You're my boy BLUE

I love coffee. As a father of two kids under 2.5 years old, I drink a TON of coffee and I've identified the best coffee in the city. I was going to post a top 4 or 5, but in my "expert" opinion, there is one that is so superior it stands alone:

Blue Bottle Coffee

Everything is made to order - Drip Coffee is amazing, The Gibraltor is my favorite - not certain exactly what it is, but it's the tastiest espresso drink i've ever tasted. The New Orleans Iced Coffee is out of this world and is potent. You are going to wait in a line - it's well worth it. Located on Linden St - a cute alley in off of Hayes and Gough in the heart of Hayes Valley. Check check check check it out!

Friday Top Five

Killer 5 this weekend.

Big up's and an official Home San Francisco shout out to Baby Leah (My daughter) who turns 1 on Sunday.

# 5. Yanks vs Giants - Tough to get too excited about our G-men given their recent play, but the last time these two teams met in San Fran and the game counted, Game 7, 1962.
# 4. NASCAR meets Wine Country - am I the only one that finds this a hysterical mix of cultures. Events all weekend - Traffic tip -- Leave EARLY as 37 becomes a parking lot.
# 3. Hayes Valley Mini Golf - Incredibly cool "live" art exhibit paying homage to Hayes Valley and it's rich history. FREE mini golf with a purpose - AWWW YEAH.
# 2. Open Houses - 3 for your pleasure on Sunday-

• 1580 Masonic - Serence elegance in Ashbury Ht's
• 407 Connecticut St - An eye sore on the 'Hill for years - remodeled to the studs
• 74 Parnassus - INCREDIBLE location in Cole Valley - 2 car parking 1700sqft

# 1. Celebrate our diverse city - SF Pride Festivities all weekend long! 37th Annual LGBT Pride Celebration

Condo's May 2006 vs. Condo's May 2007

Condominiums
District 1	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	7	17
Median Selling Price	785,000	905,000
Average DOM	23	30
District 2	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	1	1
Median Selling Price	520,000	790,000
Average DOM	45	2
District 3	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	7	4
Median Selling Price	522,888	440,000
Average DOM	47	50
District 4	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	4	6
Median Selling Price	521,500	617,000
Average DOM	42	41
District 5	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	30	41
Median Selling Price	760,500	915,000
Average DOM	33	29
District 6	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	18	14
Median Selling Price	630,500	841,500
Average DOM	38	27
District 7	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	34	31
Median Selling Price	1,097,500	1,295,000
Average DOM	33	36
District 8	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	41	46
Median Selling Price	849,000	732,500
Average DOM	47	28
District 9	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	64	55
Median Selling Price	725,000	750,000
Average DOM	43	44
District 10	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	4	8
Median Selling Price	598,500	509,500
Average DOM	31	64

Data provided by SFAR MLS

Potrero Hill - The Burger Capital of San Francisco

The intent of this post - Best Burger in San Francisco. As I compiled my list, all but 1 of was in Potrero Hill. Not sure if the locals want the area known as "Meat Mountain" or "Burger Hill" so I'll refrain .... for now!

Best Burgers in the City -(I'm happy to further investigate so feel free to comment and let me know what ya think)

Connecticut Yankee - Little cheddah, little bacon, cold Poppy Jasper and a ballgame. Can't beat the Yankee and the Larry Burger is well worth the 9 bucks.

JB's - Open for breakfast and lunch only - small, family owned sandwich shop. GREAT burger - not for the faint of heart - this one is hearty, greasy and good - Go big or Go home- double cheeseburger and then a nice nap on the Home San Francisco couch.

Just for You Cafe - Most people go for the cajun breakfast and it's incredible, but the burger is often overlooked and should not be. Chili con Carne Cheesburger - fork and knife action!

Chez Maman - a "gourmet" burger- the beauty is your wife will think you are taking her to a delightful french bistro, and you score a swiss cheese burger with bacon and an egg!

My non Potrero Hill Entry

Brickhouse Cafe - "All burgers 10oz 100% All Natural (Wagyu) Kobe Hamburger" Western Burger -- giidyup!

As mentioned above, you tell me which burger i'm missing, I'll go check it out. Until then, I'll be over on 17th and Connecticut....ya know, Burger Hill.

Have Some Fun With It...

373 Franconia has giant views and consists of a TON of house (2426 sq. ft. of house). The home has been on the market for 9 days and according to the agent, they have already accepted an offer. The house feels like it goes on for ever and while walking through it, we found a couple of large rooms that were nothing but raw space. What would you turn the rooms into? Half-court basketball court? Mini-roller rink? Plush home-theater? Extra bedrooms? Wine storage? S&M room? Shooting range?

c'mon, don't be shy....

