BECAUSE WE LOVE LUNCH! 

Especially when it’s close by – featuring our Top 5 favorite new-ish lunch spots in and around Union Square.

What We Ordered: The light starter, Prawn & Asparagus Salad (topped with a fava bean pesto accoutrement to-die-for), followed by the Maverick, a rich and stoutey kobe butter burger. Perfect for two. Per Chef’s Request: Emmanuel Eng recommends the Farro "Risotto" paired with the Lost Abbey Red Barn Saison (a San Marcos on-draft beer), or the ever-popular Maverick burger paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon – particularly the Terra Valentine Napa 2012. He also loves the Fried Green Tomatoes paired with their 49er Gold Rush cocktail, made with bonded bourbon, lemon, honey syrup, and an SF favorite, Fernet Branca. Perk: Beautiful in-house gastropub, delicious bourbon cocktails, three course prix-fixe business lunch. Fun & snazzy. 

Chef’s Request: A Northern Thai specialty, the Khao Soi Gai includes soft and crispy egg noodles with chicken in a super aromatic (and not-so-spicy) curry broth, topped with pickled mustard greens and spicy chili oil on the side (also available vegetarian w/ veggie broth & Hodo soy tofu). Drink their Pak Pow, aka the Thai Beach Kite: IPA, Appleton Reserve Rum, Allspice Dram, Palm Sugar, Lime, and Nutmeg. Perk: Rumor has it this may be the best new Thai restaurant in the city...

What We Ordered: The traditional, and might I add mouth-watering, Spaetzle had us craving for more, while the gourmet Chicken Salad sealed the deal. Chef’s Orders: "My favorite item for lunch here at Schroeder’s would have to be our bratwurst served with braised sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, bread & butter pickles on an acme soft roll. And nothing goes down better with a brat than a beer! Thanks to our ciceron, Rich Higgins, we have some delicious options in that category. The Maisel Weisse: lightly sweet, bready/malt, highly carbonated, or the Gaffel Kolsch: grassy, slightly bitter, crisp." Perk: Newly vamped menu and interior decor make for a vintage flair to your dining experience. Enjoy deliciously authentic German cuisine with a modern twist. 

We Ordered: Gourmet Chowder to start the meal made for a rich beginning, while the oh-my-gawd-good Oyster Po Boy served as a unique end. Next Time: One can never go wrong with an oyster sampler for a taste test of all the goods, especially when the raw bar is displayed so eloquently in the center of the room. Pair it with a glass of their proprietary white vino for the ultimate finish. Perk: Some of the best views of the waterfront with the freshest fish selection in town, right on SF's historical Embarcadero. Totally worth the wait.

Why: Because who can go wrong with fish tacos and a pitcher of sangria on a summer afternoon? If You Dare: Spice up your work day with a delectably dangerous Tongue Taco. Perk: Right off Market with tons of outdoor seating on a grand patio for some of the best people watching in town. Also, great vegetarian options from tacos to salads to plates full of colorful roasted veggies for our herbivore friends.

I didn't really embrace Union Square until I started working at Personality Hotels. Like most San Franciscans, my loyalty was rooted in own neighborhood - Nob Hill. But as soon as I started spending 5 days a week in Union Square, I had no choice but to embrace my surroundings. 

I spent lunchtime wandering around the square, looking at the menus of nearby restaurants, and occasionally popping into H&M. (Shhh... don't tell my boss). It quickly became my 2nd neighborhood.

To be honest, the expertise I'm most comfortable sharing with you is my cocktail knowledge. Most girls spoil themselves with new shoes, I spoil myself with fancy cocktails. Everyone needs a drink after work, right?

So sit back, wait patiently, and watch your bartender create a work of art at one of my top 5 spots to enjoy an amazing well-crafted cocktail!

1. Local Edition

This sexy space is located underneath Market Street, literally. Inspired by the newspaper business of the 50s, you'll notice printing artifacts and century-old papers are everywhere. I love the heavy velvet drapes, sconce lighting and the retro jazz club feeling it exudes.

2. Bourbon & Branch

Straight out of the 1920s, Bourbon & Branch is the closest Prohibition experience we'll ever have. Just ring the buzzer and use the password "books". You'll be escorted to the secret speakeasy location with floor to ceiling bookcases and of course, superb cocktails. 

