Scene THE EAST BAY WOMAN’S GUIDE TO STYLE
WINTER MAGIC HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
WINTER 2010
U.S. $5.95
HIGH HEEL HEAVEN— OR HELL? YOUR MONEY AND YOUR LIFE STAR WOMEN CHEFS
The season’s essentials, from coats to clutches Plus: The best LBD for you
Š2010 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment shown is extra.
Somewhere out there, a 911 just did a double take. The new 2011 Cayenne has been completely reengineered to resemble only one thing: nothing you’ve ever seen before. Catch a glimpse, and see each of its lines redrawn to connect more strongly to over 60 years of racing legend. Enter its more luxurious interior and be quickly reminded of how that legend lives on, as it takes your breath away while using less fuel. So come in for a test drive. The all-new 2011 Cayenne feels as great as it looks. Porsche. There is no substitute.
The new Cayenne. Experience a new level of utility and performance.
Michael Stead Porsche 2555 N. Main St. Walnut Creek, CA 94597 (925) 280-4900 Showroom hours M-F 8AM-8PM Sat 9AM-6PM Sun 11AM-6PM
7 FOR ALL MANKIND AVEDA BURBERRY BCBG CRATE & BARREL JUICY COUTURE KATE SPADE SEPHORA
Cocktail Dress. Teddy Bear. Date Night. Some things are just essential.
The Essentials Of Style.™ WWW.BROADWAYPLAZA.COM | TWITTER.COM/BROADWAY_PLAZA
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 3
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at Macy's, where it all comes together
MICHAEL KORS Add a little sparkle to your wardrobe with rose goldtone chronographs. From top: Two-tone. $250. WebID 485119 Crystal bezel and markers. $225. WebID 485098 Crystal bezel. $250. WebID 468435 Enter the WebID in the search box at macys.com to order.
MACY’S BY APPOINTMENT Call Linda Lee and her personal shoppers for our free service. Call 1-800-343-0121. Advertised items may not be at your local Macy’s. Prices and merchandise may differ on macys.com. 0100105. For store locations and hours, on to macys.com WINTER 2010 log • SCENE • 5
6 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
UGG® AUSTRALIA
THE BEST GIFTS START WITH Choose from new and classic styles for men, women and kids. Visit your favorite Nordstrom store, go to nordstrom.com or call 1.800.933.3365. Share your UGG® photos and stories with us at nordstrom.com/itstartswithu.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 7
Connect with us:
AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER
DEC 2–24
by Music by
Charles Dickens
Karl Lundeberg
Adapted by
Choreography by
Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh
Val Caniparoli
The cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Kevin Berne.
Based on the original direction by Carey
Directed by Domenique
Perloff
FAMILY FOUR-PACK SALE Four tickets for the price of two—packages start at $34.* *Must purchase by November 15. Check online for performance dates and availability. Not valid for VIP seating areas. Limit 8 tickets. Use code CAROLCC when ordering by phone or online at www.act-sf.org/promotions. Subject to availability.
8 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Lozano
“This is a Carol built to banish ‘bah humbugs’ for years to come.” OAKLAND TRIBUNE
“A holiday treat for the entire family!” KGO RADIO
ASK ABOUT VIP SEATING Enjoy the best seats in the house, a limited-edition souvenir book, access to the Carol Lounge during intermission, and delicious intermission treats.
BRING A GROUP, SAVE A BUNDLE! Groups of 15+ receive discounts of up to 50% , free tickets for group leaders, and much more.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 9
table of contents
62
104
96
88
features winter style
icons
62 Timeless Chic
88 Agent of Change
Sublime, structured classics keep a changing world familiar. Plus: Clutches. By Donna Kato and Stephanie Grace Lim
76 The LBD Primer Best Little Black Dress for you, and how to take it from day to evening. By Donna Kato and Stephanie Grace Lim Plus: Why I love my LBDs. By Donna Kato
84 Spring’s Hottest Trends A season of color, retro styles, Asian influence and more. By Donna Kato
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Mackenzie Lesher’s focus on leadership – her own and growing others’ – is making a difference. By Bonnie Wach. Photos by Jose Carlos Fajardo
96 A Good Pairing She’s a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock ’n’ roll: Christine and Karl Wente lead the family business into a new era. By Julia Prodis Sulek. Photos by Patrick Tehan
special report 104 The Lady Is a Chef Women are cooking up inventive, superb dishes all over the Bay Area. We shine a light on Sarah Kirnon, Barbara Llewellyn and Esin deCarion. By Bonnie Wach
Stylishly Different ANTHROPOLOGIE RESTORATION HARDWARE PATRICK JAMES COA MEXICAN CUISINE STOMP WINE LOUNGE LAURUS BISTRO R E A D . B O O K S B L A C K H AW K G R I L L E JELLYFISH SPA SEE JANE RUN GEORGIOU CRUNCH FITNESS GEOFFREY I SCOTT DOLLHOUSE LINGERIE DRAEGER’S MARKET A shopping experience like no other, at a place unlike anywhere else. Follow us on
4020 Blackhawk Plaza Circle | Danville, CA 94506 925.736.2751 | www.blackhawkplaza.com WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 11
table of contents
departments 21 The Insider
Beauty Report
Decompress with spa therapy; gifts for guys; local style news. By Stephanie Simons
29 Indulge Winter whites: Pearls, diamonds and platinum, oh my! Plus divine timepieces. By Janet Kim Paik
51
High-heel heaven – or hell. How to take care of your feet and still wear stilettos. By Melinda Sacks
54
Reality TV star and local girl Cheryl Burke on dancing in high heels.
122 Getaways Near: Luxe lodges go green. By Katharine Fong Far: Splendid Istanbul. By Lynda McDonnell and Steve Brandt
38 Shop Talk Antiques? Mais oui! And much more from Souvenir and Place Bellecour. By Crystal Chow
43 Body & Soul
174 Seen Who wore what to “On Broadway”; Scene’s bash at the Blackhawk Museum.
Sharon Kedar on why women need to know their “money history.” By Melinda Sacks
38 54
150
home & design 129 At the Table
146 In the Garden
Murray Circle’s Chef Joseph Humphrey. By Katharine Fong
138 Haute Stuff
White blooms are pure elegance. By Joan Jackson
150 Interiors
Tools and treasures for your holiday table. Don’t entertain without them. By Crystal Chow
Home stagers on showing off your best asset. By Deborah Petersen Swift
142 Solutions Avoid holiday stress with these timely tips. By Brenda Gutierrez 12 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Ideas 162 164
A room of your own. By Kim Cook A room for your kids. By Melissa Rayworth
As you take responsibility for your
Health
We specialize in educating you to improve and maintain your health.
W
e make available a book library, a computer program and an Internet site to advance our customers’ knowledge. Our book library provides an in-depth selection of nutritional books. In addition, our well-informed and educated staff is available for consultation.
• Harvest House stocks the largest bulk selection in Northern California - 700 items and growing. We specialize in difficult-tofind items. • What we don’t have on hand, we gladly special order. Mail and phone orders are also accepted.
Special Dietary Needs? • We offer a wide variety of specialty foods and are committed to fulfilling your needs. • Gluten free • wheat free • dairy free • no salt or sugar added • low salt • low glycemic • vegan • lactose free
Large Bulk Food Selection • Buy just the amount you need – an ounce or a ton • Huge Selection of teas • rice • coffee • nuts • seeds • grains • flour and baking • dried fruit • condiments • snacks & more
Huge Selection of Supplements • One of the most complete supplement walls in Northern California! • Fish Oils • Folic Acid • Ester-C • Women’s Vitamins • Choline • Bioflavonoids • Calcium and Much More
Natural Cosmetics and Facial Cleaners • Mineral make-up • Hair care products • Aroma therapy oils • Bath, body and dental care • Facial masks and toners
Our 33rd Year of Business 2395 Monument Blvd. • Concord (925) 676-2305 Fax: (925) 676-2443 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 7pm Join us on the net: www.Harvesthouse.com
Your Natural Food Store WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 13
offers sultry cosmetics, pampering treatments and flirty fragrances to keep you glowing from head to toe.
OUR GIFT TOYOU. Simply bring in this ad and spend $50 to receive a complimentary Beauty 360 cosmetic bag with samples of products. Plus get two $10 Beauty 360 gift certificates for both you and a friend.
Visit beauty360.com for more information on events, services and store locations. Become a fan on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
Offer is redeemable in-store only. No cash back. While supplies last. For full details and terms, visit your local Beauty 360 store. Offer cannot be combined with any other Beauty 360 coupon. Offer valid: 11/19/10 – 12/31/10 .
14 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Katharine Fong Editor & Publisher Rebecca Hall-Lucero Art Director Donna Kato Contributing Fashion & Beauty Editor Crystal Chow Melinda Sacks Julia Prodis Sulek Contributing Writers Joanne Ho-Young Lee Patrick Tehan Contributing Photographers Rebecca Parr Copy Editor Scene Magazine Vol. 2, No. 3, copyright 2010 by the Bay Area News Group All rights reserved. Material herein may not be reprinted without expressed written consent of the publisher. Make sure you receive every issue of Scene Magazine. Email scene@bayareanewsgroup.com, or write to Scene Magazine, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Visit us at SceneBayArea.com Join us on Facebook Facebook.com/SceneBayArea
Join us! Our Spring 2011 issue publishes April 1 and features the season’s fashions, trendsetting shops, a look at locals making a difference and more.
Josie Lepe
Scene A season to give – and to save This is the time of the year we dig deep, and give generously. We strive to do this year-round, of course, but holiday spirit makes it an especially good time to give. We can’t take care of others, however, unless we take care of ourselves. Not in a self-indulgent way, as in splurging on a pair of designer shoes or a spur-of-themoment trip to Paris. Rather, says financial literacy advocate and author Sharon Kedar, we should be thinking long-term about our personal finances so we can operate – including contributing to our favorite charities – from a position of strength. “So that money doesn’t hold you back,” Kedar says. The big problem, says Kedar, interviewed in this issue (“Your Money and Your Life,” Page 43), is that many women don’t like to think about money, or talk about it with their significant others. Worse, they don’t understand their “money history” – what shaped their attitudes toward money and drives their interactions around it. They need to. “Understanding your money history and your relationship with money will help you know if it is enabling you or sabotaging you,” Kedar says. “[It] directly impacts your happiness, peace of mind and ability to achieve your dreams and goals.” Also critical, Kedar says: Women should be saving more. Women often find themselves in difficult financial straits later in life – because they tend to live longer than men, and because their pensions and savings are generally smaller. The good news is that getting a grip on your finances – whether you’re 20-something or close to retirement – gives you more power and control over your life, now and in the future. And that, I think, is a great gift to yourself, and to others. Happy holidays.
Katharine Fong Editor & Publisher
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 15
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Scene
contributors
David Rounds President & Publisher Bay Area News Group/East Bay
Michael Turpin Vice President, Advertising & Marketing Bay Area News Group John Stoeser Director, Community Information & Targeted Delivery Bay Area News Group Jenny Kohler Director, Retail Advertising Bay Area News Group/East Bay Steve Weimer Targeted Publications Director
Stephanie Grace Lim has been nationally recognized for her photography, illustration and design, and has been featured in Life Magazine, People, Photographer’s Forum and Print. In addition to her work as a designer and graphic artist, she’s been a hip-hop dance teacher, taiko drummer, wushu ninja and creativity speaker. stephaniegracelim.com
Monica Balistreri Product Manager Cissi Holmgren-Kates Advertising Production Manager Timothy Tsun & Ad Services Advertising Design For advertising information, call 925.943.8259. Copyright 2010 Bay Area News Group
scene advisory board Heidi Ashworth Author Kelly McKenzie Hansen Marketing Manager, Wente Family Estates Marcie Hochhauser Vice President, Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Lisa Nevares
Ashleigh Tharp Blackhawk Plaza Marketing Director, CenterCal Properties Nicole Tucker Tucker Associates Real Estate Services Carrie Williams Director of Marketing & Business Development, Stoneridge Shopping Center
Donna Lynn Rhodes Marketing Maven & Owner, donnalynn Creative
Monica Balistreri Product Manager Scene Magazine Deborah Nordstrom Marketing/Promotional Manager, Bay Area News Group
Kerry Hiroshi Paul has lived and worked in the Bay Area since 1973. He specializes in commercial and editorial photography, and also enjoys exploring the California landscape and coastal regions with a camera. You can see his work at kerryhiroshipaulphotography.com.
Karen Peterson Retail Advertising Sales Manager, Bay Area News Group
Melinda Sacks is a former staff reporter for the Mercury News, where she covered family, community and education issues. She has written for Stanford magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Peninsula magazine and other print and online publications. She is director of media initiatives at Stanford University’s Office of Public Affairs.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 17
Quality construction and exclusively designed for comfort that lasts
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO 415 El Camino Real (One mile north of Tanforan Mall) SANTA CLARA 2550 El Camino Real (1/2 block north of San Tomas) PLEASANT HILL 626 Contra Costa Blvd. (1 block north of Sun Valley Mall) SAN JOSE 1030 Blossom Hill Rd. (87 to Santa Teresa or 85 to Almaden Expwy, south)
18 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
650-875-7505 408-249-9295 925-685-4555 408-265-5800
UNION CITY 30650 Dyer St. (Union Landing near Wal Mart) PLEASANTON 5225 Johnson Dr. (Behind Smartand Final) EMERYVILLE 5800 Christie Ave. (Formerly Good Guys) FRESNO 3566 West Shaw Ave. (between Marty and Valentine)
510-471-6130 925-463-1243 510-654-4500 559-276-2000
Furniture for the way you live!
Come in now for savings on all our upholstery and tables
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Glamour Holiday Magic
The ultimate luxury fashion boutique featuring authentic designer purses, fashion accessories, jewelry, shoes, men’s apparel and women’s couture, exclusively designed and created by Sadia herself.
NEW YORK
|
PA R I S
|
MILAN
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TOKYO
|
PHILIPPINES
HERMÈS • LOUIS VUITTON • CHANEL • PRADA • GUCCI • FENDI • GIVENCHY • CHRISTIAN DIOR MARC JACOBS • YVES SAINT LAUREN • THOMAS WYLDE • CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER • TRUE RELIGION Streets of Brentwood • 2475 Sand Creek Road., Suite 112 • Brentwood, CA 94513 • 925-516-4760
w w w. g l a m o r a b y s a d i a . c o m 20 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
the insider
operation indulgence Make the most of holiday spa therapy with tips from a pro By Stephanie Simons How best to decompress? We spoke with Changes Salon & Day Spa’s Bonnie Waters: What’s the importance of a time-out to take care of yourself this time of year? The holiday season brings feelings of love and cheer, but it’s also a time of stress – the damp, cold weather; trying to pick the perfect gift; indulging in fatty, sugary foods and alcohol at holiday parties. Personal pampering time can reduce your stress level and avoid seasonal illnesses. Lymphatic or pure-energy massages are the perfect antidotes to low immunity.
Any tips for “blissing out” at home? Light a candle, play soft music and fill the tub with your favorite essence; treat your knees, elbows or entire body to a gentle buffing scrub; then towel off and lovingly massage your body with lotion before slipping into bed for rejuvenating rest.
What’s your winter pampering prescription? You can undo sun damage with a rejuvenating facial peel. A hot stone massage, cocooning wrap or steam canopy session offsets winter’s chill; moisturizing treatments help dry, dehydrated skin. For a quick pick-me-up after a day of shopping or before a big night out, look into “self-applied” [do-it-yourself] services. Ours include the use of our steam therapy lounge and cost as little as $25. Or think about sharing a mini spa getaway with a significant other, mother, daughter or BFF. What tips do you have for making a spa treatment even more enjoyable? Arrive early to relax and enjoy steam therapy. With the exception of express services, we always recommend allowing time to relax following the service — avoid jumping back into holiday activity too quickly.
Changes Salon & Day Spa, 1475 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925.947.1814, changessalon.com
What’s the best way to hint to “Santa” for your very own spa day this season? Leave a note for your partner with a clipping or business card. Or keep an ongoing “My Heart’s Desire” list with all relevant information – i.e. where, when, how to make it happen. At the Changes website, you can click on “Drop a Hint” and enter your information and ideal gift. We’ll do all the hint-dropping for you. Or just book a weekend getaway to a relaxing place, or sign up for couples yoga or massage. WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 21
the insider
gifts for guys These East Bay boutiques are cool bets for dapper dude-centric threads and accessories
Kerry Hiroshi Paul
By Stephanie Simons
1335 S Main St., Walnut Creek, 925.280.6747, trueclothing.net
22 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Kerry Hiroshi Paul
Perfect for: The streetwise suburbanite. Shopping scene: A spinoff of the original San Francisco locations, True stocks rogue beanies bearing the store’s signature logo, Casio G-Shock watches in an assortment of eye-catching colors and clothing with get-noticed sayings like, “It’s fun to do bad things” (perfect for the rascal on Santa’s naughty list). This store is the destination for fitted caps galore and will offer its own line of sunglasses and wallets. Labels: Jordan, Undefeated, L-R-G, Akomplice, Adidas, Nike. What we’re gifting: The perfect combo of a beanie and tee by Ongaku, adored by club-going music lovers for its beat machine graphics.
Kerry Hiroshi Paul
true
convert
Kristen Loken
Perfect for: The eco-conscious hipster. Shopping scene: A fresh — and much lauded — addition to Berkeley’s Fourth Street, Convert boasts sleek interiors, locally made art and a truly stylish collection of sustainably produced and environment-friendly streetwear. (Pssst! Snap up a Kim White handbag for yourself — they’re made from vintage automotive fabrics.) Labels: Spiewak, Obey, SLVDR, Oaklandish, Life After Denim. What we’re gifting: The “quilted sweatshirt” by Cameo (a Convert exclusive), a Crate gingham shirt and organic, Berkeley-made Pact underwear in Crayola-bright prints. 1809-B Fourth St., Berkeley, 510.649.9759, convertstyle.com
Perfect for: The urban-cool guy next door. Shopping scene: Be sure to take your boyfriend or husband with you — this rugged haberdashery serves up old-school straight razor shaves from its barber chair on Wednesdays and Fridays (by appointment), and a premium denim bar with dungarees by Hudson, Joe’s, Citizens of Humanity. Labels: Converse by John Varvatos, George Ross, English Tees, 7 Diamonds. What we’re gifting: A dashing button-down shirt by Robert Graham, plus the Art of Shaving Power Shave Set. The smoother his skin, the more … kisses. 175 E Prospect Ave. #150, Danville, 925.831.8500, shop-edge.com
Amy Mayerson
edge
daskalos
Kerry Hiroshi Paul
Perfect for: The elegant gent. Shopping scene: Polos and pinstripes prevail at this family-owned Broadway Plaza boutique, which stocks a supremely edited selection of classics-driven sportswear, made-to-measure suits, robes, undergarments and the all-important items that pull a look together (think old-fashioned seven-fold silk ties and cufflinks that function as dice). Labels: Canali, Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tateossian. What we’re gifting: A cashmere sweater with faux suede trim by Robert Talbott Carmel and Jhane Barnes socks, which look like works of art. 1243 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, 925.937.1808, daskalosfashions.com
Perfect for: The metro man. Shopping scene: A Walnut Creek favorite that keeps it casual — even the business clothes are built for play and wool slacks by Suitable fit like jeans. Count on a handsome lineup of designer jeans to live in, distressed hoodies, logo tees, fedoras and cadet caps. Perfect for the guy who worships at the altar of GQ. Labels: Diesel, G-Star Raw, Ben Sherman. What we’re gifting: A $20 certificate for in-store “hand detailing” services (roughly translated as a no-frills, no-fuss man’s manicure) and handmade, stackable bracelets by Ettika. We’re not the only ones who love jewelry. 1356 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, 925.933.8050, atlasshops.com
Kerry Hiroshi Paul
atlas
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 23
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the insider a line of her own
spice up your boots– and your bags
East Bay retailer Alina Bialobrodska, whose clothing and accessories shop Alina B. graces downtown Walnut Creek, has designed her own collection of stylish sweaters and tops. Bialobrodska is known for bringing back trendy items from her numerous trips to Europe – often several seasons before the same styles made their way into other boutiques. Her new label Alina + Nicoletta (her counterpart in Italy) is a sophisticated knit collection made in Italy of merino wool and described as “Italian-inspired looks with a twist to fit the fashion-forward American woman’s lifestyle.” The color palette is perfect for fall and winter. Prices start at $195. 1378 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, 925.952.9037, alinab.com
Give your old boots a new look with a pair of Bandits or Riders. Jewelry designers Erica Chan and Tamar Wider, founders of Berkeley-based The Two Bandits, created a line of handmade fabric accessories (Bandits, worn toward the top of the boot) and adjustable leather and chain harnesses (Riders, worn at the base of the boot) that work with almost any type of boot, no matter the heel height or width. And this season you can customize your handbag with their new collection of bag charms. In select online and local stores, and at The2Bandits.com.
local style sweet deal at olive
ahhh...for eyes What to do when puffy eyes or an eyestrain-induced headache threaten to ruin your day? Reach for eyecandy, soothing eye coolers that you store in the fridge, then pop into the freezer or a glass of ice water for a few minutes before placing over your baby blues (or greens, browns, hazels...). The reusable, travel-friendly soft gels, made by EVLooks of Danville, beat messy tea bags or cucumbers, as well as those bulky eye masks. And EVLooks donates a portion of all proceeds to breast cancer research. $10 a pair at eyecandycoolers.com.
