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	<title>San Francisco Chic!</title>
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		<title>San Francisco is the Greenest</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/07/san-francisco-is-the-greenest/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:40:43 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Every other city in the U.S. and Canada should be &#8220;green&#8221; with envy now that San Francisco has been named the greenest major city in the U.S. and Canada Green City Index (New York, Seattle, Denver and Boston completed the top five U.S. cities. The study, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and commissioned [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Every other city in the U.S. and Canada should be &#8220;green&#8221; with envy now that San Francisco has been named the greenest major city in the U.S. and Canada Green City Index (New York, Seattle, Denver and Boston completed the top five U.S. cities. The study, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and commissioned by Siemens, examines and compares 27 major U.S. and Canadian cities on environmental performance and policies across nine categories: CO2 emissions, energy, land use, buildings, transport, water, waste, air quality and environmental governance.</p>
<p>Cities that performed best in the rankings are the ones with comprehensive sustainability plans that encompass every aspect of creating a greener future, including transportation, land use, energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, and water.</p>
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		<title>Sonoma Weekender: Things to do in Sonoma</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/04/sonoma-weekender-things-to-do-in-sonoma/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/04/sonoma-weekender-things-to-do-in-sonoma/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:12:32 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Affordable Luxury]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sonoma Weekends]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[With more than 300 wineries, 40 spas, and 50-plus miles of Pacific coastline, Sonoma County (www.sonomacounty.com &#60;http://www.sonomacounty.com/&#62;) has plenty to offer. NEW TOURS AND ACTIVITIES Farm Tours at McClelland’s Dairy Families have the opportunity to get an up-close look and hands-on experience at McClelland’s Dairy, located seven miles west of Petaluma, in the rolling hills [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 280px"><a href="http://www.fivestaralliance.com/files/fsa/nodes/2009/10257/21645_2_fsa-g.jpg"><img src="http://www.fivestaralliance.com/files/fsa/nodes/2009/10257/21645_2_fsa-g.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="404" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn</p></div>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>With more than 300 wineries, 40 spas, and 50-plus miles of Pacific coastline, Sonoma County (www.sonomacounty.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.sonomacounty.com/">http://www.sonomacounty.com/</a></span></span>&gt;) has plenty to offer.</p>
<p><strong>NEW TOURS AND ACTIVITIES<br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Farm Tours at McClelland’s Dairy<br />
</strong>Families have the opportunity to get an up-close look and hands-on experience at McClelland’s Dairy, located seven miles west of Petaluma, in the rolling hills of Sonoma County. The farm was founded in 1938 and is still run today by the McClelland family as a modern family dairy with traditional values.</p>
<p>Tours are scheduled for weekend dates throughout the spring and summer, with a typical tour lasting about an hour and a half. Visitors get to see and pet baby cows, learn how the business is taking care of the land with sustainable practices, and see how the dairy’s creamy butter and crème fraiche are made.<span id="more-193"></span></p>
<p>The McClellands also plan to host a Mother’s Day brunch on the Farm on May 8, Be a Farmer for a Day event on May 14, and a Wake Up with Dairy breakfast on June 5. These events will also include in-depth, interactive tours and meals on the farm. For dates and prices please visit www.mcclellandsdairy.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mcclellandsdairy.com/">http://www.mcclellandsdairy.com/</a></span></span>&gt; .</p>
<p><strong>McClelland’s Dairy<br />
</strong>6475 Bodega Avenue<br />
Petaluma, California 94952<br />
707-664-0452<br />
www.mcclellandsdairy.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mcclellandsdairy.com/">http://www.mcclellandsdairy.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Jana McClelland<br />
707-664-0452<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="jana@mcclellandsdairy.com">jana@mcclellandsdairy.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Follow the Cheese Trail<br />
</strong>The first-ever guide to local artisan cheese makers is available free of charge at local visitor centers, hotels, and businesses. The map may also be downloaded at www.marineconomicforum.org &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.marineconomicforum.org/">http://www.marineconomicforum.org/</a></span></span>&gt; .</p>
<p>“Everyone wants to see a farm while eating good cheese, but nobody knows how,” explains Vivien Straus, managing partner of Straus Home Ranch. “Cheese making is a re-emerging craft, and it’s happening in our own back yard. Some 27 local artisan cheese makers are included in the map, which tells people all about the cheese, where to get it and which cheese makers are open for visits.”</p>
<p>The Cheese Trail map offers an overview of each cheese maker, relays the history of cheese in the area, provides some interesting cheese facts and indicates where to purchase cheeses locally. The map also outlines two driving tours that lead to cheese making facilities open to the public. Other cheese makers, two-thirds of which are farmers as well, have appointment-only tours which can be reserved by calling ahead.</p>
<p><strong>Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail Map<br />
</strong>Media Contact: Vivien Straus<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="vivienstraus@gmail.com">vivienstraus@gmail.com</a><br />
</span></span>(213) 304-7371</p>
<p><strong>Take a Hike at Safari West<br />
</strong>Get ready to take a hike, (and bring your camera) because families have a chance to go hoofin’ it at Safari West, Sonoma County’s unique animal preserve. Overnight guests may join one of Safari West’s staff members and sign up for an early morning or afternoon nature hike through the Sonoma Savannah, winding past Masai giraffes, white rhinos, ostriches, kudos and plenty of wild birds through acres of lush rolling oak woodland forest.</p>
<p>Each hike is different as they are customized to guest interest and age. For example, one hike may be a moderate, family outing, highlighting conservation facts for children. Another hike might be tailored for adult guests who want more of a work out. These hikes begin April 1 and go through Oct. 31, weather permitting.</p>
<p><strong>Safari West<br />
</strong>3115 Porter Creek Road<br />
Santa Rosa, CA 95404<br />
707- 579-2551 or 1-800-616-2695<br />
www.safariwest.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.safariwest.com/">http://www.safariwest.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Aphrodite Casserta<br />
707-566-3620<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="acaserta@safariwest.com">acaserta@safariwest.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Hot Air Ballooning for People in Wheelchairs<br />
</strong>This spring Up &amp; Away Ballooning becomes the first hot air balloon operator in the United States to offer wheelchair-confined adventurers the opportunity to soar above the magnificent hills and vineyards of Sonoma County.</p>
<p>The Pegasus Project’s specially-designed and crafted passenger basket, shipped directly from England, will make it possible for people who use wheelchairs to float above wine country.</p>
