If you're going to get gel nails, you might as well rock a design that you won't get tired of looking at after a few days. Since my salon doesn't often do the fancy nail designs; I brought in a photo, chose three different metallic colors including a frost white base, gunmetal center, and a sparkling gold tip. My manicurist topped it off with a black outline to highlight the chevrons.
On Friday, September 14th, Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama 2012 invades San Francisco to honor three incredible decades of fashion and compassion with this year’s theme The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now! at the historic Orpheum Theatre. This iconic event, brings together musical performances (Robin Thicke, Karmin, Megan & Liz), Fall fashion (Bar III, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Material Girl, Rachel Rachel Roy,Sean John,Tommy Hilfiger, and the exclusive, limited-edition Nicole Richie for Impulse), booty-shaking dance, and the most glam after party with delicious cuisine by Taste Catering -now in its 28th year as a partner. This not-to-miss celebration is all for an unforgettable evening to benefit longstanding partners AIDS Emergency Fund, Glide Foundation and Project Open Hand.
The after party, at the Asian Art Museum will give a nod to British culture, food and design. Attendees will sip bubbly in the American Express Champagne Lounge and specialty cocktails from Patrón Spirits, dance to music by DJ L, mingle with cast and crew, and taste gourmet British-inspired hors d’oeuvres by Taste Catering, with highlights like Fish ‘n Chips and a Pudding Buffet with modern twists on classic English desserts. Partygoers can also create a personalized flip book courtesy of Office Max, have a consultation with a MAC Cosmetics expert before posing with the band for a Patrón Photo Shoot, grab a snack at the LUNA bar wall, and sample desserts from See’s Candies. I recently had a sneak peak and menu sampling of the 2012 festivities, and can not wait to experience Glamorama live in a couple weeks.
Fish ‘n Chips w/UK Newspaper Cones
Devonshire Cream Chocolate Éclairs
Just in case you are wondering how Passport got its start, it began as an awareness-raising fashion show in a Macy’s employee cafeteria in 1982 and has since grown into one of the largest and longest-running HIV/AIDS events of its kind. The fashion benefit, with the help of the Macy’s Foundation, has donated more than $30 million to HIV/AIDS services, prevention, education and research. I've gone many years in the past, and it's always a must-attend party. Best part of all, it's all for a noteworthy cause.
Ginger Nectarine Treacle Tart
The Summer Olympics may be over, but Macy's Glamorama benefit, soiree, fashion show, concert and culinary excursion all-in-one is the perfect way to celebrate Fall and all things British in San Francisco. Purchase your tickets now and get ready to party!
Treacle Glazed Chicken Sandwich
TICKETS FOR MACY'S GLAMORAMA CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
Thank God for illy coffee this past weekend. The crowds came out in full effect to Union Square for the fourth annual SF Chefs - San Francisco's most anticipated culinary festival. It was non-stop action and the caffeine definitely came in handy. It's hard to believe that it was already four years ago since then Mayor Gavin Newsom and Bay Area-local Tyler Florence were cutting the ribbon on opening night. Back in 2009, we didn't know what would become of SF Chefs, but fast forward to 2012 and I'm happy to report that it has gotten better, even more delicious than ever.
illy's Master Barista Giorgio Milos
SF Chefs is no longer just a celebration of local chefs, but a gathering of food and beverage industry talent from near and far. In fact, one of the first events to sell out this year was the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony hosted by Scandinavian-raised, New York-based Chef Marcus Samuelsson with Italian illy Master Barista Giorgio Milos. You can't get more international, culture club than that. Samuelsson noted that Ethiopian coffee has recognizable citrus and floral notes, and it's a must that you cook coffee beans at the correct temperature. If not, they will burn. Drinking coffee in Ethiopia is taken seriously, and it's not just a quick 5-10 minute occurence which you often see here in the United States. In Ethiopia, Samuelsson says that it's often an hour or more beginning with the process of washing raw, unwashed coffee beans and then roasting them on a fire.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony at Espressamente illy Cafe
At SF Chefs, Samuelsson also hosted an illy's Explorigin event with San Francisco star chef Chris Consentino. They, along with a chef from the CIA prepared courses incorporating illy's MonoArabica coffee with local ingredients and the result was absolutely divine. The morning crowd was wide awake and hootin' and hollerin' "Yes, Chef" and oohing and aahing while tasting the prepared dishes - which included Consentino's Prather Ranch Veal tartare with coffee, mushrooms and dried blueberries, and Samuelsson's coffee-cured duck breast with Matsumoto peaches.
