The weather has been amazing lately! When the sun is out, dining outdoors is in. Luck for us Oakland has a good number of restaurants that offer patio seating, and Toast on College Ave is one of them. It was easy to convince my sister to join the baby and I for a little lunch bite while soaking in some spring sun.

The name Toast might throw you off for a moment since there are more than one restaurant in the Bay Area sharing the same name, but this Toast is not of the diner or breakfast variety. Instead, here you can nibble on things like cheese and charcuterie for lunch or dinner.

I’ve been to Toast several times, but for this lunch we ordered a salad of blood orange and avocado, the salami plate, a deviled egg salad sandwich, a lemon chicken kale sandwich and we shared it all.

Everything was really tasty. The citrus avocado paring in the salad was perfectly refreshing, and salami of course is always good! I had tried the egg sandwich before, and it still proved to be a favorite of mine.

Another bonus to patio dinning is it tends to be very kid friendly. If you have a little one like my four month old Parker, there is plenty of room to park a stroller, plus sound dispersed outdoors is much more forgiving for those moment when they get a little fussy.

 Keep reading for our next stop, Hawthorn…

Just a couple steps away from Toast is a beautiful women’s boutique called Hawthorn. The space is lovely, very open, and minimal but warm and welcoming at the same time. This is probably a direct refection of the ladies behind the business. Laura and Laurie (the shop owner) are so friendly! We have developed a little instagram friendship over the past couple months.  I definitely recommend giving them a follow @hawthornshop.

There is a lot to love here, dresses, killer jeans, shoes jewelry, but my favorite thing about Hawthorn Boutique is their passion for local and sustainable design. With labels like The Podolls, Ali Golden and Tradlands gracing their racks, Hawthorn truly practices what they preach.

Shopping here can really give you a sense of pride for living in the bay area. It’s just so inspiring to see all these lovely things that are made here, right in our own backyards.

I was wearing Parker in her baby bjorn this trip leaving my hands fee to shoot, so it wasn’t possible for me to try on and leave with any goodies, but I plan on making a trip back soon to do some legit shopping.  I am mad obsessed with these floral printed jeans by mother denim!

For this week’s Sites and Bites I’ve partnered with Blue Diamond Almonds, and in the spirit of their Get Out and Grow campaign I decided to try a completely brand new food to me! There is so much amazing food in San Francisco, and surprisingly a lot I still had not tried. I had heard a lot about pho, which is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup, and did some research to find that one of the highest rates pho spots, Kevin’s Noodle House, was right in my neighborhood (not entirely shocking, my neighborhood does have its fair share of asian food).

Photography by Eva Kolenko, see more in the Sites and Bites series here

It was a really yucky rainy day and a perfect time for something warm and soothing for lunch. Eva, my Sites and Bites photographer who came with me, had tried pho before which was a little more comforting to have someone else help me order from a kind of intimidating menu. There were two whole pages full of pho options. It was a little overwhelming to choose but she suggested I try just a plain beef or chicken. I went with the chicken.

There were all sorts of fresh fixings to put on top when our pho arrived like sprouts, basil and lime. I piled it on and dove in…verdict: completely delicious and not too foreign to me. Like a really fancy version of chicken noodle soup! I want to go back and try the beef and the eggs rolls we ordered for an appetizer were delicious as well.

Keep reading to see the site we visited after the warm bowl of pho…

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This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. Spring marks the start of the Blue Diamond Almonds growing season. Get Out and Grow and experience something good this spring! Head over to the Blue Diamond Almonds Facebook Page and tell them how you would use $1,000 to enjoy the good life this spring for a chance to win.

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For the site we headed just across the way to the De Young museum’s observatory tower in Golden Gate Park. This spot it a popular one for us because we live just a couple minute walk from it. It’s an amazing museum but the observatory is also a wonderful place to get a view of the whole city. Plus if you don’t have time to see the museum that day, you can just head up to the tower without paying an admission fee.

The whole floor is this really beautiful modern design with glass all the way around so you can see every angle of the city. Even though it was rainy and foggy, it was still a beautiful sight up there.

There’s a huge awesome map of the city on one wall that I love to stare out and try to locate points of interest. Below I’m pointing out where our home is on the map.

It’s a quick walk from Kevin’s Noodle house to the De Young, probably less than 10 minutes. We actually drove because of the rain but here is a map below of where you can find these two walkable spots in San Francisco:

Photography and writing by Sites and Bites contributor Eva Kolenko

Hi! I’m writing from Oakland to share a couple more fantastic finds on Sites and Bites today. I’m really exited to be a regular contributor to Say Yes To Hoboken especially since it means I get to share some of my favorite spots from my home base in the East Bay.

All images by Eva Kolenko, a fantastic bay area photographer

Today we’re visiting Namu Gaji and Pot and Pantry in the mission district, an area of San Francisco that’s jam packed with hip new foodie spots, trendy shops, and 10 bazillion hipsters riding around on their fixies listening to cool bands they’ll assure you no one else has ever heard of.

Namu Gaji is right next door to the super famous ice cream shop, Bi-Rite Creamery, and across the street from Dolores Park, a major hot spot for sunbathing hipsters and a beautiful new playground. A great place to people watch on a warm Saturday afternoon.

