Best Two Blocks of Urban Ambience

and Octavia

A stroll on lovely Hayes can accomplish many miracles, including enlivening the lovelorn and clearing most things dot-com from one's consciousness. Hayes Street doesn't have the bridge-and-tunnel or tourist traffic of more established Haight, Fillmore, and Union, which makes for a most intimate urban experience. Dine alfresco at Absinthe Brasserie and Bar (398 Hayes) and titillate your taste buds by trying the risotto with Louisiana white prawns (wash it down with a glass of Liparita chardonnay). Then linger in the Image Gallery (372 Hayes) and the S.F. Women Artists Gallery (370 Hayes). Do a little more wine-tasting at the Hayes and Vine Wine Bar across the street (377 Hayes). Finally, wrap up the afternoon with the purchase of a pair of Robert Clergerie shoes at Gimme Shoes (416 Hayes) -- hands down, the most fabulous shoe store in town.