SFBayStyle

Special Jimmy Choo Launch for a Cause

Thursday evening, our friends at Vivanista and Saks Fifth Avenue are hosting a fabulous shopping event with Wine, Women and Shoes. Featuring the new Choo 24:7 collection by Jimmy Choo, a percentage of purchases from the evening's purchases will go to Children of Shelters, a San Francisco based community organization.

Let's be clear: this isn't just any other shoe shopping event. Wine, Women and Shoes was founded by Napa Valley vintner, Elaine Honig with the express purpose of showcasing unique designer collections paired with exquisite wines. Their special events have collectively raised over $4 Million in funds for women's and children's charities.

It's okay to browse too! Just RSVP to events(at)vivanista.com.

SF Chefs. Food. Wine. This Week In San Francisco

SF Chefs. Food. Wine. is happening in this week in San Francisco at Union Square from August 6th through the 9th.  It's going to be an amazing four day Food & Wine event of bacchanalian proportions, celebrating the unique and diverse bounty that San Francisco has to offer.

Proceeds from this event will go to four SF charities - Feeding America, a leading supporter of the SF Food Bank, Meals On Wheels, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association Scholarship Fund and Project Open Hand.

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.

Composer Philanthropist Gordon Getty Honored by Lavish Gala Performance

"The older I get, the less I know, but I am certain that what we do matters." - from Master Class, music by Jake Heggie, lyrics by Terrence McNally

Gordon Getty is one of those names one automatically associates with San Francisco and the arts, but not everyone knows that he was a student of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Bay Area equivalent to Julliard.  Years later, Getty donated funds to help build the new Recital Hall, named after Getty's principal teacher there, Sol Joseph.  Among his many talents, Getty is also a composer, so it's fitting that for their gala this year, the Conservatory honored Gordon Getty with a performance for him including pieces written by him, to thank him for his passion and generosity over the years.

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!

Wine & Wishes 2009

Yes, 'tis that time of year of again for one of the hottest culinary tickets of San Francisco - Wine & Wishes 2009. This is a spectacular culinary event showcasing the best of the Bay Area's Chefs and Wineries, while celebrating and supporting the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation. It is to be held at the dramatic and unique setting of Treasure Island on Saturday, February 7th.

San Francisco Wine Week

Wine lovers, you may want to head into the city this week, for the first ever San Francisco Wine Week. Starting this Monday November 15th, wine lovers will get a chance to taste wines from all over the world. (Not just the local wines that I stick to.)  I suppose I should broaden my wine horizons.  I tend to pick wines from vineyards that I have visited, or made by people I have met.  My wine selections are extremely personal. (Friends, you may just be receiving a bottle from Hawkes or Ridge this Holiday season.)  The event will donate a portion of the proceeds to First Graduate.  Buy tickets in advance, as the price will go up from $75- $90.

6th Annual Spice of Life Festival next Sunday in Berkeley

For the sixth year, Berkeley will host it's delectable Spice of Life Festival next Sunday, October 19th, in the neighborhood commonly known as the "Gourmet Ghetto." This year's festival will include cooking demonstrations and cookbook signings by popular neighborhood chefs and restaurants, and will feature a culinary stage hosted by Kitchen on Fire's Chef Mike C showcasing the Bay Area's finest chefs. Gourmet food and wine will abound for your eating pleasure, and if you are feeling inspired to cook yourself, the North Berkeley All-Organic Farmer's Market will be held as part of the event on Shattuck near Rose St.
Other entertainment will include live local musicians, local vendors, community information from local businesses and non-profits, a Raffle and Silent Auction, yoga and bodywork demonstrations, and a variety of children's activities.
Having been once before, I can honestly say this is a fantastic festival for adults and children alike. You will be in heaven if you are a foodie; take advantage of the rare access to conversations with the Bay Area's most respected chefs and restaurants! The Spice of Life highlights the best Berkeley has to offer in the culinary arts and community!

