Author Archives: Tea Ribar

Carmel Tastemaker: Shelly Mitchell Lynch, Carmel Realty Company

ShellyMitchell2
Shelly is fourth generation Carmel. She definitely knows her way around and is well-versed on all of the great Carmel events that take place throughout the year. And if you decide that you’d like to have a place of your own in Carmel, Shelly is a great person to help you make that happen as she proudly continues the family tradition in the local real estate business which was established in 1913.

What do you believe to be Carmel’s hidden treasures that the locals mostly know about that you don’t mind sharing with visitors?

  • Foxy Couture for amazing vintage finds and GBG for retail therapy.
  • The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza and Ken is amazing at pairing wines. Their cheese of the month club is dangerous.
  • Everything at Big Sur Bakery—an extension of Carmel (worth the drive!). Wildflowers at Soberanes (see hike below).
  • I am a terrible cook so cooking classes with Chef Justin at Aubergine are so amazing and very fun to do with a group of friends.
  • Barre class at Carmel Barre.
  • Roux restaurant in CV Village (new and so unique).
  • Breakfast  (or the cheeseburger) at La Bicyclette; Cauliflower at La Balena; Unique flower arrangements from Lolo at Burst and Bloom and Twiggery; The Hulk (healthy green juice), the Power Lunch and a Zoomeric from Good to Go in Crossroads. Chris Winfield Gallery on Dolores, Surf lessons with Noah Greenberg…. I could go on

    forever….

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GBG Boutique

For the outdoor enthusiasts, do you have any favorite hiking/biking trails or other outdoor “must see/do” recreation opportunities?

  • I am an avid hiker and my favorite hike is Soberanes or Garapata Ridge Trail. It’s an incredible trail, about a two hour hike that passes through cactus gardens, redwood forests, cross streams, up the face resplendent with wildflowers and poppies depending on the time of year, and ocean views to Big Sur all the way down the mountain. I never get sick of it, never. We are so lucky to live here. I love a good Big Sur hike and Snively’s at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley is  another great steep hike for a workout where you can still have cell service if you need it (I know, sounds crazy and defeats the purpose, but sometimes a must).

Where do you go for a really great cocktail?

  • Without a doubt, I go to Grasings and have Ira mix up a New fashioned or a Natural.
  • The Bench at Pebble Beach Lodge has fire pits and a delicious drink called a Benchwarmer.
  • Outside Carmel, they have really unique craft cocktails at 1833 in Monterey in the old Stokes Adobe.

Carmel is known for putting on some really great events, what’s your favorite and why? For me, the Concours D’Elegance in August  is the most fun week of the year.  Many locals dislike the crowds that week, but I welcome it and love the excitement. It’s a great event for Carmel. Parties have become so extreme, from the Carmel Realty/Christie’s kickoff party after Cars on the Avenue to the Jet Center Party at the Monterey Jet Center to the historic races at Laguna Seca and the myriad of small private parties that week sponsored by the likes of Bentley, Bugatti, Rolls Royce and more. I also adore GourmetFest,  which is coming right up and founded by  David Fink and Relais et Chateaux, simply incredible food only rivaled by  the Tasting Tents during The Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival.

Someone visiting Carmel who wants to picnic on the beach, what are your suggestions, i.e. 1603-Carmel Cheese Shop-4 copywhat to pack, where to get picnic accoutrements, and which beach to go to.
Picnics on the beach area a must. River Beach is beautiful for a picnic but the water is not safe to swim so we opt for a to-go order from Cheese Shop or a 5th Street deli basket and then go to Carmel Beach. Always pack warm clothes  as when the sun goes down it can be cold. Good options for the beach are s’mores, wine, maybe a little cheese and charcuterie, what more do you need?

What do

you love most about living in Carmel?

Everything I listed, plus the beauty and sophistication of the town, plus the diversity of shops, galleries, restaurants, people, dogs, spas, outdoor activities – all against the a natural backdrop that visually changes every day – I never tire of it. I love my job of escorting people into the community and guiding them to discover all that this area has to offer and seeing some of the most beautiful real estate on the planet.

