So you want to visit San Francisco?

First off, let me preempt this blog post with this: I'm not a food expert, I'm not a travel guru and I'm certainly not a San Francisco expert.  I am however, very fond of some things in San Francisco that I'm of the opinion are far more important for first timers to see than Alcatraz and Pier 39.

My favourite thing about San Francisco is the food.  It is absolutely awesome and there are so many different varieties of cuisines it'll make your head spin. So here are my favourite places to eat in San Francisco, that I think are quintessential to your experience.  I'm sure there are places I haven't eaten that true San Francisco natives will say "But you forgot this!" 

• House of Nanking: To me, there is no living without a monthly dosage of the absolute best Chinese food in San Francisco. Take these words I'm about to speak as gospel, you will thank me after your dining experience: You might receive a menu. If you do, find something to drink and put it down. Don't bother looking at the food items.  When some one comes to take your order tell them to surprise you but insist on having the Sesame chicken (it's the stuff with the sweet potatoes, TRUST ME). You can tell them if you have allergies or if you have dietary considerations (ie: Kosher or vegetarian). 
• Brickhouse:  I think the menu here is all around awesome, you can't go wrong.  If there is a waitress there with neck length black hair and a dark red streak in it, ask for a Pimms Cup (you can tell her Tia Marie goes there for Pimms often and highly recommended it).  
• 21st Amendment: If you're a fan of beer and food, you have to go here. They have a beer called "Watermelon Wheat" that is really awesome.  Their food is pretty damned top notch too! They are a brewery/restaurant that has some fine brews and kicking food.
• Horizon Lounge: Three words, "Parmesan Truffle Fries." That's all you need to speak to have some of the most heavenly french fries you'll ever place against your tongue.  They have a damned killer kobe beef burger and if you're into something a bit more gamey they have a lamb burger too.  Their Mac & Cheese is a favourite of mine as well.
• Osha: I'm not a huge fan of Thai food, but I have to say that the Honey duck at Osha is top notch.  That's really it, I'm happy to go to Osha for just Honey duck and Satay. 
• Town's End Restaurant & Bakery: Their Prix Fixe menu is just awesome and reasonably priced (for SF food). Last time I was there I had this heavenly beef brisket that was braised in a red wine and brown sugar sauce. 

I think that about sums it up for food, now on to the entertainment and odds & ends!

• Karaoke: You must do!  If you're planning a trip, make sure you check out to see if Roger Niner (the best KJ in SF) has any gigs.  If not, perhaps you can shoot him a message on twitter @rogerniner and see if he's doing karaoke anywhere!  If not then you can always hit up places like The Mint and Encore who have Karaoke damned near every night and don't forget to ping me on twitter (@tia_marie) to have a singing partner so you don't have to look silly alone :)
• Exploratorium: Go there, touch things and discover SCIENCE! You'll have a blast there and it'll make your day, I promise!
• California Academy of Sciences: Every third Wednesday (I believe) is free day. You should go here and enjoy yourself. It's a really awesome place to explore and such. 

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll keep adding to this list as I find new things that I think are just awesome to do.  Don't spend all of your time doing things that every tourist is doing.  Go see the Mission District, find the Haight or hell even go to SOMA (South of Market) and get a glimpse of the area where most of the startup companies for websites you enjoy are located!