Director of Wine and Sommelier for The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Stephane Lacroix has a taste for the finer things in life. In 1990, the Frenchman attended the highly regarded Tain L’Hermitage Sommelier School and was deemed “Best Young Sommelier of France – Bordeaux Wines” and “Best Young Sommelier of Monaco.” Since that time, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s greatest chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Jean-Louis Palladin, and Michael Mina. In his current role, he works closely with our Haute Ambassador of Culinary Arts, Chef Ron Siegel, to develop a list of more than 1,400 fine wines and Champagnes for The Dining Room.
Where were you born: Clermont-Ferrand, France
How long in San Francisco: 12 years
Neighborhood: Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge
Occupation: Director of Wine, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Favorite restaurant: Swan Oyster Depot
Best steakhouse: 5A5 Steak Lounge
Best sushi: Sebo
Best ethnic food: Dosa
Best Italian: Capannina
Best pizza: Pizzeria Pico
Best lunch: The Slanted Door
Best place for late night dining: Nopa
Best dessert: La Boulange Bakery
Best place for a romantic date: The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Best Sunday brunch: Navio at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Hautest club and/or lounge: Bambuddha Lounge at the Phoenix Hotel
Best place for a power business meeting: Perbacco
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Carrots
Best place to buy jewelry/watches: Shreve & Co.
Best spa: Nob Hill
Best gym/athletic facility: The Sports Club/LA
Best massage: Tru
Best limousine/driving services: Carey Limousine
Favorite charity event: Meals on Wheels Star Chefs & Vintners Gala
Favorite cultural event: San Francisco Fleet Week
Favorite cultural institution: Glide
Best museum/exhibit: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs at the de Young Museum
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Alcatraz Island
All-around favorite locale in San Francisco, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: Crissy Field
Best aspect of San Francisco: Charming city with diversity at every corner, offering cutting-edge and laid-back options for any adventure
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