San Francisco treats

Travel America, Nov-Dec, 2004

Local Tastes of the City Tours takes small groups of inquisitive, food-minded travelers on three-hour walking adventures that explore the soul of a San Francisco neighborhood, such as North Beach, Chinatown, or Golden Gate Park. The Fisherman's Wharf tour includes a bay cruise with local fishermen after the meal.

Tour members not only sample culinary delicacies in bakeries, restaurants, and cafes, but they see the bakers and chefs preparing the foods. Also included are visits with artisans at work, perhaps in a pottery studio or Chinese calligrapher's shop. Each tour may be followed by a multi-course meal at a neighborhood restaurant. Prices range from $49 to $89, depending on the tour and whether the meal is included. Contact: Local Tastes of the City Tours, (888) 358-8687; www.localtastesofthecitytours.com.