Tag Page bayarea

Steven Arnold

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Wizard's Hut Library *Montclair Library*🔮

Let's chat about this hidden gem library today. It's rooted in history and tucked away in the residential area of Montclair. Probably only locals know about it [LOL]! Pointy red-brick rooftop, windows adorned with fireplaces; it exudes a wizardly aura from the inside out! I'm not exaggerating when I say there's probably no other library in the Bay area with such a unique character! Though small, it has everything! A varied collection of books, the front area is for adults, while the back area is for kids. The books are neatly and aesthetically arranged, dense but not overcrowded – a masterclass in space management! The reason my kid loves here? You can score free books, or buy very new ones for a small amount of money, like $0.25 Wimpy Kids [LOL]! I'm not much of a reader, but I must say chilling by the fireplace on a rainy day, daydreaming by the floor-to-ceiling window, is supremely comfy! 📍Oakland Public Library: Montclair Branch 1687 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611 #WizardsHutLibrary #MontclairLibrary #HiddenGem #BayArea #BookLovers #CozyReading #OaklandPublicLibrary #MontclairBranch

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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Bay Area Cuisine | You Can Also Enjoy Texas Barbecue in the Bay Area!!

🍖Horn Barbecue 📍 2534 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607 ▫️Since I previously went to Texas and couldn't stop thinking about the barbecue, I was thrilled to find a more authentic Texas barbecue place in the Bay Area. 🥰 Let's hurry and give it a try! ▫️They opened at 11 AM and by 11:15 AM, there was already a long line. The line moved quite slowly, with about 5-10 minutes per group. Only two groups were allowed in at a time, and we waited for about half an hour. ▫️Unfortunately, they had run out of ribs today 😭😭😭, but it was a pleasant surprise to discover that their cornbread was absolutely delicious!! #BayAreaWeekendPlans #BayAreaLiving #BayArea #Barbecue #Foodie #FoodRecommendation #FoodDiary #WeekendPlans #TexasBarbecue #BayAreaCuisine

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Christian Russo

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Bay Area Cuisine | Must-Try Old-School Beef Noodle House in San Francisco🍜

🍜PPQ Beef Noodle House 📍 1816 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 - An old-school beef noodle shop in San Francisco that has maintained its taste for decades. I had a good impression when I tried it a while ago, so I couldn't resist revisiting when I saw it nearby. Since my stomach hasn't been feeling well lately, I wanted something hot and comforting, and a bowl of Pho seemed perfect. - The portion of noodle soup is generous, even the medium-sized bowl is enough. The vegetables, broccoli 🥦 and shrimp rolls, are fresh, and the service is fast! Indeed, enjoying hot noodle soup while it's still hot is the most comforting. - PPQ Beef Noodle House offers a combination of raw beef slices, beef balls, beef tripe, and more in a bowl of noodle soup, making it the most diverse bowl of beef noodle. I personally love it! You can taste all the different ingredients in one go. - Another favorite of mine is the Five-Spice Chicken. The noodle soup and chicken pieces are served separately. The broth for the noodle soup is flavorful, and the chicken is fried to perfection - crispy and tender. You can have a spoonful of noodle soup and a bite of chicken separately or mix it according to your preference. #WeekendIdeaInBayArea #BayAreaLiving #BayArea #BayAreaCuisine #FoodRecommendation #Foodie #PopularFoodOnXiaohongshu #MyFoodDiary #WeekendFoodAdventure #FoodHunting #OldSchoolEstablishment

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Christian Russo

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Bay Area Food | Delicious Cheese 🧀 Spinach Ramen 🍜

🍜 Hinodeya Ramen Bar 📍 1737 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115 ▫️ When it first opened, it was very popular, and even now there is still a queue on weekends at this good ramen restaurant. This time, revisiting Japantown in San Francisco, I didn't forget to have a bowl of noodles while shopping. ▫️ You can add yourself to the waitlist on Yelp in advance to save time. There are still quite a few people on weekends, so you may need to wait for about 30 minutes to 45 minutes. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but I suggest sitting indoors as it's a bit cold outside. ▫️ I saw that they had a limited edition matcha beer! If you're interested and like beer, you might want to give it a try, but I didn't get to try it this time. ▫️ You can order using your phone by scanning the QR code, but the menu options aren't extensive. ▫️ Cheese Ramen I chose a seasonal limited edition and saw the thick layer of cheese. Perfect combination! I must try it. I chose spinach noodles, but they also have regular ones. You can also add or reduce toppings according to your preference. The cheese is melted on top of the noodles, and someone will come to wipe it off for you. How much cheese you want depends on your own preference. With the rich flavor of cheese, the ramen is delicious. ▫️ We also ordered a chicken broth-based ramen, which was just average, nothing outstanding or disappointing. The broth had a rich flavor, and the portion was generous. ▫️ I recommend the octopus takoyaki as a side dish. It saves you from queuing up inside the mall. The vegetable dumplings are also good, but the sauce on the side is a bit awkward. Personally, I don't like the sauce, but the dumplings are fine on their own. ▫️ Personally, I think this place cooks their noodles a bit too lightly, and the texture is slightly firm. It's actually better to take it home and cook it again. #BayAreaLife #WhereToGoInBayAreaOnWeekends #BayArea #BayAreaFood #Food #Cheese #CheeseLover #TrendingFoodOnLittleRedBook #CheeseIsPower #CheeseRamen

