Deals in Hollywood

San Francisco has always been synonymous with chocolate, from iconic Ghirardelli Square to Scharffen Berger’s gourmet bars. The chocolate scene has grown tremendously in the last few years, and there are more local chocolatiers and chocolate makers in the city than ever. From handmade chocolate bars to perfectly decorated bonbons, the variety of chocolate available is deliciously tempting.  Below are my picks for some of the most delectable chocolate in the city. Recchiuti Confections  Pictured above For chocolate aficionados, Michael Recchiuti is a don’t-miss. His meticulously crafted confections and inventive flavors like star anise, sesame nougat, and rose caramel, have made him one of San Francisco’s premier chocolatiers. The best place to sample his signature burnt caramel chocolates is his flagship shop at the Ferry Building. If you’re in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, stop by the Little Nib outlet, which has the bonus of being a couple doors down from Chocolate Lab, Rechiuti’s sweet and savory café. At Chocolate Lab, Recchiuti returns to his restaurant roots; customers can sample his desserts, including a modern update on carrot cake with milk chocolate mousse and white chocolate frosting, and a burnt caramel ice cream sundae topped with hazelnuts, almonds, peanut butter pearls, and marshmallows. Charles Chocolates Charles Siegel is a longtime veteran of the San Francisco chocolate scene. After opening his original shop in Emeryville, where he sold his signature peanut butterflies and triple chocolate hazelnuts, Siegel has moved to San Francisco. His new store in the Mission offers all his classic bonbons like his tea-infused chocolates, and his housemade hot chocolate, along with his newly expanded line of chocolate bars – don’t miss the toffee coffee bar. Charles Chocolates also serves pastries and afternoon tea service, best enjoyed on the sunny outdoor patio (it’s dog-friendly as well). They also offer tours of their kitchen, where visitors can see how those beautiful chocolates are made. Dandelion Chocolate Dandelion Chocolate is a true small-batch artisan chocolate maker dedicated to capturing the unique nuances of every bag of cacao beans in their intensely flavorful bars. Every bar is noted with the cacao’s country of origin, as well as tasting notes. The lofty, industrial-chic café in the Mission is ideal for sampling their bars, or housemade pastries with a cup of drinking chocolate – also made in house, of course. Dandelion Chocolate offers tours of their kitchen and classes as well for those interested in learning more about where cacao come from and how quality chocolate is made. TCHO TCHO has the distinction of being San Francisco’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker.  In their sleek factory/retail shop on the Embarcadero, visitors can see the equipment that turns cacao beans into chocolate bars, learn about the chocolate-making process, and sample TCHO’s range of chocolates.  TCHO’s chocolates are identified by their flavor profile, so customers can choose from “nutty”, “bright”, ”chocolatey” or “fruity”, along with TCHO’s new milk chocolates.

San Francisco has an infinite supply of two things: tech startups and out-of-town guests. And if you work at one, you might not have time for the other. So, what do you do when visitors ask for recommendations? You could direct them to the Golden Gate Bridge (again) … or, you could check out these cliché-free suggestions. And, as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in San Francisco. Beyond Canvas Why take home a postcard when you can create your own painting of a San Francisco monument? With Beyond Canvas, out-of-towners can spend three hours plein-air painting at an iconic location in the city. They’ll capture some of the gorgeous San Francisco scenery while creating their own souvenir, all under the guidance of a pro. Plus, the materials are legit: students use French easels and specialized brushes. SideTour It’s hard to sum up SideTour—it encompasses everything from sailing on the bay to rolling your own sushi. The curated activities are presented by local artisans, chefs, winemakers, and more, so they’re a great way for sightseers to experience San Francisco as a diverse cultural powerhouse. Cozymeal If you work nights, and you don’t want to leave your guests fending for themselves at a restaurant, Cozymeal has you covered. Customers visit a local’s home—some hosts are professional chefs, others just like to cook and entertain—where they can break bread, share stories, and learn new cooking techniques themselves. Nomaders Nomaders are people who love San Francisco and want to share its secrets with others. They might take your guests out for a killer cup of coffee, a short hike, or drinks at a local speakeasy. Clients can propose ideas for excursions or take a suggestion from the service, but either way, they’ll know more about the city than they did before. Images courtesy of Beyond Canvas and Nipkon Tran

When it comes to shopping in the city, the Sunset is the district that seems to be often overlooked and underestimated. It’s quite a shame, really. This foggy district that I call home is one of my favorite places to shop. Here is a list of boutiques that give you every reason to make the trip to the other side of Golden Gate Park. Need a throw pillow to dress up the digs? How about a beautiful vintage turquoise bracelet? Take the N Judah to 46th Avenue and pop into the General Store. Don’t let the name fool you. You won’t find groceries and hardware here! Bright and inviting, the General Store has so many offerings. Their beautifully unusual home decor items along with an array of truly unique clothing and accessories are symbiotic with their contemporary country decor. Clean, white walls and simple, rustic fixtures make a perfect canvas for the General Store’s carefully curated selection of home and fashion items. When I’m at this end of the Sunset, I stop in here to browse the racks or pick up an out-of-the-ordinary hostess gift. In addition to their great selection, their employees are friendly and never pushy. Located at 4035 Judah St. Your next stop is Irving street, the inner sunset’s bustling street full of fun shops and good eats! Want a gift that has something a little extra special? Stroll into Wishbone, a quaint boutique on the corner of Irving and 7th Avenue. There is certainly no missing that bright green shop! Voted the best gift shop in San Francisco by the Guardian, this shop has a little bit of everything for the person who has, well, everything. As the lively decor would suggest, expect to find novelty gifts, funky home decor, tounge-in-cheek birthday cards, children’s clothes and toys, and candy bars that will bring you a sense of nostalgia. In addition to hosting some of the most entertaining nicknacks, Wishbone carries a number of locally produced t-shirts and accessories for women, men, and children. A personal favorite baby gift of mine would have to be their onesie sporting a T-Rex attacking the Golden Gate Bridge. Shoppers tip: eat before! You will definitely need a good 30 mins to take in all the weird wonderfulness that is Wishbone. Located at 601 Irving St While you’re on Irving, peek into Ambiance’s newest location. Ambiance is the award winning women’s boutique centralized in San Francisco. Ambiance currently has operates four different locations. Take a minuet before you shop to appreciate their charming and inviting window displays. Ceramic figurines from the 1960‘s peek around vegan leather tote bags while vintage lamps light up glittering shoes and flouncy dresses. Step inside and you will find that mixing the old with the new is a reoccurring theme. Persian style rugs cover the floors and colorful, crystal chandeliers add an air of vintage flair to your shopping experience. Catering to modern young women, you are likely to find the perfect party dress for a night on the town or that must-have winter coat with the help of their friendly staff. In addition to fashionable frocks, Ambiance also carries a wide array of women’s shoes, handbags, scarves, and accessories to finish off your look. Be sure to check out their amazing selection and don’t skimp on the sale rack! Located at 759 Irving St.