373 Franconia Strret [sfarmls]
[update: sold for $1.1mm 7/18/07]

60th and Last

Taller than the Washington Monument, shinier than a bunch of diamonds and flimsier (in the wind or in an earthquake) than some real estate agents' ethics...

One Rincon Hill is all grown up. It has elevated to most of its glory as the 60th and last floor of concrete was just poured. Currently, the cement core of the building is still exposed at the top and the glass does not reach higher than 50 floors, but the building is 482 feet above the street and will be capped off in about a month at 605 feet. The "glass curtain" is what the hard working folks at 1 Rincon are currently working on.





Bathroom With a View at 1 Rincon Hill [Gtwice]
Glass Curtain Rises on Tower [SFGate]
Curtain Wall [Wikipedia]

900 Minnesota Street; interiors & finishes

900 Minnesota Street a.k.a. Homes on Esprit Park is a project that is blending the history of the Dogpatch neighborhood with stylish design while creating a low impact on the environment. This is being accomplished by converting an existing structure (In 1906 the structure was built to be the Schilling Wine Sellers and was later used as the Esprit company headquarters) and by careful choice of materials. Additinally, the developers are planning for commercial business and open space, making this project a welcome addition to the Central Waterfront.

The folks over at the marketing department for the Homes on Esprit Park have unveiled some new detailed images of what the project and units will look like and it's definitely worth a peak. We've included links to individual units below.

The sales office is expected to open in early autumn at 900 Minnesota Street.

We'll keep you posted with further developments.

New Condo's in the hood---142 of them to be exact! [gtwice]
900 Minnesota St. [gtwice]
Homes on Esprit Park
S202
S322
S508
S510
N206
N209
N516

Friday Top Five

Here's to another sunny weekend! I'm in San Diego with the wife and kids - but here's 5 for your weekend:

5. BEAT LA - not the Giants vs Dodgers, but it's still LA vs San Fran. Major League Lacrosse in Kezar Stadium.

4. 720 York St - open Saturday and Sunday - great ceiling, good use of space / stairs.

3. 1751 Vallejo St - Straight out of the Hobbit - Saturday / Sunday open house - see how many people you can fit in the bathroom in the back of the condo - i bet not more than 3!

2. Giants vs the Sox in Fenway Park. Last time the Giants were in Fenway they were the NY Giants. Chance to see the Barry attack the short porch in right - Good pitching matchup's and a chance to knock around Julian Tavaraz!
B. Zito vs. J. Tavárez - Friday
M. Cain vs. D. Matsuzaka - Saturday
M. Morris vs. T. Wakefield - Sunday

1. The North Beach Festival - the best neighborhood festival in my opinion. Certainly I'm biased as in a former life I managed Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe and fell in love with North Beach. That said, good music, good times and Washington Sq Park -- the best of San Fran!

Appreciation and then SOME!

3 years ago 1826 Filbert St sold for $1,147,000. (March of '04) to be exact. It's back on the market now listed at $1,795,000!

Ready for this - new kitchen and new bath. Those typically net some nice returns -- but to the tune of $17,000 per month of ownership? That better be some damn nice granite and the best water pressure in the city!

To be continued ... I'll keep my eye on this property and report back when and if it closes.

The Liberty Cafe

Part bakery, part restaurant, part outdoor cafe, part wine bar. Quick add that all up and what do you get?

The Liberty Cafe and Bakery. Located in the heart of Bernal Ht's on Cortland St this little cafe does it all. The bakery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30am - 2:00pm. Located down "Liberty Alley"

and behind the Tuscan patio, the small bakery creates incredible breads, pastries and treats. Everything goes from the oven to the display case and typically into a patron's belly.

My tip - get there @ 8:30am - amazing selection -- all hot and tasty and sit outside in the Bernal sun at one of their outdoor tables. A great way to get any and every (short of Monday) day started.

NOTE - Thanks to Yelper Toro E for the pix!

Single Family Homes May 2006 vs. May 2007

District 1	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	19	18
Median Selling Price	1,125,000	1,597,500
Average DOM	26	35
District 2	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	43	46
Median Selling Price	799,000	882,000
Average DOM	31	29
District 3	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	9	14
Median Selling Price	845,000	863,500
Average DOM	32	37
District 4	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	44	33
Median Selling Price	1,057,500	1,229,000
Average DOM	27	30
District 5	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	38	35
Median Selling Price	1,305,000	1,450,000
Average DOM	30	33
District 6	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	2	5
Median Selling Price	1,430,000	1,725,000
Average DOM	73	37
District 7	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	12	12
Median Selling Price	3,537,500	4,322,500
Average DOM	41	39
District 8	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	3	0
Median Selling Price	1,150,000
Average DOM	23
District 9	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	20	16
Median Selling Price	876,000	820,000
Average DOM	36	52
District 10	May-06	May-07
Number of Sales	51	41
Median Selling Price	679,000	722,000
Average DOM	47	49

