Tag Page HiddenGem

Christian Russo

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Bay Area Hidden Get Away: Sea Ranch Lodge

🌊 Sea Ranch Lodge: A Hidden Getaway in the Bay Area 🏨 Nestled on the beach, Sea Ranch Lodge is a must-visit destination in Sea Ranch. With its stunning architecture and breathtaking ocean views, you're in for an unforgettable getaway. The lodge will be open for occupancy in early July and is now accepting bookings. So, if you're looking for a tranquil escape, this is the place to be! 🍽️ Good Eats and Treats at the Cafe - The cafe at Sea Ranch Lodge is not to be missed. Their bakery, especially the fluffy and moderately sweet donuts, is a standout. In fact, they're considered one of the best in the Bay Area! - Note that the cafe closes at 4 p.m., so be sure to get there early to relish in their delectable offerings. I learned this the hard way when I went back to pack my bags and found them closed. 🍽️ Delicious Lunch Options - The lunch menu at Sea Ranch Lodge won't disappoint. From flavorful tomato soup to fresh salads and mouthwatering sandwiches, every bite is a delight. You'll be satisfied without stepping on any culinary toes. 📸 Perfect for Missy Photo Shoots - If you're a fan of photography, Sea Ranch Lodge is a dream come true. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and designer furniture make for a stunning backdrop. Get ready to capture those Instagram-worthy shots! 🚗 Keep in mind that getting to Sea Ranch Lodge involves a rugged mountain road. If you're prone to motion sickness, be sure to prepare accordingly. But trust me, the breathtaking views along the way make it all worth it! 🔖 #BayAreaGetaway #SeaRanchLodge #BeachfrontRetreat #FoodieFinds #CafeCulture #PhotographySpot #HiddenGem #OceanViews #RoadTrip #CoastalEscape

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Steven Arnold

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🌳 Welcome to Panhandle Playground! 🌳

I recently discovered the hidden gem that is Panhandle Playground, nestled between Oak and Fell St. in San Francisco's Panhandle. Let me tell you about this little slice of paradise! 🌳✨ Renovated with a budget of $3.2 million and opening its gates in November 2019, this playground is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department and the SF Parks Alliance's Let’sPlaySF! Initiative. Huge props to the brilliant landscape architects at RHAA for their exceptional work. But what sets this playground apart? Well, hold on tight! It's not your average play area. Here's what you can expect: 💃 Musical drums installation for budding musicians 🤸‍♂️ Two slides catering to different age groups 🏞️ Swing sets that will make you feel like a kid again 🌲 Quirky log climbing set for a touch of adventure All of this against the backdrop of San Francisco's nature, creating a serene and beautiful setting. And guess what? It's completely free! Now, here are some details you need to know: 🐶 No dogs allowed in the playground 🅿️ Ample street parking available next to the Panhandle 🌞 Shaded by lush trees for a cool retreat on sunny days 🚽 Bathrooms conveniently located nearby So, if you're looking for a delightful spot to unwind and play, Panhandle Playground is the place to be. Don't forget to share this post and spread the joy! 🌈🚀 #SanFrancisco #PanhandlePlayground #Let'sPlaySF! #PlaygroundsInTheCity #FamilyFun #Outdoorsy #ExploreSF #HiddenGem #SFRecreation&Parks #RHAA #Playtime

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Christopher Gilbert

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Pints Of Joy - Home of Handcrafted Southeast Asian Style Ice Cream

My friend mysteriously said, "Let's go for this hidden gem of an ice cream shop!" I was super pumped! Not many people seem to know about Pints Of Joy, located in Yanggutun; it's a bit hidden. Their taste and color are all about strong Southeast Asian vibes. Their two key stand-out points are that their ice cream is Hand-Crafted and made in Small-Batches, meaning they only handcraft a small tub at a time! Tried their signature mango and the peculiar mint Mojito flavor! Starting with the mango, it's only good for three weeks, tastes natural, sour-sweet mango with a milky fragrance. When I first got it, it was so cold I couldn't scoop it out. After defrosting, it turns sticky with a pull of stringiness; next, the mint Mojito, the initial flavor has a refreshing mint+lemon tart, but the aftertaste is purely cilantro, a peculiar taste sensation, but I could handle it! There are quite a few choices online. Selected a few flavors as shown in pictures 6/7/8. If you're interested, come on over! 🚩Pints of Joy 157 E Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 #PintsOfJoy #HandcraftedIceCream #SoutheastAsianFlavors #SmallBatch #HiddenGem #MangoMadness #MintMojitoDelight #IceCreamLovers

