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It’s already May and with Mother’s Day fast approaching, spring is in full bloom. This makes it the perfect time for the quintessential San Francisco experience, the Saturday morning trip to the Flower Mart. According to the San Francisco Chronicle: “in a city known for decorative style, the Flower Mart is Source Central for the best and freshest flowers and greenery.” The mystique of the Flower Mart even made it into Armistead Maupin’s “More Tales of the City, his second novel in the popular book series.
Located in the heart of SoMa, at 640 Brannan Street (at 6th St.), the San Francisco Wholesale Flower Mart’s 50 vendors include purveyors of cut flowers, potted plants, blooming plants and floral supplies. It’s evolved from being a “growers” market to being a marketplace for floral wholesalers. Flowers and other products available at the Flower Mart, used to come only from local, Bay Area vendors. But now, lilies, tulips and exotic decorations come from all over the world. While badges are reserved for flower wholesalers, retail florists, event planners, interior decorators and gift shop owners (who get early bird access, as soon as 2 a.m.!), many are surprised to know that it’s open to the public Monday thru Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s even on-site parking, although you can easily walk from One Rincon Hill or other points in SoMa.
San Franciscans of all stripes converge here to pick-up flowers and accessories for special occasions (like Mother’s Day), a dinner party centerpiece, or just for sprucing up the home. Many colors and species of floral favorites — carnations, daffodils, gladiolas, hyacinths, lilies, orchids, tulips, roses and many more exotic varieties — can be found here. And a broad collection of hearty plants and small trees, too — including several ideal for a condominium patio, even in cool, windy San Francisco. Shibata Floral Company is just one of the popular vendors here, specializing in fresh-cut flowers and floral supplies. For Mother’s Day, they recommend delicate orchids, a bouquet of assorted flowers or perhaps an orange tree.
Next door is Fantastico (559 6th Street), which is a surreal find in itself. Serving the City since 1961, Fantastico is the destination for everything that goes into making a fabulous event or statement: balloons, party supplies and costumes; yard ornaments, silk flowers and plants; and a bazillion “tablescape” items Sandra Lee would squeal over.
After smelling (and buying) the flowers, mart-goers cap the visit off at Bechelli’s Flower Market Café (698 Brannan Street), an on-site oasis where newly bought bouquets and decorations are put aside for friendly chitchat and people watching, over breakfast or lunch. The crowd is an eclectic mix of SF society matrons, interior designers, morning joggers and baseball fans. Gossip flows here like the re-fills of coffee and ice tea enjoyed by the patrons.
A visit to the SF Flower Mart is a very real San Francisco experience, something in-the-know new residents of SoMa should do at least once a year.
Flower Market Café (http://www.flowermarketcafe.com/ ), Fantastico (http://www.fantastico.com/), Shibata Flower Co (http://www.shibatafc.com/ ), Flower Mart (http://www.sfflmart.com/ ).
A short time ago, a One Rincon Hill resident submitted a journal of her weekend – “a fairly typical one,” she said. Her recap contains great insight into life at One Rincon Hill and our Greater SoMa neighborhood. We thought we share it with you in three separate parts. We ran Part 1 on April 22. Part 2 on April 25. Here’s Part 3:
Jane’s SoMa Weekend Journal (Part 3)
Sunday
6 a.m.
After walking the dog, Matt heads out bright and early for his regular Sunday morning tennis match at the San Francisco Tennis Club, at 6th and Bryant.
8 a.m.
I head to the fitness center downstairs for a little cardio on my favorite elliptical watching HGTV. Then, I like to get the grocery shopping done. This is the only time all week I use the car. I have many choices nearby to stock up.
9:30 a.m.
Whole Foods has the best assortment of cheeses and produce. Safeway can be a one-stop shop and the SoMa location has it all (for really bulky stuff, like Matt’s cases of PowerAde and my Diet Dr. Pepper, I order online and have them delivered). When we need “Two Buck Chuck” or those frozen Thai pot stickers Matt craves, I’ll head to Trader Joe’s at 10th and Bryant. There, I always make a stop in Bed, Bath & Beyond, bringing my 20% off coupon to save a little on my Keurig coffee packets, and check out Nordstrom Rack before I leave.
