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Cinco De Derby Weekend at ELIXIR - San Francisco

Saturday May 4th

1PM-6PM: Derby Day Party

It’s not Derby Day without a Mint Julep! Elixir has created a special Mint Julep Cocktail Menu to celebrate a day at the races – derby hats and seersucker suits are encouraged! A pot of Kentucky Burgoo stew will also be on hand.

Sunday May 5th

12PM-6PM: Cinco de Mayo Party

Continuing the weekend’s festivities Elixir presents their Cinco de Mayo Party and the release of their Rare Tequila Collection, collected over ten years and presented to the public for the first time. Drink specials include $6 ElJimador Blanco Tequila luge shots and $8 Herradura Margaritas.

ELIXIR

3200 16th St
(between Guerrero St & Spencer St) 
San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 552-1633

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

 

Off the Grid Presidio Picnic - San Francisco

Living in San Francisco couldn't be better. Not only was SF recently listed as the best city in the U.S. to live in, but last night, our beloved Giants swept the Tigers to become the World Series Champions - a title they've earned twice in the last three years. Indian Summer continued to bless us with radiant weather, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday with friends than at Off The Grid's Picnic at the Presidio. It was, unfortunately the last event of the season, but exciting news is that they'll be back in Spring when the weather will once again be picnic-worthy.  

The sun was beaming down all day. (Pictured) - Wing Wings Fried Chicken (what heaven tastes like), Matt Cohen of OTG , Fresh Bloody Mary fixings

    Halibut Tacos & Beans from I Love Blue Sea & The Whole Beast

(Clockwise from Top Left) Beer, Bloody Mary + Mimosa Kits for Sale, Cucumber Mimosa, Bloody Mary Lawn Views

 

Held in partnership with The Presidio Trust, OTG Presidio Picnic is quintessential San Francisco and the location couldn't be any more ideal. Not only were there incredible views, but a variety of excellent eats and liquid libations. I wish I could've tasted a plate of food from everyone who was vending. The restaurants/chefs were high-quality and included local favorites Roli Roti, Chotto, Wexlers, Stag Dining Group, Nopalito, Bar Crudo, Humphry Slocombe, Dixie, The Whole Beast, Del Popolo, I Love Blue Sea, and more. 

(Clockwise from Top Left) - Dolly's Doughnuts, Frog Hollow Farms pears, Friend Shadows, Three Babes Bakeshop Pie

We enjoyed lounging in the hot sun, drinking brunch-like cocktails, and indulging in Wing Wings finger lickin' good Fried Chicken. This all happened while watching people play Bocce ball and listening to the DJ spin old-school jams (Salt n Pepa's Push It, Prince's Kiss...). Presidio Picnic is a casual, yet sophisticated outdoor event for friends, family, children, and canines - all of the above are welcome and from what I witnessed first hand yesterday, a fun, flavorful and festive time for all. Can't wait for Spring.

Off the Grid Picnic at the Presidio

Food Fashionista's Orange October - San Francisco

    Orange & black sequined Chuck Taylor high tops + Ballpark Punch

The Giants have made it to the NLCS, and here in San Francisco, it's not just the pumpkins that are orange this month, it's our team. All around town, there's a fever for the orange and we are celebrating Orange October from AT&T Park to City Hall. I know many of us are crossing our fingers for a World Series appearance in 2012. It seems like just yesterday, when the Giants were playing ten years ago in the 2002 series. I attended two of the games, and it was a memory I won't ever forget.  

San Francisco Cocktail Week 2012 - September 17-23

SF Cocktail Week is back and boozier than ever. The upcoming 2012 festivities showcases the return of some of SFCW's most beloved events from years past as well as some unexpected twists and inaugural offerings, including a food and cocktail pairing event in partnership with the SoMa Streat Food Park, a celebration of local Bay Area distilleries and an Altered California State Fair (we could only imagine, but guessing it's better when imbibed). Below is a highlighted list of the main events, but be sure to visit SFCW's website for full schedule and updates.

 

2012 MAIN EVENTS SCHEDULE
 
The Artisan Tasting
Monday, September 17, 6-9 p.m.
Tickets: $45 in advance & $55 at the door
Location: Anchor Brewing Company
 (1705 Mariposa St., San Francisco)
 
Guests will explore the flavors of unique creations of locally-based distillers with an opening night bash, full of discoveries from the Bay Area’s world of artisan spirits and food pairings.  This experience is dedicated to the local craftspeople who strive to make products of inspirational flavor and quality—the driving force behind the ever-evolving industry of the American cocktail. 
 

 

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival 2012

It was a hot weekend in Los Angeles. I mean, literally scorching hot. The temps rose to triple digits and there were more ovens burning in LA than usual. Chefs, Sommeliers and epicures from all over converged on to downtown's LA Live for the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival with partners Lexus, AEG and Food & Wine Magazine.

This wasn't just any food event. This gathering was a continued celebration of Chef Wolfgang Puck's 30 year tradition of raising awareness and funds for St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels. To date, he has donated millions with his American Food & Wine Festival and another $400,000 raised from LAFW's inaugural year.

                Chefs Dean Fearing and Michelle Bernstein

Lexus Southern Brunch- Fearing's Chicken Fried Texas Quail with Bourbon/Jalapeno Creamed Corn & Bernstein's Creamy Fontina Grits w/corn & charred kale 

        Ricardo Zarate's Grilled Miso Paiche on Butter Lettuce

From an Opening night Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis to the Lexus Grand Tasting tents, there was something to fit everyone's particular taste and palate. With Chefs like Michael Chiarello, Joachim Splichal, Nobu Matsuhisa, Charles Phan and Scott Conant headlining events, it was difficult task to not want to attend all of the above. Most events were sold out and with ticket prices ranging from $50 for a celebrity chef cooking demo, to $2,000 for an invite-only Founder's Dinner, guests definitely got their money's worth.

