December 8, 2016

San Francisco: The Rotunda in Neiman Marcus, on Union Square; restaurant review

San Francisco

The Rotunda

150 Stockton St./Geary St., in Neiman Marcus, on Union Square, (415) 249-2720 x2465.  L & aft. tea daily; $$$, tea $45-$60.  Sun-W 11-4, Thur-Sat 11-5.  Reservations advised.

ground floor of Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
ground floor of Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


What could be finer than afternoon tea beneath this elegant department store’s gorgeous 1909 stained-glass-domed rotunda?  The Rotunda in Neiman Marcus let's you choose from private and comfy half-moon booths, or tables directly overlooking Union Square.

stained-glass dome at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
stained-glass dome at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


view of Union Square from The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
view of Union Square from The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus
in San Francisco


Tea is a choice of black, green, or herbal varieties, and it does change.  My dining partner opted for a lovely Jardin Bleu blend with Indian and Chinese leaves flavored with rhubarb and wild strawberry and accented with blue cornflower petals, while I minimized my caffeine intake and chose a pleasant chamomile.  Each is presented in a small personal teapot, with the leaves brewing in a strainer in the top--a disappointment since I am fond of loose-leaf tea floating around freely in the water and the use of a strainer to collect the leaves as I pour the fragrant brew into my cup.  The serviceware is white--also not my cup of tea since I prefer floral and fussy.  Service beings with a petite cup of chicken consume and a fresh-from-the-oven popover with a side of strawberry butter.

popover and consume at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
popover and consume at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


The full tea includes a variety of finger sandwiches (we especially liked the chicken salad), a cylindrical prosciutto-wrapped fig, tarts of chocolate and red velvet, cookies, and, of course, scrumptious scones upon which we slathered lemon curd, raspeberry jam, and whipped cream.  The option to add in a glass of Gloria Ferrer Brut or Etoile Brut Rosé is a good one, and it heightens the elegance of the experience.  Lunch selections include the renowned NM Chicken Salad plus a lobster club and burger, and cocktail service is available. 
 
tiered tea tray at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
tiered tea tray at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


plate of tea-time treats at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
plate of tea-time treats at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus
in San Francisco



Do allow time before or after to browse the beautifully curated collection of goods in this elegant department store.  

clothing display at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
clothing display at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco


tableware display at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco
tableware display at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco



More things to do in San Francisco.

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More tea rooms in Northern California.

More tea times around the world.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 1, 2016

San Francisco: Gump’s; things to do

San Francisco

Gump’s  

MOVED  now at 135 Post St./Kearny St., 2 blks. to Union Square.

Opened in 1861, when clipper ships brought in the inventory, Gump's is the oldest store in San Francisco.  It is known for stocking fine oriental imports, carries the city’s largest selection of fine china and crystal, and has an eye-popping collection of American crafts.  Bath products, women’s clothing, and home furnishings are also in the mix.  It is a superb spot to find unusual gifts.  The store is beautifully decorated for Christmas; and be sure to stop in then to view the exceptional ornaments.  A personal shopper is available.      

exterior of Gump's in San Francisco, California
exterior of Gump's in San Francisco, California


Christmas ornaments at Gump's in San Francisco, California
Christmas ornaments at Gump's in San Francisco, California


big Buddha at Gump's in San Francisco, California
big Buddha at Gump's in San Francisco, California


colorful glass items at Gump's in San Francisco, California
colorful glass items at Gump's in San Francisco, California


fabric-ball necklaces at Gump's in San Francisco, California
fabric-ball necklaces at Gump's in San Francisco, California


typewriter-key cufflinks at Gump's in San Francisco, California
typewriter-key cufflinks at Gump's in San Francisco, California



More things to do in San Francisco.

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 2-2-20

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