veterans wall of honor The general cav eats about not walking alone at night, staying in well-lighted areas, and carrying a

MEXICAN Disregard any pr econceived notions of M exican cuisine that those Tex-Mex chain restaurants have impressed on your psyche. This hip addition to the Chestnut Street dining scene serves up inventive, intensely flavorful Latin dishes prepared with top-quality ingredients like ultra-fresh seafood, naturally raised beef, and handmade tortillas. The carnitas made with slo w-cooked pulled pork and the Mexican gulf prawns saut ed with jalapenos, smoked bacon, and roasted tomato coconut milk are luscious possibilities. The kids menu quesadilla is big and tasty , and the fr eshly made chips and guacamole ar e so good y ou could make a meal of them but it would be a shame to miss the better offerings to come. Be warned: You ll find plenty of families dining in the early hours, but Mamacita s impressive selection of tequilas draws its fair share of margarita-swilling revelers later in the evening. FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING

The general cav eats about not walking alone at night, staying in well-lighted areas, and carrying a minimum of cash and jewels on your person are as true in San Francisco as in ev ery major city. Although S an Francisco isn t crime-ridden, it is not a 24-hour town like New York, for example, and y ou could be putting y ourself at risk v enturing out at 2am. H owever, since this is a family travel book, let s assume y our r eal worries have to do with keeping y our children safe while on vacation.