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Steven Arnold

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Viral alert

🥘So Gong Dong Tofu House 📍 4127 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 ▫️ I've seen recommendations for this Korean tofu pot with fish roe in both Xiaohong🍠 and Dealmoon's circle. I had to try it! After hiking nearby, I quickly came over! ▫️ I realized after coming here that I've been to this tofu pot place several times before the pandemic, and it really is a delicious tofu pot. Let's have it again, this time back at the familiar place. ▫️ We arrived very early and sat outside. The inside is also open. Later it became packed with people. They have their own parking lot here, with plenty of parking spaces, very convenient. 🥟 Dumplings and Spicy Beef Soup Love it! This is my favorite dish. I like this combination. I recommend getting it extra spicy, refreshing! The combination of beef slices + glass noodles + dumplings, etc. is rich and satisfyingly spicy! 🥘 Fish Roe Tofu Pot Personally, I think it's just average. I prefer the normal-flavored tofu pot. The fish roe is a bit fishy, and the overall texture feels strange. I usually like eating fish roe, but I'm not a big fan of this tofu pot and fish roe combination. 🍗 BBQ Chicken Very substantial! I thought there would be a lot of onion side dishes or something, but what came was a big portion of grilled chicken! Tender and flavorful👍 🍜 Korean Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Glass Noodles I really love this dish. It can be eaten as a main course, just casually. It feels like a low-calorie meal if you eat it with grilled chicken and go easy on the oil. #WeekendInBayArea #BayAreaLife #BayAreaFood #BayArea #TofuRecipes #XiaohongBookPopularFood #Food #FoodDaily #WeekendFoodie #MyFoodDiary

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Mrs. Andrea Ayala

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Bay Area Cuisine | Reminiscing about Guilin Rice Noodles House's new dish, Lao You Fen‼️

🍜 Guilin Rice Noodles House 📍 901 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116 · ▫️ On this side of T Street, there is truly an endless variety of delicious food. Small pot rice noodles, my favorite milk tea Teazo, Xinjiang big plate chicken, various handmade dumplings, and a wide range of Asian cuisines. It's a foodie paradise. During the pandemic, I always ordered takeout from this noodle shop, but finally, this time I dined in, but... · ▫️ Is it just me, or have they reduced the amount of ingredients in this dry mixed rice noodle I usually get?! I was initially shocked 🤯 I remember there used to be a lot of ingredients, but now it's just a few scattered slices of meat with nothing else. · ▫️ On the other hand, my friend ordered the 'Nanning Lao You Fen' and it looks really good. The small clay pot is full of ingredients and looks delicious! The soup is also warm and tasty, with a good flavor! It seems like I'll be going for the Lao You Fen next time. · ▫️ Their menu is indeed not extensive, and they don't have many fancy side dishes. I just ordered a cold wood ear mushroom salad, which was quite salty, and it didn't go well with the plain rice noodles, but it was quite suitable. #WhereToGoInBayArea #BayAreaLife #BayArea #GuilinRiceNoodles #GuilinCuisine #RiceNoodles #Foodie #FoodieLife #BayAreaCuisine

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Steven Arnold

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5 Bay Area Petting Zoos My Daughter Loves

Over the past two years, I've visited various petting zoos with my daughter. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments!👇 1⃣️ Deer Hollow Farm, Los Altos: Free! Located in Rancho San Antonio, a 20-minute hike leads you to the farm with cows, huge rabbits, lambs, lazy pigs, and a bunch of chickens. Stroller-friendly!🐄🐖🐔 2⃣️ McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino: Free! The highlight here is the cute alpacas. Although the farm is mini, there's a variety of lively animals. Nearby loop trails are stroller-friendly.🦙 3⃣️ Hidden Villa Hiking Trails, Los Altos Hills: Paid entry. We visited in summer and saw fewer animals than usual: sleeping pigs, inactive chickens, and lots of sheep.🐑💤 4⃣️ Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont: Paid entry. Best on Sundays, offers a mini train ride and a chance to simulate milking cows. Plus, a beautiful Victorian villa and a blacksmith shop!🚂🐄🏰 5⃣️ Lemos Farm, Half Moon Bay: Paid entry. Kids can ride ponies, sheep, go on hay rides, and drive little cars. Busier on weekends.🐴🚜🚗 #BayArea #PettingZoos #FamilyOuting #FreeActivities #PaidActivities #DeerHollowFarm #McClellanRanchPreserve #HiddenVillaHikingTrails #ArdenwoodHistoricFarm #LemosFarm

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Christopher Gilbert

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Where to go in the Bay Area on weekends｜Tiburon

