A wedding and special event flex venue: SF80

It's been a while since I've attended a swanky launch party. Earlier this week I spent a day in San Francisco's Portrero Hill neighborhood for a daytime showcase and evening cocktail party at SF80 a luxe, urban flex, event space located at 80 Missouri Street between 16th and 17th.

The entryway was glammed up with a classic red carpet. The warm chandelier light glowing in the foyer was inviting. And even though valet parking was offered by California Parking, street parking was plentiful just before 6:00 PM when the cocktail party started.

The building is divided into multiple spaces including this black and white room (known as The Conference Room) just to the left as you leave the foyer. The glass coffee tables and white and crushed blue velvet couches were provided by Hartmann Studios.

The expansive Great Room was strikingly lit with multi colored wall washes and floor gobos (light and shadow design patterns) by Enhanced Lighting. I love event lighting. It can take a dramatic space over the top and transform a mundane space into something special.

The draping and some of the furnishings are included with the venue rental. Not only does the draping cover the walls, there are small alcoves along the back where, with tables and chairs, people can sit and chat.

Adjacent to the right of the Great Room was another room beautifully lit with a shimmering disco ball, green, polka dot, gobo floor lighting, and blue wall washes that enhanced the dramatically draped bar. A high ceiling, dark wood high-tables and high-chairs by Hartmann Studios, and floral designs by Hunt Littlefield completed The Lounge.

Also adjacent to the ballroom was a smaller more intimate lounge just beneath The Loft.

Upstairs in The Loft was a long King's Table designed by MB Wedding Design and Events. The Golden Gate Bridges were provided by Well Rehearsed, the floral arrangements by Michael Daigian Design, dinner menus by Cards de Luxe, and linens, chairs & tabletop settings were from Hartmann Studios.

Serving a light lunch at the showcase was Work of Art Catering. Their Little Gem Lettuce Cups with Chicken, Thai Chili, Mint, Lime, Shallots, and Toasted Coconut with a Peanut Sauce and Sweet-chili Dressing were set up as a build your own lettuce cup buffet. Dessert was tiny Pots dé Creme.

Across the way Carrie Dove Catering was serving Walnut Breadcrumb Encrusted Halibut with Roasted Fingerline Potatoes, and Sauteed Haricot Vert with Lemon Dill Sauce and Micro Greens. They also offered take home bags of super yummy popcorn.

I tried it and the breading on the halibut was AMAZING. The flavors were so pronounced, it wasn't your generic crust. I even tasted a hint of wasabi which turned out to be horse radish. It would be good on anything, I'm sure of it.

Oye Productions provided live entertainment that added a nice extra touch to the daytime showcase. We enjoyed Dia Pa' Son, a group that performs a Mexican style of music called Son Jarocho popularized in the Mexican State of Veracruz.

A table top display by Well Rehearsed reminded me that soon the America's Cup would be taking place in the Bay. To the right San Francisco Photobooth had set up an "open air" photobooth. The circle at the top of the speaker shaped box held the camera and the monitor below allowed guests to see their pose as it was about to be shot. So clever and space efficient.

And very impressive were the evening's libations offered by Bartenders Unlimited. Not only was there wine, champagne, cocktails, and beer, there were plenty of non-alcoholic options including sodas, teas, and spring water. I've been to events in the past where only wine or wine and sodas were served so I particularly appreciated the selection. I had a plain glass of spring water, and was very glad I could!

The party was designed by MB Wedding Design and Events. Over the years I've attended many events designed by Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini and they are always spectacular. For SF80 Michelle was involved in the logistical planning and the overall event design. Maile Trapini is SF80's Event Venue Manager. She was a perfect hostess! She was there to greet and welcome guests while representing Bartenders Unlimited, our host for the event.

This huge monitor that featured the Denon & Doyle DJ's control panel was an eye catcher. Very cool and he kept the party hopping. I have to add the volume was set perfectly so people didn't need to yell or scream to socialize. I love when that happens.

And if you came hungry you were in luck. . .

One of the most fun hors d'oeuvres I've ever seen, no, make that the most fun I've ever eaten was the Shocking Chicken by Small Potatoes Catering. They were small Black Pepper Biscuits, with a smear of Honey Butter, and a bite sized piece of hot Buttermilk Fried Chicken topped with Cotton Candy. With what?

Yes I said cotton candy! I LOVE cotton candy! It was the cotton candy that made the dish "shocking."

Since I don't eat chicken I asked if I could order a custom bite with double cotton candy and no chicken. :D I tore off a tiny bit of pink fluffy goodness and whoa....... It was SPICY because it was infused with tabasco. It was really, really, crazy and equally yummy!