<p>Mike and Patty Kijak, owners of Up &amp; Away Ballooning, purchased the wheelchair-accessible basket in response to numerous inquiries from individuals and travel agents with clients seeking to experience Northern California’s picturesque wine country from this breathtaking vantage point. The inaugural flight is scheduled for early April (weather permitting) and a percentage of proceeds from each flight will benefit the Wheelchair Foundation.</p>
<p><strong>Up &amp; Away Ballooning<br />
</strong>Windsor, CA<br />
800-771-2998<br />
www.up-away.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.up-away.com/">http://www.up-away.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Karen Pierce Gonzalez<br />
707-792-4376<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="karen@karenpiercegonzalez.com">karen@karenpiercegonzalez.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Rootstock: A New Wine Country Festival<br />
</strong>The Rootstock festival is a celebration of all that is hot in the world of culinary entertainment. The event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the new Santa Rosa Vintners Square, an urban village of small artisan wineries and shops.</p>
<p>Festival-goers will taste fine wines and experience tasty bites from gourmet food trucks, carts and other street food purveyors. They will also vote on their favorite dish in the “Best Bites” competition. Live music and street performers will also provide entertainment.</p>
<p>Tickets are on sale now for $35 per person and can be ordered at www.rootstockfestival.com/Site/Tickets.html &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.rootstockfestival.com/Site/Tickets.html">http://www.rootstockfestival.com/Site/Tickets.html</a></span></span>&gt; . If tickets are available the day of the event, they will cost $45 at the gate. For more information please visit www.rootstockfestival.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.rootstockfestival.com/">http://www.rootstockfestival.com/</a></span></span>&gt; .</p>
<p>Rootstock Festival at Santa Rosa Vintner’s Square<br />
1301 Cleveland Avenue<br />
Santa Rosa, CA<br />
707-280-4658<br />
www.rootstockfestival.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.rootstockfestival.com/">http://www.rootstockfestival.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Joel Quigley<br />
707-495-0831<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="joel@creativefurnace.com">joel@creativefurnace.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>West of West Wine Festival<br />
</strong>The inaugural West of West Wine Festival is about to put the tiny coastal hamlet of Occidental on the map. Scheduled for August 5-7, the event will showcase wineries and growers on Sonoma’s coastline, and will feature the area’s revered cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.</p>
<p>The weekend begins Friday, Aug. 5, with winemaker dinners in the homes or wineries of such West Sonoma Coast talents as Failla, Freeman Winery, Freestone Vineyards, Littorai, Peay Vineyards, and Red Car. On Saturday, it’s on to seminars about wine and the area’s history, plus a grand tasting of more than 30 boutique producers, many of them undiscovered even to the most knowledgeable of oenophiles.</p>
<p>The day wraps up with a “whole hog feast” at the Union Hotel, centered around locally raised heritage pigs, slow-cooked and carved by Zazu’s Duskie Estes and John Stewart. For the Sunday finale, wineries will throw open their doors for barrel tastings.</p>
<p>For tickets and more information, please visit <span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://arestravel.com/4877_attraction-tickets_a1027_r844695.html">http://arestravel.com/4877_attraction-tickets_a1027_r844695.html</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>West of West Wine Festival<br />
</strong>Occidental, CA<br />
707-837-7902<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://arestravel.com/4877_attraction-tickets_a1027_r844695.html">http://arestravel.com/4877_attraction-tickets_a1027_r844695.html</a><br />
</span></span>Media Contact: MEDIA CONTACT: Mia Malm<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mia@malmcomm.com">mia@malmcomm.com</a><br />
</span></span>(707) 266-1320</p>
<p><strong>Phantom Art Galleries<br />
</strong>Phantom Galleries occupy empty retail space until the space is leased or sold. Artists have the opportunity to show their work, and the property owner has a space that is clean and well cared for. It is a win-win situation for everyone. The Town Green in Old Downtown Windsor currently has five Phantom art galleries representing more than 20 Sonoma County artists. All galleries are within easy walking distance of one another and are open on Thursday evenings, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and during special events on the Town Green.</p>
<p><strong>Phantom Art<br />
</strong>Windsor Town Green<br />
9091 Windsor Road<br />
Windsor CA 95492<br />
(707) 799-8543<br />
Media contact: Mary Jackson<br />
(707) 799-8543<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="jackson1@sonic.net">jackson1@sonic.net</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>New Renga Arts and Patrick Amiot Art Gallery, Gift Shop<br />
</strong>A new match made in “recycle haven” is about to be created. Sebastopol folk artist, Patrick Amiot, has been “wowing” people for years with eclectic sculptures he creates from what you and I would call junk.</p>
<p>Renga Arts is a studio that has featured gifts and works of art made from reclaimed materials in the small town of Occidental. Now, the two combine into one gallery and gift shop in the town of Sebastopol, just off of Highway 116.</p>
<p>Whether visitors are looking to be inspired by the creativity and imagination it takes to turn old grills, hubcaps and ironing boards into art, or if they’re looking to pick up a unique gift, like a bouquet of flowers made from old vinyl records, the Renga Arts Gallery is sure to get a laugh and a few head shakes. Renga Arts is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Renga Arts<br />
</strong>2371 Gravenstein Highway South<br />
Sebastopol, CA<br />
707-823-9407<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://renga-arts.com/">http://renga-arts.com</a></span></span> &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://renga-arts.com/">http://renga-arts.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Joe Szuecs<br />
707-823-9407<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="joe@renga-arts.com">joe@renga-arts.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Mobile Massage<br />
</strong>Samagse Massage is a mobile massage and spa service that comes to you. Guests staying in a hotel room or a guest house can have one of Samagse Massage’s therapists give them a one-hour, one-and-a-half hour, or two-hour massage. They also offer body wraps and scrubs.</p>
<p>Samagse Massage’s therapist have at least 720 hours of certification and all are insured with the American Massage Therapy Association and Certified with the California Massage Therapy Council. All are pet friendly and provide clean linens, pillows, lotion or oil (scented or unscented), and reliable equipment. Prices begin at $75.</p>
<p><strong>Samagse Massage<br />
</strong>Santa Rosa, CA<br />
Media Contact: Miguel Lujan<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="samagse@sbcglobal.net">samagse@sbcglobal.net</a><br />
</span></span>707-293-6785</p>
<p><strong>Wine 101 at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn &amp; Spa<br />
</strong>Swirl, Sniff and Sip (aka Wine 101) led by Wine Concierge Jamie Herbison will be held 10-10:45 a.m. every Saturday morning at the Big 3 Wine Bar at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Available on a complimentary basis to Fairmont President’s Club Premier- and Platinum-level members, and on a fee basis for resort guests and locals, the personalized, weekly seminar promises to both inform and entertain. (And yes, there will be wine.)</p>