The Tiburon Peninsula Historical Trail 🚏 Address: Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920 Take a leisurely stroll along one of the shortest main roads in the U.S. This charming trail is lined with small stores and restaurants, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a relaxed weekend. Old St. Hilary's Landmark 🚏 Address: 201 Esperanza St, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920 Don't miss the iconic Whitechapel in this historic town. Although it's only open until 1 p.m., it's a picture-perfect spot in front of the church that's worth capturing. 100 Gilmartin Dr 🚏 Address: 100 Gilmartin Dr, Tiburon, CA 94920 Discover the hilltop swings at this hidden gem. Park in a residential area and take a short walk up the hill to find two swings, one small and one large, perfect for a fun and unique experience. Just be sure to get some help getting up there safely! Food Recommendations: Sam's Anchor Cafe 🚏 Address: 27 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920 Indulge in delicious seafood at this seaside restaurant on the main drag in town. From Broiled Oysters to Cioppino and Baja Fish Tacos, the menu offers a variety of tasty options. Just note that the portion sizes may be on the smaller side, so consider ordering accordingly. Malibu Farm Tiburon 🚏 Address: 9 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920 Head to this cozy cafe on Main Street for a delightful cup of tea, refreshing juice, or mouthwatering desserts. The Matcha Latte is a popular choice, and the coffee is decent. Enjoy the pleasant ambiance while savoring your treat. Enjoy a relaxed weekend in Tiburon, where you can explore the historical trail, visit landmarks, swing on hilltop swings, and indulge in delicious food. #Tiburon #BayArea #WeekendGetaway #Foodie #HistoricalTrail #Landmarks #SeasideTown #HiddenGem

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Christian Russo

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BAY AREA Sausalito: Picturesque

Sausalito, a place that holds a special place in my heart! Whether you're exploring with friends or coworkers, this charming neighborhood is bound to impress you and leave you wanting to come back for more. 🌳 Nature's Beauty 🌳 As I strolled along the beach, I had the incredible opportunity to witness a large flock of geese making their way south. It reminded me of the beauty in life's natural rhythms. Sometimes, it's important to take a step back and savor the moment. 🔍 In Sausalito, make sure to check out: - Sausalito Yacht Harbor for some delightful boat watching - Treat yourself to some mouthwatering ice cream at Lappert's Ice Cream - Explore the downtown area along Bridgeway, which boasts a wide array of fantastic restaurants - Don't miss the breathtaking views at Sausalito Bay Point of View If you're up for a day trip, here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit: 9:00 AM: Departure from South Bay 10:00 AM: Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge 10:40 AM: Immerse yourself in the enchanting Muir Woods National Monument 1:00 PM: Take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Sausalito 3:00 PM: Discover the historic Battery Yates & Battery Cavallo 4:00 PM: Take a moment to admire the beautiful St. Paul's Catholic Church 5:00 PM: Indulge in a delicious dinner at Henry's Hunan 6:00 PM: Treat yourself to a post-dinner snack at the Halloween House Dress Up 6:30 PM: Time to head home with a heart full of wonderful memories! Enjoy your day trip to Sausalito, and don't forget to capture the beauty of the neighborhood along the way! 📸 #Sausalito #BayArea #HiddenGem #Explore #Discover #Nature #DayTrip #Memories #GoodTimes #CaptureTheMoment#itinerary#Hidden Gem

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Robin Nichols

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Hawk Hill｜Highly recommended trail ⛰️

📍 Hawk Hill, Sausalito ✨ Looking for a highly recommended trail? Look no further than Hawk Hill! This trail offers breathtaking views and is definitely worth a visit. Here's why you should check it out: ✨ Natural Landscape ⛰️ - From Hawk Hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bay Area. Take in the sights of the East Bay, Bay Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, San Francisco City, Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Lands End, and even Daly City! - The sunny weather enhances the view, making it even more spectacular. Trust me, seeing it in person is way better than any photo! ✨ Human Landscape - Aside from the natural beauty, Hawk Hill also offers some intriguing human-made features. Explore the ruins of the fort, including deep tunnels, rusty watchtowers, and hidden rooms. The abandoned factories and locked secret rooms along the coastal highway add a touch of mystery and history. ✨ Trail Route - Hawk Hill offers various mountain trails, including the coastal trail, viewpoint loop, and hawk hill trail. Study the map for more details and enjoy the convenience of clear signage along the way. - The scenery is particularly stunning when the sunset illuminates the sparkling waves, resembling diamonds on the sea. ✨ Nearby Attractions - Don't miss out on the nearby lighthouses and black sand beaches, which are also must-see attractions. The coastal highway leading to Hawk Hill is a scenic drive in itself. ✨ Distance 🚗 - Hawk Hill is approximately a 30-40 minute drive north of San Francisco and about an hour and a half from the South Bay. It may be a bit of a drive, but trust me, the view is well worth it! ✨ Parking 🅿️ - Simply search "Hawk Hill" on Google Maps to find the parking lot at the top of the hill. There are plenty of spaces available, but be careful of cyclists along the mountain and prioritize safety. #HawkHill #Sausalito #BayArea #GoldenGateBridge #NatureTrail #CoastalViews #ScenicDrive #Lighthouses #BlackSandBeach #HistoricSite #SanFrancisco

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