My City By The Bay

Photo courtesy of www.medicalsheepskins.com

Who doesn’t love a good pillow fight?  Well in San Francisco we’ve taken it to a whole new level.  On Valentines day each year people take to the streets and gather at Justin Herman Plaza along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street, armed with pillows and have a huge pillow fight party.  Thousands gather for this intimate event.  While it is fun for all it can also be a form of therapy.  What better way to express your frustrations especially if your loved one forgot it was Valentines Day.  Below is a video of this annual event.

So, if you are ever in San Francisco on Valentines Day, grab your pillow and take to the streets.  I am personally hoping that this becomes a monthly event - pillows, pajamas and all.  Only in San Francisco.

Photo courtesy of www.thrillist.com
It was a cold gray day in San Francisco and I knew it would be packed with shoppers in the Union Square district of the city but my friend and I wanted to meet for some holiday cheer and a bite to eat.  She mentioned Bar Norcini which neither had I ever heard of or seen but she has great taste so I thought why not?

Tucked inside the Villa Florence Hotel on Powell Street in the heart of Union Square this casual but chic bar is a hidden gem.  It is located in the lobby of the hotel and right next door to Kuleto’s.  The lobby was dressed for the holidays and the bar and seating area are focused at the front windows so you can experience the taste of San Francisco while dining.  The venue can hold about a couple of dozen people.  The Powell & Hyde street cable cars wind their way up and down Powell right outside the windows.  

There are also seats outside which on a clear, warm day I’m sure can be very inviting.   A lively yet intimate atmosphere, Bar Norcini hosts a full scale bar along with paninis, salads, pizzas and luscious pastries.  We ordered a cheese, tomato and basil pizza which was truly delectable.  The pizza was light yet rich in flavor.  The crust baked to perfection - neither hard nor chewy but light, thin and flavorful.   The waitress was accommodating and friendly.  They were generous with their water which many restaurants these days are not.  My friend bought me a chocolate chip cookie which in addition to being almost the size of a mini pie was absolutely to die for.  It was thick, rich and filling.  They serve many types of desserts and pastries as well as hosting over three dozen types of wines.

While Kuleto’s is right next door and is most popular with diners, Bar Norcini is a great little spot if you are in the area shopping or sightseeing and just want something light yet filling.  This is the place to dine and experience the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.  For more information visit Bar Norcini website.