EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S Letter

AS I SIT HERE WRITING THIS LETTER, THE GLOSSY SHEEN of the new year seems to be lost in a haze of more crazy news about COVID variants and global uncertainty. It’s all a bit frustrating, and I am sure you agree. However, in moments like these, we deserve some time away from the troubling news and the dark shadows cast by this cruel pandemic. So, while we can’t change the gray forecasts, we can bring you a little sunshine within the pages of this magazine. Our dedicated writers have worked hard to bring you articles that will inspire your day, take you on mini-vacations, and introduce you to some outstanding individuals.

In this issue, we celebrate prima ballerina Yuan Yuan Tan’s 25th anniversary with the San Francisco Ballet. I can’t imagine doing something as grueling as dancing en pointe for as long as she has. What an incredible feat!

A few months ago, I had the rare opportunity to spend an afternoon with Francesca Amfitheatrof, the famed Artistic Director Watches and Jewelry at Louis Vuitton. Along with chatting about being mothers and world travelers, she showed me her jaw-dropping collections. Francesca has personal relationships with the stones with which she works, and together, we held different pieces, letting the precious gems tell me their stories. Steph Keay wrote a fantastic article about Francesca and her fascinating life (page 34).

While the outside world might be a bit harsh, love still reigns. Becca Hensley showcases Valentine’s drool-worthy gifts this year (page 14). Readers who want to escape with their loves should read all about Garza Blanca Resort and Spa in Cabo, Mexico. They have taken romantic getaways to the next level (page 66). Finally, if you want to restart and recharge, we have the top seven wellness resorts for you on page 94.

Karen Wong of Harborview Restaurant & Bar shares a few family secret recipes with Sharon Seto on page 16. This is one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Her family’s story is one of determination, hard work, and dedication. If you can’t travel to China, then join Karen and her family for a feast at Harborview. The place is always bustling, and with outdoor seating overlooking the Embarcadero, it is one of the best spots to dine in the city.

Our faithful publisher, Olivia Decker, has done a phenomenal job of community outreach and has launched of series of concerts in 2022 titled Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. We hope to meet you at one of the outdoor venues in the months to come. You can find all the details in the magazine as well as online at HauteLivingSF.com.

I always love hearing from our readers, so feel free to send me an email with your story ideas or comments to Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com. Also, follow us on instagram @HauteLivingSF.

Wishing you all a bright 2022,

TERESA RODRIGUEZ

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

SAN FRANCISCO’S Contributors

CAROLYNE ZINKO

Carolyne Zinko has long kept her antennae on the high life. She is the former editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Silicon Valley magazine and, before that, was a San Francisco Chronicle reporter for 22 years, writing about everything from crime and court hearings to largerthan-life personalities and philanthropic leaders. She lives in Menlo Park with her husband, Dan Dieguez.

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 Colorectal 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.

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, 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.

ERIN HUNT MOORE

A connector, storyteller, mission-driven communicator, and mom, Erin

Hunt Moore lives with her family in beautiful Sonoma wine country.

A seasoned public relations and marketing consultant for over two decades, Erin has worked her PR magic for brands and companies on both U.S. coasts and in Germany, where she studied international relations and languages. A veteran of the food and beverage world, she now focuses her energies on supporting women entrepreneurs and thought leaders, companies, and brands leading with a strong social impact ethos and non-profit organizations pioneering change in the world.

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.

FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer for a variety of lifestyle publications and websites, editor-at-large for JustLuxe.com, and California editor for luxury travel concierge service Essentialist. Prior, she held positions in the fields of politics, television, and professional sports. She is proud to have established the Golden State Warriors’ first community relations department and programs. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retrievers, Reggie and Nate.

JENNIFER BODEN

Jennifer is a freelance wine, food, and travel writer based in beautiful Sonoma County and has an extensive career in journalism. She contributes to KRON 4 News San Francisco, ABC 10News San Diego, and others. Prior to her writing career, she worked for several network affiliates as a news anchor and executive producer. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.