Now That's San Francisco

 “Just Thinking"

I saw a clip on Instagram the other day, it was a cut away at a baseball game, there was a couple in the stands canoodling, one of the commentators said; hey, they’re eating an It’s It, the other commentator said, what the heck is an It’s It, before the first commentator could answer, the man reached over and grabbed the woman’s boob, a quick cut away and dead air followed. The commentator never did get back to telling us about the It’s It, if you are from San Francisco, no explanation required, if your not, I’ll let you know, if you are the guy in the stands, Bold Move Cotton. If you know then you know.

It’s It, invented in 1928 originally sold only in San Francisco at Playland-at-the-Beach until Playland closed in 1972. A frozen dessert sandwich: vanilla ice cream between two old-fashioned oatmeal cookies, dipped in dark chocolate. After the closing of Playland, the brand was revived and expanded, but it’s still considered a Bay Area icon. The It’s It now comes in other flavors like Mint, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cappuccino, and seasonal flavors like Pumpkin.

That got me thinking, what are some other things that are iconically San Francisco that we take for granted but the rest of the world either doesn’t know or sees as San Francisco and I’m not talking about Rice-A-Roni, although I do love me some Chicken Flavored Rice-A-Roni. I’m talking more about San Francisco Sour Dough Bread, its crusty, tangy flavor is recognized worldwide, I think back to when I was young and couldn’t figure out why the bread at home was so much better than anywhere else. 

Then there is the Dungeness Crab, with its sweet, tender, and uniquely briny taste native to the Pacific coast of North America, especially popular in Northern California, when California Department of Fish and Wildlife allows the season to open, the Dungeness Crabs too are iconic San Francisco. 

The Monster Burritos of the Mission District are a true San Francisco original and a cornerstone of the city’s food culture. They’re huge, foil-wrapped, and packed with layers of flavor, as my friend Greg calls them, a tube of food. They are a large flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, meat (like carne asada, carnitas, or pollo), salsa, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole I still remember my first one in the late 70’s sitting on the sidewalk outside El Faro’s, my mind blown.

How unique is the Italian heritage of North Beach, Italian classics, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and handmade pasta are everywhere. Cioppino, the seafood stew invented in San Francisco by Italian fishermen. Osso Buco & Veal Dishes, traditional Northern Italian specialties and my favorite, Focaccia the traditional Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy interior and crisp, golden crust. 

Our Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in America, established in the mid-1800s during the Gold Rush era. 

The Haight-Ashbury the legendary neighborhood best known for 1960s hippie movement. By 1967 the Summer of Love, drew people from all over, artists, musicians, and free spirits, shaping the era’s music, art, and social activism. It still retains its bohemian vibe with vintage clothing shops, record stores, colorful Victorian houses, and eclectic cafés.

The landmarks that are San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, Cable Cars and the Painted Ladies.

Some traditional San Francisco events, The Bay to Breakers, Fleet week and Outside lands music and food festival. 

Finally, our teams spreading San Francisco throughout the world, The Giants, The 49ers and the Warriors.

That’s it, It’s It.

Let me know what you think.

@ChuckBarberini - #ChuckBarberiniRealEstate - @ChuckBarberiniRealEstate

@Golden_State_Guide_Service - @Citizen.Number.One