A couple of months ago I attended a styled event at Sunset Magazine’s gorgeous Test Gardens located at Cornerstone Sonoma in Northern California’s wine region. It was an opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of a photoshoot for a Fall 2018 issue. I was beyond amazed by the beautiful settings, the great number of staff and talent to pull off this shoot and by the sheer fact that many magazine features are prepared this far in advance. It was stunning and I’m excited to give you a sneak peek of what’s to come in print this Autumn.
The upcoming issue of Sunset will feature textiles by Los Angeles-based designer Heather Taylor. Her line includes all the napkins, runners and tablecloths shown in these pictures, as well as other home textiles and goods on her site.
Other notable talent that contributed to Sunset’s feature include Bianca Sotelo who styled the shoot, The Cheese School of San Francisco who provided all the cheese boards and other nibbles, and Duke’s of Healdsburg who crafted a few special cocktails for the occasion.
The event was attended by other fellow Bay Area blogger friends and we left with happy bellies and plenty of ideas for re-creating this magic in order to host our own gatherings at home. We’re excited for all of this to debut this Fall in Sunset.
paris meets danish fare with the new swanky spot copenhague. this dining experience is definitely one for the books, because not only is the interior breathtaking but the daily-made tasting menu is rumored to be divine. step into a world of jewel-toned materials, and minimalist sensibilities. what pairs perfectly with a plush dining room chair than a candy pink suede coat, and matching boots? i would say just about nothing… this week’s wear this there is pure style-hedonism — comfortable & chic. this week’s read this there is the river at night, an adventurous novel that will take you through the wilderness and back.
wear this there:zara faux suede jacket; zara mid-rise jean with frill; h&m jersey top; motif Full Moon Earring; credo beauty herbivore botanical lapis facial oil; read this there the river at night by erica ferencik; two two shoes saint boot in blush; bing bang nyc tiny baguette ring in peachy crystal; parker clay black leather zip tote.
there’s something so twinkly about a night out in hollywood — even when you live just across town. ysabel is the spot to find yourself for a very refined cocktail, and a dish to die over. the indoor/outdoor feel of the place is perfectly edited in the decor department, just the tiniest nod to the eclectic. we suggest you try and get the seat closest to the patio’s open fireplace for a prime evening experience under the stars. this week’s wear this there encourages you to try something feminine while you bat your lashes at the handsome waitstaff in something like this ruffled dress, and a darner sock clad shoe situation. this week’s book of choice? the novel turned hit tv show big little lies — what can we say we’re the book-before-the-film type.
there’s a new destination gracing hudson, new york — and it’s the hip-countryside-goers dream come true. wm. farmer & sons is not only a spot to grab a delicious bite but also a mercantile, bar, and boardinghouse. the boutique style space designed by shappacherwhite architecture is full of masculine touches like deep jewel toned paint, open brick, and raw wood floors. that however, does not mean you can’t bring the eclectic femme to this dining experience with satin clog shoes, a botanical embroidered trench, and pom pom earrings — it’s all about balance right? make a res for a gaggle of good friends, or slide into a seat at the communal table with our latest read shrill by lindy west.
wear this there:zara embroidered trench coat; zara high heel satin clogs; ban.do tuleste pom pom earring in forest green; Clare V. Florist Striped Pouch at anthropologie; nars Pop Goes the Easel Sheer Pop Multiple; credo beauty french girl sea spray; read this there shrill by lindy west; bagatiba vintage d3c necklace; and need supply achro navy slip dress.
ready for a lovely twist on the traditional margarita? i think you’re going to love the taste of this one! Patrón has searched the world for refreshing new margarita recipes to contend for a place in history: Margarita of the Year, and i was invited to recreate one of the seven artisanal contenders — the english garden margarita. Patrón is showcasing the versatility of the margarita and its endless variations in flavors with seven new recipes — from spice-infused to classic citrus. i found that the english garden margarita reminded me of a super refreshing ice tea flavor — probably due to the simple syrup in the recipe which is infused with earl grey tea — delicious!! you can get the ingredients delivered right to your door and vote for your favorite margarita every day through April 9th, and check out all of the Margarita of the Year recipes by visiting Patrón and casting your vote for your favorite on social media for a chance to participate in naming the #MargaritaOfTheYear. The perfect way to enjoy Patrón is responsibly! cheers!
