Get Puzzled at EscapeSF

No spoilers ahead... safe to keep reading! 🥃🖤

If you could live through any other era, what would it be? For me, I'm positive it would be the Roaring 20's. There is something I love about the spirit of the era: the risqué secrets of prohibition, the hidden speakeasys and the glamorous style.

Luckily, Escape SF helped us travel back in time as we solved the Blind Tiger escape room. I gathered a few of my girls, encouraged them to get in their best modern day meets 1920’s inspired attire, and we took the Blind Tiger Room head on.

If you've never done an escape room before, you must know every great escape room has a strong backstory, including this one.

Here's the backstory: 

It’s 1928, the prohibition era. Last week, the biggest bootlegging bosses of the country were arrested in a historic sweep as they were sitting in an underground speakeasy divvying up territories of influence and lucrative rum-running routes. Now there is nobody left to run the business – unless you can do it, of course. Your job is to obtain the names of the 7 arrested mafioso and gain control of the biggest, baddest money making endeavor of the century.

Out of the 4 themed rooms EscapeSF has to offer, I couldn't deny this one... despite it being the most challenging to solve of them all.

Why Escape Rooms

In short, escape rooms are hella fun with friends. It wasn't until my good friend Arielle introduced me to them earlier this year, did I realize why they live up to the hype. Escape rooms are meant to get you to think outside the box, solve hard problems and work together as a team to get out before time runs out.

In most cases, you have an hour in a themed room to solve all the puzzles and find the keys to get out. Depending on the company hosting, you may or may not be given hints along the way.

Don't worry, you'll get a full overview of the rules before entering the room. 

The Best Experience with EscapeSF

We loved it! I'd recommend EscapeSF as a unique way to bond with your friends, family or co-workers. All of their rooms host 2-5 people total, so choose wisely. 😉 You can't solve escape rooms alone, so you'll need a strong diverse thinking team to overcome the puzzles. 🤔

They use prop-production, programmable micro-controllers, and game-design theory to make it one-of-a-kind. By creating an intentional themed experience mixed with their challenging puzzles, those intricate details immerse you right into the storyline. 

While participating, you'll be monitored and are welcome to ask for hints if you get stuck. There aren’t a limited number on hints, but that's no fun if you rely on them. We definitely needed a few nudges and clues while we were there, but it's more fun and rewarding without the extra guidance. Truthfully, we somehow managed to barely escape with 2 short minutes to spare, but couldn't have done it alone!

When we finally got the last door unlocked, we were rewarded with bracelets to back up our bragging rights... but damn, without those hints it would've taken some extremely clever minds to get through that. 

A huge thank you to EscapeSF for inviting me to share this experience.

It truly lives up to it's reputation as one of the best escape room experiences in San Francisco. 

Thanksgiving Brunch at International Smoke

Things have been heating up under the Millennium Tower, and I don't mean the fact the building is apparently sinking. (Don't worry, It's earthquake safe ya'll).

Ayesha Curry and Chef Michael Mina have opened the doors to International Smoke. The menu is a collaborative dream of their individual heritages and also gather inspiration from the places they've traveled. All those international flavors come together for quite the cozy eating experience at their newly opened restaurant on Mission St. in San Francisco. 

Make reservations to taste the food and enjoy this warm, welcoming, and intimate dining experience for yourself! 

Out here, we do things a little different

On Thanksgiving, my family and I keep things pretty small. Meet my mom and dad! It's an annual tradition to go out and enjoy our Thanksgiving feast. 🦃 Say goodbye to the worries of prep, cook and clean up! 👋🏽 If it seems strange or unfamiliar, know this is quite common in California.

My mom visited International Smoke on opening night earlier this month and has made it widely known she got to talk to Ayesha Curry lol. She loved it so much that she wanted Curtis and myself to experience it too, making it the perfect place for our annual Thanksgiving meal.

International Smoke's Thanksgiving Buffet

Finally, what you've been waiting for! Please don't blame me if you're hungry after this part! 🙈

Though the daily menu is already on it's own level, let's just say International Smoke's Thanksgiving Buffet set the bar for going out on this day of gratitude. After this meal, I damn sure had a lot to be thankful for. 