12:30 p.m.
Matt and I often rendezvous at Crossroads for a little brunch, but today is sunny and he won his tennis match, so we’re feeling a little more adventurous. We head out on our bikes along The Embarcadero to Mission Bay, meeting friends for brunch at The Ramp, a casual bayside outdoor café that seems to meander for acres along the piers. For the tepid cyclist like me, biking along here is ideal because it’s flat and safe, with sights along the way, such as the Mission Creek Park, with its pelicans, canoeists and a row of houseboats, all sharing a picturesque islet ringed with walking promenade. Other times, we head west along the Embarcadero, past Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina to Fort Mason, Crissy Field, The Palace of Fine Arts, The Presidio and the majestic Golden Gate.
4:39 p.m.
It’s been a full weekend already…. We found the perfect place to relax on One Rincon Hill’s luxurious Park Level. We go for a swim, and join our neighbors for a barbecue on the outdoor grill. The backdrop is stunning, the sunset in the West and the skyline unfolding all-around. We love it here!
A short time ago, a One Rincon Hill resident submitted a journal of her weekend – “a fairly typical one,” she said. Her recap contains an inside look into life at One Rincon Hill and our Greater SoMa neighborhood. We thought we’d share it with you in three separate parts. We ran Part 1 (Friday) on April 22. Here’s Part 2:
Jane’s SoMa Weekend Journal (Part 2)
Saturday
7 a.m.
Another spectacular sunrise, so we enjoy our coffee on the patio watching the boats go by.
8:55 a.m.
We take a morning stroll along the waterfront to the Ferry Building, where the scene is magic. There’s a real European feel of Justin Herman Plaza, mix of old and new architecture, waterfront, streetcars, bicycles, palm trees and arts and craft merchants; however, the California sunshine is one-of-a-kind. On Tuesday, Thursday, and especially Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., some of San Francisco’s best-known chefs, and most famous farmers, can be seen at the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market. I can spend the entire morning there and get fun, fresh local organic produce for the entire week. I’m always on the hunt for great heirloom tomatoes.
11:30 a.m.
Today, we’re meeting my favorite cousin at Gott’s (formerly Taylor’s Refresher). I think she visits from Pleasanton just for their sweet potato fries — and the people watching. While the Ferry Building Marketplace is the ideal place to take out-of-town visitors, I enjoy jogging there for some solitary exploring, too. My latest find is the mushroom truffle salt from Far West Fungi. It makes yummy topping for Parmesan flatbread. I never leave the Famers’ Market without a bouquet of fresh flowers for decorating our entry table, as well.
5:15 p.m.
We are taking in afternoon mass at historic St. Patrick’s Church, located in the heart of Yerba Buena, which is truly one of the world’s finest urban parks. There’s always something going on in the gardens, the surrounding architecture is jaw-dropping with museums in every direction, including SFMOMA and the new Contemporary Jewish Museum with its blue dreidel-like architectural feature.
5:59 p.m.
Looking up, its impossible to miss the blue green glass of the west façade of One Rincon Hill, literally sparkling in translucent shades of silver and gold and pink in the late afternoon sunshine.
6:01 p.m.
After mass, we head to Tropisueno — one of the great new spots along Yerba Buena Lane — a fun spot to enjoy chips and salsa. We often stop there after a big Union Square shopping excertion, too. We always pick up some plum truffles next door at Schoggi (Swiss for chocolate), or visit Beard Papa, for their famous crème puffs.
7:08 p.m.
We decide to take in a movie at the Loews Metreon…. It’s so nice to have theaters close by.
A short time ago, a One Rincon Hill resident submitted a journal of her weekend – “a fairly typical one,” she said. Her recap contains great insight into life at One Rincon Hill and our Greater SoMa neighborhood. We thought we share it with you in three separate parts.
Jane’s SoMa Weekend Journal (Part 1)
Friday
6:35 a.m.
The morning sunrise is magnificent. From our home on the One Rincon Hill’s 26th floor, it the entire Bay shimmers. TGIF… because it looks like a great weekend ahead!
7:50 a.m.
