Nora, I'd skip Slanted Door. I've been going since it was in the Mission, then moved to a temp spot (while Ferry Bldg was being re-done) and then the Ferry Bldg. It's gotten more expensive at each stop, and the food quality and service have dropped off. I think it's really overpriced.

And I hope you and Tom will have time for at least one get-together? Would love to meet you!

Only the Hybrids have the engine shutoff feature. If you have a manual transmission Civic Hybrid as soon as you press the clutch down the engine restarts. Automatics it is as soon as the gas is pressed. The cars use the electric motor to start moving while the engine is quickly restarting. I've driven Hybrids up and down San Francisco hills with no problems.

Am hoping to have a Buffista meetup at the Toronado which is probably my favorite place in San Francisco!

Awesome! LOVE all those beers on tap! :)

I've seen "preventative" so much, it never occurred to me as not-a-word. It makes sense that it's not, now that you say so, but real publications even use it.

Where in blue bloody blazes did I get the idea that seeing a nurse practitioner was supposed to be more economical than seeing a doctor? Because it is a stupid, false idea.

And so I'm going to see an actual doctor for my $150 this time around.

ND, curse you! Now I am drooling over the Mercedes C230s on the CarMax site! Alas, my trusty 2000 Integra has only 50K miles and my plan is to drive it into the ground. My next car, however, may just be a Mercedes. Good safety record and affordable if you buy used. I want a black one with black interior!

Forget miraculous experimental treatment and medicines

Sighhh...

Do people not realize that most drugs are produced by massive multi-national corporations?

Eos is so ridiculously awesome. Very expensive, but one of the extremely few places I've ever been where you walk away seriously feeling like every bite was worth every penny. Hec and I have only been there three or four times over the past five or six years, but the quality has been consistently spectacular each time.

ION, this artist's entire website is making me swoon. I think I want six or seven of everything, and I feel like now I have to sign up for Secret Santa or Slacker Santa this year because these in particular are so very Made For Buffistas.

Fleur de Lys

I'd skip, actually. They've been downgraded a star, due to spotty service and a slight drop in kitchen quality.

Re: Slanted Door, I'd go to Charlie Phan's newest project, Heaven's Dog. That's where his (and his bar manager's) energy has been concentrated.

Also recommended: Dosa on Fillmore - they just opened and have been getting rave reviews.
Ame (Mission & 3rd) - Euro-Japanese, and worth every penny.