If you like contemporary spaces, the Mission Bay Conference Center is perfect. The award-winning architect, Richardo Legoretta, shows his Mexican heritage in the bright, mostly reddish colors of the modern structure.

I fell in love with the building as I walked around the property with Barbara Lewis, the Sales Manager. She showed me the many event spaces that can be utilized in and around the building. The most spectacular area is the Fisher atrium with its 80' high ceiling. Stairs and balconies are arranged around the hall that seem like graphically designed art pieces. One particular cut-out in the wall shows just one flight of stairs. I consider this the city's best spot for a wedding picture. Besides the Robertson Auditorium and three banquet rooms, there are several spacious balconies inside and outside the building. They are perfect for pre-function cocktails, receptions, or smaller sit-down dinners. Two outside terraces -- the pink terrace and the other one next to the Olympic-size swimming pool -- could be wonderful places for rehearsal dinners. They either overlook Mission Bay or San Francisco's fabulous skyline. The terrace in front of the cafeteria and the adjacent grounds have the same fantastic view.

Barbara, an experienced event coordinator, who has worked for some of the best hotels in the city, was excited about the conference center's new chef, Greg Clausen. He formerly worked at Boulevard, One Market, and the Mandarin Oriental. As all the great chefs in our area, he uses fresh, seasonal produce as well as poultry and meats from local farmers, and local seafood. He will be happy to prepare custom-designed menus for his guests.