Consentino's veal tartare with illy coffee, blueberries, mushrooms
Samuelsson's illy MonoArabica -cured duck breast
Throughout the weekend, the gracious, fashionable Samuelsson -the new illy MonoArabica Brand Ambassador was decked out in signature illy red either in button-up leather vests or high-top chucks (Converse). He credits his fashion-industry wife for assisting him with his outfits and it's no surprise, he was named one of Vanity Fair Magazine's Best Dressed. Despite the bright and colorful crimson clothing and accessories, Samuelsson's generous spirit and infectious energy is what makes him a constant standout. In addition to being a James Beard Award-winning chef, and author of several cookbooks, with a recent memoir, Yes, Chef, he is also a philanthropist who finds it a priority to give back to the community.
Decked out in YSL & Gap in San Francisco's Union Square
The collaboration with illy seemed a natural fit, since both Marcus and the origins of coffee were born in Ethiopia. While interviewing Marcus, he noted that "Illy is committed to finding the best coffee beans in the world and their MonoArabica line is the best of Brazilian coffee, Guatemalan coffee, and Ethiopian coffee." He was happy to see Ethiopian coffee finally "getting the recognition it deserves with a brand such as illy" and although he moved away from Ethiopia after he was adopted as a young child, he mentioned that he and his wife still go back every year with the various charities they work on.
Food Fashionista Interviewing Samuelsson - the new illy ambassador
During SF Chefs, the illy Lounge was the hot place to be. At any given moment, you'd find the industry's most-notable talent getting their conversation and coffee fix on in the stylish illy Lounge. Spotted in the chic, contemporary gathering spot were industry folks such as Charles Phan, Consentino, Thomas McNaughton, Drew Nieporent, Dominique Crenn, Martin Yan, Tyler Florence, and the legendary Cecelia Chang.
Cecelia Chang - a woman who definitely lives happ(illy)
Tyler Florence chatting with Samuelsson in the illy Lounge
With illy-coffee desserts prepared by local patisseries and illy single-origin coffee being brewed all day long, how could you resist. I mean, when someone is offering you a Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy-coffee frosting and a whimsically-decorated latte, are you going to say no. I don't think so.
Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy Coffee Frosting
Even if you didn't make it to SF Chefs this year, you can still discover the excitement of illy's new MonoArabica coffee which consists of three single origin beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. They are each unique and come alive with distinct characteristics born of region-specific soil, altitude, rainfall, sun and cultivation profiles. The notable Aroma, taste and body vary from origin-to-origin, country-to-country, to create a wonderfully satisfying effect in the cup. As an appreciator of beautiful aesthetics and great taste, illy has been a brand that I've chosen to experience around the world and even in my own home. Their collaboration with contemporary artists have resulted in some gorgeous masterpiece coffee cups. With illy, it's not just about drinking a cup of coffee, it's the entire experience - from smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.
If you are in San Francisco, you can sample the new MonoArabica coffee at:
123 Battery Street
San Francisco (CA)
Learn more about the exciting world of illy HERE
I'm Japanese. I take lots of photos, I like raw fish, and yes...I know how to make origami. For those of you who are like "wt* is origami", according to Wikipedia, it's a " traditional Japanese art of paper folding which started in the 17th Century AD". I just remember it as a hobby from my childhood. I'd have a stack of square-colored paper in metallic, pastels, neons, and neutrals and I'd have my origami book and I'd make stuff. Cranes, boxes, yachts (okay, row boats), and rings.