<p>Wine 101 is a step-by-step guide to getting the most out of your wine tasting experience. Topics covered in the weekly sessions will include: Dirt Matters, Why Swish, Three-Sip Rule and To Know More You Have to Drink More. Other wine director-led packages and programs which will soon be unveiled, and will include Women on Wine, Wine &amp; Song, and Food and Wine Pairing Classes.</p>
<p>Jamie Herbison is passionate about wine and he loves sharing that passion. Former radio morning show jock, Jamie believes education can remove some of the mystery associated with wine tasting and maximize visitors’ enjoyment of wine country.</p>
<p><strong>The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn &amp; Spa<br />
</strong>100 Boyes Boulevard<br />
Sonoma, CA 95476<br />
707- 938-9000<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma">http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma</a><br />
</span></span>Media Contact: Michelle Heston<br />
707 939- 2477<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="michelle.heston@fairmont.com">michelle.heston@fairmont.com</a><br />
</span></span></p>
<p><strong>NEW LODGING AND DEALS<br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Newly Remodeled Guest House and Wedding Venue<br />
</strong>Built in 1868, Shady Farm is a French Revival estate that includes beautiful grounds and a guest house that sleeps six people. This property has everything guests need for a memorable stay with friends and family, or for hosting a large gathering or wedding.</p>
<p>The owners just completed a four-year restoration of the estate. Keeping with the farm’s tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, the landmark home is complemented by elaborate woodwork and abundant stained-glass accents throughout. There is a gourmet kitchen with an island, bar and breakfast nook. In the living room guests find a grand piano and fireplace to gather around. The upstairs master bedroom includes a balcony and outdoor shower that overlooks the very private, secluded yard and adjacent vineyard.</p>
<p>The grounds feature a pool and hot tub, surrounded by lush landscaping and 200 acres of wine grapes. It is the perfect backdrop to host up to 350 guests for an unforgettable wine country wedding or family reunion.</p>
<p><strong>Shady Farm Estate<br />
</strong>4180 Barnes Road<br />
Santa Rosa, CA 94515<br />
707-292-0201<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.shadyfarm1868.com/">http://www.shadyfarm1868.com/</a><br />
</span></span>Media Contact: Molly Bastian<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mollybastian@gmail.com">mollybastian@gmail.com</a><br />
</span></span>707-292-0201</p>
<p><strong>New Deals and Extras at an Old Favorite<br />
</strong>Co-owner of the Farmhouse Inn Catherine Bartolomei says they want guests at their luxury bed and breakfast to feel like they’re staying at a friend’s house, but with the service you would get at the Ritz Carlton. This is the kind of treatment that has earned them a Michelin star, four diamonds from AAA, and a long list of additional accolades.</p>
<p>Bartolomei and her brother and co-owner, Joe, have now introduced a wine and cheese reception for guests on Thursday nights. Local wines are paired with cheeses and hors d’oeuvres, and guests get a chance to meet their hosts.</p>
<p>For those who would like to be guests at a moment’s notice, Farmhouse Inn has started a new “Spur of the Moment Club. Being a member gives you the opportunity to get a really enticing rate for a gorgeous room on very short notice. Recent deals include a gift certificate for dinner with a 2-night stay, or half off of a second night. To sign up visit www.farmhouseinn.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.farmhouseinn.com/">http://www.farmhouseinn.com/</a></span></span>&gt; or call the concierge at 800-464-6642.</p>
<p><strong>Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant<br />
</strong>7871 River Rd.<br />
Forestville, CA 95436<br />
800-464-6642 or 707-887-3300<br />
www.farmhouseinn.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://e2ma.net/go/6285419439/207141947/217071138/1357251/goto:http:/www.farmhouseinn.com">http://e2ma.net/go/6285419439/207141947/217071138/1357251/goto:http:/www.farmhouseinn.com</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contacts: Catherine Bartolomei or Joe Bartolomei<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="innkeep@farmhouseinn.com">innkeep@farmhouseinn.com</a><br />
</span></span>707-887-3300</p>
<p><strong>Best Western Wine Country Inn &amp; Suites Help Clean the World<br />
</strong>Guests may come to Sonoma County for the good wine, food and spas, but the greater value may be found in the soaps and shampoos they leave behind. Best Western Wine Country Inn &amp; Suites in Santa Rosa has partnered with the non-profit organization Clean the World to collect and recycle hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and gels to help fight the global spread of preventable diseases.</p>
<p>Clean the World is the largest global recycler of hotel amenities, and in just two years of operation has distributed more than 8 million bars of soap to children and families in the United States, Haiti, and more than 40 countries worldwide. Each day 9,000 children around the world die from diseases such as acute respiratory illness, and diarrheal diseases, that can be prevented by washing with bar soap. Clean the World has a mission to put soap in the hands of people who need it most to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions.</p>
<p><strong>Best Western Wine Country Inn &amp; Suites<br />
</strong>870 Hopper Avenue<br />
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1611<br />
707- 545-9000<br />
Media Contact: Todd Anderson, general manager<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="tanderson@heritagehotelgroup.com">tanderson@heritagehotelgroup.com</a><br />
</span></span></p>
<p><strong>NEW RESTAURANTS AND MENUS<br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Blue Label Restaurant at the Belvedere<br />
</strong>Located in a historic Victorian mansion in downtown Santa Rosa, this is a new beginning for the family that owned another popular Sonoma County restaurant. Front man Josh Norwitt, and his chef-fiancé Miriam Donaldson, have relocated from their restaurant called Humble Pie in Penngrove.</p>
<p>The Blue Label focuses on Sonoma County farm food and is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Norwitt and Donaldson encourage guests to snuggle by the fireplace, listen to records, enjoy dinner, order two desserts, and create a joyful evening.</p>
<p>In April the restaurant will also open for breakfast and lunch, served every day from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Blue Label Restaurant at the Belvedere<br />
</strong>727 Mendocino Avenue<br />
Santa Rosa, CA 95401<br />
707-542-8705<br />
www.bluelabelrestaurant.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.bluelabelrestaurant.com/">http://www.bluelabelrestaurant.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Miriam Donaldson<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="info@bluelabelrestaurant.com">info@bluelabelrestaurant.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Woodruff’s Artisan Foods &amp; Café Marcella<br />
</strong>Taking a cue from the marché concepts so popular in Europe, this new eatery in Sebastopol combines an upscale grocery with a café, deli and wine store.</p>
<p>It’s an elaborate undertaking for owner David Woodruff, who recently changed careers from the automotive industry, and has received a culinary degree from Santa Rosa Junior College. He has partnered with fiancé, Marcella, and chef Luz Quiroz, who spent some time as a private chef for Rush Limbaugh.</p>
<p>A recent Sunday brunch featured ragu Bolognese, Latin American arepas, and French toast soufflé with house baked blueberry scones, blood orange mimosas, beer, and wine. The place brims with all kinds of goodness, and the selections and menus change frequently, so it’s good to check the store’s Facebook page &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodruffs-Artisan-Foods-Cafe/152116344831349?#%21/pages/Woodruffs-Artisan-Foods-Cafe/152116344831349?v=wall">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodruffs-Artisan-Foods-Cafe/152116344831349?#%21/pages/Woodruffs-Artisan-Foods-Cafe/152116344831349?v=wall</a></span></span>&gt; [<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://on.fb.me/dSGi0i">http://on.fb.me/dSGi0i</a></span></span>] before going.</p>
