The Week in Review: San Francisco

Whether you’re spending the summer away or staying here to play, here’s a snapshot of the week in review as San Francisco heads into the most colorful celebration of the year, Pride.

Christian Louboutin Launches Bespoke Embroidery Service

Christian Louboutin’s boutiques in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco all share a very special element, the Tattoo Parlor. The concept was born from the designer’s admiration for the art of tattooing and has now evolved into a unique service which will be exclusively available in the newly opened San Francisco Boutique. Customer’s own tattoos can be interpreted as fine embroideries on a pair of shoes, creating a truly one-of-a-kind personalized pair.

Clients can choose from a range of fine men’s styles, from the sporty Louis sneaker
to the elegant Henri loafer. The Nigel, a new style, is introduced exclusively for the tattoo service. The service is also available for women, where a choice of four classic styles is offered. From the run- around-town Rollergirl flat and Louis sneaker to the elegant Belle Ankle boot and sky high Highness pump – together they cover a range of heel heights and  styles satisfying the diverse tastes and preferences of the Louboutin woman.

 San Francisco Opera

Opens to the Public by Appointment Only

Hamel Family Wines, Sonoma Valley’s hautest newest winery, officially opened to the public this week by appointment only. Whether you’re new to wine country or a seasoned aficionado, this Hamel has something for everyone to experience, including variety of unique wine and food pairing offerings.  Heres a glimpse at a few summer offerings:

Estate Experience ($40 per person):  The Estate Experience includes a private tasting of four Estate Series wines curated by a Hamel Family Wines Wine Ambassador.

Premier Experience ($60 per person):  The Premier Experience includes a private tasting of four Estate Series wines curated by a Hamel Family Wines Wine Ambassador.

Reserve Experience ($100 per person):  The most comprehensive experience of them all, The Reserve Experience includes a private tasting in the Library or Reserve Room of four Estate Series wines and a combination of reserve wines*, barrel samples*, and library vintages*.  Tastings are thoughtfully paired with small bites, assorted cheese, and charcuterie.  In addition, guests will receive a private, comprehensive tour of the estate house, winery, caves, and vineyards.

Single Tickets for the San Francisco Opera’s 2014-15 Season On Sale June 30 

Single (non-subscription) tickets for San Francisco Opera’s 2014–15 Season, running from September 5 through December 7, 2014 and June 7 through July 5, 2015, go on sale June 30, 2014. Signature presentations of the Company’s 92nd Season include Les Troyens (The Trojans); the Company premiere of American composer Carlisle Floyd’s music drama Susannah with Patricia Racette and Brandon Jovanovich; the Company premiere of George Frideric Handel’s Partenope, presented on the War Memorial Opera House stage in the Olivier Award-winning production by Christopher Alden with Baroque music specialist Christian Curnyn leading an exceptional cast including Danielle de Niese and David Daniels; and the world premiere of Italian composer Marco Tutino’s La Ciociara (Two Women) set to a libretto by the composer and Fabio Ceresa and starring Anna Caterina Antonacci, Stephen Costello and Mark Delavan, with stage direction by Francesca Zambello and conducted by Nicola Luisotti. Tickets are available for purchase at the SF Opera box office or online purchase at sfopera.com. 

Hard Rock Cafe Sponsors 2014 Pride Celebration 

The Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco has announced an exclusive merchandise partnership with San Francisco Pride 2014 featuring the official collection of SF Pride merchandise including T-shirts, tank tops and hats.  Proceeds from the limited-time collection will benefit San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade.  This year marks the 44^th anniversary of the celebration and the theme is “Color Our World With Pride.” The two-day celebration will take place at the Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, 2014.

The Epiphany Hotel Introduces a VIP Package for the 2014 Bank of the West Classic 

Tennis lovers, here’s your chance to get in the action, VIP style of course!  The Epiphany Hotel is offering a VIP Package for the 2014 Bank of the West Classic, which is held at Stanford University from July 28 through August 3. With tennis super-stars like Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska, Dominika Cibulkova and Ana Ivanovic competing coupled with the culinary talents of The Epiphany Hotel’s Executive Chef, Patrick Kelly on display in the Plaza Club, the annual tennis tournament is sure to exceed expectations! The package starts at $795 and includes:

Two nights at in a deluxe room; a special welcome amenity; tennis clinic for two at Stanford University the morning of  Saturday, August 2; two front row tickets to either the day or night session on Saturday, August 2; two Plaza Club passes to session 11 or 12; on-site parking pass OR roundtrip transportation from The Epiphany Hotel; two continental breakfast vouchers to The Epiphany Hotel’s signature restaurant, Lure + Till; a chance to win an upgrade to a suite at The Epiphany Hotel upon purchase

Marlowe is Relocating to the Former Coco 500 Space

Anna Weinberg, James Nicholas and Jennifer Puccio’s beloved neighborhood restaurant Marlowe is getting a beautiful, bigger new home.  Moving just one block away to 500 Brannan, the site of Loretta Keller’s current Coco500 restaurant, the new Marlowe will grow from 40 to 80 seats and will expand its menu offerings.

Coco500 will close its doors after 23 years. As Marlowe moves into the new location, the restaurant will double the number of seats, will have a full liquor license, a bar bites and late-night menu and an outdoor “Abbott Kinney-feeling” patio. There will also be a walk-up burger window, so anyone can grab a beloved Marlowe Burger when the time is right.

“This is Marlowe 2.0,” says Weinberg.  At its new location, Marlowe will now have a full liquor license, a bar bites and late-night menu to perfectly pair with drinks, an outdoor “Abbott Kinney-feeling” patio and will serve brunch. The restaurant plans to open in the new location in October 2014.

Spinsters of San Francisco Celebrate Standout Year at Annual Ball 

Over 200 attendees arrived at the Fairmont Penthouse in glitzy, black tie Moulin Rouge inspired attire to celebrate the close of Spinsters of San Francisco’s 84th year. The event honored the membership’s dedicated charitable work throughout the 2013 – 2014 year and inspired members to pursue their community involvement and philanthropic efforts in the coming year.

Annual Ball guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, an absinthe bar, caricaturist, accordion player, and a cigar bar throughout the evening.. Sponsored cocktails courtesy of Laughing Glass, Pura Vida Tequila and Raff Distillerie were served, and gift bag items from Nokia, TOS, Inc., Vendetta Mens Clothing & Cigars, Flip & Tumble bags , Brownie Brittle, and Schulzies Bread Pudding were graciously provided to attendees.  Spinsters of San Francisco looks forward to another successful year when the organization reconvenes in August.  

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming up soon, and features brand new products at amazing prices – it’s their best sale of the year. This year, guests will get the chance to shop brands like rag & bone, Rebecca Minkoff, Vince, Frye, Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, The Honest Company, Alexis Bittar, J Brand, Tumi, Michael Kors and more. The Anniversary Sale starts July 18^th and the prices only last for two weeks, and all sale merchandise will return to full price on August 4^th.

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