A Day at Ghirardelli Square
This is a sponsored post for Ghirardelli Square. However, all opinions are my own.
Last weekend, my husband and I spent our first day and night away from the kids since my surgery last July. My surgery traumatized my four year old so badly that he had refused to spend anytime away from Neil or me. We have made several attempts over the last few months to leave for short periods of time with little success. This time, I bought the 400 count pack of water balloons from Costco and had a pep talk and sent him over to Grandma and Grandpa’s hoping it would go smoothly. Our destination of choice, Ghirardelli Square.
Ghirardelli Square
Situated across the street from the iconic aquatic park and beach in San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square is quite a fun place to spend the entire day. Growing up, I only knew Ghirardelli for their amazing chocolate and ice cream. However, Ghirardelli Square is so much more than that. Whether you are a local that lives down the street, or from the East Bay like me or even a visitor from out of the area, there is something there for everyone. For us, Ghirardelli Square was only a 40 min drive into San Francisco and they have parking on site. Take the route along the piers, it’s definitely worth it.
We started off our day having lunch at The Pub. We initially sat at a booth with a spectacular ocean view. However, we decided to move closer to the bar to watch our favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. We ordered jalepeno poppers, chips and dip and their almost ‘world famous’ Tommy Tots. I must say they were all delicious. My favorite was definitely the poppers. We washed them down with Bloody Mary’s and ordered our main course. Neil and I are both avid grillers and smoke meat on our grill weekly. We love trying BBQ at different restaurants and so we chose brisket and pulled pork. The restaurant serves comfort food with a southern flair and everything we had was tasty. I also want to say how friendly the staff was who waited on us. Our server as well as the manager was very attentive and made sure we were happy guests. What a great way to start our day at Ghirardelli!
After lunch, we did a little shopping(well I did the shopping) at a cute women’s clothing store Gigi+Rose that happens to be right next door to The Pub. The shop is light, airy and features a dramatic spiral staircase. Not only do they carry clothing, but also various accessories as well as trinkets and books. You can even build your own terrarium; which I think is the best idea ever! After perusing the store, I found a lovely Goorin Bros. hat that I just couldn’t bear to leave without as well as a new coffee mug. I love that it has the perfect mix of name brands like Free People and newer independent designers to compliment each other. They have definitely earned me as a customer and I can’t wait to stop in next time we are in the area.
After a little window shopping, we made our way over to Bluxome St. Winery. Yes, a winery! Ghirardelli Square actually has two wineries on site. Both equally amazing and I’ll talk more about Wattle Creek below. Bluxome has a gorgeous tasting room decorated in rustic wood and brick and a patio overlooking the bay. This building used to be the first woolen mill in California which opened in 1858 which I found very interesting. We started inside for our wine tasting flight and took our last glass of wine out on their patio to sit and relax. Can you name another winery that has views like this of the bay and this weather? It really was one of our favorite parts of the day thus far and the wine was delicious.
Next to Bluxome is a fun jewelry store called Mashka’s. Everything inside is handmade, gorgeous and truly one of a kind. Next time, we will definitely have to spend more time there. They had these beautiful sterling silver bangles that open up like a pea pod to beads or stones. Absolutely stunning!
We also came across a fantastic card shop called Lola of North Beach. Here you will find not only cards, but books, games, shopping bags and even baby items. Sarah, the manager was delightful and she showed us their newly designed bag. I also picked up a new iced coffee tumbler. (Hello, my name is April, and I am an iced coffee-aholic! My husband bought me an espresso machine to use at home and so now, instead of driving over to Starbucks everyday, I make my own iced vanilla lattes and just buy cups!) We also purchased a cute number nine sparkler to use for our wedding anniversary coming up. I could have spent hours in here!
Once we finished up shopping, we found another winery called Wattle Creek. I loved walking in and being hit immediately with this fun, sexy vibe. They have velvet curtains, purple lighting and white lacquer bars. Rhinestone necklaces and big funky bangles among other statement jewelry by JCB can be found there. I think it’s amazing that I can do a wine tasting flight and shop while doing so! I must say, our sommelier, Jesse, made our time there fun and entertaining. He started us off with champagne, so of course, that immediately won me over. After sipping on wine and chatting a bit, he pulled out an AMAZING sparkling sirrah. I have never been a huge red wine drinker but this is all changing after tasting Wattle Creek’s sparkling sirrah! After pouring me a second tasting, we purchased a bottle to take home with us to drink on our anniversary. It truly is a delicious wine and for this reason, I will for sure need to make it back out here and stock our wine bar with it. It’s that good!