Those fab skinny cargo pants in our fashion feature (see Page 65) are from Olive boutique in Danville, and there’s a lot more great stuff in the store – and online. So check it out, and save: Scene readers get 15 percent off all in-store or Internet orders on regular priced items through Feb. 28, 2011. With its motto “fashion with a conscience,” Olive showcases stylish and sustainable clothing, accessories, jewelry, skin care and handbags. 730 Camino Ramon, Suite 130, Danville, 925.362.0767; and shopoliveboutique.com (enter the code Olive&Scene at checkout).
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 25
Back Pain And Sciatica Pain Alert!
New Medical Breakthrough Treatment Protocol Eliminates Severe Disc and Nerve Pain of the Worst Kind If you are suffering with Severe Back or Nerve pain, despite all the treatments that have failed you in the past, you may now have hope of eliminating your pain with our New, Advanced Non-Surgical Laser and Disc Treatment protocols now available in the East Bay Area. Many of our techniques were featured on a episode of the FOX TV hit “The Doctors”
Are you still suffering from Pain after trying many types of tradition treatments? Medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, Epidural Injections. Are you contemplating having surgery. Although operations are necessary for some patients, we have seen many patients who have had surgery, and are as bad, or worse after the surgery. Our Advanced Non-Surgical Treatment Methods are the most cutting edge, and are proven a safe and effective alternative to surgery for many patients. Our treatment methods repair damaged tissues, speed nerve healing, reduce inflammation, and stop pain. Don’t Risk the pain and side effects of Drugs and injections, or the risks of surgery. Deep Tissue Laser Treatment is an innovative, scientifically based, therapeutic modality. This new technology offers advanced pain relief and expedited healing times through a process known as photobiostimulation. Deep Tissue Laser Treatment delivers, deep, penetrating, photonic (light) energy to bring about profound physiological changes. ATP (Adenosine-triphosphate) production is increased, inflammation and pain reduced and circulation increased at the site of pain. These changes in cellular chemistry are triggered by the deep tissue laser making it a true healing modality. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery, and there are no known side effects or risks that may occur with other forms of treatment. In addition, it can often achieve results faster than other treatment modalities. During the treatment the patient will feel a deep soothing warmth. This pleasant sensation reassures the patient that the laser is stimulating cellular activity. Low Level Laser enhances metabolic activity at the cellular level, without generating tissue-damaging heat. Some of the benefits of laser treatment include: • Fast reduction of pain • Improvement of nerve function • Reduction of muscle spasms • Speeding of tissue repair • Development of muscle tissue and collagen • Reduction of inflammation, swelling and scar tissue formation • Pain reduction immediately
The Deep Tissue laser, approved by the FDA in 2006, packs a punch while remaining non-invasive. The laser is capable of reaching depths of 6 to 9 inches, with a treatment beam of up to 3 inches. Because the laser reaches deep into the tissues, it is ideal for treating sprains and strains, arthritis, calcified muscles and fibrotic adhesions, as well as intra-articular tissues inside of the joints. Its far-reaching capabilities also allow the laser to achieve better results in less time than most cold lasers currently used today. With treatment times of as little as 5 to 15 minutes, the laser allows many conditions to vastly improve within a few visits. Oftentimes, patients find immediate, soothing relief that improves with each treatment. A partial list of the kind of conditions that can be helped… • Herniated/Bulging Discs • Neuropathy Pain • Protruding Discs/Slipped Discs • Degenerative Discs • Spinal Fusion • Burning/Tingling Feet • Sciatica Pain • Burning/Tingling Legs • Stenosis • Sports Injuries • Back Pain & Spinal Conditions • Sprains & Strains • Leg Pain • Knee Pain • Leg/Foot Numbness • Arthritic Pain You owe it to yourself to see if our advanced treatment protocols can relieve your pain! If you are tired of living with pain and would like to see if you qualify for deep tissue laser treatment call 925-516-5855 for a FREE CONSULTATION right now.
Dr. Miller has seen such dramatic fast pain relief with Deep Tissue Laser Treatment, that he offers one FREE treatment to see if you respond and if you are a candidate for this revolutionary new non-surgical pain relieving treatment. Due to the overwhelming response to this type of offer, this offer will be good for the first 37 callers. If the lines are busy, keep trying.
SYNERGY Laser and Pain Relief Center 375 Diablo Rd., Suite 100 • Danville 94526 • 925-516-5855 26 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
*Does not apply to federal beneficiaries
Consignment
Jewelry
Once you’ve bought consignment jewelry, you’ll never want to pay retail again!
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www. TheHomeConsignmentCenter.com WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 27
Oh What Fun
it is to Drive...
Diablo MAZDA in Walnut Creek
2646 North Main Street | 925.937.6900 | DiabloMazda.com | Take a Test Drive Today!
28 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
indulge
Handcrafted Sakura ring of white South Sea and Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold with mother-ofpearl flower accent by Mikimoto, starting at $12,000 at CH Premier Jewelers.
winter whites The enduring allure of pearls and diamonds For the modern woman, pearls possess the enduring qualities that are unapologetically classic and elegant. Whether worn as studs or as a strand, they have the power to transform an outfit to simple luxury. Add in diamonds, and the white duo makes a sparkling statement, elevating every woman’s personal style. Pearls and diamonds: a maximum of elegance, and a minimum of ornamentation. By Janet Kim Paik
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 29
South Sea white pearls, 18 inches with diamond accented clasp, $8,850; multicolor Tahitian pearls, 18 inches with diamond accented clasp, $6,995; both at Heller Jewelers.
Necklace with 16 round brilliant diamonds set in 14-karat white gold, total weight 12.96 carats, $12,888 at Dioro Jewelers.
18-karat white gold and diamond snowflake and diamond necklace designed by Leslie Greene, $6,665 at Heller Jewelers.
LovePod rose gold pavé diamond rings, from left: 0.37 total carat weight, $1,895; 0.19 total carat weight, $980; 0.07 total carat weight, $490; all at Pandora.
Mimi So 18-karat white gold and white diamonds bow ring, $9,200 at Lustre.
Platinum vintagestyle dangle earrings with pavé set diamonds, $4,725 at Joe Escobar Diamonds. Three-stone diamond ring set in white gold, starting at $4,950, at Estates Consignments.
18-karat white gold and diamond drop earrings, 6.14 total carat weight, $25,900 at Heller Jewelers.
30 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Sterling silver ring with diamond, 0.024 total carat weight, with white pearl, $265 at Pandora.
Sterling silver post earrings with diamond, 0.02 total carat weight, with white pearl, $245 at Pandora.
Stories Collection white pearl necklace, $210 at Pandora.
indulge Sterling silver diamond-cut sparkle necklace with freshwater cultured pearl, $99 at Garden of Gems.
Sterling silver, 18-karat gold pearl pendant, $800; sterling silver, 18-karat gold chain accented with pearls and diamonds, $925; both designed by Judith Ripka at Heller Jewelers.
Trio of stacking bracelets in 18-karat white gold and pavé set with black and white diamonds, starting at $1,075 each, at Joe Escobar Diamonds.
Edwardian-period necklace, ca. 1915, with natural seed pearls; diamonds in platinum medallion and connecting plates with an estimated total weight of 4.60 carats; $23,700 at Gleim the Jeweler.
Handcrafted Sakura necklace of white South Sea cultured pearls and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold with mother-of-pearl flower accents by Mikimoto, starting at $12,000 at CH Premier Jewelers.
Sterling silver diamond-cut sparkle bangle with freshwater cultured pearls, $229 at Garden of Gems.
Early 20th-century platinum and gold brooch with approximately 3.84 carats European-cut diamonds and natural pearl, $13,800 at Gleim the Jeweler.
Handcrafted platinum ring with 3.01 carat radiant-cut diamond and 1.30 carat trillion- and round-cut diamonds by JB Star, starting at $93,000 at CH Premier Jewelers.
Handcrafted platinum ring with 4.01 carat oval diamond and 2.61 carat half-moon and round diamonds by JB Star, starting at $93,000 at CH Premier Jewelers.
Diamond dome bracelet and ring in 18-karat white gold, $60,000 and $20,000 at Tiffany & Co.
Sterling silver diamond-cut sparkle hoop earrings with fresh-water cultured pearls, $119 at Garden of Gems.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 31
Buy map. Throw dart. The 2011 Outback. The adventurer’s vehicle of choice. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive grips whatever comes your way. An efficient transmission gives you an enviable 29 mpg. Best of all, it’s built in a zero landfill plant, so you can indulge your urge to explore, responsibly. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
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indulge
all the time Make a statement with these stylish and elegant timepieces
resources CH Premier Jewelers Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1235, Santa Clara, 408.983.2688, chpremier.com Dioro Jewelers 604 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville, 925.837.2340; 888 Brannan St. #182, San Francisco, 415.864.8525, diorojewelers.com Estates Consignments 1500 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 925.682.6800, estatesconsignments.com
Both Harry Winston, Lady Ocean Moon Phase: 18-karat white gold, with 57 brilliant diamonds around bezel; mother-of-pearl and diamond set dials highlight phases of the moon and date, starting at $39,000 at CH Premier Jewelers.
Garden of Gems 2235 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, 510.741.5400 Gleim the Jeweler 111 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.325.3533, gleimjewelers.com Heller Jewelers 2005 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon, 925.904.0200, hellerjewelers.com Joe Escobar Diamonds 450 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408.341.0300, joeescobardiamonds.com Lustre Precious Gems Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1099, Santa Clara, 408.296.3686, lustrepreciousgems.com Pandora Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1040, Santa Clara, 408.615.1417, pandora.net
Bedat No. 8 Extravaganza: 18-karat white gold, mother-ofpearl dial, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, $75,000 at Lustre.
Hermès Arcole Mini: 18-karat rose gold, white diamonds with white mother-ofpearl dial, $90,325 at Lustre.
Atlas Cocktail Watch: 18-karat white gold with 197 diamonds, white mother-ofpearl dial, white satin-finish strap and diamond clasp, $23,000 at Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. 1119 S. Main St., Walnut Creek, 925.939.6300; 149 Stanford Shopping Center, H-149, Palo Alto, 650.328.2552; Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1247, Santa Clara, 408.243.7771; tiffany.com
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place bellecour Vintage décor for the connoisseur Almost half of the items at Place Bellecour are from France, homeland of shop owner Chantal Courturier, above. In the winter, lamps and chandeliers tend to be popular with shoppers.
Hours: 10-5 Tuesday through Saturday, as well as by appointment 887 Industrial Road #A, San Carlos 650.575.3701 placebellecour.com
38 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Chantal Couturier, proprietor of Place Bellecour, has but one criterion for what she sells in this 6,400-square-foot showroom: It must be well-balanced and easy on the eye. In other words, if your taste runs to exquisite vintage home décor, you will get an eyeful here. Close to half of the inventory is of French origin; the rest is Asian, Spanish, Italian and American. Be prepared to be charmed, for example, by a Louis XV-era writing desk, or a wooden carousel horse from the Philippines. Best-sellers include chandeliers, accent pieces, small tables and mirrors, but there will always be something new for repeat visitors. Couturier picks up items from auctions, other dealers and an annual trip to her native France. Four dealers besides herself are represented, each of whom sells one to two substantial pieces a week. There are plenty of paintings, too, if your walls are begging for coverage. One artist, Frenchman Bernard Renot, specializes in “moods and moments, places and people’’ and has a small gallery of his own. “In November, more dining tables are sold,’’ Couturier says, “and in winter, more lighting. In December, people buy presents for themselves.’’ To that end, Place Bellecour will be holding a French holiday fair the first two weekends in December. Small giftable items will be available, as well as homemade food, jewelry and body products. Instead of lavender sachets, though, you may end up procuring anything from an armoire to a set of dishes — just because they’re there.
shop talk
Nikki Ritcher
souvenir Lafayette’s Parisian flat Souvenir is the perfect name for this jewelbox of a store, thanks to the astonishing range of mementos, keepsakes and just crazy cute things you’ll want to scoop up and cherish forever. And now that it’s relocated — as of this past April — to a bigger, brighter space, there’s even more merchandise to love. Owner Donna Johnson calls it “a French apartment shoppe,’’ reasoning the goods she purveys would be right at home in a Parisian flat. If so, those rooms would be crammed with jewelry, decorations, paper goods, artwork and clothes — lots of clothes. Johnson has taken full advantage of the extra recesses and stocked them with labels like Dick and Jayne, Coin 1804 and Petit Bateau. There’s also Henri Lou, maker of handbags and jewelry fashioned from saddle leather and bridle hardware, and two standout jewelry lines: La Vie Parisienne and Sormeh. Tokyo Milk, a collection of soaps, candles, perfume and bath products, is popular, as is anything that Johnson crafts herself, such as the exquisitely decorated headbands and so-cute aprons. “I love the challenge of making this fun and kooky,” Johnson says. “It matches our personalities.’’By that she’s referring to her best buddy of 18 years, Meredith “Meddy’’ Bartoletti, an energetic soul who helps manage the place and is reason enough to stop by. Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit. “The store is all that I dreamed of,’’ Johnson says. “When people find it, they get it. And our customers become our friends.’’ —Crystal Chow
Standing in Souvenir, you can easily imagine that you’re inside a French flat. Owner Donna Johnson, right in center photo, and manager Meredith Bartoletti like to surprise their guests with one-ofa-kind jewelry, hats and clothes.
Hours: 10-5 Monday through Saturday, 11-3 Sunday 3643-C Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette 925.284.4040 souvenirlafayette.com
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 39
JANUARY 18-23, 2011
MARCH 15-20, 2011
40 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
APRIL 12-17, 2011
JUNE 7-12, 2011
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WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 41
P A I D
A D V E R T I S I N G
This technology, known as the Acrysof ReSTOR lens, is one of the biggest breakthroughs in cataract surgery in the last decade.
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s the space shuttle Discovery carried the rotor that he helped design and develop to the space station Ben Murach had his mind on another type of space: his immediate environment. For more than 30 years Ben Murach had been wearing glasses or contact lenses to see objects at near and far distances. A recent advance in eye surgery allowed him to eliminate glasses and contact lenses permanently. This technology, known as the Acrysof ReSTOR lens, is one of the biggest breakthroughs in cataract surgery in the last decade. “I don’t need my glasses or contact lenses for reading, working at my computer or driving,” said Ben Murach. He was convinced to have cataract surgery performed by Dr. Randal Pham, founder of Aesthetic & Refractive Surgery Medical Center, after meeting Odine Wiens, who wore glasses since she was 5 years old. Odine Wiens who just retired from her 20-year job as a child nutrition assistant at Evergreen school district, had the procedure done by Dr. Pham more than one year ago. “My grandson asked me why I don’t wear glasses anymore?” said Odine Wiens. “I told him ‘grandma had eye surgery and doesn’t need to wear glasses’ and he said ‘but grandma always wear glasses; if she doesn’t wear
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order to place a man-made lens inside the capsule. If the capsule is broken during the procedure and there is a large tear in the capsule the substance that normally stays behind the capsule moves forward. This substance is called vitreous. When this happens, the surgeon cannot place the man-made lens inside the capsule where the natural lens normally sits; the surgeon may place a different type of lens either in the corner between the iris and the capsule or in front of the iris. These lenses are called sulcus-fixated if they are placed in the corner between the iris and the capsule. If they are placed in front of the iris they are called anterior chamber lenses. When sulcus-fixated or anterior chamber lenses are used because their locations are not where the natural lens sits, the resulted power of the eye may differ from the calculated power which was measured before the surgery with the natural lens sitting inside the capsule. This difference in the calculated power and the resulted power may cause patients to require glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Ashley Stice, representative of Alcon Inc., the manufacturer of the Acrysof ReSTOR lens, confirms that of more than 150 Acrysof ReSTOR lenses implanted by Dr. Randal Pham, there has been no conversion to sulcus-fixated lens or anterior chamber lens implanted. “It is of utmost importance that you choose the right surgeon for this procedure,” said Odine Wiens. Ben Murach agreed: “You only have two eyes; for a procedure that requires exceptional skills and knowledge of refractive surgery I did extensive research to find a surgeon who is competent in both lasik and cataract surgeries.”
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glasses she can’t be grandma’,” laughed Odine Wiens. The human lens is like a camera lens. It helps focus light onto the retina, which is like the film of the camera. The human lens is made up of mostly water and protein. The protein lets light pass through and focus on the retina. As the eye ages the protein clumps together and starts to cloud a small area of the lens. The clumps also make the lens hardened; this hardening of the human lens causes people to have difficulty seeing up close. This loss of ability to see up close is called presbyopia. The cloudy area in the human lens is called a cataract. For years surgeons across the U.S. removed cataracts and implanted manmade lens to replace the natural lens. This procedure is called cataract surgery. “This is one of the safest procedures performed in the U.S. today,” said Dr. Pham. Each year millions of Americans undergo cataract surgeries across the U.S. Patients who undergo conventional cataract surgery still need to wear reading glasses after surgery. Because the Acrysof ReSTOR lens works like progressive glasses patients who have this lens can perform most daily activities without any glasses. “To implant the Acrysof ReSTOR lens, however, requires very precise and skillful work,” said Dr. Pham. Because patients who undergo implantation of the Acrysof ReSTOR lens have high expectations-they expect to be less dependent on glasses after the procedure, measurements made before the surgery and the surgery itself must be extremely accurate. The natural lens of a normal eye stays in a clear sac called the capsule. To remove the cataract, the surgeon first makes an opening in the capsule. The surgeon then removes the cataract from the capsule using ultrasound. The surgeon must save the capsule in
*An independent study found 85% of patients who received the Acrysof ReSTOR intraocular lens never had to wear glasses. Mrs. Odine Wiens and Mr. Ben Murach are actual patients of Dr. Randal Pham. Neither of them receives any monetary compensation for their testimonials. This ad was reviewed and approved by the Medical Board of California.
body & soul
iStockphoto/Thinkstock
your money and your life It may not be sexy, says financial guru Sharon Kedar, but knowing your financial history and style can change your life, and your relationships By Melinda Sacks
Sharon Kedar knows that a lot of women don’t like to think about or talk about money. Many find it boring. Others think it is depressing. Some find it too daunting. But your psychological relationship with money directly impacts your happiness, peace of mind and ability to achieve your dreams and goals, Kedar says. So no matter how you feel about it, she argues, there is no time like the present to understand your attitudes, and if necessary, to take some practical steps to improve your attitudes about money. The better you understand what drives the way you interact with money, the more empowered you will be in financial relationships with fam-
ily, friends, and of course, with significant others. Kedar, 36, parlayed her Harvard MBA into a career in financial services and planning. As a result of her experiences, she wrote two books aimed at helping women with their financial strategies “so that money doesn’t hold you back,” as she puts it. Kedar defines herself as a practical feminist whose goal is to promote financial literacy. Her first book, “On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance,” and her second book, “Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey,” are both coauthored with Manisha Thakor. Her new book, a solo
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 43
effort about “moms and money,” is yet unnamed. When she isn’t caring for her two small children, Kedar writes in her San Francisco home and spends time with her husband of 10 years, who also works in financial services. Kedar – who has an easy laugh and broad smile – took a few minutes out of what she calls her “crazy schedule” to talk to Scene. What brought you to this career and to writing your books? Since we were 5, my identical twin sister and I have had multiple businesses. She was my staff. I made and sold bear magnets first. My mom remembers the prices of all my stuff – 25 cents, 50 cents. I made bookmarks and sold them. We sold tie-dye when that was cool. I have to say, I don’t remember saving, but I do remember earning and what that allowed me to do. Today my 4½ year-old has an allowance, and the little one (1½) can say “bank.”
