Quince, San Francisco

We have a true appreciation for the honest flavor of food and we found it at Quince, San Francisco!

All of our 5 senses were awaken by our experience at Quince, and the night filled with pureness, inspiration and satisfaction.

We tried the 9-course menu which expresses Chef Tusk’s interpretation of the market’s freshest and most luxurious ingredients found in Northern California.

PIER 39′s Tree Lighting Celebration

As the holidays approaching, there are many festive events coming up. One of the events that we look forward to is the annual PIER 39 Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from Noon – 6:30pm.

As we welcome the holiday season with two days of holly-jolly magic and merriment for the whole family, we will get to experience the music and the fun! There is a 60-foot tree, adorned with beautiful ornaments will be illuminated.  It’s truly a magical time of the year. We plan to dress warm (coat, scarf, gloves) as the temperature can be quit cool as this time of the year, especially at night.

http://www.pier39.com/home/events/pier-39s-tree-lighting-celebration/

Free museum admission

As cooler weather approaches here in the San Francisco Bay area, it’s a great time visit various museums while sipping a hot cup of hot chocolate. What’s even better is that many museums offer free admission on certain days. It’s a great way to explore what the area has to offer!

http://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/monthly-free-museum-days/

Some of our favorites:

• California Academy of Sciences, love the albino alligator!

• de Young Museum, from September 21, 2013 to February 17, 2014, they are featuring “The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita & Beyond, 1950–1990”. There are some incredible jewelry collection.

Hillsborough Antique Show

For all the collectors, connoisseurs, interiors designers and weekend browsers, there is a Hillsborough Antique show this week (November 1 to November 3).

It’s considered the West’s premier Antique Show where there are exhibitors from all over the world such as Europe and Asia. Over 500 Booths of Antiques, Decorative Arts, Vintage Home Furnishings, 20^th Century Collectibles and more. It’s a great place to find and discover treasures and a great place to learn new things!!

http://hillsboroughantiqueshow.com/index.html'

Local farmers markets

One of the greatest things about living in the Bay Area is that there is abundance of farmers markets, some open seasonally and some open year round!

It’s a great way to explore what is in season while exploring what the city has to offer. In addition, we are also supporting the community!

Here is a map, courtesy of www.TheForestFeast.com, per author Erin, it is an illustration so it is not geographically exact or to scale.

Let’s go to San Carlos for some Art and Wine!

Imaging this….perusing exquisite art collection while sipping a glass of cool, crisp Chardonnay and enjoying bites of BBQ Thai Chicken Kabob – all at the SAME time!!!

On October 12 and 13, One of the Peninsula’s Premier Fall Festivals, the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce’s Art & Wine Faire celebrates its 23rd year! The Faire covers both sides of San Carlos Avenue (between El Camino and Walnut) and down Laurel Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo. The Faire is easily accessible from Caltrain and SamTrans.

http://sancarloschamber.org/san-carlos-art-wine-faire-2013/

It’s a great way to start this upcoming beautiful weekend where weather in San Carlos is going to be sunny and low 70s. In addition, there are tons of other fun things to do on Laurel street!

Few of our favorites:

-Bow Wow Meow

Pet boutique where we purchased UV water fountain for our fur babies

http://www.bowwowmeow.net

-Town Restaurant

A popular steakhouse with creative drink menu and awesome brunch!

http://www.townsc.com/index.html

-Whole Life Natural Foods

Vitamins and supplements, holistic remedies and low carb bread

***Interesting Home Sale trend in San Carlos: http://peninsulahomesupdate.wordpress.com/san-carlos/

San Rafael - Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon

San Rafael is a city of neighborhoods. Surrounded by great natural beauty and mild weather. Temperature ranges between 80Fs during the summer days and goes to low/mid 70s at night. It’s comfortable enough to wear shorts and walk around and enjoy the area during time of the year.

There is a huge effort on promoting the Downtown business to make it a fun, safe and friendly place where people want to come and hang out!

Several events are coming up which makes this city to be a pet friendly place!

On October 5^th and 6^th, there is Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon, where there are hundreds of dogs, cats and small animals waiting to meet their new owners. In addition, there will be K-9s demonstrating crime busting skills. http://www.bayareapetfair.org/

Also on October 11th, Downtown San Rafael is holding “(Almost) Midnight in Paris”, an evening where everyone can  stroll, peruse art galleries, and enjoy music on the street. There will also be Poodle Parade, which we are very curious to check out! http://www.downtownsanrafael.org/

Castro Street Fair, San Francisco

The Castro District, commonly referenced as The Castro, is a neighborhood in Eureka Valley in San Francisco, California. It is one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States. The Castro had undergone transformation and remains as one of the most prominent symbols of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activism and events.

