Winestock San Francisco‘s vision is to bring together winemakers, local food artisans, and foodies alike to experience the adventure, enthusiasm and excitement that embody the wine community’s spirit!

Learn, sip and be inspired by Master of Wine Liz Thach and get to meet California’s other rockstar winemakers - Sara Fowler of  Peju, Erik Miller of Kokomo, Steve Sterling of Esterlina, Jamie Kutch of Kutch Wines, Russell Joyce of Joyce Vineyards, Ryan Cochrane of  Ryan Cochrane Wines, Chris Christensen of Bodkins, AQ Wine Director Kristen Capella and Wine Educator Pablo Antinao-Alvarez. They will be conducting seminars and wine talks during the event.

When:  July 20th and 21st noon to 6 pm at Firehouse 8, 1648 Pacific Ave.  San Francisco.

(Clockwise) Master of Wine Dr. Liz Thach. She will conduct Master Classes and discuss Contemporary California wines. Liz will also speak about the wine industry’s evolution from the 70's til today. Wine Educator Stephen Sterling, VP of Marketing and Sales of Esterlina Vineyards grew up participating in various family farming ventures, he will share his experience about mixing business and agriculture and how to grow it into a remarkable career. Lastly Winemaker Sara Fowler of Peju Wines will discuss a more in-depth look into Biodynamic and Organic wines.

Winestock SF's rockstar winos - (clockwise) Erik Miller (Kokomo Winery), Ryan Cochrane (Ryan Cochrane Wines), Jamie Kutch (Kutch Wines), Russell Joyce (Joyce Vineyards) and Kristen Capella (Wine director of AQ restaurant).

Savor food and life at WINESTOCK SF!

July 20th and 21st noon to 6 pm at Firehouse 8, 1648 Pacific Ave.  San Francisco.

Chef Neftali Galindo Herrera and Chef Angelo Basso of APOLON WEST will curate a 3 course food and wine pairing tasting  menu which will open up and delight your senses.  Both  highly  skilled with  great passion and drive, they aim to transform this tasting experience into a memorable one!

Participating  Wineries and Food Artisans:

 Meet the Team of Winestock SF

The Winestock Team (L-R) Pablo Antinao-Alvarez, Paulina Lopez and Collette Simko-Knauss

Paulina Lopez
Producer and Full Time Wine Explorer 

A natural born bon vivant, she has been in love with the big bold world of vino since the age of 18.  A visionaire with strong  entrepreneurial spirit, she aim  to bring together enthusiasts, connoisseurs,  young urbanites alike  through the art  of mastering wine. In July 2012, Paulina founded VinoVenture SF, an exploration group whose aim is to discover and appreciate all grape varietals from small producers crafted by both provocative and traditional winemakers and wineries in California and beyond. Currently, she is training to become a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier, as well as embarking on a new venture of launching her own wine bar.

Pablo Antinao-Alvarez
The Rock Star Wine Educator

Pablo graduated with honors and social work and shortly thereafter, discovered his true passion for wine and food. He began his career in the restaurant business, working in Hotel Del Lago, a Five-Star hotel/restaurant in Chile. His interest in food, wine, and the connection food and wine have to the land was inspired by living on a biodynamic farm in the Southern part of the country.

In 2006 Pablo anticipated in a long distance program in wine making, from UC Davis. This led him to become a Certified Wine Professional at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California. He deepened his wine, and culinary knowledge with more travels to France and Spain. In 2008, Pablo obtained his certification as a Sommelier from the Spanish Academy of Sommeliers, in Barcelona, Spain. Pablo is the director and creator of Rustica Wine School.

Collete Simko-Knauss
The Bubbly Event Coordinator

Founder of Events By Collette. Her background in International business and languages in countries where wine is a way of life, she was able to support Winestock SF with her impeccable planning skills. Her knowledge in food and wine industry is a valuable addition to the team.

With high energy and love of socializing, she always found herself volunteering and hosting events and parties. She is well-respected and beloved in her community. She gets her inspiration and support from her wonderful family.

For further inquiries please contact:
Paulina Lopez of VinoVentureSF
415.646.5046 or email info@vinoventuresf.com 

Get tickets here - winestocksf.com/winestocksf

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Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area YPAC is proud to announce details for the 3rd Annual Art of the Wish cocktail event and silent auction benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. Art of the Wish will take place at 111 Minna Gallery on Friday, June 21, 2013, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For a suggested donation of $15 in advance, $20 at the door, guests will enjoy art created by Make-A-Wish children – the original pieces of which will be auctioned off with prints available for purchase – in addition to complimentary small bites, cash bar with specialty cocktails, live DJ music, a photobooth and more.