My husband Matt works in Silicon Valley, so having the valet ready the car, and the easy access to I-280 off King St. makes it so convenient for him each morning. Lucky for me, I walk to work in the South Financial District, which allows me to come home at lunch to relieve our loveable yorkie, Max, and stop in for a mani-pedi at Cocoon Urban Day Spa down the block. The wood oven pizza next door at Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant is fab, too.
6:05 p.m.
After a long day at work, it’s great to be greeted by Victor, one of One Rincon Hill’s helpful lobby ambassadors. They have some packages for me, which I whisk up the elevator (San Francisco’s fastest I’m told) with me to home-sweet-home. Max greets me at the door before I walk him down to the corner dog run, where a post-work dog + owner pow-wow is underway. An even bigger dog run in under construction a clock away on Bryant St. at the base of the Bay Bridge. Max and I can’t wait.
8:09 p.m.
Friday night is our big night on the town. Our dining options are plentiful and we’re regulars at all the attractions such as Epic Roasthouse, Waterbar, Chaya, Boulevard, Prospect, Town Hall, Salt House, RN74, Anchor & Hope, Fly Trap, Osha Thai and more. We’ve made a reservation for Benu, former French Laundry Chef Corey Lee’s new hotspot – for July (it’s that hot). Tonight; however, we’re checking out Twenty Five Lusk, a new restaurant in an alley off Townsend St. (at 3rd) that the concierge recommended. The atmosphere is quite hip, and it looks like we added another neighborhood favorite to our list.
10:45 p.m.
We topped it off with a moonlit stroll along the Embarcadero, listening to waves lapping against the sailboats at the South Beach Yacht Club Marina and the soothing rumblings of the MUNI T-Line.
San Francisco may not boast balmy weather like on the beaches of Phuket, but SoMa makes up for it with a multitude of Thai restaurants that pepper the neighborhood. Before a Giants game, crowds flock to Ozone Thai Restaurant and Lounge (598 2nd St. @Brannan), formerly Jack Falstaff, for Thai fusion bites like Stuffed Chicken Wings, Sweet Corn Patties, or umbrella drinks on the indoor/outdoor patio to watch the orange and black clad fans stroll by. Down the street at 415 Brannan St., Koh Samui and the Monkey is touted by fans on Yelp for delicious vegetarian Pumpkin Curry, served in an actual pumpkin. Up 2nd St. from Ozone, is Osha Thai Restaurant (149 2nd Street), a lunch Mecca for SoMa techies, who like their famous Mango Salad, while another Osha Thai at 311 3rd St., caters to convention attendees and SoMa residents seeking an elegant Thai dinner. Across the street, is Cha-Am Thai (701 Folsom St.). Chef Yotin Srisawat creates a menu inspired by his hometown of Cha-Am, such as Gaeng-Keo-Wan, or Green Curry Chicken. A few blocks west is Basil Thai Restaurant and Bar (1175 Folsom St.), with a sleek, modern interior designed by co-owner Todd Sirimongkolvit. Try the Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak Topped with Peanut Sauce. For one night (or day) in Bangkok, SoMa offers a taste of Thailand in almost every direction, with every destination just a short walk from One Rincon Hill.
Basil Thai Restaurant and Bar www.basilthai.com, Cha-Am Thai Restaurant www.chaamthaisf.com, Koh Samui and the Monkey www.kohsamuiandthemonkey.com, Osha Thai Restaurant www.oshathai.com, Ozone Thai Restaurants www.o-zonethai.com
In the 1950’s, San Francisco redevelopment took on the ambitious task of reviving a diverse neighborhood in the South of Market area. In the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s the warehouses of SoMa attracted up-and-coming artists and loft dwellers. Then came AT&T Park and dot com boom. Today, luxury condominiums like One Rincon Hill dot the landscape and trendy restaurants abound. There’s even a second tech boom making the neighborhood sizzle. With all the change, it’s still a great place for artists and creative types, and there’s a wealth of galleries to visit which show off their work.
ArtHaus Galley (411 Brannan St., near 3rd St.), named San Francisco’s Best Art Gallery in 2011 by BayList, prides itself on featuring the best in fine and contemporary art and discovering the most relevant artists. Check out its new exhibition showcasing Kenney Mercher’s “Renovated Reputations,” an ensemble of painting and assemblages that illustrate the identity of San Francisco, as well as a fiction writing contest from the artist in honor of displayed portraits.