Courtesy Sharon Kedar
Financial literacy advocate Sharon Kedar, above, wants women to deal with their finances “so that money doesn’t hold you back.”
What can you tell us about women’s psychological relationship with money? We all have something called our money history. Your history is all the interactions you’ve seen over your entire life. If you saw Mom and Dad fighting over money, you could have concluded, “I will never fight over money,” or “Money is something to fight about.” Two people could have grown up in the same household and come to different conclusions. Understanding your money history and your
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body & soul relationship with money will help you know if it is enabling you or sabotaging you. Too often what we see is some of the tradition of women taking the back seat. Those who stay home feel they don’t deserve the financial purse as much as the breadwinner. [But] you can have a woman earning seven figures who still has a negative association with money and one earning a lot less who has a positive association. What is the biggest financial mistake women make? Not dealing with finances is the biggest mistake. You can take some broad basic steps to be in better financial shape. A girlfriend of mine called it practical feminism: Giving women choice through money is such a key thing for the modern woman so that she can be empowered. The facts of the matter is that 80 percent of men die married and 80 percent of women die single (according to the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement). The primary drivers behind this are high divorce rates and the tendency for women on average to live seven years longer than men of the same age. As a result, there are very high odds that you will be the sole provider of your personal finances at some point in your life. Does your financial history impact how you choose a partner? There is a fascinating study that was done by Schwab (the investment services company) showing that spenders married savers, and savers married spenders. When it comes to money, opposites attract. You have to laugh. No wonder people fight about money. It definitely helps if you are financially compatible, but I would never tell someone just because you don’t see eye to eye, that is a reason to keep you apart if you are madly in love. I can say a relationship won’t last if one of you is spending wildly and the other just wants to save, and you don’t work through that. How do you help women in a relationship accomplish financial health? My approach is rooted in the idea that if you have your finances in order, you can lead the life you want to lead and not have financial issues. The No. 1 cause of stress and divorce, and the No. 1 source of fights, is money. Money breaks couples up. In our society people concentrate on “Are you emotionally and physically compatible?” But it really matters if you are financially compatible, too. [For Kedar and co-author Manisha Thakor’s financial compatibility quiz, see Page 47.] The biggest reason people fight about money is they don’t understand why they make their own personal decisions when it comes to money. [And] once you are part of a couple, you have to come to terms with your significant other. You have to find a mutual financial voice as a couple.
money through the years Sharon Kedar and Manisha Thakor, co-authors of “On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance” and “Get Financially Naked,” recommend that you target saving 15 percent of your gross (before-tax) income. For most people, 5 percent of that goes toward nearer-term needs (saving for an emergency, a down payment on a home or car, saving for a wedding, etc.) and 10 percent goes toward your retirement. Kedar notes that you’re not just saving – you’ll get to spend that money down the road! And, if you invest wisely, you’ll be able to spend even more money later on, as you’ll have increased your purchasing power. Specific tips based on age include: 20 and 30s: Your biggest concern should be to establish an emergency fund. Kedar points out this sounds simple, but a lot of people who are in what she calls the “wealth-building stage” don’t take this basic step. Your emergency fund should ideally be enough money to keep you afloat for three to six months. In this economy, you might want a fund of more like six to nine months. 40s and 50s: Now is the time to start preparing for retirement. Even in 2010, you can start the process by making sure you are saving enough and that your investments are age-appropriate, meaning they will give you what you need at the right time. 60s and beyond: If you don’t have enough for retirement, which many people don’t these days, you will need to work longer, Kedar says. “There is no magic bullet other than work longer or save more. I wish there was a magic bullet, because two-thirds of women over 60 rely on Social Security as their major source of money.”
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 45
How do you come to terms as a couple? It is important for people to know that sex is not the last taboo – it is money. I don’t say you have to do X, Y and Z. I just say you have to talk about it. The point is to have some knowledge about your own attitudes and those of your partner, which I call financial authenticity. You need to know what is important – do you want a mansion, or to take a lot of trips, or is owning a certain car most important? How much savings do you need to feel comfortable? If one of you wants a mansion and the other does not, that can be an issue. What are the warning signs that you and your partner may be financially incompatible? If you bring up the topic of money and you get resistance, that isn’t a deal breaker, but it is a warning sign. Or if you want to talk about money and the response is, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.” The common theme is lack of communication. A woman or man who is conflict-averse and doesn’t want to fight so just accepts what the other tells them is going to end up with the short end of the financial agreement.
What if you find yourself after a number of years married to someone who is not financially compatible? It does happen that people married 30 years find they are very incompatible. Whether you can survive has to do with your willingness to address the situation and actually communicate and find compromises. Those are the important things. I tell folks to think about making financial vows just as you take or renew your other vows. Sitting down and making financial vows when you are having trouble is important. You can schedule financial date nights. Truly. As unsexy as that is, it is more sexy than fighting. Maybe one of you wants to send the kids to private school, maybe the other wants to pay off the house in 15 or 20 years. You need to know that. What financial strategies would you recommend during difficult economic times? Focus on keeping that emergency fund, aiming for six to nine months of living expenses. Know that you are not alone. When things turn around (and they will likely do that over time), having that emergency fund is an incredibly empowering financial position, and a lesson to be taken from these rough times to the good times, too. S
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body & soul the ‘get financially naked’ compatibility quiz According to Sharon Kedar, the No. 1 cause of stress, fights and even divorce is money. “People concentrate on ‘Are you emotionally and physically compatible?’” Kedar says. “But it really matters if you are financially compatible, too.” The quiz from “Get Financially Naked” can help you know. Answer “yes” or “no” to the following, then tally up and compare: Knowledge 1. You know how much money you need to cover your regular monthly expenses.
8. You prioritize having financial security and stability in your life. 9. You spend time thinking about protecting your assets.
2. You know how much money you need for your personal three-to-six-month emergency fund.
10. You believe having money leads to good outcomes.
3. You know how much you should aim to save for retirement as a percentage of your income.
Behavior 1. You always pay your bills on time.
4. You know where all of your money is stored today (all bank accounts and other financial accounts, including retirement accounts).
2. You track your progress in terms of meeting your financial goals.
5. You know how much money you owe for all your debt, and the interest rates you are being charged on each. 6. You understand basic concepts regarding how to invest your money. 7. You know how much risk you’re willing to take with your investments. 8. You know what your top five financial goals are. 9. You know the key types of insurance you need to protect your loved ones and assets. 10. You know where your essential documents are stored.
3. You regularly look at your bank or other financial account balances. 4. You are on track to save 10 percent or more of your before-tax income for retirement (if not today, you are committed to over time). 5. You are paying off debt in a planned, systematic way – i.e., starting with the highest interest rate first. 6. You regularly check your credit reports to make sure there are no errors (or that identity theft has not occurred), and you know what your credit score is. 7. Any money that you invest in individual stocks (not mutual funds) is money that you can afford to lose. 8. You have a will or living trust, and an appropriate loved one/trustee also has a copy.
Interest 1. You enjoy reading financial books, magazines, newsletters or blogs.
9 .You have enough insurance to cover your needs, including sufficient life insurance if you have kids.
2. You enjoy watching financial TV shows or listening to radio programs.
10. You ask financial professionals for help when you need it.
3. You enjoy talking about financial matters. 4. You often think about your personal financial situation and how to improve it.
Total the number of “yes” responses:
5. You often think about whether you are on track to meet your retirement and other big financial goals.
Your results
Your partner’s results
Knowledge ______/ 10
Knowledge ______/ 10
Interest ______/ 10
Interest ______/ 10
Behavior ______/ 10
Behavior ______/ 10
6. You are interested in the financial details of your dayto-day life. 7. You believe money issues need to be addressed today, rather than letting them “resolve themselves” over time.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 47
Scott Harben/SeePictures
Celia Fushille, Artistic & Executive Director
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beauty report
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high-heel heaven…or hell How to survive the highest heels with the least pain and the most finesse By Melinda Sacks
Not that long ago, you may have danced the night away in spike heels. But now, walking in stilettos for more than a few minutes at a time makes you grimace in pain. Yet you do it. Despite a love-hate relationship with high heels, women have long worn them to lengthen the leg or finish a stylish look – and not only the young. Women in their late 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond want to flaunt their long, fit legs. Designers are complying, making shoes with 6- or even 8-inch heels, worn by celebs such as Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé and Jennifer Aniston as they glide down the red carpet. But at the same time that towering Christian Louboutins sell for upward of $2,400, never have bunions, ham-
mertoes, inflamed Achilles tendons and sprained ankles been so common. Is there any way to wear killer spikes without serious damage to your feet and back, not to mention fear of falling? Surprising new research, and a few cutting-edge treatments, can help you justify your Jimmy Choos. “It is possible to wear high-heel shoes without developing foot pain,” says Dr. Christopher Segler, a surgical podiatrist whose San Francisco practice serves patients from Vallejo to Milpitas. “I don’t see patients and say, ‘OK, first we are going to do away with all your high-heel shoes.’ That’s ludicrous,” Segler says. “It is like someone who has an auto accident
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comes to you and you say, ‘You can never drive again.’ For a lot of people, getting rid of high heels is totally unrealistic. You can mitigate the risk and continue to do what is appropriate for you in business and certain social situations.” Segler is quick to add that this applies to women who don’t have genetic biomechanical foot problems, such as high arches or flat feet, and haven’t done too much damage already by wearing the wrong shoes. Aging feet also have a tough time in heels. According to the Mayo Clinic, as we age, our feet become wider and longer, and the natural padding under the heel and forefoot thins. A lifetime of standing and walking flattens the arch and stiffens both feet and ankles. High heels — shoes with a heel 2 inches or more — makes the foot slide forward in the shoe, redistributing weight, creating enormous pressure points and throwing the body’s natural alignment out of whack. All of these factors can exacerbate genetic foot conditions and make you prone to bunions, hammertoes and other unpleasant ailments. Very high heels may increase the problem, Segler says, but often the shoes are not the only cause. “If you have an unstable foot type and you consistently wear 4-inch heels, you will probably get bunions,” he says. “However, if you have a very stable foot, you can put on heels every day and it is still possible to not develop bunions.” The latest research* shows that women who wore high heels most of their adult life are only 1.2 times more at risk for bunions than women who did not wear heels. The research shows the higher the heel height, the more pressure on the ball of the foot and the metatarsal heads. In an unstable foot, that pressure leads to problems, but heels in and of themselves are not always the culprit, as previously thought. Another commonly held belief – that being overweight contributes to bunions and hammertoes – was disproved in the same study. According to Segler, women with lower body mass indexes actually seem to develop bunions at a higher rate than heavier women, although it is unclear why. Dr. Naleen Prasad, a Castro Valley podiatrist, is a big believer in orthotics (customized inserts to adjust how the foot sits in the shoe) and minimizing time spent in high heels. “Ninety percent of my patients get orthotics,” says Prasad, who sees heel pain and metatarsalgia most often among her female patients. “You can imagine that as you change the angle of the foot with a higher heel, it puts more and more pressure on the front of the foot. I am not against them, but the amount of time you wear high heels is important. The celebrities are probably wearing them for 10 minutes.” Here’s what you need to know to avoid or alleviate foot problems and keep your feet in heels for longer:
* “Factors associated with hallux valgus in a population-based study of older women and men: the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston Study,” 2009. Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston; Harvard Medical School
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how to wear heels for life If you don’t have severe foot problems and want to keep it that way, here are some common-sense suggestions from local foot docs: Keep a comfortable pair of flat shoes with you to take a break from your heels. Stash soft foldable flats in your purse, car and under your desk. Whenever you have the chance, slip out of those stilts. Try a variety of heels, not just the skinny ones. Wedges, platforms and chunky heels are all preferable, since they provide more support and less tilt to your foot. Save the super spikes for the times when you want the look, but don’t have to do much standing or walking. Get a variety of gel inserts or cushions that are small enough to slip into all your shoes and protect your natural padding. Exercise and strengthen your core with Pilates or yoga so that when you wear heels, you won’t teeter, sway your back or take a tumble.
how to walk in heels Be sure ankle straps are secure (not like a tourniquet, though) so that the shoe stays snug on your foot and doesn’t slide around. Consider going up a half or whole size. This will give your foot more room and may prevent crushing of your toes. Wider shoes are also often more comfortable. When standing or walking, put your weight on your whole foot, not just your toes. The more weight you can put in your heels, the better. Stand on both feet. Walk heel-to-toe so that your heel strikes the ground first and the rest of the foot rolls onto the ground. Push off with the ball of your foot when you start a new step. Master small steps on flat ground before trying hills or stairs. Use handrails, or your honey’s arm.
beauty report problems and latest treatments
foot gadgets From websites such as footsmart.com that allow you to “shop by condition,” to catalogs that pitch foot spas, shoes and accessories, you can spend a fortune on your feet. Many of the gadgets promising to fix foot problems don’t work, warn surgeons, so buyer beware:
Bunions – The unsightly and often painful bumps that result from deformed big toe joints. The hottest trend, and yet still scientifically unproven as a long-term solution, is the injection of Botox to release muscles that are pulling the big toe toward the adjacent toe, creating or worsening a bunion. Botox doesn’t last, though, and if a bunion is already there, this treatment won’t fix it and you may have to undergo surgery.
Yoga toes: These soft gel toe spreaders slip on like a fingerless jelly glove. While you wear them, your toes are spread in a lovely broad arc, but take them off and your toes return to their original shape. Bunion and hammertoe splints: While these splints straighten your toes when they are in place, when you take them off, your toes will go back to the position they know best.
Metatarsalgia – Pain in the ball of the foot, where pressure of bone against the sole of the shoe is exacerbated by high heels, and where natural padding thins with age. Facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can be injected into the pad on the bottom of the foot. Some medical professionals, who charge $500-$1,100 per foot, say this can help for six months or up to a year. But East Bay podiatrist Dr. Naleen Prasad says they last less time because the fat in the foot is unique and cannot really be replaced. A longer-term solution, she suggests, is custom orthotics.
Gel insoles and pads: Ranging from small forefoot pads to whole shoe inserts, these can be very helpful for pain. Buy them in foot-friendly shoe stores or order them online based on what type of shoe you plan to wear. Foot massagers: While you can pay for a Cryosphere Hot/Cold Foot Massager to roll your achy arches on, you can also just use a tennis ball, advise podiatrists. This is particularly good for treating plantar fasciitis (pain and inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot), as is filling a water bottle, freezing it, then rolling your foot back and forth over it to ease the pain.
Morton’s neuroma – A sharp, burning pain in your forefoot, often accompanied by stinging or numbness in the toes. It develops when the bones of two toes – usually the third and fourth – rub against one another, pinching the nerve and creating a growth of tissue around the nerve. Too-narrow shoes are often the cause. Cortisone injections can reduce the size of a neuroma. More recent treatment is a series of injections of a solution of 4 percent alcohol into the neuroma, to destroy a portion of the nerve that is causing the pain. If injections don’t work, the damaged nerve can be removed through surgery.
Jupiter Images/Pixland/Thinkstock
Hammertoe, claw toe and mallet toe – Just what they sound like, these can be the result of genetics but also of the wrong footwear, such as those with pointy toes. When one of your toes spends too much time crammed in a too small space, it can become permanently bent, and the joint ceases to function normally. The latest surgical fix (if orthotics or padding don’t help) is the “Smart Toe Memory Implant,” inserted inside the deformed toe where it stays and straightens the joint with less pain and fewer complications than earlier procedures.
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Kelsey McNeal/ABC
Cheryl Burke partners with Chilean actor Cristián de la Fuente in 2008 during the sixth season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
the dancer Cheryl Burke makes dancing in heels look easy Cheryl Burke of “Dancing With the Stars” fame grew up in the Bay Area and is back here often – especially since one of her two dance studios is in Mountain View. She’s one busy gal: In addition to “DWTS,” Burke, 26, is writing her biography, designing clothing and shoe lines, is a Jazzercise spokesperson and stars in the hot dance show “Forever Tango” (Marines’ Memorial Theatre, San Francisco, Dec. 21-Jan. 9). Of Filipino, Irish and Russian extraction, the effervescent Burke wows “DWTS” judges and makes her dance partners look great – all while on heels, and this doesn’t even count rehearsal time or red carpet appearances. We asked her how she takes care of feet.
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How long are you in heels every day? On average, I’m in heels and dancing about six hours a day. But I sit down as much as possible, and when I’m at home, I’m usually in bed! That’s gotta hurt after awhile. Your secret? I use Kiwi Smiling Feet – their Ball of Foot Cushions (clear gel-based inserts). What’s your routine foot care? It’s important to stretch. I stretch my feet and my calves, without shoes. I get weekly massages, and I have a reflexologist who just works on my feet – relieves pres-
beauty report
Rick Fox, your “DWTS” partner this season, is 6 feet 7 inches. You’re 5 feet 4 inches. Did that affect your footwear? For dancing I use professional dance shoes, usually with a 3-inch heel. Because Rick is so tall, I danced with a 4-inch heel. It took some getting used to, and I had some pain. How do you handle soreness and pain? If my feet are swollen, I’ll ice them. Some dances are harder on your feet than others – Latin dances like the jive, where you’re constantly bouncing, and the samba and paso doble.
When you’re not working, what kind of shoes do you wear? I always wear heels. I’ve worn heels since I was 12 years old. Because I have high arches, I look for a high platform, which makes the shoe a little flatter. Do you have any foot problems? I have calluses on my feet – but I like them! It helps to have something to dance on. Cheryl Burke Dance, 1400 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, 650.864.9150, www.cherylburkedance.com. Featuring more than 50 classes a week in all styles of dance, private lessons, parties and special events.
Adam Larkey/ABC
sure points and works on certain areas. And I make sure I get enough sleep and rest – I need eight to 10 hours of sleep a night.
—Katharine Fong
Burke and former NBA basketball player Rick Fox compete in the current season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
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Courtesy Anyi Lu
Anyi Lu, 35, is a shoe designer and founder of her eponymous company in Tiburon. The business she started in her house five years ago is now internationally known, and her uniquely constructed footwear is carried in boutiques and department stores across the country, including Nordstrom. A former chemical engineer and professional ballroom dancer, Lu took to shoe design when her about-to-be-married sister needed wedding shoes that were beautiful, comfortable and that she could dance in. In short order, Lu began studying design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and then worked at shoe designer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Taryn Rose’s shop. Lu is passionate about creating eye-catching footwear that is made well, fits well, and yes, great to dance in.
the shoe whisperer A couture shoe designer on beautiful shoes and happy feet
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What made you decide to design shoes? I design for women like me. As a working mother with a 5-year-old girl, I cannot allow my uncomfortable shoes to slow me down because my feet are aching or I am tottering on too-high heels. I don’t have foot problems, but I have a bad back problem. What makes so many designer shoes uncomfortable? More than 3 inches is unhealthy. When designers add platforms and claim the shoe is not that high, it is really not true. When you have heels higher than 3 inches, you throw more than 80 percent of your body weight on the ball of your foot. It’s basic physics. You can’t balance well. If you turn around or walk fast or don’t pay attention, you will sprain your ankle right away. How are your shoes unique? The heel height on most shoes is under 3 inches. They all have arch support. And there is enough room in the toe box. We use exclusively leather outside and inside – the part that touches your foot. We use very soft, stretchable, breathable lining. We hand-sew the upper and lower together like a sock. This allows the shoe to mold to your foot so it is flexible like a sock. Most of what you see in the marketplace is glued together – when glue dries, it becomes very hard. Our shoes are the opposite. They bend back like a piece of dough. Our shoes give you the sensation of wearing a shoe, but it is like you are barefoot.
beauty report Why haven’t other designers taken these kinds of steps? Most of the designers in the high-end footwear market are men. They have an image of how women are supposed to look, but they aren’t wearing the shoes. If you ask them to spend a day in their own designs, that would change their perspective. With a woman’s perspective, everything changes. I want women to know knowledge is power and freedom. A lot of young women who don’t have foot problems yet go for the towering heels, and it is going to have consequences later on. It is one thing to follow trends, but you have to look at them with your own lifestyle in mind. The demographics of our customers are that they are more confident.
Most of Anyi Lu’s shoes have heels under 3 inches.
