January, 2012 marks Restaurant Month in the Napa Valley. For the entire month, restaurants across the Valley are offering unique dining opportunities and special menus to celebrate the area’s renowned food and wine culture. Over 35 world-class restaurants including Bottega, La Toque, Flatiron Grill and wide range in between are participating.

Some people say that good Sushi is hard to find. Not the case in San Francisco! This city is a mecca for fresh, inventive, and tasty sushi. Authenticity describes it best. From the simplicity of a small organic sushi restaurant to the larger scale of the most inventive sushi restaurants, San Francisco has it all. Here are the top five sushi spots this city has to offer.

With its moniker inspired by the Bay Area’s geographic latitude, Parallel 37 celebrates locally sourced cuisine and wines from the San Francisco region.

From December 8 – December 10, the Ritz Carlton unveiled Parallel 37, its modern and refreshed new restaurant. The 3-part series of preview soirees welcomed guests from the Bay Area and beyond, who enjoyed champagne and wines from the Napa Valley, delicious house-specialty cocktails from mixologist consultant Camber Lay, and gourmet bites from Chef Ron Siegel.

The 2011 festivities will be over, but San Francisco celebrations will continue into the new year. Ring in 2012 with The Winery SF on New Year’s Day! For a small $10 purchase of any wine tasting, The Winery SF will pour free tastes of their new “Glitter” champagne. Enjoy a little wine, a little bubbly, and a lot of fun!

Start the new year with a champagne and jazz Sunday Brunch at 750 Restaurant & Bar featuring top Bay Area jazz musicians. Guests will enjoy free flowing champagne, a sweet and savory brunch menu, and complimentary valet parking for two hours. Designed by Executive Chef Ken Drew, menu highlights include prime rib carving station, omelets made-to-order, oysters on the half shell and crab claws, and dim sum.

The countdown to NYE 2012 is on…Have you made your plans yet?
The newly renovated upscale Grand Hyatt Ballroom will hold a swanky affair perfect for couples and large groups.

For $110, guests will enjoy cocktails (premium open bar!), hor d’oeuvres, dessert, and dancing all night long. VIPs will get to partake in a specialty bar where mojitos, blended margaritas, and other unique eclectic drinks will be available.

New Years Eve is only 5 days away and it’s not too late to decide where to ring in the special evening. Whether you’re looking to party it up with a fun group of friends, spend it with family, or enjoy a special romantic evening someone special, Haute Living brings luxurious New Years plans to your fingertips. The Bay Area is bustling with hot events sure to please; from San Francisco to the South Bay to the Napa Valley, enjoy New Years Eve in style!

If you’ve left your holiday shopping to the eve of Christmas Eve, not to worry! Last-minute Haute gifts are right at your fingertips. Rest assured, almost all of these gifts can be purchased online right up to the 11th hour, so sit back, relax, and get clicking!

On December 14th, 2011 DHC Skincare celebrated the launch of their 2012 product line at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco. The “Garden of Beauty” event was attended by lucky DHC Skincare fans and special guest, Dancing with the Stars Champion, Karina Smirnoff.