On October 6th, this wonderful community will be having a 40^th anniversary street celebration.  Hundreds of local artists, vendors, craftspeople, and organizations will celebrate the diversity of the neighborhood.

In addition, there will be entertainment! Artists such as “The Monster Show” winner of the Best Drag Show will be highlight of the year. Also “Jimmy Hits with Bubbles” will be there as well.

Check out the 2013 exhibitors, it’s extensive and looks like it’s going to be so much fun! http://www.castrostreetfair.org/index.php

Wine tasting in Belmont, Ca

Belmont is known for its wooded hills, views of the San Francisco Bay and stretches of open space. It is a quiet residential community in the midst of the culturally and technologically rich Bay Area. There is a strong sense of community and people connect with each other in all kinds of gathering places.

On September 30^th, we will have an opportunity to connect with Belmont residents at Vivace, a wonderful Italian restaurant and taste various wines from Rutherford, St. Helena, Yountville and much more! They will also be serving assorted appetizers.

We were at Vivace’s last event and truly had an awesome time. We also met many people and shared our enjoyment of various activities in Belmont such as 

• Off the Grid Belmont Food Truck http://www.yelp.com/biz/off-the-grid-belmont-belmont-3
• Water Dog Lake Park (a hidden hiking treasure) http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/waterdog.html, and of course, 
• Belmont Farmer’s Market http://www.pcfma.com/market_home.php?market_id=2. 

Interesting Market Trend in Belmont: http://peninsulahomesupdate.wordpress.com/belmont/

San Mateo Home Show

To all the home improvement enthusiasts, Home Show is coming to San Mateo starting September 27, 28 and 29!!!

The Home Show is an event catered to individuals in all stages of improving the look of their homes for a variety of reasons such as new home owners, potential owners who are interested in selling their home or those who would like to change the look of their homes.

http://homeshowmail.com/

This is the place where an individual get inspired with ample ideas that can enhance the comfort and functionality of the home, and of course as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.

We will be there to learn more from the experts the latest and hottest products in kitchens & Baths, landscaping, flooring and much much more! It’s free admission. We also plan to stop by Paul Martin’s American Grill (located at Hillsdale Mall) after the event for some yummy short ribs and salmon linguine! http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ZBfRSs6u0RdOrX4TkIo8hQ

Floating Boat

Imaging living on a floating boat…life would be a lot simpler! On September 21^st, we will have an opportunity to tour the colorful floating homes community within Sausalito marinas!

According to http://floatinghomes.org/, they have world famous floating community and is currently going through historic changes. It truly would be an honor to be part of the historical change. They will also be featuring local musicians and art show, not to mention great food and drinks will also be available.

It’s going to be one delightful magical tour!

Where to go?

There are a lot of activities happening this weekend since it’s Labor weekend and it’s going to be challenging to decide where to go!

San Mateo and Santa Clara County:

King Mountain Art Fair: http://www.kingsmountainartfair.org/

This is located in beautiful Woodside and they will feature some beautiful art pieces featured by some of our favorite artists!

For example, here is a piece by Marc Demian: this piece will look great above a fireplace!!

There is also Millbrae Art & Wine Festival: http://www.miramarevents.com/millbrae/?view=featured where classically car show and microbrew tasting tent will be the highlight of the fun as well!!

Marine County:

Sausalito Art Festival: http://sausalitoartfestival.org/

We were just there couple weeks ago and it was BEAUTIFUL! We elected to take the Ferry and go across the Bay, which is a great way to get there. Once got off in Sausalito, there were tons of shops, and restaurants.

Noe Valley, San Francisco

One of San Francisco’s many neighborhoods, Noe Valley contains many examples of the "classic" Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture for which San Francisco is famous for.

It is also a neighborhood of paradoxes: one will find both liberals and conservatives, the working class, dot.com millionaires, and Hollywood film crews ("Sister Act," "Nash Bridges").

We’ve heard about the storefront vandalism stand which conflicts with Noe's clean-cut image and the fact that it's full of upscale restaurants, and chic boutiques.

On August 22, we will have an opportunity to peruse this unique place while sampling wines, finger foods and other special treats by attending Noe Valley Wine Walk!  http://www.sresproductions.com/noe_valley_wine_walk.html

Let’s go to Redwood City, Ca!

Redwood City is becoming an entertainment destination! Together with historic Courthouse, plaza, theater, music, dance, cultural arts, and a lot more make Redwood City a great place to visit, live and invest. Especially downtown Redwood City where a lot of renovation had taken place in the past several years.

In addition, An eight-story, 196-unit apartment building is coming to a large parcel in downtown Redwood City. It is going to be a perfect fit those that seek a city’s “vibrant urban core.” 

