SFBayStyle

David Lebovitz in Emeryville Tomorrow

Sometimes I feel like a stalker. I follow famous chefs on Facebook and Twitter. I have to say, that David Lebovitz is the only famous author, blogger, chef that has ever replied to one of my comments or tweets.

That is not the only reason why I adore David. He is from the Bay Area, did his training at Chez Panisse and now resides in my other favorite city, Paris. David is someone that I have always wanted to meet. Now if I can get a babysitter, I can.

David has flown in from Paris, and will be speaking at Charles Chocolates, in Emeryville this Thursday, September the 24th from 6-8pm.  You can pick up a copy of his newest book, "The Sweet Life In Paris", at the event. (You can also find all of his books on Amazon.) 

For tickets, call 510-652-4412. Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. in Emeryville.

Happy Bastille Day!

Even if you are not in France, there are ways to celebrate Bastille Day right here in the Bay Area. There is of course the annual celebration at the Alliance Francaise in San Francisco. You can also just drop by your local French cafe, and wish the folks a happy bastille day. I stopped by Douce France for my mid morning snack. There are many La Boulange bakeries scattered throughout the city, and of course we have Cafe Claude. 

I would also like to wish some of my favorite Parisian bloggers, a very happy day. If you want a glimpse into the life of some expats, be sure to check out  The Paris Blog, LA Mom In Paris and one of my favorite Paris tour guides, Richard Nahem, of Eye Prefer Paris.

Happy Bastille Day! Vive la Republique!

Eat Shop Guides

Summer travel season is upon us and I seem to add a new guide book to my collection every summer. I have my fair share of Frommers, Fodors, and Lonely Planet books that I love. I even own own the Rick Steve's Europe DVD series. ( That was a wonderful gift from KQED!)

One thing that I try to do when traveling is to shop and eat where the locals do. I support locally owned businesses at home, so why not do the same abroad? Thanks to the eat.shop series, I can do just that.

The series, which now includes thirteen major cities worldwide, features locally owned businesses selected by the writers. The guides are beautifully designed, and make a great gift. If you want to discover cool boutiques, and restaurants wherever you may roam, this is just the book for you - whether you live here or are just visiting.

Follow Michael Bauer

Attention Bay Area foodies.  If you are on Twitter, you may want to follow @MichaelBauer1. The S.F. Chronicle's famed executive food and wine editor is now part of the ever expanding twitterverse.

I am not sure what we will discover, but any excuse to try a new restaurant is fine by me. I am currently attempting to make it every restaurant in Bauer's top 100 list.  Last week was Coco 500, this Saturday, I will be at Nopa.  How many of Bauer's top 100 have you been to?  Check out the list and let us know which ones we should try first.

Don't forget to follow @sfbaystyle while you're at it!

Quivira Vineyards

People often ask me what I do up in Healdsburg with my four children. The wine country has been my family's weekend destination for years. Believe it or not, there is more than just wine to be found in the wine country and even in the vineyards.

One of our favorite places to take a stroll is on the grounds of Quivira Vineyards. Quivira is a biodynamic vineyard. After a stop in the tasting room, take the time to explore the grounds. There are beautiful native gardens, as well as my children's favorites, the chicken coop and farm animals. On our last visit, the vineyard was the home to a pregnant wild pig. We are still waiting to hear whether the Quivira piglets have been born.

Nalle 25th Celebration

I love the wine country, but I am by no means a wine snob. I know what wines I like and I drink them. One of my favorite wineries is Nalle in Healdsburg. I can not describe the zin, not sure about the tannins, the oak, just know that I love it. I first tried a glass of Nalle Zin at Santi in Geyserville. I immediately knew I had to own some. I called the folks over at Nalle, and met them at the winery. I showed up with a minivan full of children, all mine. We were welcomed, shown around the unassuming grounds and I've been a Nalle fan ever since!

Nalle will be holding their 25th anniversary celebration on June 28th, from noon to seven. For twenty dollars, you can taste wine, enjoy some food, music and maybe a game of horseshoes. You will also be given a chance to purchase cases at a discount. I was just dining at Blue Hill, in New York City (yes, that is where the Obamas dined) and guess what wine I saw on their menu, Nalle!

Nordstrom Rack Comes to Palo Alto

The Nordstrom Rack opened May 7th in East Palo Alto. Finally, I get my chance to search for those Missoni scarves I should have bought. The scarves were on sale, and then were sent to "the rack" for further markdowns. I missed my chance to own a Missoni! But now, I've got a second chance. The rack is where all good markdowns and sale merchandise from Nordstrom end up.