3. Tradition 

This is a true melting pot of traditional American bars of the ages. From Tiki to Dive Bar to Speakeasy to English Pub, Tradition is all about the evolution of drinking. I'm partial to the French 75 from the "Grand Hotel" menu.

Two favorites slightly outside of Union Square:

4. Comstock Saloon

If you love a Manhattan as much as I do, this is the place to go. Plus you get to step back in time. Word has it that the saloon has served as a watering hole to San Franciscans since 1907, and it definitely embraces that history. Think bow ties and suspenders. 

5. 1760

If you're exploring my lovely neighborhood of Nob Hill, the best cocktail can be found at 1760. It's a restaurant as well and the food never disappoints, but my regular visits are dedicated to my two favorite cocktails:

Blood Orange-Rosemary. blackstrap. absinthe. rye (pictured above)

Garam Masala-Cardamom. thyme. orange. toasted cardamom. bourbon 

Something about this time of year makes us crave sweets more than usual. Maybe it's our way of prepping for the holiday season and all the indulgence that seems to come along with it. Or maybe it's just because our San Francisco Personality Hotels are located (dangerously) close to some of the best spots to treat that sweet tooth. Even if you're not a sweets person, chances are someone you're shopping for this holiday season is!

1. Tout Sweet Patisserie

You just can't go wrong with anything at Tout Sweet. Owner and Top Chef Desserts winner, Yigit Pura has perfected the French macaron and, well, all of the other sweet and savory treats they offer. And with an upscale, European feel and plenty of seating, you’d never know you were on the third floor of Macy’s. 170 O’Farrell Street, Macy’s Union Square  

2. Fiona's Sweetshoppe

Hard candy, soft candy, chewy candy, toffeed candy, chocolate candy - that pretty sums up this little treasure trove that specializes in treats from the UK. And the petite shop has all the charm of an old English Sweetshoppe. 214 Sutter Street

3. Cafe Madeleine

Think Starbucks alternative, but with a twist. Breakfast and lunch is available but the cakes, pastries, and coffee drinks are what we come for. There is limited seating, but the line moves fast. 43 O'Farrell Street

4. Leonidas Chocolates

If you love Belgian chocolate, definitely stop by Leonidas. Their spacious shop on the ground level of the Crocker Galleria is the perfect place to indulge and grab a gift for your favorite chocoholic. 50 Post St

5. Ghirardelli Chocolate

A San Francisco staple and an absolute must, Ghirardelli has been getting it right since 1852. Our personal favorite is the hot fudge sundae but hey, nothing disappoints here. Multiple locations - 42 Stockton Street; Westfield San Francisco Centre - Concourse Level

We absolutely love Union Square during the holiday season! Besides endless shopping, it offers all kinds of festive activities that the whole family will love. Below are some highlights that we definitely won't miss! See you there... 

1. Nutcracker Under the Dome - November 21st - December 31st, Westfield Centre

Westfield’s iconic Dome will come to life each night with a brand-new, 3-D light show that will showcase performance footage of San Francisco Ballet dancers in an innovative new format. Inspired by the real-life ballet performance, Nutcracker Under the Dome provides a magical holiday experience for shoppers and visitors of all ages.

The free 6-minute light spectacular runs nightly every half hour from 5:00pm until the Centre’s closing on Level 4/Dome Level.

Happy Holidays! We're so excited to share our 2013 holiday package with you! Every year we put together something special for our guests visiting during the holiday season and this one might be our favorite one yet! 

In honor of the lucky year 2013, our exclusive EAT+DRINK+SHOP package includes 13 different perks at various shops, restaurants, and bars redeemable in festive Union Square.

• Stocking stuffed with great deals and exclusive discounts from bars, restaurants and retailers such as Tradition, Mikkeller, Farallon, Nespresso, Macy's, Ghirardelli and more!
• $25 Westfield Gift Card and VIP Passport 
• Late Check-out
• Reusable Tote Bag
• Bottle of Lucky 13 wine made exclusively for Personality Hotels

Available at Hotel Diva, Kensington Park and Hotel Union Square through January 31st, 2014.