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/07/23/hunterstorm-kilroy-get-go-ahead-for.html?page=all

 According to http://newsforchinese.com/v3/2013/06/慶助創報五週年老中地方新聞舉辦園遊會/, This weekend, Redwood City will be hosting cultural diversity by celebrating the first annual summer Cultural Festival! There will be gifts, antique furniture, Chinese customs, ping pong game, and much more!

Also, Hidden Dragon Kiosk by Crouching Tiger Restaurant in Redwood City will offer traditional Taiwanese night market delicacy. Food such as minced pork over rice (one of my absolutely favorite),  hand made Taiwanese sausages, and pearl milk tea. There is also going to be entertainment such as folk dance, noodle pulling demonstration, opera mask changing, traditional art of storytelling, and Chinese orchestra music. 

It’s going to be one fun weekend!

It's time to go shopping!

Loving San Francisco Bay Area can be contagious…so contagious that our clients decided to purchase properties in the gorgeous Peninsula Area. After days of viewing homes and hours of negotiation, we decided that we needed some time to go SHOPPING! Yes, shopping. One of the best places to go especially if you want value for the quality are the premium outlets.

We took our clients to Vacaville Outlet and oh boy, talk about shopping heaven!!!! http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=50

One can truly furnish a new home at the Outlet, stores such as Restoration Hardware, Kitchen Collection and Le Creuset. Of course one should also spoil her or himself by visiting Gucci, Burberry, Coach and many more. Many of these stores offer 40% + discounts. We got lucky on the day that we visited, because there were additional 50% discounts. WOW!!!

We are happy that our clients had a fruitful shopping journey (both in real estate and in a lot other of items!)

Garlic, garlic, garlic!!!!!

We cannot express how excited we are about the Garlic Festival that is coming up in Gilroy http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/ (July 26, 27, 28).

Imagine, everything that you can possible eat in GARLIC!!! Garlic bread, garlic fries, and even garlic ice cream!!!!! Gilroy is KNOWN for its garlic crop and of course the annual Garlic Festival. 

We are planning to incorporate “shopping” into our day trip by stopping at the Gilroy Outlet and check out some BCBG, Michael Kors and much more!  http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=23

Head to Burlingame, Ca

Burlingame is one of our favorite places to go. Not only they have some really nice restaurant, also it’s filled with boutiques, art galleries and etc. We learned that the city is names after Anson Burlingame who was an attorney and a diplomat, and the city was settled by wealthy San Franciscans looking for a better climate.

Yes, Burlingame does have GREAT climate. This weekend, it is anticipated to be in the high 70s, perfect for shopping at the farmer’s market (which is this Sunday, starts at 9am), then grab lunch at Straits and head to Music in the Park afterwards http://burlingame.org/index.aspx?page=9&recordid=8548&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

For dinner, Stella Alpine Osteria will be an awesome place to try (we call it a hidden treasure…we’ve not been there yet, but dying to try it!).

America's Cup

America's Cup is absolute amazing!!! It's truly a must go if you've not not experienced it already.

/http://blog.sfgate.com/americascup/map/

There are some some awesome restaurant close by as well. We went to One Market Restaurant and it was sooo yummy!!!!

So, what is coming up this weekend?

LOTS of things and we don't know which one we should go to!!!

In the Sonama/Napa area, there is Robert Mondavi Music Festival http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/index.cfm?method=pages.showPage&PageID=6ff4e4f6-bb70-23a3-b368-e0f2012e74fd&originalMarketingURL=Visit-Us/Concerts

Not only there is great music, there is also great wine.

There are also some really awesome restaurants nearby. We find Ad Hoc to be super memorable. We went there with our clients and truly enjoyed every bit. http://www.yelp.com/biz/ad-hoc-yountville-2#hrid:2FtMJauqt1Z9DgGcEqcerw

In San Francisco, of course there is the America’s Cup Races http://www.americascup.com/en/sanfrancisco which will continue throughout the whole month of July.

For people who have a true passion for food and wine, SF Chef is a must go!!! It's coming up starting July 28th to August 4th. 

Getting the weekend pass is great, just make sure lodging is near by so you can just go eat, go back to the hotel for a nap, then back to the tent to eat.

I know we can’t wait!

http://sfchefsfoodwine.ticketfly.com/

Launching our new blog!

Launching our new blog!

Bay Area is a great place to live! We love to explore various events that are happening and share with our readers who have the same passion for living here.

We were at the San Mateo County Fair and had a BLAST! https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/

Not only did the event had some great musicians, we also have great good, drinks and I got to pet the piggies (got true love for the piggies).

There is a Los Altos Wine Festival coming up the week of 7/8/13. http://www.downtownlosaltos.org/events/aw_main.html

Maybe we will see some of you out there!