I heard that the Castro was trying to discourage Halloween this year and at this writing, I’m not sure what happened. I didn’t go. Just to remember the past Halloweens, I pulled this past post forward; so you could see how it was. The costumes were amazing and v e r y creative.
Diptyque started as a candle maker in Paris. They have a very small number of shops - 3 in Paris, one in London and one here in San Francisco. And, it’s close to Union Square at 171 Maiden Lane and nearly across the street from Xanadau Gallery, one of the only Frank Lloyd-Wright buildings in the city.
These are not just any candle. The fragrances are truly amazing on many different levels and while they’re expensive, they last a long, long time. I’m not sure they’re cost effective, but after you find a few scents you like, you’ll never go back to the cheap overly perfumed ones again. I personally love the fig or cypress. They smell like the outdoors and add an element of freshness to the whole house, without over powering.
Even if you’re not interested in buying one, you really should stop and and at least smell one or three. The shopkeepers are very friendly and will help you pop out the candle; so you get a good whiff of the essence … from the bottom (don’t try it on your own, you’ll just embarrass yourself).
They also have fragrances and other little things, but start with the candles. They’re about $50 each, but testing them is free.
Medjool was written up recently on a list of top views in the US. I was surprised, because I didn’t think it was terribly picturesque, but it’s a great spot for drinks and food. The day I was there, it was a bit windy and cold; so we didn’t stay long. We were actually meeting friends at Cha, Cha, Cha, but I’m definitely going back soon. It looks promising and on a nicer day, it would be a great spot to hang out and enjoy some lively conversation and the rooftop views toward downtown.