                                   Chef Gino Angelini

                                 A Bubbly Good Time

Only at LAFW, could you get Hawaiian Ahi Poke from Chef Sam Choy, Chicken Fried Texas Quail via Chef Dean Fearing a Morro Bay Oyster from Post Ranch Inn's Chef John Cox, and a spiked Pina Colada popsicle from the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas..all in one day.

                  Chef Alexandre Vacher's "Snickers Bar"

                Patina's Joachim Splichal & Charles Olalia

       Church and State's Heirloom Tomatoes with Vinaigrette

Despite all the incredible events throughout the weekend, the one many seemed extra excited for was the Lexus Live on the Plaza with Wolfgang Puck and Friends. Perhaps, it was because "friends" of WP, included folks like Gale Gand (Tru), Rory Herrmann (Bouchon BH), Levi Mezick (Restaurant 1833), Paul Prudhomme, Kerry Heffernan, Francois Payard, and a Third Eye Blind concert. Yup, at LAFW, you can have your plate of Spago, glass of Opus One, front-row view at a rock concert and eat your cake too.

                           Wolfgang Puck at LAFW

Thanks, Wolfgang Puck, Coastal Luxury Management, Lexus and all the sponsors for making this past weekend happen.

 

For more info on Los Angeles Food & Wine, visit HERE

See Food Fashionista's LAFW 2012 Photo Album HERE later today

 

 

 

 

 

 

SF Chefs 2012 - Food Fashionista

SF Chefs 2012 has officially come to a close, but the memories, calories, Illy-caffeine high and hangovers (for some) will last a whole lot longer. This was the fourth year, and it was incredibly successful. The entire team including Andrew Freeman Co. and Golden Gate Restaurant Association really pulled off a strong, well-attended, energy-filled event in a town so rich in culinary, wine and mixology talent.

Thanks to all of you who have been commenting, sharing, and following Food Fashionista on Instagram and twitter. You've been staying in-the-know with my SF Chefs updates, and I promise, I'll be posting many more photos here on the site and on Food Fashionista's Facebook page.

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite SF Chefs 2012 Instagram pics:

      Plumed Horse's Pork Belly Roll with shrimp & miso dressing  

              Duggan McDonnell + Pisco = Happy SF Chefs attendees 

      Chef Dominique Crenn discussing Northern California cuisine

       This berry stylish chef had 1681 berries adorning his outfit


             Chefs Chris Consentino & Mourad Lahlou at SF Chefs

           Kara's serving up edible SF Chefs cupcakes

 

This is just a sneak peek of Food Fashionista's SF Chefs 2012 pics. We will be posting a ton more photos soon, but I am one of those above people mentioned that is still recovering from the indulgent weekend, so need a little bit of pre writing/photo-editing r&r.  

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival #LAFW 2012 Countdown

The second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, Los Angeles ’premier culinary extravaganza, is taking place next week August 9-12 in Downtown, Hollywood , Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Headquartered at L.A. LIVE, the event, which benefits St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, features culinary experiences, demonstrations, and exclusive dining experiences. 

The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival also revives the Celebrity Chef Power Lunch Series, featuring notable chefs Wolfgang Puck and Charles Phan at WP24; Joachim Splichal and Hubert Keller at Patina Restaurant and Ari Rosenson and Lydia Shire at CUT.  Santa Monica plays host to Summer At The Shore Hosted By Graham Elliot and, in Beverly Hills , I Heart Champagne & Caviar will take place at The Montage Beverly Hills. 

Rounding out the weekend are the marquee events hosted at L.A.  LIVE; Giada's Festa Italiana hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, Asian Night Market hosted By Andrew Zimmern, Lexus LIVE On The Plaza With Wolfgang Puck & Friends featuring a musical performance by Third Eye Blind and Saturday and Sunday’s Lexus Grand Tastings. Presented by Coastal Luxury Management (CLM), Los Angeles Food & Wine spans the length of the city and offers guests the chance to sample the cuisines and products from some of the world’s most prominent epicurean influencers, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the entertainment industry’s brightest film and musical talents.

For more info and to Purchase Tickets, visit  www.lafw.com

See Food Fashionista's photos from last year's LAFW LEXUS Grand Tasting HERE

Charlie Palmer's Burritt Room + Tavern at Mystic Hotel - San Francisco

Originally featured in Citysearch SF's New & Notable

Titled after the infamous Burritt Alley where Sam Spade’s partner was shot in The Maltese Falcon, Burritt Room +Tavern is home to famed East-Coast Chef, Charlie Palmer's much-anticipated San Francisco debut restaurant. On the second floor of the just-off Union Square, Mystic Hotel, you’ll escape into something resembling a speakeasy, bedizened with film-noir flourishes. Intimate booths, natural wood and framed historical snaps of the City by the Bay create a cozy backdrop for Executive Chef Ashley Weaver’s twist on American classics infused with a bountiful selection of local Bay Area ingredients. Offerings include Tomales Bay oyster soup with parsley oil and bacon lardons as well as comforting sides such as a rich creamy polenta with goat cheese and herb parmesan fries. Prepare to eat, and loosen those belts.

                         Interior view of Burritt Tavern

                               Dungeness Crab Salad

        A refreshing Basil Peach Punch at Burritt Room + Tavern

                       36-hour cooked lamb shoulder

                                                           Photo Credit: Aubrie Pick

 

 

Burritt Room + Tavern at Mystic Hotel

417 Stockton St
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-400-0561

 

Chillin' Productions 14 YEAR Anniversary - Art, Fashion, Cocktails & More

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