The Ribs

When we arrived Ayesha had already gone back home for her family plans, but she had been at the restaurant all morning cooking ribs! Happy to say, I got some and didn't regret it one bit. When offered, we quickly said "yes please!" and the chefs sprinkled brown sugar and glaze over the ribs. Then they torched it, creating just the right crispy top layer. 

The Steak

At each station of the buffet, you are served with plentiful portions. The steak was no exception, served to perfection and topped with Chimichurri.

The Brussel Sprouts 

International Smoke's brussel sprouts are flavored with soy caramel and peanuts. I could tell by those around me, that everyone that ate them loved them because the flavor packs a punch. 

The Stuffing

My holiday weakness... the carb overload of all carb overloads... stuffing. My sweet tooth was happy when I took the first bite and realized it had a sweet undertone. Definitely went back for seconds... okay fine, you got me. Thirds!

The Charcuterie Table

At this point your plate is probably full, and you scoot over what you can to make room. I'll let your eyes gander and enjoy at the choices. 

The overall experience

Cheers to the holidays! We took our server's recommendation to try the spiced cider bourbon cocktail. 👌🏽 In addition to some great serving selections, the staff was as warm and welcoming as the ambiance of their restaurant. Not once did we feel rushed during our reservation, even when the restaurant started to fill up. 

We enjoyed our food to our hearts content, shared great conversation and the staff sometimes joined in our conversation as well!

Ayesha is very hands on at her restaurant and comes in to both cook and serve, so if you're lucky she'll be there during your visit! Make reservations before going. Since it's meant to be an intimate environment the restaurant keeps it cozy at 80 person capacity.

Before heading out, they handed us gift bags from Ayesha Curry. We all went home with one of the loaf pans from Ayesha Curry's cookware line with Target! Truly, that hospitality was the cherry on top for a great holiday experience. 

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Quick Outfits Deets

Nail color: Butternut Squash gel by DNC
Little Dipper Ring: Katie Dean Jewelry
Frankie Zebrawood Watch: JORD Watches
Necklace: Target
Crossback Knit Sweater: Charlotte's Russe

Visiting Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco

Real talk, getting these MOIC SF tickets almost gave me a mini panic attack. It was almost like I was back in my festival days sitting in the unknowing misery of queue. But you know, most ticket sales with a competitive wait line... always have a good reason why the tickets are such a hassle. MOIC was no different and it made for the perfect girls night out.

 Is MOIC worth the hype? What's it like inside?

Scroll down below, and I'll take you room-to-room, without skipping a beat on the highs and lows.

TL;DR Version for my skimmers ...yes, of course it's worth it! Biggest suggestion? Get tickets for Monday-Thursday either morning, early afternoon, or a later evening shift to avoid the big crowds of people. Basically avoid 5-7 commuter hours and weekends.

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Entering the Ice Cream Vault

Before getting the full Museum of Ice Cream experience, we had to pass a mini trivial quiz to enter the ice cream vault. In small groups of 15 people, we were whisked away by history facts on how modern day ice cream came to be!

Pro Tip: Make sure to pay close attention! Once you get inside, you'll be so distracted by the photos that you may miss the fun facts along the way. MOIC did a great job at giving us the full scoop on fun facts early on, then set us up for what's inside, and slyly filled us in on the ground rules without raining on our parade.

Pro Tip 2: Go to the bathroom before you arrive. Your next chance won't be until half way through the visit.

Come one, come all...

Once our group of babes passed the trivia questions, the first room we gazed into was a carnival themed room with a ring toss game on whipped cream cans. The walls were lined with pink toys, carnival tickets and pinwheels! Here is where you'll find the first of two video booths in the museum.

Pro tip: Take your time in each room. As groups trickled in behind us every 10 mins or so, we felt pressure to move on quickly. Since it is a one-way museum, be kind to those around you, take the time you need, and share the space! Once you move on, there's no going back. 

Ice Cream Social

We walked right in to this 1950's styled diner covered in millennial pink. Sit at the counter and you'll be handed a strawberry It's It, a Bay Area legendary ice cream sandwich. 

Pro Tip: The room's interactive depth takes it a step further with a working jukebox with some really good songs.  Also, pay close attention to pink records hung on the wall, or you'll miss the punny pop star names!

You're my type.

