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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
I said yes!
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Lane | September 30, 2008 at 10:48 AM
That is so exciting! Congratulations! What a beautiful spot to get engaged. All the best to you both :)
Posted by: Jade | September 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Wonderful! The best to you both.
Posted by: Christine | September 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Congratulations!
I've been reading your site for at least a year, and admire both your cooking and your food photography greatly.
Posted by: Jules | September 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Posted by: Rachael | September 30, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Congrats you two! How romantic!
Posted by: Lisa | September 30, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Yay! What great news.
Posted by: Caro | September 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM
That is so great! Look at you being so pretty together and happy! Congratulations from Amsterdam.
Posted by: Anne-Jet | September 30, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I didn't see that coming! What a great post and what great news.... congratulations to you both!
Posted by: Adam | September 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM
What wonderful news! Congratulations to you both. I wish you all the best.
Posted by: Geekgirl | September 30, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Congratulations, what lovely news and pretty photos for a tired tuesday morning. Thanks for brightening my day!
Posted by: Jennywenny | September 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Trisha | September 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
CONGRATS! I just got married one month ago, and through my limited experience I can say marriage is wonderful. All the best to you both :).
Posted by: Dana | September 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Congratuations! We're having lunch in Napa on Saturday to celebrate our 35th anniversary.
Posted by: Doris | September 30, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Oh my goodness! Congratulations! I let out a squeal of delight when I got to the end of this post. Many warm wishes to you!
Posted by: Melissa | September 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
MARVELOUS. What a gorgeous bride you'll be. Kudos to Ben for a wildly romantic proposal.
Posted by: Casey | September 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
WOW and congratulations to you both. What a truly wonderful surprise on top of a great trip!
Posted by: Foodfreak | September 30, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Gasp! What a tease you are, Luisa! Love the reveal!
Congratulations!
Posted by: RA | September 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM
How sweet! Congrats to both of you.
Posted by: Reeni | September 30, 2008 at 11:27 AM
How romantic!!! Best wishes for a spectacular life together!
Posted by: pam | September 30, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran | September 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Congratulations to you both! What an amazing end to a lovely post and what must have been an even lovelier trip!!
Posted by: andrea | September 30, 2008 at 11:35 AM
You made my day! What a wonderful story...and a happy ending to boot!
Posted by: Nancy | September 30, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Whee! Congratulations!
Posted by: Liana | September 30, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Yeah! Congrats!
Posted by: Angela | September 30, 2008 at 11:50 AM
WONDERFUL NEWS! Congratulations!
Posted by: Megan | September 30, 2008 at 11:51 AM
De-lurking. Congratulations!! I wish you both the happiest of lives.
Posted by: Bernie | September 30, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Congratulations! What a lovely surprise.
Posted by: ccr in MA | September 30, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Oh my goodness, how romantic! There are tears in my eyes - congratulations!
Posted by: Adrienne | September 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Evan | September 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM
oh my goodness, WHAT a surprise at the end. many, many congratulations to you both!!
Posted by: jenny | September 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Oh my goodness - congratulations -- that's just so lovely!! So happy for you!
Posted by: radish | September 30, 2008 at 12:06 PM
A blog has never reduced me to tears before.
And what about how nice it is to get some good news for a change!
Congratulations to Ben. Good luck to you. I am happy, happy, happy for you both.
Now you will be a "real" auntie!
Posted by: Victoria | September 30, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Congratulations! That's a wonderful proposal.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 30, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations! Lovely story!
Posted by: Jane | September 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Oh, congratulations!
Posted by: Su-Lin | September 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Oh! Squee! Happiness! Congrats! This story made my day.
Posted by: deb | September 30, 2008 at 12:29 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
this is just wonderful news, and you guys look SO cute and happy!
Posted by: amy | September 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM
What an amazing story! :) I'm so happy you loved SF, my old home, and that you will always remember it for such a wonderful memory. Congratulations!
Posted by: Clare | September 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Sounds like the Best Weekened Ever:)! Congratulations to both of you!
Posted by: tokyoastrogirl | September 30, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Congratulations! Terrific news!!!
Posted by: Beth | September 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM
AHHHHH! I am so, so, so happy for you, my friend. Grinning from ear to ear. Hurrah!
P.S. Way to go, Ben.
Posted by: Molly | September 30, 2008 at 12:33 PM
woohoo!
Posted by: myrnie | September 30, 2008 at 12:37 PM
WOW, congratulations!! What a wonderful and romantic story!!
Posted by: Choosy Beggar Tina | September 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Congratulations, Luisa! I am so glad that you enjoyed my beautiful and cozy city and that it will always have a special place in your heart. P.S. That little stretch of 9th and Irving (my neighborhood!) has some of the best restaurants in the city--and the best bakery!
Posted by: Kasey | September 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Luisa,
Wishing you happiness beyond your wildest expectations and beautiful memories that will be shared with those you love in years to come. My best to both of you!
Posted by: Charmaine | September 30, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for the two of you and I can't think of a more romantic proposal! Yay!
Posted by: Lisa (Homesick Texan) | September 30, 2008 at 01:08 PM
whoa! I wasn't expecting that after all of that lovely san francisco talk! congratulations! That's totally sweet!
Posted by: Tracy | September 30, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Hooray! So many congrats to you! And so glad you enjoyed my wonderful city.
Posted by: nicole | September 30, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Thanks for sharing your wonderful news with us - Congratulations!
Posted by: Shauna | September 30, 2008 at 01:31 PM