San FranCelia

For a taste of the good life, sometimes you have to wait.  Many of the best restaurants in San Francisco don’t have a reservation list, you simply arrive and your name goes on a seemingly endless list.  Sometimes, this waiting period isn’t really worth it (I mean,what’s the point of waiting an hour when a Lean Cuisine would give me more flavor?), but in other cases, like my dinner at Pizzeria Delfina in Pacific Heights for my friend Liz’s birthday, the wait was not only well worth it, but part of the fun.  You can order wine at the counter once you put your name on a chalkboard (so you always know where you’re party is at) and hang out outside the restaurant.  This makes the time fly, as no food mixed with alcohol can really bring on the pre-dinner buzz nicely.  Once we were sat the experience began – our server was really nice and immediately asked us if we wanted more wine… yes please!  The house red was delicious but there are many other choices, and they have an extensive wine list for such a small place.  Yes it is small – the

place is packed to capacity (and was the entire time we were there), but that actually adds to the ambiance – who wants to eat in a restaurant that’s dead anyway?  We ordered several of the Fresh-stretched Mozzarella and the Insalata Tricolore, and each was delicious, especially the Mozzarella (oh my God, how do I emphasize this more!).  I would say that one for two people is a good breakdown, but I know I could have eaten the whole thing, it was that good. 

Pizzeria Delfina is famous for their pizzas, so of course we had to order a few for dinner.  There is only one size for each pizza, so you order several and, again, share and do it up family style – one pizza for two people is about the breakdown you want to be satisfied.  We ordered the 4 Formaggi, the Funghi (mushrooms!), and the Salsiccia, and each one was heavenly.  The best part of the pizza here though is the crust.  It is perfect  - sourdough that is soft on the inside and just the perfect amount of crunchy on the outside.  I don’t think I’ve ever had better pizza dough, and I like me some pizza. 

For dessert, check out the Amarena Cherry Sundae made with gelato, chocolate sauce (they even give you the extra in a small metal carafe), and pistachios.  Yum!  Perfect ending to a delectable meal!

The atmosphere is really lively, and the staff was super nice and on top of their game.  I had a bit of sediment in my first glass of wine at the table, and not only did he apologize profusely (which is half the battle), but he gave me a new glass and took off the first glass from my bill, all before I could even think about it.  Great service!  You could tell that this wasn’t a common occurrence, since everything we ate and drank was amazing, but it was nice to know they knew how to react just the same.

I highly recommend this place – it’s in a cute neighborhood, has great character, and mouth-watering food, at a fairly reasonable price, which in these times, I know is on everyone’s radar.  Happy eating!

Peace and love Xo 

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It’s been longer that usual for a new post, but for very good reason – I was in sunny, Fabulous Las Vegas (yes, I like to use their famous sign’s catchphrase, it makes me happy inside)!  What an experience; I almost don’t even know where to start…  It seems like as soon as you enter the City, the crazy escapades starts!

My lovely friend Brandi, who lives out in L.A, hosted our little vacation.  She does some acting and modeling out there, and through several different charity events and hosting gigs, she has become good friends with Gavin Maloof, one of the owners of the Palms Casino and Resort.  Because of his graciousness – and because he’s a really nice guy – we were able to enjoy a weekend of pure luxury.  What a needed vacation! 

I flew in Friday of Memorial weekend, and though my flight was late (which made me miss the car sent for me… boo!), when I arrived, all stress melted away.  I checked my bags at the desk, Brandi met me at the pool entrance, and I proceeded to enjoy a good few hours of sun straight away.  What a change from the City, huh?!  Warm sun, as opposed to the sun that’s out, but looks you in the face and says, “No, I’m going to keep it at 57 degrees again today.  It’s June?  Oh well, it sucks to be you then doesn’t it.”  Gotta love San Francisco.  Soon after that, it was time to check in.  We got rooms in the Palms Fantasy Tower, which is their newest wing.  So gorgeous!  The Palms, as far as I’m concerned, is the place to stay if you want to enjoy a young 20something time in

Vegas.  Everyone is young and full of energy.  It’s almost like being in another world.  As we opened our door to our rooms, we were immediately struck by the tasteful and modern décor.  Set up, unpacked, and of course showered (whirlpool tub!), it was time for dinner.  Before we could make it to the restaurant, we detoured to take a private tour of the traveling Basketball Hall of Fame – the Maloof’s own the Sacramento Kings, so it was especially fun.  We were treated to Kings hats, jerseys, and even a mini basketball signed by Gavin for my little nephew.  Fun!  Gavin had booked us a reservation at Koi at Planet Hollywood, his treat, and what an amazing dining experience!  Litchi martini’s, five different appetizers including Dragon Rolls and Crunchy Rock Shrimp, all finished with Brandi and myself sharing the lobster tail and me eating the filet mignon (perfectly cooked).  Delicious!  The food was perfect, and we had a wonderful view of the Bellagio Fountains throughout the meal.  Everyone knew our host, so service was impeccable, of course.  After that, we headed over to Peep Show, Vegas’s newest burlesque review starring Mel B. of Spice Girl fame and Kelly Monaco from General Hospital.  Our tables were front row, and you would actually be brushed with parts of the costumes, we were that close.  What a fun show!  They spun a fun tale of nursery rhymes and sex, and the beautiful bodies and costumes kept everyone looking.  Very fun!  It was playful and sexy, and will definitely tease the senses.  Playboy Club was our next stop, and what another cool space!  Every detail is Playboy, from the bunny carpets to the actual Bunnies, and it’s Playboy done right.  Cute details and classy accents.  We had our own table with full service, and even a bodyguard to ensure none of the guys got too rowdy – love that Fletch!  We danced the night away and took pictures with the Bunnies, who are all super nice – one girl even brought us a round of shots on the house! 

