Tracy D.'s Profile

The service is excellent here-- I told my boyfriend that even if it was a Motel 6 I'd be tempted to return, but seeing that it's a beautiful rustic lodge with private cottages, a hot tub, and pool set among the amazing grounds, that makes it a definite return destination.

Disclaimer:  I didn't know we were going here, as my boyfriend planned the entire weekend and surprised me, but he did his research well.

We arrived a little early and enjoyed our picnic out on one of their patios, which was a very favorable introduction to the grounds.  On checking in, they don't just hand you a key and direct you to your room, they tell you about the main area, the breakfast schedule, the wine and hors d'oeuvres happy hour, and walk you around the property to your room.  There are gift bags with goodies in each room, and they also supply books, DVDs, a ton of magazines, and board games.

The food is excellent-- they make their own granola and breakfast breads, which are also available for purchase-- breakfast also includes a waffle station, a huge variety of fresh fruit, egg dishes, homemade scones, cereals, yogurt, juices, etc.  The happy hour offers a substantial fruit and cheese plate, gourmet dips and crackers, and of course, vino poured by one of the local establishments.

If you're planning on going to dinner and drinking (and who doesn't want to do that?), take advantage of their free shuttle.  Janelle is such a sweetie and has great stories and recommendations on what to eat where you're going.  The last pickup from a restaurant is 11pm, which gives you plenty of time to eat without worrying about getting stranded.

I would highly recommend this spot for a romantic getaway; and if you're from out of town and haven't gotten to do as much research on your weekend as my bf apparently did, the ladies at the front desk are a wealth of information and very helpful at booking tours, tastings, reservations, you name it.

Restaurant only review...

This was my surprise bday dinner with the boyfriend-- he totally hit a home run with this one.  

Ambiance:  We had a private table in one of the corners near the fireplace, and it was even nicer that the 2 tables nearest us had parties who left early on during our meal, making it more intimate.  The carpeted floors in the main dining area plus woods and a slight break between the two rooms makes it quieter than you would expect, which is nice.  While it was too cold for us to brave the patio (even with heat lamps!), we stepped out there after dinner and enjoyed the beautiful sky.

Service: friendly and engaging, also very discreet about checking on us-- I love that they don't make you feel like they're hovering.  Excellent recommendations on wines, as well.  

Food:  All-around excellent; a few standouts were the lobster tail, the venison tournedos, the duck...  and if I go further I'll be naming the whole menu.  Oh so decadent but with great fresh flavors that make you want to finish those last few bites even though you think you might pop.  Of course my eyes were totally bigger than my stomach, so by the time dessert rolled around, i was sure I was going to have to be rolled out of there.

Will definitely be back in the future...  after I've exercised off a few of these pounds.  Highly recommended for a special occasion, or just a yummy yummy splurge.

The SF Blues Festival bills itself as the longest-running blues festival in the world-- and it's celebrating its 35th anniversary this year!  Oftentimes it gets overshadowed by the Jazz Festival a few weeks earlier, but with our late summers, it's a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and hear great music with one of the most gorgeous backdrops in SF-- Fort Mason.

If you're more into visual arts, or can't make it to Fort Mason, they feature blues films at various venues throughout the city.  Something for everyone...

They consistently feature some the best names in blues, without neglecting the up-and-coming talent.  Quite a few of their artists also perform at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival.

I believe 2-day tickets are only available before the show, not day-of, and of course parking is always a hassle, but it's a small price to pay for excellent entertainment.

The public/conference areas are gorgeous-- I love the sleek styling, the bar is contemporary without being cold, and the service is friendly.  I won't go on too much about that because other people have covered it well.

The hospitality staff was excellent at serving and clearing without making noise, btw.  I've been to functions where there is a significant increase in volume when plates are cleared, and the speaker has to raise their voice-- not here at the Sofitel.  While it's not that critical for a conference, you might appreciate that during a more important event, like a wedding, for instance. =)

(Was here for a day conference, so I can't comment on the rooms.)

Great American classic food served by a sweet staff.

