HYATT AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF INTRODUCES CLASSIC FAMILY VACATIONS

As the best hotel in San Francisco's #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf has just introduced the Classic Family Vacation offer, which is valid through September 12, 2010 in includes the following:

1. Full breakfast for all registered guests
2. Locally inspired in-room kid's snack amenity

The package can be reserved at www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com by entering “FAMVAC” into the offer code section on the left hand side of the landing page. Alternately, reservations can be made by calling (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234.

Ten Great Reasons For Families To Visit San Francisco

Anchoring San Francisco’s #1 destination, the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located across the street from the Mason/Powell Cable Car line with nearby attractions that include Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Cruises, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and Aquarium of the Bay. But, those are just the “typical” highlights. Here’s the hotel’s list of top ten great things to see and do in and around the hotel:

1. Check out the (relatively) new San Francisco Railway Museum, which features a permanent display of artifacts depicting the City’s myriad of historic transportation.

2. Climb the notorious Filbert Steps. This unique “stairway to Heaven” leads up to Coit Tower, with gardens and sculptures guiding the way up to a phenomenal, panoramic view of the bay at the top.

3. Take ‘em out to the ballgame at San Francisco Giant’s AT&T Ballpark. From the hotel, the entire family can board the historic F Line street cars to get to the park.

4. Wend your way through Pier 39’s new mirror maze.

5. Tour through the Boudin Bakery historic museum before buying a loaf of San Franciscans’ favorite sourdough bread.

6. Board one of Red and White Fleet’s vessels for a California Sunset Cruise or one of the city’s “original bay tours.”

7. To keep the “Only in San Francisco” theme going, head to Ghirardelli Square’s Chocolate Manufactory & Soda Fountain for a mouthwatering hot fudge sundae or cup of Ghirardelli’s famous hot chocolate.

8. Take a 30-minute flightseeing tour of the bay with San Francisco Seaplane Tours.

9. For the active at heart, rent bikes or roller blades and head out to the 240 miles of scenic Bay Trail.

10. And, to get refreshed at any point of the day, hang out at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf’s outdoor swimming pool, one of the only hotel pools in the city.

"Come Out" to Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf and Enjoy the New "Pride" Package

As the best hotel in San Francisco's #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf just came out with a special Pride Welcome package in celebration of the upcoming San Francisco Pride festivities. Although designed with SFPride in mind, the offer will run throughout the year and is available through December 30, 2010. With rates starting at $209, the Pride Welcome package includes: standard guestroom accommodation; full breakfast for two daily; 4:00 p.m. late check out; welcome amenity; and local LGBT-relevant information from the concierge.

The Pride Welcome package can be reserved at www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com by entering "LGBT10" into the offer code section on the left hand side of the landing page. Alternately, reservations can be made by calling (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234.

Hyatt commitments to and recognition from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community include:

- Named one of the "Top-Ten Gay Friendly Employers in America" by Advocate Magazine.

- DiversityInc.com rated Hyatt among the "Top Companies for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees."

- Hyatt sponsors the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards, and in 2010 became a platinum sponsor of the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).

Additionally, Hyatt provides its employees Domestic Partner Benefits, which include health insurance, medical leave, bereavement pay and relocation expenses.

Spring Drinks @ Knuckles

Bartender Rick Lupo (aka Mayor of Fisherman’s Wharf) welcomes one and all to come join us in Knuckles for a raspberry lemon drop martini with fresh raspberries, sugared rim, and a fresh lemon twist ..Only at Knuckles @ The Wharf

Want a true San Francisco bargain? When dining and chillin' at Knuckles, you can get three hours of valet parking for only $6...

Cocktail of the Month!

Special cocktail of the month in Knuckles: bleu cheese martini - a kettle one dirty martini with garnished with crumpled bleu cheese.

From Tripadvisor.com

San Francisco is a fascinating city to explore. So many different neighbourhoods representing various cultures and the cuisine and the food products that go with them. It is also a great walk-about city and many fascinating places can be visited.