During the Make-A-Wish wish granting process, children are encouraged to create “Wish Art” — colorful drawings that represent the dreams, aspirations and ideas behind their chosen wish. The annual Art of the Wish event was created to celebrate Wish Art and continue to support wish granting efforts for children with life threatening medical conditions. Guests of Art of the Wish will enjoy the children’s’ interpretations as they look back at a variety of unique experiences from rubbing elbows with celebrities at the Grammy’s, getting the royal treatment with Disney princesses, to exploring the world of large, dangerous cats. These one-of-a-kind pieces created by wish children will be on display and for sale.

More than 35 silent auction packages, running the gamut from art to travel, wine, entertainment and sports, include the following:

• Overnight stay at Carmel Valley Ranch
• 2x Jawbone JAMBOX speakers
• #52 SF 49ers Patrick Willis autographed Football
• Season passes to hit the slopes at Sugar Bowl
• ‘80s night out with Bay Area-loved cover band, Tainted Love

In 2012, Art of the Wish raised $7,500 to support Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and YPAC has set a goal of raising $10,000 through this year’s event.

When: June 21, 2013; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Where:  111 Minna Gallery

111 Minna Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.974.1719

Tickets: $15 in advance
$20 at the door

Information: For more information on the 3rd Annual Art of the Wish event, please visit the Facebook page

About Make-A-Wish: Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The goal of Make-A-Wish is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory. Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415.982.9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org

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Images by Vincent Gotti and Tubay Yabut

We toast to Robert Mondavi’s today as we celebrate 100 years of his life as a visionary and legend in the food and wine community. Thank you Robert for a century of unsurpassed service and excellence! CHEERS!

 Celebrate Robert Mondavi’s 100th today!

• Public toast: the Robert Mondavi Winery will host a public toast at noon P.S.T. on 6/18. Margrit Mondavi, Vice President of Cultural Affairs at Robert Mondavi Winery and Genevieve Janssens, Director of Winemaking, will lead the toast, and guests will receive a glass of Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fume Blanc, a special “Cent’anni” cupcake crafted with Fume Blanc from local favorite Kara’s Cupcakes, and a commemorative printed booklet.
• “Cent’anni cupcake celebration: From the Napa Valley to San Francisco, all nine locations of Kara’s cupcakes will be selling these special treats on Mr. Mondavi’s birthday ($3.25/each). The cupcakes are vanilla with a lemon curd and Fume Blanc frosting. Fume Blanc was one of Mr. Mondavi’s signature wines.

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Denice Sy and I had the pleasure of meeting some of the DAVIDsTEA team. Included in the picture is Bradley Grill who is the Public Relations Representative (top left), Gail Dillion who is the US District Manager – San Francisco & Chicago (bottom left), and Isa who works at the DavidsTEA on Polk (bottom left).

By Camille Espiritu

It all started in Canada in 2008, when a great partnership was formed between entrepreneur David Segal and his cousin, retail pioneer Herschel Segal. This led to the first DAVIDsTEA store opening. They focused their business on sharing their love of tea, and making drinking tea an experience for all to enjoy. Since then, they expanded to 106 stores in North America where they sell loose-leaf tea and an assortment of accessories, from teacups to steepers. Not only does their product line display modern style and innovation, but their tea has tremendous health benefits as well. Many people will also be pleased to know that DAVIDsTEA cups are compostable! The brand really promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle across their entire product line.

From the moment they conceptualized the business, the Segal’s aim was to deliver a set of quality products while creating an environment for employees conducive to promoting the company’s values. I certainly felt the pride for the work from the servers and managers. “We love to come to work and are crazy about our own products” one of them said. From having an attentive and knowledgeable staff and being eco-friendly to creating a tea-filled lifestyle for all, the company takes it to another level by offering community-centered affairs such as the DAVIDsTEA Summer Sipping Event.

Their leakproof iced tea travel mug is perfect for people who are constantly on the go. Now you can enjoy your tea anytime, anywhere!

This refreshing afternoon event at Chestnut Street in San Francisco was something that I and my colleagues enjoyed attending. The event was about sharing the company’s love of tea with the rest of the San Francisco community. While browsing the collection of teas and accessories, you could hear a fascinating mixture of conversations among tea-inspired enthusiasts. With a city full of diversity, it was clear that tea helps bring people from all walks of life together.