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Patrón and all words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep sfgirlbybay going with fresh content every day.
we’re hesitant to give up one of our favorite neighborhood spots in fear of larger brunch waits, but we don’t want you to miss out on the sweet experience that is ostrich farm. one of echo park’s biggest perks, this teeny restaurant is a must-hit while you’re on the east side of L.A. with its abundant breakfast bowls or delicious candle lit dinners, and an interior color trifecta of gold, emerald, and white you really can’t go wrong. it’s been a scorcher as of late in this city, so a lightweight frock with a lightweight cardigan tossed over your shoulders and your go to summer accessories are more than appropriate. in other outfit-related news, front row shop just stocked our favorite mules in beautiful satin hues so we’re thinking a celebratory cocktail with brunch is in order. upon hearing all sorts of good things about the book you are a badass by Jen sincero we say throw that one in your woven purse, or on your audible app and find a stool at the bar.
apologies for the tardiness of this post, but with so many photos to edit and links to gather it’s taken me some time to pull it all together, but at last, here we go — to france! so often, paris is the it place everyone wants to go — and ouí, it is a dream. but on my recent travels abroad, i visited a few other french cities and found them to be trés jolie. we traveled by train which is my favorite kinda way to get about — it’s quick and comfortable, affordable and very efficient. the trip from lyon to paris was just a few hours and we sat in very comfy seats complete with dining tables. we went from lyon to avignon to Marseille and back to lyon and then on to paris, all within a week.
so let’s start with marseille. we only had an overnight stay in marseille, but this port city in very walkable (except for an exorbitant amount of wind the day we strolled around) and the harbor area is very pretty. i’ve told you about our beautiful pension edelweiss — a must stay — and we walked everywhere from there. we did take a taxi after literally being blown away along the marina to a very special lunch at trés fancy le petit nice for a seven or eight-course meal that was quite divine. if you can, treat yourself — you’ll feel as though you’re in a french film or a movie star, or something trés chic. we had eaten breakfast at our pension, and had a light dinner later so we didn’t feel like we were blowing our budget or anything, but it is expensive and there’s a reason for it, and part of it is the view you see just below.
WHEN IN MARSEILLE:
bistrot l’horloge — a charming bar & cafe near the marina. we had a delicious dinner (steak & pom frites!) and felt very much like we were dining in the local’s go-to spot.
epicerie l’ideal — this gourmet grocery was so beautiful and so full of gastronomic eye candy. we just stumbled upon it and i’m so glad we did. lemons the size of footballs.
la savonnerie marseillaise — everyone needs to bring back soap from marseille, and this is the spot. there must have been dozens and dozens of fragrances and i’ve been loving the very lathering soap i brought home.
le petit nice — this is the fancy restaurant i mentioned. reservations are a must, i believe and it is pricey, but it’s so worth the bit of extravagance.
marianne cat — this concept store had the cutest designer clothes and i put together a few ensembles i would have loved to buy. beautiful perfumes and candles, too.
masion empereur — i told you about their ‘secret apartment’ to stay, but this was one of the highlights of our trip. what a fun and wonderful store. part hardware/part homewares/toy shop/cook’s dream — this store has everything you’d ever want all under one roof and merchandised beautifully. love, love, love masion empereur.
next up, lyon — it’s a beautiful city with not just one but two rivers running through it and at one point the Rhône and the Saône converge. the shopping is wonderful and the cafes equally so. a few of my favorites places to shop and stay. be sure and visit the beautiful Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooking the city with incredible views — i was enthralled with the exquisite stained glass and domed ceiling. nearby is The Tour métallique de Fourvière (a miniature eiffel tower!) which is lit up at night and a gorgeous site to see. lyon is large, but very walkable and that’s the best way to see it. as in all european cities — bring your comfiest shoes and leave your vanity back at the hotel.
when in lyon:
auguste et cocotte – a stunning homewares boutique featuring some of the prettiest (and largest) basket lamps i’ve ever seen. they also carry lovely linens and tablewares, bespoke jewelry and fragrances. trust me, you’ll want it all.
bistro les boulistes – we went here our first evening in lyon for one of those 5-hour dinners with just as many courses. it was delicious all of it, especially a poached sea bass that melted in my mouth. a great neighborhood vibe without feeling one bit pretentious.
caravane – another beautiful homewares shop with walls and vaulted ceilings of raw stone. so cozy and inviting i wanted one of everything but settled for a small handmade pouch that fit easily in my luggage.
chocolat Sève – this patissier treated us like royalty when we stopped in for a visit. we left with pounds of the most gorgeous handmade chocolates and macaron in every flavor. the cakes were works of gastronomic art. do stop in!