What inspires you? I was an engineer before becoming a shoe designer, and I had to dress nicely, but I had to keep up with men. I found that in my beautiful shoes, I couldn’t keep up. I was not going to allow my shoes to stop me, but I was not going to wear my grandmother’s shoes. Anyi Lu is a merger of comfort and style and fashion. We call our collection couture comfort. —Melinda Sacks
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fashion
TIMELESS CHIC Sublime, structured classics keep a changing world familiar
We’ve seen it all before. D The camel coat. The crisp white shirt. The smart trouser suit. D Unlike other trends that come and go away for good, this season's styles celebrates the everlasting chic of classics. D Style trackers say uncertainty in the world triggers a desire for clothes with a timeless sensibility. Part of the appeal is in their familiarity. Classics also make a statement of luxury and glamour, tradition and indulgence. D Camel is the season’s top neutral, a soft, subtle shade that has quiet presence. Leather is back, its toughness showing up in jackets, chunky boots and leggings. The tough theme is also carried through with an abundance of utilitarian offerings, from cargo pants and capes to officer coats. Pantsuits or trousers topped by jackets are also back, a welcome return after years of dresses. D On these pages you’ll find updated interpretations of clothes we’ve loved for decades. With their modern sleekness, they’re classics that endure. By Donna Kato Photos by Stephanie Grace Lim
modernized classics Adrienne Landau fur vest, $495; INC leather cadet jacket, $189; Joie lace top, $198, all Bloomingdale’s, Palo Alto. MacKenzie oxfords, $248, Cole Haan. Shamaine Klein Royalty Collection sterling silver ring of amethyst and white sapphires, $1,245, Donald J. Pliner, Santana Row. Leather gloves, $19.95, H&M.
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cozy camel Ralph Lauren Black Label buckled tunic cashmere sweater, $698; Elie Tahari Emi pants, $148, both Bloomingdale’s. Wide leopard print belt, $128, Cole Haan. Clover charm necklace, $164, triple-strand pearls, $165, and bird’s nest necklace, $184, all Flying LIzard Design, Santana Row. Freshwater pearls with disc, $249, Alina B., Walnut Creek. Majorica pearl rope necklaces, $395 each, Bloomingdale’s. Dugan suede booties, $360, Donald J. Pliner, Santana Row.
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fashion
textured layering Plastic Island short wool cape, $275, Elisa Wen, Danville. Moth cable-knit sweater, $128, Anthropologie. Lauren Ralph Lauren faux croc belt, $64, Bloomingdale’s. Prairie Underground skinny cargo pants, $185, Olive boutique, Danville. John Meier Tahitian pearl, green tourmaline and diamond drop earrings, $4,000, JohnMeierDesign.com. Lisa by Donald J. Pliner flat studded boots, $350, Donald J. Pliner, Santana Row. Gloves, stylist’s own.
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saluting style Marc by Marc Jacobs military-style wool coat, $368, Bloomingdale’s. Over-the-knee boots, $215, Ted Baker. John Meier ruby pavé pear drop earrings, $3,800, JohnMeierDesign.com. Fur neck ornament and gloves, stylist’s own.
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fashion
tailored precision Tenax double-breasted trench coat, $650; AG denim “jeggings,” $128, both Alina B., Walnut Creek. Aqua fedora, $52, Bloomingdale’s. Chained motorcycle boots, $325, Donald J. Pliner. Gloves, stylist’s own.
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festive sophistication Calvin Klein sequin cropped jacket, $149; Lauren Ralph Lauren faux croc leather belt, $64; Stuart Weitzman gray wedge boots, $675, all Bloomingdale’s. 3.1 Phillip Lim gray cuffed flannel trousers, $425, Crimson Mim, Los Altos. John Meier Tahitian pearl, emerald and white sapphire earrings, $8,800, JohnMeierDesign.com.
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It’s the time of the year for you to be Beautiful!
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fashion
inspired menswear Marey black slim trousers, $150; waist coat, $185, both Ted Baker. Imperial wrist-tie shirt, $185, Alina B. Walnut Creek. Via Spiga booties, $225, Bloomingdale’s. Paloma Picasso 18-karat hammered gold hoop earrings, $1,625; 18-karat gold trefoil key necklace, $900, both Tiffany & Co. Clover charm necklace, $164, triple-strand pearls, $165, and bird’s nest necklace, $184, all Flying LIzard Design, Santana Row. Freshwater pearls with disc, $249, Alina B., Walnut Creek. Majorica pearl rope necklaces, $395 each, Bloomingdale’s.
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fashion
IN HAND
Clutches carry just the essentials – and that’s all we really need
Handbags are the workhorse of accessories, lugging bits of our vanities, desks and medicine cabinets wherever we go. D A clutch, though, isn’t about function. It’s meant to be held gently in a hand or cradled between our waist and the crook of an elbow. Its size and shape won’t allow for much beyond the essentials. D With this season’s minimalist approach to dressing, the classic clutch complements pared-down and traditional looks like a camel coat or tuxedo jacket. It even anchors the wild whimsy of leopard prints. D While we might fret about how little they hold, there’s also great appeal in accepting that there’s only room for a little mad money, a cell phone and lipstick. By Donna Kato Photos by Stephanie Grace Lim
Big Buddha Meredith clutch with floral applique and wristlet, $46, Flying Lizard Design, Santana Row
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Clockwise from top left: Capetown Isabelle black leopard clutch, $198, Cole Haan. Johanna Boccardo Oversized Flat Rose clutch, $299, 866.686.1404. Kate Spade Night Sky striped sequined evening bag with chain strap to convert to a clutch, $325, Bloomingdale’s. Harlow clutch in python with palladium-plated brass hardware and detachable chain handle, $1,595, Tiffany & Co.
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FROM TEE TO GREEN
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“SPIRIT OF DANVILLE” HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT STELLA LUNA CANDLE STUDIO
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Enjoy the holiday cheer and festive atmosphere in Danville. A trolley will shuttle shoppers to the Livery, Downtown, and the Rose Garden and there will be holiday entertainment. Friday, Dec. 3rd - 5-9pm Saturday, Dec 4th - 11am – 3pm
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fashion
the LBD How to choose the best Little Black Dress for you By Donna Kato Photos by Stephanie Grace Lim
In a season abundant with reliably chic classics, the Little Black Dress still reigns in its timeless versatility. The best LBDs always look and feel effortless. The right dress has the power to make you feel confident, powerful, sexy and appropriate – all at once. The right dress enhances your best features and disguises your figure flaws. It defines your waistline and accentuates curves, while gently draping over areas of insecurity. You stand taller and straighter and instantly feel more sophisticated. But how to find the right LBD for you? Marie Claire fashion director Nina Garcia says searching for an LBD when you need one can be frustrating, and a
evening 3.1 Phillip Lim dress with back crisscross sashing detail, $650, Nordstrom. Velvet corset lace-up shoes, $198, Cole Haan. John Meier topaz, peridot and sapphire drop earrings, $3,300, and topaz ring with amethyst, sapphire and tsavorite pavé prongs, $6,700, JohnMeierDesign.com.
day Elisabetta Franchi for Celyn b. metallic tweed jacket, $650; Claudia Ciuti shoes, $398, both Alina B., Walnut Creek. Elsa Peretti 18-karat gold cuff, $6,900 and lacquer bangle in persimmon, $395; carnelian bead necklace as a bracelet, $1,100; 18-karat gold citron cushion cocktail ring, $1,500; Paloma Picasso Marrakesh earrings, $1,625; Lyn clutch in silver ring lizard, $1,800, all Tiffany & Co.
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primer better strategy is to let it find you. In her book, “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” (HarperCollins), the “Project Runway” judge advocates keeping your eyes open as you go about your business. “If (a woman) sets out on a ‘perfect little black dress mission,’ the thing will elude her all afternoon. But if she is on her way to a lazy Sunday brunch, it will most likely jump out at her from a storefront window,” she writes. “No matter what the cost, she should buy it.” Oh, yes, the cost. Quality LBDs are pricey. Good fit comes from fine tailoring, luxurious fabrics and an expert design eye, which is reflected in the price tag. Consider the LBD a high-priority investment piece as essential as a warm coat. While you should aim for undeniable elegance while wearing your dress, you don’t have to emulate Audrey Hepburn in her iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Givenchy. An LBD can be edgy or casual, channeling the personality of the woman who wears it.
day Amy Layman Buskirk
Jeffrey Monteiro trench coat, $595, Crimson Mim, Los Altos. Reversible tote in metallic and suede with removable zippered pouch, $595, Tiffany & Co. Leopard flats, $168, Cole Haan. Gold-tone cuff, $199, and dangling earrings, $89, Beau Bijou, Santana Row.
evening Narciso Rodriguez peephole dress, $1,385, Nordstrom. “Ceci” beaded pumps, $460, Donald J. Pliner. Detachable zipper pouch as a clutch, part of the reversible tote bag, $595, Tiffany & Co. John Meier Persian turquoise drop earrings with tourmaline, amethyst, tsavorite and sapphires, $4,900, JohnMeierDesign.com.
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fashion find the best LBD for your figure type Pear-shaped women who want to minimize hips and thighs will get their best fit with an A-line dress. It’s a classic, flattering cut that is narrow at the waist and flares away from the body, ideally skimming over trouble spots. Look for dresses that have some detail or volume in the bodice and neckline to balance proportion.
Top-heavy and curvy women should search for dresses that emphasize the waistline and accentuate an hourglass figure. Choose a dress that’s form-fitting without being tight. Pay close attention to the neckline: too revealing is inappropriate and too closed will call attention to the bust line. A boat neck – long and narrow toward the shoulders – is universally flattering.
No curves? Create the illusion of roundness with a dress that has slight volume. Look for ruching, pleating or ruffles. Some dresses will have curve-creating darts and seams that won’t be evident until you try the dress on. Look for fabrics that have some structure and can add a little bulk, such as cotton pique or wool flannel. A layered chiffon or silk may be flattering, too.
tips for finding and wearing the perfect LBD Buy the best you can afford. Choose simple, classic silhouettes in fabrics that hold their shape such as rayon, wool jersey, cotton, raw silk or a blend. Sleeveless, collarless and belt-less dresses are always in fashion and allow you to change things up with trend-driven jewelry, jackets or cardigans. Look for versatility. Think about where you’ll likely wear a LBD and picture yourself wearing it in different scenarios. Find a style that will go from day to evening with a switch of shoes, handbags and accessories. Just one won’t do. Realistically, you should have one LBD for professional outings, such as job interviews and business dinners. Another, less conservative style should cover more festive, dressy events, including cocktail parties and special celebrations. Don’t buy too tight, too short, too low-cut or too shiny. Fit is the priority. Shiny fabrics are rarely flattering and can’t be worn during the day. Proportion can mean the difference between sleek and frumpy. The most flattering hemline for LBDs is just above the knee. It’s a length that works with stiletto pumps, flats, boots and sandals. Proportion is also important in the choice of jackets and sweaters worn with the dress: They should never cut the dress exactly in half. Go shorter or longer. If the dress is voluminous, rein it in with a coat or jacket that fits closer to the body. Go bold with accessories. Always wear jewelry, whether it’s a signature piece, like Michelle Obama and her brooches, a treasured family heirloom or a splurge purchase. Make sure it says something about your good taste and accentuates the best features of the dress. Play with belts and scarves, choosing scarf colors that complement your skin tone and belt widths that work with you as well as the LBD. Bad shoes-free zone. Nothing ruins a perfectly puttogether LBD ensemble faster than the wrong pair of shoes. Think of shoes as 50 percent of your overall look. While the tendency is to reach for black shoes, the best color may be a neutral or nude shade that elongates your legs. When in doubt, go with heels, and unless you have long, super-shapely legs, stay away from ankle straps and cage shoes. Change up the makeup and hair. The point is to look polished and glamorous, not overdone. Add a shimmery blush, extra mascara or fake lashes, a brighter color lipstick or gloss. Make sure your foundation is flawless and becoming under harsh lights. Put your hair up in a loose chignon or high ponytail, the better to show off fabulous earrings.
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fashion
why i love my LBD’s One woman’s paean to a fashion essential By Donna Kato
At this moment, I own 13 Little Black Dresses. The numbers go up and down, but I always have at least one for every season. I count Old Navy and Chanel among them. My definition of a true LBD are dresses that are black, but not full-length gowns. They are not embroidered, embellished or elongated T-shirts masquerading as a dress. Because I have a few of those, too. My favorite LBD is by Narciso Rodriguez, a sheath with three-quarter sleeves that was bought at a Nordstrom sale five years ago. It looked plain and uninteresting on the hanger, but I knew the designer has a magical way with fit, so I tried it on. It instantly made me look thinner, taller, yet curvy. I was never more sure of spending $700 on a dress, and it’s more than paid for itself in confidence and compliments every time I wear it. The LBD I wear most often is a casual, stretchy J.Jill rayon dress with a slightly empire cut, short sleeves and a square neckline. Again, flattering and seasonless, I wear it with bare legs and sandals, flats, tights, boots and heels. The square neckline is ideal for showing off small scarves and statement necklaces. It’s the one dress I took on a backpacking trip to Europe in 1997, and it’s still in great shape, unfaded and unfrayed. The oldest Little Black Dress in my closet is a vintage
Chanel with a double row of gold buttons that I purchased for $220 in 1988 at a Los Angeles consignment shop. It’s a sleeveless lightweight wool that I wore to cover the Emmy Awards. It was subtle and authoritative amid the glittery gowns worn by the celebrities. The knee length allowed me the agility to do my reporting. My newest Little Black Dress was picked up at Uniqlo in SoHo during September’s New York Fashion Week, a $19.99 sale frock. Upon closer inspection of the label the next day, I discovered the dress was from a spring collaboration line between the retail chain and Costello Tagliapietra, one of my favorite design teams. An accidental, lucky score for me. The Uniqlo dress, in fact, was bought while wearing another LBD, a prim Tocca sheath with a small bow at the waistline and Peter Pan collar. The Tocca was ideal worn Uptown to a fashion show, but it looked utterly ridiculous among the downtown hipsters. The Uniqlo jersey, with its boat neck and draped silhouette, was a better fit for the neighborhood. I wore it with the flats I carried in my bag. Which underscores the power and popularity of the Little Black Dress. The right one has a way of transforming you into who you want or need to be for that moment or longer. S
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GET READY 2011 has something for everyone Save the lace looks and buff-toned neutrals from your winter wardrobe, because they’ll be hot this coming season. Spring also brings back looks from the ’70s – Bianca Jagger in her maxi halter dress days, and Ali McGraw as the boho preppie – as well as a hard-edged punk and rebel ’80s vibe (the Sex Pistols and the Dead Kennedys left a lasting sartorial impression, too). At a time when designers and retailers are hoping to give women enough choices to make them buy again, this coming season could be one of temptation. Jet-set sophisticates as well as arty eccentrics will find something fresh and desirable come 2011.
color primer
A flattering and comfortable pant for almost any figure, spring’s trousers are loose and flared with a natural waistline that gives them an easy versatility.
It’s a story of contradictions, with fruity colors like tangerine, raspberry and grape vying for love at the same time as buffed neutrals like putty, greige (a grayish beige), creamy whites and milky pastels.
marc jacobs
Dan and Corina Lecca
higher up
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Dan and Corina Lecca
low down Hemlines are heading south. What suddenly looks new are skirt and dress lengths that graze the calf or ankles, even the floor.
alexander mcqueen
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
By Donna Kato
fashion
FOR SPRING asian sampling
rebel yell
Japanese kimonos and shibori fabric, Chinese cheongsams, and Korean hanboks and hats inspired designers to offer modern, wearable takes on traditional Asian garments.
Call it counterculture couture: tough and edgy yet deliberately high fashion, from such historically respected design houses as Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
AP Photo/Christophe Ena
alexander mcqueen
chanel
finishing touches
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
marc jacobs
botany 101 What’s spring without florals and greenery? This coming season, the best prints are graphic takes on wild vegetation and flora, nothing too precious or precise.
chanel
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Dan and Corina Lecca
Plat-wedges, a hybrid of platform sandals and wedges Clogs Kitten heels Preppy classics and color Big bangles Black and white
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Fluid, transparent dresses in maxi lengths, peasant skirts and halter gowns reminiscent of the early 1970s, when style was synonymous with the New York club scene.
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agent of change Mackenzie Lesher’s focus on leadership – her own and growing others’ – is making a difference
To say that Mackenzie Lesher is “involved” in her community is a little like saying Lance Armstrong is “involved” in cycling. Sitting at Katy’s Kreek, a popular restaurant across from the Dean Lesher Center for the Arts, the vivacious 34-year-old Walnut Creek resident ticks off a todo list that would make even the best multi-tasker dizzy. At the moment of the interview, she was putting the final touches on plans for the Lesher Center’s 20-year anniversary gala in October, for which she and husband, Steve (the grandson of late Lesher Communications newspapers founder Dean Lesher), were serving as co-chairs. But that’s only a drop in the proverbial punch bowl for the former political consultant, elementary school teacher and mother of a 2-year-old.
She’s also, as of last June, president of the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, charged with directing and organizing the chapter’s board and more than 600 members to promote volunteerism and service through nonprofit ventures that range from assisting victims of domestic violence to teaching children about healthy diets. Lesher currently is focusing the chapter’s efforts on Concord-based Stand! For Families Free of Violence, an organization for which the Junior League helped build a tech center last year. This year, the league is working with the center to assist women in developing job-building and life skills. “I had such a misperception of the Junior League,” says Lesher, who grew up in the Central Valley and graduated
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Mackenzie Lesher at her home in Walnut Creek. Her idea of a perfect Saturday? “I’d sleep in late, see a movie, take my son to the park and have friends over for a casual dinner around our kitchen table.”
with a degree from UC Berkeley in political science. “I thought it was all ‘ladies who lunch.’ But these women are some of the most talented, diverse, outstanding women I have ever met.” Lesher moved to Walnut Creek in 1999 to be closer to her future husband, Steve, whom she had met at a function while working as a political consultant after college. Soon after, she decided to go back to school at St. Mary’s College for a teaching credential, and then embarked on a career in education, first teaching fourth and fifth grade at Buena Vista Elementary School in Walnut Creek and later working as a curriculum specialist for the school district. It was her love for her newly adopted “dream community” that prompted Lesher to seek more active involve-
ment, so at the suggestion of friend and mentor Kathleen Odne, executive director of the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation and past president of the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, she joined the Junior League in 2001, and quickly stepped into leadership roles. “Mackenzie understands the role of women’s leadership in creating community change,” Odne says. “That’s a very valuable aspect of her personal leadership style.” Lesher proudly cites the Junior League of OaklandEast Bay’s many accomplishments since its inception 75 years ago, among them founding six nonprofit organizations, including the Family Stress Center and Super Stars Literacy, an after-school literacy program for grades kindergarten through second. The chapter also awards annual grants to groups such as Girls Incorporated of
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 91
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the Island City in Alameda, McCullum Youth Court in Oakland and the Crucible arts and industry center, also in Oakland. “We really have a three-fold mission,” Lesher says. “Promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and training talented women to become leaders in the community.” This last part of the mission, she says, is where her personal passion lies. “I’m very focused on developing the potential of women and training them to take on leadership roles. Several Junior League volunteers have gone on to start nonprofits, become chairs of boards and community leaders,” she continues. “I want them to see that women in these important roles are no different from them.” Her persuasive powers are clearly making an impact. “She is inspiring. She is full of energy. She sucks you into her world, so you believe that anything is possible,” says Kingsley Grafft, a special education teacher who recalls Lesher as the first person she met at the Junior League last year. “She very strongly believes in the cause – that women can make a positive impact on the community – and can explain why it’s so important and worth your time.” Education and the arts are also close to Lesher’s heart. She’s active with the nonprofit Diablo Regional Arts Association. In addition to sponsoring a full spectrum of AGENT OF CHANGE continues on Page 170
in her own words Three things I’d take to a deserted island: My Kindle, lip balm and chocolate-covered pretzels Favorite meal: Fleming’s petite filet and their signature potatoes Favorite drink: Top shelf margarita (love Maria Maria’s!) Latest download on my Kindle: “Death by Meeting”; “1-2-3 Magic” (toddler discipline book, of course!) Favorite places to shop: Footcandy; Nordstrom; the Etcetera clothing line, sold by my friend Noel Twist. Dog: Sam, a cocker spaniel (Full name is Sam Bam Cunningham Lesher, after a USC football great; my husband is a huge USC fan, and I’m a huge Cal fan, but we’ve found that love conquers all.) Loves: Country music; cooking anything in a crockpot Good at: I was a national award-winning speech and debate competitor. Bad at: I am AWFUL at making small talk!
