Happy Monday, readers! I can’t help but share with you a little bit of my mini-vacation to SF this past weekend. Not only did I find a bunch of great sources for the upcoming Holiday gifting season (hello, original Heath factory. hello, artisan papermaker), but I think I may have discovered the secret of how to turn 3 days into the perfect blend of relaxation+creative inspiration+culinary delight. Allow me a bit of self indulgence please!
Wilbur Hot Springs was relaxing beyond compare. At 2.5 hours from SF, it’s nestled in a deep valley next to a rushing river. I was a bit skeptical at first – how clean would the water be? and what about the rooms??) but I have to give a thumbs up across the board. The details are tended to – the 19th C converted farmhouse is easy on the eye and has kept the feel of ‘victorian saloon-meets comfy family home -meets rambling plantation estate’. There is many a spot to hide away (the quiet library is stocked with books), get involved with other guests (the main lounge area has instruments, tables for dining and leather club chairs for lounging) or simply just relax in the healing hot springs. A favorite spot was the communal kitchen, where you can show off your cooking skills alongside your northern ca. farm fresh produce. Overall, Wilbur was a luxury – the kind of luxe that comes with allowing yourself time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the details.
The furnishing & home accessories store Summer House in Mill Valley has surprised me time & time again. Combing the feel of a well travelled antique outpost with rustic, open air french-country feel, they continue to find inspiring pieces for the home from local collections, edited selections from known favorites, and craftspeople from around the world. The store has stayed fresh and on point for 20 years. You can read a bit more about their second store here.
Nida’s original boutique in Italy has been up and running in Italy for 40 years. Their sister oupost in Hayes Valley stocks some tried and true faves: Isabel Marant, Paul & Joe, Vanessa Bruno, Castaner. The staff is helpful, and there are every day options for both men & women. I was lucky enough to hit their storewide 60% sale, and picked up this little Isabel Marant jacket for myself. Thanks Nida!
The Farmers Market at the Ferry Building is an absolute must any time you visit. I’ve mentioned the fabulous Eatwell Farms (best lavendar calendula salve lip balm known to man), but this time I also picked up their Smoked Chili Salt, some chocolates from supreme local chocolatiers Scharffen Berger, and some excellent salami (or Salume as everyone says) from Napa faves Fatted Calf. Show up early, hungry, and with some time to explore!
As I mentioned in the Treasures post last week, Culinaire is a must stop for antiques for and about all things food. The proprietress, Kathleen, is informative and eccentric. She gave me the simple and entertaining history on their collection sommelier knives, lusterwear, and estate collected flatware from the 19th C. My favorite this time, however, was the Victorian napkins below. Embroidered by nuns in Lyon, the collection, originally white, was purchased from the family run factory in France and each piece hand dyed. The embroidery and the colors are stunning (see my mismatched new collection below!), and they are HUGE – as they had to be made large enough to cover the broad Victorian skirts the ladies of the day wore. They may actually become a pillow at some point…
And finally, sweet readers, some foodie highlights for you. These places are a must. A great budgeting option is to simply grab an appetizer because they have many delicious options to choose from (not an option at Ad Hoc, but definitely the other 2).
Ad Hoc – the Thomas Keller outpost in Yountville is simple: 5 days a week they offer a 4 course family style menu that changes each day, accompanied by a small, accessible wine list in a casual setting reminiscent of home. You cannot go wrong!
Town Hall – an easy location in downtown SF, this old world NY felling bar is a great stop for an early evening glass of wine. The Paul Perdue style BBQ Shrimp with Worchestire on Garlic Bread is incredible. No joke – it was dee-vine!
Beretta: In the Mission district, this Italian eatery was packed until late night. The neopolitan style Buratta & Chili Pepper Pizza is a must, as is the Gelato drizzled in Olive Oil and Sea Salt. Sit at the bar and hopefully have Vince as your bartender – he enjoys sharing his tips on the menu, and has entertaining stories about his days in the kitchens of New Orleans. Show up early, as their will be a wait.
This was just a sampling of my trip, but thanks for taking a look….Have you been to any of these spots? Tell me about your local favorites in your home town as well!
xSimone
Have you heard of this little magic haven called Bernardus? I was lucky to be treated to some days away by my sweetheart, who could see I was in need of some silence,nature and reflection time to ring in the New Year. Bernardus is a gorgeous lodge, resting on a vineyard and looking quite like the South of France in all its lush, bucolic glory.
In my road weary state, I enjoyed a crisp glass of wine which helped ease my frustration with my novice camera skills. 
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