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:
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.
Continue reading "Top of The Mark's Holiday Tea Time Returns - San Francisco" »
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
432 Octavia Street San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 863-1518
'Til the end of the month, you can enjoy a delicious dessert, while making someone's life a whole lot brighter.
This November, the restaurants of Lark Creek Restaurant Group invite guests to celebrate the holiday season by giving to a worthy cause. With 100% of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish, guests can order star-shaped, fresh-baked gingerbread cookies off the dessert menu for only $10.00 each, to decorate with frosting, sprinkles and candies. Designed by Lark Creek Restaurant Group Pastry Chef Patti Dellamonica-Bauler, the cookies can be enjoyed while dining, taken home in a decorative bag or given as a gift. Lark Creek Restaurant Group has raised more than $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area through the annual Gingerbread Wishes campaign held since 2007.
There will also be a special decorating booth outside Cupola Pizzeria and LarkCreekSteak this Saturday, November 24 from 12-4pm to coincide with Santa being in the mall. An opportunity for folks to come and show their support for Make A Wish and enjoy decorating cookies as well!
Lark Creek Restaurant Group’s participating Bay Area restaurants include The Tavern at Lark Creek in Larkspur; One Market Restaurant, LarkCreekSteak and Cupola Pizzeria in San Francisco; Lark Creek Walnut Creek; Yankee Pier in Larkspur and Lafayette; Lark Creek Blue at Santana Row in San Jose; and Fish Story in Napa.
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.
This beautiful culinary creation by Chef Sophie Uong may appear very unfamiliar to you, but I guarantee that many of you have tasted parts of this dish at one point in your lives. You are probably wondering what I'm talking about, but if I tell you that the main protein is an actual deconstructed McDonald's Filet-O-Fish would you believe me? Well yes, it is true.
Last night, I attended a Charity dinner for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Three Chefs including Top Chef alumnus Ryan Scott, Beverlie Terra, and Picán Restaurant's Sophie Uong created unique courses using purely deconstructed McDonald's ingredients. It was fascinating to say the least.
The event was held at the California Culinary Academy, and as soon as you stepped through the entry door, the familiar scent of Mickey D's fries lingered. Nine courses of wine paired, haute Mickey D's awaited us.
With the exception of the late-night sundae, I hadn't eaten McDonald's in almost 10 years. My table mates were shocked. Who knew my reunion with McDonald's would be in the form of a hash brown gnocchi and a Big Mac streusel. I couldn't have even imagined.
In the end, whether or not the dishes were a one-bite taste, or worthy of a Gold(en) arch medal, the evening was a fun, once in a lifetime experience all for a great cause. Even if there were only one french fry on my plate for the entire evening, I was happy to be there amongst a wonderful group of people supporting a worthy cause - The Ronald McDonald House.
See all of the photos from the event, including eight other dishes created solely from McDonald's products HERE
If you are craving a taste of Tokyo, but don't have the time or funds to get on that plane to Narita at the moment; a visit to Berkeley's Ippuku just may do the temporary trick. Specializing in Izakaya cuisine, this authentically-decored space with a Japanese aesthetic and staff serves items not standard on American restaurant menus. Expect to find bites such as Chicken Tartare and Bacon-Wrapped Mochi.
Although you'll notice that a visit to Ippuku can be drenched in all things Nihonjin (Japanese), you'll be reminded of the fact that you are in the Bay Area. Especially, when you see the repeated use of local ingredients. One such example, is the Matcha Affogato ( green tea over Straus Organic soft serve vanilla) dessert. I'm an avid fan of Straus, making special visits to San Francisco's Super Duper and Zero Zero just to order it. The combination with the matcha was a perfect Ippuku ending. The only thing that could've made it better, was maybe a small dollop of azuki beans with a few fresh mochi on top. Reservations highly suggested.
2130 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 665-1969
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
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
Princess cakes & Strawberry shortcake & Fruit Tarts. Oh my!
Originally shot on Food Fashionista's Instagram
Murata's Cafe Hana
1737 Post Street #368 San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567 9133
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