Today is the first game of the 2010 World Series and I hope you're as excited as this blogger is. To you Texans from the DFW Metroplex, welcome to the San Francisco Bay Area. (For those of you who don't know, "DFW Metroplex" refers to the metropolitan area that includes the two large cities of Dallas and FTWorth Texas, with Arlington in the middle, all served by DFW Airport.)
Here's some tips for you visiting Texans. (And a special welcome to anyone who attended the University of Texas At Arlington, where my undergrad degree was earned before going to Cal Berkeley for my Master's Degree In City Planning.)
Now, this: the San Francisco Giants are going to kick The Texas Rangers ass. Cliff Lee doesn't stand a chance against two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. Still, it's a dream match-up. Here's my tips for enjoying your stay.
First, don't rent a car. I don't mean to take money out of their pockets, but you don't need a car to get around San Francisco. Take a cab. Use Yellow Cab. DO NOT USE the white LUXOR CAB - their service is awful. Yellow Cab's the best in San Francisco. Period. Also, use a limo and transportation service. I recommend San Francisco's Bauer's Transportation at 1-800-LIMO-OUT.
Second, there are a lot of restaurants in San Francisco and everyone has their favorites. Next to AT&T Park is Momo's Restaurant on the corner of Second and King Street - you can't miss it. The pastas and steaks are good as are the cocktails, but get there five hours before the game - it's going to get packed. Plus, forget reservations. Too late for that.
There's also 24 Restaurant, also right at the Ballpark. If you can't get in to Momo's, go here.
My favorites are also The Balboa Cafe on Fillmore and Union in the Marina District, where Brian's a Giant's expert of the first tier and should be working tonight. The Brick Yard's on Union Street next to Union and Octavia. Downtown is The Royal Exchange on Sacramento and Front Street - the best and classic San Francisco sports bar.
Around the corner of Front Street on California Street is San Francisco's oldest restaurant, Tadich Grill. And next to it, are the twin restaurants Barbaco and Prebaco with excellent food and wine. As I stated, everyone has their faves, but I like those.
Then come to Oakland, and eat at The Lake Chalet on the waters of Lake Merritt - a cool setting for a meal after the game. If anyone tells you anything bad about Oakland, laugh at them.
At The World Series, Behave
Finally, please be nice to everyone. And male SF Giants fans, please do not throw beer bottles at people and be nice to everyone. Don't get drunk and stupid.
GO GIANTS!
