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Jurlique To The Rescue for the Holidays and New Year - San Francisco

Did you know that Christmas is less than a week away? Yes, you heard me right. The 25th is here in six days, and 2013 will be here in just about two weeks. With the year end and the holidays fast approaching, I'm sure most of you can relate to the twelfth-month stress syndrome! During this time, we are trying to connect with friends and colleagues at holiday parties, while coordinating those last-minute travel and family-visiting plans. On top of all this, we're still not done with holiday gift shopping, and we're attempting to tie up all those loose ends to start the new year off fresh. 

With all this going on, it's no surprise that we aren't looking quite as fabulous as we could be. With late nights come festive times, which translate to lack of sleep, and not-so attractive dark circles. We're also probably not drinking as much water or getting as much sleep as we should be. I know I'm guilty of this. And like Madonna, my skin is screaming..."Rescue Me". 

Good news, is that there is a helpful solution. For those of you who live in or near San Francisco, you can visit the Jurlique Wellness Day Spa and store at 2136 Fillmore. Enjoy a spot of tea and lavender cookies, while browsing all the holiday gift sets, or enjoying a much-needed beauty treatment. Jurlique gift sets are a true token of love, and your gift recipient (and their skin) will thank you for it. In addition to a flexible price point for every shopper, the gifts come beautifully wrapped and make quite the luxurious statement.

 

Now that I've helped with those last-minute gift ideas and beautifying-treatment tips, you'll have to figure out who's giving you that much-needed ride to the airport. Sorry, can't help you there. 

Holiday Sets are specially priced from $39-$225 (Regularly $56-$473)

A top seller includes the Age Defying Set 

Purely Age-Defying Essentials

What every woman wants… luminous, more youthful-looking skin. Treat your skin with high performance anti-aging plant botanicals and potent natural ingredients to help to smooth wrinkles, firm and strengthen skin to deliver you youthful, even toned and luminous skin.

• Specially Priced at $125.00 Valued at $180.

The Set Contents:

• Facial Serum, 30ml

• Ultra Firm and Lift Cream, 50ml

• Eye Cream, 15ml

Key Ingredients:

• Beech Tree Bud Extract is rich in peptides, helps to strengthen the structure of the skin creating a firmer, healthier looking complexion.

• Rock Samphire Extract is rich in mineral salts and essential vitamins, is known for its retinoid-like ability to help support skin thickness and  reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Jurlique 

2136 Fillmore Street  

San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-7881

Nick's Cove Getaway - Marshall, California

On a recent weekday in October, we drove approximately two hours on a zigzagging Highway 1 to the small and secluded West Marin town of Marshall - population 50. With the exception of my motion sickness, there were spectacular views all 55+ miles. I probably enjoyed ten of them, but that's okay, I did manage to get a few great photos. To my relief, I did find out later, that there was a much simpler way to get there and back from San Francisco, sans the need for dramamine.  

The arrival time couldn't have been any more ideal with the picturesque, glowing sun setting down on Tomales Bay. It was absolutely stunning. We checked in to one of the waterfront cottages (Ruthie's), where there was a private bay-view balcony, just feet above water. And, if it couldn't get any better, upon arrival at Nick's Cove & Cottages, guests receive a plate of fresh BBQ'd Oysters - a nice little snack to take in the natural setting while you kick back on the wooden balcony. The location is serene and rural, but the cottage accomodations are first-class, with heated bathroom floors, comfy beds, a well-stocked mini bar and modern amenities.

Don't expect to be yapping on your cell phone or twitter while you are out here. There's minimal internet connection, and that's a good thing. If you really need to make a call, you can use the (gasp) land line. This is meant to be a vacation. A real vacation. A time to relax, unwind, and get back in touch with the beauty and nature of the universe.

Nick's Cove restaurant is adjacent to the cottages and also offers stellar views. In addition, they serve excellent cuisine. Though they are best known for their fresh, local oysters and seafood dishes such as dungeness crab mac & cheese, Nick's offers a whole lot more on their menu. Executive Chef Austin Perkins specializes in serving the finest seasonal, sustainable California cuisine sourced from the area’s abundant Marin and Sonoma County farms. They also have a well-thought out cocktail list and wine selections to match. A favorite dish on the special menu, was the Scallop Ceviche with panko crusted coconut rice. It was finely paired wtih a 2010 Russian River Valley Dry Gewurtztraminer from Halleck Vineyards.

I should also mention their wonderful room service breakfast options including the Dungeness Crab Benedict...

