My Last Goodbye...

After reporting on Nob Hill and Russian Hill I am thankful that I have had time to experience such a great part of San Francisco that I may not have otherwise. The biggest impression I have of this neighborhood is that it has so much to offer. I have found out about great restaurants, art galleries, and businesses.

Although at first it was really hard for me to approach people in the neighborhood, I found most of the residents and merchants to be extremely helpful and kind. This neighborhood really has a diverse crowd. There is a mix of young professionals, families, hipster kids and some homeless. I heard some people refer to Nob Hill as "Snob Hill" before I embarked on this journey, but I found out that in my personal experience that was not the case.

I would recommend Nob Hill to anyone for a great place to peruse shops, grab a bite to eat or get your nails done. There are a ton of nail salons! I really had to restrain myself from getting a manicure to interview people on a number of occasions.

You don't have to live in Nob Hill to come and spend the day. There are so many great places to go. I found Huntington Park to be such a serene spot to waste the day away reading a great book and talking to strangers. I also found Grace Cathedral to be a beautiful place and a way to get involved with the community.

Most of the people I talked to did not have that many complaints about Nob Hill and Russian Hill and now I understand why. After spending time in the neighborhood I think it would be a great place to live as a young single or even with a family. Writing this blog has been a great way to experience an amazing chunk of San Francisco. Although I first felt like a timid outsider, now I feel like a part of a cultured and welcoming community.

Art in Russian Hill

Art and jewelry gallery, Velvet Da Vinci has been open since 1991. About five years ago, the shop migrated from Hayes Valley to Polk St. Owner Elizabeth Shypertt prides herself on acquiring one of a kind pieces from artists.

Shypertt has been an art enthusiast ever since high school. Although she used to design jewelry she now focuses on managing the store and choosing what pieces she likes and thinks will sell.

“Our pieces come from all over the world. We have some pieces from local artists, some from national artists and some from international artists,” says Shypertt.

You can’t find anything at Velvet Da Vinci that is massed produced. Shypertt says this has helped business because it attracts a crowd that wants something unique.

“We have a relationship with every artist that we sell. They know what we like and what can sell and we work with them to get the mix we want,” Shyperrt explains.

Shyperrt says she enjoys working with individual artists because she likes supporting individuals instead of big companies. She says she can find more unique pieces from individual artists. She explains that having a large network of artists to choose from is a key to her success.

“There is a very specific style to the jewelry and not everyone likes it. However, the people who get it really get it,” says Shypertt.

The people who do get it are willing to spend $50 to $5,000 on a single piece of art or jewelry. “Every piece is unique and there are some limited edition pieces,” says Shypertt.

Shyperrt says the store is doing very well even though the economy isn’t. She just signed a lease to keep Velvet Da Vinci open for another five years. “We will be open for at least five more years,” says Shypertt.
Velvet Da Vinci
2015 Polk St.
415-441-0109
www.VelvetDaVinci.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11 - 6
Sunday: 11 - 5

The Green Home Center

Dietmer Brand opened the Green Home Center about three years ago on Polk and Washington St. “We are San Francisco’s first retail store for green, energy efficient and healthy products,” says Dietmer.

Dietmer says he initially opened the store because of his personality. “My temperament is one that cares about the world and I have found a way to combine my passions and make a living,” Dietmer explained.

The Green Home Center offers products such as mattresses, lamps and cabinetry. What makes a product green according to Dietmer is conserving resources while the product is in production.

“Being green is a social responsibility. You don’t want to cut down a rain forest even for organic food and dislodge people. You don’t want to create organic products but treat people poorly. There is a social component that people to make sure that people are being taken care of. You don’t want to create something that harms people when they use it,” says Dietmer.

Although the store has been opened for three years, Dietmer explained that it isn’t during that well given the current economic state. “Some people will never shop here because they will always go for cheap products. Some people will shop here because they have a chemical safe child and some will shop here because they care about the world,” says Dietmer.

The Green Home Center is also green. They cook their own lunch in the store instead of eating out and they don’t have a heater to conserve energy. Dietmer also placed the store strategically on Polk St. to ensure that people could come on public transit instead of driving.

The Green Home Center is located at 1812 Polk St.
thegreenhomecenter.net
415-567-3705

Time For Some Tea

Five years ago Haymen Daluz decided to venture out of the cell phone business and into the world of tea. He opened an Aroma Tea Shop in the Richmond district and last July he decided to expand with a second shop located on Polk St.

Aroma Tea Shop offers approximately one hundred different teas to choose from. With an inviting ambiance, Daluz extends his hospitality letting customers sample the teas before purchasing. With so many teas to choose from, I contemplate out loud how anyone could ever make a decision?

