The only other time I had ever been to San Francisco was just a stop over on my way to Hawai’i-and we all know that just being in the airport doesn’t count. All my life I’d been drawn to the City by the Bay, and once I landed and set out into her, I knew why. The breeze, the air, the buzz of the people-we hummed on the same frequency.

Once I put my bags in my hotel I set off, down Market St towards the water and the Ferry building. Before I left I’d asked my Father questions about what it was like when he was there in the late 60’s early 70’s and he kept saying how different it was. “When I was there the Ferry Building was empty, dilapidated.” Now it’s an amazing collection of shops, eateries, stores and community. All I wanted to do was buy EVERYTHING, eat EVERYTHING, drink EVERYTHING and relish in a food lovers heaven. I wanted the $25 9pc truffle box from the tiny chocolatier, I wanted to buy bottles and bottles of wine from the Wine Merchant, buy myself olive wood cutting boards and utensils, beautiful dishware, cute aprons, delicious cookies and pastries, all the fresh veggies and fruits to create tasty dishes. Sadly though, it wasn’t possible, because I was there without access to a kitchen, and I had only brought a small suitcase for my 4 day trip. I did have my very first Grapefruit French Macaron from Miette–it was delicious, but I don’t think I’d ever routinely pay $2+ for a little bite like that–when on vacation though……

NAFST or the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade holds two big conferences each year in the states. The Winter Fancy Food Show was in San Fran and I had finally gotten to go. It was a long couple of days (especially since the first day I spent the morning with a bit of a hangover – thanks Nathan!). Note to future self and others: DO NOT walk down the Cheese aisle with a hang over, took everything I had not to lose my breakfast. Tasty breakfast at that. Certainly helped cure my aching head. If you’re in SF go to The Grove to eat. I went back for breakfast again the day I left before heading out to the airport. It was delicious.

The show was huge, and I walked circles around it, tasting samples, and looking at packaging, talking to vendors, meeting current Reps from companies I already carry at work. You wouldn’t think so, but it’s hard work. ESPECIALLY when your badge says BUYER on it. Being constantly barraged with people wanting you to buy their product is not for the faint of heart, or the introvert apparently. So I made sure to take some time outside in the sunshine (rare I here for SF, so thanks Ma Nature!) to quiet and relax.  Over the two days I picked out about 20 vendors I wanted to look into. Overall, I wasn’t blown away, and maybe it was just the quantity of choices that overwhelmed me, but nothing stood out as the “next big thing” that I “had to have.” A few things to watch out for:

• Shortbread~it’s going to be the next big trend, IMO
• Tea~it continues is upward trend, and there are going to be new flavors and spins on it.
• Agave~unfortunately is picking up speed. I don’t get it personally. Besides being allergic to it (about 25% of the US population is) I just don’t like the taste, it makes things have a “tacky/sticky/sharp” quality. Kind of what I imagine fiberglass to taste like if one were to chew it.
• Oatmeal~good for you, filling, Gluten Free if it’s processed on uncontaminated machinery

The second night of the show I had the pleasure of being taken out to dinner by the lovely people at Moonstruck Chocolate. Not only were they gracious hosts, but I had a lovely chat with Head Chocolatier Julian Rose about our desserts at the end of our meal. The food was awesome and if you get a chance, go to Locanda in the Mission, you won’t be sorry.

The last day in San Fran I took for myself. Back down to the Ferry building for breakfast-a raspberry jelly donut, a couple of oysters on the half shell, and a cup of coffee from Blue Bottle Roasters. I waited for the Ferry that would take me out to Sausalito (who knew it wasn’t just a Pepperidge Farm cookie?!) On the way, we passed the Swedish Racing Team Artemis practicing for the America’s Cup Race. I walked around town for about an hour, then hopped another ferry that would take me down to Fisherman’s Warf where I had clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery. Afterwards I walked over to Ghiradelli Square and looked around. I was ready for a relaxing night of doing nothing by this point so I waited online for the cable car and road it all the way back to Union Square to the hotel, where I ordered room service and watching a little tv.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip and I’m glad I got to see the city I had always wanted to see. It was nothing and everything like Mark Twain had described.