During my time in San Francisco in 1997/98, on Sundays, I often wandered through different parts of the city exploring them with my camera. One day I went through the Richmond district and found that beautiful little restaurant at the corner of 34th Avenue and Geary Boulevard. It wasn't open yet and I took some photos from the outside. I had a black and white film in my camera, that’s right back then photography was still analog. When I went by two men and a woman were outside the restaurant and we started talking. I told them that it was a nice building and a good motive for a picture. They wanted me to take a picture of them as well. I did, although I was always shy about taking pictures of people. I had fun that day.
A week later I had the photos developed and decided to frame the one with the building. To me it looked like an old picture from the 30s, I liked it and wanted them to have it. Therefore I returned to the place with the framed photograph and three smaller prints of the picture of the woman and the two men. When I gave it to them, they were surprised and told me that they are not the owners of the restaurant, as I assumed. But they accepted it and told me they were going to give it to the owner. For a while, I had contact with Maureen (I hope I remember it right). One day she told me that the owner did like the picture, as well as the gesture, and I should come by with a friend and enjoy a free dinner. When I did I discovered that my photo was hanging on the wall.
I am happy to see that the Pacific Café still exists. It has great seafood and a wonderful atmosphere. So, please check it out should you ever be in the area.
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