Points of Interest, San Francisco Urban Hike

March 11, 2007

SF Ferry Building, Starting Point.

Start congregating around 10:30, leave from the front of the building at 11:00am sharp. Opened in 1898, the Ferry Building sports the largest foundation in the world for a building over water, strong enough to survive two major earthquakes (1906 and 1989). The 240' Clock Tower is based on the 12th century Seville Cathedral. The building was a hub for transport but faded into obscurity in the 50's when the interior was remodeled for office space and the erection of the Embarcadero Freeway blocked it from view. The Embarcadero Freeway was demolished following the '89 earthquake, bringing back the view and leading to a restoration of the building. Wear your trendiest jeans and sun glasses if you want to visit the farmers markets, Tuesdays and Saturdays. I celebrated Y2K New Years here among a throng of people and lasers.

AT&T Park

The park formerly known as SBC Park actually opened as PacBell Park (SBC bought both PacBell and AT&T and then changed their name to AT&T). The water on the right field side of the park is known as McCovey Cove after Giants 1st baseman Willie. 41 Homers have been hit into the water without bouncing, 33 of which were hit by Barry Bonds. Thirteen balls have made it to the cove on the bounce, none of which were hit by Barry Bonds. I saw Barry hit home run #661 at the park (then SBC) and don't care that people think he's on steroids (he obviously is) because I think cheating is part of sports.

The Ramp, First Regroup Point

855 Terry Francois St, (415) 621-2378. Fast walkers or people cutting their hike short may want to stop here for brunch and a Ramos Gin Fizz. Born out of New Orleans the Ramos Fizz is 2 ounces gin, 3 drops orange flower water (available in high end liquor joins and Middle-Eastern markets), 1 egg whites, 1 teaspoon bar sugar, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce cream, and Soda water. Shake very vigorously for at least one minute. Strain into a tall thin glass, or a very large old fashioned glass, and top with some soda water. Stir. I recommend sitting outside.

Potrero Hill

Home to Dogster, a social network for Dogs, and Anchor Steam brewery, owned by washing machine heir Fritz Maytag. OJ Simpson grew up here. Follow 16th St. through the neighborhood and then make a right on Folsom

Rainbow Grocery

1745 Folsom St. The place to stop if you're into healthy eating. Just won 2007 Best Freebies for its selection of olives and cheese. Many Americans think Philadelphia brand cream cheese is an acceptable bagel topping but I can't stand the stuff because I grew up eating no-gum natural cream cheese from Rainbow.

The Armory, Second Regroup Point

1800 Mission St at 14th St. This 200,000 square foot reproduction of a Moorish castle was completed in 1914 and served the National Guard until 1976. Kink.com recently purchased the building for film production, citing the character of its cavernous dungeon-like basements, stone staircases, sweeping corridors and a gigantic drill court. At least three films have already been shot including Princess Donna suspended above the drill court. Some local residents are vowing to fight the company saying that the movies "degrades the neighborhood, demeans women and offers "dead-end'' jobs that no decent person would want." I don't have enough personal experience to weigh in.

Arinell

509 Valencia St, (415) 255-1303. Pizza expert (and Grinnell College Alumnus) Ed Levine calls this "one of the best New York slices he's had on the West Coast." The magic of a NY style slice is in the thin chewy crust. Californians hide their poor crust under a load of toppings. This pizza stands up on its own. I recommend cheese slices.

The Little Giant

Gold Fire Hydrant at 20th and Church. This hydrant is one of the few which had water after the 1906 earthquake and his credited with saving the Mission district from fire. Its heroism is honored each year with a fresh paint of gold. On your way to the hydrant relax with your slices in Dolores Park.

Citizen Cake

399 Grove St, (415) 861-2228. Hot Cross Buns are a type of sweet spiced bun made with currants or candied fruit and topped with an icing cross. They're traditionally made for Good Friday but can be enjoyed by people of all faiths. The ChowHound Hot Cross Bun Tour 2007 has not found the time to review this year's buns from Citizen Cake so we're going to stop in and do it for them. After this, head back across Market and then down Mission to the Ferry Building.