Fourvière Hotel – we stayed in this incredible former convent ideally located on the top of the Roman amphitheatres, a stone’s throw from the Basilica, the Fourvière Hotel has reinvented the former convent of the Visitation built by Bossan in 1854 into a modernist dream. each door to the guestrooms is wallpapered with the colorful characters who shaped france.
Home Autour du Monde Bensimon – home to those adorable french sneakers we all love, bensimon also carries some equally cute clothing, as well as some wonderful homewares. their lyon store is charming and their staff was so sweet.
hotel saint vincent – i loved this petite boutique hotel tucked up a narrow street just beyond lyon’s mural painting “Mur des Canuts”. they had to upgrade the doors to their guestrooms with fire safe doors, so they then used the beautiful old tall wooden doors as closet doors. so charming and a lovely place to stay.
Hyggelig — a little bit of Scandinavia in france, this two-story shop carried many handmade products with French, British and Scandinavian flair.
le bistrot du potager — i loved this quaint bar/cafe right around the corner from hotel saint vincent. a very local vibe and healthy portions. stop in for a glass of vino and their delicious charcuterie plate.
monoprix — think target but with that french je ne sais quoi, and the same bargain prices. several floors of everything from make-up and accessories to groceries and wine all in one big department store.
pop and shoes – a charming concept store with really friendly staff. think beautiful clothing, cashmere scarfs, fancy french shoes and gnomes — yes, they have gnomes. it’s a great spot.
okay, on to the city of lights — paris! i was only here for a day and a single night so i didn’t get around as much as i’d have liked to, but still we walked and walked (21,000 steps in one day, mind you!) and saw as much as we could fit in. a walk through the streets to the marais and its beautiful square, Place des Vosges and charming shops like merci and bon ton. then on to the grounds of the louvre and gorgeous jardin de tuileries (named for the tile factories which previously stood on the site) and its charming carousel. wandering paris is the best way to get around, and see so much more than perhaps underground on the metro — especially if you’ve got just one day. but here’s what we saw.
when in paris:
mercí — you’ve heard it before, but this is a must-stop when in paris. fuel up with a latte and a light lunch at their library cafe and then peruse the three floors at your leisure. from fantastic homewares to clothing and accessories and so much more in-between, mercí is the best.
bon ton — just down the street from mercí is this darling children’s shop. it may be for kids but i always get inspired here, plus there’s a photobooth!
le sirocco — this is an amazing Moroccan restaurant with a warm and cozy vibe. it’s a very authentic setting, where you can taste the many flavors of Moroccan cuisine with very generous portions.
la trésorerie — much like the general stores and bazaars of the past, drugstores and hardware stores in which one could find everything necessary under one roof to equip a household, la trésorerie brings together objects and products that are beautiful as well as useful.
peonies — this charming little coffee shop seems a little bit british — almost. but then there are all those wonderful french pastries awaiting you with your latte. not to mention all the beautiful blooms, because it’s a floral shop too. green floors with pink tables — what more could you want?
hotel Henriette — we didn’t stay here because it was booked, but after dinner right down the street at le sirocco, we popped in for a look-see. the very kind concierge gave us a tour of the rooms and they are so adorable. i’d stay here next time for sure!
hotel panache — this is a trés chic spot to stay, complete with those famous headboards all over instagram. i loved the design, and the cafe next door was charming, too. but i’m going to give their staff a tip: work on your personality and cleanliness. enough said.
domino is crushing it again this week, with a stunning tour of interior designer & stylist elizabeth damrich’s historic 1830’s charleston, north carolina home. nothing gets my pulse racing more than sky-high ceilings and killer mouldings paired with classic modern furnishings, and elizabeth has that going on in spades. for the full beautifully curated home tour, sources and more about elizabeth, visit domino.
nashville has been quite the design draw as of late, and its new little blush-hued seafood spot little octopus is no different. the name is reason enough to wander in, but the color palette of candy pink, stark white, and neutrals puts it at the top of our ‘must hit list’. tennessee may be far from the beach, but this destination brings its essence home. we say it seems like the place to get lunch as you want plenty of light for those insta-story worthy moments, and you’ll want to be dressed the part of course. eccentric accessories will get you far with this look, currently, we are all over a good statement-making sandal. if you ate up gone girl you will love this week’s read this there the silent wife.
