Quirky San Francisco

This is just one celebrity sighting I happened to catch on film, or pixels, that is. Just walking around, we see famous folks all the time, but it’s a bit of a challenge to get a shot without being obvious, and I kind of hate to be one of “those” people who push their way into peoples lives. I have a shot of Robin Williams hanging out with his kids, right here on my blog. Just type his name in the search box to find him. The story was kinda funny. I saw him. He saw me with my camera. I pointed to my camera, as if to ask, “May I”? He nodded, as if to say, “OK”. I snapped the shot. We smiled at each other and parted … without a word.

This shot was taken a couple months ago, while I was having cocktails with friends, at the Intercontinental Hotel lobby bar, and in walked Gayle King. This pic is from my cell phone, and I thought I was being very surreptitious, until I looked at my shot. She was looking straight into the lens. Had I known, I would have at least waved and I’m sure she would have waived back.

Just keep your eyes opened while you’re here. You’ll never know who you’ll spot. I’ve seen Nicholas Cage, Gwyneth Paltrow, John Cleese, Bjork, and more.

Click on the photos to enlarge … trust me, if you don’t, you’re missing a lot.

OK, this is a chain restaurant, but it’s a good one. The food is good and it’s just about as quirky as they come … for a restaurant. Check out the photos and you’ll get a taste of the ambiance. It’s all tongue-in-cheek humor, but it’s fun and only a few blocks from Union Square, and only a block from Moscone … AND directly across the street from the InterContinental Hotel.

Funny story I heard just last night. Sean Combs, AKA Puff Daddy and AKA P Diddy, was staying at the InterContinental, and was downstairs at the bar. He asked one of my favorite bartenders, Vinnie (see the post here at: http://www.quirkysanfrancisco.com/?s=vinnie), if he could have a quiet table in the restaurant there. Naturally, everyone snapped to, and was ready to serve Mr. Diddy, but after they got it all together, he changed his mind, and went across the street to Buca.

I know the manager at Buca, Chris (another great guy), and asked him about it. He concurred. Mr. P also asked for a quiet table in the back. Crazy huh? And you thought wealthy people only ate at foofy places. They like quriky, just like you and me.

When you go to Buca, stop by the bar and say HI to Eric and Tyson. They’ll keep you entertained and in good spirits. Eric is on the left, Tyson on the right.

Click on this link for more info about Buca di Beppo.

For more quriky and fun things to do in San Francisco, use the categories to the left, or use the search box above, or just click around and explore. Don’t forget to leave me a few comments, which I love to get. If you have ideas of things you’d like me to post, email me at: RandySFO@RandySFO.com.

Thanks, Randy

View Larger Map

Think frozen deserts on steroids! Whether you like gelato, ices, sherbet or ice cream, you’ll find something you love here at Ciao Bella in the Ferry Building (at the foot of Market Street). I can’t say enough about the favors they create. I love the pear, tangerine or maybe a sinful Scharffen Berger chocolate. As you can see, the people who work here hate their job. Ha, ha. Say HI to (from left to right) – Jason, Mari, and Nate … a most cooperative and friendly group!!!

Click on this link for more info about Ciao Bella Gelato.

View Larger Map