SFBayStyle

7x7 Mag's The Big Eat SF: 100 Things To Try Before You Die

San Francisco's 7x7 magazine did an article called, The Big Eat SF: 100 Things To Try Before You Die.  A little morbid in its choice of title, but I suppose it is not too far off from the idea of that book called 1000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.  This article came out in 7x7 magazine's January '09 issue last month and was written by the 7x7 editors collectively.  I thought it would be interesting to share with those of you that have lived here for some time and also for any visitors or newcomers to the City to give you a little Food For Thought, quite literally.

Fashions Fade Style is Eternal - YSL Exhibit

       

A lot has already been written about the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the de Young Museum and I will start my personal take by saying, don't miss it! You have until April 5 and time is tic tic ticking ...  

What I enjoy about any fashion exhibit is taking a first look around, noting what I like, then going back to the pieces of which I think I can emulate. The YSL exhibit provides 120 fully accessorized haute couture designs covering Laurent's 40 years in the business from his early experience with Christian Dior to his celebrity days in the 2000s. Included are day wear, evening gowns, and outright costumes, such as a Shakespearean wedding dress. Accessorizing the exhibit are personal sketches, photographs and videos. 

Spring - Summer 2009 Trends List

Each season, we come out with our list of styles and trends.  Spring/summer '09 is no exception.  Key trends include mixed nudes, belts of all kinds, and pastels blended with black and white.

Must Buy Items for the season are a tailored white shirt, thick, low hanging neutral belt, and a classic black crocodile clutch.

Here's the list...

Secrets in Time - Merla Zellerbach Readings

Merla Zellerbach, local socialite, columnist and former Nob Hill Gazette editor is celebrating the release of her latest book, Secrets in Time. Set in San Francisco, Zellerbach's novel provides a glimpse into the elite of our fair city during the second half of the twentieth century. The story revolves around three generations of one mega media family and those individuals meandering about them - their secrets, choices, challenges, and fashionable lives.

Meet Ms. Zellerbach and hear her read from Secrets in Time on February 12, 7PM at Books, Inc, Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness, San Francisco.

Ms. Zellerbach will aslo read on April 18, 4PM at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera.

Coracao Confections

We know, a lot of people are disappointed by the ol' kiss-off from local chocolate houses Scharffen Berger and Charles Schmidt. But hey, dry your eyes folks, SFBaystyle has found something heaps better to ease your aching palate ... Coracao Confections.

Local, vegan, and super tasty, Coracao Confections is a guilt free, superfood chocolate indulgence that not only satisfies your cravings but is actually good for you. Created by raw food chefs, Matthew Rogers and Daniel Korson, Coracao Confections chocolate is made from unroasted or raw cacao beans, which are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients like iron and zinc. "Our chocolate is pretty cutting edge," says Rogers. "Raw is definitely the next big thing in chocolate."  

An Evening Under the Stars - March 4th, 2009

Get your tickets and mark your calenders for project Avary's 10th anniversary celebration on March 4, 2009 - An Evening Under the Stars. For the last decade this local non-profit has been aiding at-risk youth who have an incarcerated parent. By providing recreational and cultural excursions, teen leadership programs, and one-on-one support, project Avary helps youth develop confidence and positive life-views, promoting a healthy personal outlook and sense of community responsibility. Event Co-Chair Mireille Schwartz (pictured right with event Co-Chair Dr. Michelle Pepitone left) says she's impressed by project Avary's sensible approach to building youth self-esteem. "The board and staff are passionate about constantly developing innovative strategies to keep young people engaged and excited about themselves and each other's growth," says Schwartz.

The celebrations commence at 6:30pm and include dinner, a silent auction, an onstage conversation with KQED Program Host Michael Krasny and author Isabel Allende, and finally a concert by Moonalice featuring Bob Weir and Mark Karan. For tickets and more information go to: http://www.projectavary.org/.

 Photo Credit: Drew Altizer Photography

Charles Chocolates

I have not been out and about lately. I broke my foot, so all of my shopping has basically been online. With Valentines Day a week away, I realized that I needed to come up with some gifts. I try to give local products, which can be challenging when shopping online. ... then an e-mail came to my inbox from Charles Chocolates.  

The chocolate company, based in Emeryville, is the brain child of Chuck Siegel. Siegel is a local foodie, and a veteran chocolate maker. He is passionate about creating chocolates that he likes, and does not follow trends, he follows his palate. I took my family on an informative tour of the factory. No oopma loompas there, but you do get an education in chocolates making, as well as tasting some of Chuck's favorite treats. Some of the chocolates are available in specialty stores. I have been able to find may favorite bars at Molly Stones and Whole Foods, however, many items must be ordered from the Emeryville location. 

An Evening for the Mind

The Board of Directors for the Alzheimer's Research for a Cure (ARFAC) will host it's first annual gala at the Ferry Building in San Francisco Friday, February 6, 2009. The inaugural gala, chaired by community leader Sandra Mandel (pictured with committee member Barbara Brown on the left), will be a black tie affair attended by prestigious San Francisco community leaders, business individuals, and medical professionals. Alzheimer's Disease leads to progressive memory loss and has effected nearly 5 million Americans. ARFAC is a recently formed non-profit foundation dedicated to support research for new and effective treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.

The Gala, titled An Evening for the Mind, will start at 6:30PM with cocktails provided by Effen Vodka and a silent auction highlighting art pieces from Robert John Russo Gallery of Los Angeles. Dinner will be catered by the renowned Paul Le Duc. A live auction emceed by Jan Yanehiro will feature a number of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as well as wine packages and a Mini-Cooper donated by BMW of Concord.  

For more information visit: www.arfac.org.