Friday, April 6, 2012

San Francisco: The Mission District

Last weekend I made my first visit to the Mission District of San Francisco. It's called that because there is a mission there, along with several cafes, some restaurants, and markets.

I was meeting with a friend there, and before the meetup I did some exploring. I came across Duc Loi Supermarket, which is frequented by one of my favorite bloggers over at Brokeass Gourmet.

They had a great selection of produce, and various kinds of Asian noodles, among other things. I can see why she likes shopping there. :)

 This is the pastry display at Tartine Bakery, a very popular cafe. The line was out the door, as you find in the best places in San Francisco.

This is their quiche. I got a piece of it and it was delicious.

 My friend and I got sandwiches from Bi Rite Market. I got a very tasty turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, lemon aioli, and avocado mash.


We had our sandwiches at Dolores Park. It's a lovely park full of grassy hills and trees.

There's even a fun playground for kids.

We got ice cream at the Bi Rite Creamery, too. They had really unique flavors. I got a roasted banana and lavender honey ice cream cone.

So, that was a nice day!

10 comments:

  1. Good morning, Jen!

    Oh, my! Sounds like your recent adventures in one of your favorite cities was quite the splash--can you say FUN-TIMES!

    Dolores Park looks absolutely beautiful. To your knowledge, do you know who, or what group was responsible for starting the mission near its namesake the Mission District. Hope your week is off to a great start. Enjoy your day : )

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  2. Mission San Francisco de Asís, or Mission Dolores, is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco and the sixth religious settlement established as part of the California chain of missions. The Mission was founded on June 29, 1776, by Lieutenant José Joaquin Moraga and Father Francisco Palóu (a companion of Father Junipero Serra), both members of the de Anza Expedition, which had been charged with bringing Spanish settlers to Alta (upper) California, and evangelizing the local Natives, the Ohlone.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Francisco_de_Asis

    It's a very pretty mission, too. I passed by it. :)

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  3. Jen,
    I thoroughly enjoyed this visual post of yours... I knew very little of The Mission District...you have peaked my interest as you have done previously with your previous posts. What truly intrigues me, is the mention of the murals... I happen to come across this website http://sanfrancisco.about.com/od/sfattractionslandmarks/ig/missiondistrictmurals/ Did you get to see any of those murals? Wow! I happen to visit the gallery listed there...that's awesome!

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    1. I do remember seeing Clarion Street, but I don't think I saw any of these murals. I'm sure I will be back though, and then I will check to see if I can find some of the ones from that webpage. :)

      I really enjoy seeing all the murals in San Francisco and San Jose.

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    2. I have to add... I am somewhat or have been a movie buff, classic old movies... and this includes some of Alfred Hitchcock movies.

      Anyway, in the movie “Vertigo ”.... have you watched this old classic thriller, with James Stewart? The movie and actual San Francisco geography is Elster's Mission District.. Director Hitchcock appears in his traditional cameo on the sidewalk outside Elster's Mission District shipyard company... there's many scenes at Mission Dolores....

      http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/v/vertigo_2.html

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    3. I have seen Vertigo! I will have to rewatch it to see if I recognize scenes from the Mission District.

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  4. Good morning, Jen!

    Thank You for sharing the origins and some background history on the Mission District. Always a good thing when decent souls care to impact the world in a meaningful way, and improve the lot and quality of life for others. Add Meesh's dynamic link to the mix, and the place just seems to be a beacon of light for all who pass through.

    Quick question, a faded memory has me walking in Chinatown with a friend, and we ended up at Fisherman's Wharf just up ahead a ways as we walked through. How far were we from the Mission District? It was one Summer long ago, and I believe the name Moscone was a prominent politician at the time...can remember helping my friend knock stucco off a wall near the Berkeley campus--there was chicken-wire/mesh behind the stucco. Took something he called bart over to SF.

    Thanks for the great pics taken from your trip, and hope you and Meesh are having a great day, with much to smile about. Off to the park to see if the hotdog vendor has a special today. Enjoy your day.

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    1. Thanks Al :). I am happy to contribute with my blog, even when it's just you and Meesh that read it.

      The Mission District is about 3.5 miles from Fisherman's Wharf. It would take about an hour and a half to walk there. Luckily the BART is still a very active form of transportation in the bay area to get around San Francisco and surrounding cities, as well as at least two other kinds of bus services and the Caltrain.

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    2. We're happy to share with you, Jen! Kind of leave here feeling suddenly hungry at times, but your wholesomeness makes the overall experience worth the visit. Thanks for your promptness regarding my question--much appreciated. Am scroling up to your latest...

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    3. Thanks Al, on speaking upon our behalf...I almost missed Jen's comment, like yoou I thoroughly ENJOY Jen's wide assortment of treats she features on this gorgeous site... Yes, I too, was captivated with her latest mouth watering post. LOL I forgot all about this post!

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