It has been an exciting year for foodies in the Bay Area as there have been a plethora of new restaurants, revolutionary concepts, and innovative cuisine. These have all flooded the Bay Area and the San Francisco Chronicle has compiled their annual trusty list to make sifting through the endless choices an easy act. Twenty-six new restaurants join the list of high-ranking regulars. Bearing the California coast’s signature passion with the finest and greenest ingredients, concentrating on local purveyors of fine goods, farm fresh produce, and organic meats, San Francisco denizens will have a hard time deciding which of these exceptional restaurants to indulge in first.
Here is a fleeting look into a sea of successful ventures:
Ambiance-
Think silent films. Sultry noire. Easy but contemporary and artisanal all at the same time. A la carte menu offered in casual upstairs café.
Menu-
An early advocate for sustainable eating, Chef Alice Waters takes the omnipresent organic farm-to-table model and exemplifies it with immaculate execution. The nightly menu collaborates with her freshest market finds. American cuisine.
Location-
1517 Shattuck Ave. (near Cedar), Berkeley, 515.548.5525
Ambiance-
Pure essence denoting cuisine. Subtle and clean Japanese-inspired Zen design.
Menu-
Chef Daniel Patterson is a vegetable farmer’s best friend. His eleven-course menu is the quintessential backbone to innovative and sustainable fare. Based largely on avant-garde cooking techniques with locavores in mind.
Location-
373 Broadway (at Montgomery St.), San Francisco, 415.393.9000
Ambiance-
Historic home setting. Imagine a three-star Michelin Christmas dinner at Grandma’s.
Menu-
Chef Thomas Kellar boasts two, three-star Michelin rated restaurantsl. At this one expect an imaginative and mutable nine-course menu, featuring seasonal ingredients that tease and tantalize the senses. A blend of American and French cuisine.
Location-
6640 Washington St. (near Creek Street), Yountville, 707.944.2380
Ambiance-
A passport to France sans the language barrier. Understated dining room. New lounge with frisky libations.
Menu-
Classically French-trained Chef Roland Passot delivers sculpted victuals on clean white plates to excite the mind before the palate. Features local ingredients and a vegetarian tasting menu.
Location-
2316 Polk St (near Green), San Francisco, 415.776.5577
Ambiance-
The curtains match the drapes so to speak. The restaurant received a full facelift in order to merge the culinary experience with the atmosphere.
Menu-
Chef David Kinch, recipient of 2010 James Beard Award, creates a five-course meal centered mainly on biodynamically grown vegetables focusing on flavor profiles and seasonal variety. Contemporary French infused with Spanish.
Location-
320 Village Lane (near Santa Cruz Ave.), Los Gatos, 408.354.4330
Ambiance-
Casual elegance in wine-country. Approachable décor, homey and inviting. Dine indoors or al-fresco.
Menu-
Christopher Kostow, a three-star Michelin chef, blends contrasting proteins in unassuming dishes. Farm-to-table concept bearing a bounty of organic vegetables and meats, playing off textures and accentuating every scintillating bite. California-style Cuisine.
Location-
900 Meadowood Lane (near Silverado Trail), St. Helena, 707.967.1205
You can check out the entire list of the 100 Best Restaurants in San Francisco online at www.sfgate.com/food/top100.
Haute Living’s Editorial Director, Lindsay Brooke Cohen, was a guest on NBC New York’s “Gossip Gram” discussing this summer’s must have accessories, bags, and sunglasses! Click on the video below!
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Check out these Valley locales that will have something special to offer on Cinco de Mayo, aka Thursday, May 5.
SCOTTSDALE
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
On Cinco de Mayo, Blanco will offer an all-day happy hour featuring select food and drinks half off from open to close. Enjoy special entertainment by a mariachi band, Hornitos tequila sampling, beats by DJ E-House after 6 p.m., seven different half-price housemade margaritas, and the restaurant’s signature cheese crisps featuring melted Oaxaca, Asadero and Manchego cheese on a tortilla.
Blanco is located at 6166 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.305.6692
Salty Senorita Fresh Mexican Cantina and Restaurant
Don’t miss the 8th Annual Salty Senorita Cinco de Mayo Bash in Old Town. There will be live entertainment by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, plus Nineball and Shirley’s Temple. The restaurant has even been extended into the parking lot, allowing for an additional 10,000 square feet of party space. Enjoy a Stoli VIP tent, Grimaldi’s pizza, treats from The Gelato Spot, and more. VIP passes are $50 until May 1, then $100 after. See website for details.