<p><strong>Woodruff’s Artisan Foods and Cafe Marcella<br />
</strong>966 Gravenstein Hwy S., Sebastopol<br />
707-829-2141<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="woodruffsartisanfoods@yahoo.com">woodruffsartisanfoods@yahoo.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Yanni’s Sausage Grill<br />
</strong>When traveling through the quaint town of Penngrove, be on the lookout for Yanni’s Sausage Grill. It’s a bare-bones eatery serving original-recipe sausages made on premise by the husband and wife team.</p>
<p>Sausages are grilled within an inch of bursting from their natural casing, served on a toasted Italian roll, and topped with sweet peppers and grilled onions. Choose from eight flavors of sausage, including a rustic Greek version with citrus and spice, garlic mint, sweet and hot Italian, chicken Limoncello, Greek Kalamata olive and feta, and lamb sausage served with tzatziki sauce. All are under $6. The menu also includes thin-crust pizzas created with house-made dough and sauce, a cheeseburger with a Greek twist, and Greek chili.</p>
<p>The tiny space does have three stools inside and four tables outside, but guests are welcome to take their food to go and picnic in a scenic spot. Yanni’s Sausage Grill is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.</p>
<p><strong>Yanni’s Sausage Grill<br />
1</strong>0007 Main Street<br />
Penngrove, CA<br />
Media Contact: John Vrattos<br />
707-795-7088</p>
<p><strong>New Vietnamese Restaurant<br />
</strong>Popular Santa Rosa restaurateur Lee Wong, who owns Lee’s Noodle House in Santa Rosa, has opened a second Vietnamese restaurant, Anh Lihn. Lee’s new restaurant serves up an authentic menu of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), spring rolls, stir fried vegetables, and fried rice dishes.</p>
<p>Ahn Lihn is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Prices range from $11 to $30.</p>
<p><strong>Ahn Linh<br />
</strong>320 W 3rd St # D<br />
Santa Rosa, CA<br />
(707) 528-8807<br />
Media Contact: Lee Wong<br />
(707) 528-8807</p>
<p><strong>New Restaurant at Sea Ranch Lodge<br />
</strong>The Sea Ranch Lodge has opened a new restaurant called the Black Point Grill. Overlooking a pastoral and rugged Sonoma seascape meadow, the spectacular ocean views from the dining room are a feast for the eyes.</p>
<p>The restaurant features internationally inspired California cuisine with emphasis on the freshest local ingredients. The daily menu changes seasonally, and offers casual tavern fare to more formal small plates, appetizers and entrees. Unique regional wines, paired with sophisticated yet uncontrived fare, results in a dining experience which beautifully reflects a sense of this gorgeous, coastal location.</p>
<p>The Black Point Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.</p>
<p><strong>The Black Point Grill at the Sea Ranch Lodge<br />
</strong>60 Sea Walk Drive<br />
The Sea Ranch, CA<br />
800-732-7262<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.searanchlodge.com/restaurant.html">http://www.searanchlodge.com/restaurant.html</a><br />
</span></span>Media Contact: Hilary Gruendle<br />
707- 974-1858<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="hilaryday@comcast.net">hilaryday@comcast.net</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Agriculture Bar and Restaurant Takes Root at Dawn Ranch Lodge in Guerneville<br />
</strong>Formerly known as the Roadhouse Restaurant, this quaint eatery at the Dawn Ranch Lodge has a new farm-to-table concept, and a new, straight-forward name: Agriculture Bar &amp; Restaurant.</p>
<p>“It’s actually reflective of what we’ve been doing all along with local products, we just decided to call attention to it,” says owner Michael Clark, who purchased the Russian River-front property in 2001.</p>
<p>The menu features locally sourced organic ingredients, anchored by a full service bar featuring local beer, wine from Clark’s own grapes, and specialty cocktails, many made from fresh fruit from the neighborhood. Diners will enjoy dishes like potato leek soup made with organic potatoes from David Little Farm in Petaluma, and house smoked chicken salad with Meyer lemon aioli on a ciabatta roll from the Village Bakery of Sebastopol. Hot dogs are house-made from chicken or beef, you’ll find a burger created from Marin Sun Farms beef, and the ketchup that comes with the fries is homemade.</p>
<p>The restaurant will be open daily after Memorial Day weekend, and is open to the public as well as guests of the lodge, tucked inside 15 acres of redwood trees, with just 53 cottages. Instead of television and Internet, Dawn Ranch Lodge offers distractions like the river “beach” and staring at the stars in the sky.<br />
Dawn Ranch Lodge and Agriculture Bar<br />
16467 Highway 116<br />
Guerneville CA<br />
707- 869-0656<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.dawnranch.com/">http://www.dawnranch.com</a></span></span> &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.dawnranch.com/">http://www.dawnranch.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media contact: Jason Podsednik<br />
(707) 869-0656<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="jason@dawnranch.com">jason@dawnranch.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>New All-Day Menu at the Glen Ellen Inn<br />
</strong>The restaurant at the Glen Ellen Inn no longer closes its kitchen between lunch and dinner. Instead, diners have a full “all day” menu to choose from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. On Wednesdays the restaurant is open for dinner only at 5 p.m.</p>
<p>The Glen Ellen Inn is an authentic 1940’s wine country cottage, with an open kitchen, shaded garden, a covered patio, and a fireside dining area. It is the perfect setting for a delicious meal with soft lighting, a romantic mood, and a sense of whimsy (and occasionally, garlic) in the air.</p>
<p>The new all day menu offers a wide range of flavors and meal sizes starting with soups and salads such as the Sonoma salad with romaine lettuce, apples, pears, dried cherries, pecans, blue cheese, and a mustard vinaigrette. There are also larger meals such as West Coast cioppino, made with seafood, sausage, chicken, tarragon Bloody Mary jus and served with garlic toast for dipping.</p>
<p>The restaurant is also known for its great oysters, which diners may order prepared any way they like, and if you can’t decide, order the Wicked Awesome Oyster Trio, which offers one raw, one grilled, and one fried. Prices range from $7.95 to $24.95.</p>
<p><strong>Glen Ellen Inn<br />
</strong>Oyster Grill, Martini Bar and Cottages<br />
13670 Arnold Drive<br />
Glen Ellen, Ca 95442<br />
Media Contact: Christian Bertrand (Chef/ Owner)<br />
707- 996-6409<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="GEIchef@aol.com">GEIchef@aol.com</a></span></span> &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:geichef@aol.com?Subject=Email%20Inquiry">mailto:geichef@aol.com?Subject=Email%20Inquiry</a></span></span>&gt;</p>
<p><strong>New Healthy, Flavorful Choices at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn<br />
</strong>Diners with specific dietary requests often have to forfeit flavor and choice for their health, but not at Fairmont Hotels &amp; Resorts, including the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma. The luxury hotel brand now offers Lifestyle Cuisine Plus, a new menu available upon request, catering to guests with specific diet-dependent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and gluten free, as well as dietary preferences including, macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets.</p>
