Gaslight & Shadows is a different sort of antique shop that sells small collectibles in the city's Richmond District. This quaint shop specializes in Limoges porcelain boxes, of which it carries an extensive collection in both traditional and novelty styles. It may have the largest volume of the dainty boxes on hand in the world. It also carries vintage and antique watches, fine and costume jewelry, games and pop culture memorabilia. There is so much to look at, do not forget to check out its collections of pottery, silver, lamps, clocks and art. You really never know what you might find.
Since 1939, this small store, once an Indian crafts trading post, has sold only the finest authentic American Indian items, many from local artisans descended from the Bay Area nations. Find some of the usual crafts like fine turquoise, Kachinas and fetishes, Navajo blankets and baskets, as well as rare items like Zuni bowls, Acoma sculpture, fossilized walrus tusk carvings from the Northwest and tons more. The selection is varied and mind-boggling. Items are displayed museum-style, with each piece identified by nation and significance. Spend hours here learning about the beauty, art and artistry of these wonderful craftspeople.
HS Fine Jewelry & Swiss Watch Center is a small, family-run jewelry and Swiss watch boutique that has been providing personalized service for nearly 30 years. A popular must-stop for the business or leisure traveler, HS Fine Jewelry & Swiss Watch Center, in San Francisco's Giftcenter, has fine Swiss watches and exquisite jewelry for all occasions. Hryre and Silvia Sarkissian take the mystery out of buying these beautiful pieces through their dedicated service. Their professional knowledge and customized service makes purchasing jewelry a joyous experience.
K&L Wine Merchants, this wine store is famous for its weekend tasting sessions. However, the place is quite popular even on weekdays. Its list of domestic white wines includes Chardonnay, Domestic Sparkling Wine and Sauvignon Blanc. Domestic red wines available here include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. Imported wines include Italian, South African, Austrian, Australian and French wines. Distilled spirits and glassware are also available here.
Though many Mission District residents count Paxton Gate among their favorite storefronts, they always have a hard time describing the place to the uninitiated. The store describes its inventory thus: "treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and the natural sciences." In layman terms, this translates to unique gardening supplies, exotic plants (some of which are carnivorous), collectible insects, taxidermy (including lions, giraffes and punk-rock mice), specialty teas and tea accessories, hand-made jewelry, antique toys, quirky books and some very unusual home furnishings. See the website for online shopping, event calendar, taxidermy class schedule and details on Paxton Gate's landscaping service.
Apart from being the staple food in many countries, rice also is the staple ingredient in sake (Japanese wine). You may sample the different varieties, without crossing the international date line at True Sake, the first of its kind in the city, and probably in the country. But unless you are strictly off drinking, you simply have to visit this store and try out some of the offerings. With over a 100 bottles and helpful staff, this new store will give you a good reason to celebrate.