More galleries can be found towards the South Financial District, also just a short stroll from One Rincon Hill. The Pigman Gallery (72 Tehama St.) showcases abstract, modern and contemporary works sweeping across all genres and niches – from oil on canvas to contemporary sculpture instillations. Next door is Five Point Arthouse, a community creative space run by artists devoted to pushing boundaries and discovering new ways to ponder about the creative consciousness. An even greater collection of galleries can be found just across Market St., along Geary St. toward Union Square. Of course, SoMa is also teaming with students from the many campuses of The Academy of Art University, and there are regular art shows at many locations.
While galleries abound, don’t forget to take notice of the public art is on display, too, especially along The Embarcadero, One Rincon Hill residents’ favorite weekend promenade!
ArtHaus www.arthaus-sf.com, The Pigman Gallery www.thepigmangallery.org , The Five Points Arthouse www.thefivepointsarthouse.com
One Rincon Hill residents can walk to South Beach and The Embarcadero waterfront with ease. However, when the boulevard is closed for “Sunday Streets,” the bikes come out in full force, and the pull to explore San Francisco at a greater clip can take over. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or in for more of a leisurely ride, we’re lucky that SoMa is home to bike shops and services catering to any level. For a picturesque ride along the waterfront, The Bike Hut at Pier 40 has affordable rentals for only $22 (helmet, lock and map included), offering hybrid, mountain and tandem cruiser bikes, as well as Alley Cat bikes for kids. For full-service biking needs, Pacific Bikes next to Whole Foods on Fourth Street, has a neighborly feel and offers rentals, repairs, apparel and wide selection of bicycles for sale. For more choices from a national retailer, visit Performance Bicycles on Brannan with a wide range of bikes, from multi-geared racers to mellow cruisers, and all kinds of accessories. Mikes Bikes’ “Test the Best” special allows buyers try out bikes for a full day before they buy them. For the newer SoMa resident, or those not familiar with local bike paths and routes visit, www.sfbike.org to design a personalized bike route. For popular trips such as biking along The Embarcadero or across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Blazing Saddles at Pier 41 or go to www.blazingsaddles.com. Of course many bike savvy SoMa residents don’t feel the need to chart a route – they hop on and paddle where-ever the wind takes them. It may be the corner side-walk coffee shop or a ride along the waterfront, there is always something to be discovered and enjoyed in the One Rincon Hill neighborhood.
The Bike Hut (www.thebikehut.com) Pier 40, Pacific Bikes (www.pacbikes.com) 345 4th St., Performance Bicycle (www.performancebike.com) 635 Brannan St., Mikes Bikes (www.mikesbikes.com) 1233 Howard St.
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner; however, the luck of the Irish is with SoMa residents who can celebrate the Emerald Isle at our neighborhood’s distinctive Irish pubs year-round. The Chieftain Irish Pub and Restaurant, Kate O’Brien’s and O’Neills Irish Pub share more than just Guinness on tap in common. Magically delicious Irish pub fare and other lucky charms pervade these establishments, each just blocks from One Rincon Hill.
Where “Craic,” Irish for “fun times,” reigns supreme. The Chieftain(thechieftan.com), 198 5th St. near Westfield and The Metreon, is a popular hangout for soccer, rugby and football fans, just as it was for Chronicle employees for decades. The Chieftan’s authentic atmosphere is buoyed by Celtic copper shields, a hand painted map of old Ireland on the floor surrounded by Castle Stone, imported stained glass Spiral of Life image over the front door and unique copper art depicting the original Chieftan, Brian Boru. The Chieftan also boasts an impressive list of Irish whiskey, featuring multiple varieties from Old Bushmills, Cooley and New Middleton distilleries; as well as 20 beers on tap, including a 20 oz “perfect pint” of Guinness.
A downtown favorite under the big shamrock sign at 579 Howard is St., Kate O’Brien’s (kateobriens.com), which offers classic “Celtic Californian” fare such as the Irish Potato Nacho’s or the Jumbo Pork Bangers and Mash. Naturally, there are plenty of Irish ales and Magners Irish Cider on tap to wash it down – something hordes of techies along the burgeoning Second St. corridor do with gusto after each workday.