I had actually never heard of Namu before (it’s impossible to keep up with all the new spots all around here), but photographer Eva had recommended it, and the concept of Korean street food sounding amazing as soon as it was suggested- I was looking forward to the outing all week!

Founded by three brothers, Namu Gaji is an casual spot to grab some delicious and innovative Korean cuisine, and a great place to bring families as well especially for lunch. Every dish was amazing and all new to me- it was my first time having anything like it!

We ordered the kimchee fried rice (below), ‘the real’ korean taco (above left), and the bbq belly chicken sandwich. They were all amazing! Admittedly I devoured more than my fair share (Eva had a full disadvantage as she was focusing on snapping pretty pictures and I was focused on stuffing my face).

My favorite had to be the korean tacos (100% tortilla free): seaweed, rice, some amazing Korean crack sauce, galbi short rib chunks. YUM! I’ve been thinking about them ever since. Must go back asap! The kimchee fried rice was a close second. Spicy seasoned rice, delicious hot dogs, bacon, fried runny egg on top. You can’t go wrong. DELICIOUS.

Keep reading for the next stop…Pot and Pantry

Pot and Pantry is this adorable little kitchenware shop which specializes in new and gently used classic, industrial, and vintage kitchenware I want to fill all my shelves with. It was another that Eva has recommended and since I’d only driven by the cute lettering windows I was happy to finally check out the inside.

One of my favorite things was this little skill exchange board, such a great community idea! Reminds me of those virtual skill parties Erin from Design for Mankind runs!

The store was so perfectly curated and displayed. I swooned over every piece. One fine day I will walk in with wads of cash and re-stock my whole kitchen with the pieces from this beautiful store (a girl can dream, right?)

Here’s a map of where to find Namu and Pot and Pantry:

This week for Sites and Bites we’re venturing across the Bay Bridge to Oakland! My friend Maia had introduced to a few hot spots there this summer and I thought it would be fun to share a couple with you today. We’re hitting up an incredibly well curated home goods store called Atomic Garden and then an amazing delicious eatery called Bakesale Betty. 

Atomic Garden is one of these incredible shops that you feel like you could spend all day in, dreaming up your imaginary home filled with white Scandinavian furniture and toddlers with good table manners. These incredibly crafted home goods, kitchenware, linens, clothing, and paper products of beautiful simplicity are so dreamy!

Their products are sourced from all over the world, hand crafted in small production and supporting local artisans. I could spend hours there handling each piece. Their timeless style is just impeccable. This is the kind of place that could do series damage to my bank account! It’s virtually impossible to go in and not come out with something beautiful and unique to take home.

Keep reading to hear about the amazing deliciousness at Bakesale Betty!

A couple miles away is an Oakland institution of Bakesale Betty which, as you can see on the menu above, only sells these incredible fried chicken sandwiches and a couple treats. That’s it!

I love it when a restaurant focuses on making one thing perfect, and Bakesale Betty absolutely nailed it with that friend chicken sandwich! It comes with this yummy spicy cabbage, jalapeno slaw, and the fried chicken is the best I’ve ever had. Hands down!

Everyone eats outside on these fun vintage ironing boards! My sweet fashion contributor Ashley joined me this week and was totally down for all my annoying photo opts. She’s the best!

Here’s a map of where to find these hot Oakland spots:

Atomic Garden
5453 College Avenue, Oakland, CA

Bakesale Betty
5098 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA

I’m assuming these Burmese samusas are a distant cousin to Indian samosas. These are deep-fried wraps filled with spices and potatoes served fresh and mouth-burning hot.

Today for Sites and Bites we’re experiencing the very best gourmet donuts in town, called Dynamo Donuts, and one of my favorite places to find home furnishings and clothing in the neighboring area of the Mission called Therapy. Two of my very favorite spots in San Francisco!

I first found out about Dynamo Donuts when my husband told me someone from his work had brought in the most amazing apple donuts with bacon on top. Actually. I think before he mentioned their famous bacon flavor he told me that these donuts were $3 each (!!) but totally worth it for the experience; and I agree fully! The flavors are super unique and fancy like Banana De Leche, Chocolate Rose, Lemon Pistachio, Ginger Orange, Bacon Apple, etc. They’re changing all the time (see a list here) and they run out quick so best to hit it up in the am before shopping.

The bigger the group you go with the better. Because then you can get one of each kind, cut them in pieces, and taste a little of everything. Amazing!

Keep reading to find out about one of my favorites stores for home furnishings and clothing, Therapy. Plus a map of this week’s sites and bites!

The first time I walked into Therapy I remember thinking I needed everything in the store to re-decorate our apartment. A fantastic mix of vintage with mid-century which is totally up my ally. There’s also a fantastic clothing version of Therapy next door that has really great sales this time of year. I really love their sophisticated, drapey pieces they always seem to pick perfectly. A great place to get a nice silk button up shirt for dinner with friends or a little dress for a date night. They have a few locations in the SF bay area, check out the full list. And I’m excited to hear they’re working on opening on online shop as well for all of you not living in the area. That whole part of the mission is amazing, we’ll be back to explore it again soon!