I recently made a ring out of a dollar bill (above), and my friends just loved it. A few chefs I know even wanted to show their kids. And that, my friends is a good thing, since I've found that dollar-bill origami is actually a fantastic way to keep kids entertained at the dining table. Not everyone wants their little ones to bring their video games or coloring books into restaurants, but someone, somewhere always has the dollar bills in their pockets or purse.
Just make sure to carry some $1's or the kiddies may be sporting some pricey origami bling.
For instructions on HOW TO MAKE A MONEY ORIGAMI RING, visit HERE
The super stylish Irene Hernandez-Feiks is celebrating the 14th year anniversary of her Chillin' Productions event this Saturday, June 23rd. It's a time where local artists, fashion designers, musicians, and all creative types join together as one. Come one, come all.
200 Artists/Photographers
80 Fashion Designers
Video Installations
Live Painting by:
Sean Sczepanik
Jack Taylor
Live music by:
Beautiful Machines
Music by:
Dirtyhertz
DJ Felina
Rondo Brothers
Russell Vargas
Irene Hernandez-Feiks
+ more
Live portrait photography by
Felicia Less and Pete Hopkins
When: June 23, 2012
8:00pm-2:00am
Where: Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street, San Francisco 94105)
Must be 21 years old + ID
Taken with Instagram
This may look like an abstract painting, but it's actually a vibrant, colorful sampling of my collection of handbags. From Balenciaga to Fendi to limited-edition Hello Kitty, you'll find it in my closet. Each of these cherished pieces represents a story, a memory, a history, of most which took place in a lounge, restaurant or cafe near home or some place exotic around the world. I'll often find business cards, receipts, or matches (no, I don't smoke) from a spot I dined at in one of the pockets or compartments and it'll always make me reminisce and smile.
Food Fashionista Handbag tips:
-Clutches are perfect for evening drinks or dinner on the town.
-Crossbody bags are the ideal day bag. It will leave you hands free and ready to hold that latte and croissant on the go.
-Shoulder bags are a smart lunch or brunch time option. The roomier, the better for that unavoidable shopping stop on the way home. Just make sure it has pockets so you can find your stuff.
-Always pass on replica bags. If you can't afford designer or luxury, it's better to get a trendy, no-name bag that is current and stylish. Fake is never in style.
-Don't be afraid of color. It's the best way to add some splash to your wardrobe. Even if you love wearing muted colors, the bag will sparkle and speak volumes.
-When dining out, don't leave your purse on the floor. Not only is it bad luck, but it's dirty. There are plenty of purse hangers out there for sale that'll protect your coveted investment.
**Oh, and I may be purging some of these bags soon, so stay tuned!
Cooking with Elements of Coal and Ash
Many are familiar with Atelier Crenn Executive Chef Dominique Crenn, but do you know the man who is creating the sweet grand finale? Talented, soft-spoken and an artist in his own right, Pastry Chef Juan Contreras is creating modernist desserts to complement Chef Crenn's savory works of art. His dishes have been so well-received, that the restaurant recently began offering a five-course dessert tasting menu ($55). The one-star Michelin Atelier Crenn has now been open for a year and a half, and with time, Contreras' creativity and experimentation has become more unexpected and enticing.
Eggplant with Chai spices, lemon, cashew, smoked wood
Like Chef Crenn, many of Contreras' dishes are inspirational representations of natural elements. Who would ever imagine consuming something that mirrored charcoal and ash? Contreras did and he agrees with our sentiment stating that, "rarely are the colors of black, grey and white used in a dessert, due to its unappealing nature. When presented thru the medium of a hot element such as a grill and smoke, the guest can make a connection."