Michi Japanese Restaurant and Catering served Spicy Salmon with Mango, Spicy Kani Crab & Avocado, and Assorted Vegetable Sushi Hand Rolls. There were also martini glasses of Sweet Potatoes with Braised Short Ribs. I had a Spicy Salmon with Mango Hand Roll and it was delicious.

Also offered were generous portions of Moroccan Spring Lamb Tagine served on Pistachio and Apricot Couscous by Jane Hammond Events.

And there were plenty of desserts both upstairs and downstairs.

Upstairs in The Loft were delectable, bite sized cupcakes by Cake Coquette. They were adjacent to the overhead view of the Great Room below.

Downstairs were cake pops by Sweet Lauren Cakes. They were very popular. It seemed as if everyone was eating at least two or three of them. LOL

Flowers by Hunt Littlefield

My thanks to Bartenders Unlimited for inviting me to the Grand Opening of SF80, to Maile Trapini and Mateo Medrano for the warm welcome, and to Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini and all of the sponsors for creating such an outstanding showcase for guests to enjoy. Having never been there before I appreciated the opportunity to view the venue. If you're looking for somewhere to host your wedding, corporate event, or party it may be just the space you've been looking for.

SF80 - Website
80 Missouri St
San Francisco, CA 94107 - Map
(415) 454-3731

Indian Event Trends in 2013

Recently I attended "Indian Event Trends," a special evening hosted by Ranjan Dey (owner of New Delhi Restaurant), City Hall of San Francisco, and Denon and Doyle.

After arriving at City Hall I couldn't resist walking down a block to take this picture at twilight.

You may or may not know that you can book City Hall for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The stunning lighting in the rotunda was by Entire Productions.

I especially enjoyed the two sculptures from Avant Planners at the base of the grand staircase in the center of the rotunda. They were draped in fabric and held small tea lights aloft, welcoming guests to the event.

This is the North Light Court lit by Got Light. It would be used for Ranjan's presentation that evening.

There was chair seating, lounge seating (by Blueprint Studios) and plenty of standing room.

The chair covers, provided by Classic Party Rentals, were really gorgeous. Each row had a different style of seat cover. I think the top left cover with the thin, gold coin beads was my favorite. It was either that or the pale gold draped cover beside it. Which is kind of funny in that they couldn't have been more opposite: One was ornately detailed, the other subtle and sophisticated.

Along the rear wall were wedding and event invitations by Hyegraph invitations, located in SF's Embarcadero Center. The colors and designs would help to set the theme of any Indian special event. The invite in the lower right, with the scroll and fabric pouch, was especially unique.

As all of the guests gathered in the North Light Court Ranjan gave an illuminating presentation about the different cooking styles and spices used in Indian cuisine, Indian event trends, and helped to clarify cultural gaps between Indian clients and those of us less familiar with Indian culture.

For instance, he explained that misunderstandings can occur between clients and professionals because while Americans traditionally shake their head up and down to non-verbally say "yes," people of Indian ethnicity may instead, roll their head in a somewhat up-down-side-to-side circular motion which means yes, but is something non-Indian people can mistake for the side to side head shake we use to say "no." So, I could think someone is nodding their head no when in fact they are giving their approval or agreeing with me.

We also learned that India has 28 states and most people speak three languages: Hindi, English, and their local state language. We learned that shukriyaa means thank you, haan means yes, and naa means no. All are good words to learn if you work with colleagues or clients who speak Hindi, or if you're planning a trip to India.

I remember when I went to Paris I learned a few key phrases: Good morning, good evening, please, thank you, and I don't speak French, do you speak English? All of them combined helped to make my trip more enjoyable as the locals definitely appreciated my efforts to converse with them, even to a small degree, in French. And all were more than happy to speak to me in English as soon as they realized that was all of the French I knew. LOL

After the presentation, we were invited to the South Light Court where the second part of the evening would take place, a mixer with entertainment.

That night I made a new friend from outside of the special events industry, Tommy Chan, the Directory of Community Outreach from the Asian Network Pacific Home Care & Hospice. I was glad to learn that not only does ANPHC offers home healthcare and hospice services, their staff is also fluent in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalong, Vietnamese, and English. Hospice and home care are services that became more near and dear to my heart after losing my Uncle Norio in 2008. While language wasn't a barrier, I learned first hand just how important these services are and while not taboo, they rarely come up in the course of day to day conversations.

And of course I reconnected with many of my wedding and special event industry friends who all came to learn more about Indian event trends from Ranjan and to enjoy some tasty bites from New Delhi Restaurant.

