Editor-in-Chief’s LETTER

TERESA RODRIGUEZ

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Haute Living San Francisco Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com www.HauteLivingSF.com

The one subject that has kept my spirits up during this crazy pandemic and my rough journey through COVID has been art—art in its many manifestations. So, we have dedicated this issue to ART and the incredible individuals who create the many masterpieces we adore. From songs to street paintings and healthy living to home-cooked meals, this issue shines a bright light on those whose art has illuminated our hearts during these dark times. While immobilized in bed for weeks, I relied on the sweet sounds of music to fill my heavy space with joy. One of those soulful voices was that of Paula West, San Francisco’s own jazz icon. Her sultry voice filled my rooms with vibrant melodies while I lay in bed, unable to move.

Food has always been one of my favorite forms of artistic ingenuity as seen through the eyes of chefs. Although we can’t join our friends at restaurants right now, we can still bring fine dining into our homes. During my weeks with COVID, Sharon Seto was kind enough to bring my daughter and me home-cooked delicacies regularly. The idea for our new Haute Kitchen section was sparked during Sharon’s many deliveries to my house. I praised her on how wonderful her cooking was, and she suggested that we share recipes through Haute Living: she could curate the content, test the recipes, and interview the individuals who shared their secrets. Our inaugural article features world-famous Tony Gemignani. Tony is a 13-time World Pizza Champion, and we all love Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach. Also included in the delicious lineup is my all-time favorite dessert created by our man-about-town, Aubrey Brewster.

Once I recovered enough to venture outside, I took walks through San Francisco. I always smiled when I came across a themed honey bear. Our intrepid writer, Stephanie Block, obtained an exclusive interview with the famous—yet faceless—street artist, fnnch, who is responsible for bringing smiles to thousands with nostalgic street art that spans the city from the walkways of Duboce Park to the many boarded-up storefronts throughout San Francisco. Fnnch has taken it upon himself to create meaningful artwork that brings us joy. Now a rising artist with countless commissions, our cover will be a collector’s issue, so I suggest you keep it safe!

We are excited to launch our new website as well: HauteLivingSF.com. You can find even more exciting stories, profiles, and travel updates on our beautiful site. Make sure to sign up to receive our weekly emails. Yes, the past few months have been challenging, but there is hope on the horizon. Each day, our lives slowly acclimate to the new normal. Like the world around us, our magazine is also evolving and transforming with relevant stories, profiles, information, and advice at this crucial time in our history. Thank you for joining us on this crazy ride.

In gratitude,

San Francisco’s CONTRIBUTORS

STEPHANIE BLOCK

Stephanie Block is a third-generation family partner in RNDC and Young’s Market Company. She holds a WSET 3 certification in wine and spirits and is a recent graduate of an executive MBA program from both Brown University and IE Madrid. Previously, Stephanie ran St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery’s social media and worked Napa harvest 2016. Stephanie has championed gender equality as a national board member of the US National Committee for UN Women and once traveled the globe as an award-winning travel writer. She has lived in six countries and visited over 80. Elle adore parler français.

JENNIFER RAISER

Jennifer Raiser walks between the worlds of strategy and storytelling. Along with being a mom, she is the bestselling author of five books, including Burning Man: Art on Fire, In the Spirit of Napa Valley, and The Art of Being Bill Murray. She works in marketing consulting and is an avid nonprofit board junkie. Her BA in English literature and MBA, both from Harvard University, are her prerequisite for writing about swell parties. You can find her at the hottest parties in San Francisco or on the Playa at Burning Man.

MARIA CASTELLUCCI

Entrepreneur, first generation American, and mother of three children, Maria Castelucci earned her BA in finance in 2001 from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship. She later studied at New York University and the London School of Economics. Maria took a strong interest in global affairs, which led her to become an ambassador for nonprofit foundation Roots of Peace. In 2012 with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand that has expanded into the boutique hotel business. She now runs two inns, a wine label, and a family real estate development company.

SHARON SETO

A graduate of Golden Gate University and serial entrepreneur, Sharon loves the excitement and creativity of the business world and its people. Her addiction to business ventures began with the acquisition of the El Cid Building, site of the famous SF Jazz Mural. She has served as a board member, fundraiser, and event chair for nonprofit organizations, including the SF Symphony Board of Governors, City College of San Francisco Foundation Board, Red Cross Board, National Colo-rectal Cancer Alliance Board, SF Ballet, and Dress for Success.

STEPH KEAY

Steph Keay is a Canadian freelance and technical writer currently based in Silicon Valley. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, she spent a summer in Croatia assisting The Yacht Week with events management on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Formerly in PR/marketing, she has also placed stories for a variety of clients—including tech leaders, international artists, and acclaimed actors and musicians—with ABC, FOX, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News, American Way, and others. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring, photography, and travel—all of which she documents on on her website, StephKeay.com.

SAMARA DIAPOULOS

Samara Diapoulos is an award-winning public relations and marketing leader who has represented and promoted the world’s leading hotels, artists, and luxury lifestyle brands. After serving as the director of public relations for Fairmont San Francisco, she founded Samara Public Relations. Throughout her career, Samara has forged strategic partnerships to raise funds for nonprofit organizations including Meals on Wheels and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Samara graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. in English literature.

LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen and dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities. As a San Francisco-based travel writer, she enjoys views from its crazy signature hills following half-a-lifetime promoting her two hometowns — a couple of oh-so-flat places: New York City and London. Laurie’s byline is found in USA Today, CBS, Where Traveler, Haute Living, Epicure, Frommers, Fast Company, Napa Valley Life Magazine, Food & Travel Magazine, Eater, Google Touring Bird, and other major media titles. She was awarded Yahoo Contributor of the Year and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.

BECCA HENSLEY

A bon vivant journalist who believes travel is the ultimate celebration of life, awash with lessons waiting to be learned, widely-published, Texas-based Becca Hensley is travel editor for New Orleans Bride and editor-at-large for Insider’s Guide to Spas. In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.