The Academy of Art University located in dowtown San Francisco, is an art school focusing on art and design. According to the University, they "prepare aspiring professionals in the fields of design, communication and the arts by delivering excellent undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate and portfolio development programs."
Photo courtesy of the Asian Art Museum.
The Asian Art Museum houses one of the largest collections of Asian art in the world with 18,000 objects — some pieces dating back 6,000 years.
Its current feature exhibition, Divine Bodies, showcases more than 40 traditional Hindu and Buddhist paintings and sculptures, along with some modern photo-based work. Divine Bodies encourages attendees to ponder themes of transformation, transcendence and the relationship of the body to the cosmos. The exhibition runs through July 29, 2018.
Photo courtesy of San Leandro Farmers' Market at Bayfair Center. Farmer's markets can often be known as a place for only organic fruits and veggies, but one visit to the San Leandro Farmers' Market at Bayfair Center proves that they can also be a one-stop shop for breads, cheeses, meats, soaps, flowers, honey products and even freshly-prepared pizzas to cook at home.
The Michelin guide describes Mister Jui’s as bringing “the sparkle back to Chinatown with this contemporary treasure, which puts a modern California spin on Cantonese classics.” The space, a former banquet-style Chinese restaurant, has garnered almost as much attention for its cool decor and design as it has its cuisine. Dishes are served family style with a couple different tasting menus at $45 and up, but dishes are also offered a la carte. Condiments are made in-house and cocktails are creative and fun. Lots of options to pace yourself, dollar-wise.
Fans of Mourad Lahlou’s Outer Richmond restaurant, Aziza, finally have a transit-friendly option to enjoy the chef’s iconic Moroccan and North African cuisine. The dramatically designed space at the base of the historic PacBell building serves the food well as popular ingredients like harissa, za’atar, and preserved lemons flavor and infuse lamb, poultry, and vegetable mains.
Aster, part of the Daniel Patterson Group, received its first Michelin star after only six months of being open. Once again, the restaurant and chef Brett Cooper received another star for its casual vibe and stellar food. Though Cooper’s seasonal California-focused menu at dinner is priced fair considering the quality and portions, if you really want to enjoy his creations, consider brunch instead. Items like porchetta breakfast sandwich and duck confit hash and eggs elevate the brunch experience to another level.
Al’s Place looks like your friendly neighborhood cafe on the outside, but once inside and seated, you’ll see why everyone’s buzzing about this place. Service is top notch and chef/owner Aaron London has created a California-focused seasonal menu full of vegetable-heavy a la carte dishes organized by cold, hot, sides, and limited availability. Depending on how many shareable dishes you order, you could walk away satisfied and still have enough for your BART ride home. Expect to spend $30 to $50 per person.
Almost three years ago, food blogger Pim Techamuanvivit opened her Thai restaurant, Kin Khao, inside the Parc 55 hotel. Since then, she’s attracted adventuresome diners looking for creative and lesser-known Thai dishes. It’s a casual, bustling place that isn’t defined by its decor, but rather its spicy and playful approach to food and cocktails.
Two-starred Campton Place inside the Taj Hotel is a lovely and quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of Union Square. For the second year, the restaurant and chef Srijith Gopinathan were recognized with two stars for its inventive take on California-Indian cuisine. The food is a juxtaposition of California fresh with intense Indian spices, executed with traditional French mastery. For under $50 a person, lunch guests can enjoy an appetizer, entree, and dessert and get an introduction to chef Sri’s $129 Spice Route Menu.