Hotel Kabuki: San Francisco as Leg 1
November 14, 2018
NPS is on a 25 day adventure that includes San Francisco as a first stop. Loyal readers know that means Japantown, and Japantown these days means the Kabuki.
The lobby is a great place to hang out and get some work done. And the bar is pretty good to boot.
Nice to return to @hotelkabuki where I am informed they now have an espresso machine pic.twitter.com/RBLsRi7xO4
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 14, 2018
And there is now espresso on the property.
It was hazy in San Francisco every day due to the fires in California. In fact, the air quality was the worst on the planet on Thursday.
Hazy San Francisco from the 16th floor of @HotelKabuki in japantown pic.twitter.com/gip2KHJZPz
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 14, 2018
This trip we’re on the top floor (16) in 1602. The rooms are well appointed.
The bathroom is sizable, but the room is cold. The poor heater can’t keep up with nights that drop into the upper ’40s. That means the bathroom is chilly in the morning. Fortunately, the shower door in 1602 seals pretty well and does not let tons of cold air in. But the old sliding doors (still) need to be replaced with more modern glass that insulates better.
Of course, San Francisco is a great place to visit when it comes to food and beverages. A cocktail or two at PCH is highly recommended, especially if your friend Jacques Bezuidenhout shows up with time to spare on his visa and a bottle of Amer Picon. Much fun was had.
.@PCH580 with the best @LoveTequila pic.twitter.com/Pk4wKHDVYc
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 14, 2018
Dinner at State Bird Provisions is outstanding as always. Incredible flavors put together in remarkable ways. NPS just walked right in on a Tuesday night with no reservation.
Dinner @statebirdsf (@sfjacob @elinormills). Walk in. Still outstanding. pic.twitter.com/22KqhorN30
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 14, 2018
For an interesting diner-like breakfast, try out Sweet Maple.
Ramen at Iza Ramen is very good indeed.
Ramen @IzaRamen (the first one) with @sfjacob pic.twitter.com/QKYr5Bbrs6
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 15, 2018
Hard water has a top notch bourbon and rye collection (though Jack Rose in DC has it beat). Hirsch 74. Sazarac 18. Stagg 11.
Time spent @hardwater_sf with @bvchess most xlent pic.twitter.com/pWofMUivny
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 16, 2018
The Mymy cafe is a great place for breakfast. Creative delicious options and espresso that does not suck. Recommended.
Wow. Mymy cafe is fantastic. Check out this shrimp, sausage, grits and eggs extravaganza. pic.twitter.com/rYSAecs5Iv
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 16, 2018
Dinner at Prarie is very good, though noisy and crowded.
Skip ABV and go straight to Churchill for a nightcap. Fewer hipsters and no bullshit at the door.
Have a wine tasting at Domaine Carneros.
It helps if you know someone who is in their club. https://twitter.com/noplasticshower/status/1063957983468474369
Four showerheads, clean air, and some warmer nights for the Hotel Kabuki. We’ll be back. Next up, New Zealand!