_______________________

Calgary, Canada: I am returning to San Francisco with a group of friends for a visit in late May. We will be staying at the Carlton on Sutter. My last trip was a month after 9/11. I recall an Italian restaurant on the north side of Sutter a few blocks from the hotel, but simply can't recall its name. Could you offer a few possibilities? I would know it if I heard it once again. My closest recollection is Vitorrio's, but I may be completely off. Any clues would be most appreciated!

Sharron Wood: Could it be L'Ottavo Ristorante, on Sutter near Taylor? I hope so!

_______________________

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Sharron: Whenever we visit San Francisco (which is at least once or twice a year), my wife and I always pay a visit to either North Beach Pizza or Uncle Vito's (or both), as those are our two favorite spots for great pizza. Can you suggest other pizzerias which serve similarly styled pizzas? Many thanks.

Sharron Wood: My other favorite pizzerias aren't in North Beach. I love the very low key, neighborhood-style Goat Hill Pizza in residential Potrero Hill, where chewy sourdough crust and some unusual topping combos (I love the Greek pizza) mean it has some of the best pies in the city. I also like Pauline's Pizza in the Mission, though the style of pizza is a bit different  cornmeal crust, lots of swanky California ingredients like pesto and goat cheese.

_______________________

Seattle, WA: I'm looking for the best deal in San Francisco on a small, European-style hotel that hasn't been discovered yet!

Sharron Wood: The best hotels in San Francisco aren't usually undiscovered, I fear. My favorite European-style hotel is the San Remo, near Fisherman's Wharf, where rooms are small but cute and bathrooms are down the hall. Also very Euro-style is the Golden Gate Hotel downtown. About half of the rooms have private bath and the whole place has an international vibe.

_______________________

Indianapolis, IN: Sharron, My wife and I will be going to San Francisco for the first time this April. We will be staying in the Union Square area at the Grand Hyatt. Can you recommend some good places to eat within walking distance that aren't going to put a hurt in the pocket book? We usually like to spend around $20 total for lunch and $40 or so for dinner. We like Italian, Mexican, and American. Sometimes Chinese. We aren't into the Planet Hollywood type places. Thanks for your help.

Sharron Wood: Restaurants right around Union Square tend not to be cheapest in the city. There are several little authentic French cafés on the border between Union Square and the Financial District. I like Café Claude, where you can get baguette sandwiches, charcuterie plates, and a nice glass of wine for a reasonable price. King of Thai Noodle House has a branch near Union Square that has good, inexpensive Thai food. Taqueria El Balazo has a branch on Mint Street where you can get some of the best burritos in the city. Note that to save money at lunch it's a good idea to walk the few blocks toward the Financial District. Many restaurants new Union Square cater to tourists and are pretty pricey. In the Financial District lunch restaurants cater to locals, and the quality and prices tend to be better.