Salty Senorita Old Town is located at 3636 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.946.SALTY
Salsa Festival
On May 1, you have the opportunity to sample salsas by more than a dozen Arizona chefs and restaurants at El Pedregal. Enjoy free tequila tastings, a variety of Mexican tacos and tostadas, beverages, and live entertainment courtesy of the Freddie Duran Plan band. Check it out to find out who wins the title of best salsa!
El Pedregal is located at 34505 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.488.1072
Bonfire Grill and Bar
On Cinco de Mayo, Bonfire in Old Town will be serving $5 margaritas and shots, plus beer specials in addition to food.
Bonfire is located at 7210 E. Second St. in Scottsdale 480.945.6600
Sprinkles
April 29 through May 5, Sprinkles will be serving the Mexican-inspired Choco Loco cupcakes, made with Belgian dark chocolate cake and bittersweet chocolate and Mexican cinnamon frosting, topped with a patriotic green and red dot.
Sprinkles is located at 4501 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.970.4321
Los Sombreros
On Cinco de Mayo, from 4 to 9 p.m., Los Sombreros will be serving a special three-course menu featuring black bean masa cake with prickly pear and avocado cream, grilled and baked goat “San Miguel-style,” smoked and shredded duck with mole verde, grilled snapper al mojo de ajo, and lime sorbet with strawberry sauce. Price is $24.95 per person and reservations are recommended.
Los Sombreros is located at 2534 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale 480.994.1799
Spotted Donkey Cantina (Hayden location)
On Cinco de Mayo, the Spotted Donkey Cantina will be featuring a mariachi band, food and drink specials, including $2 beers and $4 margaritas, plus yes, a real, live spotted donkey on the premises.
Spotted Donkey Cantina is located at 8220 N. Hayden Road, Suite C111, in Scottsdale 480.922.1400
La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval
On Cinco de Mayo, La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be roasting a pig on the patio and serving festive red, green and white margaritas. To opt for the entree of roast pig will be $40 per person. Call the restaurant for full details.
La Hacienda is located at 7575 E. Princess Drive in Scottsdale 480.585.4848
PHOENIX
Kitchen 56
On Cinco de Mayo, Kitchen 56 will offer three of their specialty tequila cocktails for $5 each all day long, and five fish or short rib street tacos for $5 all day long. The discounted drinks include the Tequila Bee (tequila, local honey syrup, lemonade); the Mango-Rita (blue agave, mango puree, lemon, lime, cayenne rim), and the Rosemary Paloma (blue agave, ruby red grapefruit, rosemary).
Kitchen 56 is located at 3433 N. 56th St. in Phoenix 480.994.5656
Los Taquitos Mexican Grill
On Cinco de Mayo, Los Taquitos’ 16th Street location will be celebrating with a “5 for 5 at 5″ deal. Enjoy any one of the following for just $5 starting at 5 p.m.: any combo of street tacos (except fish or shrimp), any quesadilla, any combo of three enchiladas, any torta, any burrito (pollo, asada, carnitas or pastor).
Los Taquitos is located at 7000 N. 16th St. in Phoenix 480.753.4370
Padre’s Modern Mexican Cuisine
On Cinco de Mayo, enjoy $3.50 margaritas and 1800 Tequila samples, plus giveaways from beverage companies, live music by Latin salsa band Projecto Clave and more.
Padre’s is located at 1044 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix 602.277.1749
Gallo Blanco Cafe & Bar
Located at The Clarendon Hotel, Gallo Blanco will be celebrating May 2-6 with daily happy hour specials on the Skydeck, a Taco Tuesday special, flamenco dancers, and their new Agua Mexicana margarita.
Gallo Blanco is located at 401 W. Clarendon Ave. in Phoenix 602.327.0880
TEMPE
San Felipe’s Cantina
On Cinco de Mayo, San Felipe’s Cantina at Tempe Marketplace will be entertaining with live music, a party on the patio, DJs, dancing and giveaways and prizes all day long. Enjoy $3 house margaritas, $3 Dos Equis bottles and drafts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
San Felipe’s Cantina Tempe is located at 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe 480.736.TACO
Calico Jack’s
On Cinco de Mayo, the Westgate restaurant will be celebrating with a bash featuring live music outside, a DJ inside, special performances by Mexican dancers and mariachis, and even the chance to win a trip to Mexico, plus more than $1,000 in cash prizes. Contents include the Biggest Burrito eating contest, Shake It Like Shakira contest, and a Hot Tamale eating contest. See the website for VIP details.
