SPECIAL ASCRS MEETING PREVIEW SECTION

San Francisco at Top in Tourist Appeal

ASCRS Attendees Can Walk to Many Attractions.

BY JERRY HELZNER, SENIOR EDITOR

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) have chosen a truly unique city — San Francisco — for their 2009 annual meeting, which will run from April 3 to 8. It is no stretch to say that the combined visitor appeal of just about any three large Midwestern cities taken together adds up to only a fraction of what San Francisco and its environs have to offer guests.

In a recent survey of America's Favorite Cities conducted by CNN and Travel and Leisure Magazine, San Francisco ranked number one in most interesting neighborhoods, number two in specialty shopping and number three in destination restaurants.

The focus of this year's ASCRS/ASOA meeting will be the George R. Moscone Center, named after the popular San Francisco mayor who was killed by a deranged political rival in 1978. The centrally located Moscone Center is within walking distance of about 20,000 hotel rooms, the theater district and many restaurants. It boasts two million square feet of building area, 700,000 square feet of exhibit space and 106 meeting rooms. The Center was built in three stages over more than 20 years, with the latest addition being the Moscone West building, which was completed in 2003.

The Moscone Center is known for its progressive environmental practices and its ability to hold so-called "Green Meetings" that are notable for an emphasis on recycling and the efficient use of resources.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) offers fast, convenient regional service and MUNI Metro provides light rail service throughout the city. To reach Moscone North & South, take BART or MUNI to Montgomery station. To reach Moscone West, take BART or MUNI to Powell station.

A Visitor's Delight

Away from the meeting site, attendees and their spouses have a wide array of leisure activities from which to choose. First-time visitors will want to take in the traditional San Francisco attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill and, of course, a ride in one of the city's famous cable cars. For those who have "been there, done that," there are many less obvious attractions that are also part of the city's overall charm.

At least one ride on San Francisco's famed cable cars is a must experience for visitors to the "city by the bay."

For example, the Aquarium of the Bay, located at Pier 39 on the Embarcadero at Beach Street, showcases approximately 20,000 marine animals. Visitors walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels and can touch sharks and rays. The experience has been compared to skin diving without getting wet. The Aquarium of the Bay is open daily with an adult admission fee of $15.95 per person.

Along with the Aquarium, the Pier 39 site also offers a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 13 Bay view restaurants and a variety of other attractions, including street performers and live daily entertainment.

A visit to Chinatown, with its many restaurants and shops, ranks high on visitors' agendas. It is also close to the meeting site.

Formerly a military post, the Presidio on Graham Street in San Francisco is a national park and recreational area featuring spectacular views, meandering trails, and historic and architectural treasures. Visitors can hike, take a walking tour, have a picnic or view the many exhibits. Entrance to the park and most programs are free. The park is open daily, year-round.

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a spectacular living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants from around the world that will engage visitors. It is open daily except Monday, with an adult admission charge of $5 per person. Golden Gate Park is also home to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which also offers a wide variety of flora from around the world.

The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center and is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2009. This urban oasis, nestled against the Pacific Ocean, features beautiful gardens and 250 different animal species in naturalistic habitats. Recent births at the zoo include a baby giraffe and a baby gorilla. However, the zoo no longer houses elephants and was one of the first to close its elephant exhibit and send the pachyderms to a sanctuary. The San Francisco Zoo is located on the Great Highway, between Skyline and Sloat Boulevards, next to the Pacific Ocean. Adult admission is $15 for non-residents.

For baseball fans attending the meeting, the San Francisco Giants open their 2009 baseball season on April 7 at 1:05 p.m. at AT&T Park against the Milwaukee Brewers. Last season's Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum will be the probable opening-day starter for the Giants. The Giants will also play a night game with a 7:15 p.m. starting time on April 8.

Hoops junkies can catch the Golden State Warriors on April 3 against the New Orleans Hornets and April 7 when the foe is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both games will be played at the Oracle Arena with a 7:30 p.m. start time for both contests.

A Bit Further Afield

For those who have the time and inclination to venture outside of the San Francisco city limits, a nearby starting point would be across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausilito. Named by a Spanish explorer for the little willows (saucelitos) growing along its shores, Sausalito has been a vibrant area since the early 1800s, when sailors, whalers and shipbuilders settled there.

Today, visitors can stroll along the water watching sea lions cavort, linger in the plaza and soak up the ambiance in the many open-air cafes and unique boutiques. Sausalito hosts a thriving artist community and is home to several world-class art galleries.

In contrast to laid-back Sausilito, Alcatraz Island is basically an isolated rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was chosen to be the site of an escape-proof federal penitentiary. Though entrance to Alcatraz Island is free, it is only reachable by ferry, which departs regularly from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. Adult admission is $26 for a day tour and ferry transportation to the island and back.

Tours through Napa Valley wine country are also available but these trips can take the better part of a day.