wear this there:No.6 Mandy Crossback Dress in Black; zara frilled slides; asos ultimate leather biker jacket; Anthropologie pastoral tote; anthropologie Turaco Hoop Earrings; nordstrom nars lipstick in honolulu honey; nude woven metal cuff from anthropologie; revolve ouai wave spray; read this there the silent wife by a.s.a harrison; Karen Walker One Star sunglasses in Crystal Pink/Rose/Gold from need supply.
so many stylishly clad restaurants, with infinitely delicious menus, so little time. this week’s wear this there takes us across the country and a quick subway ride to greenpoint, brooklyn for a dash of design charm at sauvage. pale pink walls, emerald green backsplash behind the bar — it’s enough to crash a pinterest board — and so is the summer look we’ve chosen for it. get dinner date ready in a reformation sundress and fringed mules because this meal will be one for the books. speaking of books, our read this there is the sweet love tale the great passage by shin miura.
if after seeing my trip to france earlier this year perhaps you’ve been longing for your own trip, and i may have just the ticket for you. ouí! mignonne decor a source for all things french decor has recently launched lush getaways, and oh my gosh does it look incredible — they’ve really strived to create a getaway experience that drops you right into a true french connection.
mignonne’s lush getaways trip is being hosted in a beautiful, 17th century French Manor complete with a lounging jardin near a stunning saltwater pool and just steps away from the sweetest town of Brantome, quite possibly one of the most charming villages in France. This is a culinary adventure, with an emphasis on true french living, and of course some broccante flea market action — oh la la. Attendees pay for their flight separately, and then basically the majority of everything else is included with the trip purchase: Lodging / Cooking Classes with several amazing chefs / Wine Tours / a Photography Workshop / and yoga classes to work off all that delicious french food you’ll be cooking! sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
and should you be in the bay area and like to learn more about the trip, Mignonne is hosting an event at their studio on Saturday July 15th, 2-5pm, for last round sign up’s for the lush getaway. a perfect excuse to drop into the beautiful shop and get a taste of france before you go! you’ll enjoy an afternoon of succulent planting while dreaming of the French Countryside. and just for coming, you’ll be gifted one vintage collectible & succulent as a symbol of their thanks! mercí, indeed!
from the shores of mexico, to bleeker street, tacombi is where one goes when suffering from massive taco cravings. it’s also where one goes to seek out eye-catching tiles, and festive interiors a la yucatan. you know what goes great with carne asada? pom pom purses, dreamy strappy sandals by Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and the perfect jumpsuit. head here with your favorite trashy beach read in hand — we suggest the latest it happens in the hamptons — possibly gain some inspiration before heading out of the smoldering city for the weekend? down an extra margarita for us!
Gal pals and tastemakers extraordinaire Emily Fiffer and Heather Sperling, met in Chicago years ago when they were each working as food writers and editors. Fast forward and they’ve traded the Windy City for L.A.’s year-round sunshine and swapped their pens for aprons and knives. Their combined passion and experience has realized itself in one of the most literal (and quite possibly the loveliest), farm to table experiences : Botanica Restaurant & Market. Heather and Emily source all vegetables, fruits and dairy from local growers and artisans and complement with a careful selection of oils, spices and vinegars from around the world. Like what you eat? You can purchase many of the elements (wine included) in the quaint market at the front of the restaurant. Botanica is everything all at once without trying too hard to be. Looking for a walk-up coffee counter and pastry to go? Check. A leisurely brunch al fresco? Call your girlfriends. A romantic cozy dinner date? Yes, please. Need to grab a quality vino on your way to a dinner party? Pop on in. Heather + Emily strive to make food that makes you feel good and I’d add makes your instagram look good, too.
as promised in yesterday’s post about our charming apartment in lisbon, i wanted to share a few ‘must-visit’ spots around the city if you happen to be headed that way — which i most certainly recommend. lisbon is a beautiful seaside city, full of colorful pastel architecture. it reminds me a little bit of a much older san francisco — it’s hilly (and there’s trams), and even has a bridge — the 25 de Abril Bridge that closely resembles SF’s golden gate. we only had a short time in lisbon, but what i prized most was just aimlessly wandering the narrow streets and staircases, taking in all the colors and breathtaking views. oh, and you can’t go wrong with one of the many local bakeries serving the traditional Portuguese custard tarts or pasteis de nata — i brought two home on the plane with me! here are a few of our favorite places to eat and shop in lisbon and for more of lisbon, visit my instagram.