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a good pairing She’s a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock ’n’ roll: Christine and Karl Wente lead their family business into a new era
When Christine Wente throws a party at her Piedmont home, she usually starts early so she and her friends can feed their toddlers – maybe a gourmet pasta inspired by her training at LeCordon Bleu in Paris – and still get everyone home by bedtime. And there’s always plenty of Wente wine to go around. When her younger brother, Karl, 33, has friends over to his century-old farmhouse on the family winery property in the Livermore Valley, a jam session usually breaks out with Karl on a guitar or mandolin, and a keg of beer on the front porch. The party often doesn’t end until guests have pitched tents in the front yard and at least one wine glass is broken. Christine, 35, Wente Vineyards’ senior vice president of hospitality, is comfortable in pearls and slim skirts. Karl, the winemaker, prefers a crocheted cap and flip-flops. When women at wine tastings By Julia Prodis Sulek
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see his picture in Wente brochures – all 6 feet 7 inches of him – they invariably ask, “Is he married?” As different as they are, the two siblings – the fifth generation of the winemaking family – are a good pairing. “Christine is a very contemplative, deep-thinking, behind-the-scenes organizer. Karl is very immediate, a brilliant go-getter and very outward-engaging,” says their aunt and company CEO Carolyn Wente. “It’s a good match. They are a good foil for each other.” And now Christine and Karl are bringing Wente wines and the Livermore Valley to the millennial generation – a generation that is drinking more wine and better wine at a younger age than the baby boomers before them. Christine and Wente marketing chief Amy Hoopes – an old friend and former roommate from their early days learn-
Photos by Patrick Tehan
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Karl Wente checks out the vineyards by motorcycle – and sometimes by horseback. As part of the business’ environmental focus, he is experimenting with natural ways to control pests, and minimizing energy consumption in winemaking.
karl’s campaign Karl Wente’s “Discover the Wine, Discover the Music” campaign pairs emerging artists’ songs with a Wente wine. But he also does the same with established artists who have performed at Wente concert series. A sampling: Chris Isaak Undertones of earth and spice, a long finish to be savored – are we talking velvety vocals or varietals? In this case, both. Like Stockton’s favorite son, Riva Ranch Chardonnay and Reliz Creek Pinot Noir are the ultimate sensual calling cards of their respective birthplaces. ZZ Top It’s rare when a band is still together 40 years in, let alone at the top of its game. Same is true of wine (with a few more centuries in the mix): Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon and Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc. Earth, Wind and Fire Rolling Stone described them as “precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing.” Tamas Estates Double Decker Red and Pinot Grigio
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are similar – multilingual, multigenerational delights that speak the international language of love. Don Henley When the “Boys of Summer” get together, they’re seeking out the girls of summer. Small lot wines sum up the sunny season of seduction: Small Lot Winery Grenache (cranberry, cherry, lavender) or Small Lot Winery Viognier (breeze-blown orchids, mango, apricot). Harry Connick Jr. True pairs: Connick is poster boy for the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans; Morning Fog Chardonnay (produced in a climate found in only 1 percent of the world!) and Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon are the ultimate expressions of their unique birthplace.
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Eli Pitta/Wente Vineyards
ing the business at Gallo – are using social networking evenings dining and entertaining. “I love the seasonal experience,” she says, “and pairing to the winery’s advantage. Wente’s Facebook page has more fans than almost any other winery. A recent con- wines.” Karl also likes to pair wines – but his pairings are less cert series at the winery had no advertising budget, inabout food and more about music. (His own band is stead relying on tweets and posts to get the word out. “I’m officially Gen X,” Christine says. “Karl borders X called The Front Porch.) He spearheads “Discover the Wine, Discover the Muand Y. He’s a hipster and sic,” a national campaign helps our generation rethat pairs emerging artists’ late to the wine.” songs with a Wente wine. Karl is also attuned to “The goal is to spread younger generations’ fothe brand image,” he says, cus on sustainability. As “but if I can call that work, part of the Wente family’s how cool is that?” “Farming for the Future” For a family business to environmental/conservathrive, much less survive, tion program, Karl is exinto its fifth generation is perimenting with essenquite an accomplishment. tial oils – such as clove, Many don’t endure past black pepper and cinnathe third, when bickering mon – to control pests. among extended relatives He also created a micro often derail a company. winery within the estate But this winery founded winery, where work is in 1883 by C.H. Wente, done by hand and energy a German immigrant consumption is minimal. and student of Charles Both Karl and ChrisKrug, has a tight family tine say the “greening” of tree. Two of his sons ran Wente is important, as the business, but by the is the Wente tradition of third generation, only community involvement Christine auctions off a double magnum of wine before one child, Karl Wente, and giving back. They one of the Wente summer concerts. took the reins. When he serve on various boards, died in 1977 at the age including the Tri-Valley christine on christine of 49, his three children Conservancy (Karl), – Eric, Phil and Carolyn Livermore Chamber of Book on my night stand: “The Blind Side,” by – stepped in while still Commerce (Christine) Michael Lewis in their 20s. They all had and Las Positas College Favorite boutique: McMullen in Oakland children of their own. (Christine). Both also Best dish: Pasta with pancetta, arugula and Christine and Karl, Eric’s support local arts and tomatoes children, are the oldest by education, and Christine Favorite shoes: Black flats or cowboy boots at least 10 years, followed helps raise money for canby Phil’s three children cer research. Favorite outfit: Jeans and a sweater in college and Carolyn’s Before each concert at If I were a wine, I would be: Livermore Valley teenage son. All are showWente, a double magnum Grenache ing an interest in the famof Wente wine, signed by ily business. that evening’s artist, is It was the fourth generation – Carolyn and her two auctioned off. Over the past few years, these auctions have raised some $200,000 for the Livermore Valley brothers – who broadened the interests of the company, Education Foundation to support local public school becoming the first California winery to export its wines to Russia, China and Vietnam; and adding a concert semusic programs. At home, Christine says, she finds passion in prepar- ries in the 1980s, a Greg Norman-designed golf course ing great food with fresh, local ingredients – and gather- on the property in the 1990s, and a restaurant with its ing friends together. She and her husband haven’t gone to a movie in years, she says, preferring to spend their A GOOD PAIRING continues on Page 171
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the ladyis a chef Women are cooking up inventive, superb dishes all over the Bay Area By Bonnie Wach
At first glance, there would seem to be a dearth of good women chefs in the East Bay. But the reality is there’s a cadre of talented women working in the shadows who are turning the tables on the male-centric restaurant scene, lending creativity and even a bit of feminine intuition to top menus all around the Bay Area. We thought it was time to shine a light on a few of them. 104 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
special report
Kristopher Skinner
sarah kirnon In the flavor-of-the-moment world of Bay Area dining, you’d think being an African-American female chef would be hard enough. “Try being a black woman in Oakland serving nontraditional fried chicken and barbecue,” laughs Sarah Kirnon, chef at Hibiscus, the year-old Caribbean-Creole restaurant that’s been flying high on critics’ radar since it opened last January in the Uptown district. “There are expectations in Oakland, and people are not afraid to speak their minds. I had a gentleman come in one day for six orders of fried chicken. He left saying, ‘I’ll let you know how this goes down.’ He’s come in once a week for it ever since.” Outsider status is nothing new for the 42-year-old Kirnon, who grew up in Barbados cooking under the tutelage of her grandmother and great-grandmother, both well-established cooks on sugar plantations, but received
HIBISCUS
no formal chef training. After pursuing careers in hotel and housekeeping management and law, Kirnon returned to her cooking roots, first on Barbados and then in London. Ten years ago, a friend in San Francisco persuaded her to take over the kitchen at Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, the over-the-top Italian-American restaurant in the upper Mission district. Her success there led to a 2½-year stint at nearby Front Porch, where she began to add Caribbean elements to the Southern-style menu. She yearned, though, to have a place where she could devote herself entirely to Caribbean-Creole cooking. So when the opportunity arose to transform an old Uptown nightclub into a restaurant focused on the dishes of her childhood, Kirnon jumped. “I’ve had people say to me Caribbean-Creole cuisine doesn’t exist,” Kirnon says. “It does. But West Indian cui-
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Kristopher Skinner
On Hibiscus’ menu: Miss Ollie’s Fried Chicken, with Riverdog sweet corn, English peas and mixed field greens.
sine is more fluid. People move around a lot. I looked to regions such as Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana and Monserrat for dishes that had roots in each country and tried to go back to the original way it was made.” The menu at Hibiscus reflects this melting pot, with dishes such as Phoulourie, split pea and wild nettle fritters served with shado beni (West Indian cilantro) sauce—a dish left over from plantation times; and the wildly popular Miss Ollie’s fried chicken, an homage to Kirnon’s grandmother, which offers a distinctly Caribbean take on buttermilk-fried chicken, stuffed with cilantro, marjoram, scallion, scotch bonnet, vinegar and cloves. Kirnon says she gets her inspiration from the homestyle restaurant kitchens where she grew up, most of which were run entirely by women. “In Barbados, all my role models were women. I only saw inequality in the kitchen when I moved to England. Since opening Hibiscus, it’s been heartening to see more women of color applying for cooking jobs. My hope is to see the next generation of chefs resemble me a bit more.” Hibiscus, 1745 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, 510.444.2626, hibiscusoakland.com
the season’s fashions & trend-setting shops
Spring issue publishing April 1, 2011 110 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
special report
Kristopher Skinner
esin decarion E S I N R E S TA U R A N T & B A R
Like many working women, Esin deCarion has spent a lot of years trying to figure out how to juggle a full-time career and the full-time demands of a home life. After 12 years of running first Café de Esin in San Ramon and now Esin Restaurant & Bar in Danville with her husband and partner, Curtis, it seems like she may have finally figured it out. “When our first son was born, I pushed to start our own business because I didn’t want to give up my career, but I also didn’t want to sacrifice time with my baby. A small café was the perfect solution,” recalls deCarion, taking a break from the kitchen at her highly regarded 2-year-old American-Mediterranean restaurant in Danville’s chic Rose Garden center. “We traded off parenting duties, and everyone in the kitchen pitched in. The key is to always show respect for the other person, and never forget that
he’s your partner in life as well as work.” The deCarions have been a crack cooking team since meeting at culinary school in the 1990s. After moving to the Bay Area, the couple worked together at Paragon in San Francisco before opening their San Ramon café in 1998. An early bird by nature, as well as an avid runner, Esin slowly gravitated from the savory side of the kitchen to the sweet so she could be up at dawn to train and to make the pastry dough. “The café came with this enormous dessert case in the middle of the dining room, and we didn’t know what to do with it,” she remembers. “Since I was the morning person, I retrained myself to make pastries. I must have made meringue a hundred times before I came up with the perfect recipe.” Today, Esin’s baklava, bread puddings, cheesecakes,
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w w w.bas s e t t fur ni t ure.c om WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 113
meringues and tarts define the restaurant’s Mediterranean-influenced menu as much as signature savory dishes that include phyllo-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with feta, goat cheese and grana padano; and a meze platter of eggplant relish, dolmas, tabbouleh, hummus, roasted feta-stuffed Anaheim pepper and house-made pita. And now, the deCarions’ balancing act is a well-oiled routine: Esin gets in early and heads up the lunch shift, while Curtis handles breakfast at home and drives their boys to school. Later, Curtis takes over the dinner service, so Esin can spend time with the kids. They continue to refine the restaurant’s vision of seasonal, healthy cooking, as filtered through the lens of Esin’s childhood in southern Turkey and Curtis’ in coastal Florida. “I still can’t say that we’ve made it,” deCarion insists. “Every morning I wake up and say how can we make this better, how do we stay current. In the restaurant business, you can never rest on your laurels. And the truth is, I don’t really like to.” Esin Restaurant & Bar, 750 Camino Ramon, Danville, 925.314.0974, esinrestaurant.com
Lemon Meringue Tart with Gingersnap Crust Courtesy Esin deCarion Crust: 7-8 homemade gingersnap cookies (2¼ cups crushed) 2 tablespoons melted butter Crush cookies in a food processor until fine. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture into bottom and sides of 9-inch tart pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside. Filling: 4 eggs 2 egg yolks ½ cup Meyer lemon juice (or regular lemons) ¾ cup granulated sugar 5 ounces unsalted cold butter, cut into ½-inch cubes Zest of Meyer lemons Whisk together eggs and egg yolks in a stainless steel bowl. Add lemon juice and sugar, stir until smooth. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and cook, whisking constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and immediately submerge the bowl in an ice water bath just enough to cool outside the bowl (about 10 seconds). Remove from the ice bath, add butter piece by piece. Add lemon zest. Pour the lemon filling into prepared tart pan. Bake about 8 minutes until filling has set. Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Meringue: ²/³ cup egg whites, warm (5 egg whites) 1 cup sugar
Cindi Christie/Bay Area News Group
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Above, Esin deCarion’s Lemon Meringue Tart with Gingersnap Crust; make this at home!
114 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Place egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a stand mixer bowl. Whisk the mixture over boiling water until eggs are warmed and the bottom of the bowl is warm to touch. Affix the bowl to the mixer, and with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture until stiff and glossy peaks form. Spread the meringue over the tart cover all around to the edges and shape it to look like a dome. With a pastry spatula, create peaks by pulling the spatula up. Form enough points to cover entire tart. Use a kitchen blow torch to brown the meringue lightly all over.
special report
barbara llewellyn Ask Barbara Llewellyn what part of the catering and event business is her favorite, and it feels as if you just asked her which of her children she likes best. “All of it,” she says after a pause. “I love the whole package, from coming up with a look and feel to planning the menu, the music, the colors, the smell. I love pulling it all together. But of course, it all begins with the food.” Llewellyn is the founder and matriarch of a Bay Area catering- and event-planning empire based in Oakland that started out in her backyard in 1987. In 2010, her company produced 650 events and grossed $3 million, ranging from high-end Napa weddings and the Oakland Speaker Series at Paramount Theatre to the new Underdog Wine Bar at Concannon Winery in Livermore, for which she designed the menu and serves as executive chef. An advocate of fresh and local long before anyone had heard of the term “locavore,” Llewellyn attributes her success in part to a commitment to making everything — including breadsticks, rolls and crackers — from scratch, and to a staff who understands her vision “and then turns out something that is five times as good.” The other key ingredient, says the energetic 56-yearold Orinda resident, is that by the time she started her company 23 years ago, she had already worn every single hat in the food and hospitality industry. The youngest of six children raised on a duck and chicken farm on Cape Cod, Llewellyn grew up working at her family’s farmstand and packaged-foods business, doing everything from baking chocolate chip cookies and clam pies to manning the office and helping with accounting, payroll and sales. A college degree in art education honed her talent for design; stints as a prep cook and running the kitchens and dining rooms of a retirement community and a country club developed management chops; and a job as a roomservice manager for the Hyatt corporation added serviceindustry experience. By the time a friend asked her to cater an office party in the East Bay, Llewellyn was more
Laura Oda/Bay Area News Group
B A R B A R A L L E W E L LY N C AT E R I N G A N D E V E N T PL ANNING
Barbara Llewellyn’s early work experience, from prep cook to back office to room service manager, and commitment to quality serve her well in her own business.
than prepared. “That first year, I grossed $10,000 and was amazed with myself,” Llewellyn recalls. “I had two little kids and was working out of my house.” Through word of mouth, the business kept growing, and today, Llewellyn’s fleet of smart-looking white trucks fan out from her two Oakland warehouses all over Northern California, catering some of Bay Area’s most prestigious soirées, among them Jerry Brown’s wedding, and fundraisers for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pixar’s John Lasseter. Along the way, Llewellyn has cultivated a following for a number of her baked specialties, including squash rolls
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(a family recipe, at right), paper-thin cracker bread and housemade breakfast pastries, as well as for unusual combinations, such as her sweet-and-sour grilled pork tenderloin paired with spinach salad and chutney dressing. Adding something unexpected, a “wow” factor, is part of what Llewellyn says keeps her engaged and excited about the business. “I love figuring out people’s style and then knocking their socks off. It’s an adrenalin rush,” she says. And when all of the elements come together, as they did at a recent Spanish-themed wedding in Orinda, it still gives Llewellyn goosebumps. “The capper was the enormous full moon that came out while the band was playing. Perfect doesn’t happen in catering, but occasionally, we get pretty close.” S Barbara Llewellyn Catering & Event Planning, 434 25th St., Oakland, 510.832.1967, barbarallewellyn.com
Mayo’s Farm Kitchen Squash Rolls Courtesy Barbara Llewellyn “Mayo’s Farm Kitchen was a bakery, take-out food operation, outdoor barbecue snack area and catering and event planning company for the Cape Cod area. Started by my mother in 1953, it was also a salesroom for many of the products produced at my father’s farm, started in 1895. In addition to apple pies, rotisserie farm fresh ducks, clam chowder bases and lobster Newburg, my mother also made delicious breads. The squash rolls are one of those products that are still a customer favorite. They were featured in the TimeLife cookbook series ‘American Cooking: New England’ edition.” – Barbara Llewellyn Yield: 40 rolls 1½ ounces melted butter 1 cup warm whole milk ½ cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons salt 2½ teaspoons instant yeast ½ cup lukewarm water ½ cup packed, fresh pureed squash (room temperature, drained of extra water)
Lisa Lefkowitz
2 pounds all-purpose flour
Mayo’s Farm Kitchen Squash Rolls, above, have garnered quite a following.
