Haute Secrets: Stephane Lacroix’s Guide to San Francisco

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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