There are flavors of tea in all sorts of combinations- like birthday cake! Not only are the flavors filled with fun but making your cup of tea is fun as well! DAVIDsTEA steepers help get your tea to your cup with ease without wasting a tasty drop.

When asked for her favorite blend, Gail Dillon, General Manager of DAVIDsTEA Burlingame adds, “I like so many of our teas it is difficult to answer without writing a book. Every day I drink Nepal Black in the morning, it is a handmade tea from a small family-owned farm in Jun Chiyabari. This tea is amazing, sweet and delicate with a rich flavor with honey notes. Throughout the day I am drinking several of our summer seasonal teas, like Pink Passionfruit, Tropicalia and Coconut Grove, they are great iced and an all-time favorite is Coco Lemon Thai!”

As for me, it was my first time having a cup of DAVIDsTEA and let me assure you it will not be my last. Even my friends agreed and it was pretty evident we were all quickly hooked on the healthy and flavorful blends. The organic superberry with its fruity richness is all you’ll need to take with you to the beach; add a good book to the mix and bam! – there’s your perfect summer day. If organic superberry is not your cup of tea, (forgive the pun) rest easy – there are other fab flavors to choose from! Gail shares, “at DavidsTea we have over 150 loose leaf teas including exclusive blends, seasonal collections and traditional straight teas. I suggest new customers come in and enjoy our “above and beyond” in-store experience and smell, touch and taste our teas. We are all about making tea fun and easy. During this process we can help them find something that they will like and help them with brewing advice. We are pretty passionate about our “Perfect Tea Mug” and “Perfect Travel Mugs”. Right now we are selling our steepers to make amazing iced tea, freshly made and crystal clear!”.

For all of your fabulous tea lovers out there, there is a tea flavor for you - Glitter & Gold!

During the event, I also had the pleasure of talking to Isa, who works at the DAVIDsTEA store on Polk Street, and he shared with me briefly the company’s history and the values. He even told us a little about one of his favorite teas, which is Guangzhou milk oolong. This ultra-rare tea from the Wuyi Mountains of China is velvety smooth and lightly creamy, with a subtle hint of orchid. It’s said that it came about when the moon fell in love with a comet. The comet passed her by, as comets will do. The moon cried milky tears, which chilled the tea fields, withering the leaves and giving them a delicate creaminess. It’s been a rare luxury ever since.

Overall, the atmosphere in the store was inviting and the staff made everyone feel very welcome and comfortable. The store was packed and the event truly achieved what David and Herschel Segal wanted.

It was a fun evening filled with Kara's Cupcakes and DavidsTea. Can you say yum?!

 5 cocktails using all 5 teas of the Summer Collection

The Sunburned Sling is the return of a DAVIDsTEA favorite, Tropicalia, infusing gin with coconut flavors, immediately traveling to a private island in the sun.

• 2 oz Bombay Dry Gin (infused for 2 hours with Tropicalia)
• .75 oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• .50 oz Simple Syrup
• .25 oz Grenadine

Shake. Strain over soda and ice in a Collins Glass. Garnish with orange and lemon wheel.

The Brazilian Love Bird is a simple variation on a South American classic, the Caipirinha, pairing passion fruit with Brazilian Cachaca.

• 2 oz Mae D’Ouro Cachaca (infused for 2 hours with DAVIDsTEA’s Pink Passion Fruit blend)
• .75 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice or 2 halves of lime, muddled
• .75 oz Simple Syrup

Shake and roll the cocktail, “garbage and all” into a rocks glass. No garnish.

The Migratory Coconut is the low calorie answer to the Pina Colada and tastes like it just dropped from the palm trees above.

• 2 oz Appleton White Rum (infused for 2 hours with DAVIDsTEA’s Coconut Grove blend)
• .75 oz Fresh lime juice
• .75 oz Simple Syrup
• .125 oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram

Garnish with a mint sprig.

The Squared Julep is off to the races and is a stiff drink for the folks who enjoy an Old Fashion or straight whiskey, but are looking for something new for summer!

• 3 oz Weller 107 Bourbon (infused for 1.5 hours with DAVIDsTEA’s Mint Julep blend)
• 1 oz fresh pineapple juice.
• .50 oz Demerara syrup (that’s a “fat” half ounce)
• 2 mint sprigs
• Gently press the mint, expressing oils around the entire inside of the Julep Cup.

The One-Two Punch will be a knockout at any party this season taking guests south of the boarder to enjoy an all-fruit blend of mango, pineapple, and tangerine flavors combined with a summer favorite…Tequila!