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Carmel Tastemaker: Davika Weston of Weston Gallery


Davi is at the heart of the arts community in Carmel working for one of the oldest and most prominent art and photo galleries. She is a trusted tastemaker when it comes to the arts in Carmel and for family-friendly outings, as she has a young son.

What are your favorite kid-friendly activities to do in Carmel and the surrounding areas?

  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the entire world! When my son was very young, we would go on weekday mornings and virtually have the place to ourselves (so long as it wasn’t a holiday).
  • Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley is a great place to hike and ride bikes, and is literally our front yard so we are here often.
  • Soberanes Park for hiking and beach combing on the west side of Highway One has some of the best views of the Pacific I’ve ever seen.
  • Rent paddle boards and have lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.
  • Carmel Beach is a favorite destination which is kid and dog friendly!
  • We also have so many kid-friendly restaurants which specialize in local, organic fare including Carmel Belle, La Balena, Luca, La Bicyclette, and L’Auberge.
  • Cottage Sweets on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea – it is like stepping back in time to sweet shops our parents used to frequent.

Where do you go for a really great cocktail?

  • Hyatt Carmel Highlands – can’t beat the view;
  • 1833 in Monterey has really fun signature cocktails;
  • Step back in time and go to Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch grab a lounge chair, and enjoy the view out to sea.
  • Mudaka is really fun late night as they often have a DJ or live music- ask for a clara con limón cocktail.
  • The Cypress Inn (co-owned by Doris Day) you can grab a drink or high-tea with your four legged friend!
  • Vesuvio rooftop bar is a popular spot for locals and they have heat lamps for when the fog rolls in.

For travelers who are enthusiastic about the arts, where would you tell them to go/do?

  • The Monterey Museum of Art is fantastic and offers two locations (La Mirada). They feature California artists and have a wonderful collection.
  • Simply walking around the streets of Carmel can be interesting as there are many galleries specializing in different genres and mediums.
  • The Center for Photographic Art puts on some great exhibitions.
  • The Sunset Center (Carmel) and Golden State Theater (Monterey) have wonderful acts from all over the globe.
  • The Pacific Repertory Theatre has some impressive local productions. For artists, the landscape is incomparable and whether you’re a Plein Air painter, author, poet, photographer, the landscape is the most beautiful and inspiring aspect of the Carmel art scene – it is a living, breathing canvas in itself! It brought my husband’s grandfather, Edward Weston, here in 1929 and Ansel Adams, who was a dear friend of our family, in 1962, and has been a mecca for photographers worldwide.

For all of those Instagram photo enthusiasts out there, what are the best photo worthy spots to take advantage of in Carmel and surrounding areas?

What do you love most about Carmel?
I love the small town vibe and that the end of our “Main Street”, Ocean Avenue, is the beginning of Carmel-Bach-Orchestrathe Pacific Ocean. Raising my child where such natural, wild beauty is his playground, is why we love living here. And while Carmel and the surrounding towns are small, the feel can be quite International with travelers from all over the world and wonderful events going on year-round like the AT&T Pro-Am, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Carmel Bach Festival, Big Sur Marathon, Concours d’Elegance, McCall’s Motorworks and the Monterey Jazz Festival.

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Carmel Tastemaker: Chloe Dolata of Carmel Belle

Chloe Dolata with her Carmel-native husband Jay, have operated Carmel Belle Café for seven years. It’s a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and early dinner for both locals and travelers seeking a little local flavor. Chloe obviously has great taste in restaurants, so when we asked, she happily obliged to share some of her favorite culinary haunts.

What are your favorites on the Carmel Belle menu that you would suggest to someone visiting?
For breakfast – roasted mushroom melt, polenta with all the fixins’, or the open-faced egg bacon and arugula sandwich. And for ​lunch – Meatloaf sandwich, grilled Cheddar with roasted tomato soup, or one of our delicious healthy salads.

