Anyone who knows me well knows how much I adore the heat, especially warm nights with heavy full moons up in the sky. I must admit I will be missing my Alfa Romeo tonight as I drive across the Golden Gate Bridge (don’t tell the Fiat, she’ll get pissed). The weekend is going to be a nutty one: we’ve got the Blue Angels roaring through town (check out the socialite for a couple of fun food-and-viewing events), and there’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass all weekend. I personally can’t wait to hang out with my grandmother and watch old movies with her (and drink Champagne) on Saturday night, and see Madonna do her thing on Sunday.
My weekend kicked off in fine chocolaty style, as I hopped on a Scharffen Berger-hosted trolley tour on Friday evening to try some treats around the city (we hit up Miette, Goody Goodie, The Ice Cream Bar, and Tout Sweet Pâtisserie). (You gotta check out the ice cream sandwiches The Ice Cream Bar made for us, what a tower of power.) And the trolley was a great way to see the city with fresh eyes, I gotta say. Too much fun. Until we got stuck in Critical Mass, ha.
Saturday I cruised up to see my dear friends in Yountville: I had a late-afternoon salad at Redd Wood, dinner and drinks at Goose & Gander (that Scott Beattie makes some mean cocktails), a nightcap at French Blue, and Sunday brunch (alfresco, how novel!) at the very charming The Thomas in Napa, plus an hour of much-needed pool time Sunday afternoon. It’s amazing what 24 hours away in beautiful Wine Country with wonderful friends and food can do to drop your shoulders.
However, today I do have a heavy head. I want to dedicate this issue to my dear Uncle Frank (who is also my godfather), who is currently undergoing a hateful battle with the big C, and this past weekend was especially rough. My heart breaks. Today is his birthday, and I am thinking of him and raising a glass. I love you Francuzz’, and buon compleanno! As my aunt has been saying, go hug someone today.
Enjoy this evening’s gorgeous warmth—I can’t wait to get out of my apartment. Is it rosé o’clock yet?
Affectionately, Marcia Gagliardi
The insane BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich at The Thomas. (And hello, I only ate half.) Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Oct 2 2012
