San Francisco Sightseeing Tradition: Sourdough Bread

Stopping to watch the bakers making bread at Boudin Bakery is one of my favorite things to do.  As I watch them twist and twirl the dough, I remember the story about the enterprising entrepreneur – dating back to the Gold Rush days – who brought sourdough to San Francisco. 
 

Window gazing at Boudin's Sourdough!

Sourdough Bread is a slightly bitter, no yeast loaf.  I often purchase a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread at SFO airport when I depart and use as gifts on my trips.  

This is a San Francisco tradition, started by Isadore Boudin in 1849, although sourdough dates back to Eygptians 4,000 years ago.  The demand for sourdough by miners was common during the gold rush as they picked up sour starters to take with them on their trips to the gold rush country.

 

Boudin's Sourdough

Why is San Francisco popular with this tradition? Some stories advise because of the spores, fungi, and bacteria in the San Francisco air, others say it is the fog that gives this special taste.... what do you think? Is it marketing?

Things to Do in San Francisco

I simply enjoy the taste. 

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Don’t Miss this Lunch or Snack: Buy a sourdough sandwich from Boudin’s, cup of fresh clam chowder soup from the fisherman vendors, and enjoy with a bottle of Anchor Steam Beer.  My San Francisco treat and experience – as you reminisce these enterprising entrepreneur stories. 

Out and about, even in the rain ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

Continue reading with our fun  Dresden's Christstollen Bakery in Germany story!

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Discover my Favorite San Jose Restaurant on a Walking Spree

Brews in San Jose, CA 

This "story" is about a favorite restaurant and brewing company which started in Silicon Valley. 

I recently had a request to meet up with out-of-town business colleagues – visitors to San Jose (from Canada and New York ) – who were in town for a conference. When they asked me where to eat, I asked, "Do you like beer?" The answer was "yes" and I knew exactly where to go.

Yes, it is fun to take this social media to another level, and meet up with professionals with whom you have been interacting with in different online forums for a couple of years. And, it was fun to tell some insider secrets about San Jose while walking to dinner from their hotel.   

Dinner, I chose an upscale, lively, casual, and fun place to go. The  idea for this restaurant was created in the south bay by 2 businessmen in 1987. No, not a wine place this time, it involves beer brewery.  Gordon Biersch (Known as GB). Yes, most people know about Gordon Biersch.

Two entrepreneurs, did you know Dan Gordon (brewer) and Dean Biersch (restauranteur and beer-lover) opened their first restaurant in downtown Palo Alto in 1988?  

And, they opened their state-of-the-art brewery and bottling facility in downtown San Jose in 1997.

Their vision, written on their website:  “To create a monument to beer, where people could come drink freshly-brewed beer and have a great meal simultaneously. Only authentic, German-style beers would be served and in the tradition of the ones Dan brewed while attending The Technical University of Munich, or the most renowned brewing school in the world.”

My type of place!  GB has this start-up Silicon Valley business history which blends with San Jose history.  And, most important, they have excellent beer, food, and a place to gather for amazing conversations (perhaps because of the beer?) 

Anyway, there is a great selection of food items to choose from which meets most everyone’s needs. If you should not be a beer enthusiast, there is a full bar available.  I haven’t tried any bar drinks though. Personally, I love the German-style beer.

Worth a splurge:  Add the Garlic Fries, soooo tasty! 

Dinner meet-up at Gordon Biersch

Gordon Biersch San Jose CA Courtesy of Miranda Miller

There are tours available at the brewery upon request and by appointment only.

It is all about the dinner.  What is your favorite entree?  

Walking tour on the way to eat dinner ~ have fun! The Fun Tour Guru 

Yes, upon request, I will show you highlights of San Jose too on a walking spree.  

Did You Know? San Jose, CA First Capital of California

Where is the Fun Tour Guru these days?  Always out gathering new stories off the beaten path of places, interesting people, and unusual businesses.  I have a keen insight to find that secret that others may miss.

Pardon the absence, I have to schedule time away periodically to gather this research to share with everyone.  Yep, I know, it is a tough life, someone has to do this. (says with a grin)

Today, the pictures-of-the-week are in San Jose, CA.  Many people think of Silicon Valley as the modern, up-to-date, technology center to work in.  Between the modern buildings, you will discover history dating back to 1700 and 1800.  Imagine walking down the muddy roads lined with adobe dwellings on each side.

People in early Santa Clara Valley raised cattle and grew crops to support the Spanish garrisons in San Francisco and Monterey.  Luis Maria Peralta was an important landowner and head of a large family.  The Peralta Adobe built in 1797 was owned by Peralta family until 1876.  San Jose was known as the Valley of Hearts Delight, an era of orchards and canneries, agriculture.

Perhaps the first entrepreneurs of California were because of the Gold Rush, with people finding innovative ways to supply the miners. Precursor of Silicon Valley entrepreneur spirit.  What is your favorite tale of this period? 

Peralta Adobe 1700, oldest dwelling in San Jose, CA with contrast of new high rise office buildings behind

Crown of Palms, tribute to San Jose, CA First  State Capital of California, 1800

"Center" of Crown of Palms, San Jose, CA

Stop reading that guidebook and go outside and find that special secret in your travels.  ~~ The Fun Tour Guru

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Los Angeles, California

A quick trip down the coast.  What is there to do while waiting for your shuttle?  Look around.

Bob Hope USO & Palm Trees? I must be in LA

 

View from my room

Well, we may not always get the view of the ocean - this is fun to see.~~ The Fun Tour Guru

Picture of the Week, Santa Clara, CA

I hesitated to share this picture this week (wintertime) as I think about my many east coast friends and their challenges of the snow blizzards this week. I did add it to Lighthouse Travel facebook page (see, you need to follow me in all places) and received likes yesterday. 

This is a tribute to the east side of USA, Canada, and other places where you may be snowbound. I do understand, as I did live in those regions once upon a time.

I took the picture on 02/01/2010. Mission Santa Clara is an amazing sightseeing stop for visitors to Silicon Valley. It is also a place I go when I need a break to get away from the office.  

Mission Santa Clara

Take that break to refresh yourself!  The Fun Tour Guru

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