Osha Birthday Bliss

On Friday, Sarah, Susie and I headed up to San Francisco for Emily’s birthday dinner at Osha Thai. I usually frequent the 2nd Street location, but this time we decided to check out the one on 3rd. Since I wasn’t sure how close we’d be able to park, I rocked my boot. The guy who greeted me at the restaurant asked if I “injured it by kicking someone’s ass” — Lol! That’s a good one!

3rd Street is the newest location and it shows — Isn’t it gorgeous? In addition to the extra elbow space (the other location’s seating can get a little cramped), I adore the modern and chic interior.

And since the service and food are just as fab here, I will definitely be visiting this one from now on. Another reason? They’ve got an actual bar/lounge space. The other location’s is pretty much non-existent. Having made excellent time from the South Bay coupled with the birthday girl running a little late, the three of us grabbed a few drinks at the bar – $5 glasses of wine and $6 cocktails for Happy Hour! (Which goes til 7 pm!)

As you can see, they’ve got quite a wine selection:

Dinner was absolutely wonderful! We shared:

  • Fresh Summer Rolls
  • Kobe bites
  • Ahi Tuna Tower
  • Volcanic Beef
  • Pad Thai Chicken
  • Panang Curry
  • Angry Prawns

With Emily being an artist and all, Shaun and I made her a chalk board for her birthday :)

Already plotting my return!

Osha Thai -  311 Third Street SF, CA 94107 - 415-896-6742 (OSHA)

Lady of Leisure (That’s How I Roll)

Today I cleared my schedule for 2 hours to be a lady of leisure and meet Susie for a midweek lunch date. It was so nice to catch up and chat just 1-on-1 after having to cancel on her twice in a row (the first time to get my walking cast and the second because I was ill) and then ‘share’ her at her birthday party.

{Susie and me at her birthday party in mid January.}

I don’t know what took so long, but I finally today introduced Susie to Michi Sushi, my absolute favorite sushi place in the Bay. The reason it doesn’t get a lot of posting action here is mainly because it’s quite pricey and therefore I don’t frequent it as often as I’d like. Rolls are generally $20 – $25 per 6 – 8 pieces. I saw one of there for $35. Steep, absolutely. However, the quality, freshness, flavor, and service make it worth the splurge every now and again. It especially helps to go with a group so you can try more, as one roll is usually more than enough for one person. Proof? When Susie and I each ordered a salad and a roll, our server asked if we were really hungry, and kindly suggested we start with only one roll and two salads. Such good advice! I think next time we could even get by with just one salad and one roll between the two of us… I know it doesn’t sound like much, but as evidenced in this blog, we can both really pack it away so believe when I say we were stuffed. Ooh, and the portions help justify the cost, too.

Here’s an example of their menu. Check out those crazy names (and prices)! :P

(Source)

And here’s what we had, two salads and the Alex Smith on Fire Roll:

The salads were wonderful as was the roll. Next time, tho, I think I’ll try one with less tempura crunchies… Only because I love them so much and ended up eating so many of them! By the way, the salads were $14 each and the roll $23, so lunch came to $33 each with tip.

Location, Location, Location

Isn’t this hotel gorgeous? It’s the Galleria Park Hotel.

Bonus? It’s only 3 blocks from Osha Thai and Union Square and even closer to this great little European breakfast place my friend Sonja introduced me to last time I was in SF! Did I mention free parking and a hosted complimentary wine hour?

I found it via a pretty darn good deal on Hotels.com. $150 for a deluxe queen bed + $38 parking (which in SF is typical if not on the lower end for parking).

However, when I went to check out the hotel’s website, I noticed a “Cars Stay Free” promo — I could get free parking for the same price for the room just by booking directly with the hotel!

In addition to the gorgeous decor and architecture, amazing location, free parking, and free wine hour…

Pros:

  • The hotel had no problem letting us check-in at noon instead of waiting until 3 pm which was ideal for our 1 pm brunch date on Sunday.
  • Valet parking and catching a cab was hassel-free.
  • Noon checkout meant Shaun and I could grab a leisurely breakfast and walk around downtown without rushing
  • Everyone on staff we encountered was extraordinarily polite and professional
  • Windows opened for fresh air in the room
  • Large bathroom with a long windowsill to store toiletries

Cons

  • My biggest complaint was the bed — it was SO UNCOMFORTABLE! Tiny, too. I have a queen at home and I swear I was sleeping on a double. Unfortunately, by the time I realized the lack of comfort and size, it was too late in the night to switch rooms.
  • The A/C was loud and would turn and off throughout the night, disrupting my sleep
  •  According to Shaun, the (non-smoking) room smelled faintly of smoke which affected his asthma, poor guy.
This culminated in me getting a horrible night’s sleep. Despite all the great perks I initially listed, I think the poor sleeping accommodations trumps all. Especially with all the hotels from which to choose in San Francisco, I’m not sure I would return. If I was to return, I would splurge for an upgraded room to see if their beds and A/C are any better in other rooms. But then if I’m paying that price, I may as well stay at the Intercontinental which I know I love!
Galleria Park Hotel - 191 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94104