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You Can Watch Tonight's Warriors Game in VR

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Basketball season is here again, and with a championship behind them, tickets to watch the Golden State Warriors defend their title at Oracle Arena are bound to get expensive. Thanks to up-and-coming virtual reality technology, however, there's a new way to get courtside. 

In partnership with Turner Sports and NextVR, the NBA will be live-streaming tonight's season opener in VR. Whoa. That means, anyone with a Gear VR, Samsung’s virtual reality headset, will be able to watch the game (as well as the championship ring ceremony beforehand) in real time from the comfort of their home. That also means that you'll be a lot closer to (virtual) Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala, and Klay Thompson than you would be from the bleachers. 

VR cameras will be positioned strategically around the arena to capture all the live action, as if fans were watching from a courtside vantage point, reported Fast Company

While the NBA isn't the first pro sports league to dabble in VR—NextVR live-streamed a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona in July, and the Sacramento King streamed two pre-season games— this will be the first live professional sports game readily available to fans in VR. 

And it surely won't be the last. The Kings are already scheduled to stream their own season opener live in VR on Wednesday, and are also working with VR technology company Voke to make their stream platform agnostic, meaning its should be available on any VR platform, not just GearVR. 

The NBA is just the latest institution to be an early adopter of VR technology. Other large-scale operations include 20th Century Fox and the Democratic Party, which had its first presidential debate live-streamed earlier this month. And we'll likely see more companies step up the the plate, as hardware such as the Oculus Rift, HTC’s Vive, and Sony’s PlayStation VR will be released commercially next year.


Book a Private Jet for Your Next West Coast Getaway

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Want to boost the luxury factor on your next trip? A private jet is just what your vacation ordered. 

Set Jet is a membership-based, private jet platform that provides a five-star travel experience for a fraction of the typical cost of flying private. This exclusive membership is available to a limited number of people in each region, and allows you to hop on a jet to Scottsdale, Las Vegas, L.A., Orange County, San Diego, Aspen, Cabo San Lucas, or NYC any time you fancy. 

It's 100 percent luxury from the moment you arrive at the airport. As a member, you'll enjoy complimentary valet parking and need only present your thumbprint to check-in and board a flight. Once you're on board one of Set Jet's grand Bombardier Challenger 850, CRJ200, or CRJ900 airplanes and lounging in the 15-25 seat VIP cabins, you'll also enjoy complementary in-flight WiFi as well as top shelf alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and premium snacks served by a cabin hostess. The days of chomping peanuts are behind you! 

Flights are available on a first come, first serve basis, and rates are the same whether you book a flight in advance or buy a seat on an existing flight just 30 minutes prior to departure. Once a flight is booked, your flight is guaranteed to take off—even if you're the only passenger on it.

Membership requires a one-time security check fee of $100, plus a membership fee of $100 per month. Members can fly daily between each of Set Jet's West Coast destinations for between $400 and $470 per person, one-way. Flights to Set Jet's seasonal destinations, including Cabo San Lucas and Aspen, cost approximately $800 per person, one-way. Flights between Los Angeles and New York require an Elite Membership ($1,000 per month, and about $3,300 per person per flight). 

Ready. Set. Jet! 

We Wanna Be Friends With Author + Riot Grrrl Carrie Brownstein

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You might initially recognize her as "that girl from Portlandia," or as a recurring guest star on the dramedy series Transparent. But there is much more to Carrie Brownstein than just a resumé of great TV. 

As a guitarist for the feminist indie rock band Sleater-Kinney, Brownstein is a heroine of the riot grrrl punk-rock movement of the Pacific Northwest—she was even once named among the "25 Most Underrated Guitarists of All-Time" by Rolling Stone. Her new memoir, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl (Riverhead Books), released this month, chronicles her journey as a young woman in the underground rock scene.

On November 4, Brownstein comes to the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco to talk about her book. But first, she sat down with 7x7 to tell us about her wildest performances, her thoughts on today's feminist punk-rock movement, and what she's up to next.

7x7: What's the craziest thing that's happened to you onstage? 

CB: I've taken a lot of falls. At one concert, I swung from the rafters. At another, I broke my foot.

7x7: In 2006, you were the only woman on Rolling Stones list of the most underrated guitarists.  

CB: It's flattering, but sometimes those lists can be subjective. It places a lot of value on one person's perspective. 

7x7: How do you juggle multiple careers as a musician, actress, and author? 

CB: Logistics. I always create opportunities to focus on one thing at a time. I'm an avid multitasker; I love to explore a variety of things at once. But with projects, I always make sure I give myself enough time to really enjoy it.

7x7: What are your thoughts on today’s feminist punk-rock movement?

CB: It's great how feminism is intersecting with music. Its merging with popular culture has made it less alienating. People are able to relate more. 

7x7: Who are you listening to now?

CB: Delta 5, The Flips, The Selecter, Perfect Pussy, Savages. I'm also a huge Kendrick Lamar fan. 

7x7: What are you up to next?

CB: [For music], I'll be doing mostly writing, not sure about releasing anything. Both Portlandia and Transparent just got renewed for another season, so I'll be focusing on that. 

Quick-fire Round: 

Role models: 

Andy Gill and Rich Williams.

Favorite bands:

Clash, Wire, Bad Brains, and Gang of Four

Best concert ever:

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Pre-performance rituals:

Stretch, hydrate, and warm up my vocals. 

Dream venue:

Madison Square Garden.

Spotify, iTunes, or Vinyl?

Vinyl

Indulgence you'll never give up:

Coffee 

Favorite spot in SF:

It's not exactly in San Francisco, but Muir Woods is absolutely beautiful.

Check out Carrie Brownstein's upcoming JCCSF talk: Wednesday, Nov. 4th; Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (3200 California St); jccsf.org

The Top Places to Drink and Buy Champagne in SF

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 If you’d like to find some spots where you can pound bubbles—excuse me, learn and explore the nuances of sparkling wine, here are places around town that serve and sell quality Champagne and other similar wines from around the world. Enjoy your bubble bath.

