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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

Sunset Magazine Garden & HQ Tour Celebrating their March All-Food Issue

Yesterday, myself and other members of the media visited Sunset Magazine in Menlo Park, California for a tour of their exquisite gardens and work place. To say the least, it was impressive. When your work surroundings consist of exotic cacti, plump grapefruit trees, and a massive outdoor kitchen, we think you've got it quite good.

From mini Umami Hatch Burgers, to Chicken Tinga Tostadas, it was a night to remember. After all, this is the first time in Sunset's 115 year history that they've dedicated an issue entirely to food. Although the first, I have a feeling this won't be the last. With Food Editor Margo True, the staff at Sunset are pros when it comes to all things food and drink. Their wine cellar is a vino lover's dream.

See more photos from the event HERE.

Super Bowl Recipes by Super Chefs

Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner and we know that many of you are either hosting your own game day party, or attending a gathering as a guest. Even if you aren't a big fan of football, we know you're a fan of food, and there's going to be plenty of that to go around on this very special football Sunday. 

Food Fashionista asked some super Chefs to share their favorite recipes for the annual football festivities. Best part of all, you can easily create these unique and tasty recipes at home with the step-by-step instructions and ingredients listed by these professional chefs.

This year, forego being the friend who brings the bag of chips and jar of salsa, and impress your friends with one of the dishes below. We can't predict if it'll be the San Francisco 49er's or the Baltimore Ravens who'll be holding up the trophy this year, but we can guarantee that you'll be a winner in the eyes of your Superbowl party comrades and foes if you make one of these recipes for this coming Sunday's big celebration.

 

Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Recipe by Chef Justin Simoneaux (Boxing Room) 

Chef Justin Simoneaux's recommended recipe is Smoked Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, because it’s hearty and can feed a group! Also, since the Niners are playing the Ravens in his home state of New Orleans, it’s like bringing a little taste of the South to San Francisco.

As you can tell from the photo, Justin's team is the Saints!

 

Roasted Chicken Wings in Fesenjoon Sauce Recipe by Chef Hoss Zare (Zare Fly Trap) 

"My recipe is for roasted chicken wings in fesenjoon sauce. This is simple and uncomplicated, the sauce even matches my favorite team, the niners. This recipe is easy and a crowd pleaser. The color is reminiscent of the 49ers. Prediction - 49ers: 36, Baltimore: 24" - Hoss Zare

 

 

Curry Puffs Recipe by Kris Toliao & Yuka Ioroi (Cassava Bakery + Cafe)

Kris is more of a Manchester United Football fan, but he does like the 49er's and Yuka really likes the New Orleans Saints because she says "their story is beautiful."

 

Chipotle Chili Glazed Dungeness Crab Recipe by Chef Mark Dommen (One Market Restaurant) 

"I chose this recipe because I wanted to do something with crab, keeping the main ingredient local as the 49ers are in the Superbowl.  I also wanted to make it finger food and fun so that people had to use their hands to eat it.  I like to compare it to the shellfish version of chicken wings and something that would go really well with cold beer on Superbowl Sunday.  The crab could easily be substituted for head on shrimp in the shell." - Mark Dommen

Mark's favorite football team is the 49ers!

 

Cioppino, Crab Toasts, and Crudite Recipe by Chef Michael Mina (Mina Group & CookTasteEat)

Chef Michael Mina is a 49er faithful and these are Chef Mina's “San Francisco” recipes in honor of the 49ers going to the Super Bowl (crab, seafood, RED food...)

Charleston Tacos with Braised Short Ribs Recipe by Chef Jet Tila (The Charleston LA) 

 

"My favorite Team has to be the Jets because I was named after them back when they would win in the 70's!  

Even though it's labor intensive, these tacos can be done DAYS ahead and bring the Big game a fancy factor!.  Braise the beef days ahead, keep warm during the game, and guests can make their tacos during the breaks in the game!  These will definitely take your game to another level!" - Jet Tila 

 

Crispy Maryland Soft Shell Blue Crab Slider with Old Bay Aioli and Slaw

vs.

California Dungeness Crab Cocktail with Avocado Mousse, Micro Cliantro, Red Chili Sauce Recipe by Chef Francis Hogan (Bluestem Brasserie)

Chef Hogan BLEEDS green...meaning he is a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan (from his home town). He doesn't dislike the Niners at all, but he believes "you have to stay true to your roots."

