Sunny Morning at Zazie


Photos by K. Mears


Years ago my friend took me to Zazie for brunch when I was visiting San Francisco. When Jay and I moved to the city last year, I was thrilled to find the French bistro still thriving in picturesque Cole Valley. Now it's my turn to introduce Zazie to visitors! We headed there for brunch over the weekend with my brother, expecting the usual Sunday sidewalk wait. But luckily it was a sunny day so no harm! I try to taste different items on the menu but lately cannot get enough of the La Mer (poached egg with hand picked dungeness crab, green onions and avocado). On a sweet streak lately, Jay went for the French Toast Tahiti (challah stuffed with caramelized bananas and walnut). He said it was the best French toast he's ever had - you will have to try for yourself and decide!

Weekend Wishes

Photo by J. Mears

It's been a rainy few days here in San Francisco, but we may be in luck and have the sun peak out this weekend! This is great news, since my brother and father-in-law are here for a visit. I'm super excited to have them here! We will be out and about enjoying the city (on our list, a foodie adventure), which is much more fun when the weather is cooperative.

Have a wonderful weekend (and enjoy the Oscars on Sunday)!


Stay Warm, Drink Hot Chocolate

Image from ticketkitchen.com

Jay and I are big fans of hot chocolate, so I was delighted when I can across buzz (from Say Yes to Hoboken and Daily Candy) about a lovely hot chocolate company based here in San Francisco called The Ticket Kitchen. What makes them special? Well for starters, their signature hot chocolate on a stick! You simply stir the French chocolate block in steaming milk and voilĂ , tasty delicious hot chocolate! This will definitely be on my gift list for friends trying to stay warm in the Midwest, or perhaps a midwinter treat for me and Jay. It may snow in San Francisco for the first time in 35 years this week! It's going to be a tough one for me and my fellow weather wimps! Stay warm friends!

I Heart Michigan

Image from catstudio.com

Dear friends of ours gave us the cutest state dish towels from Catstudio last holiday. It's little reminder of our home state Michigan and our new home California! Each towel highlights special areas with fun illustrations marking locations such as the Golden Gate Bridge for California or Motown for Michigan. A great gift for friends that have recently moved cross country!

Giovanni's Pizza at Club Deluxe


Photos by K. Mears

Ever since I moved to San Francisco, I craved finding a cozy pizza place in which I could unwind with my friends. In Michigan, Amici's (The Living Room) was this place to me. My search was over pretty quickly as my friends immediately directed me to Giovanni's Pizza. Located in the jazz club, Club Deluxe, known for their freshly squeezed cocktails (might I suggest the greyhound or spa collins). I was a little hesitant but there was really no need to be. Within minutes of taking a seat you will be greeted by "mama", Giovanni's mother. She takes your order while Giovanni bakes his pizzas to perfection in the back kitchen. He has about 20-some pizza combinations to choose from - all made with fresh, quality ingredients - and plenty of veggie and non-veggie options. In fact, while we were there last he popped out because he needed a little more fresh basil for the night! My personal fave is the Rico-Tina (tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, Italian brandy sausage, basil and olive oil). Honestly, I could stop in for this pizza every week!

From Sweet to Savory at Bar Tartine



Photos by K. Mears

Jay and I, along with a few friends, headed to Bar Tartine over the weekend for brunch. We've heard nothing but praise about this restaurant located in The Mission and I must say their reputation held up to our critical taste buds. Jay ordered the walnut bread French toast, while I ordered the mushroom tartine, and we started with blue cheese stuffed dates. Delicious! If you are in the mood for a cozy brunch with good music (XX and Radiohead alternated the entire afternoon), Bar Tartine will quench your craving! It was a perfect way to spend a rainy grey San Francisco afternoon (the rain finally stopped yesterday)!

Weekend Wishes

Photo by J. Mears

Thank you friends for being so supportive of my blog launch this week! I hope you are enjoying the tidbits being shared. Coming up next week, dinner dilemmas and the Year of the Rabbit, stay tuned!

Have a wonderful weekend!

New Radiohead Album

Image  Source Unknown

Exciting news! The new Radiohead album, The King of Limbs, is available for pre-order. Double bonus, the digital version of the record will be available for download this Saturday, February 19th. I cannot wait to hear their new sound!

Update! Radiohead decided to release it a day early, February 18th! We are listening to it now!


Shop It To Me

My friend forwarded on an invite to Shop It To Me, a personal shopping site, this week. At first I was a little hesitant about another designer deal site. I already spend too much time on ideeli and Gilt Groupe. But Shop It To Me is a little different. You actually create a profile, enter in your size for multiple styles and types of clothing and then pick the brands you are interested in. This way you are only getting deals on items that you can fit into and brands that are your faves. I already received my first set of deals today, and it is pretty tempting!

Nerd Boyfriend

Image Source Unknown

Jay came across nerdboyfriend.com, a clever style blog that helps recreate looks worn by icons such Paul Newman (featured above). It is easy to get lost page after page, so consider yourselves warned. Then again, what's time when you are looking for style inspiration!

