California Archives - A Side of Sweet

Hog Island Oyster Company + Languedoc Day

Everything you need to know about oysters including how to choose a great one, how to shuck oysters and what wines to pair with them, just in time for #LanguedocDay on May 26th!

Hog Island Oyster Company produces the best oysters I’ve ever had. No question. They’ve been in Marshall, California for 34 years and have developed a process that produces consistent, flavorful oysters.

Luckily, Hog Island is just a 90 minute drive north of San Francisco, near Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s the perfect place to escape from the city for the day. I couldn’t imagine a more picturesque setting to learn about the Languedoc Wine Region in the south of France, just in time for #LanguedocDay on May 26th!

Read on to learn:

What Characteristics Make the Perfect Oyster
What Wines to Pair with Oysters
How to Shuck an Oyster
Best Way to Eat an Oyster
How Oysters are Farmed

Where We’re Eating in April – San Francisco Restaurants

A look at where we’re eating in SF this month. Our new favorite San Francisco restaurants with photos and reviews – Fiorella, Presidio Social Club and Jane the Bakery.

I’m so exciting to share with you a new series here on A Side of Sweet! One of our favorite activities is exploring the amazing food scene here in San Francisco. Each month, I’m going to compile a few of my favorites and share them here on the blog. Want more recommendations? Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
Have a recommendation for a place we should check out? Let me know in the comments!… Read More »

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

An easy guide to biking across the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, CA. Information on cycling routes, bike rentals, what to wear and general tips.

One of my favorite adventures in San Francisco is biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many options for routes, depending on your level of fitness – and level of ambition. Visitors from out-of-town are always asking me for advice on how best to see Golden Gate Bridge, and for sure it’s on a bicycle! I want to share with you all of my tips and tricks to help you have the best – and safest – time. You’ll find everything you need in this handy guide, inspired by a recent ride that Cynthia and I did…. Read More »

Things to Do in Bernal Heights San Francisco

The Bernal Heights neighborhood is full of hidden gems and some of the best views in San Francisco. Here are my favorite restaurants, shops and things to do! Best Scenic Views in San Francisco - Bernal Heights Peak Trail

Bernal Heights might be my favorite San Francisco neighborhood. It’s tucked out of the way in the southeast part of the city, leaving it off the tour bus beat and even off the radar of many San Francisco residents. Bernal Heights has everything – amazing views, cute houses, pretty parks, incredible food and cute boutiques. There is one gem after another, just waiting to be discovered.

Warning, this post is absolutely massive. It was a true labor of love and I hope it inspires you to check out the Bernal Heights neighborhood. If you’re not in San Francisco, bookmark or pin it for your next vacation!… Read More »

Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide

My Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide. Here are all of my favorite restaurants, bakeries, and wineries for this charming city in one place!

Living in San Francisco, one of the most frequent things I get asked is for recommendations for what to do in wine country. My San Francisco friends, as well as people visiting, assume that I have a list of great things to do in Napa Valley ready to share! I actually do have a list that I send to people when they ask, and today I’m going to share it here.

Today I’m going to focus on things to do in Sonoma. Sonoma is super charming and slightly less touristy than Napa. The city itself is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous roses everywhere, cute cafes and amazing wineries. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to wine country…. Read More »

Paso Robles Travel Guide & Recommendations

Our Paso Robles Travel Guide with all the best places to visit in Paso Robles! Our favorite restaurants, wine tastings, things to do, and place to stay!

Paso Robles Travel Guide

As we continue to explore the area surrounding San Francisco, we’re always looking to discover hidden gems. Although we love Napa Valley wine country, it isn’t exactly an undiscovered secret. Paso Robles is about three hours south of San Francisco, and it’s a whole new way to do California wine country. It’s charming and peaceful, but still has great restaurants, amazing wine and beautiful places to stay.The people of Paso Robles are gracious and welcoming and everything feels much more personalized than we’re used to. It’s also wayyy more affordable. When you meet other visitors, it’s almost like you are in on a shared secret.

Here are our favorite restaurants, things to do, and places to stay for Paso Robles. Let me know if you have any suggestions for our next visit!… Read More »

Hibiscus Agua Fresca Cocktail + Wesburger

A Hibiscus Agua Fresca cocktail recipe, with mocktail option, from one of my favorite San Francisco restaurants, Wesburger. It’s perfect for summer or fall.

Today’s recipe is courtesy of one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco, Wesburger n’ More. Located in the Mission Neighborhood of San Francisco, it opened in Spring. I have the privilege of calling the chef and owner of Wesburger, Wes Rowe, a friend.

Last year, we started a collaborative dinner series with some friends. Watching him put together a meal is an absolute treat. When he told me he was working on turning his pop-up burger series into a brick and mortar restaurant, I was super excited…. Read More »

Paso Robles Travel Guide

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