At Julia’s birthday brunch at Perry’s on the Embarcadero (in the Hotel Griffon). Julia ordered pretty much everything on the menu, which was fine by me, ‘cause most of it got piled in my general vicinity. I supplemented my Cobb Salad (which was OK – why does no one ever put enough avocado in anything?) with part of Julia’s french toast, which was just perfect, and a bite of her bagel with lox (always my favorite). The Bloody Marys were boring boring – as basic as could be…and no celery stick, which to me is really the point of ordering a Bloody Mary.

Any suggestions for incredible San Fran-area restaurants that we should visit while we’re here?