Where to stay is always a question so being a traveller, I would like to recommend the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf. This towering, newly renovated hotel is very centrally located and there are trams, cable cars and buses within a stone’s throw as are restaurants, shops and places of interest, especially the old wharf buildings that now house cafes, boutiques and markets.
The restaurant at the Hyatt is called Knuckles and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a modern ambiance. The bar is very long and serves every kind of drink imaginable! No matter what time of day or night, you can find tasty food and drink to enjoy.
The bedrooms are large with a generous work area, and we slept most peacefully on grand beds with plush pillows, soft sheeting and downy blankets all piled on pillow-top mattresses. The large LCD TV offers television at its best and WI access is available for a nominal fee.

Wanting to take good care of their guests, special Packages are available. You can indulge yourself in the “Amour Romance” which includes sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries and a late check out; the “Balance Relaxation” Package; the “Explore” Package or the “Awaken Bed & Breakfast” Package. WE did and enjoyed them very much.

want to rate your stay? www.tripadvisor.com

Rise Refreshed, With Our Compliments

Awake feeling fresh and to the aroma of breakfast with our Awaken package at Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf. Bring a warm glow to your morning with overnight accommodations and a full american breakfast for two adults. Rise rejuvenated and experience a new level of comfort and style in the heart of San Francisco when you book now. Book it here!

Score A Home Run And Save This Season

Explore the endless sights of San Francisco and score a win with out Home Run package at Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf. Visiting baseball fans can save big with this special, featuring unique perks like two all-day cable car/muni passes and a free appetizer in Knuckles at the Wharf. Book this limited-time offer throughout the baseball season and stay just minutes from all the action at the best hotel in San Francisco's number one destination! Book it Here!

In the Neighborhood...Bay to Breakers 2010

Bay to Breakers May 16, 2010

Each year around 75,000 runners take to the streets for the Bay to Breakers Race. Following a 12km (7.5 mile) route, participants make their way along a course that begins at the San Francisco Bay piers, heads through the city and ends at the breakers of the Pacific Ocean. The event is contested in a number of different classes, ranging from elite for serious athletes to amateur where many participants don fancy dress. The origins of the event dates back to the devastating earthquake that hit the city on 18 April 1906. It destroyed much of the city so locals rallied round to rebuild both the city itself and the morale of the people by holding community events. One such event was a cross city race which was first held in 1912 which has evolved over the years and not goes under the name of the popular Bay to Breakers Race.

Knuckles News

The recently renovated Knuckles at the Wharf is the perfect home turf for viewing any sporting event, whether it be the NBA and NHL playoffs, baseball games or whatever the sport du jour might be. In addition to boasting great seats throughout the sports bar/restaurant, Knuckles features a few private booths with their own private television.

One of the most popular restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf, Knuckles is a restaurant for all tastes, with a sports-friendly environment as well as a convivial, interactive atmosphere.

“Food Rules” promotion

Mondays with Mondavi:

Buy any regular priced appetizer and get a glass of Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon by Canvas for only $4

Two for Tuesday:

Enjoy a Burger and Beer for only $10, that’s an Angus Burger with fries and herb dip, accompanied by a Heineken beer.

Thursday’s Social Mixer:

Mix it up on Thursday! Buy any regular priced appetizer and get a cocktail for $5. Choose from Diamond Cosmo, Classic Mojito or Diamond Bloody Mary.

Baseball day-game specials:

Every day from Noon-5:00 p.m., enjoy $3 pints of Bud or Bud Light, while enjoying MLB day games.

NHL & NBA Playoff special:

During any of the NHL or NBA playoff games, enjoy a bucket of 5 bottles of Coors Light or Miller Light for only $15.

Reservations and information: (415) 486-4303

THE HYATT AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF REVEALS PACKAGES TO SUIT ANY MOOD

As the best hotel in San Francisco’s #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf offers room packages that appeal to most any mood, including the “Amour Romance” Package;”Balance Relaxation” Package; “ Explore” Package; and the “Awaken Bed & Breakfast” Package.

“Amour Romance” Package

Especially designed for couples, the “Amour Romance” Package sets the stage for romance in one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Starting at only $179, the package includes: accommodations for two, for one night; full American breakfast for two (room service or in Knuckles); bottle of sparkling wine; chocolate covered strawberries; turndown

service (on request); and late check out to 2:00 p.m. (on request). Since true romantics can celebrate their love at any time of year, this option is available from now through the December 30, 2010.

