"What better way to introduce your guests to the beauty of San Francisco," I thought when I turned onto the Embarcadero heading north. The wide, gorgeous road, flanked by tall palms rustling in a soft breeze was filled with people enjoying the warm sunshine of early fall. My destination was the Ferry Building, one of the San Francisco Landmarks, which has been updated in connection with the removal of the old freeway, badly damaged during the last earthquake.

Like the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building has changed so much. Authentically remodeled, it looks the same from the outside, and you still can catch a ferry to go to Marin or Oakland. But from the inside it looks quite different. The ground floor is the home of a vibrant European-type market place, while offices occupy the upper floors. Since the reopening of this beautiful beaux-arts building, its second floor is available for private and corporate events.

Indirect light floods through the center of the three-story hall onto the grayish mosaic-covered floor and the sizable Californian seal in the center. Columns support the arches with their intricate design that covers the windows of the offices behind. Except for the Port's Commissioner Hearing Room, available for rehearsal dinners and smaller events only, there is no direct view to the Bay from this hall.

During the weekends and weekdays after six this versatile hall can be booked exclusively through Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, one of the best caterers in the Bay Area. The boxwood hedge at the street entrance guaranteeing more privacy for the guests is included in the rental price. The company's event coordinators have ideas and experience to transform this venue for elegant weddings or contemporary corporate events.