First stop; Cookin – its on Divisadero, just South of Oak Street. This store has been there for years and is filled with everything under the sun to do with the culinary world. The owner probably buys most of the items at estate sales, garage sales and stores that are going out of business. Some of the dishes and pots will bring back memories of visits to Grandma’s house while others are still in the original package. Stacks of pans, tables with pyramids of pots and shelves of cookbooks, platters, coffee pots, chafing dishes and casserole dishes. There is probably not one category for cooking gadgets that isn’t covered. It’s fun as long as you have an interest in Cookin! Pop in down street for a delicious truffle or 2 or 3….Five Star Truffles @ 411 Divisadero St.

There are several other stops on Divis but for now, I’m going to move on to Irving (by-passing so many terrific stores) and visit Bastet’s Kindle – a shop dedicated to the good health & welfare of our feline friends by selling a little bit of everything from jewelry to candles, to chunks of minerals as well as vintage furniture. It’s on the corner @ 1501 Irving. I say, park the car or bike and travel the rest of the way on Muni. The N Judah is just a block away and will give you a relaxing tour of the Sunset District.

Get off at 46th or 47th and walk a block over back to Irving to The Last Straw @ 450 Irving … you’ll open drawer after drawer at this cozy spot. Each drawer filled with jewelry designed by locals….just so you know, they don’t take credit cards – cash only – but its worth a stop at the atm – oh, and call first to make sure its open …415.566.4692.

My last recommendation is The General Store on Judah & 45th (yes, back to Judah). The General Store is a very cool new store that carries clever items for the garden, great totes, interesting books and there is even some vintage thrown into the eclectic mix. There’s a cafe on the corner … so convenient for a time-out at the end of a interesting afternoon around our fair City. And you’re right there at the muni stop. Have fun and I’ll post again soon.

A new year represents a handful of hope. Hope to do better, visit an unknown place, see an old movie, cook an interesting ethnic recipe, climb a new mountain and shop. Yes, shop. So bring it on 2010 … we’re ready. Check back for a new format including pictures and an expanded category list. I like to let all the boutiques get themselves back together after the holidays. They’ll roll out Spring any day now and I’ll be right there for the preview and to review.

Crown & Crumpet
The work-shy week between Christmas and New Years belongs to the zealous bargain hunters. They tote giant bags of marked down merchandise- some items will be tucked away until next holiday season while others are useful immediately. Those who regard 12/26-12/31 as a hiatus from the mundane hours between Monday and Thursday will appreciate Crown & Crumpet, a perky adjunct to the typical routines. While open year-round, the link-week is an ideal time for a stroll aroundGhirardelli Square and a visit to Crown & Crumpet, the love child of Christopher and Amy Dean. Just know that it’ll be a very girly-girl experience. It’s not a spot for pre-football game gatherings but Alice in Wonderland will definitely feel right at home.

The sunny tea room and adjacent stylish boutique are brim full of cheerful color against a backdrop of white. Take a sip and a bite, relax, rejoice and reenergize. Perhaps a spot of jasmine tea or merry mango along with a plate of crumpets or plump scones, whose recipes have been orchestrated by acclaimed Bay Area Pastry Chef Caroline Romanski. Enjoy the delicious flavors while taking in the distinctive decor.

If a gift is on the errand list, the Crown & Crumpet boutique won’t disappoint. Choose from a variety of lovely tea kettles, useful tea trays, floral printed tea towels, charming tea spoons and delicate tea cups. Fans of well-known London designer, Cath Kidston will be impressed with the selection of her distinctive merchandise from floral print napkins to plump crest embellished pillows.

What better spot to repose than Crown & Crumpet at Ghirardelli Square

Crown & Crumpet – 207 Ghirardelli Square SF – 415.771.4252 -www.crownandcrumpet.com

And then there are the specialty stores in our neighborhoods that are so important to me. If you read my blog on NBC Bay Area, you’ll see that I’m now in week 19 and still going strong. I have a list of 14 more specialty retailers already to review for 2010. I meet interesting people who are enthusiastic about the future of retail in America, in our community and who also believe in supporting their neighbors.

So wherever you live, SHOP LOCAL! Its fun and rewarding. If this movement continues, big box stores will need to take a serious look at their position in the world of retail. Those of us that appreciate a greeting and a smile when we’re about to hand over our money will do an abrupt turn about when sales people ignore us or act as if we are intruding on their personal life.

Most days I have a list of stops and today is no exception. This morning I’ll be in Cole Valley, then West Portal before going over to Mill Valley to the organic farmers market and then back to North Beach. Isn’t shopping just wonderful! Have a great day.

Some of my favorites:

California Sunshine Olive Oil Co. – Their green olives are delicious and the olive oil is a must.

Calolea Olive Oil – Lemon oil is now a key ingredient in my salad dressing.

Kaia Foods – The sunflower seed snacks are addictive, low in calories and healthy.

Russian River Fine Foods – Chipotle ketchup is so good you can almost drink it.

Its so enjoyable to see dozens of companies under one roof who are so passionate about their products.

Comfy Clothes, Shoes, Handbags, etc.

• Soft knt tops & micro fiber jackets
• Flattering & comfy jeans; no more low-riders which make even the best figures look not-so-great
• Comfy shoes….specifically, sherpa lined slip-in clogs & FitFlops
• Light weight stylized totes and handbags
• Rich tone color palettes: eggplant, plum, pumpkin, cinnamon, chocolate
• Natural looks in make-up

What’s “OUT”

• Textured close-fitting short tops
• Low slung jeans
• Clunky shoes
• Heavy hardware on bags
• Bright colors
• Make-up that says: “Look at all the make-up I have on”

Next stop, Gold Beach, Oregon. Gold Beach is a small community just 40 miles or so over the California/Oregon border. The shoreline is breath-taking and the beaches are pristine. Really, the only place to shop is at the grocery stores (there are 2), The Gift & Drug Store, a local art gallery or the Fisherman’s Direct. I was curious, so I visited all but the local art gallery. The Gift & Drug proved to be a treasure of a stop. They had the predictable drugstore area, then a section of household items that could hold its own to the likes of William Sonoma….very impressive. And they even had cotton sweatshirts, offered in the latest fall colors. Fisherman’s Direct sold the freshest of fish plus cooking vessels and gourmet spices. Yes, once again, there was nothing that I couldn’t find in San Francisco but I was struck by the innovative and professional approach to retail. The buyers understand their customers needs and they provide quality items at competitive price points.

My final report is on a stop in Eureka at Eureka Organic Market. The owners are determined to be the best they can be. The store is spotless, employees are courteous and selection of merchandise is top quality. The mix is from typical grocery store offerings to a well run deli and on to clothing and household items to bulk spices and even baskets like you see being carried at Farmers Markets in France …. now that was something I could not resist! It was immediately put to use to carry the delicious deli sandwiches and organic potato chips we enjoyed on our picnic. So now its September and I look forward to reporting on all the changes in merchandise as the shops switch seasons.