<p>Fairmont chefs have been trained to prepare a vast array of special dietary and allergy-specific meals and are equipped with Nutritionist Pro by Axxya Systems (www.axxya.com), cutting-edge recipe analysis software to help customize entrees and menus to fit with guests’ requests for caloric and nutritional requirements. Using nutrient-rich ingredients, clean cooking methods and local food products, diners at Fairmont, whether in a restaurant, bar, banquet or in-room, can be sure dishes are wholesome, balanced and full of taste.</p>
<p><strong>The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn &amp; Spa<br />
</strong>100 Boyes Boulevard<br />
Sonoma, CA 95476<br />
707- 938-9000<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma">http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma</a><br />
</span></span>Media Contact: Lori Holland<br />
Fairmont Hotels &amp; Resorts<br />
212/715-7098<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="lori.holland@fairmont.com">lori.holland@fairmont.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Lose Weight, Get Fit and Enjoy Sonoma County<br />
</strong>A trip to Sonoma County can also be a fitness vacation at the new Fitness &amp; Vine Retreat in Santa Rosa. Guests at this adult live-in program get a fully integrated, result-driven weight loss and exercise program designed to help them achieve their goals while exploring the beauty of the Sonoma coast and wine country.</p>
<p>Attendance is limited to 10 people per week to ensure personal attention and exercise programs tailored to each visitor’s fitness level. Participants walk through beautiful vineyards, redwood forests, and paddle down the Russian river. They also learn about proper nutrition and healthy eating habits while dining on delicious local cuisine.</p>
<p><strong>Fitness &amp; Vine Retreat<br />
</strong>PO box 23<br />
Sonoma, CA 95476<br />
866- 858-6070<br />
Media Contact: Stacie Sherman<br />
707-337-8179<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="stacie@fitnessandvine.com">stacie@fitnessandvine.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
NEW WINERIES</p>
<p><strong>Valdez Family Winery<br />
</strong>This new winery and tasting room is the American dream come true for owner Ulises Valdez. He came to the United States from a remote village in Michoacan, Mexico, in 1985 at age 16. He now manages nearly 1,000 acres of the finest vineyards in Sonoma County through his Valdez &amp; Sons Vineyard Management Company.</p>
<p>Valdez works with noted winemakers such as Jeff Cohen, Mark Aubert and Thomas Brown. He started making his own wine in 2004 in a shared space, and has now realized his dream of having his own winery and tasting room, showcasing his passion for growing the best grapes in the best areas of Sonoma County.</p>
<p><strong>Valdez Family Winery<br />
</strong>595 Santana Drive, Suite A<br />
Cloverdale, CA 95425<br />
707- 894-3710<br />
www.valdezfamilywinery.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.valdezfamilywinery.com/">http://www.valdezfamilywinery.com/</a></span></span>&gt;</p>
<p><strong>Soda Rock Winery<br />
</strong>Nestled in Sonoma County’s scenic Alexander Valley, Soda Rock Winery offers visitors an eclectic mix of wine country experiences. Owners Ken and Diane Wilson’s vineyards are renowned for producing award-winning wines, and it is from these vineyards that Soda Rock sources its grapes.</p>
<p>The expansive tasting room and surrounding buildings offer locals and visitors a chance to relax in several sitting areas, savor Soda Rock’s wines, enjoy a picnic and take in the beauty of the spectacular valley and distant hills.</p>
<p>Soda Rock is the original site of the Alexander Valley general store and post office, and was once the central hub of activity for the valley. The historical buildings have been lovingly and beautifully restored over the last decade using recycled and green materials whenever possible. The Wilsons painstakingly sought out materials that could be reused, allowing the site to retain its essential historic character.</p>
<p><strong>Soda Rock Winery<br />
</strong>8015 Hwy 128<br />
Healdsburg, CA. 95448<br />
707-433-3303<br />
www.sodarockwinery.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.sodarockwinery.com/">http://www.sodarockwinery.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Ryan Waldron<br />
707-857-2000<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="ryan@delorimierwinery.com">ryan@delorimierwinery.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Two Wineries Pair Up in Glen Ellen<br />
</strong>Moondance Cellars and Sonoma Valley Portworks have paired up, offering their award-winning wines under one roof at Jack London Village in Glen Ellen. Tasting room visitors begin by sampling the reserve and special select cabernet sauvignons from Moondance Cellars, along with their other offerings, and can finish by tasting the ports and after-dinner wines from Sonoma Valley Portworks. The combined tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Thursday through Monday.</p>
<p><strong>Moondance Cellars &amp; Sonoma Valley Portworks Tasting Room<br />
</strong>14301 Arnold Drive<br />
Glen Ellen, CA<br />
(707) 938-7550<br />
Media Contact: Priscilla Cohen<br />
707- 938-7550<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="info@portworks.com">info@portworks.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>HelloCello Launches New BelloCello di Sonoma<br />
</strong>BelloCello di Sonoma is a sensual new beverage making its way to store shelves and into the hearts of many. This hand-crafted, orange-flavored brandy is made with certified organic ingredients and infused with the exotic damiana flower, used for centuries as a mood-enhancer and an aphrodisiac.</p>
<p>Damiana provides a floral and slightly spicy note on the palate, which marries perfectly with the intensely orange flavor base of BelloCello. Look for the tall, sleek 375ml bottle at specialty wine and spirits shops and fine restaurants throughout Northern California. Suggested retail price is $26.</p>
<p>BelloCello di Sonoma is the creation of Fred and Amy Groth, founders of HelloCello and creators of the wildly popular Limoncello di Sonoma. Fred and Amy fell in love with Limoncello while visiting Italy, and began pursuing their passion for making their own Limoncello and other flavored brandies.</p>
<p>After traveling to Italy and studying the methods used to make the traditional lemon liqueur in that country, they committed to starting their own company. They discovered Sonoma County while researching the best place to find the quality ingredients. The Groths fell in love with the produce, the food, the wine, the people and the lifestyle. They packed up their three children and moved from Colorado to Sonoma to start their quest to create HelloCello.</p>
<p>The Groths now share this love story with Limoncello di Sonoma and BelloCello di Sonoma, and invite cocktail lovers to experience these beverages with someone they love.</p>
<p><strong>HelloCello<br />
</strong>21877 8th Street East #4<br />
Sonoma, CA 95476<br />
707- 721-6390www.hellosonoma.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.hellosonoma.com/">http://www.hellosonoma.com/</a></span></span>&gt;<br />
Media Contact: Fred Groth<br />
707- 721-6390<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="fred@hellosonoma.com">fred@hellosonoma.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Cline Cellars Partners with Living Beyond Breast Cancer<br />
</strong>Cline Cellars has a new partner for its Cline Cashmere Giving Program and the wine that gives back, supporting the organization’s mission to empower all women affected by breast cancer. Cline Cashmere is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that come together in a velvety smooth wine with a rich mouth-feel. Through sales of the wine and donations, Cline Cellars has raised over $150,000 for breast cancer charities since 2004.</p>
<p>Cline Cellars has recently partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), an organization that provides services to women affected by breast cancer and their families. In addition to financial support, Cline will raise awareness for LBBC by participating in national and regional fundraising events, and co-marketing the organization with its Cline Cashmere wine.</p>
<p><strong>Cline Cellars<br />
