My Neighborhood: List#1

Polk Street, San Francisco.

For the past 4+ years (4 years, 1 month, and 10 days to be exact), California St to Union St has been my cozy little ‘hood.  And now I only have 21 days left.

I have really loved (more like LOOOOOVED) everything this place has to offer.  It makes living in a big city like San Francisco warm and cozy – like a friendly little town.

Some local places I’ll miss.  In random order and definitely not comprehensive.

1. Cheese Plus:  I have my local cheese shop where they have a fabulous selection of local cheeses as well as freshly made sandwiches (Willie Bird, anyone?), wines, flowers, and snacks.  What I appreciate most is the friendly and very knowledgable staff who provide the best advice from which type of cheese and wine would make the best fondue to which treats to bring for dessert for a dinner party that are sure to be a hit.  Also, they let you sample the cheese before you buy.  And they give very generous sample sizes.  And lots of them, too.
2. Tai Chi:  One of the two default take-out places I visit on my way home from work when I need some good comfort food while watching my DVR-ed shows of the day on the couch.  My usual: General Tso’s Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice with brown rice.
3. Little Thai:  Now called T2J (not sure what that stands for).  My other default take-out place.  Pumpkin Curry with chicken and a side of brown rice.
4. La Boulange de Polk:  Excellent.  I repeat, excellent bread and pastries.  Can’t mess up french toast when you use their challah bread. 
• *Flashback* I was there one evening catching up over coffee and a tart with a former coworker and lost track of time.  by the time we noticed, it was 15 minutes past their closing time and not only did they not pressure us to leave, but as we headed out, we got offered us a giant shopping bag of bread and croissants galore from the day!  both a blessing and a curse – delicious goodies, but i totally overdosed on those oh-so-tempting carbs for an entire week!
5. The Jug Shop: Think independently owned BevMo where the staff is passionate and knowledgable about the alcohol they sell.  They gave me great tips on which kind of tequilla to use to make margaritas with, that when making mulled wine I should just go for the giant, very inexpensive jug (yes, they actually downsold me on my wine), and special ordered for me two cases of this fantastic beer I had when I visited Texas.

Numbers 1-5, I promise I will not take you forgranted for the next 21 days.



Window displaying awards at Tai Chi... How awesome is it that my default take out place is famous!
And they don't use MSG.



Condiment selection at La Boulange.