a vida portuguesa — hands down favorite shop (we went there twice!). it has a few locations, but we visited Chiado I which will have you lingering for a long visit, so give yourself plenty of time to peruse their shelves. Occupying a centuries-old David & David warehouse and perfume factory, they’ve preserved the historical interiors and have displayed the most beautiful and judicious of selections of jewelry, soaps, stationery, books, cookware and food products including the most divine selection of tinned seafood of which i took home a ton of. they also carry a beautiful selection of bordallo pinheiro ceramics — had i not feared breaking them all in my suitcase, i would have loaded up, but i did bring home a single black swallow — which has become a true Portuguese symbol.
LX factory — this place also gave me san francisco vibes! it’s housed on the grounds of a historical old fabric factory dating back to 1846 located just underneath the aforementioned 25 de Abril Bridge and houses a multitude of independent design shops and cafes. think pop-up shops galore with tons of handmade goods from ceramics, to leather goods and textiles. the place was hopping with good energy and interesting food options and also host loads of events from fashion shows to music and the arts.
embaixada — Embaixada is located in Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, one of the most iconic buildings in the trendy neighborhood of Príncipe Real. This XIX century new-Arabian Palace has been transformed into a unique shopping gallery with lots of unique national brands and artists focused on Portuguese design, craftsmanship, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. the architectural alone is enough reason to visit and be sure and drop into the gin lover’s bar in back — the views and the bartenders are both quite eye catching!
a cevicheria — also located in the Príncipe Real neighborhood just a stone’s throw from embaixada, you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the giant octopus (made from sponge) hanging from the ceiling above the prettiest blue tiled floor. this is some of the best and most unique ceviches i’ve ever tasted (try the salmon ceviche with an orange foam!) and the tartar tacos and sandwiches (like the surf & turf) are amazing. the wine they serve is delicious and they also specialize in a pisco sour, a yummy drink from Peru. they don’t accept reservations, but there’s a walk-up bar outside that you can order something cold from while you wait.
pharmacia — one of our favorite meals! and, in one of the cleverest locations. chef Susana Felicidade has opened her very wes anderson-ish pharmacy-themed restaurant inside the Museu de Farmacia in the Santa Catarina district of Lisbon and decorated it in the most charming decor inspired by vintage pharmaceuticals — fancy a shot from a laboratory vile? sure you do! the views from the front terrace are heavenly, so be sure to have a cocktail on the ‘front lawn’ before you dine. think comfort food with a Portuguese twist — the lemon risotto with Razorfish was my favorite. it was a bit tricky for our cab driver to find, but it’s located at Rua Marechal Saldanha 1 and just tell them it’s in the old Museu de Farmacia.
i’ve had so many travels this year, i feel extra fortunate. i don’t normally travel this often and i sometimes forget how much inspiration comes from stepping outside your day-to-day world, getting a fresh perspective and seeing life from other countries outside our own. as you probably couldn’t help but see from the abundant instagrams i posted, i went to cuba last november with tour company extraordinaire coast to costa. it was the trip of a lifetime that i highly recommend you make and especially encourage you to do so soon if you live in the states, now that the current administration may make significant changes to how americans can visit cuba. traveling to cuba with coast to costa makes what can be challenging an easy, relaxing and most especially fun and beautiful trip. we had such a memorable cuba trip that coast to costa invited me to travel with them to spain as an ambassador of their trips so i could share how they travel, and i jumped at the opportunity.
so, to get right to it, here’s what a trip to barcelona, spain (and beyond) is like with coast to costa. we traveled with a great group of new friends from all over the country and met some wonderful people from barcelona along the way. we stayed in a beautiful flat with the prettiest terrace in a very central part of barcelona, walking distance from great restaurants and shopping and many of the sites and historical spots you’ll want to see while in visiting. coast to costa sets up the trip so that you get acclimated to the city quickly, and then feel comfortable enough to venture off on your own should you want to. so first off was our evening with our incredibly knowledgeable guide sam of zucker & spice travel who took us on a tapas and wine crawl all over the city. i had some of the best tapas i’ve ever tasted! here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Cèntric canalla — my favorite place to eat tapas, this spot originally opened its doors 1862 and since reopened in 1942 — so they’ve long been serving their delicious vermouth along with yummiest tapas like escalivada with anchovies and the patatas bravas with chilli aioli. A lot of locals frequent this bar, always sure sign of the quality of the food.
can cisa / bar brutal — another excellent meal was had here, in the arty el born district with a funky decor and an extensive and excellent wine list. again, the tapas here were divine and meant to be shared at a communal table. we had some out of this world anchovies, a salted cod and potato dish that was the dream comfort food and a pork sandwich i would eat every darn day if i could.
