'Allie Eats' Blogger Allie Tong's Guide To San Francisco

For food blogger Allie Tong, eating is more than a way of life — it's her favorite pastime. The phrase, "Live to eat. Don't eat to live," rings abundantly true on her food blog Allie Eats, which showcases mouthwatering food finds in the Bay Area and beyond.

Named one of Zagat's top 101 foodies of 2017, Tong is constantly collaborating with the best restaurants and food brands around, allowing her to taste and explore the city in the most delicious fashion. She also works as a social media manager for af&co, a San Francisco-based restaurant and hospitality consulting agency.

The Bay Area native describes the city as "off the wall," and loves the acceptance, progress and unique measure of success it has to offer. "Success in San Francisco can be defined in so many different ways that it attracts people from all backgrounds with all kinds of dreams," says Tong.

When she's not trying out the best local restaurants or taking photos of delectable dishes, Tong likes to unwind by brunching with friends at Plow or exploring the Asian Art Museum. As far as her favorite places around town go, there's a little something for everyone. Here are a few of her must-visit spots around San Francisco:

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What neighborhood do you live in? Lower Pac Heights near Japantown.

What’s your occupation? I am the social media manager at af&co., a restaurant and hospitality consulting agency based in San Francisco.

Describe San Francisco in three words: Off the wall.

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? This is a hard choice because there are so many great restaurants in San Francisco! But a convenient, casual spot that I can always count on is Burma Love (from the same owners as Burma Superstar, which has multiple locations around the Bay).

Best sushi: Wako

Best Italian food: Il Casaro

Best dessert: Garden Creamery and Powder Shaved Snow

Best pizza: Slice House

Best spot for a quick lunch: Azalina’s

Best food truck: Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos

Best spot for a romantic date: La Mar

Best Sunday brunch: Plow

Best spot for a power business meeting: Villon

Best cup of coffee or tea: Ritual for coffee and Boba Guys for tea.

Best craft cocktail: Pacific Cocktail Haven

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? The InterContinental San Francisco because it has a great, convenient location and is reasonably priced for a modern hotel.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: The various shops on Hayes Street.

Best gym or fitness studio: I use ClassPass so I go to multiple studios, but my favorite workout is always at Pure Barre.

Best spa: Kabuki Springs & Spa

Favorite charity event or organization: Taste of the Nation to benefit No Kid Hungry (national) and Taste of Potrero to benefit Daniel Webster Elementary (local).

Favorite cultural event: The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown

Favorite cultural institution: Asian Art Museum — it has a new cafe experience that is on my list to try called Sunday at the Museum, started by the owners of Boba Guys and Sunday Bird!

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in San Francisco? de Young Museum for their observation tower.

Best iconic San Francisco landmark to explore: Twin Peaks on a clear, sunny day.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in San Francisco? The Ferry Building Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. They have a great selection of vendors ranging from produce and cheese to baked goods and prepared foods.

The best aspect of San Francisco is: Success in San Francisco can be defined in so many different ways, and that attracts people from all backgrounds with all kinds of dreams, making the city diverse in multiple aspects, not just by race. It also amazes me how open and accepting the people here are, which has allowed the city to truly progress.

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Photo Credit: Allie Tong