For “the best party outside of Ireland,” visit O’Neill’s Irish Pub (oneillspub.co), 747 3rd St. at King, across from AT&T Park. Making a St. Patrick’s Day debut in 1998, O’Neill’s boasts favorite Irish ales Bass, Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, and a bevy of scotches and whiskeys. O’Neill’s also features live music Thursday through Saturday nights. Tip: after a wee bit too many pints, Happy Donuts (located next door), makes the perfect nightcap before the short stroll back home to One Rincon Hill.
“May the leprechauns be near you. To spread luck along your way.”
 The whimsical furnishings of HD Buttercup
H.D. Buttercup, an LA-based furniture store, just opened a new outpost at 290 Townsend St. (in the former LIMN location) to the delight of design aficionados everywhere. A smaller LIMN Gallery is now upstairs from the H.D. Buttercup showroom. The busy SoMa corner located just blocks from One Rincon Hill is now peppered with a hip coffeehouse, The Creamery; adjacent taqueria, The Iron Cactus; and even more modern furniture shopping at Bimma Loft 2.0.
With a funky 35,000-square-foot space, H.D. Buttercup offers a vast selection of furniture, fine linens, lighting, antique and vintage items, rugs, artwork, home accents, and outdoor furnishings, all at “accessible prices” and immediate gratification according to the store’s mantra, “if you see something you love, you should be able to take it home, right then and there.”
In the mood to shop? Also near H.D Buttercup are a half-dozen home furnishings stores, many of which are located along Townsend Street. A longer walk (or short drive) away is the new flagship Restoration Hardware, as well as other Showplace Square spots such as B&B Italia, DZINE, Dandelion, Design Within Reach and Roche Bobois. With so many offerings right in our neighborhood, it’s easy to make a day of it furniture shopping in SoMa for everything from a marble-topped antique armoire to a modern acrylic dining chairs!
B&B Italia (bbitalia.com), 2211 Alameda St.; Bimma Loft 2.0 (bimmaloft.com), 681 4th St.; BoConcept (boconceptsf.com), 101 Townsend St.; DZINE (dzinestore.com), 128 Utah St. (between Alameda St. & 15th St.); Dandelion (dandelionsf.com), 55 Potrero Ave.; Design Within Reach (dwr.com), 299 Alameda St.; H.D. Buttercup (hdbuttercup.com), 290 Townsend Ave.; Ligne Roset (lignerosetsf.com), 162 King. St.; Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com), 188 Henry Adams St.; Roche Bobois (rochebobois.com), 701 8th St.; Room and Board (roomandboard.com), 685 7th St. @Townsend St.; Ruby Living Design (rubyliving.com), 180 Townsend St.
 Yigit Pura’s passion for cooking began in Ankara, Turkey when he often helped his mother make caramel fudge. That passion grew when he moved to the Bay Area at age 12. Today, Yigit, executive pastry chef at San Francisco’s Taste Catering & Event Planning, is arguably on top of the pastry world after winning the premiere season of BRAVO’s “Top Chef: Just Desserts.” Recently, Yigit found himself at One Rincon Hill with fellow “BRAVOlebrity” Jeff Lewis, star of BRAVO’s “Flipping Out.” Frank Howard Allen Realtors of Novato, Calif., hosted a lunchtime event for 100+ real estate brokers with Jeff as guest of honor; however, Yigit’s tasty sweets were clearly the star of the show. Yigit’s dessert spread included colorful macaroons in glass displays, caramel raspberry lollypops, and mini chocolate and peanut butter cakes. Yigit was every bit the effervescent chef, happy to chat with guests and excited to meet fellow BRAVO personality Jeff Lewis while soaking up One Rincon Hill’s jaw-dropping penthouse views. Through all the socializing, his mind was always on his craft – regularly disappearing into the catering kitchen to make sure his dessert creations were served with the uttermost care. Lucky for us San Franciscans, Yigit and Taste Catering are local treasures we can often enjoy in our own backyard. Visit: www.tastecatering.com
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