A Society Love Story With Victor And Farah Makras

Farah and Victor Makras at the Elios Hellenic Charity Ball last November
Farah and Victor Makras at the Elios Hellenic Charity Ball last November

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Valentine’s Day is less than 48 hours away and to inspire you with the spirit of all things love, I reached out to my favorite Bay Area couples to find out how they keep the spark alive. Farah and Victor Makras are a politically-influential San Francisco power couple and fixtures on the society scene.

She is a glamorous mother of four. He is a real estate magnate. Together, the duo, is one of the most stylish couples in the city. They enjoy throwing parties and giving back to the community. Here, in their own words, are more details about their long-lasting and enviable relationship.

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How long have you been together?
Farah Makras: Victor and I met on July 6th, 1996 at the grand opening of a restaurant on Union Street.

Where did you meet:
Victor Makras: It was the opening of Betelnut Restaurant.

The Makras at an Eleni Kounalakis for Lt. Governor event at their home last fall
The Makras at an Eleni Kounalakis for Lt. Governor event at their home last fall

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer First date:
FM: Our first date was the next day, July 7th. We went to the Fillmore Street Fair followed by dinner at Balboa Cafe.

When did you know you were in love:
FM: I fell in love with him after I was able to get to know him better—after two months of him charming me.
VM: The minute I set eyes on her.

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Name the three best qualities about your partner:
FM: His honesty and that fact that he always does the right thing. Plus his patience and generosity.
VM: Farah is compassionate, funny and playful, and very capable.

Favorite thing to do together?
VM: Everything! We both enjoy the same things in life.
FM: Walking to our local neighborhood restaurant and sometimes catching a movie after.

The couple at last year's ZooFest
The couple at last year’s ZooFest

Photo Credit: Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

Go-to date night spots:
VM: Kokkari and Leo’s oyster bar.
FM: And Spruce!

Tell me about your last romantic vacation:
VM: New York, New York, New York!!
FM: Three years ago on our 15th anniversary, Victor surprised me and took me to New York—that’s where we got engaged.

Longtime friends Victor and Farah Makras with Sonya Molodetskaya and Willie Brown
Longtime friends Victor and Farah Makras with Sonya Molodetskaya and Willie Brown

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

Who is the first to apologize after a fight?
VM: She is always right!
FM: Victor.

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day?
VM: In San Francisco with a big heart and of course with Mayor Willie Brown and Sonya [Molodetskaya].
FM: For the past 14 years, it’s been our tradition to spend Valentine’s Day with Mayor Willie Brown and Sonya. We’ve done various things including flying off to LA, New York, Aspen, and Vegas.

Check out the other couples, like Barry’s Bootcamp’s Erica Stenz and Tommy Stracke and Napa’s Patrick and Naomi Davila, in this love-centric series.