“Balance Relaxation” Package

With a host of rejuvenating activities right outside the hotel’s front door, guests can check in with the“Balance Relaxation” Package, leave the car behind and bring balance back to life by enjoying a myriad of activities. This offer includes a sumptuous guest room for one night; full American breakfast for two (valid in hotel’s Knuckles Restaurant) ; and valet parking for one car . Rates for this package start at only $179.

“ Explore” Package

For those who want to get out and really enjoy the adventures of San Francisco, the hotel features the “Explore Local Discovery” Package, which offers accommodations for one night along with two cable car passes for unlimited, one-day use. Whether it’s “climbing halfway to the stars” or just getting from one place to another, the cable cars are not only the city’s most iconic landmark, but a charming and environmentally friendly means of transportation. Rates for this package start at only $154.

“Awaken Bed & Breakfast” Package

Perfect for those who just want the basics, the “Awaken Bed & Breakfast” Package features a guest room for up to two people as well as full American breakfast (in the hotel’s Knuckles Restaurant). Rates start at only $159.

Reservations and Information

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 Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf “Special Offers.” For more information about what’s going on in San Francisco, visit the hotel’s blog at www.hyattatthewharf.blogspot.com.

In the Neighborhood....

Whole Lotta Sailing Going On

This year’s official kick-off to the San Francisco sailing season — Opening Day on the Bay — is a sight to behold as more than 300 sailboats and yachts take to the shimmering bay with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. It all starts April 25 at 10:30am with a U.S. Coast Guard cutter blessing each one of the boats in the parade. Luckily, you don’t need to own a yacht to be a part of the party. Local tour boat companies offer special catered trips that’ll provide a front-row seat.

HYATT AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF MAKES A GRACEFUL ENTRANCE INTO THE INDIAN WEDDING AND EVENT MARKET

Notably “the best hotel in San Francisco’s #1 destination,” the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s most coveted wedding and event venues. In addition to the variety of idyllic facilities, the hotel has just introduced special services that cater to the specific needs of the Indian community.

Recently established, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf features an Indian Wedding package, which starts at $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity and includes location rental, hotel linens, professional service staff, dedicated Catering Manager and Banquet Manager, event room, set up items, allowance of outside Caterer, waived cake cutting fee, one complimentary guest room night for Bride and Groom. You will have the convenience of working directly with the outside caterer for your food items and a tasting. There are a wide variety of beverage services, which can be arranged directly with the hotel.

If you choose not have outside catering the standard wedding package ranges in prices from $60.00 - $100.00 per person and can be custom designed, the following inclusions apply for the big day: complimentary accommodations for the bride and groom, including Champagne and strawberries delivered to the room; special room rates for visiting guests; professional, on-site banquet and catering managers; white glove service; complimentary bartender fees (if over $250 is purchased); votive candles on tables; dance floor, staging needs, table set up and China; cake-cutting fee included; two complimentary hors D’oeuvres per person; complimentary butler passing service; Champagne toast for all guests; Hyatt Select wine with dinner; complete menu tasting prior to event; and menu cards for each guest setting. Enhancements are available at an additional cost, to include up lighting, flowers, and specialty linens.

The hotel also boasts newly renovated, chic guest rooms; world-class catering service and culinary options; and a myriad of special upgraded amenities and services. Additionally, the property’s central location and proximity to the city’s favorite attractions makes this hotel an ideal venue for the bridal party and guests alike. And, as “icing on the cake,” the hotel has made it easier to plan, with its new catering site at http://www.fishermanswharf.hyattcatering.com.

Whether brides and grooms envision a quiet wedding day with just an intimate group of guests or an intricately themed gathering with hundreds of family and friends, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is the perfect choice due to the property’s elegant facility and diverse menu options.

The North Point Lounge, accommodating up to 220 guests, has existing ambiance. This is a must see location for your special day, with a focal point of the stained glass skylight that sits above an elegant centerpiece fountain, the room is further warmed with a fireplace setting off to one side. The Presidio Ballroom, accommodating up to 240 guests, boasts a ceiling of skylights that cast natural light into the venue. Those looking for a unique outdoor reception location, will enjoy the hotel’s beautiful pool deck courtyard, which is ideal for pre- or post- nuptials.