1760

Do you know about Grower Champagne Mondays? Well, your Mondays are about to get more interesting, because wine director Gianpaolo Paterlini (it's no mistake his initials are GP) not only has at least 10 Champagnes on his list under $100, but you can also get 20% off all bottles of Champagne on Mondays. Look for special flights and producer pours too. // 1760 Polk, 1760sf.com

 

Arlequin Wine Merchant (and Absinthe)

Not only does Hayes Valley wine shop Arlequin stock some of the best value Champagnes in the city, they also host one of the top Champagne events every winter. Come on by and see what they're pouring by the glass; you can even pop open the bottle in the neighboring cafe (and on their patio) for a nominal corkage fee. Or, you can head next door into Absinthe, which has a good variety of sparkling wines. // 384 Hayes, arlequinwinemerchant.com

 

Biondivino

While proprietor Ceri Smith is primarily known for her impeccable Italian wine selection, she's equally passionate for sparkling wines from around the world. Stop by in the evenings to see what she’s pouring. And don’t miss the bruschette and wine nights, from Wed–Sun 5pm to close, when you can choose from an array of bruschette (like Robiola and kumquat) and $10 wines. // 1415 Green, biondivino.com

 

Dig

Over in Dogpatch, wine shop owner Wayne Garcia sends out personal emails about what he plans to pour at the tasting bar each weekend (featuring lots of small producers, primarily from France and Italy). When he’s offering some Champagnes to try, you’ll definitely want to head on over. // 1005 Minnesota, digwinesf.com

 

Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant

What happens when you get a bunch of wine professionals together to run a wine shop and wine bar? Pure awesome, that’s what. Check out their Wednesday tastings from 4:30–7:30pm, which feature a variety of international wines, or try a taste off the wine bar list, which typically features three sparklers from which to choose. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter as well. // Ferry Building, fpwm.com

 

La Nebbia

While the La Ciccia crew is known for their authentic Sardinian dishes and choice Italian wines, chef-owner Massimiliano Conti is also very passionate about Champagne and sparkling wines. Sit at the counter of their lively wine bar and let them walk you through some great tastes (they pour around eight sparklers by the glass)…and hams! Cin cin. // 1781 Church, lanebbia.com

 

Les Clos

This SoMa wine bar is run by a couple pros in the biz who know a lot about quality bubbles: sommeliers Mark Bright and Cara Patricia. Whether you want bubbles by the glass or need a bottle to give as a special gift, you’re set. They also sell some fabulous champers accouterments (like, say, caviar) at a very nice price. Bonuses: the kitchen is open until 11pm, and there are Saturday tastings from 3:30–5pm for as little as $10. // 234 Townsend, lesclossf.com

 

Ruby Wine Merchant

Looking for some new unique bubbles to try? Here you’ll find biodynamic, natural, and organic wines created by mostly small producers from Europe and California. The Friday tastings at this Potrero Hill wine shop (open since 2002!) feature international winemakers and importers from 5–9pm. // 1419 18th Street, rubywinesf.com

 

San Francisco Champagne Society

This by-appointment wine bar in SoMa, is run by Bill Marci, a bona fide Champagne lover. Visit with a friend and hang out at the bar (it’s a very personal experience) or get a big group together, which makes it easier to crack into some bottles (plural). You’ll learn a lot about small producers, and you can also purchase any favorites, too. Get on the mailing list for updates on Friday happy hour tastings. For reservations and more, email reservations@sfchampagnesociety.com. // 1097 Howard, sfchampagnesociety.com

 

William Cross Wine Merchants

Steve Sherman and his crew carry a number of sparkling wines at this stocked Polk Street shop, and every once in a while, they feature a lineup of some bubbles in their popular weekly Wednesday tastings from 6–9pm. // 2253 Polk Street, wmcross.com

 

Zuni 

Zuni is perfect for many reasons, and almost all occasions, but especially when the need for bubbles strikes. This noted restaurant carries three choice selections by the glass on their list…and with their frites? Parfait. // 1658 Market, zunicafe.com

 

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.

 

 

 

No Girls Allowed: 3 SF Brands Are Making Awesome Underwear for Men

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What could be more necessary than a great pair of comfy undies? Listen up, guys: Here are three San Francisco brands whose handsome, expertly fitted boxer briefs are made for high performance and designed to be seen.  

Les Lunes Homme

Based in San Francisco and Paris, Les Lunes is known for directly engaging its customers in the design process. So in order to perfectly engineer their T-shirts and boxer briefs for Les Lunes Homme, the brand invited local guys into the SF showroom to try on various styles, which they then took home for a real-life test drive. Based on their feedback, Les Lunes believes it has tailored the perfect fit. The three-piece collection—a boxer and long- and short-sleeved tees—are made from super-soft bamboo and promise comfortable support.  //  leslunes.com

Levi's Basics

Nobody comes between him and his...Levi's? Who knows if this collection of men’s underwear, socks, and T-shirts will ever become as iconic as the jeans, but Levi’s aims to make a skivvy so comfortable that dudes can wear them from work to the gym to date night (hopefully with a quick change in between), and each piece is evocative of classic Levi's styling. The 200 series is emblazoned with the brand’s iconic red batwing logo; the 300 series echoes of Levi's denim with signature rivets; the 400 Series is made from 100 percent merino wool for extra softness and high performance; and a collection of woven boxers in cotton chambray and oxford takes its cue from traditional men’s shirting.  //  levi.com 

Olivers

Launched via Kickstarter back in 2013, Olivers set out to solve for high performance menwear. The brand's All Over Short was first rendered in cotton, but due to the highly absorbent nature of the fabric, which can trap moisture against the skin and cause discomfort, it was deemed a dud. The brand looked to Schoeller Fabrics, a premier technical mill in Switzerland, for help. The new Oliver briefs, made with Schoeller's polyester and a nylon-brushed waistband, distribute compression across the body for greater comfort. Founder David Wolfe says, “The end result is a brief that looks and feels great, and is the perfect day-to-day solution for the active man.”  //  oliversapparel.com

10 Fabulous Underground Supper Clubs in SF

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As a culinary mecca populated with world renowned chefs and recreational foodies alike, it makes sense that San Francisco is a hotspot for underground supper clubs. These social dining experiences can take place anywhere from a Victorian house in the Mission to a houseboat on the bay. They're often themed and typically feature local ingredients, but the off-the-grid aspect of the dinners is arguably their most alluring quality. Get a few friends together for a high quality meal without the pretense of a fancy restaurant, or go stag and meet interesting people over the multiple courses.

