my top five in both STATES

San Francisco- Oakland- CA


1. Pizzeria Delfina - SF 3621 18th Street 
This little pizza joint has hands down the best pizza 
in the city. Thin, crispy crust with the most
delicious cheeses and gourmet toppings. 
click here for more info:
Pizzeria Delfina 
2. August- OAK 5410 College Ave. 
August has been one of my favorite stores since 
stumbling upon it almost three years ago... The 
stores atmosphere is amazing-
open windows let in cool, crisp California air and the 
occasional Jeff Koons-esque sculpture in the middle
of the sales floor adds a quirky touch to the otherwise
clean lined, simple feel. 
click here for more info:
August
3.  Bakesale Betty- OAK 5098 Telegraph Ave. 
My mouth waters just thinking about this
local establishment. Their fried chicken sandwich is
perfectly seasoned and melts-in-your mouth. Of course, 
Bakesale Betty's only uses the freshest ingredients
which means that all of their pastries vary depending
on the season... (strawberry shortcake in the spring/ summer- delish!)
I highly recommend this place for a good finger lickin' ! 
click here for more info:
Bakesale Betty
4. Cha Cha Cha- SF 1801 Haight Street
Cha Cha Cha Restaurant and Tapas Bar is
such a great place to go with a big group of 
friends. Tapas, which are small plates can
be shared among the table and are perfect for getting 
a little taste of everything. The sangria is always
fresh and comes by the pitcher- this spot is the
ultimate place for great food and friends! 
click here for more info: 
Cha Cha Cha Restaurant and Tapas Bar
5. Erica Tanov- BERKLEY 1827 Fourth Street 
This little boutique has the most beautiful things. 
The racks are color coordinating, which makes it
easy searching for the perfect periwinkle hued top or
blood orange dress... I especially love this shop for 
their well edited hand made jewelry... Everything is
so beautifully executed and unique. 


Austin, TX 


1. La Condesa- 400- A West 2nd Street
La Condesa is by far one of the most 
beautiful restaurants in Austin. Winner of the AIA/LA 
Restaurant Design Awards, Architect Michael Hsu + 
designer Joel Mozersky really outdid themselves.
Not only is the architecture and decor amazing but
the food is outstanding. I recommend the acelgas taquitos, 
(vegan option) and the mexican street corn- but really, everything
on the menu is to-die-for. Make sure to try the watermelon- elderflower
martini- the agave nectar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
click here for more info:
La Condesa
2. By George- 524 North Lamar 
Racks full of noteworthy designers like Lanvin, Balenciaga,
Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Bottega Venetta (just
to name a few) make this local shop stand out amongst
the rest of Austin's boutiques. Plus, they have the best
sales ever!
click here for more info:
By George
3. Perlas- 1400 South Congress
This seafood and oyster bar has by far the best
crab cake I have ever eaten in my life- and trust
me, I have had many a crab cake... It was
served with perfectly dressed mixed greens
and piping hot.. I took my first bite
and it melted in my mouth.. absolutely delicious.
click here for more info:
Perlas
4. Gallery D- 436 West 2nd Street
Gallery D's interior is stunning (thanks to Jaime Chioco)
 and the clothes are equally as beautiful. Hard to find designers
like Zimmermann and Lauren Moffatt adorn the racks at this
locally owned boutique.
5. Bows + Arrows & Spartan- 215 South Lamar 
These two "sister shops" have the best of both worlds-
Spartan, which carries a mix of jewelry, art, and home decor
and Bows + Arrows stocks up on only the coolest, most modern
designers.
Click here for more info:
Spartan
Bows + Arrows