The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

San Francisco Baking Institute

shansen10's picture
shansen10

San Francisco Baking Institute

I am on the brink of registering for a class, Whole Grains, Ancient Grains and Alternative Wheats, at the SFBI in March 2015.  If there is any one who has been there and has any tips, insights about the Institute, where to stay, etc. I would appreciate hearing, especially about where to stay.

bikeprof's picture
bikeprof

not trying to be nasty, just letting you know it does come in handy

shansen10's picture
shansen10

Thank you, of course I looked there.  I'm really seeking any advice/info on where to stay.  I am leaning toward the Hampton, as it is in walking distance.  

suave's picture
suave

Attitude you call it?  Strange, I thought it was an attemp to teach a crucial life skill.

fotomat1's picture
fotomat1

who was pointing it out was not previously benefitted by asking the same question...I would agree. I really thought that this was a forum for people to help one another...asking simple questions should be met with answers, not go google it. If we all knew all the answers to all the questions we had.....there would really be no reason for the forum. I answer the same question 500 times in a single year....it is called patience and consideration. If you know something share it!!

dmsnyder's picture
dmsnyder

There are many. When you register for a workshop, SFBI will send you a list of nearby hotels. Note that there is a free shuttle services from many of the Oyster Point hotels to the SFBI, but many are walking distance, if you prefer.

Which hotel is best for you depends on your own budget and personal priorities for amenities. We like the Larkspur Landing, because we like having a suite with kitchen, and it's reasonably priced and has pleasant staff.

Have a great time at the SFBI!

David

shansen10's picture
shansen10

Thank you, David,

That's exactly the kind of information I was needing.  I have been wanting to take classes at SFBI and am really getting excited.  I know the training will boost my bread baking skills!

Sue

BurntMyFingers's picture
BurntMyFingers

.... who has never been lucky enough to take a class at the SFBI, a bit of perspective. Oyster Point is not in San Francisco, as you probably know. But it's just a few miles south and you need to decide on a strategy to get up to SF if that is something that interests you during the trip.

Considering that Oyster Point is a pretty sterile neighborhood full of anonymous dot com office towers, with no food or lodging to speak of, I'd rent a car. That way you can stay where you want (South San Francisco, on the other side of the 101, is a more interesting neighborhood) and make a couple of trips up to the city (but don't forget that parking is difficult/expensive). 

bikeprof's picture
bikeprof

I would not want to be stranded in Oyster Point, and the public transportation right there isn't the greatest (mostly corporate busses for employees).  But as you get out of OP to S. SF (access to BART) or Brisbane (kind of isolated itself, but decent bus access to downtown), getting to SFBI can be more of a challenge.  While walking and biking is possible to OP, you have to navigate some not so friendly roads/traffic. It is a trade-off.

I was very happy to have my car with me, as I stayed in Brisbane.  If I go again, I'd go with a better place through airbnb in S. San Fran, as there are a couple places with much better access to BART and the Trader Joe's that is right near the BART station there (and that store in itself was one of the key resources during my stay).

You might inquire at any hotels you are considering if they will shuttle to the S. SF BART station, or what they recommend for transportation into the city (or out to OP, if in S. SF).

doughooker's picture
doughooker

There is a La Quinta Inn in South San Francisco, highly recommended. Don't know if it fits your budget, though. Just figure that everything in or near S.F. is going to be expensive.

edroid's picture
edroid

I highly recommend Staybridge Suites because it is only about a two block walk to the San Bruno BART station.

SFBI class usually gets out at about 3:30, and you have plenty of time to clean up and take a super easy BART ride in to San Francisco to one of a billion great restaurants. If I were you I would avoid taking a rental car in to town and fighting for a non existent parking place and no wine with dinner. 

Uber is also an incredible resource in the bay area. Actually quite a few Uber cars roaming around Oyster Point. 

Staybridge Suites has kitchens, free shuttle to SFBI, great staff. . . 

shansen10's picture
shansen10

Thank you all for your helpful comments and suggestions.  I am still trying to register; the web keeps saying "cutoff date is passed."  Hope that's not true, will call tomorrow.  If it is then I will probably register for the Artisan Breads class in April.  In any case, this is the year I will go to SFBI!

Sue

shansen10's picture
shansen10

I have registered for the Ancient Grains class in March 2015.  I have researched Staybridge Inn and am a little concerned about the airplane noise.  Any comments on that?  Otherwise, it looks like the best choice.

CeciC's picture
CeciC

Hi, Have you make up your mind on which lodge to stay?? Im also planning my visit to SF and LA as I have registered a 5 days workshop in April. 

Hope to hear from you