Everyone likes a good deal, especially when traveling. These top 5 spots that we love are within walking distance to your San Francisco Personality Hotel, and will leave you and your wallet happy:

1. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers

When the burger craving hits, head to Pearl's. It's hard to go wrong here and with some many meat options and add-ons, pretty much anyone will leave feeling full and happy. Not to mention they serve melt-in-your-mouth milkshakes, and several different types of french fries. Sweet potato fries? Yes, please! Good for lunch or dinner. 708 Post St.

2. Kare-Ken

Only open in the evenings, Kare-Ken serves up a classic Japanese katsu curry. This place is small, but dishes up hearty comfort food and friendly service. Their made-from-scratch curry can be served mild or hot and topped with extras like a boiled egg, corn, fried seasonal veggies, and tempura onion rings. You can always add more meat, sauce, or rice to up-size the portions. The late-night (after 10pm) menu flaunts a beef curry dog and a katsu curry sandwich. 552 Jones St.

3. Bio

A cozy gem tucked in the middle of Union Square, Bio caters to those who eat a gluten-free or vegan diet. You'll find gluten-free quiche and vegan vegetable soups and salads. But don't worry, bacon lovers will still be pleased here - the prosciutto, fig, and gruyere sandwich always hits the spot. With both savory and sweet options, and hot and cold beverages (they even make their own Kombucha) Bio is a one-stop-shop ideal for breakfast or lunch. 75 O'Farrell St.

4. Bite

Sandwich lovers should look no further. This order-at-the-counter deli never disappoints. Build your own sandwich or order a specialty, like the Gouda Good - a heavenly combination of their rotisserie chicken with Gouda cheese and special pepperhouse sauces on Dutch crunch bread. Order a salad, or a rotisserie chicken with a side dish for a bread-less, but still delicious, alternative. Open-late. 912 Sutter St.

5. Golden Coffee Shop

With plenty of breakfast options, this mom and pop diner will satisfy the most important meal of the day. Fuel for a day of sight-seeing or to cure last night's hangover, jump-start your day with classic scrambled eggs with corned beef, hash browns and toast, or a stack of fluffy pancakes. Oh, and they also serve Chinese food after 11am. We'll let you be the judge of that. Cash only. 901 Sutter St.

Have you ever had a boss who lacked style and class? Probably at some point or another, we could all answer yes. But a true leader should have it all, don't you think? Well, enter Yvonne Lembi-Detert. She fearlessly leads our team and looks totally chic while doing it. Her closet must look like something out of Sex and the City. Well maybe a little less fur because this is California, afterall. 

Curious to know more about what we'd find in her closet, we asked Yvonne about her top 5 places to shop in San Francisco. And since every shopping trip should be followed with a reward, we also asked about her top places to dine. Here's what our CEO had to say...

Fashion:

1. Kurt Geiger for fun shoes
2. Vince for urban everyday wear
3. All Saints for funky and edgy eye apparel 
4. Barney’s for unique designer must-haves
5. Neiman Marcus for hangbags and classic pieces

Dining:

1. Gitane for fabulous cocktails and mashed peas
2. Le Colonial for its ambiance and many floor levels of entertainment while dining
3. 54 Mint especially when its truffle season
4. Colibri for the very best guacamole and ceviche
5. Bouche for its tiny kitchen creating incredible culinary bites

San Francisco is well known for it’s cuisine scene and all the great restaurants you can find in the city, this week we wanted to introduce you to one of our Union Square neighbors, Sauce Belden Lane. Today we go behind the scenes and talk to the three brothers that own Sauce,  Nathan, Matt and Trip Hosley.

The “Sauce Boys” opened their first venue, in 2004 in Hayes Valley, and a year later they opened a bar “Shine” at 1337 Mission. Following the success of their restaurant in Hayes Valley, they decided to open a second "Sauce” restaurant on Belden Alley in 2012. The drinks are delicious, the food is pure comfort and they are even open until 1AM. Finally a place open late night! 

Inspired by the Proust Questionnaire, here is a set of 10 questions that we like to ask local Personalities, to get to know them a little better.   

PH: What is your favorite food and drink in San Francisco?

Trip: I am addicted to our sausage cheese bread, it’s one of my favorite things, otherwise it would be Tony’s Pizza in North Beach and a Trumer Pilsner.

Nathan: If we stay inside of Sauce my favorite is Carpaccio and right now outside would be the Chicken Wings at Kezar Pub, it changes a lot... my favorite drink would be any Whiskey.