The waitstaff was attentive and the hand passed hors d'oeuvres were plentiful. Libations were provided Bartenders Unlimited. Above are just some of the hors d'oeuvres we were able to sample that evening. Clockwise were: Chocolate Burffee (a dessert), Vegetable Cutlet, Murg Cilantro Kofta, and a Lamb Mint Kebab. I enjoyed several of the Vegetable Cutlets. They were, or course, delicious!

Orange Photography was there with a photo booth. Kind of. Definitely more modern and upscale was this tented photo lounge where guests had their choice of props and could gather together for group shots on a très chic, white leather sofa.

Henna Garden hosted a henna party for the duration of the evening. There were several stations set up so that the wait wouldn't be too long for those wanting to participate. My lovely and elegant model in the final image is my friend Duncan Reyes' mom. She was a delight to meet and photograph!

The final highlight of the evening was dancing by Dholrhythms, an award winning dance company. Six dancers first entertained us. . .

Then they taught everyone who wanted to learn, how to dance Bollywood style. There were a lot of smiles and great new memories made that evening.

Thank you to Ranjan for inviting me to attend. I appreciate his efforts to break down barriers for those of us who have had limited experience with Indian culture. I've learned so much from him since meeting him just two years ago.

And if you love Indian food I would highly recommend a visit to his New Delhi Restaurant (and catering) located at 160 Ellis Street in San Francisco. It's located two blocks from the intersection of Market and Powell where the cable cars turn around.

View Larger Map

One of the reasons I will always support Ranjan here on The Flirty Blog is because I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the Compassionate Chefs Cafe a non-profit he created. It's mission:

"Helping Kids Across the Street and Across the Ocean
CCC is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization with one goal: To help children locally and globally. We help the Tenderloin After School Program (TASP) and Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India to uplift the lives of young children in need of assistance."

One thing that really illustrates his commitment to helping these children is his policy that 100% of the money raised at CCC fundraisers goes to the kids, with nothing held back for expenses. And for you the donor, all donations are tax deductable.

You can learn more about how they help, upcoming events, and how you can help support this worthy cause at the Compassionate Chefs Cafe website: Just Click Here

Buying a designer wedding gown on a budget

Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier is hosting a 70% off sample wedding gown sale at the Hotel Valencia Bridal Showcase at Santana Row in San Jose, CA this coming Sunday. If you go, you'll even have access to a suite to be able to try them on. The designer gowns at Gabrielle's are gorgeous! Offered with a huge savings, what's not to love? But don't be late. There are no reservations to try them on. It's going to be first come first served.

The Hotel Valencia website reads:

Enjoy a lovely afternoon filled with champagne, cake tasting, preferred vendors and prizes, including a Free Wedding Ceremony. Our professional catering team will be on site to answer all questions and provide site tours. Let us create a magical wedding day that you and your family will forever cherish.


Sunday, February 19th 11:00am registration – 3:00pm
First 50 brides are free, $10 admission.

Hotel Valencia
355 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
408/551-0010

A San Francisco Waterfront Wedding Venue

Did you know there's a Fairmont Hotel at Ghirardelli Square? I didn't until just recently when I was invited to attend an open house to view the property. What a gem! And it's located in the same historic building as the original, world famous Ghirardelli chocolate shop.

The Fairmont Heritage Place, a residential-style all suite hotel, is perched right above Ghirardelli Square and across the street from the San Francisco Bay, the Maritime Museum and Alcatraz Island.

Their outdoor terrace is named the Mustard Terrace and includes a pavilion, a fireplace, lounge area and panoramic Bay view.

It's perfect for smaller weddings, parties and corporate events of 100 guests or less. There are also four residential suites that run along the south side of the terrace that can be reserved for your event.

The terrace also includes this large, 450 square foot pavilion named the "Carillon." I had never heard the word carillon so I looked it up. It's a musical instrument that consists of at least 23 bells that play music and is most often housed in a bell tower. It was only then that I looked up and noticed there were indeed bells around the top of the interior of the carillon so really it's a carillon pavilion!

The pavilion can seat up to 40 guests for a seated dinner and up to 60 guests for a reception. It is available daytime or evening and can be paired with the Mustard Terrace residence suites to allow your guests indoor/outdoor access.

We were treated to a lavish, afternoon spread of charcuterie, anti pasta and a delectable cheese board.

Even the hummus with veggie spears looked like a dessert and there were plenty of chocolate covered strawberries to go around.

It seemed like every time I turned around there was another platter of cake pops, tiny burnt meringue cupcakes dusted with edible gold flakes and macaron cookies. It was a dessert lover's paradise!