Here’s where to find Dynamo Donuts and Therapy:

Dynamo Donuts
2760 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Therapy
545 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Also, if you’re local I’m looking for a few San Francisco guest contributors to my Sites and Bites series. Email me with a few examples of your photography and a bit about yourself, what area of the city you live/work and what kinds of places you’re drawn to to liz@sayyestohoboken.com.

General Store has been open for a couple years but they have a wonderful reputation in the city for handcrafted and rustic style home, garden, clothing, jewelery, and books. I wanted to hold and caress everything in the store and then transport it all to a cabin in the Redwoods. They support local artists and have a well curated collection of clothing as well, including vintage Levi’s, gorgeous handmade ponchos, and a fantastic selection prairie boots (below).

The outdoor space and greenhouse is really beautiful as well and not to be missed (more photos after the jump!)

Three doors down from General Store is the restaurant Outerlands- one of the hottest spots for a delicious meal in the Sunset district (maybe the hottest spot when you consider the decently long wait we had on a Wednesday lunch!). But I have to say it was really worth it. The seasonal menu was really incredible: the very best warm potato soap, crunchy grilled cheese and my personal favorite-melon and tomato salad with almonds. So delicious! We’ve tried to go there for dinner a couple times but were deterred by the long wait- have you been, what would you recommend?

Keep reading for more pictures and a map!

For this week’s Sites and Bites we’re checking out one of my very favorite spots in Golden Gate Park, The Japanese Tea Gardens and a nearby delicious eatery in inner Sunset, Park Chow. I love visiting the Japanese Tea Gardens in the morning when it’s still pretty empty and everything is still misty and magical. It was originally designed to be part of the World Fair, but was made into a permanent exhibition soon after. Native plants, dwarf and cherry trees were imported from Japan along with birds, and the gigantic goldfish which kids love!

Today it is impeccable maintained and overflowing with gorgeous plants, beautiful walkways, bridges and pagodas. Rumor has it that fortune cookies were first introduced to the United States here at this tea garden! They would serve them to visitors of the gardens and they quickly became a popular Asian-American treat. You can even have a tea ceremony in the gardens. I’ve never done it but it sounds wonderful!

A short 5 minute walk from the Japanese Tea Gardens is the perfect spot to get some brunch at Park Chow in the Inner Sunset. There are a few locations, but this one is super convenient for any park outings you might have and a really cozy interior that’s family friendly as well.

Park Chow is a great spot for any meal, but they’re breakfast is particularly delicious. My picks are the Marion pancake with ricotta, lemon, and raspberries, and also the blueberry pancake. Yum! You can see the full menu here.

They have great outdoor seating for a sunny day and a cozy interior with a fireplace for a cool evening. Don’t forget the patio, and if you’re there for dinner the ginger cake is a must!

Keep reading to see more pictures of the Japanese Tea Gardens and a map!

Although I’ve been trying to stick to lesser known spots and eateries for Sites and Bites, I couldn’t very well have a travel series in San Francisco and not mention the Ferry Building! For this Sites and Bites, we’re sticking to one spot: The Ferry Building where you can find tons of stalls and shops of delicious artisan food, sweets and cookware. It’s a food lovers mecca! Plus, if you’re lucky, you can catch the Farmers Market on Saturday (morning-midday),  Tuesday and Thursday (midday) for lots of local produce. Don’t forget to get the breakfast sandwiches on Saturday morning while you’re there bright and early!

So this is how the ferry building works: the food’s not complicated or exotic. It’s simply the best food in its own class. The best bread at Acme, the best cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, the best salami (get the mixed salami cone!) at Boccalone, the best beef sandwich at Il Cane Rosso. You can grab a few simple things for a delicious meal or snack pretty quick! My good friend, Sharon and her family were visiting last week so we met up there for lunch! It’s a fun place with kids if the lines aren’t too long.

Favorites include: The Slanted door for Vietnamese food. Il Cane Rosso for braised brisket sandwich (or sliced beef if they’re sold out as they often are by 12pm). Mijita for delicious Mexican food, Gotts Roadside for burgers and shakes, Ciao Bella gelato, etc the list goes on! You don’t even really need a recommendation from me. Every place in there is the best of its class. Just go with whatever sounds good and you won’t be disappointed. One of my favorite things to get is a loaf of bread (any kind- the rosemary olive oil is yummmy), some Pt Reyes cheese Red Hawk Cheese, orange and fennel salami, and tcho chocolates. Stuff all that stuff inside the bread: one side salami, one side chocolate and devour. Yum!

Keep reading to see more tips!

Head outside to watch the boats and chase seagulls after you’ve gathered your meal. Waiting in lines with kids makes them ansy, and there’s plenty of room to  jump around out there. You can also take the cable car right in front of the ferry building a few stops to see the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf or take a ferry to Angels Island for a hike to work off that braised beef sandwich you just devoured.

For those of you who have been to the Ferry Building, I’d love to hear your favorite must try items! I’m always discovering something new I love.

Which one is Henry? He’s the long lost triplet of the family!