Melt butter and add to the warm milk. Stir in sugar and salt. Dissolve yeast in the lukewarm water. Add yeast mixture and squash to the milk mixture. With a Kitchen Aid mixer and the bread paddle, begin to add the flour, approximately a cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Let the dough rest until double in size. On a floured cutting board, roll the dough into an oval. Brush with melted butter and cut into 40 pieces. Form a ball with the dough and place in a buttered pan. (I like to make them in disposable pie tins so they are easy to share with friends). Let the bread rise again until double and bake at 350 degrees in a preheated oven. (Approximately 25-30 minutes.) The tops will brown – check the bottom of the rolls to make sure they are brown as well. Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 117
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Discover the personalized experience of OZORA’s fresh sushi, teriyaki and 60 different kinds of rolls prepared by long time experienced chefs. Their food will feed the senses and entertain the appetite. The moment you walk in, the look, smell and feel will affect your mood and enhance your dining enjoyment. Happy Hour: Monday-Friday; Live DJ Saturday. 785 Oak Grove Road Concord 925.691.6009 www.ozora-sushi.com
BLUE AGAVE CLUB
Serving “alta cocina Mexicana” or “high-end Mexican” cuisine with a distinctive flair. Noted for its award-winning Margaritas and 200+ Premium Tequilas. Casual Lunches, Fine Dining, and Unsurpassed Outdoor Garden Dining. Private parties. Open daily for Lunch & Dinner. Text BLUEAGAVE to 234411 for Special Offers! Std msg&data rates apply. Send STOP to 234411 to stop. Send HELP to 234411 for help. www.bayareanewsgroup.com 625 Main Street (Downtown) Pleasanton 925.417.1224 www.blueagaveclub.com
TABLE 24
Located in downtown Orinda promises a menu with great neighborhood comfort food. From the Artisan Cage-Free Egg Sandwich to the signature Lollipop Lamb Chop, the burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches are sure to satisfy your hunger. Featuring an interior similar to a California great room, local proprietors Michael Karp and Victor Ivry have created a familiar and casual vibe. 2 Theatre Square, Suite 153 Orinda 925.254.0124 www.table24orinda.com
SUNRISE BISTRO & CATERING
A local favorite, we offer healthy and delicious food that combines fresh ingredients with creative recipes. Noted for our fresh baked breads and pastries, Sunrise is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Banquet room to 35. Excellent Catering service. 1559 Botelho Drive (1 block from Broadway Plaza) Walnut Creek 925.930.0122; Catering Office 925.930.6323 www.sunrisebistrocatering.com
BLUE MANGO
The cuisine and ambiance of Blue Mango blends tradition and trend, offering a unique experience for your taste buds using quality ingredients for the best flavor. The menu includes an array of tantalizing dishes from the traditional Pad Thai, to the fusion dish of Mango Samosas. Vegetarians will love their own award winning vegetarian menu to relish in. 4996 Stevens Creek Blvd. San Jose 408.248.7191 635 Coleman Ave San Jose 408.885.9222
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MICHAEL TESSARO
Selling Bay Area real estate since 1984, Michael Tessaro has developed a reputation for continuing successes with sellers and buyers in a changing and complicated market. Michael has a passion for helping people and a drive for staying ahead of the real estate market. Intero Real Estate Services Serving San Francisco Bay Area c: 925.519.9099 tf: 800.888.6116 myeastbayhouses@gmail.com www.interorealestate.com/mtessaro
LAURA ABRAMS
Former Mayor of Orinda and winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Laura offers a unique network of personal and professional relationships established over 37 years. She brings an MBA in marketing and finance, outstanding negotiation skills and a valuable background in interior design to her representation of buyers and sellers in the East Bay. 5 Moraga Way, Orinda 510.697.3225 925.253.4611 laura@lauraabrams.com www.lauraabrams.com
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SANDEE UTTERBACK
Putting people and properties together is my joy. Let me show you how I can best represent you in your next Real Estate transaction. Specializing in Fine Homes & Residential Investments with Experience & Integrity. 925.487.0524 Sandee@SandeeU.com Prudential California Realty Broker Associate DRE#00855150 www.winecountryagent.com
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KHRISTA JARVIS TEAM
In Today’s Real Estate Market, Results Count! The Khrista Jarvis Team consistently sells an average of 1.3 homes a week! • Top 1% Nationwide • Top 1% in Contra Costa County • Over 200 Homes Sold 2007-2010 • $363 Million Sold 2004-2010 Khrista Jarvis-Diebner Nicole Jung J. Rockcliff Realtors 925.855.4065 kjarvis@rockcliff.com or njung@rockcliff.com www.khristajarvisteam.com
MAUREEN WILBUR
Maureen has established herself as a top producer in Real Estate for over the past 10 years due to her extraordinary care she gives each and everyone of her clients. In 2009 Maureen was the Top Producing Individual Realtor in her office. 925.253.6311 Maureen@MaureenWilbur.com www.maureenwilbur.com
BONNE WERSEL
Today’s real estate market is complex and ever-changing. Bonne’s clients have learned the valuable benefits of her knowledge and skill at marketing condos to castles. Bonne is also in the top 5% of the company and serves as Assistant Manager. “Selling Homes is My Profession and Service is My Tradition” 925.791.2550 bwersel@apr.com BonneWersel.com
JOE FRAZZANO, Broker Associate RESULTS ONLY EXPERIENCE CAN ACHIEVE
#1 J. Rockcliff Agent in 2009 Over $1/2 Billion Sold Lifetime Joe’s listings sell fast & for TOP DOLLAR. J. Rockcliff Realtors 4105 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville 925.735.SOLD (7653) joe@frazzanoteam.com www.FrazzanoTeam.com
Homes featured on these two pages may be pending or sold.
gloriously 122 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
getaways
Living large with a small carbon footprint By Katharine Fong
Kodiak Greenwood
green
To my mind, there is nothing more restorative than unplugging and heading off to a spot where the rooms and service are impeccable, the food is fresh and expertly cooked, and healing – even sybaritic – treatments for body and soul are easily accessible. But these days, my desire for a luxury getaway is often accompanied by guilt – it’s too extravagant, given the times. Fortunately, a few top resorts in the greater Bay Area are making it easy to indulge in the good life. The key: LEED certification – proof of their commitment to sustainability and respect for the Earth. They let you live large with a small carbon footprint – and you don’t even have to drive very far to get there. There are just a few LEED-certified luxury lodgings in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties, though numbers are expected to increase as more hotels and builders incorporate sustainable materials and practices into their properties. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the rating system, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.” Platinum is the highest level of certification, followed by gold and silver. The pointbased system consider features such as water efficiency, energy use, materials, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design. Of course, this also means fine organic linens and towels, polished bamboo flooring and quality local foodstuff (sometimes grown onsite). Opulence has never felt – or looked or tasted – this good. A rundown of high-end, green hotels in the near north:
On a clear day you can see forever: The view from above Cavallo Point, left. To learn more about LEED, see usgbc.org.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 123
getaways
Kodiak Greenwood
cavallo point lodge
Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito; 888.651.2003; cavallopoint.com. 68 historic and 74 contemporary rooms and suites; rates from $295. Dog-friendly. Onsite: Cavallo Point Cooking School; Institute at the Golden Gate.
This place grows on you. The property is quiet and serene, situated within Fort Baker in Sausalito and part of the Golden Gate National Parks. Many of the historic buildings from the old U.S. Army base, including those containing the restaurant and bar, lobby and gift shop, are circled around the central parade grounds, lending a vaguely summer-camp feel. Some of the guest rooms and suites are in former officers’ residences that date back to 1901, with pressed tin ceilings to prove it. They’ve been tastefully restored with homey walnut furnishings, plus Adirondack-style chairs (made of recycled plastic bottles) on or near the verandas. The newer, eco-friendly buildings in the back and higher up the hill feature bamboo furnishings, radiant heat floors, high ceilings and expansive windows – and balconies. Balconies, windows and verandas are important at Cavallo Point: All views are directed toward the Golden Gate and the San Francisco skyline, glittering across the bay. Even on overcast days, the views can be lovely and meditative, foghorns in the distance a soothing accompaniment. The lodge opened in mid-2008 but re-
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ceived its LEED Gold certification in February of this year. In addition to preserving and reusing the buildings, developers restored the landscape with native plants and installed solar panels in the metal roofing. They also used low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) glues, paints and carpets, and incorporated materials such as bamboo and recycled wood. Cavallo Point’s green focus meshes perfectly with its surroundings. The Marin Headlands above encourage exploratory hikes, with spectacular views at every turn. The tranquil, light-filled Healing Arts Center & Spa offers 11 private treatment rooms, an outdoor heated basking pool and a Tea Bar serving herbal tonics and healthful food. (Particularly invigorating is the spa’s eucalyptus steam room.) And the menus at both the Murray Circle restaurant and Farley Bar take advantage of local and organic farms and nearby culinary artisans (see sidebar). Though the lodge advertises itself as welcoming to families and the Bay Area Discovery Museum is just across the road, Cavallo Point is best suited to adults craving understated luxury in a peaceful setting.
getaways
Zubin Shroff
h2hotel Lying poolside at the sleek new h2hotel in Healdsburg, my companion pointed to the rusted metal balconies, with rust stains also marking the walls. Design glitch, we wondered? On the contrary, says architect David Baker in the h2hotel blog. It’s “wabi-sabi” – a Japanese aesthetic concept that means something like “honest, authentic, natural.” Baker explains that the Corten steel used for all the exterior metal at h2hotel epitomizes wabi-sabi because it “has an outer sacrificial layer that oxidizes, rusts and forms a beautiful and tough finish. … One of the results of this is the iron oxide red bleeding that occurs as rain washing over the steel carries some of the oxide onto adjacent surfaces. … [I] see the stains as a document of the process of weathering, of the unavoidable aging of all surfaces.” h2hotel’s authenticity carries through to the rest of its eco-conscious, minimalist construction and operations, which should result in LEED Gold certification by early 2011. The compact, light-filled property was built on the site of an old Chevron gas station. Its signature undulating rooftop garden, planted with succulents, provides insulation and collects rainwater (stored in cisterns underground), and is a habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. Solar
panels heat the pool, which is next to a creek that h2hotel is helping restore. The meeting room floor is a reclaimed gym floor from Portland, Ore. All 36 guestrooms offer bed frames and cabinetry made from reclaimed woods such as American elm, acacia and black walnut, as well as bamboo flooring and organic linens. Guests can fill their room’s glass carafes with purified sparkling and still water from taps located on each floor. Modern-day comforts abound, such as iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms in the suites are big enough to warrant some DIY spa treatments, with deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers and fragrant amenities. h2hotel’s hip vibe is most evident in its airy lobby, where the staff at the “Receptobar” can check you in, make you a cappuccino and let you borrow a free cruising bike. Happy hour draws a young crowd, and dinner at the adjacent restaurant Spoonbar is positively bustling with guests and locals alike. Chef Rudy Mihal’s southern Mediterranean dishes incorporate seasonal, locally grown ingredients, as do the artisanal cocktails served up by celebrity mixologist Scott Beattie. Be sure to get a table where you can people-watch.
h2hotel 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg; 707.922.5251; h2hotel.com. Rates from $295. Onsite: Eco-artwork by Bay Area artists, such as Ned Kahn’s Spoon Fountain, an installation of 3,500 espresso spoons that drip (recycled) water; Leonidas Kyriakopoulos’ lobby fireplace, made of copper Steinway piano wires; and a photographic study of a California live oak printed on glass by Stephen Galloway (in 8-foot sections on each floor).
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 125
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DIABLO FOODS
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MORRISON’S JEWELERS
At Morrison’s we specialize in beautiful fine jewelry and unique custom design. We have been serving the Bay Area community since 1923 as your dependable, trustworthy jeweler. Visit us for all your jewelry, watch, and personalized gift needs. 35 Moraga Way Orinda 925.253.9227 www.morrisonsjewelry.com
QUEEN BEE
Come experience the magic of Queen Bee. Enjoy our fabulous selection of gifts for all occasions, including our one of a kind jewelry and ribbon room. Decorate with our original art, furniture, and unique table tops. 261 Lafayette Circle Lafayette 925.283.7900
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WHERE QUILTING & CREATIVE SEWING MEET Your holiday gift giving starts with a fabulous new Bernina or Janome sewing machine! Someone special deserves one of these machines! Come in today for all your holiday sewing needs – fabulous fabrics, ribbons, notions and more! The Cotton Patch 1025 Brown Avenue Lafayette 925.284.1177 www.quiltusa.com
NUT FACTORY
Gifts for all occasions are at Lafayette’s best kept secret – The Nut Factory – where you will find freshly roasted nuts, gourmet foods, corporate gift baskets, nuts for cooking and baking. 3477 Golden Gate Way Lafayette 925.283.6151 www.lafayettenuts.com
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WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 127
Courtesy Bardessono
bardessono
Bardessono 6526 Yount St., Yountville; 707.204.6000; bardessono.com. Rates from $499. Onsite: Pet-friendly. Room rates include use of carbonfiber bicycles. Photography by Stefano Massai in each guestroom; rotating artwork from Andrea Schwartz Gallery in the public spaces.
Two prime spots in Bardessono’s small parking lot are reserved for Tesla electriccharging vehicles, which perhaps says it all. One of only three hotels in the world to be certified LEED Platinum, posh Bardessono sits in the middle of Yountville, the little town in Napa Valley that boasts some six Michelin stars. Opened in February of 2009, the hotel is named after the family farmstead on which it was built (though there is no longer any connection). Refined, intimate, classy, the property’s indoor/outdoor lobby showcases a striking vertical display of air plants, which leads to an inner courtyard and up to the pool area. The restaurant and spa feature products sourced primarily from local organic or sustainable producers, including onsite. Walnut and other beautiful woods used throughout, in floors and tabletops, are milled from salvaged trees. The spa, however, is almost an afterthought, as the 62 guestrooms are designed for in-spa treatments, with concealed massage tables and soaking tubs, and some with outdoor as well as indoor showers. Each of
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the rooms – 550 square feet or more – has 200 square feet of glass to allow for natural lighting. Sensors detect when no one is in the room, allowing thermostats to raise or lower a few degrees. Motor controlled, exterior venetian blinds protect against heat from the sun. Almost no offsite energy is used at Bardessono. An underground geothermal system provides heating and cooling, and the rooftops hold 940 solar panels to meet much of the hotel’s electrical demand.
at the table butternut squash bisque
Laura Flippen
with whipped ricotta and pistachios Courtesy Chef Joseph Humphrey; serves 6.
Murray Circle Chef Joseph Humphrey.
the molteni at murray circle It’s the massive, gleaming Molteni stove that I remember best. There’s much to embrace at Sausalito’s Cavallo Point. But the Molteni, inside the kitchen of the luxury lodge’s award-winning restaurant Murray Circle, is the hidden star. From the 12-foot long, cast-iron Molteni, executive chef Joseph Humphrey creates his delectable dishes, which have earned him a Michelin star in both years of Murray Circle’s existence. Custom-made in France to Humphrey’s specifications, it dominates the kitchen with a flat, multi-temperature cooking surface, woodburning oven and gas burners. Moltenis are considered “the Ferrari of stoves” and are in many of the world’s great restaurants. Humphrey oversees a 30-person staff that turns out seasonal menus for the main restaurant as well as the Farley Bar and the spa’s Tea Bar. That means that the food throughout the lodge is uniformly excellent; indeed, our server at Farley Bar said that adults often order off the kiddie menu because the food – mac and cheese, chicken tenders – is so tasty. Younger brother and sous chef Tim Humphrey points out that unlike assembly-line cooking at other restaurants, chefs at Murray Circle learn the whole process – for example, how to dress fish, how to make their own sauces, etc. – so they become familiar with the cooking arc and are well-positioned to move on to other jobs when they’re ready. The Tallahassee, Fla.-raised Humphreys prefer oak in the woodburning stove vs. the more common (at least out here) almond, because of its slow-burning quality. Naturally, most everything on the menu is organic and locally sourced. The tasting menu on the night we visited was a mesmerizing array of flavors, textures, foods, including: quail breast on fava bean custard, with pickled cherry and olive ragout; endive and grapefruit salad with Aria cheese (made for the restaurant by local artisan Soyoung Scanlan from cow’s milk, goat’s milk and crème fraîche), baked in rye and atop whiskey-apricot coulis; and tofu made at our table. Humphrey’s holiday menus include fuyu persimmon salad with Maitake mushroom “escabeche” (see murraycircle.com for more). His take on butternut squash soup (right) would no doubt be savory made on the Molteni. But if you can’t get to Murray Circle soon, try this at home. – Katharine Fong
For the soup: 2 medium-sized butternut squashes 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium-sized yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced 8 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water 2 tablespoons olive oil
Heat oven to 375. Cut the squashes in half lengthwise and place, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil and bake in the oven until completely soft, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a heavy-bottom stock pot, heat the butter over medium high heat until melted and just beginning to brown slightly. Add the onions and garlic and cook until very soft, stirring frequently. Once the squash is done, use a spoon to remove the seeds, discard. Scoop out the flesh of the squashes and add to the stock pot. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down, cover and let simmer gently for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, in batches depending on the size of the blender, and puree until smooth. Transfer to a clean sauce pot and keep hot, covered, until ready to serve. For the ricotta: 1 cup fresh sheeps’ milk ricotta 1 teapoon grated lemon zest Place the ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously with a strong whisk to break up the curds of the cheese. Whisk in the lemon zest and reserve until ready to serve. To finish: ¼ cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks ¼ cup toasted, chopped pistachios 2 tablespoons pistachio oil When ready to serve, bring the soup back to the boil. Whisk in the whipped cream. Place two spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture in the center of each warm serving bowl. Ladle the soup around the cheese and garnish with the pistachios and the pistachio oil.
Hemera/Thinkstock
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 129
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WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 131
getaways
Istanbul beckons with rich history, vital present
splendid journey By Lynda McDonnell and Steve Brandt
iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Our first morning in Istanbul, the waiter in our small hotel served us the traditional Turkish breakfast of olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, crusty bread and steaming tea. As we finished, he beckoned us up the stairs to the rooftop. We gasped at the view. To the south, the Sea of Marmara stretched to the horizon. To the north, the vast domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia looked close enough to touch. And beside us, the Muslim waiter recited his favorite passage from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: “The first commandment is love.” Our trip to Turkey was full of moments like this, with Turks reaching across divisions of culture, religion and language with questions and assistance. A country that straddles Europe and Asia, Turkey reflects the influence and history of both. In the West, we hear about the growing influence of Islam in Turkish politics after decades of secularism and military dominance. In the lively city of 16 million people, we saw more blending than displacement. In Istanbul cafés, Muslim women wearing chic headscarves sip tea in front of TV monitors blaring sexy rock videos. Young Muslim men sip Ephes beer and raki, a powerful anise-flavored liquor, at outdoor cafés. One beer-drinking tour guide explained that he’ll repent when he makes the hajj to Mecca as an old man.
Above, wares from one of thousands of shops at the Grand Bazaar; at right, a city skyline.
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WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 133
Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock
iStockphoto/Thinkstock, Murad Sezer/ Associated Press (far right)
getaways
The Blue Mosque, above and at left, was constructed between 1606 and 1616. The blue tiles that give the mosque its unofficial name number in the tens of thousands. The building has a total of 260 windows.
Even our waiter’s knowledge of the New Testament is not as strange as it might seem. Paul once preached in Ephesus, an ancient Roman town of amphitheaters and baths that the Turks are excavating a few hours south of Istanbul. Istanbul itself was Christian from 330 A.D., when Constantine made it the capital of his Holy Roman Empire, to 1453, when Muslims conquered the city and made it the center of the Ottoman Empire. After breakfast, we headed off to see Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque close up. Built as a Christian basilica in the seventh century, Hagia Sophia features soaring Byzantine domes and brilliant mosaics of saints. When the Ottomans took the city, they converted it to a mosque and installed enormous medallions in Arabic script, and a screened platform from which the sultan could watch unseen. In 1935, the secular Turkish Republic converted the building to a museum, but the worn stone floors and slanting afternoon light still evoke centuries of religious devotion. Outside Hagia Sophia, a gentle man named Adnan introduced himself and offered to show us the Blue Mosque nearby, then take us to his cousin Joseph’s carpet shop. Carpet sellers are everywhere in Turkey, hailing tourists from shops and bazaars. But when a local leads you to the mosque entrance, describes its history, then waits for 30 minutes while you visit, it’s hard to refuse a visit to his cousin.
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Once we reached the shop, cousin Joseph took over with a patter that blended charm, politics and persistence. “Why don’t more Americans visit?” he asked as one assistant unfurled carpets and another fetched us tulip-shaped glasses of tea. Is it because of the Armenians who died after World War I? The pile of carpets grew taller. Perhaps you like a kilim. What color? What size? More tea? By the time we left — without a carpet — we were hungry. So we hopped a ferry for the Kadikoy district, a lively neighborhood of cafés and restaurants on the city’s Asian side. Along with its hills and the domes and minarets of mosques, one of Istanbul’s great charms is the water that divides and defines it. The Sea of Marmara, an outlet to the Mediterranean, lies to the south. The Golden Horn, a wide inlet, divides the two European sections of the city. Meanwhile, the 34-kilometer-long Bosphorus Strait separates the European side from the Asian and connects the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Yachts, fishing boats, freighters, tour boats and ferries ply the Bosphorus all day. At Kadikoy, a highlight is Ciya Sofrasi, a modest restaurant famous for food from many regions of Turkey. Ciya’s owner, Musa Dagdeviren, has dedicated himself to recovering old recipes and using local, seasonal ingredients. Green almond soup and cooked nettles were on the menu. Even familiar dishes like tabouli had a distinctive
getaways
Hagia Sophia, above, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, was built in 537 A.D. as a Christian church. Later it became a mosque, and is now a museum. The Grand Bazaar, above right, is for shoppers and sightseers alike.
if you go Grand Bazaar: Even if you don’t like to shop, you should visit. With thousands of shops in a roofed labyrinth of lanes and fountains, the market’s size and hyped-up pitches from carpet and gold merchants can exhaust you. But bargaining over genial cups of tea for felted figures from Belarus or patchwork rugs made of carpet remnants can charm you. Go early in the day with fresh energy and a destination in mind. A good guidebook will highlight the most interesting shops. Searching for a particular shop helps get you past the carpet salesmen who gather near entrances to steer newcomers to their stores. Bosphorus cruise: From public ferries to posh dinner cruises, there are many options to see the Bosphorus Strait, the 32-kilometer channel that links the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Sites include European-style palaces that sultans built, beautifully restored Ottoman houses and seaside restaurants featuring local fish. Depending on your schedule and budget, you can devote anywhere from three hours to a full day to exploring the waterway that gave Istanbul its strategic importance and carries much of its commercial traffic.
Getting around: Flights to Istanbul from San Francisco (with at least one stop; there are no nonstops) were running about $1,000 at press-time. Within the country, distances to Cappadocia and the Aegean coast are greater than they appear on a map. While train routes are limited, inter-city buses are frequent, punctual, clean and affordable. But it will take all night on a bus to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Consider flying instead. Domestic fares are reasonable. Search for Pegasus Air or Onur Air on Google and click the “translate this page” button to see their websites in English. Or stop at one of the many small travel agencies in Istanbul to have them book flights for you. Where to stay: In the Sultanamet district, the Cosmopolitan Park Hotel, despite small rooms, has beautiful views of the Marmara Sea, a rooftop that looks out at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and a desk clerk whose love of his city is infectious. For rates, check cosmopolitanparkhotel.com.