</strong>24737 Arnold Drive/Highway 121<br />
Sonoma, CA 95476<br />
707- 940-4030 or 800-546-2070<br />
Media Contact: Kathryn Nudelman<br />
707-940-4082<br />
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="knudelman@clinecellars.com">knudelman@clinecellars.com</a><br />
</span></span><br />
<strong>Sonoma County Travel Information Offered<br />
</strong>Sonoma County, located 30 miles north of San Francisco, is America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 300 wineries and 55-plus miles of stunning Pacific coast.</p>
<p>For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and<br />
dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com &lt;<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.sonomacounty.com/">http://www.sonomacounty.com/</a></span></span>&gt; or call 800-576-6662.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><br />
</span> <!--EndFragment--></p>
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		<title>Get Out and Eat, San Francisco!</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/04/get-out-and-eat-san-francisco/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/04/get-out-and-eat-san-francisco/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:46:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kid-Friendly San Francisco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Bars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=190</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s coming. Dine About Town San Francisco is returning to the city June 1-15. More than 100 restaurants are participating in the twice-yearly restaurant promotion, offering a two-course lunch menu for $17.95 and/or a three-course dinner menu for $34.95. Great Deal: This pricing can represent up to a 25 percent savings off regularly priced a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s coming. <a href="http://http://www.yelp.com/events/san-francisco-10th-annual-dine-about-town-june-1-15-2011---san-francisco" target="_blank">Dine About Town San Francisco</a> is returning to the city <strong>June 1-15</strong>. More than 100 restaurants are participating in the twice-yearly restaurant promotion, offering a two-course lunch menu for $17.95 and/or a three-course dinner menu for $34.95. Great Deal: This pricing can represent up to a 25 percent savings off regularly priced a la carte items.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 274px"><img class=" " title="E&amp;O" src="http://www.sanfrancisco.com/eo-trading-company/gifs/eo-trading-company-pic2.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="208" /><p class="wp-caption-text">E&amp;O Trading Company</p></div>
<p>The complete restaurant list for Dine About Town San Francisco (now in its 10th year) will be posted on San Francisco’s official visitor website <a href="http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/dineabouttown " target="_blank">www.sanfrancisco.travel/dineabouttown</a> beginning May 1.<span id="more-190"></span></p>
<p>Dine About Town was developed by the San Francisco Travel Association in January 2002 to encourage more people to dine out and boost restaurant revenue after 9/11. Restaurants that have participated since the first Dine About Town promotion in 2002 include: <a href="http://www.anamandara.com" target="_blank">Ana Mandara</a>, <a href="http://www.asiasf.com" target="_blank">AsiaSF</a>, <a href="http://www.b44sf.com" target="_blank">B44</a>, <a href="http://www.eotrading.com" target="_blank">E&amp;O Trading Company</a>, <a href="http://www.onemarket.com" target="_blank">One Market</a>, <a href="http://www.restaurantlulu.com" target="_blank">Restaurant Lulu</a> and <a href="http://www.scomas.com" target="_blank">Scoma’s</a>. New restaurants to participate in the 2011 promotion include <a href="http://www.comstocksaloon.com" target="_blank">Comstock Saloon</a>, <a href="http://www.hanazenrestaurant.com" target="_blank">Hana Zen Sushi &amp; Yakitori Bar</a>, <a href="http://www.kuletos.com" target="_blank">Kuleto&#8217;s Italian Restaurant</a>, <a href="http://marlowesf.com" target="_blank">Marlowe</a> and <a href="http://http://www.clifthotel.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Velvet Room at the Clift Hotel</a>.</p>
<p>Dates and times of participation vary by restaurant. We hear reservations are encouraged and may be made online through <a href="http://www.OpenTable.com" target="_blank">OpenTable.com</a>. Information is also available by calling the San Francisco Travel Association at 415-391-2000.</p>
<p>Note: American Express is the preferred method of payment for Dine About Town and Cardmembers will earn a $15 statement credit when they dine three or more times during Dine About Town at any participating restaurants and pay with their American Express Card. To take advantage of this offer, Cardmembers must register through the San Francisco Travel website <a href="http://www.dineabouttown.com" target="_blank">www.dineabouttown.com</a>.<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="100" height="100" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oWhRib6kakU?version=3" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed style="height: 390px; width: 640px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100" height="100" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oWhRib6kakU?version=3" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
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		<title>Porsche Store Zooms Into Town</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/porsche-store-zooms-into-town/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/porsche-store-zooms-into-town/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:48:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Luxury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[porsche]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Porsche Design Group has opened a new Porsche Design franchise store at 100 Grant Avenue, near Union Square. The store offers the full range of Porsche Design products, such as sports apparel, luggage, watches, writing tools and small leather goods. A highlight is the lately extended fashion collection for men and women. &#8220;San Francisco [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.porsche-design.com" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" title="porsche" src="http://www.autoevolution.com/images/news/porsche-design-opens-store-in-san-francisco-33476_1.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="168" />The Porsche Design Group</a> has opened a new Porsche Design franchise store at 100 Grant Avenue, near Union Square. The store offers the full range of Porsche Design products, such as sports apparel, luggage, watches, writing tools and small leather goods. A highlight is the lately extended fashion collection for men and women. &#8220;San Francisco is an important location for our brand,&#8221; says Dr. Juergen<br />
Gessler, CEO of Porsche Design Group. &#8220;The Bay Area holds great potential for our brand. The people living here are creative types that support and seek out good design. With our purist, timeless and functional Porsche Design philosophy we do not follow any trends but set our very own accents. The idea behind that lifestyle matches perfectly with the San Franciscans&#8217; lifestyle.&#8221;<span id="more-188"></span></p>
<p>The Porsche Design store is the company&#8217;s first green building store: the shop fittings such as light boxes have been equipped with LED technique in order to lower power consumption by more then 80 per<br />
cent. Porsche Design puts a particular focus on technically inspired products. The Porsche Design brand was established in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The products stand for functional,<br />
timeless and purist design, characterized by their technical innovation. The product portfolio includes watches, sunglasses, luggage, a fashion collection for men and women as well as sports apparel, electronic products and a men&#8217;s fragrance line. All the products under the brand are designed at the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See (Austria).</p>