Shops Like Nowhere Else

The sanfrancisco.com Shopping Guide boasts that the city "offers some of the best shopping in the world, so it is no wonder that tourists and serious shopaholics alike want to spend some time and money in San Francisco's varied shopping centers, districts and malls. Union Square, Hayes Valley, upper Fillmore, the Mission, Sacramento Street, Chinatown and downtown's San Francisco Shopping Center each offer a unique style with one-of-a-kind shops. Each mall and neighborhood has a distinctive feel suited to any shopper's mood, from urban sophisticate to funk fantastic."

The www.sanfrancisco.com Web site provides a detailed description of each of the above-mentioned shopping districts and provides the names and specialties of the key retailers in each neighborhood.

Binkhorst Lecture

Back at the meeting site, the prestigious Binkhorst Lecture will be delivered by David F. Chang, M.D., of Los Altos, Calif., one of the world's leading cataract surgeons. Dr. Chang's presentation will center on "The Greatest Challenge to Cataract Surgery. Needed: A 5-Minute, $15 Cure for Blindness," which he asserts is the challenge of removing cataracts on a worldwide scale using efficient, low-cost and high-volume techniques pioneered by the Tilganga Eye Center in Nepal and the Aravind Hospitals in India.

"Incredibly, a viable and proven model exists for delivering quality, low-cost cataract surgery in a high-volume setting, which is financially self-sustaining," says Dr. Chang. "The surgical solution is low tech — a manual extracapsular cataract extraction performed through a temporal, sutureless small incision. Equally important is the ability to manufacture affordable, low-cost IOLs, viscoelastics and supplies and the streamlining of the surgical process through the use of standardized protocols executed by well-trained ancillary staff. Such cost containment and efficiency maximize the productivity of the system's most precious asset — the cataract surgeon."

New ASCRS President

In other meeting news, Alan Crandall, M.D., of the Moran Eye Institute of the University of Utah, will be installed as ASCRS president for the next year. Dr. Crandall succeeds Bradford J. Shingleton, M.D. who served as the organization's president for the past year.

Ophthalmology Hall of Fame

Two new members will be added to the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame. The new members are Jacques Daviel, a French ophthalmologist who performed the first reported extracapsular cataract surgery in 1747, and Endre A. Balazs, research professor emeritus of ophthalmology at Columbia University and founder of Biomatrix, Inc., a pioneering firm in the manufacture of viscoelastics.

Foodies' Delight

Local epicures say that San Francisco's restaurant scene leaves them spoiled for choice.

BY RENÉ LUTHE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Those heading to the 2009 ASCRS meeting next month are fortunate that it is located in a city so renowned for its outstanding restaurants — and Ophthalmology Management was fortunate to have found some very restaurant-savvy locals! Compliments of Anne Fung, M.D., Stuart Seiff, M.D., and the team of Ella Faktorovich, M.D., and her associate Nicole Lewis, here is the lowdown on the best eateries the city has to offer. Be warned that making reservations is especially crucial in San Francisco. "Everything in San Francisco is a reservation restaurant," Ms. Lewis cautions. "And book early."

Dr. Faktorovich's/Nicole Lewis's Picks

A-16 ∫ 2355 Chestnut St. ∫ 415-771-2216 www.a16sf.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
The lunch on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday is the only time A-16 serves their amazing meatballs, warn Dr. Faktorovich and Ms. Lewis. And while meatballs may not sound that exciting, they promise that A-16's are unlike any you've ever had. "But what they also do really well there is pizza," adds Ms. Lewis. "The owner is a certified pizzaiola, which means he learned the trade and got the certification in Italy, from one of the few places that certifies pizza makers." The wine list impresses as well, say Dr. Faktorovich and Ms. Lewis.

Aziza ∫ 5800 Geary Blvd. ∫ 415-752-2222 www.aziza-sf.com ∫ Service: Dinner
This Moroccan restaurant offers a unique San Francisco experience, according to our sources. "It's got almost an Arabian Nights motif and romantic booths. They have a wonderful fixed price option so you can taste five items on the menu. Very creative, very delicious." Additionally, their "off the chart drinks" include what Ms. Lewis calls "an amazing sangria that I recommend if you're not driving!" Aziza also features a large private dining room for groups.

Aziza's romantic Morroccan ambience.

Blue Bottle Coffee Company ∫ 66 Mint St. 510-653-3394 ∫ www.bluebottlecoffee.net
The place for coffee lovers, according to Dr. Faktorovich and Ms. Lewis. The company uses organic coffees and an "artisan microroasting" process, according to the Web site. By the time of the convention, Blue Bottle should have a location in the local landmark the Ferry Building as well.

Café Majestic ∫ 1500 Sutter St. ∫ 415-441-1280 www.cafemajesticsf.com ∫ Service: Breakfast, Dinner
Located in the Hotel Majestic, this restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine in an elegant, quiet setting. One of their most famous menu items, according to Dr. Faktorovich, is a mushroom soup topped with a mushroom-shaped pastry cap. She says the Café Majestic is also renowned for its cocktails.