Calico Jack’s is located at 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., #G109, in Glendale 623.877.5225
Bitz-ee Mama’s
On Cinco de Mayo, Bitz-ee Mama’s will be serving food specials, including some of the best fish tacos we’ve ever tried, as well as $5 margaritas and live mariachi music after 6 p.m.
Bitz-ee Mama’s is located at 7023 N. 58th Ave. in Glendale 623.931.0562
CAREFREE
Carefree Station
On Cinco de Mayo, Carefree Station will serve all-day margarita specials, and a celebratory Mexican dinner buffet from 5 to 10 p.m. Begin with housemade salsas, guacamole and Campechana. At the taco bar, choose from mahimahi, carnitas and plato alambre, then choose from such entrees as mariscos, steak mole, chile relleno, border shrimp, and rice and beans. Don’t miss the award-winning signature maragaritas.
Carefree Station is located at Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Roads (7212 Ho Hum Road) in Carefree 480.488.8182
THROUGHOUT THE VALLEY
Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen
May 1-5, Macayo’s will be offering a special $5.55 Mex & Match deal for an item plus two sides. Enjoy your choice of tacos, burros, tostadas, tamales, enchiladas and relleno, as well as $2 Coors Light (bottle and draft), $3 Coronas, and $5 16-ounce Macayo Margaritas.
For locations, go here.
Dos Gringos
On Cinco de Mayo, enjoy live bands, DJs, drink specials, prizes, games and giveaways. An outdoor extension area will open after 4 p.m. for further entertainment. Try your hand at the mechanical bull, dunk tank, raffle prizes and more. Giveaways include golf packages, guitars, car stereos, Dos Gringos gift cards and more.
For locations, go here.
Z’Tejas
On Cinco de Mayo, Z’Tejas locations will be offering $2 Corona and Corona Lights all day.
For locations, go here.
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Êtes-vous fatigué? Hotel Plaza Athenee on Avenue Montaigne has just added more glitz to their gilded accommodations. Guests who choose to rest their heads in any of three exclusive signature suites at the Parisian five-star hotel will also receive all-access passes to whip around town in one of two fresh-from-the-factory Aston Martins.
The new Rapide, four-door, four-seater is all about respect and muscle, with a V12 under the hood, six-speed automatic transmission, and four “swan song” doors that will crook the necks of passers-by and avid admirers. The other option, at just three meters long, is the four-cylinder, 1.3-liter Cygnet, a renegade sports car for those not toting extra guests and baggage.
"Eiffel Suite" - Hotel Plaza-Athenee Signature Suite
Decorated in Louis XVI or Regency style, rates for the Signature Suites at Hotel Plaza Athénée, with unlimited access to one of two new Aston Martins, begins at 8,000 euros ($11,642). Guest room rates begin from 750 euros ($1,092) for a superior room per room per night.
"The Royal Suite" -Hotel Plaza-Athenee Signature Suite
“The world’s young, rich, and titled check in here to check out one another, disporting themselves in one of the city’s hottest bars and two of its highly rated restaurants–the gorgeous Art Deco Relais Plaza (Yves Saint-Laurent is a regular) and Alain Ducasse, where an extravagant breakfast is also served (the pastry basket is so copious it requires its own printed guide). - Conde Nast Traveler
The Dorchester Collection hotel offers the full-service Spa Dior, Michelin-rated dining, pet-friendly services, and exquisitely-appointed suites that conjure the essence of former residences, making its guests feel as if the suite was theirs to keep. Situated on fashionable Avenue Montaigne, with its lauded designer promenades, shoppers can indulge in high-end brands such as Christian Dior, Prada, Balenciaga, and scores of other fashionable names just a walk away.
The refurbished Baker House (formerly the J. Harper Poor Cottage) has been recognized as “Inn of the Month” by Travel and Leisure magazine is one of the oldest continuously occupied structures in the United States. Dating back to the earliest settlers of the Village of East Hampton, this makes for a particularly charming spot seasoned with hundreds of year’s worth of history.
But, no worries.
