lake compounce FRENCH/ITALIAN BISTRO When I m in the mood for a good meal without hoopla, I head to bistrolike Flor

If you haven t had chocolate nibs, you haven t lived at least that s what chocoholics are likely to discover upon visiting Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker (& 510/981-4050; www.scharffenberger.com). California s runaway lake compounce success chocolatier opened its factory and retail shop doors in mid-2001. Within the brick building, visitors can taste the nibs (crunchy roasted and shelled cocoa beans) and see how the chocolate company lake compounce uses vintage European equipment during regularly scheduled tours (call for details). And there are plenty of tasty products, from candy bars to cocoa powder and chocolate sauce, available in the retail shop. The factory is located at 914 Heinz Ave.; from I-80 East, take the Ashby Avenue exit, turn left on Seventh lake compounce Street and right on Heinz.

For booking rental cars online, the best deals are usually found at rental- car company websites, although the major online travel agencies also offer rental-car reservations services. Price- line and Hotwire work well for rental lake compounce cars, too; the only mystery lake compounce is which major rental company you get, and for most travelers the difference between Hertz, Avis, and Budget is negligible.

For location and price, the Andrews is a safe bet for an enjoyable stay. Two blocks west of Union Square, the Andrews was a Turkish bath before its conversion in 1981. As is typical in Euro-style hotels, the rooms are small but well maintained and comfortable, with nice touches like lace curtains and fresh flowers. Recent upgrades included new mattresses, carpets (in most rooms), and fresh paint in the bathrooms. 624 Post St. (between Jones and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94109. & 800/926-3739 or 415/563-6877. Fax 415/928-6919. lake compounce www.andrewshotel.com. 48 units (some with shower only). $109 $129 double; lake compounce

FRENCH/ITALIAN BISTRO When I m in the mood for a good meal without hoopla, I head to bistrolike lake compounce Florio. It s not only because the staff is friendly, or because if it s booked, I can always eat at the bar, or because the place is small enough that I don t feel like I m being rushed in and out. The real reason is because I m addicted to the shrimp-and-white-bean salad, steak frites, and virtually every other little lake compounce comfort dish that makes its way to the table. The wines by the glass (and by the bottle) always disappoint, but I don t care. I pull up a chair, make myself at home, and enjoy casual and cozy surroundings and consistently satisfying food. I suggest you do the same. 1915 Fillmore St. (between Pine and Bush sts.). & 415/775-4300. www.floriosf.com. Reservations accepted. Most main courses $13 $28. AE, MC, V. Sun Wed 5:30 10pm; Thurs Sat 5:30 11pm. Bus: 3, 22, 41, or 45.