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getaways
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops that attract crowds of visitors daily. It is known for its jewelry, pottery, spice and carpet shops.
flavor, thanks to ingredients like pomegranate vinegar. Our waiter brought plate after plate of mese — appetizer-sized delicacies made of eggplant, peppers, olives, lentils, tomato — until we could hold no more. We left with carryout tins and feasted on the contents for lunch the next day. During five days in Istanbul, we bargained for jewelry at the Grand Bazaar and admired palaces on a cruise up the Bosphorus. We strolled past fine shops and restaurants in the cosmopolitan Beyoglu neighborhood and marveled at the luxury of the Topkapi palace, where sultans and their harems lived. But on the day we most treasure, we headed off in search of more remote parts of the city. We began with a plan to explore Yedikule, a massive fortress that guarded the city’s southern approaches. With few tourists and no guards, we roamed the battlements that link Yedikule’s seven towers. After admiring the glorious views of the Sea of Marmara, we descended into the dim, cold dungeons. No place in Istanbul gave us such a bone-deep feeling of the city’s history of power and vulnerability. We took a cab to the northern edge of the ancient city wall and spent the next few hours meandering through the twisting narrow streets that cut through the hills of working-class neighborhoods. Here was another city entirely. Smokestacks venting coal smoke competed for rooftop space with solar water heaters and satellite TV dishes. An occasional rooster
crowed as if to underscore how the city has swelled with millions of immigrants from the countryside. Dark-haired boys interrupted their pickup games of football to test their few words of English, invariably ending with the chant “Money, money, money!” Suddenly, a chorus of music — horn, drum, guitar — intruded. Following the sound down a steep hill, we encountered a parade of relatives and friends celebrating an engagement. Two people carried pans of food on their shoulders. A young woman carried a set of new clothes for her friend. And in front, carrying a bright bouquet with “You are loved” on the ribbon, walked a smiling young woman, newly betrothed. Near the end of our walk, we stopped at a teahouse high on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn. As we sipped strong tea in the afternoon light, the call to prayer began. In a city with more than 2,000 mosques, the call began with one voice, then two, then a dissonant chorus amplified through loudspeakers mounted high on minarets. Some voices were high and thin, others low and deep. For several moments, they sang out different words in different cadences united in their praise of Allah. Slowly, the voices dropped off until only one was left. Then it, too, stopped. For a moment before the murmur of conversation and buzz of motorbikes and buses returned, the sound of prayer echoed. S –McClatchy News
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haute stuff
the entertainers Holiday helpers to make spirits bright Company’s coming, and you know what that means at this time of year. The vintage china, silver cutlery and crystal stemware get pulled from their hiding places for a few rounds of dining glory. No matter how brilliant your tablescape looks with all its familiar pieces in place, though, it can always benefit from one or more new additions. They’ll give your guests something fresh to admire and enhance your trove of future heirlooms. By Crystal Chow
cake stand and server Who takes the cake? You do with this sculpted sandcast aluminum cake stand with string-of-pearls detailing and matching server, sold separately, from Maine Cottage. Cake stand, $149; server, $42; stand and server set, $191, at mainecottagecom.
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fancy glasses Fit for royalty, these palace glasses from Jayson Home & Garden will make any table setting elegant. 4 by 3 inches with nickel-plated base; color choices are gold, blue, aqua and smoke. $22 each at www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com.
triangle plates Glam up your salads or desserts by presenting them on these colorful Celebration seaglass plates from VivaTerra. The unique matte finish leaves no fingerprints. 7 inches diameter. Set of four, $119 at vivaterra.com.
ice buckets Put the wine or a bevy of bottles on ice with the Talavera aluminum receptacles by Roost from Velocity. Made of recycled, reclaimed or repurposed materials. Ice bucket, $37; wine bucket, $95; party tub, $213, available at velocityartanddesign.com.
candelabra
table runner
Illuminate your home dramatically with this forest-inspired Hayworth brass candelabra from Plantation Design (candles not included). Measures 23.25 by 14 inches. $575 at plantationdesign.com.
Won’t this table runner by Amenity look perfect with a holiday ham or turkey gracing it? Made of hemp and organic cotton and measures 16 by 90 inches. $99 at amenityhome.com.
lazy susan A whole year’s worth of homespun goodness is depicted on this colorful lazy Susan from Uncommon Goods. An illustration by artist Sarah Grant depicting the four seasons is etched into wood and painted, with blessings and wishes for a happy life adorning the edge. Handmade in Iowa, 20 inches diameter. $400 at uncommongoods.com.
beverage dispenser Let guests pour their own with this glass and nickelfinished metal beverage dispenser from Wisteria. Holds two gallons. $149 at wisteria.com.
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Let Us Break Bread Together: A Holiday Celebration Sunday, December 12, 4pm, Paramount Theatre Michael Morgan, conductor With special guest appearance by Joan Baez Celebrate the holidays with Michael Morgan, the Oakland East Bay Symphony and some of your favorite local choirs! It’s an afternoon of gospel music, holiday favorites, classical selections and sing-alongs!
JOAN BAEZ
Featuring: Oakland East Bay Symphony, Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Mt. Eden High School Choir, Pacific Boychoir, Klezmer band Kugelplex … and a special guest appearance by legendary folk singer Joan Baez!
Tickets: Start at $20 for adults, $12 for children! www.oebs.org; Ticketmaster 800-745-3000; Paramount Box Office (no serv chg at window) Info 510-444-0801; Group Discounts 510-836-1981 MEDIA SPONSORS
guest chairs Invite as many guests as you want when you have these colorful, stackable chairs with flexible backs and chromeplated bases. Designed by up-and-comer Marco Maran, they’re lightweight plastic, come in a variety of colors and are made in the U.S. Gigi Stacking Side Chair, $239 at Design Within Reach, showrooms in Palo Alto, Berkeley and San Francisco, dwr.com.
pitcher The holidays and Victoriana go together like red and green, and Tiffany & Co. combines both in this porcelain pitcher that holds 34 ounces. $150 at tiffany.com.
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Hemera/Thinkstock
planning makes perfect Take the stress out of the holidays by thinking ahead – and writing it down By Brenda Gutierrez
The holidays typically send most families into highstress mode, what with buying and making the right gifts, welcoming friends and relatives to your home (or traveling – sure to reduce some to a weeping mess), and cooking up big meals. But before you start panicking, “The No. 1 thing is put the pressure on paper,” says Deniece Schofield, a home management expert and author of several books on organization, including “Confessions of a Happily
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Organized Family” (Betterway Books, 236 pp.). “Make sure everything is written down, because if it’s in your head, it’s stressful,” she says. To keep stress to a minimum and stay on task, Schofield recommends starting a notebook and making lists to keep yourself organized and save time. The real key is to get your planning under way ASAP – even starting on next year right now. Here are more of her helpful holiday tips:
solutions
keep a schedule
Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock
List the many things you have to work around: Check office and school calendars (will your kids need holiday costumes for school performances?); note when you have to get things in the mail so they’re received on time, when you’re going to decorate the tree, events going on in the community and service projects for the family, such as adopting a family or volunteering at the food bank.
iStockphoto/Thinkstock
get wrapping Set up a card table in a corner of a room and make that your gift-wrap center, so when you buy something, you can wrap it right away and avoid the last-minute crunch. • Stand up rolls of wrapping paper in a waste basket, or hang in a garment bag. • If you buy 30-inch-long rolls of paper, cut them in two — one 18 inches and one 12 inches — then put them in empty aluminum foil boxes for easy dispensing. • A desk or wrist tape dispenser releases strips of tape with one hand. • Those spindle paper towel holders are great for storing and dispensing rolls of ribbon.
Also list who you want to give gifts to; who your kids want to give gifts to and what they want to give; things you want to make vs. things you want to buy; and your holiday card recipients. (Most experts also agree that this is time to evaluate your budget. Be realistic. You’ll want to be able to stick to it!)
Hemera/Thinkstock
gifts, cards – and budgeting
gift lists
tackle the big meals
During this holiday period, create a list of what you have given people as gifts. That way, you don’t risk giving something you’ve already given. While you’re at it, start next year’s gift list. Keep your radar up during the year and make notes, so when it comes time to shop, you have a list of things people want and will enjoy.
Holidays are often all about the food. If you’re playing host, do a lot of preparation in advance, and realize that many dishes can be reheated just before guests arrive. If you’re hosting a casual affair, have your guests contribute a dish or drinks. Afterward, make notes of who you invited, so you’ll remember details such as whether someone is allergic to nuts.
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 143
iStockphoto/Thinkstock
solutions
decorations Before you put up the tree, take inventory of your holiday decorations, make a list and identify what box they’re stored in. When you’re boxing them up at the end of the season, sort and store them by room, not by what they are. Then next year, you can decorate from one box at a time, one room at a time, if you don’t have a large block of time to do it all at once.
use your waiting time Standing in line? Waiting for a doctor’s appointment or dinner to cook? Take advantage of little chunks of time to plan things, make your lists or work on little craft projects. You can do this throughout the year but especially during the holiday season.
holiday house-cleaning Houseguests — either for dinner or for weeks at a time — are often a key part of the holidays. But this isn’t the time to clean out the basement or reorganize storage closets. Ultimately, your goal should be that you’re not embarrassed by your home and that everyone will be welcome and have a good time. Back off the big projects and just do those things that pertain to that direct goal.
evaluate what worked, what didn’t Immediately after the holidays, ask yourself: • What would you have liked to do this season, but you ran out of time? • Which of those things could you plan to do now or do earlier in the year so you don’t run out of time? • Is your gift list going to change next year? (See next item.) • Were there certain baked goods or foods that people really enjoyed? • What decorations or ornaments would you like to add, exchange or get rid of? • What projects would you like to do next year, and when should you start them?
then work ahead for 2011 With kids, it can be difficult to buy gifts too far in advance — they tend to want something they just saw on TV. But with other people, you can pick things up during the course of the year to save time and money. And don’t forget to take advantage of the after-holiday sales. You can get staples like holiday napkins, cards and gift wrap for a fraction of the seasonal price. Just be sure to write down what you bought and where you have stashed it, so you’re ready to go next year.
— McClatchy News
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succulent Humera/Thinkstock
pure elegance Fresh or faux, white blooms are a decorative delight It seldom snows in the Bay Area, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a white Christmas. The trick is to make white flowers your signature for holiday décor. If your garden is shutting down for winter, look to florists, farmers markets and even the supermarket for the right whites. Start with white poinsettias. Red is the traditional color, but white poinsettias pack a punch of their own. Line them up in pots on your front porch steps or in a small group to the side of your front door to welcome guests. Or, fill your fireplace with pots of white poinsettias, framed with greenery and perhaps a crystal ornament. You can also go the nontraditional route with
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white roses. A table centerpiece of white roses, arranged low so they don’t interfere with conversation, is always elegant, as are individual tiny vases filled with a single rosebud at each place setting. And, don’t overlook the other whites – lilies, tulips, orchids, carnations, daisies, even succulents. For fragrance, mix in gardenias, lily of the valley and paperwhites. If you dislike the bother of keeping vase water clear or picking up fallen petals, try going faux. Your guests will never know – as long as you buy the most realistic-looking silk flowers you can find, and don’t skimp. —Joan Jackson
in the garden
roses poinsettia lily tulip
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onetwosix design
interiors
Home stagers on showing off your best asset By Deborah Petersen Swift
If you’ve ever walked into an open house thinking “Why can’t my house look like this?” it’s a good bet that a professional home stager has been at work. A great stager can transform a nondescript house into a home that immediately pulls you in, making it easy to imagine sinking into a cushy sofa with a minty mojito or steaming cup of Tisane. And while stagers are the first to acknowledge that their canvas excludes toaster crumbs and mail tossed on the dining room table, these decorating artists are fitting muses for anyone – not just home sellers – who wants to make her living space more appealing and up-to-date. The good news is that luxe touches and real life can co-exist. “Fortunately, it’s getting easier to design chic, beautiful spaces in high-end homes that are hospitable to kids, pets and even husbands,’’ says Sylvia D’Anna of Staging Artists in San Jose. “Finally, we are seeing some very durable and easy-to-maintain materials being used today in both outdoor and indoor furnishings.’’ What follows are a few ideas from local stagers on the latest trends to turn your home into an attractive haven.
the stage WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 151
onetwosix design
color
“Gray is the new beige,’’ enthuses Cathy Lee of C.L. Design Services in Danville of the hot trend in wall color. “Purple gray, matte and shiny gray are the new rage,’’ she adds. Gray is friendly to whimsical accents, such as teal or orange. Amy Boxer of Welcome Home Furniture Rental and Staging in Dublin sees the “farm to fork” trend also inspiring paint colors. Walls are becoming “muted and monochromatic, with color splashes primarily only in botanical hues – soil, hay, eggs, tree bark, leaves. Whites are inspired by eggs, creamy with brown undertones.’’ Paint color can either energize or annoy for years to come, so steal a page from the stagers’ playbook: Choose a safe palette for walls, and save playful colors for trim,
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furniture and accessories such as rugs, pillows and artwork. Crystal Stafford of Elizabeth Stafford Home Staging and Design in Santa Clara likes to place at least one black piece in a room to make the rest of the colors in the room pop. Some old-school rules apply, however: Choose a paint color two shades lighter than your original choice, and a rug color one shade darker, says Lydia Nordvik of The Home Staging Company in Fremont. A paint chip or test spot does not prepare you for how bright the color will appear when an entire wall is covered, and homeowners are often surprised at how bright a rug is when they get it home (and how much dirt a white rug reveals).
interiors
The best-staged homes pop because the designers focus on specific rooms, and then zoom in again on a focal point in that room. You want people to say, “I can’t wait to see the rest of the home,” says Nordvik, who likes to grab their attention with a dramatic piece of artwork. But before spending a couple of thousand dollars on a life-sized model of a Xian terra cotta soldier, consider where you will put it. ”Make sure the size of the art is proportional to the wall’’ or the room, cautions Vivian Chen, of One Two Six Design in Mountain View. And, pick your decorating battles. “You don’t have to decorate the entire house. Instead, focus on some areas and corners and make them appealing,’’ Chen says. Boxer prefers a progressive approach. “Choose one item to change in each of your major rooms, and then build on that through time.’’ As examples, she cites dressing up a bedroom with a new bed ensemble, or painting an accent wall in a dining room.
Staging Artists
pick your battles Pick a focal point in the room and make it pop. Before, at left, the fireplace and walls lack interest. With more dramatic colors and lighting, and inviting furnishings, above, the space is transformed.
onetwosix design
accessorize – but think asymmetrical Candles, plants, photographs and well-chosen travel souvenirs are all fodder for creating pockets of displays on accent tables and fireplace mantel. “Vary the heights of objects to create interest: one tall, one medium, one short,’’ Chen says. “You can stack pretty books to form a base for lifting other objects.’’ Boxer notes that the rustic theme is big right now. “We are seeing the return to rustic inspirations for every room of the house, primarily inspired by French antiques,” she says. She suggests looking for accent pieces “inspired from farm life – rustic collection baskets, vintage milk bottles.”
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onetwosix design
mix it up Gone are the days of relegating great-grandmother’s vintage rocking chair to the garage just because its curved arms contrast with the angled lines of your contemporary furniture, or its cherrywood does not match your maple collection. Don’t be afraid to mix woods and styles, Chen says, but choose wisely. “This is part of a contemporary approach to life that is inclusive and broadminded, drawing from different
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cultures and embracing the best from the past and the present,’’ D’Anna says. “Blending woods is in,” Lee adds. “Hickory and maple mix well with oak and cherry.” An Oriental rug can ground modern furniture, just as a contemporary rug can lighten museum-esque pieces. For the latter, Nordvik suggests a waffle pattern rug, or a shag (yes, they’re back!).
interiors
light Stagers often leave windows au naturel to let in natural light, but for those who prefer to cover up, try window treatments that filter instead of block. Then, mix in strategically placed lamps and recessed lighting, and add a mirror or two. “We like to use mirrors to reflect light and increase the sense of space,’’ D’Anna says. Welcome Home Furniture Rental and Staging
find a purpose out-of-town guests to stay comfortably? “Whatever the function may be,” she says, “splurge on the perfect core piece for that room that makes the most sense for the purpose.”
C.L. Design Services
Don’t lose your sense of purpose for each room, Boxer says. “Is it a place where your family can sit comfortably together and eat without worrying what will happen to the furniture? Is it creating a space where you can retreat to do a favorite hobby? Is it creating a space for
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 155
interiors
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Thinkstock
go natural Perhaps the biggest trend in home décor is not so obvious when you walk in the door: the focus on eco-style. “Going green is now becoming a standard in the design industry,” Lee notes. Buying sustainably sourced furniture, lighting that conserves energy and paints that are environmentally sensitive are fast becoming mainstream. And it’s easy to go green: Many retailers now carry green lines, and in addition to specialty manufacturers, many mainstream manufacturers are now producing green furnishings, lighting, paints and more. S
our design muses Amy Boxer Welcome Home Furniture Rental and Staging, Dublin, 925.828.3463, WelcomeHomeStaging.com.
Cathy Lee C.L. Design Services, Danville, 925.351.6118, cldesignservices.com.
Boxer and co-owner Donna Lynch provide furnishings to the staging industry as well as complete staging services. Best sourcing: The Alameda Point Antiques Faire (first Sunday of each month); Plantation in Hayes Valley, San Francisco (contemporary, custom furnishings); Chateau Sonoma, Sonoma (French antiques).
Lee is secretary of Contra Costa Realtors in Motion and founder/past president of the East Bay/San Francisco chapter of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. Best sourcing: Madison McCord Interiors in Livermore, madisonmccord.com.
Vivian Chen One Two Six Design, Mountain View, 650.967.2575, OneTwoSixDesign.com. The company, with 15,000 square feet of inventory of designer-quality furnishings, artwork and accessories, has staged more than 3,000 homes since 1998. Best sourcing: Restoration Hardware, Z-Gallerie, local boutiques. Sylvia D’Anna Staging Artists, San Jose, 408.348.3844, stagingartists.com. D’Anna, a Realtor and appraiser for more than 10 years before founding her firm in 2004, stages both homes and businesses, including Cisco Systems and QualComm. Why use a pro? “An experienced, professional decorator can be a huge help by navigating through all the choices and finding the right solutions at the right prices.”
156 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Lydia Nordvik The Home Staging Company, Fremont, 510.381/8995, homestagingco.com. A former graphic designer, Nordvik worked in the advertising business for years before opening her staging company 18 months ago. Best sourcing: “At HomeGoods [HomeGoods.com], prices are low, and quality is high. You just have to be a more patient shopper.” Crystal Stafford Elizabeth Stafford Home Staging and Design, Santa Clara, 888.595.6221, staffordhomestaging.com. Stafford is certified by the Home Staging Resource. Shopping tip: “Put your money into furniture. West Elm and CB2 offer options for blending contemporary and traditional pieces, but for accessories, don’t write off IKEA and Target.”