• 2 oz Lunazul Blanco Tequila (infused for two hours with DAVIDsTEA’s Mango Fruit Punch blend)
• .75 oz Fresh lime juice
• .75 oz Orange marmalade syrup (Equal parts orange marmalade and simple syrup with a pinch of salt.)
• 1 strawberry, muddled

Shake. Strain over ice in a punch mug or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

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Thousands enjoy the sites and sounds of the Oakland Art + Soul festival on the lawn of City Hall.

After 12 consecutive years of dazzling talent, food from all over the globe, hundreds of artisans and the largest family fun zone of any festival in the Bay Area, the City of Oakland has once again introduced a star-studded lineup for its annual flagship festival. Named “Best Festival” by East Bay Express and Oakland Magazine, and consistently regarded among the top summer festivals in Northern California, the 13th Annual Art + Soul Oakland promises to rock the town at bargain ticket prices with its stellar two-day show.

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 runs from 12 noon to 8 PM on Saturday, Aug. 3 and from 12 noon to 6 PM. on Sunday, Aug. 4. The festival will deliver non-stop music as diverse as the city itself. Popular mobile food trucks and vendors serving global gourmet cuisine return, along with even more carnival rides, music and art for kids. Add in abundant parking, easy BART access along with bargain prices, and it’s easy to see why the San Francisco Chronicle named Art + Soul “A must-see summer festival,” and proclaimed “There is no better place to celebrate…” The two-day festival will take place in downtown, epicenter of Oakland’s renaissance that lead to the recent “Most Exciting in America” designation in Movoto and “Best Hipster Neighborhoods” listing in Forbes.

Over the past twelve years, Art + Soul Oakland has established itself as the premier regional music festival in the Bay Area. Anchoring this year’s Main Stage on Saturday is the irrepressible Lisa Loeb. If she had never made another record, Loeb would still go down in history as the first unsigned artist to top the American charts. Her meteoric single Stay from the soundtrack to 1994’s Reality Bites spent three weeks at No. 1 soon after the film’s release. Released as a single in May 1994, it reached No. 1 two months later and eventually sold over 750,000 copies in the U.S. alone. Loeb received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance, and won a Brit Award for Best International Newcomer. Eighteen years afterStay, Loeb’s newest release, No Fairy Tale finds her letting her pop instincts hold sway for almost an entire album. She seems to be having a grand time throwing her music into third gear with a sharper and more playful tone. Loeb shows herself to be a great folk/pop singer-songwriter with music that is thoughtful, sweet, melodic and enduring.

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 Performers Lisa Loeb, Tristan Prettyman, Vintage Trouble, The Rescues, Los Rakas, Bang Data,Maisa Santana Duke,Mara Hruby, Ray Obiedo, Leela James and ConFunkShun.

Tristan Prettyman brings her smoky alto voice and laid-back surfer girl charm to the stage. Her songs show genuine artistry etched in lyrical detail, and she spares no one – including herself – when telling of her acute observations. After her 2008 album Hello went to No. 2 on the iTunes digital download chart, Prettyman took time off before delivering Cedar and Gold, a powerful account of a crashed romance. Her intimate vocal performances have been favorites at Alice’s Now & Zen and the recent Bottle Rock in Napa.

Vintage Trouble is simply the hottest band going in both the U.S. and Europe. Their live-wired, straight-shootin’, pelvis-pushing juke music has entranced enthusiastic fans who have watched them open for the likes of Lenny Kravitz, The Who and even the Rolling Stones. Michael Ailshouse from Swerve Magazine sums it up, “Vintage Trouble is a great band, but on stage they are simply brilliant entertainers.” Opening the stage is Los Angeles-based foursome The Rescues who have made a name for themselves as a powerful live act thanks to their flawless, transcendent harmonies. They’ve likewise earned a rep for being TV’s go-to soundtrackers with an uncanny ability to underscore drama on shows like One Tree Hill, Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy.

Festival partner the East Bay Express will again rock the EBX Plaza Stage in front of Oakland City Hall on both days. The Saturday lineup centers on hot local bands in the urban and world genres. Headliner Los Rakas features Panamanian cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, both of whom now call Oakland home. Known for its fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music with both Spanish and English lyrics, Los Rakas represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows.

