When I was getting by Back to School clothing a few decades ago, we’d go to a couple of stores in San Francisco’s Stonestown Mall, buy a few pair of Levi’s, a few dress shirts, maybe a pair of shoes, and we were all set. But that was way before MTV, “The O.C.,” and “My…
Not sure if this qualifies for one of your “five a day”, but what the heck… Four pieces of Michael Recchiuti’s favorite flavor combo include tarragon leaves infused in extra-bitter chocolate ganache, then topped with a sliver of candied grapefruit. This artisan chocolate expert mans a store at the Ferry Building Plaza in San Francisco….
We women are on the move! With 32 million trips taken last year, U.S. women are predicted to spend more than $125 billion on travel during 2007. Travel expert Marybeth Bond has written a book geared to all of us who want to treat ourselves to “gals only” trips — whether it’s celebrating a milestone…
I love ridin’ the rails. And now Amtrak has introduced “luxurious” rail rides with The GrandLuxe Limited. Formerly known as the American Orient Express, it’s a premier, separate, seven-car train attached to regularly scheduled Amtrak trains. It comes complete with private dining, lounge and sleeping cars.
Earl Darny, one of San Francisco’s finest master bakers, after performing his magic at many of the Bay Area’s finest, such as Bay Wolf, Sweet Adeline, etc., finally opened his own bakery on Polk Street. He does all his own baking on site, so if the visuals of the homey pastries,cakes, pies , and cookies…
Yesterday, we held a Vagablond North America Executive Board Meeting at Paradise Bay Restaurant, a Sausalito restaurant offering million dollar views along San Francisco Bay, a very reasonably priced menu of delicious seafood, steaks, burgers, salads, and more, tropical drinks (I almost ordered the Raspberry Mojito, but had to drive home), and very attentive service….
I’m not a big shopper. It’s not that I don’t like to shop, I just like all the stuff in between better. Seeing a play or a movie, going for a leisurely lunch and maybe having a spa treatment or two before heading home. That’s shopping. Now fashion mavens, girlfriends and mothers and daughters seeking…
Inspired by the silk escape maps issued to Allied airmen during WWII, Map Scarves are now available for fashion conscious travelers. The silk gold-tone scarves feature detailed city maps of London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Berlin, Vienna, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. They “cover” all the major sights and attractions, along with a few…
Last month I visited my sister, the New York City Culture Snob, for a week of Theatre. It was fun, but costly. Wanting to reciprocate, I called her with what I thought was a sure-thing invitation. Join me for a private tour of Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Sis was less than impressed. Undaunted,…
We met our friends Michael and Susan at Picco last weekend. This newish place is spacious, warm and friendly with a brick and wood setting. That alone would make you want to eat there. But the food is absolutely amazing because it offers local, seasonal, ingredient-driven plates with all ingredients grown or harvested within the…
If you’re old enough to remember Richard Nixon saying, “Sock it to me!” on ABC-TV’s “Laugh-In”, you’ll get a kick out of this new line of sake products. Created by three middle-age “wine geeks” in the SF Bay Area, they wanted to ride the coattails of Japan’s rice wine with fruity, spice-flavored drinks. Introduced yesterday,…
Cafe Majestic is part of San Francisco’s longest continuously running hotel, The Hotel Majestic. In its first incarnation, dating back to 1902, the mansion was home to Milton Schmitt, a turn-of-the-century railroad magnate. Later, this elegant Edwardian served as the permanent residence for actresses Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Haviland. Numerous dignitaries have slept in…