Will Run for Beer

Photo by J. Mears

If you are a fan of microbrews don't miss San Francisco's Beer Week! Events began on February 11 and will run through February 20. There are plenty of activities from barleywine tastings at Tornado to beer ice cream at Humphry Slocombe. Jay and I tried out an event over the weekend, the second annual 5 mile beer run sponsored by the Social Kitchen & Brewery. We met some fun beer loving die hards that literally run so they can drink beer (they want to stay slender given their high calorie hobby)! Even if you are not that intense about ale, I'm sure you will find something that strikes your fancy. Check out the schedule of events here. Enjoy!

Romantic Brides

Image from bhldn.com

A few of my favorite bloggers posted sneak previews last week of Anthropologie connected bridal boutique BHLDN. I searched high and low for a dress when it was my time and wouldn't change a thing, but I am just in love with this Ribbon Silk Gown! Lucky brides this year have another add on their to do list!

Eight Fabulous Years

Photo by J. Mears

Happy Valentine's Day Jay! Here's to many more years of love and laughter!

Love to our friend Kelly who yelled as I left the office on February 14, 2003, "you never know, you may meet the man of your dreams tonight" and I did. The best things happen when you least expect them.

Hello Friends. Happy Valentine's Day!

Image from katespade.com


 Wishing all a wonderful day full of laughs and fun!

Forgot to send a card to your special friend? Take a few minutes to fill out an e-Valentine by Kate Spade! It's never too late to say hello (or I love you)!

Chocolate Truffles Anyone?


Photos by J. Mears

This year for Valentine's Day, Jay and I decided to give each other the gift of an experience. We both came across Le Cordon Blue's special Chef's Series and decided it was just the thing! We took their Valentine's Day Truffles and More course (there are a number to choose from in the coming months). In just three and a half hours, we learned how to make truffles, ganache (which I always wondered about, every dessert I love seems to have ganache in it) and French flourless cake. The truffles and ganache were a complete success, however the flourless cake was a bit of a mess. Perhaps another time. The fun part was that we took home three boxes of our handmade truffles! I highly recommend this series for cooking enthusiasts looking to try something new on a Saturday afternoon!

Never Too Late for Pajamas

Image from jcrew.com

I was super excited when my brother-in-law Ryan gave me a belated Christmas gift this week, a fun surprise! I had completely forgotten that I had put these JCrew pajamas on my wish list (apparently they were on back order). These classic pajamas are a soothing and perfect little way to end the day, super comfortable - and quite cute I might add (I love the white piping)! Last year I only saw them available in navy, now they come in hydrangea and barely peach. I think the barely peach will be quite lovely for the spring!

Ooh la la!

Image from eberjey.com

I didn't win the Eberjey giveway from A Cup of Jo last week (shucks!), however I did take advantage of the 20% discount which is being offered until February 15. What really got me is the lingerie company's belief that the layer worn closest to heart should express happiness, love and confidence!  I totally agree! So I gave them a try and ordered their signature Delirious French brief - and am not disappointed! I encourage you to treat yourself for Valentine's Day as well!

Oh, Mr. Knightley!

Image from katespade.com

I just can't stop thinking about this Kate Spade Book Clutch, I first saw posted on the Neo-Traditionalist. It's absolutely darling! Emma is one of my all time favorites from Jane Austen - and the quote displayed is absolutely perfect!


Bruschetta to Share

Photo by K. Mears

The weather in San Francisco has been quite unbelievable this weekend (70 degrees and sunny!). Rather than spend time indoors, we have been out and about. So when it came to putting something together quickly for our friend's Superbowl Party I knew just the thing, Steakhouse Bruschetta. I typically make two versions so veggies and non-veggies can both enjoy! For the veggie version which I make most often, just skip the steak.

Farewell Detroit Darlings

I was so sad to hear the announcement that The White Stripes have decided to end their band yesterday. I will remember them as the soundtrack behind some of my most favorite times in the early 2000s. It was just around that time that I met Jay. Best of luck to Jack and Meg White, thank you for the tunes!

Image source unkown

Uber Ride, Yes Please!

Image from uber.com

One thing that caught me by surprise living in San Francisco was the difficulty in finding a cab. I've spent countless evenings in frustration watching a handful of occupied yellow cabs pass me by as the minutes tick and I grew increasingly late for my dinner plans or commitment. No need to fret any longer, there's a solution that Jay and I have been trying more and more frequently for the past few months, Uber. It's a new kind of car service that makes rides easy, reliable and convenient. You simply let Uber know where you are via text or mobile app and your ride shows up within minutes. Their rate is slightly higher than a cab, however it has been really worth it for the convenience. Did I mention, the rides are usually limos and town cars?  It definitely beats taking the Muni or desperately seeking a cab when you have somewhere special to be. Extra bonus, I just noticed that Uber is running a special, $5 off your evening ride to the Mission every Thursday in February!