Bang Data was born in the Bay Area in 2008 and mixes slick and melodic guitar, bass and electro-acoustic rhythms. Its music is a mash-up of styles combining Latin, reggae and hip-hop a sounds that’s familiar, but seethes with a futuristic vision of Latin alternative music. Performing with Bang Data is Maisa Santana Duke. Founder of the Energia do Samba Dance Company, Maisa has an ability to move her body to the complex, polyrhythmic beats of samba music with a singular beauty and grace. Also performing with Bang Data are theDholrhythms, who co-founded and headline the legendary monthly event Non-Stop Bhangra. Co-founders Vicki Virk and Suman Raj have created fresh exciting dance full of joy, energy, and passion.

Mara Hruby burst onto the local scene in 2010 with a string of well-received shows in the Bay Area. The sultry 21-year-old singer describes her music as “a melodic melting pot.” Her debut EP, “From Her Eyes,” showcases effortless vocals over R&B, reggae, and hip-hop instrumentals with reworked tracks from The Roots, Andre 3000, Mos Def and Bob Marley. Opening the stage is Superfinos VTO, an ultramodern Oakland garage band with gritty production and an indie ethic. Full of powerful, screaming guitars and ripped vocals, this band plays a searing brand of grunge/punk.

The City Center Stage on Saturday features perennial Oakland Latin jazz favorite Ray Obiedo who brings a fresh, worldbeat sound. Oakland artist Quinn Deveaux brings a blend ofNew Orleans soul and early blues that melds into a contagious dance rhythm pounded out by his amazing band. Also on the bill are Klaudia Promessi of Blazing Redheads fame and up-and-coming jazz musicians from Oakland’s Westlake Middle School.

On Sunday KBLX hosts the Main Stage with headliner Leela James, the modern R&B singer with the throwback ‘70s vocals. James has a stunning voice reminiscent of singers like Aretha, Mavis Staples and Tina Turner. Sometimes gritty, sometimes sweet, her voice is always satisfying. She is one of the most talented, yet somewhat underappreciated singers in the business with a voice that makes you sit up and listen  especially at her amazing live performances which have included numerous sold-out shows at Yoshi’s. Leela says, “I want to bring back good lyrics and real singing that touches people in their hearts and melodies that stick to their ribs and nourish their souls.” Leela James is a must-see, one-of-a-kind performer.

Also on the KBLX stage is the old-school funk/soul of perennial East Bay favorites ConFunkShun whose unique brand of funk is polished with spirited horns, titillating guitar rhythms and ear-pleasing vocals. It is great driving music with incessant grooves and emotional love calls that never grow old. Their live shows can always be counted on to get crowds up on their feet and dancing. Oakland’s own Amikaeyla is an astounding talent, deeply moving and endlessly entertaining. Her glowing mezzo-soprano voice and unique interpretations render each song in the style of a jazz singer. She croons and swoons over her vowels, festooning her melodies with vibrato, and adding vocal adornments the way a painter might add a thin coat of shellac. Amikaeyla is a truly stunning talent. Kicking off the stage is Big O, a 19-piece jazz orchestra composed of talented faculty members from the Oakland Unified School District, under the direction of Randy Porter.

On Sunday, the EBX Plaza Stage proudly hosts the ever-popular Bay Area Blues Society’s showcase of local blues greats. The full blues stage lineup will be announced in July on the festival’s website.

Just confirmed as headliner for the City Center Stage on Sunday is Oakland resident (by way of Tupelo, Mississippi) John Murry. His new album Graceless Age is wowing critics with Murry’s gritty singing about heartbreak and salvation. “Completely blows your mind,” raved The Sun. “Extraordinary. I don’t expect to hear a better album this year,” chimed The Guardian. Murry’s live gigs at SXSW 2013 garnered considerable praise, with the Oakland Tribune naming his performances among the eight best of the legendary music festival. Also on the stage Sunday is Monica Pasqual who has a background in classical music and a side career composing film soundtracks. A member of the popular all-female band Blame Sally, her music features signature vocals and piano with a distinctly feminine point of view. Lia Rose opens the stage with her smooth, delicate vocals along with folky pop/rock riffs that combine to form something truly special.

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 has great music but that’s not all. A family paradise, the festival boasts the largest Family Fun Zone of any festival in the Bay Area, complete with kiddie rides, children’s entertainment and free festival admission for age 12 and under. Jam-packed with interactive activities for children of all ages, the Family Fun Zone offers kid-friendly carnival games, inflatable bouncers and hands-on activities for creating their own art to take home. Every year, Art + Soul Oakland features hundreds of artisan and vendor booths as well as a mouth-watering array of food reflecting the rich cultural diversity found in Oakland—the most diverse city in America.

