Obsessions—persistent thoughts that dominate the mind—amuse and entertain us, giving us refuge when we are stuck in traffic, on hold, or in a long line.

Obsession is the theme of our “Best of the Bay Area” feature this year. It’s fitting, because this region is full of passionate and (dare we say it?) obsessed people. Here at San Francisco, readers let us know about their old favorites and new experiences every month through email and letters. Then they get the chance to be heard in this annual issue, which includes more than 200 recommendations from our readers and editors about the Bay’s most obsession-worthy people, places, and things.

Of course, I have my own personal obsessions also: baseball, books, ice cream, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Sunday brunch.

My obsession with the Giants started in 1962, when I heard Lon Simmons describe McCovey’s drive dying in Bobby Richardson’s mitt. My six-year old hopes for a San Francisco world championship died with it. The Giants haven’t yet rewarded us with a World Series ring, but they have given us the best park in baseball. This year’s team may be flawed (OK, they’re lousy), but my idea of a perfect Bay Area day is still one spent with my kids at—as my son calls it—Phone Company Park, watching the improbably young-looking Tim Lincecum mow down the other team.

When the Giants and the fog aren’t in town, I love to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Crissy Field has to be the most beautiful urban green space in the world. It’s always my first stop when I want to show off San Francisco to visitors or go for a mind-clearing run. Biking the Marin Headlands is another favorite activity, as is hiking along Milagra Ridge near Pacifica. But you don’t have to be an exercise nut to enjoy the GGNRA: My newest discovery is Cavallo Point, the just opened, completely green hotel, spa, and restaurant located under the north footing of the Golden Gate Bridge. Try it for Sunday brunch—the food is fantastic and the location unparalleled.

My other Sunday brunch obsessions include the terrific food at casual, friendly Town’s End, on Townsend Street at the Embarcadero; and the jazz brunch at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, with first-rate music and a buffet to die for.

My passion for ice cream is very specific. For milkshakes, I go to Bill’s Place in the Richmond, where I’ll order only the coffee-and–hot fudge shake, extra thick. For cones, it has to be Swensen’s at Hyde and Union—ask for your scoop to be dipped in chocolate. And for sundaes, you can’t beat Fenton’s in Oakland, if you don’t mind consuming a few million calories in a single dish.

One of the best things about working at San Francisco is getting to read advance copies of books sent to us by publishers. I’ve discovered some terrific local writers this way, most recently Michelle Richmond and her great mystery No One You Know, set right here in our city.

For the rest of my obsessions, plus other tips that wouldn’t fit in these pages, visit our resdesigned website

at sanfranmag.com. There, you’ll also find our editorial blogs, a complete archive of stories going back five years, and a daily listing all month long featuring a new obsession that we want to share with you.

Feel free to email me with your personal recommendations, too. Just like our readers, I’m always looking for the next cool thing.

Steven Dinkelspiel, President
sdinkelspiel@sanfranmag.com