1. I Forgot It's Wednesday

Founded in NYC and recently started in SF, I Forgot It's Wednesday seeks to create a dining atmosphere that—true to its name—captivates guests with interesting conversation and ingenious pairings, causing everyone to forget it’s Wednesday. The five-course dinner is prepared by chef Jenny Dorsey and served with wine pairings and cocktails crafted by her husband Matt Dorsey. Jenny posts some of the recipes on her blog. The only rules of admission are: Be a nice person. Act respectfully. Bring an open mind. And be kind to the dogs. The location is super secret, but they do post upcoming events on the website. Join to the mailing list to stay updated about future suppers, and send an email here to reserve a seat.

2. Lazy Bear

After hosting garnished dinner parties for his classmates in law school, chef David Barzelay carried his culinary passion with him to Lazy Bear, where he started hosting supper clubs at various locations before opening up a brick-and-mortar version in the Mission. In honor of the traditional family-style shared eating experience, now Michelin-starred Lazy Bear remains as inviting and energetic as it did in its pre-restaurant days, where snacking and mingling kick off the feast, which is served to guests at long American elm slab tables. Barzelay cooks up modern American food complemented by seven to eight ABV pairings. Two seatings are offered each night, one at 6pm and one at 8:30pm. Purchase tickets in advance here, and subscribe to their Twitter feed to be kept up to date on upcoming events.

3. Naked Kitchen

After Ko Son left his tech career in Silicon Valley, he turned his attention to the culinary world, inviting guests to dine at his beautiful Victorian house in the heart of the Mission. Son started hosting his underground supper clubs as a way to create an intimate atmosphere of food, wine, and art. Naked Kitchen offers talented emerging and experienced chefs the creative freedom to try out new and innovative dishes. Fill out the mailing list here and reserve your spot at the table online.

4. Wild Kitchen

When Iso Rabins of forageSF isn’t hosting foraging excursions that include wild mushroom adventures, wild food walks, and sea foraging, he can be found heading Wild Kitchen’s roving supper clubs. Dinners take place at a large communal table located everywhere from a roof-deck or warehouse in the Mission to a houseboat in Sausalito. Each course of the eight-part meal features a sustainably foraged local ingredient, such as halibut, rabbit, wild boar, mushrooms, or miner’s lettuce, that has not been touched by human hands until the day of hunt and harvest. To attend the next Wild Kitchen and get a taste of Bay Area-grown delicacies, sign up for their email list here.

5. Stag Dining Group

In 2010, five good friends joined together to meld sustainable ingredients and inspired cuisine into what would become Stag Dining Group’s successful Clandestine Dinner Series. Currently, they still host regular dinners that support a large network of local organic farmers, produce zero waste, and are landfill free. Each supper features some of the Bay Area’s leading artisans and artists. Stag has held dinners at historic mansions, shooting ranges, art galleries, and wineries. Their largest event to date, a one -of-a-kind foodie-concert called Mission Battleship, occurred on top of the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien. Dinners are promoted via their mailing list, so the best way to score a seat is to sign up here.

6. Mission Gastro Club

Brewer Eric Denman unites his libation skills with savory culinary pairings in a Mission apartment where he composes weekly themed meals. Dishes are made from fresh, local ingredients and paired with home brewed ales. To become a dinner guest, you must first be a member, and then the luck of the draw will determine if you get a seat—the list is composed randomly from the club’s database. This method encourages unique, engaging conversations and fosters new friendships and networking. To get added to the invite list, send an email here and tell them how you heard about the club.

7. SPICE Supper Club

Although chef Ben Long doesn't have any traditional cooking education, his secret and exclusive supper club (currently members-only) is built around he and his wife’s shared love for good food and wine. The eight-course dinner parties are held every month. The vibe is fun and casual, with emphasis on a good time and lively conversation. As Long puts it, “there’s nothing fancy about it except the food.” Although SPICE is currently not accepting new members, you can still try to get put on a waitlist by getting in touch here

8. Du Jour Dining

This underground dining experience is run by Vance and Kelly Rose, who curate a unique, seasonally-driven menu for their monthly nine-course spreads, featuring local ingredients such as produce, grains, fish, and meat, and paired with eight different wines. The setting is both personal and professional, with an emphasis on flavor combinations and complexity that is also present in the wine selections (the chef is also a winemaker). Members receive an email a week prior to the dinner that gives a preview of the menu and pricing; two days before the event, the location will be revealed. Sign up for the mailing list here.

9. Hearsay Supper Club

Hearsay Supper Club’s founders Dan and Jeanne are self-proclaimed globetrotting food geeks who have a devotion to food and drink that is evident in their dinner parties. Periodically, they open up their kitchen to about a dozen guests, and serve a six-course tasting menu, paired with beer, wine or cocktails, that blends traditional and modern techniques. Occasionally, they host tasting events that highlight a single ingredient or producer. The best way to hear about their upcoming events, which are planned a month in advance, is to subscribe to their email list here or follow them on Twitter.

10. S+M Vegan Chefs

Shane Stanbridge and Marie Chia met while going to school at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, where they learned how to cater to special dietary restrictions and studied the techniques and benefits of cooking plant-based meals. After working at vegan, raw and gluten-free restaurants such as Millennium in Oakland, Pure Food and Wine in New York, and Michelin-starred establishments in San Francisco and Paris, the duo decided to form S+M as a way to create beautiful and sustainable dishes. Their current supper club series, The Blind Tiger, fuses quality local produce that is prepared using organic beer from Bison Brewing, and takes place in the Bay Area on every last Sunday. The locations, which can be held anywhere in San Francisco and its neighboring towns are sent to ticket holders as the dinner approaches, and the chefs sometimes host meals at their Oakland loft. Events are often BYOB, but Stanbridge and Chia do offer suggested pairings. Contact them here to join the mailing list or for other inquiries.

Honorable mentions:

Subculture Dining

Cook with James

Cook Here and Now

The de Young's New Mobile App Is Like a Private Tour With a Curator

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The old museum audio tours of yore are no more—not that you've taken one lately. Now, at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, a nifty mobile app with pioneering indoor positioning technology can take us through the collections and tell us everything we need to know. 

