It was founded by this guy. Some might recognize him.
The bookstore is catty-corner across the wide street from my favorite restaurant. I first went there with Cary in '71, they had abelone the size of salad plates, gently sauteed, and sand dabs to die for. The co-owner, Lorenzo Petroni recently passed on. He saw my daughter grow up on our frequent visits for 15 years.
Anybody been to either?
Sounds like a super place.
ReplyDeleteBoth are, Steve. Hope you're well across the pond.
DeleteHave not had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant but have frequented Mr. Ferlinghetti's bookstore for many years. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteNorth Beach Restaurant isn't what it once was, last time I went the Caesar was not of the quality of years past...no fresh anchovies lined on the top. I try to remember the sand dabs, 6 fillets lined across the plate with a lemon caper sauce.....heaven.
DeleteLook at that bookstore! It's huge! A mezzanine with papers stacked. Second floor windows with homilies. A bookstore to die for (or live in). No, haven't been there.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually not really huge. Powell's in Portland is far, far bigger. But City Lights is unbelievably crowded with books, and often people. The only bookstore I've seen that reminds me of it is a tiny one in Seattle, on the street that leads to Pike Place Market. Can't remember the name. But with City Lights, you get a real sense of history, especially if you know the history, and who has been there before you.
DeleteI am not busy tomorrow. i could eat. and read:-)
ReplyDeleteYou'd have to buy the book and take it across the intersection. The bookstore is unbelievably cluttered. Maybe 4 chairs through the entire 3 stories, narrow isles, books everywhere.
DeleteI've been to that book store, but not the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteThere are better nearby now, NBR is not what it once was.
DeleteI have one of Ferlinghetti's books of poems but, no, never been to City Lights. Or the restaurant, though I love Sand Dabs.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Last time I had abalone it was in Santa Cruz.....60 bucks for four small steaks. Ah well, times past.
DeleteI have never been to either place. But I do remember when abalone was plentiful easy to find (both in the water and out).
ReplyDeleteI know! I used to get abalone sandwichs on the waterfront.....a 6 inch wide slab on a bun with lettuce and sauce. I think it was around 5 bucks.
DeleteA good bookstore next to a fine restaurant. I'd go for that...:)
ReplyDelete