My birthday was this past week. To celebrate, Kiley and I traveled to San Francisco for an awesome birthday vacation weekend.  We stayed with my cousin and her husband in Berkley.  The weather was amazing and a great escape from the midwest cold spell.

We hiked over 5 miles in Muir Woods and I saw my first Redwood!  I was in awe.  There is something magical about that area. John Muir should be elevated to sainthood or superhuman status for preserving these areas and for being the father of National Parks!  If it were up to humans, there would be a Walmart Supercenter smack dab in the middle.

Another big milestone was getting to eat at Alice Water’s restaurant Chez Panisse which is located in Berkley. I’ve been a huge fan of hers for years.  I had roast chicken wrapped in pancetta with braised brussels sprouts and pureed root vegetables.  My cousin and I shared an amazing vanilla bean ice cream with chestnut honey and Marcona almonds. Swoooon! It did not disappoint.

We also managed to visit some dear friends that live in the city that have the most amazing view of downtown.  We went to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). That night, we ate at Kennedy’s Irish Pub and Curry House. Ha…with a name like that, how could we pass it up!  And let me tell you, that was the best dang curry I’ve ever had. Who knew that the Irish were curry geniuses!

I wish we had more time there because the food was stellar, the views were sublime, and the weather was serene.  I can’t wait to go back.