Remember using letter magnets to write words on your kitchen fridge? Now picture that type of silliness but instead of on the fridge... on every inch of the wall with all cotton candy pink letters. We wrote our heart out on the walls, and maybe spilled some tea while we were there too. This is the chance to get creative, and let it out. Some keep it sweet and simple, but there were plenty of fun, colorful phrases on the walls when we arrived.

Pro tip: explore what's been left up on the walls before you mix it up and start you're own. Also, don't forget to grab some mochi ice cream before you walk to the next spot. 

Photo: Jessica Villanueva

Photo: Jessica Villanueva

Cotton Candy Queens

We made a quick pit stop here after the magnets in this tiny blush colored hallway. We were greeted with cherry flavored cotton candy... and had edible sparkles on top! Ahh. You'll get the cherry reference very soon!

Pro Tip: the cotton candy is the best, savor each bite or you'll end up sad like me! 😔

Cherry Skies

Told you it would soon make sense! Here is where the MOIC experience starts to ramp up. Welcome to the room with pink skies and floating cherries! With cherry cotton candy in hand, you'll be fully immersed into what I consider the cherry on top of a good day.

Candyland in real life

After the sugar rush begins to kick in, we stumbled into a childhood board game brought into real life. Pink hills with lollipop trees and gummy bears crawling around the candy dunes. You'll have a hard time keeping a straight face.

Pro tip: You can't touch much in this room, but don't be shy to sit on the pink hill for this photo opportunity!

Keepin' it cool

Time to pop on by to the popsicle room. It's almost like giant popsicles fell from the skies. Let the risqué jokes commence in here... trust me avoiding it is harder than you think. ...Oh wait. 🙊

Pro tip: The second (and last) video booth is here! Snap a quick video and make sure to email it to yourself.

Rock (candy) climbing

If you're up for the challenge, boulder up the rock candy wall. Our girl Jackie was quick to climb, and made it look easy af. From my one-time experience attempting bouldering, I can say it's definitely not easy. lol. Once she managed to get down, we took a few pictures in the rock candy cavern. The cast member in the room was the best hype woman we could have asked for and gifted us each with candy cane pop rocks! 

Pro Tip: after this room you finally get your one chance to visit the restrooms.

Unicorn Prism Power!

*cue the sailor moon transformation*

Dance through small hallways of iridescent prisms and rainbow portals and you'll spiral into the long awaited rainbow room, equipped with a unicorn and pink dipped ice cream cones!!

SIsterhood is Powerful Shirts from Shop Luella

...While many waited to hop on a unicorn ride, I crawled into the disco ball room and had a ball of my own.

Sprinkle me.

The true treat and every kid at heart's dream finally arrives up next.. an entire pool made of sprinkles! We had a short period of time to enjoy, so we came in with a master plan. Though it's a short and sweet dip into the sprinkle pool, this keeps the flow of visitors moving successfully.

Pro Tip: make the most of your picture opp. Have the lifeguard take your photo, and once you get in the pool take your group shots first. Pair up with a pool buddy and take solos/duos of each other so everyone gets a fair chance to their ice cream selfie!

The whistle blew, and the lifeguard prompted us to hop out of the pool. "Head to to the sprinkle showers! they exclaimed. So we did. We made sure to shimmy until they were gone, and we used the air showers to shake those little sprinkles off. They end up EVERYWHERE. 

Photo: Jessica Villanueva

This Sh*t is B-A-N-A-N-A-S

Once you've made it to the banana swings, you officially survived the Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco! Take a moment to sit back, swing a bit, and enjoy the last moments of your silly visit!

The visit ends with one last chance to eat ice cream, play ping pong, rest your feet or shop for mementos in the gift shop! 

Pro tip: Sealed with a kiss and sent from the Sprinkle Pool. Before walking out of MOIC, I made sure to buy a postcard and write a letter to someone special. I encourage you to do the same. Put it in their pink mail box and MOIC will send it off for you!

If you stayed with me this entire post, you are a TRUE TROOPER! It's a long maze of fun visiting here, and even though it's already all over your instagram feed, there's nothing like experiencing it in person! May you're visit to Museum of Ice Cream melt your heart. If you can't make it to SF and don't mind traveling across the states, you can visit their next round, Museum of Ice Cream Miami!