Moss Beach Distillery: Blue Lady Ghost

This is a blog about what I do.

The Moss Beach Distillery was a former speak easy of the 1920’s prohibition era. Lying on the San Mateo Coast booze was run from Canada to the U.S. to support patrons desires. It became a popular night spot for San Francisco silent film stars and politicians. Mystery writer Dashiell Hammett was a frequent visitor and used the restaurant as a backdrop for one of his detective stories.

The story goes a young woman who frequently dressed in blue fell in love with the speak easy piano player, a man of questionable virtues. She was married. While walking together on the beach below the restaurant one evening she was killed and he assaulted, however survived. Restaurant employees and patrons still feel her presence in odd instances such as phone calls with no response, computer glitches, and missing jewelry which is later found. It is thought she is seeking her lost lover.

The restaurant continues to prosper during covid times. While not allowed inside the restaurant, customers dine on the outside deck overlooking the ocean vistas. Cuisine is varied, tasty, and patrons are friendly. While dining there I conversed with several folks from all parts of the world. It’s worth the drive. Here are some views of the Pacific Coast Highway en route to the restaurant.

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San Francisco: Day time

Started the day early as only had one full day in town. Drove Lomardi Street

From the top of Lombardi Street, view of Alcatraz Island

which is an experience and turned to find myself at the chocolate palace of Ghirardelli Square.

This area has many shops and borders on the National Maritime Park.

Several early morning swimmers were seen taking a dip in the cold Pacific Ocean

and walking beyond that area Fisherman’s Wharf was found.

At this early hour fisherman were viewed starting their day,

restaurant workers began sorting their fare,

and the main attraction… the California sea lions on Pier 39.

Now while nothing could top the sea lions, finding Boudin Bakery and being allowed early entrance for retail and caloric damage takes a close second. The Boudin Bakery is where San Francisco sourdough bread began. While tours are not available due to covid one can have a window view of the family’s time honored traditions which date back to 1849.

From here I began my journey to Golden Gate Park, however, catching a glimpse of The Palace of Fine Arts I quickly u turned. These gardens were constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition and then recreated in the late 1960’s through 1970. What a place of great beauty.

While continuing the journey to Golden Gate Park more views of the Bridge appeared.

Golden Gate Park is a free park managed by the City of San Francisco. According to Auntie Google it is the third most visited park in the nation. It even has a street named Nancy Pelosi Way, my they love their Nancy! While there I visited the Japanese Tea Garden and while not free, worth the price. The garden is a place of serenity and offers authentic Japanese fare.

After the peace of the Tea Garden returned to Chinatown to explore further. This Chinatown is similar to others in the country with its many busy shoppers. Unable to visit NYC Chinatown for over 10 months was ecstatic to find bakery delicacies to enjoy once home. Yum…

San Francisco is named for St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment. Visited the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi which was proximate to Chinatown.

Thank you, St. Francis for the wonderful visit.

Next: A San Francisco Mystery

San Francisco: Night time…

This is a blog about what I do.

When Tony Bennett sings I Left My Heart in San Francisco I now understand as I left mine there as well. San Francisco has beauty, culture, and a variety of things to see and do. While concerned about pandemic warnings I found many things outside to see and do. Read on.

San Francisco has a very small town appeal. Staying at the Columbus Inn I was proximate to the wharf, Chinatown, and all major freeways. Arriving in town at 5 pm I rented a car and explored the downtown area. This area has many high end stores and the Christmas decorations were like none ever seen.

From here I located the Golden Gate Bridge for a night time view. A must see.

Then on to a tour of San Francisco homes and shops decorated for Christmas.

When I found myself lost from my evening tour I came across the Coit Tower which is dedicated to firefighters who lost their lives in San Francisco fires. Pictured below are the Tower and views from Telegraph Hill.

Next: A daytime visit of San Francisco…