This Sunday Farmer’s market also offers a chance to check out the neighborhood. There’s often live music and there’s always delicious food. Coffee by Mojo Bicycle Cafe.

What is your favorite neighborhood in San Francisco? What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco?

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About the author. Dianne Admire is the co-owner of San Francisco company Carried Away. Carried Away offers private, custom, experiential tours of San Francisco and the Bay Area for up to 4 people. If you would like to see San Francisco neighborhoods such as DivCo, book a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” outing with Carried Away.

Painted Ladies photo courtesy of  Sogospelman.

San Francisco

Hop on a cable car and go shopping in San Francisco's Union Square

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to The Ferry Building Farmer’s Market – especially on a Saturday morning.  As San Francisco is such a foodie town, I find that this is a great way to see the culture of the Bay Area.  Time for only a drink?  Go to the Burritt Tavern in Charlie Palmer’s Mystic Hotel for a cocktail.

When I crave San Francisco cuisine, I turn to  Californian/French cuisine.  My favorite unknown restaurant is Isa (located on Steiner between Chestnut and Lombard) – serving small tapas style plates with French Cuisine.  Sushi is always a go to in San Francisco. There are many little spots that offer fish such as Kiss Kiss or Sushi Ran in Sausalito.

To escape work go to Chrissy Field for a run along the water towards the Golden Gate Bridge.  Tune out to an iPod or the sound of the fog horns.  Lyon street stairs, a stroll down Chestnut Street or a bike ride to Sausalito are always good escapes. Or, get out of the city and hideaway in Sausalito, walking the docks.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at  the Japanese Tea Garden or rent a paddle boat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.  Need to relax? Book a massage at Nob Hill Spa and spend the afternoon poolside in the Hotel Huntington’s famed relaxation haven. Why not take a book and head over to the beach at Chrissy Field?

If You Come to San Francisco

If you come to San Francisco, get your picture taken at the top of Mt. Tamalpais overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the city.  Take your picture on the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, ferrying to Sausalito, enjoying an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Café or hop on a cable car and go shopping in Union Square.

Insider tip: La Taqueria has the best tacos in San Francisco's Mission District

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Out the Door, get the Pork Belly to go, or if you want to really splurge, order the Mac Daddy Mac and Cheese at Fat Angel.

San Francisco is my one stop shop for sourdough bread. Acme makes the best bread and is located in the Ferry Building. If you are in Fisherman’s Wharf, Boudin is a close second.  Fresh produce at the farmer’s market is a San Francisco treat.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to Nopalito or La Taqueria on Mission Streeet for the best tacos.

For a huge splurge, I go to Spruce or the new Francis.  Of course there’s Gary Danko or Fleur de Lys.

Photo ops in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge (at night), Museum of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, and people watching on Haight Street.  There’s also Top of the Mark,  Bay to Breakers race,  the Pride Parade and the Blue Angels in October.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of  Nob Hill.  You can see vantage points of the Bay Bridge, downtown, Portrero Hill, and Pacific Heights.  Not high enough?  Go to the top of the Mark for a full panorama.  Alternatively, walk to the top of Telegraph Hill overlooking the Bay Bridge at night – best for a full moon!

The most random thing about San Francisco is the Totally Illegal Big Wheels race down Vermont Street at 20th and the Gay Pride Parade. Bay to Breakers  is unique – watch the tortillas fly in the air at the start of the race.

An active day in San Francisco involves walking across the Golden Gate Bridge

In San Francisco an active day outdoors involves walking, hiking or biking.  Walking the hills of San Francisco is most certainly an urban hiking experience.  Wander down (or up) the squiggly path of Lombard Street – beats being stuck in a car on Lombard Street.  Rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

My favorite walking route is Chrissy Field in the Marina or Tennessee Valley in Marin.

San Francisco’s best museum is the DeYoung in Golden Gate Park – it has the largest collection.  SF MoMA is recommended for modern art and the Contemporary Jewish Museum offers a touch of culture that spans beyond Judaism.

For a night of dancing, go to Press Club San Francisco on the weekends for a high class wine tasting and dancing experience that spans beyond the grimy club scene.  Best part?  Top DJ’s spinning house, funk and jazz tunes.

The Press Club is the spot for late night dining.With a late night wine pairing menu with bites including Braised Artichoke and Panzanella Salad and Smoked Salmon and Caviar Blintz with crème fraiche pair expertly with premium wines from the six exclusive wineries located on premise, it is not to be beat.  For more casual fare, Caribbean Pulled Pork Sliders with house made orange fennel marmalade paired with Miner Family Tempranillo and Crispy Three Cheese Pizzetta with fresh mushrooms; fennel, pepperoncini and organic onion paired with Hanna Chardonnay.

To find out what’s going on at night or on weekends, read the San Francisco Chronicle, Daily Candy SF, Urban Daddy, Thrillist, Eater SF and Tablehopper.

You can tell a lot about the Bay Area from visiting Pt. Reyes and dining on oysters at Marshall.  Carried Away Tours can arrange a private, custom tour of this area with highlights including the Bovine Bakery, a local favorite, and even Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese. You can also go horseback riding to the beach in Olema.

In the spring you should attend Bay to Breakers race.

In the summer you should attend the Gay Pride Parade.

In the fall you should visit Sonoma and Napa Valley during the wine harvest.   This is a prolific time to be in the area, and also a major tourist attraction so plan wisely.  Visit Maisonry in Yountville for tastes of cult wines including Uvaggio.  Can’t make it to Napa?  Stop by the Press Club to experience the latest vintages of the wine bar’s exclusive brands including Chateau Montelena Winery- the Calistoga brand that placed California wines on the international stage during Napa Valley’s wine birth more than 30 years ago; Fritz Winery famed for its Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley grapes;  Hanna Winery & Vineyards, a 250 acre estate Sonoma vineyard; Miner Family Vineyards which produces its flagship Oracle – a Bordeaux-style blend; Mount Eden Vineyards, one of California’s first boutique wineries; and Saintsbury, whose California Pinot Noir placed the varietal firmly on the world’s wine map.

In the winter you should go to the outdoor ice skating rink at the Embarcadero Center.  Nothing beats the idea of ice skating under Palm trees.  Chilly?  Stop into Americano Restaurant for a nightcap in the Hotel Vitale only steps away from the rink.

Don't miss the Exploratorium by San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts if you have kids

A hidden gem in San Francisco is Sacramento Street for shopping or the rooftop of JAQK Cellars’ headquarters for wine pairing  with a view of the bay.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to Foreign Cinema for the famous Pop Tart!  Philz Coffee’s Philharmonic is the best coffee in town.

Just outside of San Francisco you can visit Tiburon. Have lunch (margaritas and guacamole) at Guaymas Restaurant overlooking the harbor and Angel Island with views of San Francisco.  Take the Ferry to add to the experience.

The best way to see San Francisco is to walk or take the cable car for a true San Francisco experience.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss The Exploratorium near the Palace of Fine Arts or Golden Gate Park’s buffalos.

What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco?

Thanks to Carried Away for assistance with this post. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown

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