The hotel’s professional catering staff compliments the many facility features, offering a personalized wedding planner to help you customize your special day. Among the professional resources the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf has a list of preferred photographers, DJs, bands, linens, florists, bakeries, transportation; all are familiar with the hotel and work with the staff regularly.

The Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf offers additional events to enhance your wedding weekend. Extend your event by adding on a rehearsal dinner, post wedding extended reception in the newly added Enoteca Musto wine lounge or family brunch the morning after.

For more information, visit www.fishermanswharf.hyattcatering.com or contact:
Director of Catering, Suzanne Premo, as follows: Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, 555 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; 415-486-4405; or suzanne.premo@hyatt.com. Additional information about the hotel’s facilities is available at www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com.

Check out the reviews! http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9739-SF-Honeymoon-Travel-Examiner~y2010m3d29-Trend-Hotels-are-courting-ethnic-weddings

HYATT AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF HITS A HOME RUN WITH 2010 ROOM PACKAGE

With opening day just around the corner, the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf recently introduced the novelty “Home Run” room package to accommodate local fans and those from visiting teams.

Especially designed with baseball fans in mind the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is within easy access to the San Francisco Giant’s home turf, via the city’s historic F-Line trolleys. The “Home Run” package will have fans cheering with the inclusion of a newly renovated guest room for two; complimentary appetizer in the city’s sports-friendly Knuckles at the Wharf, located at the hotel; two all-day MUNI passes, which include access on the F-Line trolleys and cable cars; and complimentary daily parking for one car. Rates start at $214 per night.

Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf is located at 555 North Point Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94133. For reservations and additional information, visit http:fishermanswharf.hyatt.com* or call (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234

The hotel features 313 spacious guest rooms boasting the plush, new Grand Bed with pillow-top mattresses; multifunction workstation with ergonomic chair; and luxurious bath with deluxe amenities. Guest services and amenities include Wi-Fi service throughout the hotel; 24-hour automated business center; complimentary transportation to the Financial District; newly renovated 24-hour StayFit @ Hyatt Fitness Center; outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi; and pool tables at Knuckles.

Dining and Entertainment options range from Knuckles at the Wharf and Enoteca Musto wine lounge as well as room service.

Conveniently located across the street from the Mason/Powell Cable Car line, nearby attractions include Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Cruises, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square, Aquarium of the Bay and North Beach.

Direct link to offer: http://www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/offers/details.jsp?pid=2229&offerCode=&specialOfferId=29801920&corp_id=78440

"Senior Moments" Package at Hyatt at the Wharf!

As the best hotel in San Francisco’s #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf recently introduced a special package entitled “Senior Moments” for those 62 and older.

From April 1-June 30, 2010, guests 62 and over can book the hotel’s senior rate offer, which is based on 25% off of rack rates starting at $127.

Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf is conveniently located to so many of the popular San Francisco attractions that appeal to senior travelers, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39 and the Cable Cars, to name a few. The hotel resides at 555 North Point Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94133. For reservations and additional information, visit http:fishermanswharf.hyatt.com* or call (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234.

*direct link to offer: http://www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/offers/details.jsp?pid=2229&offerCode=&specialOfferId=29801920&corp_id=78440

ENOTECA MUSTO WINE LOUNGE OFFERS A “FLIGHT” OF INSPIRING OPTIONS FOR WINE ENTHUSIASTS

Enoteca Musto wine lounge is a “crush” waiting to happen. Featuring a variety of monthly winemaker evenings as well as a weekly wine & cheese evening every Friday, this new venue is the perfect watering hole for wine enthusiasts and those interested in gathering in a convivial atmosphere that focuses on the many attributes of wine and all its accompaniments.

For the next four months, Enoteca Musto will highlight a different winemaker/brewer whose beverages will be paired with Chef Robert Carr’s inspired menu. For the April 14 event, the wine lounge will feature wines of Cambria.

On a more frequent basis, Enoteca Musto features a Friday Wine & Cheese evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. For only $15 per person, guests will enjoy two half glasses of featured wine and chef’s selection of artisan cheese and accompaniments.

