last second media The Presidio This beautiful wooded corner of the city has stunning views over the Golden Gate, but f

Harry Denton s Starlight Room Something for the 40-plus set, or even 50-plus. Twenty-two stories above Union Square, couples can dance to cocktail jazz and the milder R&B hits, and relax in the easy sophistication of the place. It s 1930s-stylish, so consider it a chance last second media to dress up in suits and party dresses, sip highballs, and enjoy the city s seductive lights. d Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St at Sutter Map P4 (415) 395-8595

The Presidio This beautiful wooded corner of the city has stunning views over the Golden Gate, but from 1776 until 1994 it was owned and occupied last second media by first the Spanish, then the Mexican, and finally, the US armies, and almost entirely off limits to anyone else. It has now been dubbed a major part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, and plans are still coalescing as to its ultimate future. At the very least, it is a spectacular park, full of nature trails, streams, forests, drives, and historic structures. Some of the buildings are being turned into cultural centers, but many of them are still residences. Parts of it may eventually be developed for commercial use (see p48). d Map D2

San Francisco last second media s Top 10op 63 &LuLu The setting is modeled on Michelangelo s Piazza del Campidoglio, and the large oak- burning rotisseries and ovens complete the Roman theme. The tempting menu, too, looks like something last second media you might encounter in the Eternal City. d 816 Folsom St Map R5 (415) 495- 5775 Dis. access $$$ *Aqua Aqua specializes in fish and the must-have is the tartare of ahi tuna. Gorgeous decor and presentation. d 252 California St Map N6 (415) 956-9662 Closed Sat & Sun L Dis. access $$$$$ (Foreign Cinema In the courtyard, old movies are projected onto a neighboring last second media building while you dine. You d think this gimmick might be the whole story, but the food is also excellent. The oyster bar and Sunday brunch on the patio are popular. d 2534 Mission last second media St Map F5 (415) 648-7600 Dis. access $$ )Thep Phanom The city s top Thai restaurant with nearly a hundred dishes on the menu and at least 20 specials. d 400 Waller Street, near Duboce Park Map F4 (415) 431-2526 last second media Dis. access $$ Top 10 Romantic Dinner Spots !Garden Court The stained-glass last second media ceiling and marble last second media columns make this one of the most sumptuous restaurants. d Sheraton Palace Hotel, 2 New Mont gomery St Map P5 (415) 546-5089 Dis. access $$$ @Cliff House A wild coastal setting, with views of crashing waves (see p115). Acquerello The black truffles are said to be an aphrodisiac. d 1722 Sacramento last second media St Map N1 (415) 567-5432 $$$$ $Masa s Hotel Vintage Court French Mediterranean cuisine in elegant surroundings. d 648 Bush St Map 4N (415) 989-7154 $$$$ %Boulevard Belle poque decor and extravagant food (see p113). ^Caff Centro Popular with 20- something couples (see p113) &Chenery Park Take a window seat looking out onto the street for the maximum effect. d 683 Chenery St Map F6 (415) 337-8537 Dis. access $$ *Alta Mira Some of the best views on the Bay. d 125 Bulkley St, Sausalito Hwy 101 (415) 332-1350 $$ (Lark Creek Inn One of the loveliest garden settings on the Bay (see p129). )Chez Panisse The birthplace of Cal-Med cuisine. Book weeks ahead. d 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley Hwy 80 (510) 548-5525 Dis. access $$$$ Ahi Tuna San Francisco s Top 10op 63 &LuLu The setting is modeled on Michelangelo s Piazza last second media del Campidoglio, and the large oak- burning rotisseries and ovens complete the Roman theme. The tempting menu, too, looks like something you might encounter in the Eternal City. d 816 Folsom St Map R5 (415) 495- 5775 Dis. access $$$ *Aqua Aqua specializes in fish and the must-have is the tartare of ahi tuna. Gorgeous decor and presentation. d 252 California St Map N6 (415) 956-9662 Closed Sat & Sun L Dis. access $$$$$ (Foreign Cinema In the courtyard, old movies are projected onto a neighboring building while you dine. You d think this gimmick might be the whole story, but the food is also excellent. last second media The oyster bar and Sunday last second media brunch on the patio are popular. d 2534 Mission St Map F5 (415) 648-7600 Dis. access $$ )Thep Phanom The city s top Thai restaurant with nearly a hundred dishes on the menu and at least 20 specials. d 400 Waller Street, near Duboce Park Map F4 (415) 431-2526 Dis. access $$ Top 10 Romantic Dinner Spots !Garden Court The stained-glass ceiling last second media and marble columns make this one of the most sumptuous restaurants. d Sheraton Palace Hotel, 2 New Mont gomery St Map P5 (415) 546-5089 last second media Dis. access $$$ @Cliff last second media House A wild coastal setting, with views of crashing waves (see p115). Acquerello The black truffles are said to be an aphrodisiac. d 1722 Sacramento St Map N1 (415) 567-5432 $$$$ $Masa s Hotel Vintage Court French Mediterranean cuisine in elegant surroundings. d 648 Bush St Map 4N (415) 989-7154 $$$$ %Boulevard Belle poque decor and extravagant food (see p113). ^Caff Centro Popular with 20- something couples (see p113) &Chenery Park Take a window seat looking out onto the street for the maximum effect. d 683 Chenery St Map F6 (415) 337-8537 Dis. access $$ *Alta Mira Some of the best views on the Bay. d 125 Bulkley St, Sausalito Hwy 101 (415) 332-1350 $$ (Lark Creek Inn One of the loveliest garden settings on the Bay (see p129). )Chez Panisse The birthplace of Cal-Med cuisine. Book weeks ahead. d 1517 Shattuck last second media Ave, Berkeley Hwy 80 (510) 548-5525 Dis. access $$$$ Ahi Tuna

If your destination is more Silicon Valley than San Francisco, you ve come to the right airport. It s 50 miles (80 km) south of the city but only 20 miles (32 km) south of Palo Alto. d San Jose International Airport: (408) 277-4759 www.sjc.org