For the food & wine enthusiast visiting Carmel, what are the must-visit spots and/or must order dishes?

  • La Belena — octopus & cauliflower appetizers are fabulous…but really everything is.
  • Akioni Sushi — very authentic and a serious place…but very good! Get the housemade tofu, mushroom stew when in season.​
  • Casanova — amazing ambiance, great food and wine.
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Casanova Restaurant, Carmel

What do you love most about Carmel?
The natural beauty. No street lamps. Close to the ocean and Big Sur is not too far down Hwy 1.

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Carmel Tastemaker: Angolee Bodee, Stylist & Entrepreneur

Angolee is the owner of Oya Salon with her husband Brian. Along with managing the salon, she’s also active in the Carmel/Monterey community, as well as managing a household with two kids. She knows a lot about the fabric of Carmel and beyond. She has great tips on Monterey and Carmel Valley for those who like to venture out of Carmel during their stay.

What do you believe to be Carmel’s hidden treasures that the locals mostly know about, but you don’t mind sharing with visitors.

  • Big Sur and pretty much any spot there is magnificent.
  • Carmel Beach is just a short walk from town – great walking beach and is dog friendly, also walking along Scenic in Pebble Beach or driving along 17-Mile Drive is a must and then eating at the Bench in Pebble Beach.
  • For hiking, I love Garland

    State Park in Carmel Valley

    with its variety of landscapes and available hikes for different levels, making it great for the avid hiker or a more casual family hike. Afterwards, reward yourself with some wine tasting at one of the many wineries in Carmel Valley.

AngoleeandHusbandWhat are your favorite kid-friendly

activities to do in Carmel and the surrounding areas?

Carmel Belle

Where do you go for a really great cocktail?
For fresh juice, I like Juice Bar: Good to Go and Carmel Belle. For cocktails, I go to Grazings, Barmel, Rooftop at Vesuvios, Il Fornaio, Lucas or any wine bar in Carmel.

What are your Carmel wardrobe essentials – how should people pack for a visit to Carmel?
Definitely wear layers. Pants, dresses with long or short boots, sweaters, light jackets.

Carmel is known for its charming town filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés, what are some of your favorite spots?
Girl Boy Girl, Paloosh, Bay Company, Weston Gallery, Hat shop in Carmel, Foxy Couture, Thinker toys, Coast, Bay Company, Augustina Leathers, Eco Carmel, Fourtane, Star Child, Carmel Belle Restaurant, La Bicyclette Restaurant, Lucas Restaurant, Dametra Restaurant, Aw Shucks Restaurant, Little Napoli Restaurant, Casanovas Restaurant, Mundakas Restaurant, Roys or the Bench (MY FAVORITE FOR VIEW AND FOOD) in Pebble.

What do you love most about Carmel?
Its natural surroundings, peaceful, safe and clean. Love hiking, being outside, dog friendly, nice people, casual living.

 

 

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Conversations with Hilary: Jacques Bezuidenhout, Bar Star

With the recent opening of Wildhawk, I found it fitting to feature the genius behind the cocktails, Jacques Bezuidenhout. A Johannesburg native, Jacques became captivated by the cocktail and spirits culture in London and then decided to take the great American bus adventure to discover the lay of the land. Thankfully for us, he found his favorite American city in San Francisco and officially planted roots here in 1997.

Jacques is a partner in both Wildhawk and Forgery, and is also a National Brand Ambassador for Partida Tequila and Campari. Both Jacques and partner Ken Luciano have worked extremely hard this past year to open two amazing bars, with one getting ready to celebrate it’s one year anniversary (Forgery) and the other celebrating its opening (Wildhawk), the future looks bright for our two bar stars.

What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment?
Family and friends. My relationship with my family, friends and Alexis is my best accomplishment. Without any of them, nothing else really matters. I feel in that regard I have not accomplished as much as I can. I can always be a better friend, family member, son, father, brother or partner.

What qualities do you think others love about you?
I hope my passion, generosity and sometimes my jokes.