If you aren't tempted enough yet, the wonderful, hospitable folks at Nick's are hosting their inaugural Crab Catch at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages this Sunday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's a family-friendly affair and throughout the day, various crab-centric activities will be available for crustacean-lovers of all ages including a Tomales Bay crab-catching competition and a cooking demo with Executive Chef Austin Perkins. There will also be a crab-infused cocktail “Crabby Hour;” and a three-course Dungeness crab tasting menu, with a portion of the day’s proceeds benefiting the Petaluma Educational Foundation. If interested, you can register at http://crabcatch.eventbrite.com. For those looking for something a little quieter, you can always book Nick's for a mid-week getaway. Either way, you won't regret it.

 

For more of my Nick's Cove Getaway photos, including a 10-course, wine-paired dinner, visit my kullection HERE

 

Nick's Cove & Cottages

23240 California Highway 1 Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-1033

 

Gilt City San Francisco Beauty & Wellness Week 8/20-26

Summer is winding down and that means Fall beauty trends and looks are on the horizon. At last night's Gilt City Beauty & Wellness Week Preview soiree at Benefit Cosmetics on Fillmore, the fabulous experts at Benefit shared their beauty tips and insider secrets on having that flawless face and rockin' body (minus the cupcakes, but it's all about balance, ladies). Lucky for everyone, Gilt City's largest week ever of beauty/spa/fitness/wellness offerings have now begun and are not to be missed with exclusives at up to 50% off.  

PICS from Preview Party at Benefit Cosmetics, Fillmore :

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Happy 75th Birthday, Golden Gate Bridge - Love, Food Fashionista

         Taken with Instagram - Golden sky, Golden Gate Bridge

This was a special weekend in San Francisco. It was our crimson icon's 75th Birthday. With a fireworks show that rivaled the most spectacular that many have witnessed in their entire lives, SF went all out for this memorable celebration.

We didn't really do her justice, but my dining companion made this tuna tartare dedication during our dinner at Bourbon Steak. Served using ahi tuna, this classic Mina dish is prepared with pine nuts, mint, sesame oil, and scotch bonnet pepper.

              We loved the GG Bridge so much, that we ate her.

Happy Birthday, Golden Gate. Thank you so much for being a reliable, sturdy neighbor all these years. You've trail blazed my ventures to the Wine Country and Marin year after year, and no matter how many times we've met, I've remained in constant awe of your beauty and stature.

With love and gratitude,

Food Fashionista

Pastry Chef Juan Contreras' Creations at Atelier Crenn - San Francisco

                    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.

 

Atelier Crenn

3127 Fillmore St
(between Filbert St & Pixley St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 440-0460

Saks Fifth Avenue & St Vincent Meals on Wheels - Beverly Hills

Last night, legendary retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, teamed up with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and Miss Lilly’s Trading Company for a festive gathering filled with food, friends and a store full of the most exquisite beauty and fashion. The evening started off with a celebratory VIP reception featuring culinary temptations prepared by several Los Angeles chefs including Mark Gold of Eva, Alex Becker of Nobu, and Michael Fiorelli of mar’sel at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. They, along with nearly 40 other L.A. chefs are featured in the recently released Cart For A Cause Cookbook, whose sales benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. 

                   Cart for a Cause Cookbook - the perfect gift!

    Lettuce Wraps by Chef Alex Becker of Nobu, West Hollywood

I was honored to be an official Saks Fifth Avenue guest blogger, and although I was completely in my happy place...shopping couture, sipping cocktails, sharing conversation and sampling cuisine, what made the evening all the more sweet and special, was that it was to support two extremely important causes that I greatly believe in. During the event, Saks donated a portion of its proceeds to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, the country’s largest, privately funded senior nutrition program, as well as to Miss Lilly’s Trading Company for their pet program, which provides much-needed food for seniors’ pets.

                 FENDI Python Peep Toes at SAKS

Pisco Porton w/Serrano Chili, Grand Marnier, Star Anise, Pineapple

                         Chef Mark Gold's Tofu with Caviar

Guests were treated to hypnotic, hip-shaking DJ beats and specialty holiday cocktails by Pisco Portón, alongside a coterie of fanciful “specialists,” including a lipstick reader, glitter tattoo artist, a renowned psychic and more.  Miss Lilly’s Trading Company also offered their beautiful cookie gift tins as well as their exclusive polo and tennis shirts, just for this special evening. Junk Food Clothing was also in attendance with the first ever QR code t-shirt which supports feeding with fashion.

       Christina Rushing (Saks), Chef Mark Gold, Mika Takeuchi

                              Bonnie Star Jewely at SAKS

“We’re passionate about supporting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and the vital work they do on behalf of the hungry and homebound in our community. The partnership between Saks and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels underscores the message that during this celebratory time of year, people have the opportunity to be generous while enjoying their holiday shopping, stated Saks Fifth Avenue Vice President, General Manager John Cruz.

                        Foie Gras Macarons by Chef Michael Fiorelli

                      Fashion for a Great Cause - The Best!

