Perfectly Petit

My last meal in San Francisco, after a week on the west coast, was at Petit Crenn. It was a lovely way to round out a wonderful time spent mostly with my dear friend, one whom I had lived in San Francisco with for four years. We had visited Petit Crenn previously, and I especially loved the sentiment of returning, years later as our lives have grow respectively since our shared adventure as room mates.

We saddled up at the bar with a glass of wine, which in my opinion is the best seat in the house, as you’re front and center with the chefs preparing the meals. You truly capture insight into the kitchen process, the sacredness of the ingredients, and the true essence of the whole scene…one that fascinates me and makes the experience of dining that much more enjoyable.

We both had the Mt. Lassen Trout, brilliantly and seductively roasted over a wood-fired grill, served with roasted beets, spring onion and walnut. The menu is always sensational, which can make the selection process challenging (in a good way!).

I highly recommend this little gem in Hayes Valley. To see more, visit SF EATER or find the celebratory chef Dominique Crenn on Netfix’s Chef’s Table.

Image via SF Eater, no copyright infringement is intended.

West Coast Magic

I’m working from the west coast this week, staying with my incredibly dear friend, in her Napa home. Having lived in San Francisco for four years, I always love returning and reconnecting with the electric energy out here. I feel it the moment I touch down at SFO. It’s hard to bottle up and describe, but it’s an energy that truly touches my soul and mind. It feels like medicine in a way. It stretches my brain and imagination in such a refreshing manner. I miss being so close to the celebratory innovation out here - whether it’s tech, design, food or wine, and am so grateful to get little taste of it this week!

One of my favorite places in Napa Valley is the little stretch of Yountville where Thomas Keller has undoubtedly made his mark. Washington Street is practically a shrine to Keller, flooded with his sought after restaurants, The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, the French Laundry Garden and now, with his latest endeavor, La Calenda. Just a skip away, is the newly opened Restoration Hardware Yountville, a series of buildings that were designed to integrate food, wine, design and art. As my friends and I were discussing, we didn’t want to like it (for a few reasons some might understand)….but we do. Very much.

As part of this new experience, the restaurant reimagined Ma(i)sonry, one of my favorite old spots which combined art & wine within the grounds of a historic stone building. Now, the building plays host to a wine vault with all the Restoration trimmings, and, something I’m particularly excited about…a coffee shop.

We enjoyed a lovely brunch at the RH Restaurant, surrounded by 100 year-old olive trees, glittering chandeliers, roaring fires and the sound of water trickling from stone fountains. Below are some snapshots from our morning however I do suggest viewing on their website for the visuals to really do their justice.

P.S. How about that seductive La Marzocco espresso machine in brass & graphite?! SWOON.

Summertime Splendor...

I set my coffee down this morning by the stack of straw hats that adorn a console in our upstairs hall. It had me desperately yearn for that simple summer splendor. I am craving the elegant ease that ensues, especially here in Newport… afternoon swims in the sea, bare feet in the garden, salty hair, white ensembles all day and evening… why is summer just so SENSATIONAL? Thank you, Marella Agnelli for inspiring me with this photograph taken of her (and Princess Pignatelli) in the port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the Cote d’Azur. Black & white photography often evokes more of a “mood” for me than any colors of the rainbow could…Now, let’s press fast-forward to summer…

(Photograph by Henry Clarke via Condé Nast via Getty Images).

Settling In...

I’m loving our new petite office digs in Newport. There are still odds and ends that need addressing, but I’m taking my time hanging art and perfecting little details while growing into the space. Tomorrow, I’m headed to the Floral Reserve for a celebratory flower shop. I’ll be sharing much more in the coming weeks…