Enoteca Musto is a chic wine lounge in a private, club-like setting. Enoteca Musto highlights wine from California’s wine country and small plates featuring artisanal cheeses, cured meats and local seasonal products. The new wine lounge is an ideal setting to enjoy the company of friends, entertain clients and gather for a quick respite at the end of the day.

Located at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, Enoteca Musto is open daily from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. For more information, call (415) 563-1234.

March Absolut Madness

Come to Knuckles and root on your favorite team(s) during March Madness. In addition to the amazing sports viewing ambiance, Knuckles is featuring several specials to tempt your taste buds:

$5 Calamari appetizer

$5 Wings

$5 Private Label Wine

$2 Off on all draft beers

$1 Off all Absolut Cocktails

Be sure to mention you heard about these specials via Facebook or Twitter ~

Enoteco Musto Wine Event - March 16th

This month’s Enoteca Musto Wine Event will be held on March 16 at 6pm. Only $25 per person for the three-course tasting menu. Featuring Murphy Goode Winery wines as noted in the following pairings: Butter poached Pacific Oyster, Leeks and Caviar served with Sauvignon Blanc; Chevre and Potato Croquette, Toy Box Mushrooms and Crisp Prosciutto served with Pinot Noir; and Braised Short Rib with Creamy Polenta and Wild Arugula served with Merlot.

Knuckles Scores Specials And Private Booths For All Upcoming Games

Located at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, the recently renovated Knuckles at the Wharf is celebrating sports with a line up special offers for everything from European Soccer and World Cup to March Madness and NBA games, as follows:

- European Soccer (from now though May 22): $17 buckets of five beers of Heineken

- March Madness (from March 14 until April 5): Absolut Madness-$1 off any Absolut cocktail

- NBA games (through the playoffs and championship): $15 buckets of five beers, with a choice of Miller Lite or Coors Lite

- World Cup (June 11 until July 11): $17 buckets of five beers from around the world

Want to Make it a Private Affair?

Additionally, Knuckles is also offering a limited number of private booths for and of these 2010 games and Enoteca Musto Wine Lounge is also available for a private party of up to 40 people. With a private television in each booth, guests can reserve their “turf” for six to eight people at a minimum food and beverage expenditure of only $40 per person. The adjacent Enoteca Musto will feature a large projection screen and can accommodate a group of up to 40 people, also with a minimum food and beverage expenditure of only $40 per person or a minimum total price of $1,500. Special menus for both food and beverages can be provided or guests can order ala carte.

Reservations and information, call (415) 202-3612

www.hyattatthewharf.blogspot.com

555 North Point Street in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf

The Hyatt At Fisherman’s Wharf Reveals The No Package Room Package

As the best hotel in San Francisco’s #1 destination, the newly renovated Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf offers the “No Package” Room Package for those that are looking for the greatest value. Available for those booking an early weekend stay of 2-4 nights, with check in on any Thursday from now through April 30, 2010, the “No Package” rates represent a $10-40 discount on the lowest available rates, with the “No Package” Room Package rates starting at only $119. So, for those that want to start their weekend early, this is the ideal value with no frills or bells and whistles attached.

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 Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf “Start Your Weekend Early.”

Look who's talking...

Theresa and I decided to do something different this Valentines' Day, so we abandoned the tired old cliches such as heart-shaped boxes of candy and Hallmark cards in favor of a relaxing four-day weekend in San Francisco.

We arrived at Los Angeles International Airport a couple hours early, on the off chance that our flight was going to depart on time. We got our boarding passes, and proceeded to the security checkpoint. My carry-on was the lucky winner of a more thorough inspection because I was bringing along "Wheezer," my CPAP machine. I have no problem with the extra scrutiny, because safety is the first priority and you never know when Al-Qaida will start disguising bombs as sleep-apnea treatments. During the examination of my bag, the TSA officer also confiscated my shaving cream, which resembled a can of plastic explosive or something.

Here's the funny part. I don't mean "ha-ha" funny, like Sarah Palin getting hit by a bus, this is more like "how the hell does this happen in post-9/11 America" funny. Later on, when we got to our hotel, Theresa discovered that she'd left her three-inch locking blade knife in her purse rather than in the checked baggage. That's right, folks, the knife made it through the security checkpoint undetected. Apparently, TSA believes that a woman in possession of a knife poses less of a threat than a 6'3" guy wielding a can of Barbasol. That, my friends, is profiling and I strenuously object.

