Happiness Has an Address

Maybe you didn't know this, but Happiness lives at 501 Dolores St, a.k.a. Dolores Park Cafe. It's my new favoritist spot in San Francisco, and I have told so many people about it over the last few days and fantasized so much about their mango smoothie (the one that "changed my life") that it's gone beyond a funny little joke to down right obnoxious.

I met a student there on a sunny Wednesday morning, and got said smoothie (the one that changed my life), enjoying the bright, open view of Dolores Park, the fantastic people watching out the huge windows, and the friendly, happy vibe that seemed to be contagious in all their patrons.

I was even able to drag Chris out of bed [semi] early this morning so that we could ride our bikes over and enjoy our "Saturday morning breakfast in a new place" ritual. Needless to say, it was a happy morning.

Cafe Cubano, a cornmeal raspberry scone and the most beautiful bowl of oatmeal you've ever seen (yes, even oatmeal is beautiful there!)... both our mouths were very happy.

We watched people come & go, walking dogs of all shapes & sizes to the park, and then took a stroll down to another one of the happiest places in the city, Bi Rite Market. Bi Rite is this quaint little store that sells all things delicious & lovely (and expensive). It has aisles of $15 chocolate bars, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and fruits & vegetables that look like they should be used for painting still-life's, rather than eating. There is a huge stand of perfect flowers outside, and the Bi Rite Ice Creamery across the street.

I love to walk around, oohing & ahhing over the beautiful food, thinking of the damage I could do, if only we could afford a $12 hunk of cheese or a $15 mini cake.

After that, we took Gavin to the beach and watched him case tennis balls into the ocean until he almost fell over from exhaustion. Although it's chilly & windy out, it is sunny & beautiful-- a perfect Saturday.