All I wanted for my birthday last February was to go to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and eat a bowl of clam chowder in sourdough bread. This clam chowder sourdough bread bowl is an iconic San Francisco food. Boudin’s sourdough bread is a “must eat” when visiting San Francisco. Boudin’s “mother dough” is touted to be about 172 years old. Boudin itself is one of San Francisco’s oldest businesses dating back to 1849.

Bay Area locals do turn their noses up on Fisherman’s Wharf for being “touristy.” Well, it is but I do not mind touristy places. Fisherman’s Wharf is breathtaking with unparalleled gorgeous views of the bay. There are many delicious seafood restaurants to choose from. This tourist destination is just plain fun for adults and kids alike.

Mr Sweetie made my birthday special by letting me have whatever I wanted for my birthday including taking me to Fisherman’s Wharf, getting me a birthday cake, a bottle of French champagne and many pretty presents.

What I did not anticipate was how packed Fisherman’s Wharf was! After parking at the garage, we crossed the street to Pier 39. It was so crowded that we were elbow to elbow with people — some of whom were not wearing a mask! We tried to visit the shops but we gave up.

I was already vaccinated by then but not Mr Sweetie. It was quite stressful to be with hundreds of people when this has been our second time being out of the house and around a big crowd in a year since March 2020.

I thought that the crowd would get thinner as we walked towards Ghirardelli Square but it was still very packed. I also wanted to visit Pier 39’s famous seal lions but they were resting away from the people that day. After catching a glimpse of the seal lions, we walked along the wharf for about 20 minutes to get to Boudin. We watched bakers shape fresh dough into fun shapes such as turtle, crab, bear, etc. before placing our order. At this point, I told Mr Sweetie that I just wanted to get the clam chowder and sourdough bread then go home. I did not feel comfortable dining at a restaurant. (Even to this day, even after being fully vaccinated, I still do not like dining out.)

It was still a beautiful day despite the anxiety of having to deal with the unexpected crowd. It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco with the flowers already blooming.

When we got home, we enjoyed our food in our pj’s. I had a crab chowder instead of clam chowder. Knowing how much I love crab, Mr Sweetie also got me a fresh crab salad sandwich. He also bought me loaves of turtle and teddy bear sourdough bread! I opened the bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne that he got me which paired perfectly well with the seafood. I blew my birthday cake afterwards although sadly, I did not have any room in my tummy left to eat even a slice. Everything was so delicious!

It was a perfect birthday. I would like to go back again to Fisherman’s Wharf when we feel more comfortable and when it is safe to do so, hopefully when the pandemic is over. Lucky for us, Fisherman’s Wharf is just less than 30 minutes away from where we live.

Just in case you visit San Francisco, Boudin has different locations in SF but go to the one at Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the most fun location.