Dressing to the Nines... all the way to five.

One of the highlight events of the year for me is PCBC (Pacific Coast Builders Conference), which takes place in San Francisco in early June.

On second thought, I haven't mentioned in past blogs, what I do for work. I am an Executive Recruiter at a local Newport Beach firm; sourcing individuals for home builders and developers. The annual PCBC is held at the Mascone Center in downtown San Francisco and anyone who is anybody, in the homebuilding industry attends. Not only is it a large convention, but companies host lavish parties at hot-spot locations in the city (Top of the Mark, renting out AT&T Park, or top of the Westin St. Francis hotel). I am a sucker for getting dressed 'to the nines' for a night out in the city; count me in every time!

During our stay we meet and mingle, eat phenomenal food and sip from the open bars... sticking to rosé all day & night for me. With a carefully laid out itinerary that I craft weeks in advance, we run from party to party. So needless to say, I was extremely disappointed when PCBC was completely scratched from 2020. No trip to plan, no itinerary to lay out, no fancy dress to pick out, and no rosé to drink while overlooking the San Fransisco skyline.

Instead, I thought I would re-live the experience and give my slayplayrosé gang some of my favorite spots and things to do while in the city.

1. SF Cable Cars: This is an iconic staple in SF and a must do. Though traveler beware... the lines at either end are usually over an hour wait.

Protip: the trolley makes quite a few stops where people can get off and ON. You will still need to buy a ticket, but pick a stop (for example by Lombard Street) and cruise to the final destination at Market Street.

2. Grab an Irish coffee from The Buena Vista! The "BV" as it's called, is known as the first restaurant/bar to offer the now famous Irish Coffee dating back to 1952. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on a cold afternoon. Pop into the bar and order this spiked coffee to warm up, or take one to go if you ask! There is so much history at this spot and the bartenders have some great stories to tell.

Some of my favorite places to grab drinks and eat:

3. Press Club- Being centrally located in Union Square it is an easy stroll from the BART stop. I was introduced to this wine bar the first time I went to SF and fell in love with the vibes here. They practically have an encyclopedia of wines to choose from including these 'bomb" (pun included) 'Chambongs' pictured below. On the weekends they have a DJ playing music, giving this wine bar more of a lounge feel. It is definitely not your normal "stuffy wine bar". You walk down a flight of stairs that opens to a large room with 3 different bar areas from which to order. Additionally, there are couches where people can relax and enjoy the lounge-like feeling.

4.BIX (56 Gold St, SF) is a little hidden gem in Jackson Square in San Francisco. I found this place by asking one of my friends where he would go for a nice dinner in the city. Walking up to BIX, you wouldn't think much of the exterior as it is located a small side street which looks like an alley way. Once inside you can tell it is more of a San Francisco locals kind of place. BIX shakes up some of the best classic cocktails around, while offering delectable modern cuisine dishes and live jazz performances.

5. The Pawn Shop- No no, I am not sending you to trade in your unwanted things for a little extra cash. This is actually a hidden tapas bar in the city. The outside storefront looks exactly like a local shop with the "pawn shop owner" there at the counter to greet you. To get admittance to the tapas bar you either have to tell a bad joke or have something you would like to pawn. They don't take reservations, but it is definitely worth a visit. It's open Tuesday-Saturday, 4pm-midnight.

6.Top of the Mark- this is one of the most quintessential spots to enjoy a nightcap while soaking up the spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline. It can be difficult to get a spot at the bar so plan accordingly.

7. SF Giants Game: Take me out to the ball game! If you are in San Francisco (April-September) taking in a Giants game at Oracle Park is the perfect afternoon activity before you board your flight to head home. The stadium butts up to the marina and has a great community vibe about it. I have been to tons of stadiums (16 to be exact) and I personally think they have the best food options here! Heck they even have frosé!

I cannot wait to get back to SF soon and continue to explore more fun options!!! Any and all recommendations are welcome!

Cheers!!!