Hotel Manager's Picks - September 2010 Archive

Greetings from Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's #1 visitor destination. If you are planning an adventure to San Francisco in September, be prepared to experience a multude of fun attractions, things to do and see, and places to dine and relax. 

One of the busiest and well known attractions in North America, Fisherman's Wharf is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably Dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Some of our restaurants, like Pompeii's and Alioto's #8, go back for three generations of the same family ownership. Nearby Pier 45 has a chapel in memory of the "Lost Fishermen" of San Francisco and Northern California.

To help plan your stay, visit our Local Events page on our website for details of some of the more interesting events that are happening in San Francisco this month. Regardless of what you have planned, enjoy visiting our beautiful city.

What's your favorite spot in San Francisco? Let us know at sheratonsf@ihrco.com or Share on Facebook.

Happy Travels ... Craig Schwan, General Manager

Going to Extremes at the California Academy of Sciences
A new exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, Extreme Mammals: The Biggest, Smallest, and Most Amazing Mammals of All Time showcases some of the most intriguing mammals, from the speedy to the sloth-like, the towering to the tiny, even the venomous and the armor-clad.

Featuring spectacular fossils and reconstructions alongside recent specimens and live animals, the exhibit explores the surprising and often extraordinary world of extinct and living mammals.

A whale that could walk? A bat the size of a bumblebee? Mothers who are pregnant for almost two years ... or just 12 days? Meet this colorful cast of characters and learn why humans are perhaps the most extreme mammals of all. For information visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000.

Scala's Italian Bistro
Since opening in 1995, Scala's Bistro is a perennial local favorite where the menu has celebrated seasonal ingredients created in an uncomplicated and inspired style. Their kitchen produces an earthy and satisfying offering that allows diners to bask in the culinary delights of the Italian and French countryside.

Located just a block from Union Square, Scala's Bistro is adjacent to the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

High ceilings with original elaborate design, richly colored floor tiles, a setting inspired by Monet's kitchen, and Scala's Old World atmosphere create a comfortable yet elegant ambiance. An eclectic mix of original murals, rich tobacco tones, gilt mirrors, white linen tablecloths and a semi-open kitchen produces the look and feel of a classic Parisian bistro. For additional information or reservations, call (415) 395-8555. 

Love, Chaos & Couture Arrives at Teatro ZinZanni
Relax and be prepared to be entertained! Set along San Francisco's historic waterfront, Teatro ZinZanni is a bewitching evening of European Cabaret and Cirque, Divas and Madmen, Spectacle and Sensuality with Live Music and a Gourmet Five-Course Dinner - set in the nightclub of your dreams!

This month, following his meteoric rise and fall in the European fashion world, Caesar (Frank Ferrante), once clothier to the Stars, has retreated to San Francisco. Now wildly successful, he lures his former muse and lover, Liliane (Liliane Montevecchi), to witness his new life as a hip Club owner.

The show features an ensemble cast of world-class performers, generally headed by a marvelous "hostess," ably assisted by a "chef de cuisine" who introduces each course and generally involves audience members in the action, while comedy and mayhem are supplied by acrobats, jugglers, comedians, singers, musicians, and others.

The list of acclaimed performers has included celebrated singers Joan Baez, Sally Kellerman, Liliane Montevecchi, Maria Muldaur, Melba Moore, Ann Wilson, among others. For information call (415) 438-2668.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
If you had to ask: what's so romantic about chocolate, you need to rent the movie "Chocolat" from Netflix. Okay, now that you've done that, plan a trip to Fisherman's Wharf September 11-12.

At Ghirardelli's annual festival of perpetual indulgence, treat yourself and a loved one to chocolate delicacies, sip wine or enjoy chocolate-inspired activities. This event is presented by Ghirardelli Chocolate and is free and open to the public.

Tickets must be purchased to sample chocolate; $20 for 15 samples with all proceeds benefiting Project Open Hand, a local nonprofit organization. Featured chef celebrity decomonstrations include Steve Genzoli of Ghirardelli Chocolate, Kara Lind of Kara's Cupcakes, and Adrienne Garcia of Marché. At Ghirardelli Square. For more information, call (415) 775-5500.

Dreamgirls
Direct from Harlem's world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to San Francisco this month.

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.

With music by Academy® Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony® and Grammy®-Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen."

Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Bye Bye Birdie Broadway revival) and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (TV's So You Think You Can Dance), along with some of Broadway's top designers, re-envision this Tony® and Academy® Award winning musical so it sparkles like never before!

At the Curran Theatre. For tickets call: (800) 294-1816.

Pixar: 25 Years of Animation
Walt Disney's arrival in Los Angeles in the 1920s firmly established California as a magnet for animation artists.

Home to a number of leading studios, the San Francisco Bay Area has emerged as a global center for animation today. Pixar: 25 Years of Animation provides an unprecedented look at the renowned East bay-based studio and showcases the creative work behind its wildly successful computer-animated films.

After its opening in New York and its five-year  international tour, this exhibition comes home to the nearby Oakland Museum. The presentation includes all of the artwork from the original presentation at MOMA, plus art from Ratatouille, WALL•E, Up, and Pixar's latest film, Toy Story 3.

Getting there couldn't be easier, as the Oakland Museum is only one block from the the Lake Merritt BART station. For further information, call (510) 238-2200.