The Cali Report

First things first: When going to San Fran, stay here. The Hotel Triton is a funky, fun little hotel with a great location, just outside the Chinatown gates. It's near enough to Union Square for convenient shopping if that's your bag, but far enough away to not feel so touristy. We just loved it, from the cool room decor to the free happy hour wine to the massage chairs in the lobby. Fun! Also, it's right around the corner from a charming little French place, Cafe Claude, which we also loved. Eat there and enjoy a snappy jazz trio, tables in the alleyway, and simply delicious food. Oh, and then, you have GOT to go to the Tonga Room. We met a couple from Houston, oddly enough, at Cafe Claude and dragged them with us. The Tonga Room has to be experienced to be believed. It's Tiki heaven, where you expect Thurston Howell III to walk around the corner and hand you a coconut drink. It rocks. Here's a good description. Finally, a little known fact: In early September in San Fran, it's freakin' HOT. Like 102 hot. Hotter than Texas. So pack some shorts (unlike a chick that I know). More later.