Powered by Guidekick, the app is loaded with original conversations with de Young Museum curators as they discuss their favorite works of art. If you imagine that acting director Richard Benefield is actually standing in front of David Hockney’s Seven Yorkshire Landscapes as he talks about the video you see on the flat-screen monitors, that's because he is—or rather he was at the time of recording. Guidekick CEO Mark Paddon explains:

“One of the most stale and boring things when you take an audio guide is that it’s just somebody with a monotone voice telling you about stuff. By setting the curators in front of the piece, we got to hear more passion and [were able to] dive down different avenues for stories that wouldn’t have come up in a more formal recording environment.” 

In addition to the VIP feeling that comes with a tour of the museum guided by its top talent, the app provides an interactive 3D map to help you find your way around. With your phone in your pocket, the app will trigger an alert as you approach a work of art connected to its content. Bring your phone to your ear and the programming begins. Set it down and it pauses again.

The de Young's app currently offers deep insight into 33 works of art (there are more to come in the months ahead), as well as four guided tours through the collections Africa, Oceania and the Americas, Early American, and Contemporary American. Don't miss out on the Observation Tower, where you’ll glean fresh insight into the de Young’s history and architecture.

“We have a new millennial audience that wants information now...and they want to engage with [art] differently,” says Gary Castro, chief information officer of the Fine Arts Museums of SF, which will also launch an at for the Legion of Honor soon.  //  The de Young app is available for download now on iOS and will be available soon on Android. 

Where to Ice Skate in the Bay Area

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In a city where feeling the effects of Karl the Fog is the closest we get to a winter wonderland, these six ice skating rinks are guaranteed to make your holiday season a little more chill. Break the ice on a first date, go solo and practice your Olympic figure skating moves, or rally family and friends to what are literally the coolest spots around.

1. The Embarcadero Center Ice Rink, San Francisco

This outdoor rink offers a panoramic view of San Francisco’s beautiful waterfront, located across from the historic Ferry Building. The spacious floor gives seasoned skaters enough room to glide about, with plenty of room left over for beginners. // Runs Nov. 4th 2015 - Jan. 3rd 2016; Justin Herman Plaza; embarcaderocenter.com 

2. Walnut Creek Ice Rink, Walnut Creek

Great for children of all ages and levels, Walnut Creek Ice Rink is a smaller family rink decorated with festive lights and holiday decorations. // Runs Nov. 11th 2015 - Jan. 18th 20161375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, iceskatewalnutcreek.com

3. Oakland Ice Center, Oakland

Operated by the San Jose Sharks, this indoor rink accommodates everyone from hockey players to recreational skaters. The Center's Tuesday Cheap Skate deal lets you skate for a bargain ($8 or $11.75 with skate rental). // Runs year-round; 519 18th St, Oakland; oaklandice.com

4. Palo Alto’s Winter Lodge, Palo Alto

Beginners have no fear: saftey is important here, with gloves and helmets recommended for all skaters, on-ice “guards” waiting nearby to help fallen children, and ice resurfaced every hour so the rink remains smooth all day long. A warm fireplace, a vending machine that sells hot chocolate, and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the ice, give this arena a festive feel. // Runs Sept. 28th 2015 - April 17th 20163009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; winterlodge.com

5. Snoopy’s Home Ice: The Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Santa Rosa

Peanuts fans and ice skaters unite. The recently remodeled Redwood Empire Ice Arena is tucked away in Santa Rosa’s Redwood Forest, and home to all things Snoopy. Styled after 1970s Swiss chalets, the rink is accompanied by the Warm Puppy Café and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop. // Runs year-round1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa; snoopyshomeice.com

6. Belmont Iceland, Belmont

This full-service indoor skating rink is a local favorite, and hosts different events and activities all year long. Not yet comfortable on skates but want to play around on the ice? Get a group together, keep your sneakers on, and reserve the rink for a game of Broomball, which is basically ice hockey with a short broomsticks. // Runs year-round; 815 Old County Road, Belmont; belmonticeland.com 


Breakfast Sandwiches to Rock Your Morning

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New York has its egg on a roll, and we have our breakfast burrito. But SF also happens to make pretty amazing breakfast sandwiches (winning!). Here are some especially delicious (and new-ish) ones to add to your playbook.

Bacon Bacon

If someone is going to have bacon in their name twice, you’d hope their breakfast sandwich would deliver the same level of bacony goodness, and they do: A toasted yet fluffy brioche bun is slathered with bacon jam—which is what the runny over-easy eggs meld nicely with—plus there’s cheddar and the requisite slices of bacon. Oink oink. (Grab some napkins for this one.) // 205A Frederick St., baconbaconsf.com

The Cavalier

Maybe you’re having a breakfast meeting downtown? Here’s your spot. The breakfast sandwich here is the priciest on the list ($13 during the week, and $15 on the weekend—it comes with potatoes), but we wouldn’t be telling you about it unless it was actually kind of worth it. The egg is fried just-so (or you can get it scrambled), and the thick rashers of bacon are on point. But it’s the spicy notes of the pepper cress and the shallot and dijon dressing that soaks into the bun that take it all to an 11 on the 10-point scale. Go ahead, get a Bloody Mary. // 360 Jessie St., thecavaliersf.com

Devil’s Teeth Baking Company

Just a few blocks from the beach in the Outer Sunset is this neighborhood café and bakery that’s famous for its egg, cheddar, and bacon biscuit sandwich (gotta keep the surfers fueled). But then there’s the special breakfast sandwich, which gets you the same flaky, golden house-baked buttermilk biscuit, fluffy eggs, and thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, with the added bonus of creamy avocado, pepper jack, and lemon-garlic aioli that gives it just enough “bam!” And it’s a monster for just $6.75. AND it’s served all day! Pro tip: get a donut muffin for later, once you awaken from your food coma. // 3876 Noriega St., devilsteethbakingcompany.com

Merigan Sub Shop

This SoMa spot has not just one but three totally brilliant breakfast subs (served Monday–Friday, 8:30am– 4pm and Saturday 10am-4pm). First, there’s one with griddled mortadella (oh, yeah) with an omelet, fresh ricotta, and the zip of salsa verde ($6.50), and if you mean really serious business, there’s one with porchetta, a fried egg, cracklins (we told you it was nuts) and some lemon slaw, and the house "hots" to cut the richness ($7). There's also the Arista Morning Sub, which is packed full of both braised and roasted pork, rapini, a fried egg, provoline, and yes, the "hots" ($6.50). All three come on their special seeded Italian Loaf from Pinkie’s Bakery. // 636 Second St. at Brannan; merigansubshop.com

Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.