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 is Northern California’s most accessible festival offering direct service from BART (12th Street – Oakland City Center Station) and $5.00 parking for thousands of cars at the adjacent City Center West Garage. Last year, tens of thousands enjoyed sensational music, food, fun, dance and art in beautiful downtown Oakland. “Art + Soul sparked the transformation of downtown Oakland into a happening center for arts, culture and dining,” said Samee Roberts, City of Oakland Marketing Director and festival executive producer. “Festival-goers from all over Northern California flock to Oakland for our diverse music, food and crowds that blend an exciting, eclectic experience unlike any other.”

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 takes place in downtown Oakland on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 12 noon to 8 PM and Sunday, Aug. 4, from 12 noon to 6 PM. The festival is centered in Frank Ogawa Plaza and City Center, encompassing 10 strollable city blocks. Admission to Art + Soul is always a bargain. Adult tickets are $10 per day (with advance online purchase); Seniors (65 and older) and Youth (ages 13-17) are $5 per day (with advance online purchase). At the gate, Adult admission is $15 daily and Seniors/Youth $8 daily. Children 12 & under enjoy free admission. Advance tickets will be available online through the festival website beginning Monday, July 1. For tickets and additional information, visit ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.

Art + Soul Oakland 2013 is co-presented by the City of Oakland and the East Bay Express. Major sponsors include Budweiser, Shock Top and Lucky.

DOWNTOWN OAKLAND
Saturday, August 3, 2013, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 4, 2013, 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Ticket price:
Advance online (starting July 8): $10 adults; $5 seniors (65 and older) & youth (13-17); free for 12 & under.
At the Gate: $15 adults; $8 seniors & youth; free for 12 & under.

For more info visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.

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Featuring contemporary artworks presented alongside 17th-century paintings, Riotous Baroque: From Cattelan to Zurbarán attempts to extricate the concept of the baroque from established clichés and traditional perceptions. With a clear shift away from pomp, ornament, and gold, the exhibition focuses on the baroque as a celebration of the precarious vitality that was hailed, rediscovered, lost, projected, and threatened by death. Riotous Baroque does not mark the emergence of a new neo-baroque style. Instead, the exhibition highlights the way in which several contemporary artworks touch reality, striving toward existentialist issues.

Jose de Ribera (1591-1652) Saint Sebastian Tended by the Holy Women, c. 1621 Oil on canvas 180.3 x 231.6 em Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao

Usually associated with dynamism, sensuality, extravagance, and theatricality, withdrawn from the quiet solemnity of classical forms, the baroque era also exemplified an age of instability, marking the collapse of an established order. As noted by the art historian Erwin Panofsky, the baroque was founded in “the victory of subjectivism, which aims to express suffering and humor in equal measure.”

Juergen Teller ( 1964-) Paradis X!!,2009 C-Type,Edition 2/5 127 x 177.8 em. With frame 134.5 x 194.5 x 0.6 em Courtesy the artist and Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Bartolomeo Passerotti ( 1529-1592) The Crazy Lovers,n/d Oil on canvas 114x 118cm Private Collection,Paris

Simon Vouet (1590-1649) The Rape of Europe, ca. 1640 Oil on canvas 179 x 141.5 em Museo Thyssen-Bornem1sza,Madrid

Hercules diverts the River Alfeus, 1634 Oil on canvas 133 x 153 em. With frame 147.5 x 169 x 6.5 em Museo Nacional del Prado

The selection of baroque paintings and contemporary works on display constitute an approach to real life that creates a universe of contrasts ruled by the illusionistic, the hyperreal, and the longing for an exalted vitality. Avant-garde artists of the 20th century also sought to put art and life on equal terms. Although this essentialist enthusiasm appears to have been forgotten today, its reflection still prevails among artists who probe the permeability of the frontier between art and life.

