Theoretically speaking, keeping in mind that this is just a situation in theory, where would be a great bay area establishment for a man and a woman to celebrate their first anniversary? One is coming up in august and i was looking at Masa's french restaurant in the city but the prices are a little rich for my blood. I'd love some suggestions but no franchise places, chili's and red lobster are not anniversary-worthy. I appreciate all the input.

I went to Houston's for my first anniversary when I was dating someone in the city ... it's great food, medium priced and pretty posh. Hope you're not vegetarian though!

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars. ~ Khalil Gibran

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ~ Mahatma Ghandi

You romantic, you!

"Some kids piss their name in the snow. Chuck Norris can piss his name into concrete."

Forget the fine dining, do something creative for the first anniversary. Have a picnic at Dolores Park or some other place with good people watching and areas to walk around afterwards. Contain a tarp and blanket and food into one backpack and you're good to go. Afterwards, get some incredible ice cream at the new Bi-Rite Creamery at 18th/Dolores. Bi-Rite grocery across the street has great food for the picnic itself if you don't want to haul. Afterwards, stroll on Valencia, check out 826 Valencia, when you walk in, duck to the right and there's a tiny dark box of a room w/ about 4 seats and a big aquarium. There's a sign there that says "Don't judge the fish." My friend didn't get it, and exclaimed "oh that one is so cute!!" Then a voice boomed from above, "DON'T JUDGE THE FISH." And then the lights were turned off on us. Only in SF.

Take Cream's Advice...

"If you can't be kind, be vague."

And tell CD and me where you're picnicking at so we can gawk from a respectable distance.

By the way, I really like Masa's and fine dining, but save that for future anniversaries when you're not expected to put in any effort. Ha.

moving this, because it's a region-specific thread.

聖人不仁

This is one of my favorites & worthy of a 1st anniversary Baraka | San Francisco

Get the table by the window (on the left, as soon as you walk in) & start with the stuffed fig appetizers. The wine selection is eclectic and pairs well with the dishes they serve.

Another favorite is http://www.garconsf.com - there's a parking garage about 50ft from the restaurant, too. Have fun!

Happy 1st anniversary