Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [165]
Propeller modern lighting.
Sue Fisher King For sumptuous tablecloths, silk pillows, bed linens, and beyond, head to this exclusive neighborhood boutique known by the society set as the only home store to shop. It’s filled with items like exquisite cashmere blankets, Turkish towels, china, silver flatware, Italian chandeliers, and more. Closed Sunday. 3067 Sacramento St. (at Baker St.). 415/922-7276.www.suefisherking.com.
Sur La Table Cooks should beeline it to this Union Square shop specializing in all things culinary. Its two floors are packed to the rafters with pricey but stylish high-quality pots and pans, utensils, tabletop items, books, and more coupled with an extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. A second location is at the Ferry Building Marketplace, stall no. 37 ( 415/262-9970). 77 Maiden Lane (at Grant St.). 415/732-7900.
The Wok Shop This shop has every conceivable implement for Chinese cooking, including woks, brushes, cleavers, circular chopping blocks, dishes, oyster knives, bamboo steamers, and strainers. It also sells a wide range of kitchen utensils, baskets, handmade linens from China, and aprons. 718 Grant Ave. (at Clay St.). 415/989-3797.www.wokshop.com.
Zinc Details This contemporary furniture and knickknack shop has received accolades everywhere from Elle Decor Japan to Metropolitan Home to InStyle for its amazing collection of locally crafted modern furniture, glass vases, pendant lights, rugs, wall coverings, and ceramics from all over the world. A portion of these true works of art is made specifically for the store. While you’re in the ’hood, check out their sister store around the corner at 2410 California St. ( 415/776-9002), which showcases contemporary designer furniture. 1905 Fillmore St. (btw. Bush and Pine sts.). 415/776-2100.www.zincdetails.com.
Jewelry
De Vera Galleries Don’t come here unless you’ve got money to spend. Designer Federico de Vera’s unique rough-stone jewelry collection, art glass, and vintage knickknacks are too beautiful to pass up and too expensive to be a painless purchase. Still, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind keepsake, you’ll find it here. Closed Sunday and Monday. 29 Maiden Lane (at Kearny St.). 415/788-0828.www.deveraobjects.com.
Dianne’s Old & New Estates Many local girls get engagement rings from this fantastic little shop featuring top-of-the-line antique jewelry—pendants, diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, and pearls. For a special gift, check out the collection of platinum wedding and engagement rings and vintage watches. Don’t worry if you can’t afford it now—the shop offers 1-year interest-free layaway. And, if you buy a ring, they’ll send you off with a thank-you bottle of celebration bubbly. 2181A Union St. (at Fillmore St.). 888/346-7525 or 415/346-7525. www.diannesestatejewelry.com.
Jeanine Payer If you want to buy a trinket that is truly San Franciscan, stop by this boutique hidden on the street level of the beautifully ornate Phelan Building where designer Jeanine Payer showcases gorgeous, handmade contemporary jewelry that she crafts in sterling silver and 18-karat gold five stories above in her studio. All of her pieces, including fabulous baby gifts, feature her engraved poetry, which can even be customized. Celebrities such as Sheryl Crow, Debra Messing, and Ellen DeGeneres are fans. 762 Market St. (at O’Farrell St.). 866/359-3579.www.jeaninepayer.com.
Pearl & Jade Empire The Pearl & Jade Empire has been importing jewelry from all over the world since 1957. It specializes in unusual pearls and jade and offers restringing on the premises. It also has a collection of amber from the Baltic Sea. 427 Post St. (btw. Powell and Mason sts.). 415/362-0606.www.pearlempire.com.
Tiffany & Co. Even if you don’t have lots of cash