These 5 Things Will Be Huge In The Bay Area In 2018

Bouchon in Yountville
Bouchon in Yountville

Happy New Year! As we get back into the swing of things after the holidays, it’s fun to look forward to what may come in 2018. To figure out what will we big in the next year, we tapped Kathy Whiley, the concierge at super-luxe apartment complex, The Harrison—which recently released a slew of high-end penthouses. In her role as concierge, Whiley has to secure difficult restaurant reservations, plan last-minute escapes to Tahoe and wine country, and recommend extraordinary experiences to the creme de la creme of residents. Thus, Whiley holds a wealth of insight about the best that the Bay has to offer. She’s also a native San Franciscan who is on the pulse of trends. So what will San Franciscans be talking about in the coming 12 months? Here are Whiley’s predictions.

Bellota restaurant in SOMA
Bellota restaurant in SOMA

Photo Credit: Kelly Puleio

SOMA

The South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood is emerging and quickly is becoming known as a hub for small businesses and larger tech companies. The influx of commerce has cultivated a desirable landscape for posh eateries and exciting nightlife. Bellota, DNA Lounge, Farmerbrown, and Nihon Whisky Lounge are a few of the establishments generating buzz. We’ll continue to see a transformation and evolution of this cool micro culture in the coming year.


 

Paul Fusco, Untitled, from the series RFK Funeral Train, 1968, printed 2008
Paul Fusco, Untitled, from the series RFK Funeral Train, 1968, printed 2008

Photo Credit: © Magnum Photos, courtesy Danziger Gallery

The Train: RFK’s Last Journey

The SFMOMA always provides a rich cultural experience and one unique exhibit that is not to be missed is The Train: RFK’s Last Journey, from March 17 to June 10, 2018. The show examines the days following Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination through historic and contemporary works. On June 8, 1968, three days after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, his body was carried by a funeral train from New York City to Washington, D.C., for burial at Arlington Cemetery. The Train looks at this historical event through three distinct works that include color photographs, home movies, and a film reenactment of the journey. The works featured are by photographer Paul Fusco and artists Rein Jelle Terpstra and Philippe Parreno. According to the SFMOMA description, the exhibit will bring “historical and contemporary works together in dialogue,” and “this powerful, multidisciplinary exhibition sheds new light on a pivotal moment in American history.”


 

Star Wars and the San Francisco Symphony
Star Wars and the San Francisco Symphony

Star Wars Series’ at Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall

Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and the San Francisco Symphony will host three Star Wars events from July 2018 through August 2018. Tickets went on sale on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 and are expected to sell out. It’s safe to say this will be one of 2018’s most legendary musical experiences. On a standout premier night of any event at Davies Symphony Hall, you can anticipate the “who’s who” of San Francisco—ranging from politicians to businessmen to socialites—to attend. Combine this fact with the intense following of Star Wars and rest assured that the event will be epic.

Star Wars: A New Hope with the San Francisco Symphony will run Thursday, July 19 to Saturday July 21, 2018. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with the San Francisco Symphony takes place Thursday, July 26 to Saturday July 28, 2018. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with the San Francisco Symphony is from July 29 to Friday, August 3, 2018.


 

Bardessono is the best place to stay in Yountville.
Bardessono is the best place to stay in Yountville.

Yountville

San Franciscans may enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, but when it’s time to get away in 2018, Yountville will be a top choice. Just an hour and a half drive from the city and one of the closest wine country destinations, Yountville is wonderfully rustic, quaint, and picturesque. The charming town is best known for restaurants like The French Laundry and Bouchon, but many other artisans—from chefs and wine makers to designers and artists—are making the destination a leading Northern California attraction. Following the recent fires, it’s more important than ever to support this neighboring community.


 


Warriors Mania

While the Golden State Warriors Chase Center won’t be completed until 2019, there’s already a lot of excitement in the area surrounding the team. In fact, an honorary Golden State Warrior, Ayesha Curry (wife of Steph Curry), is getting attention for her highly anticipated restaurant, International Smoke. Ayesha, along with award-winning chef and restaurateur, Michael Mina, have cooked up a globally-minded outpost, featuring interpretations of grilled and smoked meats with bold flavors, exotic spices and seasonal produce. What a great way to get a taste of the Warriors in 2018!