How to Spend 50 Perfect Hours in Daly City

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Less than ten miles from San Francisco's center, head to Daly City for a relaxed, suburban experience with plenty of things to do—from hiking to eating in delicious restaurants. 

DAY 1

8:30 a.m. – Wake up at The Inn at Oyster Point, an adorably decorated, 30-room boutique hotel in South San Francisco. (Local trivia: South San Francisco doesn’t touch the border of San Francisco; it is south of Brisbane.) Depending on the temperature outside, turn on your fireplace and relax with a cup of coffee before preparing for the day. When you’re ready, throw on a casual/workout-ready outfit that is breathable but warm (a light jacket is recommended). Grab your hat and some sunscreen and then head out.

9:30 a.m. – Set your GPS for 1131 El Camino Real and head to JoAnn’s Café, an old-fashioned diner that is a favorite among locals. Order a helping of the Goldie Lox (eggs, smoked salmon, onion and cream cheese), a muffin and a hot cup of coffee or glass of orange juice. Mingle with locals at the bar.

10:00 a.m. – Take CA-82 until you get to 160 Beacon Street in South San Francisco and walk into K1 Speed, a go-kart course for drivers that don’t mess around. Racing is available for adults and children, as long as they are taller than 48 inches. You are required to attend a mandatory briefing session before getting in your vehicle. From there, take to the track and ride like the wind!

12:00 p.m. – Head back to the area where you had breakfast and stroll into Little Lucca Specialty Sandwich Shop. Yes, this place may look like a hole in the wall, but don’t let its appearance deceive you—the food they serve is fantastic. Place a to-go order for the crab cake sandwich, Lucca’s Hot Bird (turkey, roasted green pepper and pepper jack cheese) and the chicken Santa-Fe sandwich (grilled chicken breast, melted cheddar and raspberry chipotle sauce). Grab a bottle of water at the register and then skedaddle.

1:00 p.m. – Three miles down the road, get out at Oyster Point Marina Park. Set up your picnic and relax next to the water as you watch people fishing and boats going by. Spend the next few hours going for a walk on the paved path or playing catch or Frisbee with your family. This 33-acre park gives visitors a unique vantage point in which to enjoy the San Francisco Bay.

3:00 p.m. – Next up is a visit to See’s Candies, based in South San Francisco. Drive over to 210 El Camino Real and walk into a shop where your chocolate dreams are sure to come true. This shop is connected to the factory and, although tours are not permitted, it is still fun to enjoy the energy of standing in the place where world famous treats are made.

4:30 p.m. – Head back to The Inn at Oyster Point to relax and take a nap. Then shower and change into some casual evening clothes.

6:00 p.m. – Starving and ready for some yummy food? Drive to 713 Linden Avenue in downtown South San Francisco and belly up to a table at Amoura, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant (advance reservations are recommended). Start your meal with the Bottarga flatbread (broccolini, goat cheese and garlic), and then move on to the avocado and roasted carrot dish and finally the lamb and beef burger. If you want to stay veggie tonight, try the chickpea stew. End your experience with a helping of the warm date cake; you will want seconds.

DAY 2

9:30 a.m. – Sleep in a little later today and then call down to the front desk and ask for your complementary breakfast to be delivered to your room. After downing some pastries, fruit and coffee, change into some comfortable clothes (wear shoes with ample support), and then head out to Daly City.

(via wunderground.com)

11:00 a.m. – Drive until you reach Thornton State Beach. There are several trails here and a gorgeous beach where you and your family can spend the morning roaming and snapping group photos. Enjoy the California sunshine and be sure to look to the sky for hang gliders.

12:30 p.m. – You will find the ideal lunch spot at Boulevard Café. Once you settle in, order the steamed mussels and clams and then move on to the shrimp Louie salad and the Tuscan sandwich (grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers and goat cheese). Walk off your calories next door at the Westlake Shopping Center.

3:00 p.m. – Time for some action! Drive to 2995 Junipero Serra Blvd in Daly City and walk into Pacifica Archery, an archery shop that has been around since 1998. Call ahead to make a reservation with an instructor and then enjoy a lesson on how to use a bow and arrow. Just in case you really get hooked, there are plenty of goods to purchase after you learn.

(via burma-cafe.com)

5:30 p.m. – Run back to the hotel to change, or just drive over to Burma Café for dinner. Everything here is divine; you can’t go wrong with any order. If you need a recommendation, go for the Oh Noh Kauswer (coconut chicken noodle soup with onions, cilantro, lemon and eggs), the pork curry or Nan Pya Dok (flat wheat noodles with coconut curry chicken sauce, eggs, yellow pea powder and fried onion).

8:30 p.m. – End your evening with a few games of bowling at Classic Bowling Center. In addition to lanes, this place also has an arcade and a full-service café.

DAY 3

9:30 a.m. – Wake up, order breakfast to be delivered to your room again (so decadent!), then pack up and check out of The Inn at Oyster Point. Remember to slather on your sunscreen and bring a hat, then drive over to Mussel Rock Beach Park, a haven for birdwatching, paragliding, and hiking. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean as you round out your trip.

This article comes to us courtesy of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. Each week the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee features a #Perfect50 Hours series detailing how to spend 50 hours in a different San Francisco Bay Area city. See more here

Jay Jeffers, Ken Fulk, and More Step Out for 34th Annual SF Fall Antiques Show

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The 34th Annual San Francisco Fall Antiques Show came and went this month, taking a must-see collection of arts, antiques, and dealers from around the world with it. 

The four-day event ran from October 22nd through 25th at Fort Mason Center, during which 60 hand-selected international dealers showcased their incredible art and antiques to awe-struck patrons. This year's theme was Time After Time: Bringing the Past Present, which focused on the lasting quality of beautiful pieces. 

During the opening night gala on October 21st, guests enjoyed live music while nibbling on caviar and tasting Hanger One vodka cocktails, flowing Champagne, and sumptuous food. 

