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!
WOW! How exciting...
What a fun post!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Caroline | September 30, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Congrats! xo
Posted by: Leah | September 30, 2008 at 01:53 PM
YAY! I have never written a comment on here, Luisa, and I have been reading for awhile now... but I actually just dropped my sandwich and pumped my fist in the air when I finished that post. Congrats! What happy news and what a fantastic way to propose.
Posted by: Shelby | September 30, 2008 at 02:01 PM
What wonderful news! Best to you both.
Posted by: Dee | September 30, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Three cheers for Ben -- excellent choice of romantic spot, and one you can return to for future celebrations.
Happy that you loved so many of the things that make my hometown so wonderful.
Wishing you both much happiness.
Posted by: Monica | September 30, 2008 at 02:10 PM
it is amazing how the engagement news of a couple i have never met, who live 3000 miles away form me can lead me to tear up and exclaim a joyful "oh!" in the middle of my office. you two are just the cutest. congratulations!
Posted by: jessica mae | September 30, 2008 at 02:17 PM
I feel silly sniffling at my desk, but the news is worth it -- congratulations!
With all the depressing news lately, it's so nice to hear something good. And you remind us what's really important in our lives. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Amber | September 30, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Best wishes to you and Ben! My husband of 24 years this December proposed to me in San Francisco. It was the beginning of our wonderful family life. We hope your marriage will be every bit as happy as ours.
Posted by: Christine | September 30, 2008 at 02:26 PM
How exciting! My husband and I celebrated our one-year anniversary yesterday - best wishes for a vibrant and exhilirating future!!
Posted by: any little reason | September 30, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I had a feeling the post was going to end with an announcement like that!!! SF brings out all the lovers :) I bet you are bouncing off the walls! Best wishes! You two are too cute...
Posted by: Amanda | September 30, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Congratulations! What wonderful news!
Posted by: Jessica | September 30, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I have only just started reading your blog, but I enjoy it immensely. And, now this! Congratulations:-).
Posted by: thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com | September 30, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Oh wow, I wasn't expecting that ending. (Actually I thought you guys were already married!)
Congratulations. Yes, very memorable indeed.
Posted by: Kalyn | September 30, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Oh!! Luisa! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: Carmen | September 30, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Congratulations! Love reading your blog. Thanks for the great recipes and stories.
Posted by: Anna | September 30, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Oh how romantic, that's one to tell the grandkids! :-) So happy for you, congratulations!!!
Posted by: Rachel | September 30, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Congratulations! Glad you liked SF.
Posted by: Sara | September 30, 2008 at 04:30 PM
That is so sweet. Congratulations to both of you.
Posted by: merritt | September 30, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Congratulations! What a beautiful trip and a memory for all your life together.
Posted by: Marilyn @ Simmer Till Done | September 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Erik | September 30, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Wahoo, congratulations!
Posted by: Mrs. L | September 30, 2008 at 04:46 PM
congratulations :D
Posted by: inna | September 30, 2008 at 05:12 PM
WOW, that's great! Congratulations!
Posted by: Elise | September 30, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Woohoo! Congratulations! That is soooo exciting!
Posted by: Mercedes | September 30, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Tanti auguri! I'm so happy for you and Ben. Wonderful.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 30, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Soooo romantic! (Well done, Ben!) Congratulations to you both, and many wishes for a lifetime of happiness.
Posted by: Julie | September 30, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Delurking to say what great news! Best wishes to you both.
Posted by: Mandee | September 30, 2008 at 05:40 PM
I loved the photos and I loved the ending more. Congratulations!
Posted by: Lydia | September 30, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Oh, congratulations -- that's so exciting!
Posted by: liz | September 30, 2008 at 06:09 PM
YES!
Oh Luisa, you literally took my breath away with this post. I'm so so so happy for you two. I mean, I knew it was coming. Spending time with you made that clear. But yay! It's here.
And marriage? i recommend it, highly.
Posted by: shauna | September 30, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Congratulations!
(This is the first time I have left a comment, but I love your blog.)
Posted by: Vivian | September 30, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Congratulations! He sounds like a keeper. :-)
Posted by: ColleenM | September 30, 2008 at 07:11 PM
that is the best story ever - hearty congrats to you both
Posted by: BF | September 30, 2008 at 07:19 PM
luisa,
as a relatively new reader of your site i'm writing with happy wishes from jackson heights.
herzlichen gluckwunsch!
congratulazioni!
-sonya
Posted by: sonya | September 30, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Woohoo!
Posted by: justcorbly | September 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM
This is happy news, indeed! Congratulations and thanks for sharing the story!
Posted by: Shannalee | September 30, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Congratulations - what a nice story!
Posted by: Liz | September 30, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Oh wow!!! Congratulations!!! I'm glad that memory will always be tied to my hometown because. it's a city that deserves such memories.
Posted by: EB | September 30, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Congratulations Luisa! That is wonderful news. i still love your blog and check it frequently.
From your cousin (in Boston), Julia
Posted by: Julia | September 30, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Congratulations, Luisa!!!
You both look so cute together, and yes indeed, what memories San Francisco and Napa will have for you two. How beautiful.
Posted by: geri | September 30, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful news!! Félicitations!!
Posted by: KatyBelle | September 30, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Luisa - What wonderful news - had no idea the story had such a fabulous ending - Congratulations!
Pat
Posted by: Pat Keens | September 30, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Many congratulations and much happiness to both of you!
And...what a great way to tell us! Any chance we'll get to see and hear more about your SF adventures, once you come back down to earth? :)
Posted by: Bobbie | September 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Oh!!! Congratulations! You took me by surprise with that last bit...in a wonderful way! Congrats and best wishes to the both of you!
Posted by: Ms. Huis Herself | September 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Hot damn and hallelujah, this newbie is SO tickled for you!
Be a Happy girl & God's blessings on you both!
Posted by: shawna | September 30, 2008 at 10:30 PM
This is news worthy of de-lurking! So awesome! Congratulations! What an amazing trip and amazingly romantic guy.
Posted by: Sarah | September 30, 2008 at 10:56 PM
omg!!!!
Congratulations! You had me at donut muffins but SERIOUSLY??? Best ending to a post, er, ever.
Posted by: Diana | September 30, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Cheers! I wish you many many happy years together.
Posted by: Katy | September 30, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Even though I knew wot the news was your blog still had me in tears - beautiful photos and the last even more special. Am up as jet lagged and this news has just brought happy thoughts. loadsa luv
Posted by: jocelyn | October 1, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Delurking to say... Congratulations!!!!
Posted by: christine | October 1, 2008 at 12:25 AM