Blogger Kelly Huibregtse's Guide To San Francisco

For Kelly Huibregtse, life is all about balance. On top of caring for premature infants as a NICU doctor, she also makes time to share original recipes, travel inspiration, and style and design ideas on her popular blog, A Side of Sweet.

The self-proclaimed workaholic works to prioritize her health, exercising regularly and being mindful of nutrition. (She provides plenty of health tips in her blog posts.) However, that doesn't stop Huibregtse from indulging every now and then as she eats her way through the delicious San Francisco food scene.

After moving to San Francisco five years ago with her husband, the foodie has totally immersed herself in the city's "cosmopolitan, foggy and charming" character. "Every neighborhood is completely different and amazing in its own way," she explains. "You can feel the change even when you walk a couple of blocks, and there are always new restaurants to explore."

When she's not traveling the world or crafting San Francisco food guides, you might find Huibregtse enjoying the lemon ricotta pancakes at Plow or working out among the towering eucalyptus trees in Golden Gate Park. Check out all of this San Francisco foodie's favorite spots around town:

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What neighborhood do you live in? I live in Potrero Hill which is a southeastern neighborhood full of hidden gems and tons of sunshine!

What’s your occupation? Although I work almost full-time as a blogger and photographer, I have another job too. I’m a doctor and I take care of premature babies in the NICU.

Describe San Francisco in three words: Cosmopolitan, foggy, charming

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? It changes almost every day!

Best sushi: If you want to splurge, Kusakabe has crazy good Michelin-level sushi. For something more affordable but still fresh, check out Umi.

Best dessert: The delicious and photogenic Baked Hawaii at Liholiho Yacht Club.

Best pizza: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is a North Beach classic with amazing thin-crust pies.

Best spot for a quick lunch: Souvla. I can’t get enough of their amazing salads and gyros.

Best food truck: Bowl’d Acai for one of their healthy and colorful acai bowls.

Best spot for a romantic date: Grab a glass of Champagne at The Riddler Champagne bar.

Best glass of wine: Cultivar has small batches of their own wine and delicious small bites to pair them with.

Best Sunday brunch: The Plow Platter at Plow in Potrero Hill is the stuff dreams are made of! I can’t get enough of their lemon ricotta pancakes or their perfectly crispy breakfast potatoes.

Best cup of coffee: It’s hard to choose because there are so many in San Francisco! I’d have to say Provender Coffee in Potrero Hill because it’s off the beaten path and super cute, and Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters for a selfie in front of their famous pineapple wallpaper.

Best steak: Morton’s the Steakhouse is super old-school and their steak is tops!

Best craft cocktail: I love the cocktails at Leo’s Oyster Bar and their decor is amazing. They have this beautiful palm print wallpaper and total tiki vibes.

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? My favorite hotel in San Francisco is the Palace Hotel. It has old-school glamour but the rooms are newly remodeled and are very modern and chic. Their high tea on the weekends is so much fun!

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Fillmore Street has great boutique shopping with big names like Nars and Rag & Bone and charming independent retailers as well.

Best gym or fitness studio: The best place to work out in San Francisco is Golden Gate Park. You’ll find miles and miles of trails and bike paths with views of the Pacific Ocean, towering eucalyptus trees and open grassy spaces.

Best spa: Onsen — a Japanese bathhouse and tea room.

Favorite cultural event: Bay to Breakers is a cultural phenomenon in San Francisco. It’s a 12K race that runs from one end of the city to the other. People dress up in crazy costumes and many of the houses along the course throw parties. About 75 thousand people run each year.

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in San Francisco? I love the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, especially the Bouquets to Art Exhibit in the spring, where artists create floral sculptures inspired by art.

Best historic or iconic San Francisco landmark to see or explore: You really can’t visit San Francisco without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. Seeing it never gets old!

The best aspect of San Francisco is: Every neighborhood is completely different and amazing in its own way. You can feel the change even when you walk a couple of blocks, and there are always new restaurants to explore.

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More city guides from notable San Franciscans:

• Rich Table Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich's Guide To San Francisco
• 'Allie Eats' Blogger Allie Tong's Guide To San Francisco
• Food Blogger Sarah Chorey's Guide To San Francisco
  

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Image Credit: Kelly Huibregtse