The 6th Annual Spice of Life Festival
Sunday, October 19th, 2008
10:00am until 6:00pm
North Shattuck Avenue -Virginia St to Rose St
Berkeley, CA
http://www.spiceoflifefestival.com/

San Francisco Restaurants Unite to End Hunger

Last week, a very special gourmet food & wine event called San Francisco Restaurants Unite to End Hunger, was held at Ferry Plaza to benefit the San Francisco Food Bank.  The San Francisco Food Bank (SFFB) sources, collects and repackages nearly 100,000 pounds of food per day, which comes from supermarket chains, large manufacturers & wholesalers, restaurant suppliers, the USDA and food drives for seniors nutrition programs and low-income families.  The food that the SFFB collects supplies for over 600 vital food programs, such as senior centers, after-school programs, neighborhood pantry networks and soup kitchens. 

Family Winemakers Tasting

Last week, while driving my daughter to her lacrosse camp, I heard of yet another fabulous event that I want to attend. Thanks to KDFC, I am kept in the loop on many upcoming Bay Area events. ( I suggest that you check out their events page before you book up the rest of your summer calendar.) The 18th annual Family Winemakers tasting will be taking place on Aug 24th from 2-6, at Fort Mason. The event is only open to the public for a short window of time, other wise you need to be in the trade.

The tasting will showcase the largest selection of family wines in the world. Advance tickets are available for $45, or $55 the day of the event.

Dine About Town Begins Again

June 1-15, gourmet prix-fixe menus will be available at some of the best restaurants in San Francisco for lunch and dinner at a flat rate ($21.95 for lunches; $31.95 for dinners). Dine About Town is a great way to try out all of the fabulous restaurants you've heard about but haven't wanted to splurge to try, or just haven't gotten around to visiting. Those who dine at the restaurants are given a few different options for their menus, and typically some alterations can be made for those with relevant food allergies.

Participating restaurants include trendy favorites: A16, Ana Mandara, Asia SF, Azie, bacar, Cafe Claude, Chez Papa, Foreign Cinema, Frisee, Jack Falstaff, One Market, Plumpjack Cafe, Roots, Roy's, Sauce, and Zingari. Note: some restaurants are participating in Dine About Town for dinner-only. Reservations recommended via OpenTable. I'll be back again, possibly at the same restaurants I've tried before just because they're so good and this is such a great idea.

Le Club, C'est Magnifique

Everyone's buzzing about the recently revived Le Club at 1250 Jones on Nob Hill. 7x7 featured the swank establishment in this month's magazine, including images from the opening party, adding notes in the editor's letter, and producing a significant photo spread on p. 118. SFLUXE covered the opening as well, Daily Candy wrote it up, and Yelp has several reviews listed. Why? Because the celebrity-studded micro-hub of the city's social set is quaint, comfy, and relaxed. Beyond that, the service is excellent and the cuisine - divine.

When I tried Le Club with a friend a few weeks ago, we sat at the bar trying cocktails and champagne (their selection is dressed to impress), talking with locals seated on stools in the small room, about the size of an average living room. It was nice. I felt instantly relaxed. Then we went into the adjacent dining room where we were served an intimate dinner. I wanted to try the restaurant since most of the reviews so far have been just about the scene, the history and the setting. What we discovered next I'll admit surprised me.

Come Alive! Spring Wine Party

Now this is an event I couldn't pass up promoting because it sounds really eco and yummy. Organic raw vegan restaurant, Alive!, at 1972 Lombard St. in San Francisco, is hosting a spring wine tasting mixer this coming Tuesday, March 25 from 6-8pm for $30/person. Recommended by Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods and awarded the 2007 Best Raw Food in San Francisco designation by SF Weekly, Alive! promises organic wines and raw vegan cuisine (buffet style) in an outdoor "tranquil, zen atmosphere."

Why I Love OpenTable

I just returned from an amazing weekend up in Napa. I was all set to write reviews of the restaurants we had just enjoyed.  As I sat down to check email, I found feedback forms from OpenTable and it occurred to me how much I love their service. Not only are they "instant, reliable and free"; now I can review where I have dined.

I have been using OpenTable for a while now and it's the only way I make reservations, unless of course the restaurant (French Laundry and Chez Panisse, for example) still relies only on phone calls. I enjoy the ease of just going online, selecting the time, the date, the size of my party and seeing what is available. They send confirmation messages to me and any guests. The extra perk is that I have been receiving points for all of my reservations towards dining at one of my favorite establishments.

SF's Best New Year's Eve Parties

It's not too late to get on the guest list for some great parties tonight. Check out SF Station's New Year's Eve Guide 2007-2008. As someone who formerly hosted annual New Year's Eve parties, I'm always looking for good ones.

