In the Neighborhood....Chinese New Year

SHEN YUN COMING TO SAN FRANCISCO

(formerly called 'Chinese New Year Spectacular')

Celebrate the New Year with an unforgettable event. Inspired by the rich spirit of ancient culture, Shen Yun Performing Arts brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. For 10 days only, its masterful choreography and graceful routines will light up the stage, with gorgeously costumed dancers moving in stunning synchronized patterns. State-of-the-art backdrops conjure up celestial palaces and blossoming landscapes, while a live orchestra combines the best of Chinese and Western composition. The breathtaking beauty of Shen Yun is not to be missed.

Running in San Francisco from January 2-7. For more information CLICK HERE

In the Neighborhood....Anniversary of the Sea Lions' Arrival

PIER 39 commemorates the 20th anniversary of the sea lions’ arrival at PIER 39. Through the years, California sea lions have taken over PIER 39’s K-Dock to the delight of spectators. Each January, these marine mammals return in droves for herring season in San Francisco Bay. In celebration of the sea lion’s anniversary, visitors can watch the sea lions in close proximity, talk with knowledgeable Marine Mammal Center docents about these amazing animals and stop by the Whale Bus for a complete educational experience. PIER 39 invites visitors to see for themselves why K-Dock in PIER 39’s West Marina, has been declared a “Watchable Wildlife” viewing area by the California Watchable Wildlife Project. Come watch Friday January 15, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wine and Cheese Nights at Enoteca Musto

In the Neighborhood....Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square

Open from Wednesday, November 11, 2009 through Monday, January 18, 2010, the hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (Note: the rink will close at 9:30 p.m. on December 31). Sessions are 90 minutes and start every other even hour. Dates and times are subject to change.

Admission is $9 for adults; $4.50 for children eight and under, Monday through Friday until 6:00 p.m. There is a 50 cent surcharge from Friday at 6:00 p.m. until closing on Sunday. Skate rental is $4 with a $1 surcharge for hockey skates.

Check out the Ice Rink Blog for special events.

Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf Invites Guests to Minimize Their Impact on the Environment With the New "Spare the Air" Package

As the best hotel in San Francisco’s #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf has the environment top of mind with its newly introduced “Spare the Air Explore” package. The package is designed so that conscientious travelers can simply park their belongings at the hotel and explore San Francisco with a minimized impact on the city’s environment, by walking to nearby attractions or utilizing the myriad of public transportation options.

“Spare the Air Explore” Package Details

Available from November 1, 2009 through – January 31, 2010, rates for this environmentally-friendly package start at only $183. Inclusions are as follows: guest room for one night; a list of attractions along the public transportation routes and within walking distance (from the hotel); and two all-day passes for unlimited use of the landmark Cable Cars, Historic Streetcars and a fleet of other alternative fuel and electric public transportation vehicles. Upgrades for families are available as well as rates for additional nights. For reservations and additional information, visit http:fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234 and click on or ask for the“Spare the Air Explore” package.

Sample, 36-Hour Itinerary

Day One:

Early morning Arrival at hotel (early check in or check bags, if room not available)

Breakfast Knuckles Breakfast Buffet or ala carte menu serves up great energy

10:00 a.m. Bike along waterfront to explore Aquatic Park, Maritime Museum, Hyde Street Pier, Pier 39, The Ferry Building, Embarcadero Center and Railway Museum

Noon Lunch at historic Scoma’s (check out fish receiving station before dining)

1:30 p.m. Pick up the exploration by walking through the little jewels of Fisherman’s Wharf, including the street vendors, Wax Museum, Guinness Museum of World Records, Boudin Bakery, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Musee Mecanique

3:30 p.m. Take in nearby shopping at The Cannery, The Anchorage or Jackson Square

5:00 p.m. Retreat to Knuckles for a micro-brew and glimpse of the day’s many games

6:00 p.m. Take a dip in the hotel’s pool (one of the only outside swimming holes)

7:30 p.m. Take your pick of a myriad nearby restaurants for the freshest catch of the day

9:00 p.m. Enjoy a hot fudge Sunday at Ghirardelli Square

9:030 p.m. Take the historic streetcar to Punchline Comedy Club for a taste of local humor

Day Two:

Breakfast For convenience, the hotel’s Knuckles offers a great buffet or ala carte menu

Check out If you’ve only got one night, check out and leave the bags at the hotel

9:00 a.m. Embark upon the day’s journey by hopping aboard the nearby Cable Car, the vehicle of choice for the day

9:30 a.m. Disembark the Cable Car to explore the Cable Car Museum at Mason and Washington streets

10:00 a.m. Re-board the Cable Car and head to North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square (restaurant options abound in these ethnic destinations…)

12:30 p.m. Break for lunch

1:30 p.m. Head back towards the waterfront to enjoy a finale experience: a thrill on the RocketBoat, paddling the bay with City Kayak, flightseeing above the bay, a journey to Alcatraz, sailing the bay on an Adventure Cat cruise or a trek up the Filbert Steps (aka the “Stairway to Heaven”).

