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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. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    This is THE best decision my son Ben ever made. I feel like adapting that song from the musical “Annie” with the refrain “We’ve got Annie, we’ve got Annie.” We’ve got Luisa, we’ve got Luisa. Hooray! Hooray!

    Like

  2. Honeybee Avatar

    It’s 8.28 a.m. over here in Switzerland, I’m at work and I have tears in my eyes. Congratulations! I am so very happy for you. I got married not even a month ago and I’m still walking on clouds. Enjoy every minute of the time running up to the wedding, it is unique and very special. All the best!!!

    Like

  3. jeen Avatar
    jeen

    Congratulations!!

    Like

  4. Sylvie Avatar

    Congratulations!

    Like

  5. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Woohoo! Such great news. Congrats to you both.

    Like

  6. Valerie Avatar
    Valerie

    Luisa, herzlichen Glueckwunsch! Such wonderful news. I am getting married next summer in Rome and love every minute of preparing our wedding. It’s a magical time – enjoy it!

    Like

  7. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    I truly just got a little lump in my throat and my eyes welled up! I’m so happy for you. Congratulations

    Like

  8. Kikibibi Avatar

    How wonderful! Many blessings to you both!

    Like

  9. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Yay! Congratulations!

    Like

  10. charlottecooks Avatar
    charlottecooks

    awwww.. super sweet
    congrats! i am misty eyed.

    Like

  11. Dee Carney Avatar

    WOOT! Congratulations to you both!! 😀

    Like

  12. maggie Avatar

    Ohmygosh how exciting! I’ve been reading your blog for years and just love it—I am thrilled for you both! Congratulations!!!
    I hope you enjoy this exciting time!

    Like

  13. evy Avatar
    evy

    Congratulations!
    I have been reading your food blog for quite some time now. Love your writing style and photos.

    Like

  14. Tea Avatar

    Oh my goodness! What lovely news, what a perfect post. I both giggled madly and got teary. Nicely done, Ben! I am so delighted for you two.
    It was lovely to get to see you, my dear. You must come back and make more memories soon!

    Like

  15. ann Avatar

    yayayayayaayayayayayayayYAY! I’m so happy for you both! What a wonderful story and how absolutely wonderful for you both.

    Like

  16. Erin Avatar

    You are so cute!!! What a wonderful post… San Francisco will always hold a special place in your heart. Best wishes!
    Your blog is great, too. I think this is my first time commenting, but I’ve been reading for a while 🙂

    Like

  17. Erinn Avatar

    Even though I am commenter 117 – I still had to say Congrats! And I’m so happy you loved SF. Now, for a very special reason, it will always be your city. Cheers!

    Like

  18. Yolanda Avatar
    Yolanda

    Congratulations!

    Like

  19. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) Avatar

    Congratulations!!! Such happy news. I’m so excited for both of you.

    Like

  20. Nadia Avatar
    Nadia

    Oh how wonderfully sweet! Congratulations on your engagement and happy planning.
    PS I love your blog.

    Like

  21. Victoria Avatar

    Congratulations to you both! Savor this time in your lives!

    Like

  22. Lindsay Avatar
    Lindsay

    Yeah! Tears in my eyes….

    Like

  23. Sarah Avatar

    Glory be! Congratulations! How very, very happy.

    Like

  24. Serena Avatar
    Serena

    Wir freuen uns sehr für euch! Stasera abbiamo festeggiato con spaghetti alle vongole e un buon vino la bella notizia. CONGRATULAZIONI !! Un abbraccio da Frankfurt! Serena, Emma e Balázs

    Like

  25. Lisa Avatar

    Congratulations! Way to go Ben!

    Like

  26. Linnet Avatar
    Linnet

    Congrats! 🙂

    Like

  27. kickpleat Avatar

    hooray! congratulations, that is the sweetest news of all.

    Like

  28. Dana N Wilson Avatar

    What a PERFECT way to propose! Those memories will be absolutely divine! Congrats!

    Like

  29. April Avatar
    April

    I am soooo happy for both of you! All the best!

    Like

  30. Dalia Avatar
    Dalia

    I really did not see that coming – I was enjoying your post, and then actually yelped when I got to the end. My husband thinks I’m a giant dork as I sit here with tears in my eyes. Congratulations!!

    Like

  31. Fiona Avatar
    Fiona

    Congrats Congrats Congrats!!! My husband also proposed to me in Napa. Much happiness to you and thank you for all the wonderful food writing!

    Like

  32. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Congratulations! What an exciting time in your life. Good luck.

    Like

  33. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Ohhhhh- made me quite teary too. How absolutely wonderful for you both. So lovely – thanks for the fun telling of it!

    Like

  34. Bonnie Avatar

    Ahhh the magic of San Francisco. A feast for the senses and the most perfect spot in all the world for a most welcome proposal. Nice work Ben – thanks for making Luisa’s heart sing.

    Like

  35. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    Ick könnt’ heulen, so schön iss das!

    Like

  36. anya Avatar

    Luisa, your story is beauty in its pure form. Congratulations!

    Like

  37. rainelyn Avatar

    oh myyy congratulations!

    Like

  38. zestycook Avatar

    Congrats you guys!!! That is great. I was in anticipation through the whole post. WOW awesome. I am so happy.

    Like

  39. jessie Avatar

    HUGE congrats! i’me recently engaged as well and it’s so much fun…such a surreal thing at times. i’m from southern california, but now live in the canary islands…we were engaged in sweden, my fiancé’s homeland…it was just as perfect as yours, i am sure. enjoy every minute of it!

    Like

  40. Spanish Bob in Toronto Avatar

    Congratulations!
    and remember, if you need a lay priest, I do have experience in that area… ; )
    awesome!
    say hi to Ben
    Bob

    Like

  41. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Congratulations!

    Like

  42. Biz Avatar

    Congratulations! What a great story!
    Best wishes,
    Biz

    Like

  43. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

    Like

  44. beth Avatar
    beth

    I just love the last picture of the two of you soooo happy. Congrats. I am delurking also. I enjoy your blog…it is absolutely charming and a pleasure to read.

    Like

  45. Jennifer Hess Avatar

    Congrats and best wishes to you both!

    Like

  46. sam Avatar

    wow! woo! congratulations. This is a beautiful story!

    Like

  47. cj Avatar
    cj

    Awesome Luisa! Donut muffins and an engagement ring? Doesn’t get better then that!

    Like

  48. Connie Avatar

    Just found you in the blogosphere last week, but congrats just the same!!! I love love-stories and hearing of dreams realized!!!
    I pray engagement and marriage proves as wonderful for you as it has been for me and my DH!!!

    Like

  49. Robin Avatar

    Yay! Best wishes!

    Like

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