It's bizarre to think that yesterday morning, I was sitting in La Boulange de Polk, a charming cafe/bakery in San Francisco's Russian Hill, and that now I'm sitting in a moderately grimy NYC Midtown office with the smells of frying McNuggets wafting up the airshaft.
What a difference a day makes.
But, I wouldn't trade New York for San Francisco. By this evening I will be in historic Brooklyn Heights, surrounded by stunning townhouses and an incomparable view of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Downtown Manhattan and Lady Liberty. Home - pure and simple.
My affection for NYC aside, I will say that the Bay Area most certainly has it all over the Big Apple in the nature category. So, although I enjoyed my fair share of gustatory pleasures this trip in between meetings n' such, I also took in my fair share of magnificent vistas, hiking trails and honest-to-goodness clean air. My lungs are still in shock.
With my lungs readjusting to chunkier oxygen, I think it's best if I push off the major foodie fare for tomorrow. But, in its stead, here's a brief rundown of some of my most memorable moments on the Left Coast - nibbles and nature included:
*A breakfast of champions at Swan Oyster Depot: 9 freshly shucked Pacific oysters - sweet, rich and brimming with ocean goodness - accompanied by a wee draft of local Anchor Steam Lager.
*Getting car sick, post-breakfast of champions, as my friend Mo and I zoomed up a perilous, twisty road in our rented convertible, heading to the Panoramic Highway which leads to Muir Woods.
*Feeling much less queasy, as Mo and I hiked through the breathtaking trails of Muir Woods (pictured above), awestruck by the beauty of its majestic redwoods, the radiant shafts of sunlight streaming through the trees, the sounds of the gurgling creek that ran alongside our path, and - most of all - the HUGE banana slug we saw as we exited the woods.
*Mocking Mo mercilessly, when she misidentified a bevy of birds as SEALS during our hike to Land's End. "How the heck did those seals get all the way up on that huge jutting rock in the middle of the Bay?" Clearly, Mo needs to watch more "Call of the Wild" when she gets back to NYC.
*Trying to bone up on our nature knowledge, tuning into "Marc Marrone's Petkeeping" during an early morning respite at our hotel. This show is hysterical. Marc Marrone is never without a finely plumed parrot on his shoulder and is usually surrounded by dozens of furry creatures all vying for his attention - or more likely his cell phone, so they can call their various agents to get them out of this crazy gig. Most amazing creature: a rabbit that was the size of a small child. We're talking fricasee for the whole family and then some!
*Enjoying late night cocktails and a warm cookie plate, ensconced in the luxurious French deco decor of the Hayes Valley's Absinthe Brasserie.
*After a day of winery-hopping, resting our weary selves on the spectular deck of the Relais & Chateaux inn, Auberge Du Soleil, sipping champagne and munching on addictive frites, captivated by an unparalled view of a sun-drenched olive tree grove and the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley below.
And, to think: I'm leaving the really great foodie stuff for tomorrow...
Ha! Yeah, trees are like RIGHT THERE. It is nice to be able to spend a few minutes on the road only to find yourself out in the middle of nowhere. Then come home to a shower and a great meal.
You're right though, New York is a world apart and comparisons aren't really fair.
Had a head cold for 5 days, this sucks and blows.
Xo Xo
Posted by: Dr. Biggles | May 25, 2004 at 03:17 PM