Recently, my husband and I logged a whirlwind 24 hours in Las Vegas. We weren’t planning another 24 hour trip anytime soon, but when a work function popped up in San Francisco it seemed only fair to make the most of it.

I leveraged our eleventh hour decision as the ideal opportunity to book Palihotel San Francisco. Palihotels fall under the Palisociety umbrella. This collection of impeccably designed and impossibly chic hotels are always on my radar.

Rooms are petite but beautifully appointed. The design managed to showcase the charm of this historic building while sufficiently modernizing for creature comforts.

Bonus points for the mini Smeg fridge, Hotel Magique artwork, and signature robes.

Tired from a full day of travel and work, we schlepped down to Mission Street to visit La Oaxaqueña. We discovered this spot six years ago on a weekend trip and it became the benchmark against which we compare all other taco shops.

Flavorful, tender meat is served simply with cilantro. But the real treat are the accouterments – grilled onion (by request), grilled pineapple, charred peppers, lime wedges, and bright salsa. We ordered both carnitas and al pastor and I’d be hard pressed to pick a a favorite between the two.

The next morning, we woke up refreshed and ready for coffee (or in my case, matcha). The hotel’s second floor plays host to the onsite restaurant, Fisher Loft.

Despite being committed to a midmorning brunch elsewhere, I couldn’t resist a pre-brunch pastry. We shared a warm croissant served with strawberry jam and nutella.

With coffee ticked off the list, we were officially off to brunch! Located inside RH (Restoration Hardware) the Palm Court is stunning, destination dining.

You may be able to snag a brunch table sans reservations but as a rule of thumb, I’d book in advance for any meals here as this can be an incredibly popular choice.

Sunday brunch combines a few breakfast staples with a lengthier list of lunch offerings. With another six hour drive looming, we started our meal with a second round of caffeine. Predictably, my husband chose cold brew while I stuck with iced matcha.

For our entrées, he ordered the hearth burger which is a twist on a classic burger served instead on a toasted ciabatta. He gave this rave reviews.

I opted for the gournay and herb omelette and was rewarded with one of the best omelette’s I’ve ever enjoyed. If I ordered this again, I would recommend adding a side to share as the portion is slightly small (the truffle fries are calling my name).

The real reason to visit however is the incredible interior. I’ve dined here both morning and evening and can confirm the light is stunning at any time of day.

With the last few bites of our entrées a debate sparked about whether or not dessert belongs with brunch. Which camp am I in? If you’ve never ordered dessert after brunch, you’re missing out. The whole idea of brunch, as opposed to its sister meal breakfast, is that anything goes.

You could say that I emerged the winner since we did, in fact, order dessert. But this truly exceptional cake made us both winners. This confection is dense, more like a cake pop, and served chilled but don’t let that deter you. Do yourself a favor and order it the first chance you get.

Why not have your cake and eat it too?

In less than 24 hours, it was already time to start the trek home. I spent the drive with Ed Sheeran on heavy rotation trying to stave off any Sunday Scaries and wondering how jury duty for the week ahead would unfold. That’s life isn’t it? Highs and lows and packing in excitement like sardines when a brief window opens. Until next time San Francisco, you’ve been a dream.