If you could do anything other than what you currently do, what would it be?
I wish I had the talents to be an Architect. I have always loved the talents and creativity of Architects. Designing something and then building it – Gaudy and Frank Gehry leave beautiful marks on this world.

What do you like most about what you do for a career?
The creativity and the people. I love the creative process about putting a bar idea together and then the people you work with and the people you serve bring everything together and make it special.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Kiss Alexis good morning and then slowly try and figure out my first cup of coffee.

The Wildhawk bar team

The Wildhawk bar team

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?
That could be many things. It could be something at home or out in a city. Usually involves either a cocktail or some food. I love our culture of food and liquids. Every day is a new adventure in food, wine and spirits.

What were you passionate about in your younger years growing up?
Basketball. I wanted to be a professional basketball player in the NBA. I loved the process of constantly shooting a ball every day and going through the process of getting better and improving.

What are you passionate about now?
Food, spirits and worldly culture.

What’s your favorite season and why?
Fall. I grew up in constant beautiful summer in Johannesburg so never experienced fall until I moved, and I love it. I love fall on the East Coast. Leaves change. Food changes. Smells change. You start to feel that chill and smell wood smoke in the air.

If you were a cocktail or a drink what would it be?
A Negroni. Maybe a little misunderstood, a little bitter, but full of complexity and fun at the same time. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you happy at any part of the day.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
Jay Z – Ain’t No love like the Heart of the City.

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
I always go back to Nelson Mandela or Madiba as he is affectionately referred to back home. I would just love to connect with such a special person. Try and understand his Grace to humanity after everything he went through.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?
I hope it’s a Will Farrel movie. Somewhere between Step Brothers, Semi-Pro and Other Guys, with a little sprinkle of the movie Cocktail and a small part of a River Runs Through It. So a little like a cocktail. Many small parts, all good.

Jacques behind the bar at Forgery

Jacques behind the bar at Forgery

Do you have any regrets?
Yes. I believe we all do but for the most part I am happy with my choices and decisions. I would say the biggest regret is not having more daily time with my Daughter or loved ones.

Define Freedom.
Freedom to me would be an open world of travel. No borders and an unlimited flight, hotel and food expense account.

What are your personal core values?
Love. Passion. Life.

What three things would you bring with you on a desert Island?
Alexis, Partida Reposado and Pasta Arrabiata and if I could smuggle a fourth then a few cases of great wine.

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Conversations with Hilary: Executive Chef Howard Ko

This month I sat down with new friend and member of the PlumpJack family, Chef Howard Ko. We are so excited to have him on board as Executive Chef of Balboa Cafe Mill Valley. In his career to date, Howard has already worked at some of the most well-respected establishments – The Restaurant at Meadowood with Christopher Kostow, The French Laundry with Thomas Keller and in the kitchens of Goose & Gander in St. Helena, Melisse in Los Angeles, Hanilkwan in Osaka, and Daniel in New York.

Howard lives in Napa with his fiancée, Wendy, and dog, Whiskey. If you haven’t experienced Chef Ko’s food yet, you’re in for a treat. Howard takes bistro classics and adds his own modern twist. Locally sourcing his ingredients, and sometimes even foraging for them in the wilderness.

Bon Appetite Test Kitchen NYC with Chef Christopher Kostow & Chef Pancho (Restaurant at Meadowood)

Bon Appetite Test Kitchen NYC with Chef Christopher Kostow & Chef Pancho (Restaurant at Meadowood)

What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment?
Asking my fiancé Wendy to marry me. I never thought in a million years someone as wonderfully strong as her would agree to put up with my antics and this crazy adventure with me. We are getting married in August at San Francisco City Hall and am so excited!

What qualities do you think others love about you?
I think that I am understanding but stern at the same time. People know that I am fair and I think people are drawn to my work ethic, but also my sense of humor and lightheartedness.

If you could do anything other than what you currently do, what would it be?
I would own a barbershop. I spent a lot of my childhood at barbershops and I can do a killer fade. That was my side gig during my youth.

