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The Bay Area is known for being one of the foodie capitals of the world, just brimming with cuisine options from around the globe. Many Michelin-starred restaurants are right here in SoMa, some just a few steps away from 181 Fremont's front door.

If you live here at 181 Fremont, be sure to book your dining reservation through our Head Concierge David Mertens, who can secure priority seating for you and your guests, plus handle any other needs you may have for the perfect night out.

We've rounded up our top five Michelin-starred favorites:

Saison

This modern-American, three-star Michelin restaurant, led by Chef Laurent Gras, cultivates a fresh-fare menu focused around wood-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients sourced from fisherman, hunters, gatherers, ranchers and farmers. Each evening, the Saison team creates a dining experience for guests with a tailored menu and beverage pairing, so it's the luck of the draw which seasonal pairings you'll enjoy, but make no mistake, you'll never be disappointed. Our favorites from a recent dining experience were the Nova Scotia Lobster Tails, Hearth-Roasted Yams set over buttermilk and their famous Uni Toast.

In Situ at SFMOMA

In Situ, a sophisticated one-star Michelin restaurant, takes a note out of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's book, where it happens to be located, with its unique, frequently-rotating "gallery" of iconic dishes from top chefs around the world. Dubbed "America's Most Original New Restaurant" by The New York Times, Chef Corey Lee's most innovative project features dishes from chefs of all backgrounds, from Nathan Myhrvold of Modernist Cuisine's Caramelized Carrot Soup to Rodrigo Oliveira's famed Dadinhos de Tapioca out of his Brazilian restaurant, Mocotó.

Photo credit: In Situ at SFMOMA (@insitu_sfmoma)

Benu

In addition to sister restaurant In Situ, Chef Corey Lee, praised for his technical ability and refinement of dishes by Robb Report, is also the genius behind this minimalist, three-star, Asian-American restaurant. Plan to experience an extensive, three-hour tasting menu with a wine list of over 300 selections from France, California, Germany and Austria. Menu favorites include Lobster Coral Soup Dumplings, Veal Short Rib with Chrysanthemum Scallion Salad, or even thousand-year-old quail eggs.

Mourad

"The techniques and presentations are modern, but there is an unexplainable bond to tradition that makes his food unique," said the San Francisco Chronicle about Chef Mourad Lahlou and his one-star concept, a contemporary interpretation of Moroccan foods housed in a stunning space. The Lamb (Thumbelina carrot, vadouvan, date, lentil, smoke), Branzino (wild mushroom, sweet potato, baharat, hazelnut) and Octopus (brussel sprouts, cauliflower, mustard, preserved lemon) are our personal favorites.

Luce

Unlike many of the other Michelin-recognized restaurants in San Francisco, one-star Luce – meaning "light" in Italian – is an escape to an intimate space and cuisine by Chef Daniel Cory. The contemporary, new-American restaurant, located inside the InterContinental San Francisco, boasts a 350-label wine list that has been recognized by Wine Spectator on more than one occasion. Their expansive wine selection serves to pair with any of their superb main courses, whether you choose the Pacific Bluenose Bass, the Duck Breast aged on the bone, or the California Arborio Rice Risotto with Black Winter Truffle.

From residents' first steps into the lobby, marble provides a visual cue signaling timelessness and the finest that life has to offer. From the coast of Italy to the skyline of San Francisco, each piece of polished Italian Calacatta Marble at 181 Fremont was hand-selected for its peerless beauty.

San Francisco-based designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, founder of ODADA, is one of the world's most respected and prolific designers and a master of the home interior. His elegantly-composed interiors combine a modernist approach of architecturally clean lines and urbane sensibility, with flashes of bold color or a statement piece to balance a curated look. The esteemed designer's vision for 181 Fremont was to exemplify an unparalleled living experience.