Hog Island Oyster Bar ∫ 1 Ferry Building 415-391-7117 ∫ www.hogislandoysters.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
In addition to the oyster bar, patrons can find "the best clam chowder ever," according to Ms. Lewis, as well as a take on that comfort-food staple, the grilled cheese sandwich. The Oyster Bar is open for dinner on the weekend, but come early — they close at 8 p.m. on Friday, and at 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Mijita ∫ 1 Ferry Bldg #44 ∫ 415-399-0814 www.mijitasf.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
Owned by local celebrity chef Traci Des Jardins, Mijita offers Mexican food in a casual setting. Mijita uses local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is open for an early dinner on the weekend — they close at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Perbacco ∫ 230 California St. 415-955-0663 ∫ www.perbaccosf.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
When this Italian restaurant opened in 2007, it won best new restaurant from Zagat's, says Dr. Faktorovich. One of the specialty items is a burrata served with some crostini. The pasta dishes and their thick, rich sauces don't disappoint, either. "And I always say, save room for deserts here, because they have an amazing pastry chef," says Ms. Lewis.

Dr. Fung's Picks

Acme Chophouse ∫ 24 Willie Mays Plaza 415-644-0240 ∫ www.acmechophouse.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
The dinner menu features a raw bar, wood-grilled meats and chops, homemade pasta and seafood. The restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays.

Bacar ∫ 448 Brannan St. ∫ 415-904-4100 www.bacarsf.com ∫ Service: Dinner
"It's an eater's paradise," says Dr. Fung. She recommends the savory stewed short ribs over polenta and the grilled lamb chops atop giant beans. The bar is a great place to meet for drinks and appetizers.

Emporio Rulli Café ∫ Stockton Street Pavilion 415-433-1122 ∫ www.rulli.com Service: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
"If the sun is shining on Union Square, one of the most fun lunches is at this charming cafe with delicious panini, espresso coffees and amazing pastries," says Dr. Fung. "Order your prosciutto arugula panini at the bar, then sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, your savory lunch and great people watching!"

Epic Roasthouse ∫ 369 Embarcadero 415-369-9955 ∫ www.epicroasthousesf.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
Epic offers a view of San Francisco Bay as well as a combination of traditional and contemporary steakhouse dishes. The chefs prepare the food with the help of a wood-fired grill and a large wood-burning oven.

The Hayes Street Grill ∫ 320 Hayes St. 415-863-5545 ∫ www.hayesstreetgrill.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
"Arguably the most consistently pleasing restaurant in San Francisco for 30 years," says Dr. Fung. The restaurant offers famously fresh fish and sustainably raised meats on its menu, which is created daily. Dr. Fung recommends arriving after 7 p.m. to avoid pre-theater crowds. Lunch is available on weekdays.

Le Colonial ∫ 20 Cosmo Place ∫ 415-931-3600 www.lecolonialsf.com ∫ Service: Dinner
"A charming, old-world transformation occurs when you step into this restaurant with lazily turning ceiling fans and palm trees lining the walls," says Dr. Fung. "The delicious Vietnamese-inspired cuisine is light yet filling. The restaurant is also great for an intimate late-night drinks and meetings."

Slanted Door ∫ 1 Ferry Building #3 ∫ 415-861-8032 www.slanteddoor.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
"This contemporary Vietnamese destination is what San Francisco legends are made of," enthuses Dr. Fung. "Everything from a Hamachi sashimi appetizer to the savory Shaken Beef is prepared expertly under the constant oversight of chef Charles Phan and his family. The view of the San Francisco bay and Bay Bridge are a bonus — probably the best view/food combination in the city." The restaurant also offers a to-go service, called Out The Door, located in the main hall of the Ferry Building.

Waterbar ∫ 399 Embarcadero South ∫ 415-284-9922 www.waterbarsf.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
Waterbar's ambience alone makes it worth the trip. In addition to its panoramic view of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline, there are 19-foot tall floor-to-ceiling aquariums filled with fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Cuisine is prepared with seasonal ingredients and sustainable seafood.

The Waterbar offers a great view of the city, as well as an up-close and personal view of marine life.

Dr. Seif's Picks

Ana Mandara ∫ 891 Beach St. (Across from the Maritime Museum) ∫ 415-771-6800 ∫ www.anamandara.com Service: Lunch, Dinner
"For a bit of an adventure," Dr. Seiff recommends the Vietnamese cuisine here. Ana Mandara also feature live Jazz music on Thursdays and the weekends.

Boulevard ∫ 1 Mission St. ∫ 415-543-6084 www.boulevardrestaurant.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
Boulevard's cuisine offers American regional flavors with a French-influenced style in a Belle Epoque setting. The restaurant is located in the historic Audiffred Building; constructed in 1889, it's one of the few structures that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Kokkari ∫ 200 Jackson St. ∫ 415-981-0983 www.kokkari.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
This Greek/Mediterranean restaurant offers classics such as moussaka, kotopoulo souvlas and mesquite-grilled octopus. "The lamb is great," Dr. Seiff says.

One Market ∫ 1 Market St. ∫ 415-777-5577 www.onemarket.com ∫ Service: Lunch, Dinner
The open exhibition kitchen serves us American-style cuisine, including dishes such as bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with dandelion persillade and chocolate toffee almond crunch cake. ■