Data provided by SFARMLS

Friday Top Five

Here's to a sunny weekend - 5 things to do

5. Dipsea Run - Oldest cross country run in America takes place on Sunday. Reason enough to cross the bridge!
4. 2766 Union St - 1.4 fixer with incredible views in Cow Hollow - bring your contractor and create your dream home. Sunday 2-4pm.
3. A's vs Giants - Let's hope the Giants find some bats - the A's staff looks great.
2. 45 Liberty St - Open on Sunday from 2-4pm. Great block, cool house.
1. Forget about it - Soprano finale. My bet - Janice whacks Tony to end the show. OHHH

Glen Park is RED hot

Glen Park - the hottest neighborhood in San Francisco? Whether it's featured in the most recent Sunset Magazine, the San Francisco Examiner, or blogged by Garrett, Glen Park is being discussed. Given the easy access to BART and major highways, the future looks bright in Glen Park. Look no further than Chenery Row - not to be confused with Cannary Row in Monterey. (I'll take official credit for Chenery Row and predict it will be called this by mid '08)

Restaurant Row
Chenery Park - Now the veteran restaurant among the fine dining experiences
Galina -Recently opened to rave reviews
La Corneta - Casual Mexican fan that is sure to fill you up
Opening "Soon"

Le Petit Laurent - a classic “bistro Francais” from Laurent Legendre, the original owner of Clementine and Bistro Clement. According to TableHopper, Marcia Gagliardi's San Francisco Dining website, Petit Laurent will seat 47 people, have a witing room with sofa and chairs, a 7 seat bar and diners can expect assorted French fare. Located at 699 Diamond St, site of the former Red Rock, they expect to open in June. The facade is being worked on as we speak.

Sangha - Sanskrit for community or a gathering of people, this 40 seat restaurant will serve cuisine from Gerardo Torres, formerly of Blowfish, Moki's and Mas Sake. Expect Japanese fusion and sushi, casual lunches and formal dining. Tablehopper tells us to expect an "organic/zen, with tables topped with cut granite, a pebble bar with a slab of stone, chairs in bent wood and neutral tones. Set to open in June and located at 678 Chenery St.

Don't forget to stop and get a real moonpie on the way home, courtesy of the Destination Baking Company, or a treat from Caffe Bello.

Buyer's Choice

At every price range there are choices to be made. Here's a look at 600, 900 and 1.5M. Choose wisely.

$615K Range
579K - 701 Pennsylvania Ave - 1 bed / 2 bath in Dogpatch
630K - 1 Federal St - 1 bed / 1 bath in South Beach
599K - 298 Portola - 1 bed / 1 bath in Twin Peaks / Portola

$850K Range
859K - 321 Parnassus St - 2 bed / 1 bath in Cole Valley
849K - 2760 Sacramento St - 1 bed / 1 bath in Pac Ht's
849K - 3365 20th St - 2 bed / 2 bat in Media Gulch / Mission

$1.2M Range
1.199M - 200 Brannan St - 2 bed / 2 bath in South Beach
1.195M - 286 Moultan St - 2 bed / 1.5 bath in Cow Hollow
1.185M - 1266 Dolores St - 3 bed / 2 bath in Noe Valley

$10M+ Range
25.9 M - 300 Sea Cliff - 5 bed / 6.5 bath in Sea Cliff
10.4M - 34 Presidio Terrace - 6 bed / 6.5 bath in Presidio Terrace
55M - 2901 Broadway - 7 bed / 7.5 bath in Pacific Heights

Property in every range - do you pick square footage over neighborhood or vice versa?

If You Had Twelve and a Half Million Dollars...

3130 Pacific Ave (click for full property detail)
Price: $12,495,000

Fully detached, brand new, custom designed, highly detailed Arts & Crafts home on the Presidio Wall. This home is comfortable, stunning, quiet, quaint, and despite the fact that it has a home theater, elevator to all floors, radiant heated hardwood floors, audio/visual system with built-in speakers in most rooms, Smart Wire for phone, video and computer networking, terraces, gardens with automatic sprinkler systems, wine cellar and many more modern amenities, it feels like home and it feels like it's been there for years. Amazingly well done. Now, if I only had $13 million dollars...

[update: this property has been on the market for 7 days. As of today (6/6) somebody not only made an offer on this property, but it got accepted. Not only did this offer get accepted, the status went straight to Pending, so I would assume it's a contingency free offer.]

compare that to:

2266 Vallejo Street (click for full property detail)
Price: $12,975,000

I'll start by saying this home has the best bath(tub) in San Francisco. The house is large, beautifully detailed, has an elevator, six bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, and is a steel framed panoramic view home. The home has 5 levels and no required bearing walls inside the structure. Materials in this building are truly quality--nothing was spared and there are views for miles.



If you had $12.5 million to spend on a house, which would you buy?