Brunch was particularly delicious-- their specials included benedicts with a seafood twist-- crab cakes, local smoked salmon, etc.  Their fries were excellent; crispy on the outside and hot, not greasy at all.  yes, it's a standard item, but it's the little details that count.

Family-friendly and laid-back; great place to go for a more casual meal.

Excellent, excellent french fusion.  We were in town for the Monterey Jazz Festival and bf's birthday, so I'd made reservations here.  

Surprisingly enough, for a busy weekend it was not crammed to the gills, which was very nice.  We were greeted warmly, seated right near their big picture window, and offered complimentary bubbly for the special occasion.  The restaurant is broken up into two levels (one just a couple feet higher) so that each area feels more intimate.  The table spacing is great as well, we had ample room to move around and were at a perfect distance from the people next to us.

Now on to the food...  we did the tasting menu + wine pairings, which is $100 a plate (btw, they request that the whole table does this, which is standard).   Yes, it's expensive, but for the quality of food and wine it is very reasonable.  If you're going to splurge, do it here.

The cool thing about this is they have several chef's specialties that they bring out as amuse-bouches, AND you choose from a variety of offerings.  We got different dishes so we could taste more stuff, and everything was totally flavorful, fresh, and exciting.   NOT your old standbys, they've got some great inventive twists.  My vanilla gelato was paired with a basil syrup and mango sorbet...  quirky, unexpected, and oh so yummy.

Highlights included seared ostrich loin, scallops, steelhead trout, chocolate souffle...  Definitely check it out and see what the chef has to offer.

If you love the architecture in museums almost as much (or more!) than you love the pieces...  if you loved poking around in the nooks and crannies of your grandmother's house as a kid... if you appreciate hidden gems of houses that are uniquely SF-- gorgeous without being cookie-cutter....

...then the AIASF home tours are for you.

This is not your grade school's fundraising house tour with country kitsch and shabby chic, this is residential architecture at its award-winning, inspiring, and totally livable finest.

You'll learn about cutting-edge products and techniques, get familiarized with SF's neighborhoods, and at the very least come away with some great ideas for your dream home or next remodel.  One particularly memorable home looked like an old Victorian on the exterior, then opened up to a welcoming zen-like interior courtyard complete with a pool, and bamboo and glass all over.

I'm not an architect, but I love seeing the gorgeous houses even if sometimes the terminology is beyond me.   Definitely worth a weekend day of your time!

In a city with as much gorgeous architecture as we have, sometimes it's hard to do it all justice.

The AIA SF chapter hosts series of lectures, films, tours, etc. so you can learn about why that building looks so cool or how to get the best mileage out of your new remodel.

One of my favorite events:  the Home Tours, held in the fall, that give you an exquisite glimpse into how some people really live.  It's like MTV Cribs with taste and class.

Very charming Craftsman/Victorian B&B with views of the water-- a lot of the rooms offer Jacuzzi tubs, and the location is excellent-- walking distance from the beach, parks, restaurants, etc., and a short drive from Carmel.  The garden is a cute place to relax as well if you feel like being lazy.

They require a 2-night stay on weekends, and they do tend to fill up quickly as there are only 9 rooms, but it's one of the more charming, personable B&Bs in the area (where there's a lot of competition).

I can't believe I'm the first to review the Jazz Festival...  this event is such an institution!

The Jazz Festival is held in September every year; it's a huge gathering of jazz legends, up-and-coming new talent, and enthusiastic jazz fans who crowd the 20-acre fairgrounds.   They offer several levels of tickets-- day passes that allow you access to the fairgrounds and almost all the stages except for the arena, or arena tickets that assign you seating for the arena concerts (3-4 per night over 3 nights) and allow you access to the fairgrounds, but only at a designated time.

The problem issues are, of course, parking, and the fact that they don't allow same day re-entry-- so you've got to spend the whole day in the fairgrounds if you want to see artists in the morning and evening of the same day.  Of course, you can always find good food and beverages at the numerous tents, and with all the panels, workshops, and clinics, there should be plenty to keep you occupied.

If you love jazz, this is a must-see event; or you can surprise the jazz lover in your life with tickets and watch their eyes grow big.