What do you like most about what you do for a career?
Making people happy. I never got into cooking just to feed people. I got into this career to create memories.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Hit the snooze button – ha, just kidding. Make it to CrossFit. I have to take care of my body due to the demands of the business. I either CrossFit, go to the gym or for a run, and I am getting into cycling now.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?
I’ve been working on Friday nights ever since I can remember but on the rare occasion I do have one off I like to try out a new restaurant and probably watch a movie.

What were you passionate about in your younger years growing up?
To get better at my craft. Cooking was something I knew I was going to do since I was in the 6th grade. I’ve been trying to perfect it ever since.

What are you passionate about now?
I’ve been cooking for 10 years now homing in on the things I don’t understand and researching them. Not knowing how to do something really bothers me when it comes to cooking. I want to know everything there is to know about it. My cookbook collection is getting rather extensive.

What’s your favorite season and why?
Spring! It’s when everything starts to come back to life. All the vegetables and fruits are so beautiful. They really add so much to dishes.

If you were a cocktail or a drink what would it be?
Jameson neat. Nothing fancy. It’s a cook thing. Oh and chase it with a Chimay.

What’s the #1 most played song on your music rotation?
Right now it’s Billie Jean by Michael Jackson.

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
My grandma who passed a while ago. At a young age she was the one who raised me and I felt I never appreciated that enough. I’d like to talk to her and get to know her and thank her.

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?
Sacrifice

Do you have any regrets?
I think everyone does to some extent. I have a lot. I could have been better, I could have loved more, I could have worked harder, but then I could have sacrificed less and spent more time with family. It’s the nature of what I do and I do it because I love it.

Wendy and Howard in Napa

Wendy and Howard in Napa

Define Freedom.
Being able to cook the food I love and want, and to have the support of every guest that comes into my establishment.

What are your personal core values?
To always be kind and genuine. I will help anyone out who needs it and I want to leave a legacy. Like the memories that I am trying to create, something that outlives me, my restaurant, our company.

What three things would you bring with you on a desert Island?
My fiancé Wendy, our dog Whiskey and some beers. I am a simple man with simple needs.

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Two Spots Left for Our Scotland Excursion

GlenMorangie House

GlenMorangie House

Do you love whisky? Are you looking for an experience of a lifetime? Then join us for a behind the scenes visit to the mecca of the whisky world, Scotland! Enjoy a private chauffeur, VIP access to distilleries and five star accommodations for six nights in Speyside, Scotland. Participants will also help select a private barrel of Scotch whisky for our PlumpJack Wine & Spirits Scotch Club.
ONLY TWO SPOTS left! Email jthinnes@plumpjack.com or call 415.282.3841 to book a spot.

When:  Saturday May 28th, 2016 – Friday June 3rd, 2016
What:  Our Scotland Excursion will include visiting 4 distilleries with 6 nights of accommodations, transportation to the Speyside region from Edinburgh and back to Edinburgh
Price: $3,400
Agenda:
6 night stay in Scotland’s Speyside Region
2 nights stay at the GlenDronach Guest House
– Visit and tasting at GlenDronach Distillery
– Dinner at GlenDronach Distillery
– Visit and tasting at GlenRothes Distillery
– Lunch at GlenRothes Distillery

2 nights stay at the GlenMorangie House
– Visit and tasting at GlenMorangie distillery
– Breakfast and dinner provided at the GlenMorangie house

2 nights stay at Craigellachie Hotel in Aberlour
– Breakfast provided at Craigellachie Hotel
– Visit to BenRomach Distillery

Transportation will be provided by Tenon Tours, from Edinburgh to the Speyside region, between hotel and distillery visits and then back to Edingburgh

  • Includes all distillery visits and tastings
  • Includes 6 nights lodging in the Speyside
  • Includes transportation to/from and throughout the Speyside region during 6 days
  • Includes 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • This cost does NOT include airfare, hotel stays in Edinburgh upon arrival or departure
  • This cost does NOT include any souvenirs or discretionary purchases
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The Ultimate Spring Guide to Squaw Valley

From the people who know best, a selection of Squaw and North Tahoe locals give us insight on the best things to do, see, go, eat, events, etc..this Spring. So much to do, plus with the addition of the mountain staying open in May, there are even more fun activities on the list.

