This week, Google launched a new public relations campaign called Favorite Places, showcasing via Google Maps the favorite places of local celebs in major cities.
Just for fun, I took a look at what spots in the Richmond made the list among our SF celebs that range from Mayor Gavin Newson to chef Alice Waters to big wave surfer and filmmaker Grant Washburn. At some of these favorite places in the city, you’ll actually see Google Maps “teardrop” marker statues as well. Here’s what they tagged:
Mayor Gavin Newson: California Academy of Sciences
Alice Waters, Chef: Pizzetta at 211 23rd Ave at California Street | de Young Museum | SF Botanical Garden
Gary Danko, Chef: Aziza. “…for my flair for exotic cuisines and for the most perfect marguez sausage.”
Nate Valentine, Founder of Vintage 415: Park Chalet Garden Restaurant. “A perfect place to end a nice walk through golden gate park. Outdoor lawn, San Franciscans basking in the the sun with live music and beers flowing.”
Stanlee Gatti, designer: Pizzetta | Golden Gate Park | de Young Museum | Conservatory of Flowers | California Academy of Sciences
Grant Washburn, surfer and filmmaker: Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant. “Right on the end of Golden Gate Park, you can watch the surf while you eat.” | Sutro Heights Park | Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant 5929 Geary between 23rd & 24th Avenue. “Best place to grab a magarita and a whole fish special. Every lime is hand picked, and Tommy still takes your order.”
Greg Farrington, Exec. Dir. Calif. Academy of Sciences: His are so unoriginal/self-serving that they’re barely worth listing… Golden Gate Park (duh!) | California Academy of Sciences (double duh!) | The Moss Room restaurant at the Academy of Sciences (Really, Greg?!?!)
Kevin Rose, Founder of Digg.com: Great India Restaurant at 6127 Geary and 25th Avenue. “Though it may look like a hole in the wall, the food is actually fantastic.” | Beach Chalet. “Across from Ocean Beach, this is the perfect end to a bike ride or walk through the park. They also have great beers on tap.”
Laura Morton, freelance photojournalist: Green Apple Books. “This cozy Richmond District bookstore carries a great selection of both new and used books.” | Sutro Baths | China Beach |
Sarah B.
Agree with the Green Apple pick. Also explains why entitled types block all the driveways in the hood to be “seen” at Pizzetta.