Faves and raves by Peggy Garner
Personal stats
AGE: 55
YEARS IN THE CITY: 14
NEIGHBORHOOD: Noe Valley
OCCUPATION: Sales account executive at The Hartford
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Saleswoman, outdoor enthusiast, self-professed gadget lover, pinot noir collector, parent to four four-legged animals, and married to the love of her life, Deborah
FAVORITE OPEN SPACE FOR DOGS
Fort Funston
WHERE: Skyline Blvd., just south of John Muir Drive
WHAT: Coastal headlands and sandy bluffs
INFO: (415) 561-4323 or www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/fort-funston.html
The best place for dogs to run off leash with abandon, and mine do. They roll in the ice plant and run in the surf. The open air and ocean breezes make me feel a special connection.
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET A MARTINI
Seasons Bar and Lounge
WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St.
WHAT: A pub, lounge and living room in the same place
INFO: (415) 633-3000 or www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
They make the best gingertini in town, and the atmosphere is clubby and relaxing. First-class service and environment with the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever sat in. Great place for business discussions or socializing.
FAVORITE HOME TEAM
San Francisco Giants
WHERE: AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza
WHAT: Best ballpark in the world
INFO: (415) 972-2000 or www.sfgiants.com
For a longtime Cubs fan, this is a big deal. The team is composed not of superstars but of superior athletes and journeymen, which I love. I watched the 2010 World Series championship games from behind home plate.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
Noe Valley
WHERE: 24th and Noe streets, plus surrounding neighborhood
WHAT: Centrally-located area with lots to do and see
INFO: noevalleysf.blogspot.com
Noe Valley shopping is walking distance from my home. My favorite grocery store (Whole Foods) and neighborhood restaurant (Bacco) are nearby, plus tons of great retail stores.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE THE CITY
Twin Peaks
WHERE: Twin Peaks Boulevard.
WHAT: Panoramic views of S.F.
INFO: (415) 831-6328 or sfrecpark.org/documents/twin_peaks.pdf
When I initially arrived in S.F., Twin Peaks was the first place I was taken to. I was astonished to see all of The City and the Bay, and I’ve loved returning there ever since. I like that they display the Pink Triangle every June for Pride.
FAVORITE GYM
The Sports Club/LA
WHERE: 747 Market St., at Grant Avenue
WHAT: Great place to work out
INFO: (415) 633-3900 or www.thesportsclubla.com
Being close to my office makes it convenient, but state-of-the art equipment, top-notch staff and amazing amenities make it special. The facilities are spectacular and clean, and I leave my dirty gym clothes and they show up clean in my locker.
FAVORITE ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT
Boulevard Restaurant
WHERE: 1 Mission St., at The Embarcadero
WHAT: Classy dining in a beautiful environment
INFO: (415) 543-6084 or www.boulevardrestaurant.com
I love Boulevard because of the consistently good food, the exquisite atmosphere, the friendly and accommodating staff, and John Lancaster, one of the best sommeliers I’ve ever met.
FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP
Starbucks Coffee
WHERE: Market and Third streets
WHAT: Friendly baristas and great coffee
INFO: (415) 979-9530 or www.starbucks.com
When I walk in I’m greeted by name and I feel like I’m home. The baristas know my order, but more than that, they know my life and I know theirs. We celebrate each other’s successes and commiserate each others’ failures.
FAVORITE DOCTOR
Dr. Eduardo Pena-Dolhun
WHERE: 2100 Webster St., at Clay Street
WHAT: A wonderful doctor who makes house calls
INFO: (415) 923-3090 or www.dolhunclinic.com
Everyone at the Dolhun Clinic is highly trained and exceptional care providers, and I’m very fortunate to have Dr. Pena-Dolhun as my doctor. He is an innovator who developed a rehydration product used in Haiti and other disaster areas, and he is my personal hero.
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