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		<title>Play Ball: Baseball Packages Center on Defending Champion Giants</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/play-ball-baseball-packages-center-on-defending-champion-giants/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/play-ball-baseball-packages-center-on-defending-champion-giants/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:06:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kid-Friendly San Francisco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Events]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Can you smell it? Spring is in the air signaling the return of America&#8217;s pastime: baseball. Where better to experience it than in the city of the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants? The Hyatt Regency San Francisco sure has you covered. Located just blocks from AT&#38;T Park, the hotel is offering its &#8220;20 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Can you smell it? Spring is in the air signaling the return of America&#8217;s pastime: baseball. Where better to experience it than in the city of the defending <a href="http://http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/01/giants-world-series-champions-2010_n_777417.html" target="_blank">World Series champion San Francisco Giants</a>? The <a href="http://http://www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency San Francisco</a> sure has you covered. Located just blocks from AT&amp;T Park, the hotel is offering its &#8220;20 Paces to the Bases&#8221; package. It includes a $25 certificate good for use at all AT&amp;T Park outlets as well as the “Dugout” Team store. In addition, guests will receive a $20 F&amp;B credit for use at Eclipse Restaurant and Lounge (win or lose you can still celebrate!).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thepowellhotel.com/" target="_blank">The Powell Hotel</a> has its own baseball-centric package. It includes: Deluxe Junior Suite  accommodations, four Giants tickets in the Viewbox Section at AT&amp;T Park, valet parking and four Muni passes for transportation to  and from the ball park. Packages start at $395.<br />
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		<title>Napa Weekender: Hotel Yountville</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/napa-weekender-hotel-yountville/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/napa-weekender-hotel-yountville/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:12:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wineries]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Napa Valley wine country just got a jolt of luxury with the soft debut of Hotel Yountville. We can’t wait for early spring when this five-acre northern California hideaway has its grand opening. Nice Touch: The guest rooms, which range between 420 square feet and 1,050 square feet, will give off an earthy, wine cellar-chic [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href=" http://www.luxuryta.com/files/luxurytraveladvisor/nodes/2011/4851/pg_036_1.jpg"><img class="alignright" src=" http://www.luxuryta.com/files/luxurytraveladvisor/nodes/2011/4851/pg_036_1.jpg" alt="" width="567" height="378" /></a><strong>Napa Valley </strong>wine country just got a jolt of luxury with the soft debut of <strong>Hotel Yountville</strong>. We can’t wait for early spring when this five-acre northern California hideaway has its grand opening.<br />
<strong>Nice Touch: </strong>The guest rooms, which range between 420 square feet and 1,050 square feet, will give off an earthy, wine cellar-chic Napa Valley vibe (think vaulted wooden-beamed ceilings, reclaimed wide-plank floors, decks and oversized spa tubs). Napa fieldstone hearths and rain showers are available in most rooms, as well.<span id="more-182"></span><br />
We love the personalized guest treatment, from candlelit turndown service, welcome Bellinis and late afternoon amuse-bouche by the pool. Other elegant extras include poolside foot massages, 24-hour text concierge, 24-hour cappuccinos (for those fighting serious jet lag) and complimentary loaner iPads.<br />
The hotel’s exclusive Hooper Creek Restaurant is a 40-seat gourmand’s paradise, open only to hotel guests. The restaurant’s concept is farm-to-table comfort food with pizzazz. We love the twist on “green eggs and ham” with crispy pork belly, slow-poached Barrett Farms eggs, toasted brioche and nettle sabayon. Tip: We hear that the best seats in the house are Table 10 and Table 40.<br />
Also exclusive to hotel guests is Y Bar, which will serve house and classic cocktails, wines and beers nightly. Night owls who need that extra jolt can sip cappuccinos and espressos 24 hours a day at the bar.<br />
While the restaurant and bar are just for guests, the 4,000-square-foot Acqua Spa is open to the community, as well. Those looking for romance will want to book the couples’ treatment rooms, which come with steam showers and tubs for two. A signature treatment, we are told, will be the warm crystal massage, and guests ought to ask for Richard La Rosa. Note: Spa Director Kayla Dressler (kaylad@hotelyountville.com; 707-967-7945) says reservations are best made two weeks in advance.</p>
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		<title>On Food: St. Regis&#8217; Concierge Dishes On Where to Eat</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/on-food-st-regis-concierge-dishes-on-where-to-eat/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/03/on-food-st-regis-concierge-dishes-on-where-to-eat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bay Area]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=179</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a city like San Francisco, the array of restaurants available are countless—and fit every palate. If one person in the city knows about the best places to eat, it&#8217;s a top hotel&#8217;s chief concierge. Say hello to Antonio Barrios, chief concierge at The St. Regis San Francisco. In the video below from GloboMaestro.com, he shares [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a city like San Francisco, the array of restaurants available are countless—and fit every palate. If one person in the city knows about the best places to eat, it&#8217;s a top hotel&#8217;s chief concierge. Say hello to Antonio Barrios, chief concierge at <a href="http://http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1511" target="_blank">The St. Regis San Francisco</a>. In the video below from <a href="http://www.GloboMaestro.com" target="_blank">GloboMaestro.com</a>, he shares insight on the best places to eat in the Bay Area—and you don&#8217;t even need to stay at the hotel for the advice!<br />
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		<title>What&#8217;s Going On At de Young</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/02/whats-going-on-at-de-young/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/02/whats-going-on-at-de-young/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:50:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[de Young]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exhibit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Museums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=177</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How about checking out the Olmec exhibit? The Olmec are best known for the creation of colossal heads carved from giant boulders. Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico features more than 100 objects drawn primarily from Mexican national collections with additional loans from more than 25 museums. The exhibit runs through May 8, 2011. Considered [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" title="Olmec" src="http://deyoung.famsf.org/files/imagecache/exhibition_main/olmecheader.jpg" alt="" width="422" height="126" />How about checking out the <a href="http://http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/olmec-colossal-masterworks-ancient-mexico" target="_blank">Olmec exhibit</a>? <a href="http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olmec" target="_blank">The Olmec</a> are best known for the creation of colossal heads carved from giant boulders. Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico features more than 100 objects drawn primarily from Mexican national collections with additional loans from more than 25 museums. The exhibit runs through May 8, 2011.</p>