The Rack is located at 1771 E. Bayshore Road in East Palo Alto.

Artists Warehouse Sale

  

Calling all art collectors, or want-to-be collectors. The sixteenth annual artists warehouse sale is open at the SF MOMA gallery on Fort Mason.  This is your chance to purchase art directly from Bay Area artists. You never know what treasure you may discover. Art pieces are priced in all ranges.

The gallery is open Thursday May 7th from noon-8pm, Friday May 8, noon-8pm,Saturday May 9th from noon-5:30 and Sunday May 10th from noon-4pm. Sale is open to the public, free of charge.

Blue Bottle @ Charles Chocolates

Oh how wonderful it is when some of my favorite things collide! Charles Chocolates in Emeryville is now serving Blue Bottle coffee at their Chocolate Bar. Blue Bottle is roasted in Emeryville, yet Charles is the only place that you can get a cup in the area. In addition to the coffee, homemade pastries and hot cocoa are served. 

Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. In Emeryville (510) 652-4412

Eater S.F.

I am not one to sign up for newsletters. I have enough in my inbox that my spam filter misses. However, there is one e-mail newsletter that I actually look forward to receiving, The Eater S.F.   Eater is filled with all of kinds of information on the local restaurant scene. There are reviews and even gossip. (No this is not quite the Valley Wag of the food industry.)  I often scan the pages of Yelp, check the open table most requested, and of course read Michael Bauer's many reviews. Eater adds a whole new dimension - current information. Where else could I have learned about the fire at Mustards Grill before heading to the wine country? Or about Corey Lee's upcoming departure from French Laundry. Eater provides all the information wannabe foodies like me need!

 

Roast Coffee Co.

I've been cheating on Peets. I feel like I have betrayed a good friend. As a local native I have always been loyal to Peets Coffee. But every now and then, I am tempted by another. It happened with Blue Bottle, and I fear it's happening again with Roast.

I start every morning with a few cups of Peets. I even have a cup of Peets by my side right now. However, I have a new obsession, a daily soy cappuccino from the 

Mayfield Bakery made with Roast coffee. At least Roast is local. The beans are roasted in Oakland.

Ooooh, with so many locally roasted coffee choices ... what's a girl to do?  

Peek Aren't You Curious Sale

Now that my order has been securely placed, I feel that it is safe to let you know about the treasures that I just discovered on Peek Aren't You Curious.

The company is the brainchild of some local parents, that also happen to be veterans of The Gap and Lucky. Amy and Scott Williams, Saratoga residents, and Tina Canales, a Berkeley resident have created one of my favorite shopping experiences. I love the mix of classic and eclectic designs. Peek is one of the few clothing lines that my nine-year-old daughter and I can agree upon. (It is the only way I can get her to still wear liberty print skirts and dresses.) The line is designed for boys and girls up to size 10 and one of the few lines that caters to the pre-tween set as well.

San Francisco Soup Company

The Bay Area has been in a cold snap.  Other than bundling in cashmere, and wearing socks, what can a Bay Area girl do to deal with this cold weather? Eat soup!  I love soup, but cannot cook.  On a recent trip, Icame across the San Francisco Soup Company in the S.F. airport.  I am not a fan of fast food, and was shocked at the quality of the soup.  I soon learned that the SF Soup Company has locations throughout the city, and one, right next to the Four Seasons in East Palo Alto on the Peninsula.  There is always a choice of around twelve of their handcrafted, gourmet soups.  In addition to just tasting great, the soups all are labeled.  If you have allergies, or are vegetarian, soups are labeled as follows - Vegetarian, Lowfat, Dairy Free or Gluten Free.  This is literally a life saver for those of us with allergies.  My personal favorite is the "Grandma Mary's Chicken Noodle ", perfect for these cold wintry days.  Many of the locations close after the lunch rush, so be sure to check hours before you rush over to get your soup.

Elizabeth W

 

If you are like me, you are still running around trying to find the perfect gifts. Not only do I like to give original, luxurious products, I try to shop locally. Thanks to Elizabeth W, I can do both. My sister bought me a Vetiver candle, and soap for my birthday last year from a small boutique in Noe Valley. I fell in love with the clean, simple scent, and became an Elizabeth W fan. The company was inspired by the founde'rs grandmother, Elizabeth Wightman. Started in 1995, the line is available at select boutiques.