A few that have caught my eye for ringing in '08 are the Black & Gold Ball at 24 (the new club, formerly Dolce), A List's "Passport to the World" New Year's Eve Ball at the Westin St. Francis (currently working from a waitlist), and the San Francisco Symphony's New Year's Eve Gala, featuring Michael Feinstein on piano performing classics by George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. (I've never understood why they don't publicize this more. It's a fabulous event.)

All of these events will have great music, fun people, sparkling champagne and a midnight countdown. Cheers and Happy New Year from all of us at SFBayStyle.

Gorgeous & Green is Back!

December 18, the Bently Reserve (our LEEDing building) will once again become haven for Global Green's now third annual "Gorgeous & Green" party in San Francisco. Receiving rave reviews for the eco fashion show, green design showcase, organic wine and a long list of celebrity hosts (Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ed Norton, Julie Delpy, Kate Bosworth and more), last year the event raised an enormous amount for Global Green's many worthy initiatives. Bringing back the best of last year and a whole lot more, the event on the 18th promises to be an evening not to miss.

This year's party benefits The Green Rebuilding of New Orleans, California Green Schools Initiative, The Greater Bay Area Greening, and Affordable Housing Initiative. Host and sponsor dinner begins at 6:00pm and the party (including a VIP reception) kicks off at 7:30. Don't forget to bid in the live auction for a relaxing getaway at the Post Ranch Inn! Tickets start at $250. For the full scoop, send us email at sfbaystyle(at)gmail.com.

Bay Area Wine Mecca at Vino Locale

I had heard good things about Vino Locale, a (relatively) new wine bar in a quaint Victorian in Palo Alto, but I had yet to try it out until the Junior League of Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula hosted their first fall fundraiser there a few weeks ago. Imagine my surprise when I walked in to find an incredible range of wines - all local.

The European-style wine bar, featuring daily wine tastings, local wines, food and rotating art collections, also hosts special events and provides catering. (Hmm, this gives me a few ideas for planning our much-belated housewarming party that has yet to materialize.) The day we went, we tried a Roudon-Smith 2006 Sauvignon Blanc that I liked, a Silver Mountain 2002 Chardonnay with organic grapes - the first organic wine, I might add, that I've really liked. Both wineries are located in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Then we met up with Dane Stark of the Page Mill Winery (no longer located on Page Mill Road, but I think they still harvest some grapes from there) and we spent some significant time trying their wines. My favorites were the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2005 Pinot Blanc. The winery is now in Livermore where they can participate in the blossoming Livermore wine tours.

Meanwhile, the party was bustling in the back yard as the Jr. League thanked Randy, the owner of Vino Locale, for having us there as Leauge members and friends gobbled up the remaining appetizers provided. The Vino Locale food menu is significant for a wine bar. It includes hummus, crostini, olives and breads, cheese plates, paninis, salads, sausage sandwiches, truffles and biscoti.

Special thanks to Andrea Brant, Hilary Burcell, Christine Meyer and Elizabeth Brazinski for organizing the event that day and fall fundraising chairs Jan Hickman and Nandini Gondhalekar. I'm looking forward to the next League event and I need to come up with another excuse to visit Vino Locale again soon. For fans of Bay Area Wines, Vino Locale should be a regular stop on your wine trail.

I Heart Healdsburg

If there was an "I heart Healdsburg" bumper sticker, I would put it on my car. I just love it up there. I only was up in the wine country for a few hours, but it was enough to make me feel like I had gotten away. (I would have had more time if I had not spent two hours in a broken-down Caltrain.)  I did not get to eat in any of my favorite restaurants, but this is what I did do: eat a roasted garlic clove, and a sandwich at Oakville Grocery, taste wine at Stonestreet, Robert Young and Stryker Sonoma. I really like Robert Young, a small, family run vineyard. I bought a bottle of olive oil at StoneStreet.  (I do not expect it to be as good as Davero!)  Healdsburg is amazing in the fall. I hope to get back up there before the rains start.

Benefit For Raphael House

There is still time to get into tomorrow night's benefit for Raphael House. Raphael House has been helping at risk children and their families for many years. You can support their amazing work by shopping.  Style Paris, by Susan Sutherland, will be hosting the "Shopping Cocktail Party", at their showroom on 260 Stockton St. from 6-8 pm. Please R.S.V.P. for the event by calling 415-615-2164.