Maurizio Cattelan ( 1960-) Untitled, 2007 Taxidermied dog, Taxidermied chick, expanded polyurethane Vanable size Installation view: Maurizio Cattelan,Kunsthaus Bregenz,Austria,February 2- March 24,2008. Private Collection Photo,Markus Tretter Courtesy,Maurizio Cattelan's Archive

Albert Oehlen( 1954-) F/418, 2008 Oil,paper on canvas 230 x 270 em Loan by the artist © VEGAP,Bilbao,2013

Diana Thater ( 1962-) Chernobyl,2010 Installation: 6 projectors,6 med1a players,Lee Filters Edition of 3 + 1A.P Courtesy Hauser & Wirth,London Installation view at Hauser & Wirth,London Image courtesy Hauser & Wirth

Urs Fischer ( 1973-) Problem Painting, 2012 AeryI. Lack und Siebdruck auf Aluminium 360 X 270 Kunsthaus ZUrich. Vereinigung ZUrcher Kunstfreunde,Geschenk des KUnstlers

Cristina Lucas ( 1973-) More Light (Mas luz), 2003 HD video 4:3 color and sound. 10 min Edition 1/3 + 2 AP Courtesy the artist and Juana de Aizpuru Gallery

Looking back at history from a contemporary perspective, Riotous Baroque explores the coarseness, earthiness, religiosity, and sensuality of the baroque, grotesque, burlesque, and virile. The exhibition eludes the most obvious the- matic or formal analogies, opting to present baroque and contemporary works within an installation influenced by film, designed to enable the two realities, past and present, with all their differences and affinities, in order to cross-fertilize, permeate, and invite new interpretations.

Rioutous Baroque at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is open from June 18–October 6, 2013.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Avenida Abandoibarra, 2
Bilbao 48001, Spain

Visit their website: www.guggenheim.org/bilbao

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The highly anticipated, limited-edition Lancôme Show Collection was finally available for purchase at Lancôme counters around the country today. This collaboration between Lancôme and legendary designer, Alber Elbaz, dresses the brand’s iconic eye makeup favorites plus the brand’s very first set of lashes in the designer’s signature flair.

A longtime fan of Lancôme’s high style beauty products and ethos of French-inspired glamour, Elbaz was thrilled to be tapped for this unprecedented, visionary partnership. Inspired by the idea of live performance, the current Lanvin artistic director created stunning, feminine “outfits” to personify Lancôme’s four best-selling mascaras: Doll, Drama, Définicils, and Hypnôse. The collection consists of these beloved mascaras, custom Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palettes, and a Lancôme’s very first line of false eyelashes in chic illustrated cases, all with collectable couture exteriors.

Elbaz envisioned a pair of long, sensual lashes framing beautiful eyes, focused on a darkened stage. From this image of electrifying, seductive anticipation, he dressed each Lancôme Show piece. Featuring Elbaz’s signature illustrated hearts, stars, polka dots, roses, and of course, eyes, each design represents a distinct, playful persona in the audience, whether a polka dotted drama girl or the fur-clad star.

“I wanted to think about the stories you can tell with mascaras: a story of eyes, and their shape,” explains Elbaz. “I took the four mascaras and built a story around them, with polka dots for Hypnôse Drama, stars for their namesake Hypnôse Star, hearts for Hypnôse Doll Lashes, and for the fourth mascara, Hypnôse itself, I took the legendary Lancôme rose and mixed it up with eyes.”

“Beauty isn’t a question of being the right age or having the right look, it all comes down to attitude, individuality and character…” Elbaz explains. Incorporating Elbaz’s signature joyful approach to luxury, the collection represents a whimsical, playful approach to beauty. “When people think about makeup, they often think about disguising or hiding the truth,” says Elbaz. “But true style is about bringing a woman’s individuality to the surface. Not hiding it or playing a role, but truly revealing it.” With this exclusive collection, Elbaz gives women a chic new way to wear their innermost personas on the outside.

AVAILABILITY:

• June 15th at all Lancôme counters and lancome.com; False Eyelashes exclusive to Nordstrom
• Mascaras, $29; Palettes, $51; False Lashes, $35

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By Mia Mangahas Galang
Photography by Joel Galang 

Gastronomy and philanthropy came together during the 9th Annual Summertini held Friday, June 7th at the historic Bently Reserve. The event was held for the benefit of the Episcopal Community Services programs, particularly the CHEFS (Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Services) program which provides training in the culinary industry to homeless adults.

San Francisco’s exceptional chefs and vendors included The Plant Café, Parallel 37, A16, Perbacco, and Hakka San served truly inspired hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the event. They provided not only delicious bites and sips but also a sneak peek into the delights their restaurants and products offer.

The CHEFs cookoff started the show, and the night was rounded out in auctions that featured unique dining experiences and travel packages. Greg Quiroga led the thrilling live auction that had bidders raising their cards in support of the ECS programs.