Notable guests include Jeffrey Alan Marks, fashion maven Joy Venturini Bianchi, Banana Republic's Jack Calhoun, Pamala and Ted Deikel, Jay Jeffers and Michael Purdy, Claudia Ross, Gary and OJ Shansby, Tatiana Sorokko, Trevor and Alexis Traina, Diane Adams and Glen Ross of Shreve & Co, Jake Thomas-Franklin Wall of JAKE and Project Runway, and, of course, the show's director and chair, Ariane Trimuschat and Suzanne Tucker respectively.

As part of the exhibit, designers Geoffrey De Sousa, Fisher Weisman, and Allison Caccoma crafted gorgeous display rooms with pieces from dealers on the floor, and lined with custom wallpaper from De Gournay House. 

Across the grand entry hall —created by architects Ike Kligerman Barkley—Philip Bewley curated the Loan Exhibition, featuring several extremely rare, museum-queality pieces from Shreve & Co. These exquisite watches and jewelry told the story of how we have kept time through the ages. 

To top it all off, 100 percent of the net proceeds went to Enterprise for High School Students, a San Francisco nonprofit that offers students college and career counseling. 

Missed the fun? The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show will be back with an even bigger show next year! 

5 Topics Everyone Will Be Discussing Over Brunch

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Presidential pumpkins, a breakaway blimp, and more amazing news items from the past week. 

The Frightening "Trumpkin" Phenomenon, Chicagoist 

A new phenomenon is sweeping the nation and it's scarier than zombies or ghosts. It's "The Trumpkin." An artist from Ohio turned a 374-pound pumpkin into a larger than life portrait of reality TV star, businessman, and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. It took Jeanette Paras more than 10 hours to complete with the iconic hair taking the longest time. She creates a pumpkin celebrity every year and she chose Trump because he's become the man of 2015, she says. The Donald's constant media attention has inspired others to paint or carve their own "Trumpkins."

Could There Be Life on Saturn's Icy Moon? NYTimes 

Where there is water, is there life? That’s the $64 billion question now facing NASA and the rest of lonely humanity. When the New Horizons spacecraft, cameras clicking, sped past Pluto in July, it marked an inflection point in the conquest of the solar system... We’ve finished counting the rocks in the neighborhood. It’s time to find out if anything is living on them, a job that could easily take another half century.

Twitter Jokes About Breakaway BlimpUSA Today 

A U.S. military blimp, which is more than 242 feet long, came untethered from its Maryland base and is on the loose over Pennsylvania. Naturally, folks on Twitter reacted with humor almost immediately following news reports. 

Proposal to Put City's Homeless in Empty VacaRentals, SFist

A resident of San Francisco has suggested that the city's vacation rental companies might be a great resource in the fight to reduce the number of homeless on streets of San Francisco — if only for a few nights here and there — if companies like Airbnb and VRBO were forced to partner with the city to temporarily house the homeless in unoccupied vacation rental units.  

Zuckerberg To End Irritating FB Game Invites, WSJ

Game invitations might be a nuisance for recipients who aren’t interested in playing, but games are often designed to reward senders. In the case of “Candy Crush Saga,” for example, the more requests people send to others on Facebook to play the game, the more “lives” they gain in return. Such features are outdated, Mr. Zuckerberg acknowledged, but updating or doing away with them wasn’t high on the company’s to-do list — until now. He said Facebook had other priorities, but that since it’s now clear this is a top concern for users, the company is going to prioritize the matter.

The Best Hidden Murals in San Francisco

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In the everyday bustle of San Francisco life, it can be easy to miss the colorful street art that covers the City's structures. Tucked away off the main drag or raised above street level, these murals breathe life into a concrete city, and sometimes, they do seem to be alive. Faces laugh, animals lurk, and cartoons giggle. All it takes is looking up or walking around the block to discover a masterpiece. Here are some of the best in SF.

Artist: Herakut; Location: McCoppin and Stevenson (SoMa)

Artists: Kamea Hadar, Poesia Transcend; location: Colusa and Colton (Mission)

Artist: Apexer; location: Colusa and Colton (Mission)

Artist: James Reka; location: 146 McAllister (Civic Center)

Artist: Cannon Dill; Location: Duboce and Fillmore (Duboce Triangle)



Artist: Os Gemeos; location: Market and 6th Street (SoMa)

Title: Ping Yuen Mural; artist: Darryl Mar; location: Stockton and Pacific (Chinatown)

Artist: unknown; location: Cole and Haight (Haight)

Artist: Max Ehrman; location: Sycamore and Valencia (Mission)

Title: Rush Hour; artists: Zio Ziegler, Feral Child, Cannon Dill; location: 1119 Market (SoMa)

Title: Fear Head; artists: Robert Gonzales, Roman Cesario, Mitsu Overstreet; location: 56 Golden Gate (Tenderloin)

Title: The Market Street Railway; artist: Mona Caron; location: Church and 15th (Mission)

Title: Bending Over Backwards; artist: Susan Greene; location: Hoff and 16th Streets (Mission)

Wedding Inspiration: A Burner Couple Gets Hitched in La Playa Style

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If getting married at Burning Man was just a little too kooky, diehard burners Christina and Ephraim would recreate the experience in their own unique way, blending their loves of adventure and nature. 

The pair tied the knot in Portola, in the thick of the Plumas National Forest north of Tahoe, but they brought with them plenty of zany-arty inspiration from La Playa. The idea? To forgo the traditional wedding weekend in lieu of an intimate festival vibe.

The lush plains of the Chalet View Lodge had plenty of space for an outdoor dinner party brimming with rainbow treats and funky decor. The wedding party made a night of it in rented Airstream trailers and teepees.

Venue: Chalet View Lodge

Dress: Carolina Herrera

Equipment: Celedon Events

Hair: Edin Carpentar 

Caterer: Great Thyme Catering

Suit: Hugo Boss

Shoes: J Crew

Jewelry: Stuart Moore

Head to Coyote Hills Regional Park for the Ultimate Sunday Bike Ride

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Unless you're a South Bay resident, this jewel of a park might be completely off your radar. Plainly visible across the San Francisco Bay from the Bayshore freeway, it's those hills you see silhouetted behind the San Mateo Bridge when driving south to SFO.

