"I left my heart in San Francisco", but truly, I did. This beautiful city highlights some of the most famous US landmarks known to man. With the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco may be a small pin on the map, but it is full to the brim with adventure. Known for it's top notch eateries, events, underground speakeasies, city pockets, culture and more, this City Guide shares just some of the gems of this historical town.
The Dorian SF
The Dorian SF is an ode to the era of the Gatsby, Wilde, Fitzgerald, Thomas and more. This modern day parlor caters to the heart and soul of San Francisco. With a quintessential take on a vintage classic, the Dorian SF is the go to spot for after work drinks, the perfect date night, sipping cocktails with your friends in the second story lounge, and Sunday brunch. To start, the ambiance is impeccable. When you walk in, it is as if you are transported into the Gatsby Era. With one wall full of old timey books, a dining area with beautiful glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, famous artwork perfectly hung amidst the blue and wooden walls, a second story lounge of sunken velvet chairs, marble tables and a beautiful wooden bar, and last but not least a Photo Booth to capture the memories.
Cocktails are a must when visiting The Dorian. The menu caters to everyone’s tastebuds. Few of the favorites are Dorsey Sour, Hellfire Club, and The Libertine. Something that adds to this restaurants authenticity is their Love Note cocktail which comes with an Oscar Wilde quote on each glass. Because this venue caters to being a Whiskey bar, they offer Whiskey Flights using some of the most unique and distinguished Whiskey’s from around the world. Pair these drinks with some of the snacks and small plates on the menu. The patron’s favorites are Ahi Poke Tacos, Brussels Sprouts, Pork Belly Bun, and Liberty Farms Duck Wings.
The Dorian SF
2001 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
www.doriansf.com
FLORES
Flores, a Traditional Mexican culinary delicatessen located in the heart of San Francisco. This restaurant provides you with all the San Francisco feels you would want when trying out a restaurant for the first time. From the creative craft cocktails to the modernized dishes based on family recipes, Flores is one restaurant you will want to visit when in San Fran.
When walking into this beautiful venue and greeted by amazing staff, the experience is pure from beginning to end. When beginning to glance over the menu, start with the craft cocktails. Whether you are looking to share a pitcher of Classic Margarita’s or want to try something more unique, some of Flores’ top picks are the Ghost Ride, Tostiloco, and the Yucatan Nightjar. The menu is catered to sharing. To start, order the Guacamole, Ceviche de Pescado, and the Sikil P’ak. The Sikil P’ak is a spicy pumpkin seed, tomato, and habanero dip served with gem lettuce. For the main entrees, some of the classic favorites are Carne Asada, Chile Relleno Ahogado, Enchiladas de Pato, Mole Negro Poblano, and Pok Chuc. General Manager and Co-owner Luis Flores brings family to the table. His recipe for the Mole Negro Poblano comes from his mother. Flores is very keen on making sure they bring recipes that are passed down from grandparents and parents. What is something that adds to Flores’ signature is that they make their tortillas hand made from scratch.
Flores Restaurant provides such a unique and authentic taste through out all their dishes. Each dish is original yet there is a cohesiveness through out every item ordered. When asking Executive Chef Alejandro Morgan where he gets his inspiration from he shares, “I think that keeping things simple and straightforward is the way to go. Keeping the amount of ingredients to a minimum allows them to shine—except for in the case of mole, which has over 30 ingredients but somehow finds the right balance. I do like using dried chiles a lot, as I think they give food a different depth of flavor that’s hard to put in words. They all have very different qualities but when utilized correctly make a big difference in the finished product. I also like balance in food and like most dishes to have acidity, sweetness, bitterness, saltiness etc. I like eating and for my palate to be exhausted.”
Chef Alejandro was born and raised in Costa Rica which allowed him to grow up with similar ingredients that you see in Mexico. His three culinary staple items include dried chiles, limes, and corn. Chef Alejandro explains, “When I started cooking Latin American food again, it came back very naturally and has become something I really enjoy.” When looking for inspiration, he always starts with Tradition. From there it grows from traveling, and history of the Mexican Culture. The next step for Flores is being able to build upon the Summer menu, adding in new seasonal ingredients.
Flores
2030 Union Street.
San Francisco, CA 94123
www.floressf.com
Photography by: Aubrie Pick
Bourbon and Branch
This prohibition era speakeasy is one of the oldest speakeasy’s of San Francisco. This hidden gem is rare in it’s breed of bars. First off, to get in you must make a reservation and be told a password. No password, no entrance. Think you can take selfies and post on social media? Think again. Bourbon and Branch have a no cell phone rule. The idea is to be transported back in time, and let me tell say, that one hundred percent happens. Their cocktails includes pages and pages of options including their classic Imperial Eagle. Sign on for flights of tequila, whiskey, gin, rum, or more. Taste cocktails made of fresh ingredients, perfectly paired for distinct flavor. One of the best little secrets about this bar is the hidden bars within the bar. What looks like a bookcase is actually a door leading into another speakeasy. Be careful where you step on the floor because you might just find a trap door leading to another speakeasy. Fun fact, 6 months into being open, the owner found the original 1920’s speakeasy in the basement of the building. This used to be a private men’s cigar club, and when invaded by police, it had secret doors that led out into the underground tunnels of San Francisco.
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Be dazzled by vintage glamour from the moment you walk inside the Drake and be greeted by their iconic Beefeater doorman in this iconic San Francisco staple in the heart of the city. In the guest rooms and suites, classic elegance meets theatrical San Francisco chic. Discover bold colors and rich fabrics, framed with stunning city views. Explore their fanciful lobby, mix and mingle at the hotel’s evening wine hour and then venture up to their top floor for the Starlight Room, their classic lounge that offers dancing on a starry floor, high-end cocktails, delish bar bites & amazing city views.
The Starlight Room is the place to be when in San Francisco. This "Shining Star" Nightclub is a San Fran icon. Whether you are looking to grab a few classy cocktails, dance the night away, or grab a few small bites while taking the city views, this place has it all. The Crudite and Cured Meat & Artisanal Cheese Board are always a fan favorite, along with the classic Neighborhoods of San Francisco Chocolate Collection. A must have libation is going to be The Garden Party. With St. George Chile Vodka, Ginger Syrup, Fresh Cucumber, and a splash of Soda Water served on the rocks, this drinks pairs beautifully with any small bite and will also reach all your tastebuds.
The Sir Frances Drake Hotel
450 Powell St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
www.sirfancesdrake.com
Surf Air
When you think of travel arrangements, you think of stress. But not with Surf Air. Founded in 2013, Surf Air has become one of the top luxury private airline companies. San Francisco airport is large and in charge, but with Surf Air, you're able to fly in style and comfort without the chaos of an overcrowded airport.
With a few different San Francisco city region airports, you are able to fly into Oakland, San Carlos, or San Jose. The Private Charter facilities offer front door valet, full concierge staff to help with all your needs, a 15 minute early arrival time, healthy snack varieties, an array of beverages, and best of all, if you are traveling with a rental vehicle, that can all be managed through Surf Air.
This membership service is a chance for flyers to pay a set monthly fee and enjoy unlimited flights. When it comes to San Francisco, the word tech comes to mind. A Surf Air membership is perfect for the savvy businessman heading to and from their office and home. Whether they are living their life down in Los Angeles, and working their Monday thru Friday in Palo Alto, Surf Air is the Uber of plane travel. Members can easily book their travels within one hour of a flight using the Surf Air application on their phone. It is easy and convenient.
