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Locals Talk
Rob Delameter
Age: 40
San Francisco
- When I took the Hotel Matchmaker test these are the words I selected:
- Charming, Pop-cultured, Handsome/Masculine, Cool/Hip, Visionary/Artistic
- My favorite activities include:
- Burning Man; yoga, walking in San Francisco (there's always some small pleasure or adventure to be happened upon); my neighborhood (the Panhandle- it's about to be the hot new hood- trust me); indie films (don't make me miss the previews); supporting city arts; exploring the nature of the Bay Area and camping; collecting Mid-century Modern furniture and objects.
- I was born and raised in:
- Born in New Jersey; raised in Orange County, CA
- I currently live:
- North of The Panhandle near Golden Gate Park
- What do I do to make a buck?:
- Owner of a vintage art salon, www.lostartsalon.com
- 5 things I love about the San Francisco Bay Area:
- The weird weather: People, it's all about wearing layers! The diversity of the people: Social diversity has been in this city's DNA since the Gold Rush The way San Francisco looks: It's a gangly, bumpy, town within a town, within a town and every day I'm struck by its unusual beauty. The accessibility of nature: It takes just a five minute drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to find rugged mountains, secluded beaches, and stunning open ocean views. Not being my car all the time: You can travel by bus, BART, trolley, cable car, ferry or foot
- My favorite local hidden treasure you shouldn't miss:
- The graveyard garden at Mission Dolores
- My perfect day spent in the San Francisco Bay Area:
- If you're really going to experience SF in all its beautiful and atmospheric detail, you absolutely must walk. So, my perfect day in SF would all be spent on foot exploring the part of the city that is situated South of Market Street. It's a part of the city that most tourists miss, and most locals love. Begin in the heart of the Mission District with coffee and pastries and the tres charming, tres crowded, Tartine Bakery (600 Guerrero, 487-2600) Neighborhood folks walk many a block to wait in line before the bakery even opens. And there's a good reason why. Take a seat inside Tartine and enjoy the anonymity of mixing with real San Franciscans; or take your almond croissant to go and walk a block to Dolores Park. Hike it to the top of the gently sloping hill in the park and get a rarely seen view of downtown and the Bay Bridge through Dolores Street palm trees and the varied roofs of hundred-year old homes. In the morning, dogs rule the park while their owners swap photos of Mr. Pooch and tips on the latest luxury pet items. Then spend the rest of the day exploring the Mission by visiting the vibrant murals of Balmy Alley-near 24th Street. From there, meander your way down Valencia Street heading back towards 16th Street. All along Valencia you will experience the amazing blend of cultures (primarily Latin) and ongoing gentrification that has made the Mission a hot spot for unusual shopping, trendy dining and weekend bar hopping. Don't miss these stops along the way: Den (849 Valencia Street, 282-6646), Paxton Gate (824 Valencia Street, 824-1872), Subterranean Shoe Shop (877 Valencia Street, 401-9504), X21 (890 Valencia,647-4211) and Therapy (758 & 545 Valencia Street). At 17th and Valencia pick up some burritos and El Toro Taqueria (598 Valencia 431-3351,consistently rated on of the best in the City) and create an impromptu Mexican picnic to take to Mission Dolores Park. After lunch spend the rest of the day exploring Valencia, Dolores and Mission Streets. Before dinner take in an early movie at the beloved Roxie Theatre (3117 16th Street, 863-1087), and catch an indie film favorite. Then head over to Bissap Baobab (2323 Mission Street, 826-9287) for unique cocktails and amazing Senegalese cuisine. End the evening with drinks, a round of pool and a welcoming fireplace at the 500 Club-a venerable neighborhood bar with stiff drinks and rock n' roll attitude (500 Guerrero Street).