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Steven Arnold

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Saratoga Travel Log: Mountain Winery Adventure🍇

The Mountain Winery in Saratoga is a true hidden gem! Not only does it offer breathtaking mountain views and exquisite wines, but it also has a vintage outdoor theater where you often find music concerts in the summer. For more details, look it up online! Stumbled in today accidentally, after a tight long driveway along the cliff, and it was a remarkable sight! Unfortunate that by 3 PM there wasn't any wine tasting left, but we simply enjoyed the scenic views! I searched up some reviews, the wine is highly praised, and they've got an awesome chef as well. You can make dinner reservations. Just a heads up, it's a super romantic spot for all you handsome fellas and lovely ladies out there! 🚩Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070 #SaratogaTravel #MountainWineryAdventure #HiddenGem #OutdoorTheater #ScenicViews #WineTasting #DinnerReservations #RomanticSpot

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Christian Russo

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Felipe’s Market•A Hidden Eastern European Grocery Gem in South Bay🌈❤️

Market lovers, here's a recommendation for an Eastern European hidden gem in Sunnyvale that boasts excellent quality rivalling Whole Foods with unbeatable prices! Initially, I thought it was a Mexican supermarket, but stepping inside, I found a wealth of imported goods from Eastern European countries like Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, etc. And the prices? They brought me to tears! Examples: *Blueberries at $0.69 per small box, blackberries at $0.99 per small box, apples at $0.99 per pound! Even oranges, grapefruits, watermelons, and durians are priced to make you forget about inflation! *Organic vegetables, priced at $1.99, $2.49, $3.49 per pound, delivered straight from the farm - so fresh and competitively priced! *Nuts and dried fruit, I got dried pineapple and apricots for over five bucks a pack! Even banana chips, dried mangoes, and more - two full shelves to choose from! *Snacks and nibbles, tons of Eastern European imports to choose from, like Russian honey cake, Polish chocolate mille-feuille...priced from a few to over ten bucks! *Dairy products, lots of Kefir yogurts, and many Russian brands show these Eastern Europeans know what’s good! Plus, the popular ceramic jar yogurt is only $2.99 here – lowest price ever! *Eggs, plenty of organic and non-organic choices. Try the most expensive Alexandre organic eggs at $9.99 per pack, the quality surpasses all! To summarize: There are countless strengths, there are some weaknesses too, the entire market only has one meat cooler with sausages and smoked meats (see picture 8), so if you're hoping to buy fresh meat products, you're out of luck! Finally, Picture 9 shows my haul, the Lithuanian caramel ice cream is awesome [heart eyes emoji]! 📍Felipe’s Market 1101 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 #FelipesMarket #HiddenGem #EasternEuropeanGrocery #Sunnyvale #QualityAndAffordability #ImportedGoods #FreshProduce #DairyProducts

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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Monsoon• The Vietnamese Pho Place that Uses Filet Mignon

I often pass through the Piedmont neighborhood but have never noticed this low-key Vietnamese Pho restaurant that's been around for years! Only until my friend stumbled upon it on Yelp, we realized it's actually a hidden gem. Their signature beef pho is made from Filet Mignon, which is quite rare among pho places in the Bay Area! We decided on the spot to go try it out! We ordered the Spicy Beef Noodle and Beef Noodle, both priced at $17! ✅Pho noodles: The noodles are thin, smooth, chewy, and not sticky. ✅Soup base: It’s rich and flavorful. You can tell it's real bone broth, not artificially made. ✅Beef: The natural taste is delicious, and the Filet Mignon texture is lean and tender! On the whole, the restaurant is pretty good. The dining environment is clean and the cold drinks taste great! The only downside is that the portion is slightly smaller compared to places like Golden Dragon's massive bowls; there's a limited selection on the menu, only a few classics! Plus, although the restaurant is located in Oakland, the Piedmont neighborhood is relatively safe and nice. Their neighbor is the famous Fentons Ice Cream, so you can grab an ice cream after the meal! 🚩Monsoon 4218 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 #Monsoon #VietnamesePho #FiletMignonPho #HiddenGem #BoneBroth #CleanEnvironment #PiedmontNeighborhood #Oakland

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Christian Russo

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La Châtaigne - A Hidden Gem of French Pastries in the Hills