Cañete — everybody said we should go here, and sadly we waited until the last day of our trip (with 11 people) and we couldn’t get in. however, i hear from my niece who’s a huge foodie that the food here is life changing. so make it a priority and learn from our mistake! located in the center of the Raval, their bar has just been awarded the Entrepreneur’s Kitchen Award.
La Boqueria — one of my personal favorites is the traditional old marketplace and the largest public food market in the Ciutat Vella district on las Ramblas (meaning Esplanade in spanish), a pedestrian walking street through the city to the oceanfront if you keep walking. You can gourmet shop to your heart’s content here, and dine on some of the freshest food the city has to offer — lots of booths have samples, too.
Mercat de Santa Caterina a trip to spain with coast to costa. — with its beautiful colorfully mosaic wavy rooftop designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue to replace its 19th-century predecessor, this the more contemporary version of La Boqueria — less crowded than la boqueria, too but also filled with beautiful produce stands, restaurants, cafes and bars.
casa batlló — The Casa Batlló was Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, finished in 1907 and is perhaps the best example of modernism from the beginning of the 20th century. Hidden behind the modernist façade which mirrors a calm blue sea, tours include the Noble Floor which was the original residence of the Batlló family, the Attic (formally storage rooms and wash tubs), the gorgeous Roof Terrace with its mythical Chimneys and the fabulous Stairwell. it’s all incredible and not to be missed.
park güell — Created by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí between 1900 and 1914. The grounds are a combination of lush green and some of gaudí’s most beautiful and unique work. be sure to buy tickets, otherwise, you’ll be able to walk the park, but not visit the architectural treasures. we failed here, too and didn’t have tickets!
basílica de la sagrada familia — much more than the huge Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the basílica is forever changing for it began construction in 1882 and to this day is still not finished. the main chapel is breathtaking and masses are still held here. it’s honestly one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture i’ve yet to visit. book tickets online to avoid the lines.
coast to costa often includes some wonderful day or overnight trips out of the main destination, and this time we visited barcelona’s wine region and a couple of great wineries. we also road tripped to cadaqués — which is the most beautiful coastal village i may have every visited. truly, i’d like to retire there. it looks a little bit like a miniature greece — everything white and blue. so here’s a bit about those amazing trips.
Can Ràfols dels Caus winery — just outside the city of barcelona and about an hour’s drive is their incredible winemaking region. we had the most amazing tour here — this exterior looks like a spanish mansion, but this place is like the batcave inside! the owner Carlos Esteva began rebuilding his grandfather’s 17th century estate at the end of the 1970s, digging underground (it took two years!) to build the winery in this huge limestone cave. and the wine, of course, is most delicious!
cavas gramona – we also stopped in at this beautiful old cava winery — spain’s version of champagne. we learned so much here from the charming guide who took us down into their ancient cellars where they store hundreds and hundreds of vintage cava — since 1881! the views of the vineyards from their rooftop patio are not to be missed either.
salvador dalí museus — on our road trip to cadaqués we stopped in Salvador dalí’s hometown of Figueres and visited a museum dedicated to his life works. what an incredible homage to him — we were all wowed by it and it gave me a whole new perspective into how prolific his work was. from self-portraits to furniture, to murals with hidden paintings within them, this museum has everything dalí under one beautiful roof.
cadaqués — leaving the town of Figueres we headed to the sea, up and around a winding road into stunning cadaqués. as you come around this bend, the village is laid out before you with its red tiled rooftops and whitewashed buildings and the twinkling blue-green sea and you just kind of let out this huge gasp. it’s that pretty. we checked into hotel tramuntana and it was so charming and so lovely — everything you’d want in a seaside hotel. modern, but simple with super comfortable rooms with stunning views from little balconies with french doors to allow in the sea breeze. and a perfect breakfast was served each morning. i could have stayed here much longer!
el barroco — a magical dalí-themed Lebanese restaurant with the lushest, flower-filled outdoor dining terrace. it was raining a bit the night we arrived so we dined in their equally charming interior that was chock-full of unique art, brick-a-brack, and antiques. our host was wonderfully charming and the food delicious — pita, falafel and hummus and all kinds of Lebanese specialties we couldn’t stop eating. our host even played a little piano concerto for us to finish off the evening with our baklava. perfect!
brown sugar — don’t miss a mojito (made with brown sugar) at this little hole in the wall bar. the local music is as lively as the atmosphere, which spills out into the narrow streets. such a perfect way to experience this small, quaint village.