What You'll See

You're in for fabulous views of three bridges – especially if you get up in the hills – and wildlife as well. There are three marshes on the east side of the hills, some with viewing platforms that offer the opportunity to observe the many species of waterfowl that use them as migratory stopovers, as well as resident populations of ducks and swans. The entire west side of the 978-acre park fronts tideland that was once used for salt evaporation ponds. It now comprises the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

How to Get There

1. Coyote Hills Regional Park lies just west of I-880 between the San Mateo and Dumbarton Bridges. The main entrance is off Paseo Padre Parkway. The access point that offers the most varied riding options is the Alameda Creek Staging Area at Lowery Rd. and Union City Blvd. (the green dot on the map below).

2. After mounting up, head out of the staging area onto Union Blvd.

3. Head south on Union Blvd. and just after the bridge over Alameda Creek, turn right on the freshly paved south side Alameda Creek Trail trail and head west.

4. As the hills get closer, and the view more inviting, turn left onto a short connector that joins the 3.5 mile paved Bay Trail.

5. A full lap will give you a good idea of the lay of the land and provide suggestions as to where to ride next. 

Where You Can Ride

The park has both paved and unpaved trails, so all types of bikes are welcome. Those in blue on the map are paved and fairly level. The Red Hill Trail is a fire road that runs along the spine of the hills; it is very steep in places and with a loose, rocky surface so it’s best left to experienced riders. The Apay Trail (shown above) is an attractive option that offers some unique perspectives as is the trail on the north side of the Alameda Creek (below). 

What to Bring

There are no concessions in the park, but water and restrooms are available. There is an user fee for those parking via the main entrance. The park opens at 8:00am, and closing times vary by season. Check the East Bay Regional Parks website for more information. A detailed PDF map of the park is available here.


Live Music This Week: Trey Anastasio, Leon Bridges, and More

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Texas-based singer Leon Bridges and his brand of ‘50s doo-wop and ‘60s soul descends upon the Bay Area this week.

Monday: Of Montreal at Great American Music Hall

Kevin Barnes’ songs and performances contain all the surreal whimsy and mysticism you’d happily bring to a child’s birthday party. In other words, he’s magic. Last time I saw him, at Great American Music Hall, he dressed up in some alternative dimension Gandalf gown, climbing a ladder to make his guise larger than life. He also has a magical new album out, the trippily titled Aureate Gloom, which Paste magazine calls “an audacious delight, delivering aural odysseys that slither in and out of the territory of heavy-lidded dance-club bangers, junkie-punk ragers, symphonic Baroque-pop gems, plaintive guitar-rockers and myriad lessons from the Marc Bolan school of glam-rock depravity.” Like I said, magic.

Tuesday: Bells Atlas at Leo's

Oakland’s own Bells Atlas gets a hometown gig at underrated music hall Leo’s. Count both among the East Bay’s best kept secrets, but word is getting around on Bells Atlas. The Bay Bridged (among others) was fascinated by "the way vocals and guitar dance alongside the drums, bells, and chimes instead of playing over them."

Tuesday: Eleanor Friedberger at Brick & Mortar

It should come as no surprise that Fiery Furnaces bandmember Eleanor Friedberger thrilled audiences and critics alike with her fascinating, sprawling 2013 solo effort, Personal Record. Friedberger’s now taken a victory lap around the country promoting the album, while working in her latest single "He Didn’t Mention His Mother."

Friday: Trey Anastasio at Fox Theater

The Bay Area doesn’t get a Phish concert for New Year’s Eve this year, as per usual, but jamband god Trey Anastasio gives local Phish fans their annual fix on Friday. Anastasio is touring in support of Paper Wheels, his first solo album in three years. The LP marks the tenth in his career, just shy of Phish’s 12 studio albums.

Saturday: Leon Bridges at Fillmore

Bridges has been dropping 90-minute sets on this tour, an incredible feat for an artist still in his infancy. The soul singer from Ft. Worth, Texas, made tremendous waves in his debut album Coming Home, reimagining late ‘50s doo-wop and ‘60s soul without a hint of irony or kitsch. 

Follow @ChrisTrenchard on Twitter for more words like these. 

The Old Bay Bridge Will Be Blown up This Weekend

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In what will likely be the coolest Instagram video you've ever shot, the old Bay Bridge is being demolished this weekend. 

According to SFist, the exhausting effort needed to take down the eastern span piece by piece was simply taking too long, was too expensive, and might even hurt the surrounding wildlife. Instead, Caltrans has decided to blow up the largest concrete pier of the old Bay Bridge eastern span this Saturday. Set your alarms for 9am on November 7th, when 600(!) explosives will be placed on the underground pier and detonate over the course of six seconds. 

The demolition—which will cost $160 million— could also create a large dust cloud over the Bay. Caltrans plans to create an 'air curtain' around the pier using pipes blowing compressed air into the water, but you'll probably still want to take precautions if you plan to anywhere near the detonation site. The mat meant to minimize the amount of debris might also inhibit your view of the show.

Also, important to know: Caltrans is shutting down the new Bay Bridge (including the pedestrian path) for the fifteen minutes surrounding the detonation. Fingers crossed. 

Property Porn: In Sausalito, All the Bay Views You Could Ever Want for $5 Million

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For anyone who craves a change of pace but dreads leaving the city behind, this Sausalito home with clear views of San Francisco may hit the sweet spot.

Situated atop a double-parcel property of lush Marin land, this 6,000-square-foot contemporary residence was designed by SF architects Porter & Steinwedell with an art collector in mind. Dramatic windows throughout shed natural light upon ample wall space—as if the panorama on the other side of the glass weren't masterpiece enough.

A thoroughly modern house, it lacks for no luxury to speak of. The high life here comes with his-and-hers master baths, parking for four Teslas or Priuses (whichever you prefer), and your own personal gym. The consummate host or hostess will also feel at home: A 2,700-bottle wine cellar promises you'll always be fully stocked, and a detached patio house among the trees is ready for parties with friends.  

Here are the deets:

Location: 54 Lower Crescent Avenue, Sausalito, CA

Price: $4,999,999

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 5.5

Living space: 6,094 sq. ft. 

Garage: 4 car garage

Gym: 1

Holiday Glamping: Head to These Unconventional Homes for the Season

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This holiday season, why head home when you can spend your Thanksgiving in a yurt, nest, lighthouse, or rustic cabin? 

