A fifth generation San Franciscan and mother of two girls, Lori Puccinelli Stern is one of the city’s most well-respected PR mavens. She’s been a powerhouse at Glodow Nead for years and is known to get the job done—no matter what challenges may arise. Having been in the industry for over two decades, The Pooch—that’s what her friends call her—is incredibly well connected. Her besties include Joe and Jennifer Montana and Hilary Newsom Callan and her brother Gavin Newsom. Stern is gearing up to help throw Salesforce’s 8th annual Concert for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. The event is a part of Dreamfest and features performances by Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Will.I.Am, and MC Hammer at Pier 48. Since we love working with Stern and her team, we thought it was high time we learned a little bit more about the Pooch. Here, in her own words, she shares her guide to the luxe life in SF.
Where were you born: San Francisco
How long in San Francisco: I lived in San Francisco from birth until I was eight months old, then we moved south to Saratoga where I grew up until college. I moved back to SF after college at 22 years old and haven’t left— that was 26 years ago (I am 48).
Neighborhood: Nob Hill, Pacific Heights and the Marina in my 20s and 30s. Laurel Village in my 30s and 40s and now.
Occupation: Public relations
Favorite restaurant: Kokkari for a fancy meal; Balboa for a casual meal.
Best sushi: Sushi Ran over the bridge in Sausalito.
Best Italian: My dad’s but if not his, then Toni’s, Pazzia, Sociale, Northbeach Restaurant, Original Joe’s or A16. I am Italian so I have a long list as each one is special to my heritage in one way or the other.
Best dessert: It’s a toss up between the bread pudding at Bix and the key lime pie at Houston’s/Hillstones.
Best place for a romantic date: Big Four
Best Sunday brunch: The patio at either Waterbar or Epic Steak.
Best place for a power business meeting: The Battery, Garibaldis or the Grill at the St. Regis.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The ones my firm represents like the Hotel Vitale or the Marker Hotel.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Lately it is Brandy Melville or Forever 21 with my daughters who are obsessed.
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Steve Padis
Best spa: Remede & Nob Hill Spa
Favorite charity event: PlumpJack Golf, Holiday Heroes, Snuggly Soiree & all UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital events.
Favorite cultural event: Anything having to do with Italians and the Irish or Greeks. I am 50% Italian and 50% Irish and sometimes I pretend I am Greek even though I am not one bit!
Favorite cultural institution: SFMOMA. My wonderful late godmother, Cathy Topham, was very involved, so it always make the experience of going to SFMOMA that more special to and for me.
Best steakhouse: Epic Steak and Izzy’s Steaks and Chops
Best pizza: Roundtable (sorry but it’s true. It’s my favorite pie).
Best lunch: Anything and everything at the Ferry Building.
Best gym/athletic facility: The streets in my neighborhood.
Best massage: In home by anyone who comes to my home.
Best limousine/driving service: Alvin at Stellar Transportation.
Best museum/exhibit: St. Vincent de Paul 6th & 8th grade exhibits—my kid’s classes.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Ferry Building, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Crissy Field walking path to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio.
Describe your city in three words: Love, worship, adore
All-around favorite spot in San Francisco: My dining room table while hosting home-cooked dinner parties for my beloved family and friends.
Best aspect of San Francisco: Being a proud fifth generation San Franciscan and having two children who are sixth generation San Franciscans.
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