Julia Millay Walsh | October 27, 2011 12:15 pmLast night, I attended a media preview for AQ Restaurant (1085 Mission St., 415-341-9000), a new restaurant opening soon (date unconfirmed) in the mid-Market/Western SoMA area of the city. We tasted some appetizers to get a feel for the cuisine and tried a pair of inventive cocktails (the restaurant awaits its liquor license), and I must say, it was an all-around wonderful night! I'm eagerly anticipating a sit-down dinner at the spot.Read More
Julia Millay Walsh | October 20, 2011 8:00 amMove over, Palio D'asti. Someone may have just topped your incredible, free-pizza-driven happy hour. Cupola Pizzeria in the Westfield Centre (845 Market St., 4th Floor, 415-896-5600) has kicked off a new happy hour that may drive us all to drink and shop — a dangerous combination! Now through Thanksgiving, weeknights from 3 to 6 p.m., you can score draft beers, such as Stella, Stone IPA, and Trumer Pils, and wine on tap, such as Frogs Leap Sauvignon Blanc, Uvaggio Vermintino, and Old Press Syrah, for only $3! Better yet, during happy hour, chef Christian will be delivering his choice of complimentary wood-fired oven pizzas, such as the margherita, with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil, or the seasonal confit diced pumpkin, with fontina cheese, prosciutto cotto, and thyme.Read More
Nancy Einhart | January 14, 2011 4:42 pmHouse of Shields (39 New Montgomery St., 415-975-8651) has always been one of my favorite happy hour spots, so I was excited to see the space revamped by Chef Dennis Leary of Canteen. Judging by the teeming happy hour crowds, so was everyone else.
First, a bit of history — and House of Shields has a storied one.Read More
Nancy Einhart | January 11, 2011 8:00 amReduce, recycle, and renew at Epi Center MedSpa & Epi Center Medical Associates, where eco-conscious practices sync up with expert skin care. Refreshingly convenient to Union Square, this chic, LEED-certified space incorporates recycled fabrics, eco-friendly paints, and other sustainable materials to help you sustain your skin's health for years to come. Under the tutelage of cofounder Dr. Patrick Bitter Sr., Epi Center offers cutting-edge skin technology — including laser hair removal, Pixel skin resurfacing, and the signature PhotoFacial pulsed light treatments — plus injectables, microdermabrasion, and peels.Read More
Nancy Einhart | January 3, 2011 11:40 amIt's never easy to be back at work on Mondays, but especially not after a weekend of New Year's revelry. Today I'm torn between wanting to kick off my healthy living regimen and craving comfort food to get me through my Monday. Fortunately, I can do both at The Plant Cafe Organic (101 California St., 415-693-9730; 3352 Steiner St., 415-931-2777; Pier 3, The Embarcadero, 415-984-1973).Read More
Nancy Einhart | November 30, 2010 11:43 amWalking by Gap's Market Street flagship store (890 Market St., 415-788-5909) this weekend, my first thought was "Gap sells bikes now? How Urban Outfitters of them!" Turns out, the Public Bikes retail presence is a pop-up shop, highlighting the local urban bike-maker during the holiday season.Read More