<p>Considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica and recognized as America’s oldest civilization, the people known today as the Olmec developed an artistic style as early as the second millennium BC. Included in the exhibition are colossal heads, a large-scale throne and monumental stela, in addition to small-scale vessels, figures, adornments,and masks. Olmec brings together new finds and monuments that have rarely been seen by American audiences. Get down to de Young now!</p>
<p>Admission to Olmec is $25 adults, $22 seniors 65+, $21 students with current ID, $15 youth 6–17, and free for members and children 5 and under. There is a $5 discount for purchasing tickets in advance.</p>
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		<title>Museum Dedicated to Gay Culture Opens in The Castro</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/01/museum-dedicated-to-gay-culture-opens-in-the-castro/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/01/museum-dedicated-to-gay-culture-opens-in-the-castro/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:08:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[museums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[openings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=174</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Its time was coming and now it&#8217;s here. A museum dedicated solely to gay culture is opening in The Castro at 4127 18th Street. We hear its the first museum of its kind in the entire United States. The GLBT History Museum, a project of the GLBT Historical Society, includes 1,600 square feet of gallery [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.sanfranchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/MuseumNight.gif"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-175" title="MuseumNight" src="http://www.sanfranchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/MuseumNight.gif" alt="" width="250" height="188" /></a>Its time was coming and now it&#8217;s here. A museum dedicated solely to gay culture is opening in The Castro at 4127 18th Street. We hear its the first museum of its kind in the entire United States. <a href="http://http://www.glbthistory.org/museum/index.html" target="_blank">The GLBT History Museum</a>, a project of the GLBT Historical Society, includes 1,600 square feet of gallery and program space built to the specifications of the Historical Society, with custom fixtures, lighting and multimedia installations. The museum will feature two debut exhibitions: In the main gallery, &#8220;Our Vast Queer Past: Celebrating GLBT History,&#8221; curated by historians Gerard Koskovich, Don Romesburg and Amy Sueyoshi; and in the front gallery, &#8220;Great Collections of the GLBT Historical Society Archives.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Museum Information</strong>:<br />
Location: 4127 18th St.<br />
San Francisco, CA 94114</p>
<p>Hours: Wednesday-Saturday,<br />
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.<br />
Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.</p>
<p>Admission: $5.00; free for members.<br />
First Wednesday of the Month: Free</p>
<p>For more information, call 415-621-1107</p>
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		<title>What&#8217;s New at the de Young</title>
		<link>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/01/whats-new-at-the-de-young/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sanfranchic.com/2011/01/whats-new-at-the-de-young/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:13:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[museums]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sanfranchic.com/?p=171</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Major Exhibitions are headed for the de Young Museum. Here&#8217;s a look. Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico February 19–May 8, 2011 Considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica and recognized as America’s oldest civilization, the people known today as the Olmec developed an iconic and sophisticated artistic style as early as the second millennium BC.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.sanfranchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/de-young-museum.gif"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-172" title="de-young-museum" src="http://www.sanfranchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/de-young-museum.gif" alt="" width="250" height="167" /></a>Major Exhibitions are headed for the <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org" target="_blank">de Young Museum</a>. Here&#8217;s a look.</p>
<p><a href="http://http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/olmec-colossal-masterworks-ancient-mexico" target="_blank">Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico</a> February 19–May 8, 2011<br />
Considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica and recognized as America’s oldest civilization, the people known today as the Olmec developed an iconic and sophisticated artistic style as early as the second millennium BC.  The Olmec are best known for the creation of colossal heads carved from giant boulders</p>
<p><a href="http://http://dyappserver.famsf.org:80/trk/click?ref=zruki9n32_0-wi0vlu-0-298x310ax31088&amp;" target="_blank">Balenciaga and Spain</a> March 26–July 4, 2011<br />
Balenciaga and Spain examines the influence of Spain on the work of fashion designer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristóbal_Balenciaga" target="_blank">Cristóbal Balenciaga</a>.  The impact of Spanish culture, history, and traditions is explored through the recurring themes in Balenciaga’s oeuvre and organized in the exhibition in six sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, The Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance. Hamish Bowles, the European editor at large for Vogue, serves as guest curator.</p>
<p><a href="http://http://dyappserver.famsf.org:80/trk/click?ref=zruki9n32_0-wi0vlu-0-298x310cx31088&amp;" target="_blank">Picasso from Musée National Picasso, Paris</a> June 11–September 25, 2011<br />
An exhibition of more than 100 masterpieces by Spanish artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Picasso" target="_blank">Pablo Picasso</a> from the permanent collection of Paris’ <a href="http://www.musee-picasso.fr" target="_blank">Musée National Picasso</a>. The exhibition is made possible only because of the temporary closure of the Musée Picasso until 2012 for extensive renovations and comprises paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints drawn from every phase of the artist’s career.</p>
<p><a href="http://sfcitizen.com/.../fine-arts-museums-of-san-francisco-announce-plans-for-2011-lots-coming-from-the-de-young-and-legion-museums/" target="_blank"></a>In the Galleries at the de Young:</p>
<p><strong>Developed and Undeveloped: Photographic Landscapes</strong> October 9, 2010–March 20, 2011<br />
The exhibition features a diverse selection of over 35 photographs of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.  From the pristine western views of Ansel Adams to the scarred quarries of Edward Burtynsky, the exhibition presents a variety of approaches to framing the landscape, with scenes of unspoiled wilderness contrasted with sites bearing evidence of human intervention.</p>
<p><strong>Rupert Garcia: The Magnolia Editions Project 1991–2011</strong> February 19–July 17, 2011<br />
The exhibition includes approximately 25 prints made by Bay Area artist, <a href="http://http://dyappserver.famsf.org:80/trk/click?ref=zruki9n32_0-wi0vlu-0-298x310fx31088&amp;" target="_blank">Rupert Garcia</a>, at the presses of Magnolia Editions, Oakland.</p>
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