Search
Categories
Archives
Saturday
Dec272008

indiDenim Intellifit Design Studio

If you're still having trouble finding the perfect pair of jeans, indiDenim might solve your denim woes. They're looking for SF Bay Area folks to participate in their beta Intellifit Design Studio program. Simply head on over to their Emeryville office to get fitted for a pair of jeans via their Intellifit Virtual Fitting Room. womens_soma_indidenim_jeans.jpeg (Women's SoMa Jeans) The Virtual Fitting Room does a full body scan (using harmless radio waves) to get your exact measurements. It's pretty easy - you just step into their booth fully clothed, and it takes only a few minutes to perform the entire scan. As a bonus, being part of this beta program will get you a 30% discount. You'll also get one-on-one fitting advice from an indiDenim's fit consultant. Talk about über customer service! I just got fitted and ordered my first pair, so I'm looking forward to wearing it in 4 weeks. IndiDenim_Mens_jeans_potrero_classic.jpeg (Men's Potrero Classic Jeans) Check it out at: www.indidenim.com/oo/navigation/design-studio-landing For those who can't make it to the SF Bay Area, make your custom jeans online here: www.indidenim.com For the boys, they also do custom men's shirts - choose your style, fabric, collar, etc. Check it out here: www.inditailored.com. (updated January 8, 2009)

Click to read more ...

Thursday
Dec182008

A16: Food + Wine

Lucky San Franciscans will always get to taste A16's famous meatballs, tripe, and short ribs alla Genovese (those ribs! ah...). For those who aren't so fortunate, their A16: Food + Wine cookbook will be a great substitute. Named after the highway that goes across Southern Italy, the book features the lively cuisine of Campania. Notable sommelier Shelley Lindgren and executive chef Nate Appleman share their intense passion of this region's food and wine culture. A16.jpg There is an extensive section on Campanian wines. You can almost feel Lindgren's feverish quest for these bold varietals. There is a historical background for each type of grape, and she makes her recommended producer. So the next time you make some anchovies, pair it with the Falanghina. Or perhaps match the Bombino Bianco with your burrata. Check out the recipe below. You, too, will fall in love with this part of Italy. Roasted Sardines with Bread Crumbs, Green Garlic, and Mint pair with Vermentino (Sardinia) serves 6 as an antipasto, or 4 as a main course Not only are sardines packed with flavor and easy to prepare, they are among the most sustainable species of fish. The addictive, crispy skin of these sardines, and the fresh flavors of green garlic and mint, come together for an inviting antipasto; or pair them with Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower with Red Onion, Capers, and Chiles (page 238) for a light main course. Prepare this dish in spring, when green garlic starts to appear at farmers’ markets. If you can’t find green garlic, scallions make a good substitute. 12 (2-ounce) fresh sardines, scaled and gutted Kosher salt Extra virgin olive oil 4 stalks green garlic, trimmed and thinly sliced crosswise 1⁄2 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs, toasted (page 74) 1 tablespoon salt-packed capers, soaked (page 84) and minced 1⁄3 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, torn by hand 1⁄2 lemon sardines_A16.jpg Preheat the oven to 500˚F. If the fresh sardines you buy have not been scaled or gutted, it is easy to do. First, using a sharp paring knife, make a slit along the belly of the fish. Pry the fish open and scrape and rinse out its innards. Next, lay the fish, flesh side down, on a work surface. Grasping the tail and working from tail to head, drag the blunt edge of the knife the length of the fish to remove the scales. Rinse the fish well, pat dry, and repeat with the remaining fish, then clean your work surface before proceeding. Working with 1 fish at a time, remove the head. Gently pry open the belly to expose its backbone. Place the fish, skin side up, on a work surface and run the palm of your hand along the spine to loosen it, then trim off the back fin. Turn the sardine over. Starting at the head end, pull the backbone toward the tail in a single motion. (Part of the tail may come off with the backbone.) Rinse the sardine under cold running water, checking for any loose bones, and then pat dry. Repeat with the remaining sardines. Arrange the butterflied sardines on a baking sheet, skin side up. Season both sides with salt, and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Roast the sardines, skin side up, for about 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin begins to sizzle. Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan, heat a few tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the green garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until softened. With a slotted spoon, remove the green garlic and set aside. Over medium-low heat, replenish the sauté pan with a few additional tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle in the bread crumbs. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they crisp up and darken slightly. Remove from the heat, add the green garlic, stir in the capers and mint, and set aside until serving. Transfer the sardines to a serving platter or divide among individual plates, and squeeze the lemon half over the top. Spoon the green garlic mixture over the sardines, and drizzle with olive oil to finish. Serve immediately. Recipe reprinted with permission from A16: Food + Wine by Nate Appleman and Shelley Lindgren, copyright © 2008. Published by Ten Speed Press. Photo credit: Ed Anderson © 2008 Purchase at: www.tenspeed.com

