The Venue

Dandelion Chocolate Factory

It’s really a chocolate factory. Monday through Friday they produce single-origin chocolate (using one cocoa source + organic sugar, and that’s it).

Directions

Shibuichi Alert

There are three Dandelion Chocolate locations in San Francisco (and two in Japan). Our venue is the 16th Street Factory in the Mission. Don’t get mixed up.

The Spaces

During the pandemic the factory’s event space was fully renovated, and we watched it develop from the sidewalk. Our wedding includes everything:

  • Ceremony — an intimate walnut, brass, and glass room

  • Dinner — an open-air, brick and steel hall

  • Factory — fully walkable perimeter with a gallery

  • Café — unlimited hot/cold coffee & cocoa drinks (yes, unlimited)

  • Cakes, treats & tastings — obviously

I don’t crave chocolate, but this is really good chocolate.

I do crave chocolate. This is my dream.

When to RSVP

Please confirm/decline your attendance by October 1:

Specify food restrictions / special needs.

Attire

Cocktail (Semi-formal)

  • Suit and tie preferred. Skip the tuxedo.

  • Dress length: ankle to mini. Skip the ball gown.

  • Color and jewel tones are approved.

  • Keep it classy — no casual / clubbing wear.

Don’t wear green, bright red, or white please.

It’s on my to-do list.

Food

Dinner will be four courses of our favorites. We’re keeping this a bit of a surprise.

The Dandelion café and snacks will be available after the ceremony until closing.

Shibuichi Alert

If you have allergies, let them know. I will eat that.

Gifts

Gifts are optional, but if you insist — cash is preferred (travel fund).

Many of you are traveling cross-country or overseas to attend, and that’s more than enough.

Shibuichi Alert

Kindly avoid buying us physical things. We live in an apartment and have everything (furniture, electronics, kitchen gadgets, tools, linens, and even cat toys).

Weather

Current Weather: 94103 (via Google)

Early November is the middle of autumn in San Francisco. You’ll be in the sunniest area of the city, but SF is not LA. You’ll want a light jacket as the sun goes down.

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.

~ Mark Twain

We’ll update this as the date approaches, but on average:

  • High 68 °F

  • Low 55 °F

  • 6 of 30 days in November are rainy

Flying to San Francisco

We recommend flying into SFO. It’s the closest and fastest route to the city. Times represent a Lyft from the airport to venue.

  1. SFO — San Francisco Airport (15-25 minutes)

  2. OAK — Oakland Airport (35–45 minutes)

  3. JSC — San Jose Airport (45-65 minutes)

City Map

For visitors, a map of San Francisco neighborhoods with distances to the venue. Try to stay within 2 miles of the venue to avoid traffic.

Getting Around the City

Walking

Most neighborhoods are very walkable (a few should be avoided). This is a city, so mind the cleanliness of the sidewalk. It varies block by block.

We regularly walk 4-5 miles out and back. November is a cool, sunny month to enjoy the city. You can avoid the hills, but the views are worth it.

Driving

Lyft / Uber is the best option inside the city. If you’re planning to sightsee outside SF, consider a day rental vs overnight to avoid parking.

Parking

Be smart about parking if you drive. Attended lots are more expensive but safer.

Shibuichi Alert

Vehicle break-ins are common even during the day on busy streets. Visible luggage and phone cords are asking for a smashed window. Leave nothing inside — nothing.

Stay in a Hotel

We live in San Francisco, and haven’t stayed in these hotels. These suggestions look cool or the area is nice/walkable.

Our Recco — Hotel Kabuki in Japantown is clean, easy to find, and surrounded by great food. It’s central to walkable neighborhoods and not too far from the venue (12 minute Lyft).

  1. Harbour Court Hotel

    $161 per night in Embarcadero
  2. Westin, St. Francis

    $194 per night in Union Square
  3. The Clift (Royal Sonesta)

    $217 per night in Union Square
  4. Hotel Nikko

    $223 per night in Union Square
  5. Omni

    $254 per night in Chinatown
  6. Hotel Kabuki (Hyatt)

    $255 per night in Japantown
  7. Hotel Castro

    $278 per night in Castro
  8. Fairmont

    $378 per night in Nob Hill

Stay at an AirBnB

We handpicked these based on the neighborhood. They'll probably get booked but keep looking. If you’re not sure about the area, ask us first.

  1. SOMA Neon Studio

    $156 per night in SOMA
  2. Dolores Studio

    $228 per night in Dolores Park
  3. Dolores Guesthouse

    $229 per night in Dolores Park
  4. Haight Studio

    $242 per night in Haight-Ashbury
  5. Dolores Cabana

    $297 per night in Dolores Park

Where to Eat

  1. Ariscault ~ Bakery

    $6 per person in Inner Richmond

    Favorite: Ham & Cheese Croissant

  2. Hila ~ Gelato

    $10 per person in Mission

    Favorite: Any Flavors on a Waffle Cone

  3. Pancho Villa ~ Taqueria

    $15 per person in Mission

    Favorite: Super Burrito with Carne Asada

  4. Alnico ~ Filipino Fusion

    $25 per person in Mission

    Favorite: Ube Hotcakes

  5. Marufuku ~ Ramen

    $25 per person in Japantown

    Favorite: Tonkotsu Deluxe Noodle

  6. Bodega ~ Vietnamese

    $50 per person in Civic Center

    Favorite: Bo Thai Chanh