Sourdough Cheese Steak with Homemade Chez Whiz and Crisp Onions Recipe by Chef Thomas Weibull (Velvet Room at CLIFT) 

"Why is this dish my favorite? Well coming from Philly you can't watch football without Philly Cheese Steak. It's like drinking water for us. I think I had my first Cheese steak when I was 5 and then once every weekend since then...well when I lived there that is, I can still smell those Amorosa Rolls though this version is more a West Coast style." - Chef Thomas Weibull

Chicken Katsu Sandwich Recipe by Chef Richie Nakano (Hapa Ramen) 

Chef Richie Nakano of Hapa Ramen may be known as a die-hard baseball and San Francisco Giant's fan, but he hasn't forgotten that his city is represented in this year's Super Bowl. 

 

 

 

NASFT Winter Fancy Food Show 2013 Photos - San Francisco

The Winter Fancy Food Show - the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast, arrived in San Francisco for its 38th year. Food Fashionista was there to capture all the latest products and the action on the show floors. 80,000 items from 35+ countries and regions were represented by 1,300 exhibitors from all over the world.

See all of our photos + more to be added on album below: 

San Francisco Cooking School Open House - Free Event for Public

Join San Francisco's newest culinary education center on Saturday, January 19th for a peek into what’s happening at San Francisco Cooking School. Come by anytime between noon and 3pm to see cooking demonstrations in our state-of-the-art kitchen classroom, meet many of our talented instructors, and learn about our all-new schedule of 2013 classes. You can register for classes on-site and enter to win a free class valued at $160. 

Demos will take place at:

12:15pm - Greek Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon and Feta

1:00pm - Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies 

1:45pm - Warm Cheese Gougeres

2:30pm - Creamy Carrot Soup with Curry and Lime

San Francisco Cooking School free Public Open House

January 19, 2013

12-3pm

690 Van Ness Avenue

Info: HERE

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

Hakkasan Restaurant Arrives in San Francisco

In a city packed with Chinese restaurants, you’d wonder if we really need another one. When they come in the distinct shape and form of Hakkasan, you’ll know this isn’t your average, typical Chinese dining room or fare. From the hugely successful London-based restaurant group arrives the newest arrival of the world famous Hakkasan destination at One Kearny in San Francisco. Indulge in Roasted silver cod with champagne and Chinese honey sauce and Truffle braised noodles with crabmeat and scallops. Hakkasan isn’t take-out Chinese. It’s take your date out to Chinese kind of food.

Hakkasan

1 Kearny Street  San Francisco, California 94108
(415) 829-8148

Top of The Mark's Holiday Tea Time Returns - San Francisco

Enjoy “Holiday Tea” for the adults, or “Magical Tea” for the kids in celebration of the season at Top of the Mark's world-renowned 19th floor sky lounge located on top of Nob Hill. 

The holidays at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins are celebrated with decorations, gingerbread houses, carolers, and the return of holiday tea at the Top of the Mark lounge. For the entire month of December, the iconic Top of the Mark offers a traditional “Holiday Tea” and a special “Magical Tea” for kids featuring delicious sweet and savory bites by Executive Chef Christophe Depuichaffray and Pastry Chef Phoung Vuong in addition to a selection of specialty teas.

Maverick Restaurant & Smitten Ice Cream Collaboration Dinner for Mission Graduates

On a recent evening in the Mission District, Maverick Restaurant teamed up with Hayes Valley's Smitten Ice Cream to collaborate on a very special and unique three-course dinner to support the local organization Mission Graduates.

The well thought out three-course menu paired Executive Chef Emmanuel Eng’s contemporary regional American cuisine with Smitten Ice Cream’s innovative and exciting made-to-order, liquid-nitrogen prepared ice cream. Together, these two local favorites curated a one-of-a-kind experience benefitting Mission Graduates - a nonprofit organization whose dedicated work increases the number of K-12 students in San Francisco’s Mission District who'll complete college and assist in strengthening the community. 

From the labor of love in the kitchen, to the passion brought to helping the students who need it most, the evening was an appetizing success. 

 

MAVERICK

3316 17th Street  San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 863-3061

 

SMITTEN ICE CREAM

432 Octavia Street  San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 863-1518

 

MISSION GRADUATES

Delarosa's Fried Brussels Sprouts + Beet & Arugula Salad

After revisiting Delarosa recently, I must admit...I'm hooked. It's a great spot to grab a fun and fulfilling lunch or dinner with a good friend. The food is delicious, affordable and best shared family style. I love that they have great vegetarian options to complement the carniverous ones. And although consistently busy, the wait isn't ever usually too crazy. If it is, just grab a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar.

The two dishes above are always on the table when I eat there. 

 

Delarosa

2175 Chestnut Street  San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 673-7100