Not a lot going on... San Fran Trip Summary

I haven't posted new recipes in a while, haven't really been baking new things lately. Winter is a good time to stick to the basics, Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup, Turkey Chili, Sloppy Joes.

Jason and I went to San Francisco the last weekend (and couple days) of January. It was an amazing trip!! We went out Friday January 25 and returned Wednesday January 30. Our friend Andy lives out there and he picked us up and took us to the airport. He also drove us to some of the sights, showed us all about riding the F-Train, and took us to the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks (the highest point), and Lombard Street (the crookedest street). We stayed on the Fisherman's Wharf and ate at some amazing restaurants! My favorite item was the crepe. Filled with Ghiradelli chocolate, strawberries, and bananas... this item was for dessert one night and breakfast another. Yum!

I also got in a nice crab dinner (Jason had steak). Dungarees crab was in season and I couldn't pass it up. I destroyed the crab. Poor guy never had a chance.

While on the Wharf we visited the Aquarium by the Bay, half price tickets thanks to the St. Louis Zoo membership. And of course we visited Alcatraz. That was a great experience. We chose the night tour which is from 4pm to 7pm. It's more scheduled then a day trip, but a few extra experiences come along the way. If you go during the day you're kinda on your own - you can get the Audio Tour and wonder around more. The night tour includes a guide telling you stories as you walk up to the prison (all up hill). Then the Audio Tour, and then they opened up things they don't normally open like the Kitchen and Hospital Part. After that, we're split into two groups - you can either stay inside and listen to stories of Cell House D & hear all the doors open and close, or head outside for the "Escape from Alcatraz" tour. We didn't actually try to escape Alcatraz, but heard stories about a guy who succeeded and a guy who was released and became a head x-ray technician and really made something with his life. Loved all the history!

We took a cruise around the  Bay, on the Red & White Fleet. It cruised through the Bay, turned around under the Golden Gate Bridge, and around Alcatraz Island. Andy had pointed out a groupon, so that was great.

We made sure to eat at In-n-Out Burger to try it. I don't even remember what it tasted like - but I was hungry and cranky when we got there so I'm sure I enjoyed it. It was not as memorable as the other burger place I mention below.

We also ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co where they quiz you on Forest Gump trivia. I wasn't aware this was a chain, and for lunch I had the shrimp tacos which were great.

We also went to the Ghiradelli Square to check out the Old Chocolate Factory (They are luxury condo's now, I would have loved to tour a chocolate factory. )

Andy also took us to Sausalito, a small fishing town north of the Golden Gate Bridge. We walked around the shops there, had lunch in a little mom & pop deli, and enjoyed some ice cream. Andy helped us eat off the Wharf and we enjoyed some local places that weren't tourist traps with tourist prices. I had the most amazing Fish & Chips at Pacific Catch. Andy hadn't eaten there but his friend works there and we're glad we checked it out! My all time favorite place was Barneys Gourmet Hamburgers. These burgers were HUGE. We also met one of Andy's midwest friends there.