Squaw Valley Resorts Hot Tub at High Camp, is an iconic get together of

all walks of life. Get to know locals, visitors, young, old, ski pros and newbies. Plus, the views are some of the best in Tahoe at 8200 elevation and the beer is cold. Swim all day in the pool and relax in the hot tub.

Spring is a multi-sport season!
One of the best ways to experience the warmth and sunshine of Lake Tahoe is by paddle board, kayak, or boat. If you’re into experiencing the water in a different way, there’s always Fly Fishing! We recommend Matt Heron Fly Fishing in Squaw Valley.
Rock climbing season has begun, and you have the chance to rope-up! We recommend Donner Summit or Big Chief.Hiking is a must for anyone, whether you need to find your zen on a solo adventure or you want to experience with a group. During the spring months, you’ll get to see some of the most gorgeous waterfalls from all of that snow runoff. Some of PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn’s staff recommend Shirley Canyon or the many trails around Emerald Bay. Check out the massive list of hiking trails in Squaw Valley here.
1510-Plumpjack SVI-345Dining and Drinking Everyone agrees there is a lot of great dining and drinking to go around in North Lake Tahoe, and especially Squaw Valley. We are biased and think that PlumpJack Cafe has the best weekday happy hour and a pretty darn good bar menu, and then the dining room, which is the spot for a more elevated culinary experience. We are also big fans of many of our fellow restaurants and bars. In Squaw Valley, we love Mamasake for their Beer and a Handroll special and their excellent sushi. We also love grabbing a glass of wine and some cheese at Uncorked. For a rowdy and fun night, you can’t miss the Cantina where all the locals go for cheap PBRs and music.

PS – Don’t miss PlumpJack Cafe’s Pig Roast & Tequila Toast on June 12th. This years theme is Mexican, enjoy Mexican beers, tequila and inspired cocktails with slow roasted carnitas.
Notable Events In Squaw Valley
Made in Tahoe Festival. Which celebrates all things local. The Village at Squaw Valley hosts a wide array of offerings that are made, or inspired, in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas- local artisans, businesses, food, organizations and entertainers. More info here.

The 4th AMCRC Western Regional Car Show
On May 21st Come to Squaw Valley for a Spring day of amazing and unique automobiles. More info here.

Bluesdays
This popular and free outdoor concert series at the Village at Squaw Valley features acclaimed blues musicians, great grab and go food offerings from Village restaurants and a Blues bar with beer, wine & spirits available in the Events Plaza. June 14th, 21st, 28th and July 5th.

Outdoor Movie Series
Families and friends can snuggle up under the stars while enjoying new releases and family classics on the big screen in the Events Plaza at The Village at Squaw Valley. For date and movies playing click here. 

Art, Wine & Music Festival
Squaw Valley’s village will burst with color, taste, and sound as fine artists, crafts makers, performers and musicians come to participate in this fun, two-day annual event. More info here.

Shameless PlumpJack Plug
Enjoy 25% off a two night mid week stay at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn for stay dates between April 3rd and June 16th, 2016. Restrictions apply.
BOOK NOW

PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn is closed from May 1st until the 12th.

Don’t forget to stop by PlumpJackSport to shop and save! Jump on the end of season sales for winter apparel. Get all your gear for next season at up to 60% OFF! If you’re in San Francisco on May 21st stop by our Trunk Show and shop up to 70% odd winter gear. 

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VERSO: Behind the Scenes

Get to know the man behind the music – Entertainment Director Jared Forkner. Find out what attracted him to the music industry, what he listens to and what to expect with VERSO in the upcoming months.