This boutique hotel is stocked to the brim with all of the luxe and contemporary enhancements that you desire.
Here is a dozen of my favorite things about the Bakerhouse, but no doubt upon your visit you’ll be adding another dozen of your own to the list.
- Amenities such as flat screen TV’s, Bose stereos with iPod docks, minibars and wireless internet access.
- L’Occitane toiletries and Frette towels and robes, two person Jacuzzi tubs and antique claw-footed tubs.
- Most bedrooms have warm and cozy wood burning fireplaces.
- The inn has a luxurious living room complete large fireplace, making for great socializing opps. There is also a dining room with fireplace and a well-stocked library with books, magazines, and DVDs, which can be borrowed for in-room viewing
- Enjoy a full breakfast each morning, either in their charming breakfast room with wooden beams or outside in their pretty English garden. Feel like sleeping in? Continental breakfast can be had in your own room, delivered with your choice of morning paper.
- An infinity edge swimming pool with teak chaise lounges can be enjoyed near the garden.
- Drinks are served from a well-stocked bar including a selection of wines by the glass, bottle, and half-bottle.
- The onsite Baker Spa has a Jacuzzi tub, steam shower and sauna and offers everything from facials using Sjal products to all different types of massages.
- Guests receive passes to the local gym as well as an East Hampton Village ocean beach parking permit, beach chairs, towels and umbrellas.
- The Baker Carriage House, located directly behind the main house is an additional sprawling lodging space.
- Guests can be picked up from the nearby Hampton Jitney/Luxury Liner stop, the East Hampton train station, or the East Hampton Airport. Also offered is a private helicopter service to and from NYC for those who wish to avoid the summer traffic.
- The house is located right in the historical section of East Hampton Village allowing for great and interesting strolls about town
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I must admit, I think this whole Royal Wedding talk has become too much and too often. I’ve succumbed to listening to my iPod while at the gym instead of catching up on my morning news. Because apparantly there is no news besides Kate and William’s union. I’m hoping the obsession will end after tomorrow’s nuptials, but something tells me there will be an aftermath.
There’s one thing that I’m coveting from Kate’s look, however—the headpieces she has been adorning over the years. I found the perfect variation from France Luxe, aptly named The Kate. Stealing your own Kate Middleton look will cost you a pretty penny ($329), but pretty it will be. This headpiece comes in a variety of colors, ranging from aqua to fuschia.
Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue, 212-753-7300
Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, 212-247-1100
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Fabulous 13.5+ acre peninsula estate on deep water side of Lake Travis. Almost 12,000 sq ft of exquisite living areas including 2 separate guest quarters, 8 car garages & 2 car porte cochere. Outdoor living areas complete with pool & spa, fireplace & multiple covered terraces. Designed using Feng Shui principles to enhance the beauty & energy of this extraordinary home.
Offered @ $5,400,000
Contact Dee Shultz @ 512.330.1031 or deeshultz@kw.com Or visit http://www.deeshultz.com
January 2011 marked the second visit by Lama Migmar to a National Historic Site, the Mar-A-Lago Club, known as the “Jewel of Palm Beach.” The club was opened officially in January 1927 and was the Estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post (then Mrs. E.F. Hutton) to instruct and guide members as to how best to meditate on Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha, the mantra meditation that attendees at the Mar-A-Lago Meditation Program with Lama Migmar Tseten learned to chant as they were seeking healing, abundance, strength, self-confidence, and awakening.
The Mother Tara Empowerment Ceremony given by Lama Migmar, according to the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, has been passed through many generations of Indian yogis and Tibetan Lamas. At a profound level, this ceremony is given so that you can realize the enlightened wisdom Mother within. During this two day program, Lama Migmar had bestowed the empowerment of Green Tara as he guided participants in Sanskrit mantra and sacred Tibetan language recitations with English translations. During the teachings and throughout the empowerment, all experienced inner joy and bliss to overcome the layers of baggage of afflicted and destructive emotions that have built up over past years and lives.
In my book, SONIA’S RING: 11 WAYS TO HEAL YOUR HEART, www.soniasring.com, I dedicate an entire chapter to meditation. While there are complex and intricate meditative techniques to contemplate and practice Tara meditation, there is also her wonderful mantra that anybody with a kind, loving, open heart can say. If this speaks to your heart, let your heart sing! Moreover, as one great teacher Gehlek Rimpoche puts forth, “…You do not need to become Buddhist to meditate on Tara or to benefit from doing so.” Furthermore, he says, “Another difference between Buddhism and other religions is that there is no doctrine or exclusivity, no heaven from which nonbelievers are barred. Buddha, Tara, and all enlightened beings have vowed to help and protect every being, whatever their chosen faith or belief.”