Guests enjoyed Chateau St Jean's Pinot Noir as they ambled along the terrace and throughout the suite.

Before taking you on a tour of the suite allow me to introduce you to Mr. Jean-Francois Vary, the General Manager at Fairmont Heritage Place. Thanks Carl Mindling for snapping this picture of me with Mr. Vary and friend and Event Coordinator Jubilee Lau.

Here we gathered in the suite's living room and dining room areas for the formal welcome to the event.

The two doorways lead to three bedrooms and just to the right of where I was standing is a spacious kitchen.

This was everyone's favorite bedroom because of the glass encased bath tub on the other side of the bed.

So posh! In case you're so overworked, stressed or tired that you can't figure out how to enjoy a nice hot relaxing bath, the hotel has provided directions, Hansel and Gretel style, to help you find your way.

The second bedroom had more flower petals. But these were shaped into a beautiful rose petal heart.

And the third bedroom held a nice surprise for us! Little travel bottles of the hotel's own Apricot and Cream body lotion. It smells so good you almost want to eat it!

The suites are the perfect solution for a bride's changing area as displayed here with the bridal veil and bouquet set on the bathroom counter.

So I looked at it this way: The bride gets a room to prepare, the groom gets a room to prepare and the couple can use one of the rooms as their wedding night retreat!

Or, if you reserve all four of the residential suites, everyone gets their own suite: The bride, the groom, the families and the fourth can be used for your guests during the reception so they have an indoor area to retreat to as needed.

If it gets chilly, day or evening, guests can gather near the outdoor fireplace.

I'd have to say that if the large, grand, hotels in Union Square or atop Nob Hill aren't your style, the Fairmont Heritage Place may be just the place for you. It's more intimate, cozier and it really couldn't be more lovely.

Alcatraz Island at Sunset from the Mustard Terrace

These photos were taken from the Trolly stop just across the street.

And with Ghirardelli Square just below the hotel, a trolly car stop across the street and Pier 39 just around the corner, you can stay at the Fairmont and spend your days relaxing or sight seeing.

You'll have to visit Ghirardelli's Original Chocolate Shop! It's split into two areas, a retail section and a restaurant section. If you purchase something in the retail store you receive a discount coupon for the restaurant. I know this because once a year hubby and I head up to SF at holiday time so that he can get a container of chocolate covered almonds then enjoys a cafe mocha next door.

Over the years I've dined at all but one of the restaurants at Ghirardelli Square. . .

Lori's Diner is a fun, retro style diner with classic diner food and a Bay view. Before going vegetarian they were one of my favorite places to hit when I wanted great fish and chips.

McCormick and Kuleto's is more upscale for celebrating special occasions or just treating yourself to a really nice meal. There is a private banquet room here making it a perfect choice for a rehearsal dinner if you're having your wedding at the Fairmont.

Ana Mandera is located at street level across from the Maritime Museum. Executive Chef Khai Duong is a pioneer in the modern style of Vietnamese cuisine, a fusion of traditional Vietnamese combined with French techniques.

Dinner with Duncan Reyes and friends at Ana Mandara, Dec. 2009

I've only dined here once several years ago but the meal was memorable both because it was delicious and because the ambiance was so complete. Ana Mandara translates to "beautiful refuge" and I have to say that is exactly what it felt like as I stepped through their front door. The simple brick exterior hides the magnificence inside.

The Crown and Crumpet is the only restaurant I haven't had the pleasure of dining at yet. I did try to go one afternoon while in the city but the dining area had been reserved for a private party. Someday soon I'll have to go. The interior is so cute and they have a small gift shop adjacent to the tea room that I have shopped at more than once.

Each year there's a huge Christmas tree that goes up in the center of the square and hubby and I usually take pictures of each other beside it. Back in 2006 it was decorated with giant chocolate bars.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be Nov. 25th, 2011 at 5:30 PM

The first two pictures above are from Christmas 2009. Usually we don't see the tree go up but this year I noticed a big blue lift was parked, I'm assuming, to begin preparing for the arrival of the tree. It was kind of exciting and made me feel like it's time to start getting into the holiday spirit.

I've been to Ghirardelli square several times a year and have always wondered, aside from the chocolate shop, what the rest of the building was used for. I've always assumed it was office space accessible from the other side of the block on North Point Street. It never occurred to me that it had been a Fairmont Hotel since 2008!

My thanks to General Manager Jean-Francois Vary and his very talented and welcoming staff at the Fairmont Heritage Place for inviting me to such a lovely afternoon. I had a great time enjoying the view, meeting new wedding professionals and reuniting with some that I haven't seen all year!

Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA

415-772-5409