                      Jimmy Choo iPad Case at SAKS - Drool!

“We are delighted to partner again with Saks to address senior hunger, proving once more that Fashion Feeds. We're also very grateful for the support of the Cart For A Cause Cookbook chefs during this season of giving and celebration and thrilled to have some of them join us at Saks,” noted St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Foundation Executive Director Daryl Twerdahl.

I say cheers and a very happy holiday season to that!

Even if you couldn't be there in person, you could still join the conversation, by supporting your local Meals on Wheels, or by purchasing a Cart for a Cause Cookbook.

 

For more Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels event photos (which I'll be adding later today), visit our Food Fashionista Facebook Page.

 

More info on the generous people involved:

St. Vincent Meals On Wheels, the largest privately-funded organization of its kind in the country, serves over 4,700 meals a day, 365 days a year. The meals are prepared daily in the 16,000 square foot, state-of-the-art kitchen located at the Saint Vincent Medical Center Campus.  Annually, over 1.1 million meals are prepared and delivered to people in Los Angeles, including homebound senior citizens, disabled and terminally ill patients and homeless adults and children.

Miss Lilly’s Trading Company merges founder Bebe Flynn’s passions for baking, animal rights advocacy and entrepreneurism.  Bebe learned while volunteering with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels that 80% of seniors who own pets share their meals with them, often feeding their pets before themselves.  A portion of Miss Lilly's proceeds provides seniors with food for their pets. Miss Lilly herself is a King Charles Spaniel mix, whom Bebe rescued and loves so much that she decided to name her company after her. In addition to Saks Fifth Avenue, Miss Lilly’s cookies are available at Whole Foods and Bristol Farms, among other upscale retailers. Miss Lilly's also sponsors polo teams and their polo and tennis shirts will be on sale at SAKS in limited quantities. 

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates.  Today, Saks operates 46 full-line stores in 22 states, 5 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 57 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

Happy Thanksgiving from Food Fashionista

Thank you so much for being a part of Food Fashionista. I'm truly grateful for your friendship and readership throughout the years. Wishing you and your loved ones a very blessed, happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Be safe, indulge, and don't count the calories!

Thankful for creative art -“Hello Turkey Chicken Dinner” by Nouar

                  Grateful for God's Natural November Beauty

       Thankful for colorful Chocolate Turkeys at See's Candies

 Appreciative of timeless craftsmanship & vintage designer classics
                  Thankful for true and inspiring friends

 

Grateful for my fluffy kitty that loves to eat as much as I do... and Thankful for so, so much more!                                    

                           Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Napa Valley is a Gift from the Heavens

This photo was taken from the car while driving through Napa Valley this past weekend. Wine Country was truly even more picturesque and glorious with the hues of Fall gracing the already gorgeous landscape. 

The food, the wine, the views...it is a priceless bonus of living in the Bay Area. Look out for a lot more photos from Food Fashionista's visit to the inaugural Flavor Napa Valley Appellation Trail Grand Tasting which I will be sharing in a future post.

Have a beautiful week!

Chanel Mimosa - Food Fashionista's Pick

 
Anyone who dines with me, is well aware of my adoration for flutes of bubbly. Sparkling wine and I have become quite well-acquainted over the years. Being mostly Japanese, I know my people back in the home country, like to get their drink on, but just because you like something, doesn't mean it's good for you or likes you back. In fact, many Asians have this gene that doesn't really vibe too well with alcohol and we get well, red-faces, skin hives, and just plain uncomfortable. Well, luckily, Champagne and I don't have that problem. We are what I'd like to call, soul mates.

So in addition to Kir Royales, and a great vintage of Cristal, I do occasionally like my Mimosas for brunch. What better way to wake up and relax on a lazy Sunday afternoon, than with a glass of champagne combined with a 1/4 glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.

Now in addition to sipping your Mimosa, you can admire it on your finger nails. Like any cocktail, this Mimosa isn't for everyone nor appropriately paired with every situation. If you fancy the color, but aren't quite bold enough to flash it over your fingertips quite yet, start off with a couple coats on your toenails. Mimosa is a bright, seasonal color to wear with a nice pair of Manolo Blahnik nude Esseano's or Top Shop's black Warrior wedges . Just make very sure the feet are well-pedicured or it'll make even a sparkling Chanel Mimosa go flat.

Food (Fashionista) For Thought #1

 

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
- Anonymous

Feeding the soul with inspiring action and thoughts are just as important as feeding one's body with nutritious food. In addition to all our food visuals, we will be sharing some food for thought. If you need a daily reminder, just click on the image (we have no affiliation with the linked site) and purchase your own magnet, mug, poster, whatever makes the most sense to you. Have a lovely weekend, friends! xo