Matt: For me inside of Sauce I would have to go with the Burger, I just love the Burger and outside I would go for Peppered Steak and a Manhattan at the Brazen Head.

PH: What is the place you always go to in SF?

Trip: I love Dolores Park.

Nathan: The Academy of Sciences, because my kids love it and I love it, it’s fun.

Matt: One of my favorite spots in town is AT&T Park, love the baseball park, love to catch a day game and I love the surroundings.

PH: What is your favorite street?

Hosley Brothers: GOUGH STREET! Hayes Valley. That’s our neighborhood. We have been there 10 years. 

PH: What do you most appreciate in SF?

Trip: I like the diversity, there is always crazy things going on, People watching is always interesting in SF.

Nathan: I love the weather here, I lived in many different places and I love that here its mild, it’s not going to be 114 when I wake up in the morning!

Matt: The availability of good food and good wine, everybody takes it for granted here. The majority of the places you go to always serve high quality product and everything is always fresh, whether you get a sandwich or steak.  When you do get out of San Francisco, it becomes evident that you really live in the middle of a culture that really takes food and wine seriously.

PH: What is your favorite occupation in SF?

Trip: My favorite occupation has always been bar tending.

Nathan: If not running my own restaurant, I would be running somebody else’s.

Matt: I’m trying to think, race car driver or boat captain maybe?

PH: What is your idea of happiness?

Matt: Having enough money to be comfortable and having the people I love around me to enjoy.

Trip: Cool glass of wine with my wife and my family.

Nathan: Anytime I am spending with my family. 

PH: If not yourself, who would you be?

Nathan: I would be a philanthropist, giving money out all day long, doing fun and cool projects all the time.

Matt: I think I’d be a helicopter pilot, a ski helicopter pilot so I could just hit the best trails all day long.

Trip: I’ll be the first California Powerball winner and then I’d do both of those things!

PH: What is the natural talent you would like to be gifted with?

Trip: The ability to play an instrument.

Nathan: If I could teleport that would be pretty awesome!

Matt: I would like to remember names better.

PH: What is your present state of mind?

Nathan: Eager

Matt: Happy, content.

Trip: I am a little overwhelmed these days.

PH: What is your favorite Motto?

Trip: Mine is “think of the story”, whenever you are facing an opportunity in life think what choice will make a better story later.

Matt: I would say “When you wake up, get up and when you get up, do something”.

Nathan: “Whatever you do, take care of your shoes.”  

Never know what to do in the spring? Well here's some events that could really get you up and out of the house to enjoy the wonderful spring weather.

San Francisco International Film Festival: The SFIFF is the longest running film festival inAmerica. It’s held in spring for two weeks, showcasing cinematic discovery and innovation. It features nearly 200 films and live events with more than 200 filmmakers and industry guests in attendance.

Visit SF Film Festival

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival: The Festival is one ofCalifornia’s prominent celebrations of Asian Tradition. Over 200,000 people attend to see an amazing display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms.

Visit SF Cherry Blossom

 Spring Open Studios: San Francisco Hunters Point Shipyard Artists hold their annual Spring Open Studio. Over 150 artists welcome the public into their working studios to explore, experience, and collect art.

Visit the Open Studios

Visit J Vineyards & Winery in the Reserve Room at the San Francisco Vintners Market – the first and only wine tasting and buying event in the Bay Area. Up to 200 wineries from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley and beyond will be pouring their favorite wines including new releases, special collections and hard to find vintages for you to taste.

Visit the Tasting

Ever feel like you need to just let loose or treat yourself to some fun things? Well here's a few that could get you started and let you treat yourself in San Francisco!

Earth and Sky Oasis, Union Square

Earth and Sky Oasis is not a “spa” in the traditional sense, but a small collective of independent practitioners doing therapeutic work.

Sugar Cafe, Union Square 

Sugar Cafe transitions from a stylish coffee bar with a full menu and free wifi internet by day to a luxurious lounge at night offering a full bar.

Go shopping in Union Square. There's plenty to choose from, The Westfield mall, Macy's and high end stores such as Chanel, Tiffany's, Gucci, Saks and so much more!

Ruby Skye is San Francisco's premiere nightclub and special events venue, located just off ofUnion Square.