Now, that said, I have a very special event to share with my Haute Living readers today! Lama Migmar is pleased to invite you for a unique one-of-a-kind four day empowerment by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, the 41st lineage holder of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism. You may be asking what does all of this mean? Blessings!! And more blessings! Haute Blessings! What Lama Migmar brought to Palm Beach is just a taste of what is being offered in May in Massachusetts. The teachings take place in Boston May 26 – 29, 2011 and for more information go www.sakya.net, or send an email to sakyaharvard@gmail.com.
With Gratitude and Kindness, Love Love Love, Sonia
Lincoln Road has it all – great shopping, fun bars, the arts, and fantastic dining. Well, there’s a new kid on the block starting Friday, May 6. Haven Gastro-Lounge is a 2,000-square-foot, 120-person new food and beverage experience for Miami’s chic and adventurous consumers. Described as being a digitalambient lounge, the sleek new spot will be open late, with an exclusive after-hours menu available past midnight with nightly featured dishes along with a menu brimming with local, organic, and global small plates.
Haven is a stylish and modern spot, featuring an open kitchen for your viewing pleasure and a high-tech chef’s counter that boasts space-age embellishments like a ceiling grid of 1,000 color-changing frosted replicas of the ice cubes used by Haven’s master mixologists.
The kitchen will be under the guidance of executive chef Todd Erickson, a critically acclaimed young chef who has quickly gained the interest of culinary enthusiasts, especially after being named Best Chef Under 30 by the Dallas Observer. A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, Erickson has left his position at Zuma to take on his new venture at Haven, which will feature locally inspired dishes, like the “Duck Duck” Quail Slider, an in-house ground duck burger topped with a quail egg, foie gras butter, and served with parsley-shallot salad. Some dishes will incorporate elements of ever-fashionable molecular gastronomy, especially in their desserts, like a made-to-order Sub-Zero Nitro Ice Cream.
Haven Gastro-Lounge is located at 1237 Lincoln Road and is set to open on Friday, May 6. For reservations, call or text to the Haven iPad at 305.987.8885.
[Source: Eater Miami]
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Sherri Falk, Owner of Basiques
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sherri Falk, owner and founder of Basiques, a wardrobe company based on the concepts of simplicity and classicism. Basiques, which recently opened up a Boston showroom and studio, demonstrates the importance of fit, while remaining sophisticated and functional for the workplace, travel, and nightlife.
While living in France, Falk was inspired by both the Parisienne lifestyle and the way that European clothing was designed to showcase female curves. When she returned to America, Falk found that American clothing did not fit nearly as well. She was inspired to launch Basiques in 2001, so she could put a focus on finding clothing to highlight the female body of Americans.
Falk remarks that women wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time, and the pieces that women reach for time and time again are those that fit them the best. The personal wardrobe consultants at the Basiques studio ensures that their entire collection will fit each woman with custom tailoring, providing women with confidence and style.
“The whole idea,” Falk explains, “is to find the perfect white shirt.” From there, Falk added a flirty skirt, classic pant, and shirts with visual texture and color. The entire collection is intended to bring new life to things you already own.
Perhaps one of the most notable things about the collection is its generational versatility. Since classic elements transcend generations, Falk has seen up to three generations of women at her store.
Likely because of their “one wardrobe, one suitcase” mantra, professional women have found some of the most success at Basiques. The versatile ten-piece wardrobe is the perfect foundation for any traveling woman with little time on her hands. It teaches women to start with a clean, classic fundamental and build on it. Sherri notes that “from there, accessorizing with items that are either dainty, chunky, or vintage can make the style your own.”
As a bonus, Basiques also offers wardrobe workshops. Their workplace fashion consultants will come to your office and give a fashion seminar to your colleagues on how to dress to keep things professional and yet fashion-forward all at same time.
Pictured below: Contemporain Classic Jacket by Basiques, $369.
The new Basiques studio is located at 85 Newbury Street, Boston. 857.445.0144
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Dec/Jan 2012