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
Dec172008

Fierce Couture Holiday 2008

I am always fascinated and in love with Fierce Couture's magic in latex fashion. Designer Tressa Williams elevates fetish wear to a very elegant level. I first saw her collection at the 2004 SF Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Been a fan ever since. fierce_couture.jpeg Photo: Marc Mez; Styling: Alex LaMarsh

Very titilating and sensual to say the least. If I can starve myself and lose a size I can squeeze into one of these numbers. Maybe... fierce_couture_2.jpg How hot is that? I want this. They're having a last-minute holiday sale (10% off) on their gift certificates through the end of December. Get one for the adventurous fashion lover in your life...she will love it. Fierce_couture_3.jpg www.fiercecouture.com

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
Dec172008

Beauty Confidential

For those who are stumped by the millions of beauty products in the market, Beauty Confidential will help you cut across the confusing brand jungle. Beauty expert Nadine Haobsh (of JolieNadine.com) does a detailed crash course on explaining different types of cosmetic procedures, products, and her favorite items. beauty_confidential.jpg Looking for a good mascara? How to dye your hair at home? What's the shelf life of makeup? Look no further. Nadine will have you polished and groomed like a stylin' urbanite in no time. Buy it at Amazon.com.

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
Dec172008

Vosges Red Fire Toffee

If your sweet tooth hasn't been quelled by the holiday treats inundating your office kitchen, Vosges Haut Chocolat has a new Red Fire Toffee that will warm you up. Ancho & chipotle chilllies, Ceylon cinnamon, sweet butter toffee, dark chocolate, and pecans team up in a tingly and caliente confection. Love it! Invite a girlfriend over for tea, and the two of you will make that toffee kaput. Promise. red_fire_toffee_vosges.jpg They also have a cool Mo's Bacon Bar + Rogue Shakespeare Stout gift box for procrastinating gift shoppers. The mellow oatmeal stout, laden with chocolate notes, is the perfect compliment to the Bacon + Chocolate line. Bacon, chocolate, and beer? Oh, yes you can! vosges_beer_bacon_gift.jpg www.vosgeschocolate.com

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
Dec172008

Kelly Bergin

Ooh, I'm salivating over the black lace skirt by Kelly Bergin. The next best thing after the Prada Fall Winter 2008-2009 lace collection. At over $300 it's rather un peu cher, but that won't stop the fashion addicts, will it? lace_skirt_kelly_bergin.png The Rust Cutout Dress is also très élégante. rust_dress_kellybergin.png Buy it at Satine Boutique online. More styles at kellybergincollection.com.

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
Dec172008

Tiny Bubbles

Kate Simon has plenty of ideas on using Champagne and other sparkling wines to create gorgeous cocktails in her Tiny Bubbles. Timeless drinks are tweaked to feature natural fruit juices, fresh herbs, and other liquors. Classics like Kir Royale (one of my faves) are turned into new bubbly blends. Tiny_Bubbles.jpg Popular sparklers like Italy's Prosecco, Spain's Cava, Japan's sparkling sake, and Australia's sparkling reds are also utilized in the book. I really applaud the fact that Simon included mocktail recipes for those who don't want the buzz (Hello, Fauxllini!). There's also recipes for nibbling with the drinks, such as Easy Champagne Chocolate Truffles or the Fizzy Melon Soup. Who knew Champagne can be so fun? Check out this cocktail recipe below. It looks so pretty... Stratosphere The sweet Muscat and acidic berry notes of Italy’s Moscato d’Asti are lovely with the delicate, floral violet liqueur in this adaptation of a recipe from Lucius Beebe’s 1946 classic, The Stork Club Bar Book. It was served at the Stork Club in New York. The original recipe called for Champagne. Stratosphere_cocktail.jpg

2 whole cloves 3/4 ounce crème de violette 5 ounces Moscato d’Asti, chilled (alternatives: Asti, Prosecco extra dry, Champagne extra dry) Lemon twist for garnish Place cloves in a chilled 6-ounce sparkling-wine glass. Add crème de violette. Top slowly with chilled bubbly. Stir gently. Garnish with short strip of lemon peel, first twisting it over the glass to release the flavorful oils into the drink. Serves 1 Recipe used with permission by Tiny Bubbles: Fizzy Cocktails for Every Occasion, Using Champagne, Prosecco, and Other Sparkling Wines (Chronicle Books, 2008). www.chroniclebooks.com

Click to read more ...