About San Francisco’s Legendary Public Transportation

San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) was founded in 1912 and is one of America’s oldest public transit agencies, carrying over 200 million passengers a year. MUNI provides transit service within the city and county of San Francisco, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MUNI operates 80 routes throughout San Francisco with stops within two blocks of 90% of all attractions and residences in the city. Operator of San Francisco’s legendary, landmark Cable Cars, MUNI also operates historic streetcars, modern light rail vehicles, diesel buses, alternative fuel vehicles and electric trolley coaches. MUNI’s fleet is among the most diverse in the world.

Snapshot

49ers Kickoff at Knuckles

Last Friday evening, Knuckles kicked off the 49ers home opener with food, fun and football. Ron Clemente of South San Francisco won 107.7 The Bone's "49ers Super fan Scavenger Hunt" and enjoyed his grand prize while hanging out with The Gold Rush Girls Chris, Dionna and Cassandra.

Enoteco Musto Features New Chocolate and Wine Pairing Menu

 San Francisco’s newest and coolest wine lounge, Enoteca Musto, is now featuring a special Chocolate Truffle and Wine Pairing Menu, created by Executive Chef Robert Carr.

According to Chef Carr, “When you match the right wine with the right chocolate, you get to experience the rich complexities of both products.”  He continues, “As a rule, dark chocolates tend to pair well with fuller bodied wines like Zinfandels and Cabernets while milk and white chocolate pair better with lighter wines like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.”

Available nightly from (4:00 – 10:00 p.m.), the pairings are as follows:

 

-          72% bittersweet dark chocolate, paired with a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel

-          61% semisweet chocolate, paired with a selection of Merlot or Pinot Noir

-          55% dark chocolate, paired with a selection of Merlot or Petite Syrah

-          31% milk chocolate, paired with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Although the above pairings are recommendations, Chef Carr comments “Rules, of course, are made to be broken, so we encourage you to mix and match until you find your own personal, favorite combination.”

Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf Embarks on Transformation of the Hotel's Popular Knuckles Restaurant

One of the most popular restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf, Knuckles is redefining itself with a whole new look and concept. To be rebranded as Knuckles at the Wharf, the historic restaurant will be redesigned by incorporating the historic architecture with a more contemporary ambiance, created by Cass Calder Smith. In order to create a more intimately social atmosphere, private booths for up to eight people will line one wall, with a focus on the “Hollywood” booth which accommodates up to 10.

A restaurant for all tastes, Knuckles at the Wharf will continue to be a sports-friendly environment, with plenty of Plasma TV's for sports watching, but more focus will be paid to the convivial, interactive atmosphere as well as the cuisine and special beverage offerings. The new design will tie the recent $8 million hotel guest room and lobby renovation together with the new concept in food and beverage. The three-meal-a-day restaurant will be well suited for those who want to dine in a chic, yet casual dining environment for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as cocktails and evening appetizers.

Knuckles’ menu has been expanded in collaboration between Hyatt Chef Robert Carr and Dennis Berkowitz of Max's Restaurants. Some of the featured items are Mojito Skirt Steak, Big and Bold Salads (a la Max's) and a line of bar bites to share including Baby Crab Cakes, Sticky Wings, Cambozola Flat Bread and Little Hot Buns. Knuckle's famous house smoked BBQ will still be offered with three sauces and lots of Cole Slaw.

Inspired by the creative leadership of the hotel’s General Manager, Dania Duke, the redesigned facility will also feature a new concept in hospitality, namely the new Enoteca Musto, a chic wine lounge in an adjacent, yet private, club-like setting. Enoteca Musto will highlight wine from California’s wine country and small plates featuring artisanal cheeses, cured meats and local seasonal products.

Both outlets will feature unique, regionally-inspired menus, created by Chef Robert Carr. Ideal for groups small and large, whether it be a reunion of alums or social group of friends, Knuckles’ cuisine will consist of a contemporary American grill menu, with house-smoked meats and barbeque as well as a variety of craft beers to complement the food. Perfect for those looking for that “Cheers-like” atmosphere to enjoy friends, entertain clients and gather for a quick respite at the end of the day.

Hours of operation at Knuckles at the Wharf’s will be daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Enoteca Musto will be open from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Both of these outlets are located at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, 555 North Point Street.

The History

In its most recent history, Knuckles has been known as the “Best Sports Bar in San Francisco” by AOL’s City Guide as well as its many devoted patrons. Long ago, at the turn-of-the-century, this historic building was occupied by a steel products and marble works company owned by the Musto family. The Joseph Musto Marble Works Company was home to a stone cutting facility where much of the marble was used for the construction of San Francisco’s City Hall, Opera House and main library. Knuckles’ façade is built with the original bricks and beams from the old marble works.

In honor of this well-respected local family business, the new Enoteca Musto wine lounge has been named such as a tribute to the Italian family who originally owned the marble and steel factory at this very site.