After spending months in Italy, Diaz-Azcuy and his associates sourced the finest stone in the world to set the tone for the intricate design elements to follow at 181 Fremont. Taken directly from the seaside quarry cliffs, each massive block of marble was unearthed and fed into a giant cutting machine to create working slabs. These full slabs were cut against the grain to embrace the natural veining, providing depth and texture, and thus, telling a beautiful origin story that befits the stone's rich Italian heritage.

Honed and polished to perfection, an intricate crosscut satin marble finish was chosen to reflect an old-world style of luxury to fit the vision of Diaz-Azcuy.

"I found inspiration in timeless materials, natural luxury, and the history of San Francisco," Diaz-Azcuy explained to Forbes. "The care and quality that went into even the smallest details of this building make the greatest impact – it is the ultimate expression of luxury."

Inside and out, every detail at 181 Fremont was meticulously designed and considered. The desire was to use classical materials to create a sense of natural comfort with the surroundings, accentuated with touches of the extraordinary.

"Design is a process one performs first in solitude, then brings to reality for all the world to see." – Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

If you live here at 181 Fremont, there is no doubt you've seen the stunning work of artist Chris Trueman in the elevator lobbies and adorning the wall of the seventh-floor lounge. Trueman describes these "dematerialized paintings" as pretending to live in a mediated state. They are rich, colorful artworks that are captivating and dynamic.

We recently sat down with Chris to learn more about his work and what inspires him:

Q: Great to meet you, Chris. Can you tell us more about yourself?

A: I graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2003, earning BFA degrees in painting and in digital media. My work has been in numerous exhibitions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago and internationally in Milan, Paris, Berlin, Beijing, Rotterdam and Brisbane, Australia. Recently the Lancaster Museum of Art and History presented a solo exhibition of my paintings entitled "Slipstream" and I was included in the group exhibitions, "To Live and Paint in LA" and "The Subterraneans" at the Torrance Art Museum.

Q: How do you describe your work?

A: I would describe my work as a confluence of abstract styles and painting methods that explore the temporality of representation. What I mean is that historically speaking, art in general - and in my case abstract art - has been a marker of time and place; an encapsulation of the ideas that are circulating and social concerns, both philosophically and politically. In Post-War abstract expressionism there was a push toward a non-verbal communication - a more instinctual communication that happened between viewer and object. This relationship calls to be present in the moment. I've thought a lot about those ideas in relation to my work and the world we now live in with incredible technologies as we manage multiple identities simultaneously. So being "present" takes on new meaning and understanding where our online presence is at times, which is as real as our physical reality. With these ideas in mind, I created paintings that combine the contemporary with the historical and they act physically as though they are mediated, despite being handmade and physically occupy the same space with the viewer.

Q: Describe the pieces on display here at 181 Fremont

A: For the large diptychs on aluminum that are displayed on the elevator lobbies, I chose to work on the aluminum surface because it is reflective and will change with the light. When aluminum is reflecting, the perceived color can appear brighter than the white paint and when it is not reflecting it reads as more of a grey. This means that any tone between these values will change spatial relation depending on light activation, with the brighter coming forward and the darker receding. So, the paintings subtly react to the environment, the time of day and ambient light with the presence of people who alter the light.

For the painting on the seventh floor, I painted with acrylic and acrylic spray paint on canvas and took a different approach to similar ideas about how we represent time and place in culture. There are references to historical abstraction, graffiti, technology, nature and digital space constructed out of stacking layers. I was thinking about urban environments and natural environments and the negotiation between the various people that live in a place.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I am a consumer of all sorts of information and experiences. I've traveled fairly extensively and am curious about the way that people live and the way that we create images and objects that reflect our culture. With social media, there is tremendous access to information: people, places, art, cuisine - everything appears to be at our fingertips. However, at the same time the images and pictures provide limited context and many images have been manipulated. So, while the platform provides a broad reach, it may not truly reflect the reality of an in-person experience. I love how we can use social media to connect and start a conversation, but I don't think it is the whole picture and I love to bring friendships and conversations into the real world.

Q: Your work has already been a hit with residents. How do you hope they are inspired by these pieces?