You can find this place in Lafayette! Had a friend not gifted me croissants from this place yesterday, I would have not even known about this upscale French bakery nestled in Lafayette! If you ask me how these high-end French pastries differ from your ordinary supermarket ones, here are my top three reasons: *Ingredients! Many of the ingredients here are imported straight from France. I, as a layperson, may not discern the difference - but French connoisseurs or those who appreciate fine cuisine will likely notice the subtle difference! *Flaky layers! Their pastry dough is impeccably laminated that it has a fantastic 3D-layered effect. Hot and crispy straight out of the oven and still just as delectable even after cooling down for hours! *Fresh fruits! They ditch excessively sweet artificial jams in favor of fresh fruits - giving you that perfect balance of sweet and tart, full of natural aroma! I've bought a few items shown in Pic 4 today, the price range was from $3.5 to $8.5. Along with a small cup of coffee, my total was $25, and I absolutely love it! In comparison to the well-renowned Rotha and Fournee in Berkeley, the taste can definitely compete, and it comes with a bonus - parking here is easier in Lafayette! You should definitely give it a try! 🚩La Châtaigne 35 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette, CA 94549 #LaChâtaigne #HiddenGem #FrenchPastries #Lafayette #UpscaleBakery #ImportedIngredients #FlakyLayers #FreshFruits

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Steven Arnold

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Japanese Teppanyaki by the Berkeley Seaside

Over by the yacht club on Berkeley's east shore, there's a hidden gem, a Japanese Teppanyaki joint - Hana Japan Steak and Seafood, with a history of over 40 years! Braving the rain for a visit today! The chef's control of the room is top-notch, with flashy knife skills and flames soaring high, leaving the diners dumbstruck! The ingredients are fresh, the grilled meat tastes quite like Benihana, but their fried rice and stir-fried cucumbers are even better! Prices vary depending on the ingredients, averaging $30 to $60 per person! The most expensive combo is the Filet Mignon + Lobster at $58.95; the cheapest is New York Steak + Jumbo Shrimp combo at $31.95! They also have a special Kids Menu, all under $20! Personally, I think the price and quality are all OK, quite enjoyable if you live nearby. 🚩Hana Japan Steak and Seafood 235 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710。 #JapaneseTeppanyaki #BerkeleySeasideEats #HanaJapanSteakandSeafood #HiddenGem #AuthenticExperience #FreshIngredients #TopNotchChef #FoodieFinds

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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Bay Area Food | This New Japanese Restaurant Only Seats 6 Guests Every Night 🍣

🍣 KEN 📍 252 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 · ▫️ It's not open for dine-in for long, so make sure to come and try it. Many years ago, this location was another sushi restaurant called ijji, which I also really liked, but unfortunately it closed. Now the place has the exact same interior, giving me a sense of nostalgia. · ▫️ The head chef came from kusakabe and has previously worked in various well-known sushi restaurants. Right before the pandemic, he took over this place and opened his own sushi restaurant. When dine-in was not allowed, they offered takeout (which they still do). Now dine-in is available, but it's usually just one round of guests each night, with only 6 seats, so reservations are not easy to make. · ▫️ The menu for the evening is $175 per person, and it's quite filling. It includes four types of sashimi, 8 pieces of nigiri, ankimo rice bowl, a hand roll, and a bowl of steamed rice. The side dishes and steamed dishes in between are all quite good, with fresh flavors. The chef has great skill in marinating different types of fish and knows how to handle the different textures. The taste tends to maintain the original flavors without excessive seasoning. · ▫️ Due to the small number of guests, the chef takes great care of each customer. It's like having a large chat session. The customers at our neighboring table that night were also food enthusiasts, and we recommended many restaurants to each other. Besides food, there was also information exchange, which was a delightful experience. #BayAreaWeekend #BayAreaLife #LifeDuringPandemic #BayAreaFood #JapaneseCuisine #ExploringJapaneseFood #HiddenGem #FoodExploration

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James Miller

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Obata’s Show-ha Shoten! Ending Soon?! 😱

Can’t believe Show-ha Shoten! is wrapping up already! Obata (yep, the Death Note artist) and Asakura’s comedy manga barely got the hype it deserved, and now it’s ending with volume 11 this fall. Some fans are saying Jump Square never gave it a fair shot because it’s not a typical shonen battle series. Is this another case of a hidden gem getting axed too soon, or was it just too niche? #ShowhaShoten #TakeshiObata #ShonenJump #MangaDrama #HiddenGem #Entertainment

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