Dining at Atelier Crenn is non-typical. Guests who dine here aren't going for a steak atop a mound of potatoes with a side of aspragus. This is a sensory experience that will evoke a whimsical, and fresh involvement of your taste buds. Familiar items will be prepared in ways you've never tasted. For the Elements of Coal and Ash dessert, Contreras includes eggplant. He tells us, " I wanted to implement eggplant, which botanically is a fruit, based on its seed. It is normally treated in a savory application because it would naturally blend well with Indian flavors since I normally consume it that way." The dessert is braised in chai spices and finished with Japanese binchotan coal and caramelized honey to make it resemble a piece of charcoal. Contreras echos the flavors in a shortbread crumble that has the spices blended into the butter, giving it an aromatic spicy finish. For a nutty perspective, cashews are roasted, smoked and made into an ice cream that allow air absorption so that when frozen, it resembles a block of ember ash. To contrast the spice and cut through the sweetness, lemon juice is dehydrated as a meringue to not only provide texture but cleanse.
Atelier Crenn is known for its tableside finishing touches, and the Elements of Coal and Ash dessert is no exception. Pastry Chef Contreras and team sprinkle a mint frozen ash that soothes and mellows the flavors. Before the guest consumes, they pour an aromatic broth of smoked wood into the vessel to capture the essence of burning. Don't say we didn't tell you this was an an adventure.
And if the above weren't impressive enough, Pastry Chef Contreras has just this week unveiled a new dessert to his repertoire. The "Beet" recreation (above) consists of Sheep's milk yogurt, mandarin, chocolate and oats. And yes, everything is edible including the "beet" and its stem. It's prepared with a beet sorbet and caramelized chocolate, while the farm leaf is edible.
3127 Fillmore St
(between Filbert St & Pixley St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 440-0460
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk is the premier major exhibition dedicated to renowned French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Blessed are San Franciscans, that it has arrived smack dab in the center of the city at the deYoung Museum. The exhibit is on view through August 19th of this year and on display are 130 iconic haute couture and prêt-a-porter ensembles created between the early 1970s and 2010.
On one recent evening, San Francisco fashionistas, socialites, models, gender benders, and art lovers came out to celebrate Jean Paul Gaultier, himself at the Gilt City pre-party and the extravagant opening soirée, La Grande Fête. Here are some photos:
Jean Paul Gaultier at the exhibit
liquor & sweets at La Grande Fête
Jen & I taking in the sensory overload of festivities
Chocolate with Gold Leaf were a crowd favorite
Gilt City adds to the Gaultier madness in San Francisco. Not only is Gilt City offering an ultra- deluxe package ($300 for ticket plus extras) to the Gaultier Grand Opening party, but also offering a Trunk Show from Decades the luxury vintage retailer in Los Angeles on March 15th. Gilt fashion lovers can pick out new pieces to wear to the Gaultier opening party on March 23rd at the DeYoung.
**Gilt City is offering an exclusive package for San Francisco's fashionistas to attend the highly anticipated opening of the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition Opening La Grande Fete on March 23rd. The exclusive curated package includes a first look at the show, invite to attend the opening party with hosted cocktails and nibbles, free garage parking and coat check, plus 2 additional passes to see the exhibition at a later date for only $300.
For more information, or to purchase offers, visit GILT CITY SF
Apologies for being a bit MIA here on the Food Fashionista site lately, but with SO many exciting (n)online things going on, haven't had that much-needed extra time to catch up on writing, editing, and all that sweet stuff, but do promise to be back in full force very soon.
There are several new and note-worthy restaurants, dishes, and events that I'm thrilled to share with you!
In the meantime, if you have an iPhone, visit Food Fashionista on Instagram aka my new favorite obsession. If you don't have an iPhone (or Instagram), we'll be sure to share some of our fave Instagram shots with you here on the Food Fashionista blog.
Check out a few from this past week:
"Don't Worry Be Happy" at Trader Joes w/ Project Happiness Wine
Feeling the LOVE at Sunset Blvd, Starbucks
Casabalanca at Good Neighbor Restaurant, Studio City
The VOGUE Stage - Favorite part of Superbowl 2012!
Japanese Beer & Shishito Peppers - Malt & Spice
Oh, and in case you are wondering, the very top photo is a Chiffon Cake with orange curd and meringue from Short Order LA at the Original Farmers' Market. Feast your eyes on that beauty!
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