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Humera/Thinkstock
a room
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ideas
of your own How to turn unused space at home into a haven By Kim Cook
Guys have done it for years: turned a room into the quintessential “man cave,” where men do manly, sometimes messy and sporty things, often involving a recliner. It’s a private, almost sacred space where men can get away from the din and distractions going on in the rest of the house. But increasingly, women are understanding the advantages that come with what Virginia Woolf termed “a room of one’s own.” These spaces aren’t exclusive to women with families underfoot; in her social circle of women age 60plus, Barbara McDonald says the “getaway room” serves many purposes. “It’s invaluable as a project room. Close the door and leave the mess for next time,” says McDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada. Many women are taking over fallow ground at home and turning it into their sanctuary. They stake out an unused closet, basement nook or extra bedroom. Some use the space to work without interruption — they’ve got it all teched up with Wi-Fi, perhaps a TV. Others say none of that’s allowed, just books and maybe a music player. Roxanne Jacoby has a guest room that no guest has ever slept in. It’s really her “mom cave.” Outfitted with mementos and comfort items, it’s the only room in the house she calls her own. “I’ve put in an alpaca throw, down pillows, a fan, my favorite scented candle and a whole bunch of stuff that I want to read,” says Jacoby, who lives in Philadelphia. It’s not as if she couldn’t set all that up in a corner of the family room. But that “guest room” has an important feature: “I can close the door.” Lori Remien took over an unused nook off her daughter’s room when she needed a place to work on her teaching exams a few years ago. “I went to IKEA and bought a comfy wicker chair, a plush red rug, some pretty black-and-white curtains. It’s still a great retreat where I can watch the shows the rest of my family doesn’t watch,” says Remien,
who teaches in Evanston, Ill. New York designer Elaine Griffin embraces the concept. She recently partnered with HomeGoods in Manhattan to show some décor and space suggestions for “where the woman who nurtures everyone goes to nurture herself.” Here’s what you need for your own “gal cave”: • A place to sit • Storage space • An area to do what you want to do • Room for occasional visitors “Organizing your stuff makes your space feel bigger. I love bookcases — you can hide in plain sight,” Griffin says. Colorful boxes and file folders work well; group an array of favorite photos in fun frames on the shelves. Griffin has a penchant for color — among the minirooms she created for HomeGoods: a reading corner with chaise and bookcases painted vibrant fuchsia, and a closet transformed into a tiny yet functional office, swathed in a warm caramel hue and accented with dramatic touches such as rattan lamps and black furnishings, including a chair with a nice wide seat. No extra rooms available? Griffin suggests turning a stair landing into a mini-sanctuary using narrow console tables, a luxurious rug and a couple of armchairs. Since you don’t share it, you’ve got more freedom with your space to play with unusual wallpaper and accessories, create a Zen-like refuge or, like Atlanta-based Robyn Freedman, revisit your childhood room. Freedman, who runs a creative think tank, even has a name for her space: the Hobbit Hole. “My room’s purple with green polka dots. It’s got all kinds of silly things from my childhood — my light-bulb collection, Dr. Seuss books and college letterman blanket. Lots of goofy stuff, and everything makes me smile,” she laughs. Which is the whole point. S — Associated Press WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 163
Hemera/Thinkstock
space to grow With the right basics, children’s rooms can have staying power By Melissa Rayworth
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ideas Betsy Burnham loves designing bedrooms for young children. But before she can begin, she sometimes has to steer clients away from painfully cute design ideas. “I don’t like cutesy things – the murals, the Disney things,” says Burnham, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. A child’s room can be wonderfully whimsical, she says, “but it can also fit in with the rest of your décor.” Many parents feel obligated to stick with colors and imagery commonly associated with little kids. “But when you do that,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn of decordemon.com, “you create a powder keg, because then you have to redecorate when they get bigger.” How do you create a space that is kid-friendly, but will also grow with your child and mesh with the rest of your home? Flynn, Burnham and HGTV’s latest “Design Star” winner, Emily Henderson, share their advice:
can be a functional and stylish alternative to a traditional changing table. And rather than buying a prefab kids’ table and chairs set, Henderson recommends hunting at flea markets for vintage school chairs and desks. No need to buy a toddler bed: “If you invest in a couple of really nice twin beds, or just one twin bed,” Burnham says, “you can probably turn that bed into a daybed once the child moves on to a full- or queen-size bed.” And leave that Spiderman lamp on the shelf at the big box store. Flynn says vintage lighting can give a child’s room much more style. Chrome or brass works well, he says, “or use the plastic ones from the ’60s. It’s playful and fun and doesn’t take itself seriously.” Note: If you’re bringing in sophisticated colors and patterns, Burnham says, you may want to balance them with kid-friendly soft things, such as Flokati rugs and velvety fabrics.
toy characters
“Buy them a Buzz Lightyear toy,” Burnham says, “but don’t put Buzz Lightyear all Forget the typical pastels over the walls.” and primary colors. Flynn Many kids’ rooms these loves vibrant oranges and days look like advertisements greens for kids’ bedrooms: for popular licensed charac“They’re high energy, but toters. Remember that within tally gender-neutral.” a few years, your child will White and brown are also be into something new and a great combination, he says, you’ll be stuck with the rebecause you can accessorize decorating bill. them with a range of other Burnham had a client colors as the child’s taste Vibrant oranges and greens are “high energy, but gender-neutral,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn. whose son loved maps, so changes. she bought a batch of vintage If you’re set on pink, Burnmaps on eBay. The maps, ham suggests using a shade originally used by sailors, like salmon or watermelon instead of bubblegum pink. And rather than a basic royal were colored with soft yellows and pale blues. She had blue, consider a deep navy for a look that’s crisp and more them pasted up as wallpaper, each one overlapping the next. grown-up. “There are so many ways of doing color and pattern in a sophisticated way,” Henderson says, “fabrics and wallpa- creative space Let the room be a canvas for self-expression. Frame pers that are modern and fresh and fun.” some of the child’s favorite artwork and make it a changConsider painting stripes on kids’ ceilings, or wallpaing gallery. Or affix a row of cork tiles floor-to-ceiling for pering the ceiling to bring in a pop of texture and color. tacking up their latest creations. “Especially for a baby,” Henderson says, decorating the Henderson suggests creating a simple stage for imceiling “is going to wake up their imagination.” promptu performances or stringing up some vibrant fabFlynn likes using geometric print wallpaper that evokes ric to create a secret fort. ’60s or ’70s style, perhaps in black and white or olive and Chalkboard paint and dry-erase wall paint can be used taupe. He also likes using indoor/outdoor fabric in chilto delineate an ample area for scribbling and drawing. dren’s rooms, because of the impressive durability. And, Flynn says, “Do a built-in bookshelf,” and let the child know you’re investing in something special. S skip kiddie furniture – Associated Press Burnham says a dresser with a changing pad on top iStockphoto/Thinkstock
break the rules
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 165
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Advertise with Scene Magazine the Bay Area Woman’s Guide to Style call 408.920.5793 or email mbalistreri@bayareanewsgroup.com Comstock/Thinkstock
make the scene! Join us for our Spring 2011 COLOR issue, publishing April 1, when the season’s bright hues come into focus in both fashion and home and design. We’ll also look at trendsetting local shops and services, the latest in beauty and spring/summer entertaining ideas. Be sure to receive your copy. E-mail us at Scene@ BayAreaNewsGroup.com, or write to Scene Magazine, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. On the web: SceneBayArea.com, and Facebook. com/SceneBayArea.
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Bay Area News Group archives
A
Jenn Miller, left, and Mackenzie Lesher at a past Junior League event. AGENT OF CHANGE continued from Page 93
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dance, theater, opera, music and visual arts at the Lesher Center, the association funds the Arts Access Program, which provides community outreach arts education, as well as performance tickets and transportation to families, children, seniors and low-income residents in the East Bay. Lesher’s work on the Lesher Center’s 20th-anniversary “On Broadway” gala this fall resulted in a sold-out auction and dinner party, which transformed downtown Walnut Creek into a tented party pavilion for more than 550 people. (The annual event in recent years had taken place at Diablo Country Club.) “It’s always been the dream of [Lesher Center General Manager] Scott Denison and [Diablo Regional Arts Association Executive Director] Peggy White to bring the gala back to the Center,” Lesher says. “But it was a gamble in this tough economy. We took a leap of faith, and it’s been staggering, the support that’s flowed in. We sold out the cocktail auction and dinner in July. I think it shows how much of a priority arts and culture are to Walnut Creek.” That inclusive attitude and can-do enthusiasm extend to entertaining at home as well. In recent years, Lesher has opened her home to host benefit dinners for the Walnut Creek Library and the Diablo Regional Arts Association. As with her approach to the gala, Lesher says the key to entertaining lies in making every-
one feel comfortable. “I love to entertain and cook, especially if there’s a good cause involved,” she says. “I generally try to design a menu that I can make in advance, so I’m not the stressed-out host in the kitchen when my guests arrive. I try to keep the tone relaxed and unfussy.” A sign in the kitchen says “Welcome, Friends. He who enters is a stranger but once,” and that, perhaps, sums up Lesher’s entertaining philosophy. “I like to greet people at the door with a glass of champagne,” she says. “I’ve got a 2-year-old, so I let them know it’s definitely OK to spill wine in my house.” S
give Stand! a hand This holiday season, Stand! For Families Free of Violence is hoping to give over 150 client families gift cards for use at Target and grocery stores. These are families who have been affected by domestic violence or abuse, and are working with Stand! to recover and live healthy, happier lives. (The Junior League of the East Bay is a Stand! partner.) Donations can be made by Dec. 17 to Stand! For Families Free of Violence, 1410 Danzig Plaza, Ste. 200, Concord, CA 94520. For ideas on organizing a gift card drive at your workplace or in your community, see standagainstdv.org or call 925.603.0138.
Patrick Tehan
Karl and Christine Wente, on Karl’s front porch, are bringing Wente wines to the millennial generation. Karl plays in a band called The Front Porch, and lives in a farmhouse on vineyard property; Christine lives in Piedmont.
A GOOD PAIRING continued from Page 101
own organic garden. Christine joined the family business in 2000 and is now in charge of managing those businesses to give customers many reasons to enjoy the Livermore Valley. Karl joined two years later and is responsible for the quality of the wine. “It’s great to have them as the forward face and the people that generation are connecting with,” Carolyn Wente says. “Those will be the relationships that will bring business forward.” Christine and Karl grew up in a Livermore neighborhood, so they could ride their bikes to school. But most weekends were spent on what they call “the ranch.” Christine would spend time with her Aunt Carolyn, tagging along on wineries tours and picking fresh vegetables and herbs from her backyard garden. Karl would often stay at his grandmother’s house nearby. Christine graduated from Princeton, then Stanford with an MBA. She worked for Gallo in the Central Valley before joining the family business. She met her husband, investment manager Roland Von Metzsch (a fellow Princeton graduate) at a Halloween party in
Palo Alto while dressed as the character Uma Thurman played in “Pulp Fiction.” (With her blond pageboy and willowy figure, it was a perfect choice.) They were married on vineyard property, and are raising two children. From their Piedmont home, Roland commutes to his job in San Francisco. Karl commutes from his yoga studio upstairs to the vineyard right outside his door. After earning a chemical engineering degree from Stanford and two master’s degrees in viticulture and food science from UC Davis, he worked at Peter Michael Winery in Sonoma, then Brown Brothers in Victoria, Australia. (In blond cornrows, he took a six-week trek through Africa, including an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.) In 2002, he returned to Livermore, and to a historic farmhouse on Wente land built by a 19th-century winemaker who once owned the property. Karl’s Italian girlfriend, a singer and songwriter, keeps a pottery wheel in his basement. “We both lived on different paths,” Karl says of his sister. “But we share a common pride with the business and with the land.” S
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 171
behind the scene
the winter look
A special thank-you to Rob Barker Erika Brown Matt Coffee Pat Danna Ed Eke Rudy Knight Janet Kim Paik Gail Petty Robin Siegfried June Stephens Mark Yamamoto
172 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Janet Kim Paik helps make a trenchcoat fit perfectly.
Audrey Mendoza put a bold, smoky eye on model Gina, above, and Brooke, at right.
Stephanie Grace Lim
Scene
Model Brooke London’s hair is smoothed back by Karie Bennett.
Janet Kim Paik
For this issue’s fashion shoot, contributing fashion & beauty editor Donna Kato wanted a smoky, bold eye in shades of gray and brown, and strong brows to balance winter’s heavy fabric, strong shoulders and layered clothing. Makeup artist Audrey Mendoza went to work on models Brooke London and Gina. Mendoza has a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, but she’s clearly found her passion. Kato conferred with Atelier SalonSpa and Atelier Studio’s Karie Bennett to make the models’ hair be “voluminous but controlled, with silky softness.” Bennett was aided by Atelier senior artist Shayne Thurston. Janet Kim Paik provided styling assistance and kept track of the bags, boxes and garment bags full of the merch – no small feat, as included were myriad shoes, handbags and jewels.
Style notes: • When clothes are busy, hair works best pulled away from the face. This fall and winter’s modern look is hair worked to be high on the head and crown, and sleekly twisted back into a bun or ponytail. • Winter complexions are pale but flawlessly dewy, achieved with a light touch of foundation, topped by a light-reflecting powder and pink or peachy blush on the cheeks. • Lips are neutral and glossy, or, for high drama, a bright red. Red should work with your skin tone and eye makeup. (In general: Pair reds with blue undertones with gray eyeshadow and pink-toned skin; pair reds with yellow/orange undertones with brown eye makeup and olive-toned skin.) S
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seen
out and about in the east bay
Ben Krantz Studio
Glam was on view at the “On Broadway” gala this fall, which celebrated the Lesher Center for the Art’s 20th anniversary. We asked a few key people involved what they wore, and what it says about their personal style:
Chance Kim,
Sue Rainey, Walnut Creek mayor and gala committee member (with husband Richard Rainey) What she wore: A black St. John with transparent long sleeves. What it says: “Classic vintage. I’ve had this for a long time and love it.”
Tiffany’s Walnut Creek
Jill Winspear,
Susie Fisher,
Diablo Regional Arts Association board and gala committee member
gala committee member What she wore: A onestrap, gun-metal BCBG dress embellished with beading, accessorized with a wide diamond bracelet and diamond earrings, and pumps with beading.
Christine Wente,
What it says: “I love diamonds! My style: trendy, but not over the top.”
What it says: “Traditional, but current!”
174 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
gala committee member What she wore: A little black dress and pearls, with black heels.
What she wore: Strapless, Bordeauxcolored long gown and jacket from Blossoms, with silver heels. What it says: “It’s comfortable, which is important when I’m running around. And I made sure my husband’s tie and pocket square matched my dress!”
What she wore: Black, ruched knit jersey with asymmetric neckline and handkerchief sleeves, accessorized with Tiffany jewelry, including a yellow diamond with double row micro pavé pendant. What it says: “Classic and comfortable – and accentuates my best features.”
Peggy White,
Ben Krantz Studio
Diablo Regional Arts Association executive director
Carrie Lederer, Bedford Gallery curator and gala committee member What she wore: Nicole Miller techno metal dress (fabric woven with metallic yarns, “which provides for a relaxed sculptural form”). The dress is flared — “replete with petticoat!” What it says: “I love fashion — it provides both men and women the opportunity to be creative from a personal perspective. I’m interested in a look that’s relaxed, distinctive and artistic. Form, color, texture and pattern are all important.”
What she wore: A cerise strapless short gown by Max and Cleo, and Kate Spade suede shoes with black sequin bows. “My jewelry is by Sorrelli. The necklace is a classic crystal antique silver bib.” What it says: “It represents what I strive for: ‘Classic with a Creative Twist.’ ”
Kimberly Brown, Mackenzie Lesher, gala co-chair What she wore: A navy, one-shoulder Tadashi Shoji gown. “I wore the amazing Louboutins I bought at a fundraiser that Footcandy held for the Junior League, with special guest Candace Bushnell [of “Sex and the City” fame]. They are by far the most fabulous shoes I own.” What it says: “The gown demonstrates that I am conservative and pretty traditional. But the shoes say that I like to take a calculated risk now and then. And I’m a sucker for glitter!”
gala committee member What she wore: A black, one-shoulder, cocktail dress with a splash of bling on the shoulder strap, with a four-inch burgundy heel “to add some color.” Silver bangles, with two chunkier bead bracelets, and black chandelier earrings. What it says: “Stylish, but also comfortable. As a new mom, I don’t get the opportunity to go out and get dressed up that often, so in our household this was a big event!”
Angie Coffee, gala committee member What she wore: The same dress she wore 20 years ago to the Lesher Center opening, accessorized with Tiffany starburst diamond earrings and metallic Ferragamos. What it says: “My typical dress for black-tie fundraisers is St. John, [but] I thought it would be fun to wear the dress I wore 20 years ago. The dress is fuchsia and quite fun, so I didn’t have the heart to part with it! Who knew it would appear again at the 20th?”
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 175
Navid Armstrong and DRAA trustee Bill Armstrong
Gala committee member Kathleen Odne and John Odne
LCA General Manager James Busby, gala committee member Lynette Busby, Scott Denison DRAA director Loella Haskew, Ralph Haskew
Ben Krantz Studio
All grown up: Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts celebrated the 20th anniversary of the center’s opening with its annual On Broadway fundraiser. The event, which included a tented gala dinner on the streets outside the center, raised more than $200,000 for the Diablo Regional Arts Association programs. Guests bid on auction items ranging from works of art on display in the Bedford Gallery to a country estate getaway in Umbria, Italy, and after a performance by the Manhattan Transfer, they danced the night away.
Walnut Creek City Council member Gary Skrel and Natalie Skrel
Gala co-chair Steve Lesher and DRAA trustee Ira Hillyer
Philanthropists Jean and Ken Hofmann
Philanthropists Kristen and Peter Bedford
San Francisco Giants’ Brian Wilson and Crosby Hyde
San Francisco Giants’ Tim Lincecum Logan Severance, San Jose Sharks’ Angel Velez, San Francisco Giants’ Frazer McLaren Jonathan Sanchez and Liza Bromley
Stephanie Simons
Scene caught the scene at the fourth annual Logan’s Freedom Ride in San Francisco. Started in 2007 by San Francisco Giants strength and conditioning coach Ben Potenziano to benefit Logan Severance, LFR has raised more than $80,000 for Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. For more info, see freedomridesf.com.
San Jose Sharks’ Frazer McLaren, Jason Demers and Devin Setoguchi
176 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
Jean Ashworth, Stephanie Hoobery and Alex Peais
Comcast’s Rich Caitlin Marantz and Tiffany Davis Aurilia (former Giant)
seen 1
2 10
3 Party! Scene celebrated its August issue with a few friends at the Blackhawk Auto Museum. In addition to amazing raffle prizes (SkinSpirit goodies, a Tiffany charm bracelet and Kate Spade bag among them), guests were treated to a musical number from “Becoming Britney,” performed by its writer and star, Molly Bell. (The show recently had its West Coast premiere at Center Rep.)
1.
Center Rep’s Michael Butler, Bay Area News Group/East Bay Publisher David Rounds, Bay Area News Group’s Debbie Nordstrom, Kurt Kuckein and Molly Bell (star of “Becoming Britney”)
9
4
2.
Candi Hoyle, Pat Cox and Bonnie Wersel, from Alain Pinel Realtors
3.
Casey Johnston and Candice McGraw, from Quarry Lane School
4. 5.
Deb Mariotti and Dr. Eric Mariotti
Tiffany Pociecha, and Paula Cole and Hannah Barger from Kate Spade
6. 8
Stephanie Yeraka from J. Hettinger Interiors and Tiffany’s Chance Kim and Terri Tiffany
7.
Maria Billingsley, Robineve Cole, Dorene Gomez and Cindi Stephenson, from J. Hettinger Interiors
8. 9.
5
Jane Omick and Cheryl Sass, both from Queen Bee
Rebekah Brannon from SkinSpirit, and Kari Wahl from J. Rockcliff Realtors
10.
Danny Chan and Petra Martinez, from Salon Epiffani
For more photos, see Facebook.com/SceneBayArea
6
Edwin Suarez
7
WINTER 2010 • SCENE • 177
just for you
congratulations to our winners! Scene Magazine reader contests
Kara Douglas, answering our query on who we should profile the next time we cover women in wine (as we did in the Fall 2010 issue), suggested Anne Vawter. Walnut Creekbased Douglas notes that Vawter is a young up-and-comer who is winemaker to several small wineries and also produces her own. Douglas’ fab prize: tickets to see Willie Nelson at Wente Vineyards.
Pat Scott,
from Pleasant Hill, won tickets to the “On Broadway” encore party, which featured the Manhattan Transfer, dessert and dancing. (The October event was part of the anniversary gala to celebrate the Lesher Center for the Art’s 20th birthday.) Pat’s winning entry described what she’d be wearing: “a muted blue and chartreuse silk and chiffon dress that I complement with a stunning Pashmina. The hues are reminiscent of Mount Diablo in springtime.”
Ann Meuel, a speech-language pathologist with the Mount Diablo Unified School District, won tickets to Center Rep’s hilarious “Becoming Britney.” Her entry told us how she teaches happiness to others: “I find that my greatest happiness comes from facilitating or creating a moment of joy for my family, friends or students that puts a smile on their face. It may be a simple touch, a quick e-mail just to say hello, a conversation focused on them or an all-out production!”
join us online “Like” us on Facebook: Facebook.com/SceneBayArea, for the latest news, more contests, photos from local style events. Connect with us at SceneBayArea.com: For current stories, past issues, style news and, yes, more contests! 178 • SCENE • WINTER 2010
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