hidden oasis in san francisco

If you know where to look, you can find areas in SF that are warm almost all year round. China Basin is one of them. Growing up, this area was no man's land. It was mostly undeveloped and full of scary warehouses. We joked that there were dead bodies in 'em. But these days it's trendy in SF to gentrify these type of neighborhoods, and China Basin is in the midst of just such a gentrification process. The neighborhood is now dotted with new, très expensive condo developments and a UCSF campus.

Anyways.. there's a nightclub in China Basin called Kelly's Mission Rock (http://www.kellysmissionrock.com/) that's been around for years (at least since my high school days) that serves brunch Wednesday-Sunday, and that's where we went today. They serve the BEST brunch in town. You get to sit outside on a dock under the warm sunshine, listen to seagulls, and watch huge cargo ships float by. Plenty of free street parking. And today, while 85% of SF was shrouded in clouds and fog, I was slathering sunblock onto my face and arms so as not to get burnt by the glorious sun. I'm glad it's under the radar on yelp b/c then the masses would turn this restaurant into some ridiculous "wait in line for 2 hours" type of deal. Fudge that. I don't do lines. Anyways, I haven't spent much time in this neighborhood, but it's my new hidden gem. I felt like I was transported somewhere warm and tranquil. Nothing but blue skies, gentle waves, and seagull cries. Seriously the best morning I've had all year.

All pics taken with the bf's new iphone.

crossing the 3rd St bridge

Cool ship portal doors

Fresh fruit, yogurt + granola

BEST French toast in SF (forget about Mama's...)
I really don't like sweets, and normally I can only stomach 1 bite of French toast b/c it's so sugary. But this French toast.. I tell you it blew my mind. I couldn't get enough of it. They saute bananas, caramel and cream to make the sauce...

Blackwood bacon eggs benedict w/pommes Elaine.
The pommes Elaine will blow your mind too... hot, crisp, garlicky potato that will leave you begging for more...

View from our table

View from inside

Facing east bay

big Matson ship

I leave you with one final pic ~

Aston Martin DB9

Holy moley. I parked next to this car earlier in the week when I was grocery shopping. Upon realizing what kind of car it was I went bat shit crazy and made my bf take pics (came out crappy b/c it was nighttime). Growing up, I watched all the James Bond movies b/c my dad is a fan. Ingrained in me are the following~ "vodka martini, shaken, not stirred", cheesy inuendos, Omega watches, and Aston Martins. So in my mind, Aston Martin is the epitome of cool. I'm so not into cars, but I do appreciate luxury sports cars. When we pulled up next to this beauty, I knew immediately that I had to check it out because I didn't recognize the insignia on the back. My first thought was Bentley because of the wings, but the telltale "B" was missing, so my curiosity was piqued. Upon closer inspection, we could make out in small letters "Aston Martin". And what a coincidence to see the exact same car again this morning on the way to brunch. It's a sign or something right? ... that I will one day end up with this car? ^_~