What inspired you to pursue a life long career in music?
I’ve always been a avid fan of music and took guitar/drum lessons as a child. I began DJing at 14 and in the late 90’s I started dabbling in music production. While I was in college, I started playing lots of the parties in Boulder, Colorado. After moving back to the Bay Area in 2003 I started playing at clubs and raves. My biggest break came while waiting tables at the Balboa Cafe San Francisco when I began to play weekly at MATRIXFILLMORE . I eventually linked up with Trevor Simpson, who was then on Energy 92.7 and began working with him in the studio which was when things really started moving. I got to remix loads of artists and held residences at Ruby Skye, 1015 Folsom and regularly playing at Vessel, The Endup, etc.
What do you love about VERSO as a music venue?
I had a moment recently that really hit home. Folks come to VERSO to hear new fresh music. It’s an amazing and refreshing difference from the normal Jukebox expectations from normal ‘clubs.’ I believe this is the biggest difference between a music venue and a normal club.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
So many great ones right now – Noisia, Chris Lorenzo, Skapes, Low Steppa, the entire Dirtybird Family, Shift K3y, Gorgon City, Icicle, Mat Zo, Calibre, Jakwob, MJ Cole, Taiki Nulight, Weiss, June Miller, Etherwood, Joe Ford, AC Slater & the entire Night Bass crew, My Nu Lengo!

 What’s on tap with VERSO’s music lineup?
We’re going to be focusing more on curated events and also featuring some of the best talent in the world for House, Techno, Trance and more. In the fall we will continue to expand our programming to other genres of electronic music and eventually live music as well. View the calendar here

Why VERSO over other clubs in San Francisco?
Verso is special because we do things from the heart. Both Rico (Marketing Director) and myself are DJ’s and lovers of music. Having DJ’d for 20 years, as well as being a working musician and engineer, I know what the artists expect and what the guest wants. We genuinely want the artists and our guests to have an experience that makes them feel right at home and comfortable. It’s all about having a great relationship and meeting new like minded people in a great environment.
If you’ve never been to VERSO, what should you expect on your first visit?
It’s a gorgeous and expansive venue with great sound with a warehouse feel. What they don’t know is that the team behind it is devoted to creating the best venue we can. A refined selection of artists. We’re not the normal ‘club,’ but a venue by the people for the peopl

What has been the most memorable music night at VERSO since its opening?
March 25th with Chris Lorenzo (Dirtybird / Nightbass) & Shift K3y (Colombia Records). Two artists that I love and respect dearly got to play back to back and the night was truly magical. A close second would be Tiesto, when we had him out during Super Bowl 50 weekend. I used to play his records 15 years ago.
What about private events?
I can honestly say that VERSO is one of the best event venues in San Francisco for both social and corporate events. The venue is designed to be equally functional and comfortable with a smaller or larger group, and can accommodate up to 400+ guests. Our director of events, Ashley Guillory is passionate about making sure her clients have the best experience.

VERSO SF
1525 Mission St. at 11th
San Francisco, CA

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PlumpJack Does Easter Brunch Better than the Rest

PlumpJack does Easter Brunch better than the rest. With restaurants spanning from San Francisco and Marin to Napa and all the way up to the Sierra Mountains, you’re guaranteed a spot at the table. Enjoy the classics like the Balboa Huevos Rancheros or some upgrades on some classics, like PlumpJack Cafe’s Cinnamon Challah French Toast. See below for menus, links to make reservations and more.

FARM at The Carneros Inn
View Menu and Make a Reservation 
Boon Fly Café at The Carneros Inn
Will be serving their regular brunch menus from 7am to 3pm
Make a Reservation 
Balboa Cafe San Francisco
View Menu 
Balboa Café Mill Valley
Make a Reservation 
160215_Avocado_Toast_Low_Res_08_0A9A3136 copy
PlumpJack Cafe
View Menu and Make a Reservation
Join us on the upper pool patio for an Easter egg hunt at 11:00 am
SVI Cafe Photos March 2014 - 111

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