A: The elevator lobbies where the two diptychs are installed are spaces where people will round the corner from the main lobby and see the rich colorful artworks from a distance. As they approach and wait for the elevator to arrive, they can explore the surface more closely. It is a space of transition, where people are coming and going but also one that many people will frequent and I wanted them to discover nuances and details in the pieces each time they are passing through these spaces. The paintings were deliberately conceived for the spaces which they inhabit.

The seventh-floor lounge painting was conceptualized in a different way. It is another transitional space that connects with Salesforce Park and also a commercial entrance, so I sought to create a painting that makes reference to both the indoor and outdoor environments. There are references to nature, the urban environment, graffiti and visual stimulus as we walk the streets, combined with references to digital images and representations of the world around us. Industrial and natural visual textures mingle with San Francisco art historical references such as Clyfford Still and Richard Diebenkorn (two artists whose work I personally love).

Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in San Francisco as an artist?

When I was 17-years-old, I was living in Northern California and I attended a Young Artist Program at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI). It was life changing for me and I decided shortly thereafter that I would return to SFAI for undergraduate studies. It wasn't a straight path, but a few years later I found myself back at SFAI where I earned by BFA. After my first semester I was back in my hometown visiting family for the holidays when a friend called and told me to turn on the news. I did and what I saw was my apartment building in San Francisco on fire. When I returned to school a few weeks later, I had nowhere to live, and being new to the city with minimal funds as a college student, I didn't have many friends to rely on. So, over the next several months I ended up painting all day and sleeping at school. Students had 24-hour access to the art studios, so I was allowed to be there, but we weren't supposed to sleep there. It took around three months before I had found a new apartment, but those long months were filled with making art and exploring the city. It was an intense time for me, but so many areas and places in San Francisco are filled with memories of that time, and I feel the hardship gave me verve and tenacity which reflects in my paintings.

Q: Where can people see more of your work?

A: I recently had a solo exhibition at Themes and Projects in the Minnesota Street projects building in San Francisco and they will maintain some inventory of work. I also have a solo exhibition coming up in March in Los Angeles at Edward Cella Gallery that I am very excited about. Instagram is always a good place to connect with me and see my most recent work and projects (follow: @truemanchris).

It's the most wonderful time of the year in San Francisco and there is no shortage of holiday happenings to get you into the festive spirit.

One of the greatest luxuries of living at 181 Fremont is that you're centrally located to the best that the city has to offer. From ice skating at Embarcadero Center to taking in one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the country, these are some of our favorite holiday traditions around the Bay Area:

The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Open now through Jan. 6, 2019

Where else can you ice skate in the heart of the city while enjoying stunning views of historic landmarks like the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building? The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is San Francisco's largest outdoor ice rink and has been a time-honored tradition in the city for 29 years. With hour-and-a-half skate sessions and late-night adult skating on Friday and Saturdays, this is a must during the holiday season. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://embarcaderocenter.com/experience/holiday-ice-rink/

The Nutcracker at San Francisco Ballet

Daily Showings through Dec. 29

Originally launched in San Francisco in 1944, the Nutcraker was an instant sensation that became a holiday tradition across America. Celebrate where it all began and join the San Francisco Ballet for showings nearly every day through December 29. For those looking to indulge in a little more, VIP Box Experiences are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sfballet.org/season/nutcracker/nutcracker.

2018 Lighted Boat Parade

Friday, Dec. 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Spreading Christmas cheer since 1994, the annual Lighted Boat Parade at Fisherman's Wharf will light up the San Francisco Bay as more than 60 boats parade along the waterfront. Holiday revelers can enjoy the views from Aquatic Park, PIER 39, the Marina Green Room and Crissy Field while a number of restaurants along the Wharf will be offering traditional holiday menus throughout the event. For more information, visit http://www.visitfishermanswharf.com/events/lighted-boat-parade-je2nh.