No trip to the L.A. airport would be complete without a celebrity sighting. At our gate, I saw an old lady that used to be in commercials. You guessed it, it was the corpse of Margaret Hamilton!

Not really. I still can't remember her name, or the commercials she starred in, but believe me when I tell you if you saw her, you'd immediately point and call out, "HEY! IT'S THAT LADY FROM THAT COMMERCIAL!" Actually, it's been driving me batty that I can't remember what she was in. I've run every Google search I can think of, but it's no use. It wasn't Josephine the Plumber, and it wasn't Mother Nature. If you could help me out, I'd be eternally grateful or at least be able to sleep at night.

So anyway, our flight out of Los Angeles was, in theory, scheduled to leave at 3:55 but here's a big surprise -- we were delayed. At about 3:00, the following announcement came over the loudspeaker:

"Flight 1582 to San Francisco is being delayed until 4:55. However, do not leave the gate area, as the flight may actually depart prior to that time, or even at the originally scheduled departure time. There is also the possibility that the flight will have to be delayed further."

Did you get that? Either the flight was going to be on-time, delayed, or delayed even further. Why not just make the announcement, "We are pretty sure that flight 1582 will be departing at some point in the future."

We left shortly after 5:00.

We arrived in San Francisco without incident, which is to say "late, tired, and hungry" and took a cab to the hotel. We stayed at the Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf, which I highly recommend to any of you who may be traveling to the Bay Area. Since we hadn't eaten, we decided to walk down to the wharf, where we had dinner at a very nice restaurant called Neptune's Palace. I had the shrimp alfredo, which was delicious. However, when I asked for a glass of water, the waitress informed me that they were having a problem with their plumbing so all the water was, and I quote, "yellow". I told her to forget about the water, and I spent the rest of the meal trying not to think about where the carbonated water in my Diet Coke had come from.

We slept in on Saturday, and then took the cable car to Chinatown for lunch. For those of you who have never been to San Francisco, I'd like to point out that the city's landscape resembles Magic Mountain's famous roller coaster "Colossus." So we got off the cable car and walked down Clay Street, and by that I don't mean that we walked in a certain direction on Clay Street, I mean that we walked, literally, DOWN Clay Street at approximately a 70-degree angle.

We ate at a lovely place called The Oriental Pearl. During our meal, we noticed two women at the table next to us enjoying an appetizer consisting of, as far as I could tell, eyeballs. At another table, there was a family who really should've opted for a more suitable restaurant like, say, McDonald's. The four-year old boy, who clearly did not possess an "inside voice," insisted on using his chopsticks as drum sticks and his chair as a jungle gym. This continued until his father gave him his cell phone so Junior could talk to, I'm guessing, his grandmother. Obviously, I couldn't hear Grandma's end of the conversation, but everything she said prompted Junior to reply, "I'M EATING CHICKEN!"

We finished our lunch, and I must tell you the food was outstanding, and walked UP Clay Street to catch another cable car. We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping, sight-seeing, and relaxing back at the hotel. That evening, we went to a comedy club called Punchline, and saw the hilarious Dana Gould.

Sunday morning, we had brunch with my brother Eric and his girlfriend, who live in the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco. We ate at Crepes on Cole which, despite its "hole in the wall" atmosphere (or maybe because of it), turned out to be our most enjoyable dining experience of the weekend (no disrespect toward Neptune's Place or The Oriental Pearl intended).

The rest of our trip included a walk down Lombard Street (also known as "the world's crookedest street"), a bay cruise that took us around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge, and a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay.

MOMENTARY DIGRESSION

I don't know who came up with the idea of serving clam chowder in a bowl made of sourdough bread, but he is a genius and should receive a Nobel Prize.

END OF MOMENTARY DIGRESSION.

On Monday we took a cab to the airport two hours early, in the foolishly-optimistic hope that our flight would leave on time. It didn't, of course, so we sat around the airport reading and partaking of over-priced snack foods.

All in all, Theresa and I had a fantastic weekend, and we'll definitely be returning to the City by the Bay in the near future. And next time, I'll remember not to pack my suspicious can of shaving cream in my carry-on bag.