Hannaford Podiatry
Dr. David Hannaford seems to fix the feet of runners all over the Bay Area. He is a runner himself and knows feet. He can deal with the pedestrian to the complex. I had a more pedestrian problem (plantar fasciatis) and he has treated me over the years for this.
San Francisco Bay Club
San Francisco's original luxury health club is showing its age a bit. Perhaps spurred on by the opening of Sports Club/LA and other high-end facilities (Equinox), the Bay Club recently completed a locker room renovation. It is a large facility and for the squash players around town, this is probably their best bet. But for someone looking for an attitude-free luxury gym, I'd look elsewhere.
Pacific Athletic Club
The Pacific Athletic Club is an amazingly beautiful and expansive facility. It not only has tennis courts and three outdoor swimming pools but up-to-date traditional gym facilities plus squash courts and group exercise rooms. My most exciting moment was when I saw Jerry Rice working out there. They also have a nice cafe for a casual snack after working out and a more full-service restaurant which is pleasant. My only complaint is that there can be LOTS of kids at times, which can be annoying for someone seeking a bit of an escape or a focused work-out.
Marion Broder
Marion Broder is an excellent real estate agent. When I bought my home, she patiently showed me all of the inventory that was in my price range (very much at the lower end of the market at that time) and supported my decisions and timing. Unlike other agents whom I have known, she does not push and is very supportive. I think she is especially familiar with neighborhoods south of Market (Bernal, Glen Park, Excelsior, Potrero, etc.). I highly recommend her!
Plan & Deliver
If you are expecting a little bundle of joy then look no further than the aptly-named Plan & Deliver. Amy Hyams is an experienced doula who will calmly walk you through all of the steps of pregnancy and be there for you when the big moment arrives! She has worked with many clients all around the Bay Area. All rave about her and her work.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
Mitchell's is an institution in the Outer Mission. Drive by the corner of 29th and San Jose (Guerrerro) at almost any time of day any weather and see people lined up for ice cream. This 1950s establishment serves one thing only -- ice cream -- and is very bare bones. There are two benches outside but other than that you have to take your ice cream to go. I like the basics -- cookies n cream and rocky road but the more adventureous go for their tropical flavors that rotate frequently.
Hobee's Restaurant
Even if you're not a Stanford student, you'll enjoy the breakfasts at Hobee's. Enjoy some special Hobee's iced tea with their special coffee cake and any one of a number of egg dishes. Lunch and dinner are not so exciting but breakfast is a not-to-be missed experience! They serve breakfast all day (but maybe not at night) so head on down there. They have several locations on the Peninsula. Very kid-friendly!
Peninsula Fountain & Grill
Head to Palo Alto (or the Stanford Shopping Center) for some of the best old-time yet updated diner and grill food around. The fried chicken salad is a personal favorite as is the peanut butter milkshake. The Stanford location is bigger but lacks the authenticity and history of the original downtown location.
Harbor Village Restaurant
Head to the Embarcadero on a weekend morning for world-class dim sum in a spectacular setting -- white tablecloths and broad views of the bay. It can get extremely busy so go there early - as soon as it opens -- so you can get in.
Chan Derrick M Dds
Derrick Chan has a nice, growing dental practice located in the Richmond on Clement Street. The only thing is that his practice has grown quite a bit so that you only actually see the dentist for a few moments during each of the visits. I quite like one of the dental hygeniests though.