Tuesday
Dec162008

Freedom of Choice Denim

Freedom of Choice jeans have that casual Southern Cali look that everyone's going after. Their popular Jenny bootcut style (with back flap pockets and wooden buttons) will fit well on most body types, and will also elongate the silhouette. A great buy if you need a killer casual-to-dress-up look for the holidays. freedom_of_choice_jenny_jeans.jpg For those who can really flaunt it, the Triumph (motorcycle) ankle length skinny jean style is the way to go. FOC_motorcycle_jeans.jpg Founder Nathan Menashe is also going green - his organic cotton Cascade bootcut is making waves across the the denim world. I can't wait to try this eco-friendly style. As an added bonus, some styles are on sale (50% off!) at RevolveClothing.com - go online before they run out. More styles can be viewed at: www.freedomofchoicejeans.com

Click to read more ...

Thursday
Dec112008

Cafe Majestic

I went to Cafe Majestic last week and had a great tasting menu by the young rising star chef Louis Maldonado. Having worked with Chef de Cuisine Corey Lee at French Laundry, I'm sure he will go places. For apps, the Japanese octopus with marble potatoes, green curry, cardoons, and cilantro was absolutely awesome. It was prepared to perfection. We also liked the chestnut mousse baked in feuille de brik with endive, charred fuyu persimmon and black truffle. The rich truffle was a good contrast to the fruit. octopus_Cafe_Majestic.jpg My date had the caramelized sea scallops, which were well done. It was a tad bit too salty for me, but it was very tasty. I had the lamb prepared three ways (grilled Colorado leg of lamb, belly, and glazed ribettes). It's a warm and hearty dish for a freezing SF winter. I'd go back for more. dinner.jpg For dessert, I got the Squash and Chicory - a 'confit' of butternut squash, chicory financier, cranberries, young ginger, and crème fraiche sherbet. I loved the sherbet. It paired nicely with the dense financier cake and cherries. We also got the Gateau de l’ huile d’Olive - a confection made of vanilla-olive oil genoise cake, valrhona alpaco and abinao chocolates, grapefruit sorbet, and star anise. I love desserts with olive oil, as it lends it a rich and fruity foundation to the dish. cafe_majestic_dessert.jpg Do take advantage of the three-course $38 prix fixe dinner (menu changes weekly); get there on Tuesday-Saturday, between 5:30pm-7pm. They're also doing a $48 Christmas Eve Prix Fixe and a $65 New Year's Eve Supper. Not bad for fancy holiday wining and dining! Cafe Majestic 1500 Sutter St. @ Gough (415) 441-1280 www.cafemajesticsf.com

Click to read more ...

Thursday
Dec112008

JIMMYJANE EMBER EDITION OF ONE

JIMMYJANE has a wonderful multitude of naughty toys for the holiday. Being the multi-tasker that I am, I adore the new EMBER, EDITION OF ONE massage candle. It doubles as a luxurious room fragrance and a superb massage oil! The oil has the perfect glide texture for an oh-so-fun massage with your bedtime play date. This special edition of the EMBER candle collection has a reusable matte black porcelain container. Each one is detailed with unique gesture drawings that are composed by the maker’s mood. They symbolize the individuality of multi-sensual experiences. Oh, be still my heart. jimmyjane_ember_edition_of_one.jpg This EDITION OF ONE features the intruiguing scent of Cocoa + Fig. It's not too strong but the scent definitely sets the mood for love...or lust. The foodie in me was drooling. What a lovely duo of aphrodisiac scents - think of dark and moody chocolate wrapping around the juicy and sexy fig. Delectable bliss is yours for the taking... (Jimmyjane is offering 25% off orders of $100 or more. Enter the code “Enjoy” from now through January 5th, 2009 to redeem the special.) www.jimmyjane.com

Click to read more ...