Hungry as can be, we walked around the square and found this fabulous California-Italian restaurant, Waxman’s. You immediately feel right at home here. I loved the old wooden artwork and brick walls that surrounded us yet it still felt very elegant and classy. They have a full bar and brought us the most delicious and colorful drinks to start; along with the bruschetta. I had an aperol spritz while my husband had an old-fashioned as well as a dark and stormy. We ordered the gnocchi dish and hands down, its the best gnocchi I have ever had! It literally melts in your mouth and comes adorned with edible flowers. I could have licked the plate clean but I refrained from doing so. For our main course, my husband ordered their signature chicken dish while I ordered the cioppino. My cioppino came with a large crab cake on top. Both were spectacular and we decided to share with each other so we could taste both. I honestly don’t know how we managed, but we ordered two desserts as well. My husband enjoyed the polenta biscuit with mascarpone cream, strawberries and lemon curd while I had the peach crostata with brown butter semifreddo and caramel. Neil and I were so impressed with the food and drinks that I can’t wait to go back. All of their carefully picked ingredients come from California and they have been recognized as one of the top 25 restaurants in the San Francisco area on Gayot. It truly is a gem in Ghirardelli Square.
Full from dinner, we decided to take a stroll on the beach that is literally across the street from Ghirardelli Square and watched a beautiful sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge. We talked about how fun the day had been and how much we needed it after this past year being so difficult. As much as we love our children, taking time to just be the two of us is really important. I am so glad we decided on Ghirardelli Square for our day together. We plan to come back and explore the many other stores we didn’t have time to check out in the near future and maybe even grab some of that delicious chocolate and ice cream everyone raves about. Speaking of chocolate, Ghirardelli is having their annual chocolate festival on September 9th and 10th. I know I am going, are you?
Outfit Details:
Dress | Loveshackfancy (sold out)
Shoes | Jack Rogers
Earrings | Anthropologie
Bag | Banago (here in zig/zag print)
About The Author
April
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Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
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SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
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In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
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Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
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Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Hannah| 19th Jun 17
This sounds like the perfect getaway! Glad you had fun!
April | 21st Jun 17
It was! Thanks for reading!
Minnelle| 19th Jun 17
I really enjoyed your post and the photos are beautiful!
Courtney Bentley| 20th Jun 17
super lovely and beautiful photos! It’s like taking us with your shopping and dining!
Courtney Bentley ||http://www.starsystemz.com
Rachelle| 20th Jun 17
That food looks delicious! And don’t get me started on that view…
Liz| 20th Jun 17
Omg your poor little boy! When I was little I was always terrified that I’d be orphaned for some reason! Thankfully I grew out of it, as your boy will too!
Love your photos! Does your husband take them? It’s almost impossible to get my boyfriend to take my photos much less so many good ones!
VVEEKEND 101 | 20th Jun 17
looks like a fun place to spend the day!! lovely sunset photo too. <3
VVEEKEND 101
Shruthi| 20th Jun 17
Wow, this looks like the perfect day! Not to mention your photos are absolutely GORGEOUS. And I like your earrings a lot… <3 I'll have to add this to my CA bucket list!
Cheers,
Shruthi, thehonestshruth.com
Delaney| 20th Jun 17
I really love this dress! I feel like it needs to be added to my closet for this summer.
Laura Mitbrodt| 20th Jun 17
Your dress is so pretty, it looks like you had a great day!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
erica| 20th Jun 17
Your photos look great! Makes me miss San Francisco.
Kristen | 21st Jun 17
Sounds and looks like a great time! Sometimes you just need that time away to see and explore. Beautiful photos.
Emily Soto| 21st Jun 17
What a fun spot! Sounds like the perfect day!
Becca| 21st Jun 17
Shopping+wine sounds like a dangerous combination 😉 These photos are gorgeous and I love how you took us through the entire day. Honestly sounds like a great place to visit whether its with the hubby or a group of ladies.
-Becca
http://www.lexiandlady.com
#SCsister 😉
Nicole Raithel| 21st Jun 17
Seriously looked amazing! and your whole look is to die for. i love everything about it! Glad you had fun!!!
Nicole / theleopardcoat.com
Caitlin | Beauty & Colour| 21st Jun 17
SF is so gorgeous, thanks for sharing!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
Linda| 21st Jun 17
WOW. Looks like so much fun! Beautiful photos!
Linda
Azanique| 21st Jun 17
Your dress is so beautiful! All that food looks absolutely amazing, too
– xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Style Vicksen | 22nd Jun 17
Sounds like you had a great time! Your dress is very pretty!
Andi| 22nd Jun 17
What a special day! And that dress is insanely beautiful!
xoxo,
Andi
http://www.ouiwegirl.com