For more information on CHEFS and how you can help, please visit their website here or contact Magna Elmendorf melmendorf@ecs-sf.org call(415) 487-3300 x1244

Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge images

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Chef Sean McTiernan of Mason Pacific

By Kimberley Lovato

We all know that Tony Bennett crooned about his love of San Francisco, but chef Sean McTiernan‘s stage is the kitchen at Mason Pacific, an elegant Nob Hill bistro that opened in May, where his love of his home city seasons an impressive resumé built in the Michelin-star kitchens of Paris.

“My time in Paris immersed me in classical training and French techniques — an experience that gave me tools to be creative and definitely informs how I approach my cooking.”

Following graduation from the Culinary Institute of America, McTiernan dazzled palates at San Francisco’s beloved Delfina and Rose Pistola before dashing off to Paris. He spent four years in such kitchens as Tailevent, Le Bellecour, and La Table de Robuchon (now closed), where he was classically trained.  Drawing inspiration from each chef’s interpretation of traditional cuisine and techniques, he learned to transform simple ingredients into delectable dishes. Upon returning from Paris, McTiernan managed the kitchen at Eos at Viceroy in Miami in 2010—the year it was named a James Beard Award semi-finalist for “Best New Restaurant.”

But, the City by the Bay beckoned him home. Lucky for us.

“San Francisco is my favorite city to live, work, and eat.  I was eager to return to the abundance of fresh seasonal produce and a community that values eating, restaurants, and culinary pursuits in general.  Additionally, as a fourth generation San Franciscan, I was happy to return to be close to family.”

The Foodie Five

1. What is your favorite food memory from childhood?

Picking crab with my grandpa in San Francisco.

2.  You’re moving to a new kitchen in 5 minutes and can only take one gadget along with you. What do you grab and why?

My porcini bread starter because no one has one.

3.  No one’s looking. What is your secret food fetish? 

Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

4.  Fill in the blanks:   “I’d like to see more __________________ on restaurant menus and a lot less________________.”

I’d like to see more sustainability and a lot less tuna.

5.  Congratulations, you have carte blanche to dine in anywhere in the world! Where would you go and why?

L’Arpège in Paris – just for the cheese cart.

If you’d like to be a featured food, contact Fluent In Fabulous.

Kimberley Lovato is a Lowell Thomas Award winning writer whose travel and food articles have appeared in national and international magazines. She prefers to discover the city, and the world, one bite or sip at a time. Read more Foodie 5 posts on her blog www.fluentinfabulous.com and www.kimberleylovato.com

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Photography by Alex Gonzales Baguio

Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced is the first major examination of the work of the designer. The New York Times called in 1977 the “brightest star of American fashion.” It looks at the period spanning the 1970s when Stephen Burrows’s meteoric rise to fame made him not only the first African-American designer to gain international stature, but a celebrated fashion innovator whose work helped define the look of a generation. With vibrant colors, metallic fabrics, and slinky silhouettes that clung to the body, Burrows’s danceable designs generated a vibrant look that was of a piece with the glamorous, liberated nightlife of the era. Through photographs, drawings, and original garments, the exhibition will trace Burrows’s evolution from creating eclectic looks for his friends in the 1960s to his work with the chic 57th Street retailer Henri Bendel to the floor of Studio 54, as he dressed such 70s style icons as Cher, Liza Minnelli, and Diana Ross.

The exhibition is made possible by the generous support of Target.

Additional support is provided by:

• The Coby Foundation
• Tiffany & Co.
• Laura Lofaro Freeman
• Claire and Charles Shaeffer
• Nando Peretti Foundation
• Jamie Drake
• Eric Javits Jr.
• Phyllis Kossoff
• Barbara and Donald Tober Foundation

The exhibition’s companion book is made possible in part by a grant from Furthermore: a program of the J.M. Kaplan Fund.

BET is the media sponsor of the exhibition.

Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced is open from March 22 through July 28, 2013. For more information visit The Museum of the City of New York at http://www.mcny.org

Alex Baguio travels extensively, looking to fill his lens with images of new and different cultures in their architectural and natural surroundings. He waits for the photographer’s perfect moment when the sun creates new stories in the shadows and combines with simple lines and curves of his subject. His greatest joy is in capturing the song of color from people in their native garb or in the perfect rush that comes when he shoots the pure texture of a breeze through a valley of nature. Alex studied at New School and International Center of Photography in New York and has been recognized and awarded both in the local and global arenas for his superb work in fashion and portraiture photography. His photos have been published in the BBC News, Sky News, and New York Times Fall in Europe edition. Recently Alex has been honored by Canon for his photography “In the Parks”. He’s been the consistent 1st Place winner at the Pictorial Photographers of America since 2011.

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