Shop Local On Etsy

I am trying to shop locally this Holiday season.  The Bay area is chock full of great products, with so many to choose from.  I try to shop the independent boutiques and in this economy it is more important than ever to support your local businesses.  If you do not have the time to stroll around town visiting all the boutiques and holiday fairs, there is always the online option.  I just made a fabulous discovery - www.etsy.com.  Etsy has a feature that lets you shop locally.  Just type in the town you are in, and voila, a listing of local artists appears.  You can shop while still in your pajamas! I have found some real treasures, and have to confess, I have been treating myself to some goodies as well.  Supplies are limited on Etsy, so purchase your products when you find them. (I missed out on a handbag when I went offline to kiss my kids good night.)  Let me know what your favorite Etsy finds are!

Holiday Sample Sale in The City

Don't miss your chance to get your hands on some Bay Area designer's kid's designs. You can shop locally and save money - a perfect combo in this economy. Your child can be a "recessionista fashionista." Designs that are normally found in high end boutiques, will be available this Sunday at the Bunny and Bee studio in San Francisco.

You do need to RSVP to get on the guest list -  events@bunnyandbee.com. Happy Shopping!

 

The Fabulous Holiday Event

Bunny and Bee Studio, 350 25th St., Suite 1, SF

Sunday Nov. 23rd, 12-4

Caffe Del Doge, Palo Alto

I go through phases where I obsess about a particular food or beverage. For a while it was oatmeal.  I had to try oatmeal all over the Bay Area. (Four Seasons still may be my favorite.)  I have been eating a daily dose of frozen soy yogurt.  (Fraiche.)  Then there were the drives into San Francisco for Bi-Rite ice cream and Blue Bottle Coffee.

Now, thanks to my French friend Muriel, I need to have a daily soy cappuccino at a local cafe, Caffe Del Doge in Palo Alto.  Doge is not French, it is an Italian company, with Palo Alto being the only location in the United States.  The cafe started in Venice, and while sititing in the cafe, I truly feel as if I have escaped to Europe.  This is no Starbucks, take it to go, drink in the car kind of place.  You want to sit at a table, take your time and drink from a real ceramic cup.  The croissants, which are flown in frozen from France, are a favorite of many of my French pals. (My kids devoured them this afternoon alongside a cup of cocoa) I have to say, the soy milk was sweet and frothy, and even had a design in it!  I am not sure why the coffee is so outstanding, but it truly is.  If you can not make it to Venice for an hour, but find yourself in downtown Palo Alto, pass by the Starbucks, and indulge in a coffee at Doge.

Kid's Sample Sale in Palo Alto

I often miss out on the many great sample sales, as they tend to be in San Francisco. However, a bit of S.F. style will be coming to Palo Alto this Thursday.  San Francisco based designers Glug, and Dagmar Daley will be joining Peninsula childrens designer Wati for a sample sale. Laurie of Lobrid papers will also be there showcasing her vintage inspired personalized stationary. This sale gives suburbanites like myself a chance to dress their kids like hip urban youngsters. I do not have to trek to the boutiques in the city, I can find parking and get some great deals as well. A percentage of sales will benefit Second Harvest of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Here are the details you have been waiting for :
Sample Sale, Thursday Nov. 13th, from 9-3
100 Island Drive (home of Kelli Glazier) Palo Alto

I plan to get there early, as supplies may be limited. I guess I can not ask you all not to purchase the items I may want in my kids' sizes !

Tea Collection Sample Sale

San Francisco based Tea Collection will be holding their yearly sample sale next week.  Tea's unique designs have a huge following.  I suggest that you get to the sale early, drink your coffee and pack a power bar.  You will be competing with serious Tea fans to get your hands on their designs at crazy low prices.  The sale takes place at their offices, on 1 Arkansas St, Studio B in San Francisco. Here are the details :
Friday November 14th, 1-6
Saturday November 15th, 9-12, and then 1-3 for CLEARANCE sale
Monday November 17t, 10-5, with ten percent being donated to your school.
*There is a ten dollar entrance fee, a donation to one of the many charities Tea supports, The Global Fund For Children.  In fact, if you shop online between Nov. 10- 12, fifteen percent of sales will be donated to the Global Fund For Children.  Sign up for updates on the Tea Collection website.

Gap Election Fashion

With less than one week until the election, Gap gives customers a unique option in election fashion.  Instead of just ordering from campaign websites or cafe press, you can design your own shirt.  Just step into your neighborhood Gap, which of course we all have, and purchase the "Vote For" basic white T-shirt.  Use a sharpie pen and express yourself!   Feel free to write in your favorite candidate, hobby or cause.  There are also limited edition Vote buttons designed by artists if you want to accessorize your voting attire.  The t-shirts are only available until election day.