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Not because of its beauty, its dramatic bridges and sweeping vistas (a nighttime drive up Twin Peaks took my breath away) though I couldn’t stop gaping at every corner. Not because of the romantic fog and bright, bright sunshine, both in one day – one minute – from corner to corner of the city.

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Not because of the food, even though – my goodness – it was good (from
morning buns at Tartine to the first burrito I ever liked at Taqueria
Cancun, from house-cured sardines at Zuni to the chili oil dabbed on
burrata at A16). And not because of the donut muffin from Downtown Bakery, the best cake for breakfast you’ll ever have.

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Not because of the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, which. Blew. My. Mind.
I mean, seriously? Every single mayor of every single town in America
should go to that market just to see how vibrant and healthy and
wonderful something like that is for municipal spirit (even if it
has to be just three tables instead of, oh, 50).

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Not because of the way that San Francisco kept reminding me of Berlin, the city I grew up in, with its independently owned businesses and quiet, residential blocks, even in the middle of town. With its efficient public transit and its lack of commercialization (relative – I live in New York, people). With its gorgeous architecture and clean streets and quiet cafes.

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But because on Saturday morning, as a surprise, Ben flew out to San Francisco, drove me up to Napa, and asked me to marry him.

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I said yes!

Posted in

184 responses to “On Why I’ll Always Remember My Trip to San Francisco”

  1. Lane Avatar
    Lane

    Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.

    Like

  2. Jade Avatar

    That is so exciting! Congratulations! What a beautiful spot to get engaged. All the best to you both 🙂

    Like

  3. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Wonderful! The best to you both.

    Like

  4. Jules Avatar

    Congratulations!
    I’ve been reading your site for at least a year, and admire both your cooking and your food photography greatly.

    Like

  5. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    CONGRATULATIONS!!

    Like

  6. Lisa Avatar

    Congrats you two! How romantic!

    Like

  7. Caro Avatar
    Caro

    Yay! What great news.

    Like

  8. Anne-Jet Avatar
    Anne-Jet

    That is so great! Look at you being so pretty together and happy! Congratulations from Amsterdam.

    Like

  9. Adam Avatar

    I didn’t see that coming! What a great post and what great news…. congratulations to you both!

    Like

  10. Geekgirl Avatar

    What wonderful news! Congratulations to you both. I wish you all the best.

    Like

  11. Jennywenny Avatar

    Congratulations, what lovely news and pretty photos for a tired tuesday morning. Thanks for brightening my day!

    Like

  12. Trisha Avatar

    Congratulations!!

    Like

  13. Dana Avatar

    CONGRATS! I just got married one month ago, and through my limited experience I can say marriage is wonderful. All the best to you both :).

    Like

  14. Doris Avatar
    Doris

    Congratuations! We’re having lunch in Napa on Saturday to celebrate our 35th anniversary.

    Like

  15. Melissa Avatar

    Oh my goodness! Congratulations! I let out a squeal of delight when I got to the end of this post. Many warm wishes to you!

    Like

  16. Casey Avatar

    MARVELOUS. What a gorgeous bride you’ll be. Kudos to Ben for a wildly romantic proposal.

    Like

  17. Foodfreak Avatar

    WOW and congratulations to you both. What a truly wonderful surprise on top of a great trip!

    Like

  18. RA Avatar

    Gasp! What a tease you are, Luisa! Love the reveal!
    Congratulations!

    Like

  19. Reeni Avatar

    How sweet! Congrats to both of you.

    Like

  20. pam Avatar
    pam

    How romantic!!! Best wishes for a spectacular life together!

    Like

  21. andrea Avatar
    andrea

    Congratulations to you both! What an amazing end to a lovely post and what must have been an even lovelier trip!!

    Like

  22. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    You made my day! What a wonderful story…and a happy ending to boot!

    Like

  23. Liana Avatar

    Whee! Congratulations!

    Like

  24. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Yeah! Congrats!

    Like

  25. Megan Avatar
    Megan

    WONDERFUL NEWS! Congratulations!

    Like

  26. Bernie Avatar
    Bernie

    De-lurking. Congratulations!! I wish you both the happiest of lives.

    Like

  27. ccr in MA Avatar

    Congratulations! What a lovely surprise.

    Like

  28. Adrienne Avatar

    Oh my goodness, how romantic! There are tears in my eyes – congratulations!

    Like

  29. Evan Avatar
    Evan

    Congratulations!

    Like

  30. jenny Avatar
    jenny

    oh my goodness, WHAT a surprise at the end. many, many congratulations to you both!!

    Like

  31. radish Avatar

    Oh my goodness – congratulations — that’s just so lovely!! So happy for you!

    Like

  32. Victoria Avatar

    A blog has never reduced me to tears before.
    And what about how nice it is to get some good news for a change!
    Congratulations to Ben. Good luck to you. I am happy, happy, happy for you both.
    Now you will be a “real” auntie!

    Like

  33. Elizabeth Avatar

    Congratulations! That’s a wonderful proposal.

    Like

  34. Jane Avatar

    Congratulations! Lovely story!

    Like

  35. Su-Lin Avatar

    Oh, congratulations!

    Like

  36. deb Avatar

    Oh! Squee! Happiness! Congrats! This story made my day.

    Like

  37. amy Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
    this is just wonderful news, and you guys look SO cute and happy!

    Like

  38. Clare Avatar

    What an amazing story! 🙂 I’m so happy you loved SF, my old home, and that you will always remember it for such a wonderful memory. Congratulations!

    Like

  39. tokyoastrogirl Avatar

    Sounds like the Best Weekened Ever:)! Congratulations to both of you!

    Like

  40. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    Congratulations! Terrific news!!!

    Like

  41. Molly Avatar

    AHHHHH! I am so, so, so happy for you, my friend. Grinning from ear to ear. Hurrah!
    P.S. Way to go, Ben.

    Like

  42. Choosy Beggar Tina Avatar

    WOW, congratulations!! What a wonderful and romantic story!!

    Like

  43. Kasey Avatar

    Congratulations, Luisa! I am so glad that you enjoyed my beautiful and cozy city and that it will always have a special place in your heart. P.S. That little stretch of 9th and Irving (my neighborhood!) has some of the best restaurants in the city–and the best bakery!

    Like

  44. Charmaine Avatar
    Charmaine

    Luisa,
    Wishing you happiness beyond your wildest expectations and beautiful memories that will be shared with those you love in years to come. My best to both of you!

    Like

  45. Lisa (Homesick Texan) Avatar

    Congratulations!!!! I’m so happy for the two of you and I can’t think of a more romantic proposal! Yay!

    Like

  46. Tracy Avatar

    whoa! I wasn’t expecting that after all of that lovely san francisco talk! congratulations! That’s totally sweet!

    Like

  47. nicole Avatar

    Hooray! So many congrats to you! And so glad you enjoyed my wonderful city.

    Like

  48. Shauna Avatar
    Shauna

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful news with us – Congratulations!

    Like

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