Winter Walk SF at Union Square

Open now through Dec. 31, 2018

Attracting more than 750,000 visitors each year, Union Square's Winter Walk SF, a 17,000 square foot holiday pop-up plaza, is a sight to see this season. Transforming Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis streets, Winter Walk features two open-air beer and wine gardens, food trucks, live performances, carolers, holiday-themed photo opportunity and other wintery surprises. For more information on upcoming events and performances, visit https://www.winterwalksf.com/events/.

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Embarcadero

Monday, Dec. 31 starting at 11:30 a.m.

Every New Year's Eve, thousands of people come together along the Embarcadero to watch as the dark skies over the San Francisco Bay and Bay Bridge light up with fireworks at midnight. You can watch the 15-minute display from some of our favorite restaurants along the Embarcadero like Waterfront Restaurant or Coqueta.

Getting to Know 181 Fremont's Concierge, David Mertens

For residents of 181 Fremont, walking through the front door is like crossing a threshold into another world. Not only are they surrounded by stunning architecture and meticulous design, residents have the undivided attention of the service staff, including Head Concierge David Mertens. We sat down with David to learn more about him and his role in catering to any wish and whim of our homeowners.

Welcome to the 181 Fremont team! Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a native San Franciscan, born and raised. I've traveled all over the world and I'm passionate about family, friends, health, food and wine.

What services do you offer 181 Fremont residents?

Our 181 Fremont concierge program offers five-star, hotel-style concierge services such as assistance with arranging dining reservations, tickets to entertainment and cultural venues, private shopping experiences, access to trusted service providers around the city and much more.If you're throwing an intimate dinner party in your penthouse and need a private chef and florist, call me. If you're planning a surprise anniversary soiree and need logistics covered, I'm here to assist. I also maintain the amenities level to help make it an extension of residents' homes.

What's something that a resident might not know you can help them with?

Everyday errands. Why do it yourself and run all over the city when your concierge will do it for you? I'm here to make residents' lives easier, so they can pass their daily tasks to me like, pick up your Jimmy Choo purchase at the Union Square store or handle a drop off and pick up for your luggage repair.

With the holidays upon us, what are some ideas of how residents can use your services to get a helping hand?

The most popular resident request around the holidays is how to spend New Year's Eve. Tell me what type of experience you're looking for and I'll create a custom list of options for you as well as handle the booking. Just don't delay – tickets to the best parties in town sell fast and dinner reservations book up quickly.

What do you recommend residents do around town this season, especially if they have guests in town visiting?

There are so many great options. A few of my favorites include SFMOMA, which has world-class art collections and an amazing restaurant. The de Young Museum is architecturally stunning and has the bonus of being just across the way from the California Academy of Sciences. Not to be missed is brunch at Cavalo Point in the Sausalito Hills, which is owned by the team behind Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. And, a drive down the coast highway to The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for lunch and a walk along the beach is a must.

What are your top 3 favorite neighborhood spots near 181 Fremont?

Pacific Heights has Fillmore Street that is lined with great shops and restaurants. Don't miss shopping at Ministry for fashion specifically designed for the traveler and dining at famed restaurant SPQR for authentic Italian cuisine.

Sacramento Heights has Sacramento Street and two of my favorite businesses. One is a kitchen accessories store called March that has the most stylish selection in town, plus it's a great place to buy gifts. Nearby Spruce has the most glamorous dining room in the city, so don't miss having dinner there.

The Marina has Union Street packed full of activities, shops and restaurants. It's a young and hip area where everyone is exercising at world-class gyms like Equinox, eating at delicious Mexican restaurants like Flores and shopping at the hippest brands like Lululemon. Union Street is truly fun for the whole family.

Any secret gems that you recommend so people are in-the-know?

The Jackson Square neighborhood, just a short walk from 181 Fremont, is very cutting edge and chic, yet steeped in history. It's my absolute favorite place to be in San Francisco. Do some shopping at Theory, Aesop and Shinola and dine Cotogna for fantastic Italian food, Kusakabe for sushi and 15 Romolo for gourmet comfort food.