Haute Secrets: Allison Speer’s Guide to San Francisco

Allison Speer’s public relations firm has introduced luxury brands, products and boutiques to high end consumers in Northern California since 2000.   Previously Ms. Speer headed Public Relations and Special Events for I. Magnin, followed by eight years as West Coast Director of Public Relations and Special Events for Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani.

Allison chooses her projects carefully and designs a distinctive message using her intimate understanding of discriminating shoppers in the region. Sales often improve in concert with her events, which end up with media coverage in major national and international publications, such as Haute Living.

Where were you born: St. Johns Hospital, Santa Monica

How long in San Francisco: Since 1991

Neighborhood: Presidio Heights

Occupation: CEO of PR and Event Planning Firm

Favorite restaurants: Quince and Spruce

Best steakhouse: Harris’s

Best sushi: Sushi Rahn

Best ethnic food: Indian at DOSA

Best Italian: A16

Best pizza: Delfina

Best lunch: Roses Cafe

Best place for late night dining: NOPA

Best dessert: Chocolate Budino at BIX

Best place for a romantic date: BIX

Best Sunday brunch: Cal Club

Best place for a power business meeting: Four Seasons

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?: Campton Place

Allison Speer PR produced Gucci’s opening in San Francisco

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Philanthropist, Gucci, Hermes

Best place to buy jewelry/watches: BVLGARI, Cartier, Boucheron

Best spa: SEN SPA

Best gym/athletic facility: MIGHTY PILATES

Best massage: SEN SPA

Best limousine/driving services: Classic

Kathryn Lasater, Alexis Swanson Traina and Allison Speer at the Mid Winter Gala, 2010

Favorite charity event: Mid Winter Gala, which benefits the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Favorite cultural event:  The  SF20 show opening (September 16th, 2010)

Favorite cultural institution: The De Young, and the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Best museum/exhibit: De Young’s Impressionist show

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Presidio

Best aspect of San Francisco: The size, it allows you to be spontaneous.

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