A San Francisco Chronicle


Known for temperate weather, an eclectic population, and (depending on whose list you read) being one of the “best” cities for a variety of reasons, the San Francisco Bay area is also a thriving business center. Oakland is recognized as a top city for technology, while San Francisco is home to many organizations, including VISA U.S.A., Wells Fargo, Gap Inc., and a number of financial institutions. George Dewey is an investment banking director for Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. He relocated to the Bay area two years ago from the East Coast and hasn’t looked back. Here, he introduces us to a taste of the Bay.

Around Town
The Bay Area
When you’re looking for the best in…
ACCOMMODATIONS
Mandarin Oriental (222 Sansome St.; 415-276-9888), winner of Mobil Travel Guide’s Five-Star award, is located in downtown San Francisco. “For most business meetings, you’re within a five- or 10-minute walk. Depending on the room and its location in the hotel, the city views are incredible.”

There are two Ritz-Carlton locations. One is in San Francisco (600 Stockton St.; 415-296-7465). Dewey recommends the one just outside of the city in Half Moon Bay (1 Miramontes Point Road; 650-712-7000) if you’re extending your trip over the weekend. “It’s a golf and spa resort overlooking the ocean. Many people say that the brunches are fantastic and that there are 36 holes of golf.”

DINING
Silks is located inside the Mandarin Oriental (see “Accommodations”). It offers American and Asian cuisine. “The food at Silks is great and the setting is formal. Any client meeting held there will be well-received.” It now offers a two- or three-course Executive Lunch Menu.

“Masa’s (648 Bush St.; 415-989-7154) offers an extensive French menu. You can have a nine-course meal and great ambience.”

TRANSPORTATION
“Parking in San Francisco can be difficult, but cabs are easily accessible, if needed. Often, you are able to walk from one location to the next. The BART station line (www.bart.gov) is extremely reliable.” It now connects passengers from San Francisco, the East Bay, and San Francisco International Airport.

NIGHTLIFE
It’s sushi and jazz at Yoshi’s (510 Embarcadero West; 510-238-9200) at Jack London Square. “You get Japanese cuisine and some of the greatest performers, like Roy Hargrove and Nancy Wilson.”
“After you’ve closed the deal, check out the Redwood Room (415-929-2372) inside the Clift Hotel (495 Geary St.; 415-775-4700). It’s trendy and an interesting place to spot San Francisco’s beautiful people.”

Enrico’s (504 Broadway; 415-982-6223) is famous for its cocktails, especially the Cuban Mojito. “It puts you close to a lot of places you might want to go to afterward.”

SPAS
Claremont Resort & Spa (41 Tunnel Rd.; 510-843-3000) provides day and overnight packages such as dinner, massage, and restorative fitness with a personal trainer. — Sonia Alleyne


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