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    Liam’s Love List

    By Liam P. Mayclem —

    Cupid is in the air full throttle this time of year. For me, though, love should be showered upon your amore every single day of the year and not just on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

    San Francisco is regarded as one of the most romantic cities in the world, rivaling Paris or Rome. While San Francisco lacks the extensive romance-related written history of these older cities, it does have a constant whiff of romance in the air with much to warm LGBTQ hearts. 

    Consider doing the following:

    Explore LGBTQ history with your love by strolling along Castro Street’s Rainbow Honor Walk and learn of the leaders and pioneers who came before us.

    How about a picnic? Grab some baked goodies from Tartine Bakery on 18th Street and stroll on over to Dolores Park for a picnic. I also recommend a romantic walk across the Golden Gate Bridge followed by enjoying a picnic or some tasty Tartine goodies at the lookout at the north end of the bridge.

    View a classic, romantic film at the historic Castro Theatre, when such films are shown there again. For many of us, this was one of life’s most romantic and simple pleasures.

    These are just a few of the local activities that won’t break the bank and will keep love hearts aglow.

    The time-honored tradition of dining out is indeed a thing for many of us on Valentine’s Day, but as you know, getting a resy can be tough and the price point for a V-day dinner can be steep! Nevertheless, the splurge to do something special with your boo can certainly be worth it. Among my favorite spots for romance:

    • savoring the Spanish love vibes at Canela on Market;
    • enjoying a window seat and oysters at Billingsgate in Noe Valley;
    • sitting under the Bay Bridge lights at Waterbar on the waterfront. 

    If your love potion is dinner and a film, Foreign Cinema in the Mission showcases classic films for you to feast on as you enjoy some very fine dining by Chefs John Clark and Gayle Pirie. 

    For music aficionados, there are two hot spots I love where food and entertainment hit the high notes in equal measure.

    Berber has live music many nights of the week. Enjoy dinner first followed by the show. Another fave where love lives in the good company of music and cocktails is Feinstein’s at the Nikko. This Valentine’s Day, a Bay Area treasure and jazz siren, Ms. Golden Pipes Paula West, will be performing.

    Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers. Get your love on!

    Romantic Views + Fine Dining
    Waterbar 
    https://www.waterbarsf.com

    Picnic in the Park
    Tartine Picnic at Dolores Park
    https://tinyurl.com/3a5d5hwv

    Bridge and Bubbles
    Golden Gate Bridge
    https://tinyurl.com/mr298ej2

    Love Our LGBTQ History
    Rainbow Honor Walk
    http://rainbowhonorwalk.org/

    Champagne & Oysters
    Billingsgate
    https://www.billingsgatesf.com

    Michelin-Worthy Dinner and Show
    Berber
    https://www.berbersf.com

    More Michelin Stars
    Atelier Crenn
    https://www.ateliercrenn.com

    Garden Dinner Under the Stars
    Fable
    https://www.fablesf.com

    A Taste of Spain
    Canela
    https://canelasf.com

    Movie and Dinner
    Foreign Cinema
    http://foreigncinema.com

    Concert & Cocktails
    Feinstein’s at the Nikko
    https://tinyurl.com/bdf6jhuu

    Put on the Ritz
    Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
    https://tinyurl.com/45stsfjk

    Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/

    Liam’s LGBTQI List
    Published on February 9, 2023