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festivities abound can be found in the pigalle district of paris, at pink mamma. a restaurant brimming with foliage, good lighting, and dreamy dinnerware, this is a no-miss for those looking to overload their instagram story with the most awe-worthy shots, and their bellies with edible souvenirs. pink mamma is just one of many from the parisian restaurant group, big mamma. a classic french menu, with seasonal twists, you can’t go wrong, even if you don’t speak a lick of français! throw on an eyelet summer frock set, your favorite organic lipstick, and a good pair of millennial-pink shoes because you’ll want to look your best for such a spot! this weeks read this there is in fact a listen to this there, as we binge the latest true crime podcast up and vanished.
did we find a hidden gem in the vast urban sprawl of los angeles? you tell us. cafe birdie isn’t new, new but it does seem to have not gotten the hype it deserves. within the framing of a 20s’ architectural dream are the interiors of a Parisienne cafe designed by etc.etera — it’s pretty much all you could wish for and it’s in quiet highland park. we look to local L.A. designer staud for the threads needed to ready us for a dinner at birdie, and accessories from pretty much all our favorite indie designers. this week’s read this there is the idiot by elif batuman — a truly smoldering summer read (and not one of those vapid beach novels), plus the cover is millennial pink, how could you not love?!
wear this there:staud marine blue mango jumpsuit; carla colour lind circles sunglasses; shop vérité market bag; misa royal blue drop earrings; fiele fragrances in santalum; odette mini pleat barette; lebon sweet extravagance toothpaste; read this there the idiot by elif batuman; and mango flower appliqué sandals.
french food, and nordic design — has there ever been a better combo? les trois cochons makes us question everything that came before it. perfect minty tiles, rich looking leather seating, you’re almost satiated by just a peek. this copenhagen based restaurant serves up delicious classic francophile dishes, and great wines. sounds like an international date night is in order. throw on a luxe jumpsuit, and all the eye-catching accessories you can get your hands on — it’s going to be a long night. this week’s read this there is the best-selling sweetbitter, that follows a young woman who moves to new york – adventure ensues.
we hear the words oyster bar and our interest is piqued — you add in a wes anderson theme and we are there. seattle’s union lake is home to westward, a bar and restaurant that sits amongst ships and serves up delights fresh from the sea. with every playful nod to nautical you can think of (including everyone’s favorite the life aquatic) the space is packed with elements to make you feel like you’ve stumbled into the captain’s favorite hang. they even serve as purveyor to some of westward’s chosen goods on the market shelves, so you can take some souvenirs out to sea. get comfortable on their patio in a nautical striped blue dress, and tortoise shell accessories, and flip open your book of the week: cooking for picasso. it’s our current beach read, and it’s perfectly charming (order extra hor d’oeuvres — it’ll leave you hungry).
~ michaela d’artois, vérité published.
wear this there:j.crew Long drapey spaghetti-strap dress in blue stripe; ban.do straw hat; viscata escala wedge in beige; zara geometric earrings; need supply tetra bag; cooking for picasso by camille aubrey; credo vapour Elixir Lip Plumping Gloss; clare v. blue coin clutch; le specs hey macarena round-frame acetate sunglasses.
just like the lady of lore, the mermaid melusine, this seattle hang out is mysterious and alluring. bar melusine is a brittany-inspired seafood spot is one of three nautically themed joints that have popped up in capitol hill. cuddle up for some delish dishes amongst a fresh white and seafoam interior. you know we at sfgirl are all about a good tiled detail, and bar melusine delivers a floor worth the instagram shot. that means equally dreamy shoes of course. pair your look with the perfect jumpsuit and a purse large enough for your leftovers! we’re currently getting ready to delve into the brand new novel my absolute darling — a story of a fourteen-year-old girl who’s raised in a secluded life and taught by her single father survival skills of a navy seal. life takes a big change when she meets her crush, and well — you’ll just have to read along with us!
