8 | Japantown

Japantown is our happy place that we visit every few weeks when we need our Ramen fix. I am Godzilla attacking Nick the Sumo Wrestler. Also a literal interpretation of our relationship. Clearly, I am winning.

7 | Cowgirl Creamery

We all know that happy cows come from California. This cheese comes from the happiest and most elated cows in the entire state. You can literally taste their happiness when you bite into this miraculous cheese.

Cowgirl Creamery

6 | The Painted Ladies

Let's be honest--who doesn't love this San Francisco landmark? Every time I pass by these pastel Victorians in Alamo Square, I hear the theme music from Full House, remember Uncle Jesse, and smile. "Everywhere you look (everywhere), There's a heart (there's a heart), A hand to hold on to..." So true, my friends.

5 | Rose Geranium Macarons from Miette

These lovelies taste like a little piece of heaven. Every time I walk by Miette in the Ferry Building, I can't resist their allure and end up purchasing at least one for myself and one for whoever is lucky enough to be with me at the time. These crunchy almond cookies with their fragrant and creamy rose flavored filling are simply irresistible.

Miette

4 | Dolores Park

I don't care what anyone says-- I love Dolores Park. This park was one of the places that enticed me to move to San Francisco. Nestled between the Mission and the Castro, this is where San Francisco's various walks of life collide. Hipsters, hippies, queens, punks and everyone in between descend on this hotbed of activity to drink, play music, and enjoy other outdoor activities. The top of park offers the most lovely views of the San Francisco skyline and I love nothing more than to grab a patch of grass and a cold beer and soak in the scene on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

3 | Garlic Fries

I consider myself a connoisseur of street food, particularly the fried or cheese-covered variety (Mozzarepa anyone?), yet I had never met garlic fries until I came to San Francisco. I'm told this is the West-Coast's answer to Canada's poutine (fries covered in cheese curds and gravy). These delectable treats are exactly what they sounds like: golden delicious french fries smothered in sauce of garlic and parsley. Their glorious aroma fills the air at street fairs and baseball games-they're hard to resist. However, be forewarned, they will remain on your breath for approximately three days post-consumption. Consider it an added bonus.

2 | The Beach

One of the amazing things about San Francisco is there are clean and lovely beaches all around you. Yes, both NYC and Chicago have beaches, but in New York it takes at least an hour to get there and in Chicago, you can barely ever dip your feet in the water due to e. coli warnings. Out here on this tiny peninsula, you can enjoy the smell of salty sea air and the sand between your toes all year round.