“People do come in and ask what teas we have for blood pressure and when they think of tea they correlate that to medicinal health remedies as opposed to drinking it for taste like wine,” Daluz explains.

However, Daluz says that some people do drink tea for the pure taste alone. “With tea you can really get into the culture, taste and seasons like wine,” says Daluz.

Daluz cites the most popular flavors being the fruity variety especially the apple-flavored teas. His personal favorites include the aged Pu Er teas. He explains that he usually directs people to certain teas after they explain what particular flavor or medicinal remedy they are seeking.

“The most popular flavor is the Blue People Oolong tea with ginseng and licorice. It is really sweet,” says Daluz.

Daluz admits that opening the Nob Hill location has been an experience thus far. He explains that he is unsure of how the store will do in a more mainstream location where most people are unfamiliar with tea.

“The difficulty of this store being in Nob Hill was trying to market to the average consumer. How do we sell tea to people that have no idea what tea is? Here you have more of the latte crowd,” says Daluz.

Experiencing Grace Cathedral

"If you are passing by and feel intimidated or angry because of religion, please know that there is immunity granted when you enter Grace Cathedral. Immunity from the ravages of religion and misuse of Divine Revelation," according to Rev. William E. Swing.

I had passed Grace Cathedral many times walking through Nob Hill, but one day I didn't keep walking. I stopped. Although I am not incredibly religious, I have always believed in some sort of higher being. I have always thought it is healthy to think of something bigger than yourself.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Grace Cathedral was how beautiful it is. According to a Visitor Guide pamphlet I obtained inside, Lewis Hobart designed the Cathedral in a French Gothic style. Work began on the Cathedral in 1928 and it was completed in 1964.

Once inside the Cathedral after taking in the beauty, I noticed the few people inside. One man was sitting praying. One man was pacing around in deep thought. It seemed to me regardless of your faith or if you even have one, the Cathedral is a great place to come clear your mind and try to get some peace.

Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill welcomes everyone. Regardless of your religion you can go to Grace Cathedral to connect with the community or worship on your own. If you are agnostic, the architectural beauty of Grace Cathedral makes Grace Cathedral a landmark not to be overlooked.

According to the Visitor Guide, "We call Grace Cathedral a house of prayer for all people, without exception. All kinds of people walk through our doors every day, and all are welcome. Some come to participate in worship services, to walk the labyrinths, to seek the divine or to pray."

I picked up many pamphlets and one that especially caught my eye was "The Episcopal Church Welcomes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons." This pamphlet made me so happy because I felt it went above and beyond to make sure to include everyone and to let everyone know that they are included.

The pamphlet explains that even within the Episcopal Church full inclusion of all people is presently not the case. However, at Grace Cathedral gay and lesbians are able to serve as clergy, staff and laity according to the pamphlet.

Whether you are religious or not, Grace Cathedral is a great site to see if you are visiting the Nob Hill area.

Grace Cathedral also offers service times and opportunities for community outreach. To learn more go to www.GraceCathedral.org

Hungry? Why Wait!

There are many great restaurants in Nob Hill and Russian Hill. There is incredible selection! After writing about Nick's Crispy Tacos, I thought that I should include a variety of restaurants and a coffee house so you can find what you are looking for. In this map you can find a spot for sushi, coffee, italian food and more. Enjoy!



View Hungry, Why Wait? in a larger map

Taco Tuesday

San Francisco is notorious for bars that offer great taco Tuesdays. Discounted drinks and tacos can generally sum up taco Tuesday. What more could you ask for after a long, hard Monday than just knowing you are going to meet your friends for some great food and drinks the following night?

Well, if you are a taco Tuesday regular or if it sounds like something fun to try, look no further than Nick’s Crispy Tacos. Nick’s Crispy Tacos is located on the corner of Polk Street and Broadway in Russian Hill. Nick’s Crispy Tacos is actually inside Rouge Nightclub, where you can order your food from Nick’s and walk across the room to Rouge’s bar to get your drinks.

Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday with great discounted drinks. You can get a Bud or Bud light for two dollars or a well drink for three. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong on taco Tuesday by pairing your tacos with a Corona or a margarita.

Although the drinks are great, the highlight of the taco Tuesday experience has got to be the food. Nick’s offers a selection of tacos to choose from including: carne asada, pollo, carnitas, pescado, camarones and vegetariano. I have tried the carne asada and camarones tacos and let me tell you, they are amazing! For just ninety-five cents extra you can make any taco “Nick’s Way,” which is adding guacamole and jack cheese. “Nick’s Way” is a must.

I have experienced taco Tuesday and it is a blast. The only thing to keep in mind is that Tuesday nights are notoriously busy. With that in mind, get off work or school, grab your friends and I will see you at Nick’s!

http://www.rougesf.com
Nick’s Crispy Tacos: 415-409-8226