Haute Secrets: Holly Baxter’s Guide to San Francisco

As an independent art advisor to some of the Bay Area’s wealthiest and most influential families, Holly Baxter of Baxter & Cook Art Advisors LLC has an eye for quality that’s hardly second to none. As her business demands a meticulous guarding of information and privacy when it comes to her clients, she is tight-lipped about details of clients and their collections, but insiders know that Holly is the woman almost every major figure in the Bay Area calls upon for advice.

Since she has built her career on being able to spot and judge the best quality art, we thought she’d have some great insights on the best that San Francisco has to offer outside the art gallery as well. So here is Holly Baxter’s Guide to San Francisco.

Where were you born: Midwest

How long in San Francisco: 18 years

Neighborhood: Russian Hill

Occupation: Independent Art Advisor.

Favorite restaurant: La Folie; one Michelin Star and one block from my home!

Best steakhouse: The Four Seasons

Best sushi: Ame

Best ethnic food: Dosa

Best Italian: Acquerello

Best pizza: E Tutto Qua; wonderful Roman style pizza.

Best lunch: Zuni Cafe

Best place for late night dining: Globe

Best dessert: Bi-rite ice cream. The best ice cream in the world.

Best place for a romantic date: Coi; a sensual experience and two Michelin Stars.

Best Sunday brunch: La Terrasse. I can bring my French bulldog, Henri

Hautest club and/or lounge: La Folie Lounge. Tres chic!

Best place for a power business meeting: Four Seasons

Holly Baxter with Warren Buffett and Pete Budlong in San Francisco

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? St. Regis

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Union Square

Best place to buy jewelry/watches: Cartier

Best spa: Nob Hill Spa

Best gym/athletic facility: Sports Club LA

Best massage: Sunny at the Nob Hill Spa

Best limousine/driving services: Bay Area Limousine

Favorite charity event: The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show Preview Party Benefit Gala

With Interior Designer Claudia Juestel at The Museum of African Diaspora

Favorite cultural event: The Symphony Opening Night Gala

Favorite cultural institution: The Museum of Modern Art

Best museum/exhibit: The Fisher Collection at the MOMA

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Marin Headlands just 5 minutes over the Golden Gate Bridge where you have wonderful hiking and can visit the Headlands Art Institute, The Point Bonita lighthouse, the Marine Mammal Center, a Nike missile site and the country’s largest collection of military installations.

All-around favorite locale in San Francisco, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: I love Saturday mornings at the Ferry Building during the farmer’s market and I love walks along Crissy Field with views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge

Best aspect of San Francisco: The fresh air, beautiful views and gracious citizens.