 Playboy Club, plus Moon – another of the Palms’ nightclubs – were our club stops this weekend.   We checked out both clubs the second night of our trip, and though fun, Moon is definitely busy, almost to capacity it seems, which makes it a little less awesome than it could be.  I like to not be touched by default when I walk through a club – I don’t like to be touched period for that matter.  Both times, Playboy Club was great -fantastic service and the perfect amount of people. 

 During the day of the second day was another festive occasion at the pool, of course, cabana ready and waiting, and the pool getting so busy you can barely see blue.  Deciding to get Simon Restaurant at Palms Place’s famous cotton candy (freshly spun and still warm) we headed out early from the crowded pool.  While the waitress at the bar was pretty rude (surprisingly), the space was amazing.  Gorgeous floor to ceiling windows, lots of light, and just a few celebrities – Kendra and Holly from The Girls Next Door, and Nicole Ritchie with her daughter Harlow and her boyfriend Joel Madden, were all in tow lounging at the pool.  Good dessert and fun sightings… nice!  For dinner, we were invited to Nove, The Palms’ incredible Italian Restaurant.  I started with a passion

fruit Mojito, which was divine.  It was light and refreshing, leaving me plenty of room for the multitude of appetizers we ordered, including flatbread pizzas, salads, and an anti-pasta plate.  I ordered a glass of house pinot noir and the ravioli, and both were perfect. Novè is rated the top Italian restaurant in Vegas, so it’s not surprising that everything was flawless.  We finished the meal off with a dessert of paper-thin sliced strawberries with frozen crème freshe, all decorated with just the perfect amount of aged balsamic vinegar and crunchy wafer sprinkles.  What an amazing combination!  I would definitely recommend this place for a fancy night out.  It’s gorgeous and though a bit pricey, is doable if you budget around $100 – $150 per person for a really great meal with equally great service – part of the Vegas experience, for sure.  After this, we gambled until our show at 11pm started.  We were lucky enough to get a Sky Box at the Dane Cook comedy set during a sold out show.  It was a great time – I recommend watching his special on Comedy Central or renting his stand up – he’s much better as himself than that guy dating Jessica Simpson’s character in that movie, Employee of the Week.  Such a cool night! 

With two more pool days and utter relaxation from that point on, I felt rejuvenated and tan, two things that mark a good vacation in my book.  I left on Monday night, though should have left Sunday.  Vegas is best done in about 48 hours or less (anyone who’s been there knows what I mean). 

 Had one of the best times ever with great friends, but glad to be back in the Bay!

Peace and love Xo

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In San Francisco, there is nothing hairy, fat, old men like more than finding a parade and walking around naked.  Bay to Breakers – San Francisco’s annual spring race from the Bay side of the City to the ocean breaks at Ocean Beach – is of course, no exception.  I love San Francisco, because there is no where else on Earth where you will see costumes, stilts, drugs and booze in abundance, and much more, let alone the naked micro-penis flaunting men walking around the Panhandle.  Bay to Breakers is a feast for the senses – music flowing from every orifice of the crowd, dancing in the street, loud and bright clothing, vibrant people, booze flowing, everyone in a good mood, and this year, 80 degrees, so unbelievably perfect.  Bay to Breakers, for the true racers, starts quite early and even ends early, as it’s not a very long race, just the length of the City.  For the rest of us, however, you can start your day around 9am or 10am (some do earlier, but I’m a night owl – mornings are not my friend).  I ended up walking to the Panhandle from the Richmond, which was the smart move, as the buses were over-crowded and slow and you can forget about driving. 

Luckily, this section of town is in the center of the City, so walking to it isn’t really that bad from anywhere.  As I weaved my way in between the colorful and exuberant crowd, I realized I was far behind in the drinking game – first order of business when I met my friends was to grab a beer.  They had gotten there in the early morning to ensure enough lawn for our stuff and our friends.  This is always a good idea at large park events in San Francisco.  Drinking that early, however, can be a problem if you tend to get sleepy after you drink.  Some people were napping on the lawn by 11am.

ING, the sponsor this year, tried to shut down the floats and several other fun additions to the parade, but unfortunately for them, this is San Francisco, so the uninhibited displays of peace and love, along with conspicuous substance abuse, was in full effect.  This is actually how I prefer it.  It isn’t enough to live an average day-to-day life – sometimes you need a little flavor!  Only in the City would a typical weekend race (of which there are many) be reason enough to celebrate and dance in the streets.  The organized chaos is just what the doctored ordered to get everyone out of the winter doldrums. 

At about 1:30pm or so, the police and cleaning crew slowly push everyone into Golden Gate Park while they clear out the Panhandle for traffic.  This is the time when many grab something to eat, so places around can be a bit crowded.  I went to Lucky grocery store (budget friendly!) with some friends and we picnicked outside while enjoying the amazing weather.  Most people are pretty liquored up, so most anything will do for food while at Bay to Breakers, even for a foodie. 

If you haven’t experienced the amazing madness, definitely check it out next year.  This annual event is a true San Francisco tradition that brings you closer to those in the City around you – in one way or another! 

Peace and love Xo

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