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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. Christoph Börgers Avatar
    Christoph Börgers

    Hi Luisa, your dad just told me about your engagement, and showed me your blog. Congratulations!!! -Christoph

    Like

  2. Elizabeth Avatar

    How exciting! Congratulations!

    Like

  3. Hilary Avatar

    Wow, congrats! I’m engaged too and so are a few other food bloggers I read. You have such a sweet story.

    Like

  4. mollykath Avatar

    IEEEEE!!!!!!
    Congratulations!!!!!!
    Also, morning buns are my single favorite food item in the world, I think.

    Like

  5. umami girl Avatar

    Luisa, I just cried. Congratulations! And – who really cares by comparison, but I couldn’t not say it – that picture of the muffins is exquisite. Reading your blog makes me happy. Thank you!

    Like

  6. Sean Avatar

    OK, that last bit literally knocked the wind out of me and brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations! I’m thinking maybe a return for the honeymoon?

    Like

  7. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    Another lovely post. And engaged in SF (my city, born and raised!) – now it’s an extra-special place for you two. I think I’m in love with Ben!! Congratulations!

    Like

  8. kitty Avatar
    kitty

    That’s so happy!! Hie on over to kvetch.indiebride.com when you start planning and need some bridal sanity. Highly recommended!

    Like

  9. Julie Avatar

    Goodness gracious, how I do love romance. Congratulations, dear Luisa, and heartfelt wishes for eternal happiness, even more romance, and a life filled with meals and trips and moments that will be memorable for all kinds of joyous reasons…

    Like

  10. mc Avatar
    mc

    My husband also proposed to me while we were on vacation in San Francisco. My favorite city.

    Like

  11. emiglia Avatar

    Congratulations! That is such a sweet story… I’m so happy for you!

    Like

  12. Moriah Avatar

    Oh my god – congratulations! You almost had me tearing up at work.
    I’m so happy for both of you!

    Like

  13. Lindy Avatar

    How very, very lovely.

    Like

  14. beth lee Avatar
    beth lee

    I, too am enchanted by San Franciso. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Ben, kudos to you for asking Luisa to marry you while you were in Napa! I’m happy for the two of you. Best wishes.
    Beth

    Like

  15. Cookie Avatar
    Cookie

    Delurking to say oh congratulations dear Luisa! I am so happy for you and Ben AND that it happened in my beloved northern California. Although I don’t know either of you personally (except through this lovely blog), I wish you all the best, and years upon years of happiness!

    Like

  16. mk Avatar
    mk

    Wow — congratulations! Totally unexpected when I started reading the post. Wishing you all the best!

    Like

  17. Debbie Avatar

    I’m a first time visitor and just had to say what a wonderful way for Matt to propose. May you both have a long and joyful life together.

    Like

  18. Whitney Warren Avatar
    Whitney Warren

    Wow! Congratulations! I broke into a huge smile when I saw your news. It’s strange, but sine I read your blog all the time I feel like I know you, like we’re friends, and then I remember you don’t even know me. But either way, here’s one more person who is so happy for you. Enjoy!

    Like

  19. Sommelier Avatar
    Sommelier

    Congratulations, and all the best wishes in the world.
    Ben: You are one incredibly fortunate man!

    Like

  20. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Congratulations! I often read, never comment, but this is worth speaking up about about. All the best.

    Like

  21. Brettne Bloom Avatar
    Brettne Bloom

    This brought tears to my eyes! I am thrilled for you and Ben and wish you a delicious life together!

    Like

  22. alexandra Avatar
    alexandra

    Ben is lucky because from the little I know of you, it seems like you can cook and I know you can really write!

    Like

  23. Heather Avatar

    I’m a little late with this, but congrats. What a perfect ending to what sounds like a perfect trip out west. All the best!

    Like

  24. Celeste Avatar
    Celeste

    Luisa, I am so happy for you! Don’t even know you but I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and am overjoyed. I’ve been waiting!! All my best wishes to you.

    Like

  25. Familia Avatar

    San Francisco will do that to you!

    Like

  26. abadeeba Avatar

    Doughnut muffins?? oh my. that sounds so good. i’m a sucker for anything doughnut. oh…and congrats on the engagement. that sounds good too.

    Like

  27. chicky*bits Avatar

    CONGRATULATIONS! I’ve been a lurker for a while, but was compelled to finally leave a comment on this wonderful news 🙂
    Keep up the great work!

    Like

  28. Melissa Avatar

    This is such wonderful news Luisa – congratulations to you both! Marriage is a wild and wonderful adventure, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do. 🙂

    Like

  29. Zarah Maria Avatar

    Terribly late to the party, but my goodness Luisa: CONGRATULATIONS!! 😀

    Like

  30. susu Avatar
    susu

    Congratulations! you look so beautiful 🙂 i’ve been lurking (sorry!) and love what i read. thanks for sharing. best of luck to you both

    Like

  31. charlotte s Avatar
    charlotte s

    congratulations! wishing you a beautiful life together, filled with love and happiness!

    Like

  32. Rebecca Avatar

    Congrats! Love your recipes and stories!

    Like

  33. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    Congratulations!
    And as a San Franciscan, I’m thrilled it happened here. Well, relatively here.

    Like

  34. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Dear Luisa, congratulations! I am just a reader (and never a commenter) on your blog, but as a San Francisco resident, I loved this post for your lovely words about my favorite city and some of my favorite things to eat.
    I also just took a nearly identical photo a few weeks ago of my husband and I on the steps of our cottage at the Carneros Inn, and can’t think of a better place for a proposal. How romantic! We were celebrating our 5th anniversary, and the upcoming birth of our first child, so I think it must be a very lucky spot and I wish you much, much happiness and joy in your marriage.

    Like

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