California2

This place is true to its name. The large downtown store is filled with designer denim by all the big manufacturers. Located just one block up from the San Francisco Shopping Centre, it features a wide selection of young, hip fashion for men and women. Home to names like Levi's, Calvin Klein, Fubu and many more, it is a great place to find lots of popular styles and casual looks.

Taste the magic of the Bay Area on a customized, behind-the-scenes tour of iconic food venues in San Francisco and beyond.

Everyone knows this designer, one of the world's most famous. Step into this Union Square boutique. It offers great vibes and fabulous collections of apparel, shoes and accessories. In this museum-like floor space you will find everything from tailored suits and fine leather shoes or handbags to silver key chains, military dog tags and a rubber dog bone. Considering how upscale this boutique is, it is surprising how friendly the staff is.

Designed by Philippe Starck and located in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square, the Clift is approximately 12 miles from the San Francisco International Airport. This property is also located a half-mile from the Financial District and one mile from the Embarcadero. From the Surrealistic magic of its soaring lobby to the digital art exhibitions in its celebrated and legendary Redwood Room, the nearly century-old Clift's daring new sense of diversity perfectly captures the city's spirit. Hotel amenities include the Redwood Room lounge, Asia de Cuba restaurant serving contemporary cuisine with Asian and Latin influences, fitness room, babysitting, in-room massage and spa services, concierge service, laundry valet, luggage storage, and valet parking for 50 per day, plus tax. Room amenities include sleigh beds, Venetian-glass lamps, desks with two-line speakerphones, 27-inch TVs, CD players, satellite radios, minibars, and wireless and wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge). Custom-designed marble-and-tile bathrooms have tabletop sinks, plush bathrobes, and Agua Bathhouse toiletries. Nightly turndown is complimentary; in-room spa and massage services (surcharge) are available through the concierge.

Hamano Sushi is a Japanese restaurant, that was rated three stars by the San Francisco Chronicle. It is best known for its fresh vegetable and seafood dishes. Its sushi and sashimi are some of the best in the city. Try the Hamachi (yellowtail), the Saba (marinated mackerel), or the Kani (crab). A long list of appetizers with delicacies such as Broiled Scallops Marinated in Miso are a part of the extensive menu. House specialties include the Nigiri Sushi Combination, the Vegetable Sushi Combination, and the Sashimi Assortment. It is most popular with neighborhood regulars. The staff is friendly and courteous and the contemporary dining room is clean and no-nonsense.

A stately golden Buddha presides over Cathay House. The decor is classic Chinese restaurant with Asian prints and sculptures on display. The customers are a mix of locals, Chinese expats and tourists enjoying cuisine from all over China. Specials include the extra spicy-hot Kung Pao Chicken, a shrimp with black bean sauce, and a zesty pepper steak. The full service circular bar is the pride of the place which offers exotic tropical drinks as well as a fine selection of Chinese beers and wines. The staff is gracious and efficient.

Feel like having a gourmet snack or need a little something for the host of an important dinner party? This small neighborhood gourmet shop specializes in cheeses from all over the globes. Complement your cheese selection with selections from its stock of the fine wines, crackers, chocolates, olives, sandwiches, salads and other gourmet edibles. It sells everything to please the discriminating palate. Additionally, a knowable staff can make recommendations for the novice gourmand.

San Francisco, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in northern California, is the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its diverse ethnic and political communities, hilly terrain, world-class restaurants and scenic beauty.

It is the home of the ‘50s beat generation, the ‘60s flower power students, the ‘70s gay rights movement, the ‘80s culinary revolution and, of course, the ‘90s technology boom. Today, the city remains the epicenter for all things cyber and is on the leading edge of the sustainable food movement.  

Ride a cable car, walk across (or windsurf under) the Golden Gate Bridge, scribble poetry in a North Beach café, shop at the hip boutiques along Union Street, check out the latest exhibit at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, see an opera, then club-crawl through cyber-cool South of Market.

So much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Tony Bennett left his heart there.

This restaurant has a lovely interior that complements the cuisine it serves with earth colors, close-set tables and wooden beams along the high ceiling lend it a decidedly rustic feel. Calamari fritti, rack of lamb, penne with Italian sausage are some of the items that feature on the predominantly Italian-cum-Mediterranean menu. The staff is warm and friendly and there is a full bar, making this the perfect place for both a business lunch or a relaxing meal out with friends and family.