southern california grayline EXPENSIVE Palace Hotel AFTERNOON TEA Tea under the stained-glass dome of the G arden Court at the Pa

This is an optional stop primarily for sports fans, but if you choose to visit you ll have less time for the attractions in SoMa. If y ou do go, public transpor tation will prove more efficient than feet, so take the N-Judah streetcar headed to ward AT&T Park. Get off at the 2nd & King S tation. On non-game days, the ballpar k has a playground just for kids. After the kids have had a chance to play , take the no. 15-3rd St. bus to 3rd and Mission streets. See p. 265.

EXPENSIVE Palace Hotel AFTERNOON TEA Tea under the stained-glass dome of the G arden Court at the Palace Hotel, which is every bit as grand as the poshest hotels in London, is a celebratory affair. Linen and silver grace the elegant tables, and the menu consists of the customary dainty sandwiches, scones, and sweets, served with tea of your choice. The Palace clev erly offers southern california grayline a special P rincess and P rince tea for childr en 12 and under. Along with the sandwiches and pastries, childr en receive a crown and scepter, and are treated royally as well. During the winter holidays, tea service is offered 6 days a week.

As for the aw e-inspiring food, the man behind the master y is awar d-winning chef Hubert Keller, a native of the Alsace region of France now recognized as one of the best chefs in the world (and he has ser ved as a judge on TV s Top Chef). Keller s kitchen is firmly rooted in classic F rench cooking, but includes some playful touches inspir ed by his new country, such as tr uffle-infused popcorn and an amazing mini foie gras hamburger. Choose from a menu of three, four, or five courses and expect to be blown away by such offerings as sear ed Moroccan spiced sea scallops with pomegranate jus, cauliflower flan, and O setra caviar or v eal tournedos scented with foamy lobster bisque and veal essence. A v egetarian tasting menu, with options such as tr uffled white bean soup with green garlic fondue and wild mushrooms, is also available. The desserts and cheese selection are obscenely delicious, and the wine list includes sev eral hundred selections. (Although I ve noted this isn t a place for kids, I did once spot two pr e-teen boys dining with their parents; they were well behaved and seemed to enjoy the experience.)