8 Bay Area Places That Shaped Ian Yang’s Taste

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‘The Places That Shaped My Taste’ is TQE’s take on a city guide. Yes, we’re interested in the new restaurant that’s surprisingly worth the hype – but we’re also asking local tastemakers to dish on the decades-old strip mall joint they’ve frequented since high school, the crystal shop that got them through their rough patch, and the barber who defined their style.

When I moved into the first apartment I was willing to actually invest in, the preemptive design decision I made was lighting. Specifically two lamps from Gantri, a brand I discovered via TQE. I have since moved, and five years later the lamps are still staples in my space – in excellent shape, complimented regularly. 

Gantri’s lamps combine high design with everyday functionality. Made of PlantPolymers – the brand’s proprietary, plant-derived materials that are biodegradable and durable – Gantri’s range of lamps exists squarely at the rare home decor intersection of design-forward, built-to-last, and actually-affordable. 

Founded ten years ago by Ian Yang, it’s a brand that has fascinated Team TQE since the early days. We recently had a chance to learn more about the places that inspired the person whose work has inspired so many of our places. Below: a ceramics shop, colorful lounge, long-standing Queer community hub, and five other places that shaped Ian Yang’s taste. 

Part II: The Places

Heath

Heath is a San Francisco institution and one of my earliest inspirations for Gantri. Our first office was just a few blocks from Heath. Their Mission “Manufactory” brings together craft, design, making, community all under one roof – everything that Gantri stands for today. Plus, their products are just beautiful. I especially love going to the Heath Newsstand on the weekend to browse their extensive selection of global design magazines. 

Kiln

Arguably the most striking restaurant in San Francisco. White trusses and raw patina walls contrast against crisp white table clothes and deep black furniture. Kiln is a monochromatic fever dream. You can see the similarities between Kiln and Gantri The Shop. Plus, it serves up some of the most creative dishes in the city. 

True Laurel

My favorite bar in San Francisco. True Laurel is colorful, tasteful, nostalgic, and always on trend. Their pickled melon cocktail is to die for and only available in the summer. Never miss the spiel for “In the Pines” as the server whips out a pine leaf from the glass flask. It has one of the best crowds in the city – always eclectically stylish. 

Li Po Lounge

If you don’t know what a Chinese-American dive bar looks like, now you do. Li Po is one of the first bars I visited after arriving in San Francisco. It’s one of the many reasons why I fell in love with the city. It’s bold, authentic, unapologetic. Beware. The drinks are strong and the crowd is wild. 

Izakaya Rintaro

Iconic Californian Japanese restaurant in the Mission with incredible architecture and ryokan-style lighting. A dinner out at Rintaro is like a spa for your soul. They’re one of the only restaurants that offer oden in SF and they handmake all of their udon. Sometimes you can even catch their owner making it in the back!

El Rio

El Rio is where you’ll find love. Not just romantically, but from the community. It’s a long-standing hub for the queer community in San Francisco. It has a beautiful patio installation from the same artist that took over Gantri The Shop for Pride. But the best part about it is the events. Every year they put on the Krampus Pageant, which is always wild. You have to experience it for yourself. 

de Young Museum

The de Young Museum looks like a spaceship that landed in a forest. Contemporary and tropical brutalism are huge influences on Gantri’s vision for the future of manufacturing. The de Young exemplifies that spirit – raw, striking, juxtaposed onto nature yet in complete harmony with it. Don’t miss the James Turrell building. 

Esalen

Esalen is not technically in San Francisco, but it’s the spiritual temple for the city and the State of California. Perched on top of a cliff in Big Sur, it has the most magical views you can find. The food there is delicious, and they have incredible lighting throughout. They host week-long workshops for holistic healing, but you can also just book a weekend to wander and drop in at your own speed. Esalen changed my life and I’m sure it’ll do wonders for you too.

Looking for more inspo? Follow Ian on social media @ianyangxyz.