Treebones

If you’re going to stay in a yurt for Thanksgiving, you might as well do so in one of Treebones’ glamorous cabins, stocked with plush beds and Ping-Pong tables. For those that don’t want to forsake the traditional holiday meal, Treebones cooks up a family-style feast using ingredients from their onsite organic garden. More adventurous campers can choose to spend the night in one of Treebones’ human nests, made out of life-size branches. Waking up to the expansive Big Sur views of the Pacific is a pretty great alternative to Black Friday shopping. // 71895 Highway 1 Big Sur; treebonesresort.com

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel

When’s the last time you stayed in a hostel with a hot tub overlooking the Pacific? The Pescadero Pigeon Point Lighthouse isn’t your typical backpacker’s hostel; you can choose between private or dorm rooms in four separate houses next to the 115-foot Pigeon Point lighthouse on a coastal cliff just 50 miles south of San Francisco. Forsake the traditional Thanksgiving football games for nearby tide pooling, whale watching, or guided history tours of the grounds. Check in with the staff before your visit for the latest schedule of events, including the annual celebration of the lighthouse’s completion on November 14th. // 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero; norcalhostels.org/pigeon

Steep Ravine Cabins

What better place to feel thankful than a beachfront cabin? Try out the Steep Ravine Cabins near the sleepy coastal town of Stinson Beach in Marin County. After a visit to the beach and tidal hot springs that border the nine coastal cabins, throw some logs on the wood-burning fireplace and enjoy a holiday with less frills. No stove and no kitchen means less holiday cleanup! // 801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley; reserveamerica.com/steep-ravine

West Point Inn

Hike or bike to the middle of Mt. Tam for a holiday stay at West Point Inn. Holiday cheer abounds in the main dining room of the inn, which is decorated with a Christmas tree and woodsy décor. Choose from five different rustic cabin options or stay in one of the seven rooms on the second floor of in the inn. Hit one of the several trails out the front door or sit back and watch the fog roll in over the hills of Tam from the deck. // 100 Old Railroad Grade Fire Road, Mill Valley; westpointinn.com

Calpine Fire Lookout

Really want to get away this Thanksgiving? Drive right up to your own private hilltop fire lookout in Tahoe National Forest. This retired lookout was in service for fire spotting in the Sierras until 1975, but is now set up for public reservations for up to four people with two twin beds inside. Featuring campfire rings outside and a small stove with communal kitchen appliances inside, you’re more than situated to cook up a holiday feast. Snowing? No problem. The lookout can be accessed by skis or snowshoes in the winter. Peace, quiet, and Sierra sunsets are guaranteed from the glass windows of the lookout or outside on the wraparound observation deck. // reserveamerica.org/calpine-lookout

Holiday Guide to Wine Country: Shopping, Tastings, Glamping + a Hanukkah Hootenanny

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With November upon us, it's time to start celebrating the holidays in Wine Country.

Your mom’s stuffing recipe is legendary and your uncle’s eggnog kills it each Christmas, but neither can compete with the bounty of food and drink you’ll find in Wine Country. Some of our favorite Napa and Sonoma spots are celebrating the upcoming holiday season with exceptional dinners, sleek soirees, and killer room deals. We sorted through a mountain of invites and picked 13 festivities that are a must for your winter calendar.

17th Annual “A Wine & Food Affair”

You know we love the Sonoma Wine Road. Now the prominent winery association is hosting their flagship event over this coming weekend, November 7th and 8th. More than 100 wineries throughout Sonoma’s Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys will fling open their doors for exceptional wine and food pairings.  //  $70 for both days or $50 for Sunday, Nov. 8, wineroad.com; tickets available at Eventbrite.com. 

Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza

Join revelers in downtown Sonoma on November 14 to witness the plaza come to life with more than 100,000 twinkling lights adorning its trees and historic structures. There will be complimentary cookies, cocoa, and cider to get you in the Yuletide spirit. BYO beer and wine.  //  4-8pm, Saturday, Nov. 14, holidaysinsonoma.com.

Luxury Glamping in a Vineyard

Indulge your California privilege and go camping in a vineyard this winter. Starting November 19th, you’ll be able to set up camp in one of nine safari tents set on lush winery grounds and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a personal chef, craft cocktails served from a tricked-out Airstream bar, and artisanal s’mores passed around the campfire. Your days will be spent truffle hunting, pasta making, wine blending, hiking, cycling, and doing sunrise salutations.  //  Two packages range from $1,850 to $2250 per person. For reservations and information, visit terravelotours.com.

Holiday in Carneros
Over the weekend before Thanksgiving, the wineries of Carneros will open their doors for a special two-day event that promises wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, and the uncorking of a cellar gem or two.  //  $50 per person, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22,  carneroswineries.org

Holiday Marketplace at VML Winery

On November 22, Healdsburg’s stylish VML Winery will host artisan vendors on their gorgeous grounds for a shopping event to kickstart the holiday season. Stock up on olive oils, jewelry, sweet treats, and more.  //  VML Winery (Healdsburg), vmlwine.com

Sparkle and Savor at Solage

If you can make it to Solage at any point in the year, you’re doing well. The 22-acre Calistoga resort just completed a remodel that refreshed the property and significantly expanded the spa and Michelin-starred restaurant. And now, from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Eve, they’re inviting some of the nation’s best chefs to create a five-course meal inspired by an accompanying sparkling wine or Champagne at their much lauded SolBar restaurant. We’re talking David Nayfield of Eleven Madison Park and Hung Huynh of the global Catch empire. Check out the full list of chefs here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Calistoga Education Foundation.  //  $250-300 per person; for reservations, call 707-226-0899 or email specialevents@solagehotels.com; Solage (Calistoga), solagecalistoga.com

27th Annual Festival of Lights in Yountville

Yountville lights up Black Friday on November 27th, with thousands of sparkling lights that transform the town into a winter wonderland. Ditch the mall for food prepped by local restaurants, wine from more than two dozen wineries, carriage rides, and the arrival of Santa and his elves.  //  Friday, Nov. 27, 2-6pm; admission is free, and tasting bracelets ($15-25) are available for presale at yountville.com

Enchanting Holidays at Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Upgrade your stay at this chic Yountville resort with the Enchanting Holidays package. You'll be treated to a comped glass of wine upon arrival, a roaring fireplace in your suite (all the better for cuddling!), and a $100 credit for spa services or food at Lucy Restaurant & Bar.  //   Available through March 31, 2016 with promo code BRHoliday; Bardessono (Yountville), bardessono.com 

(Photo by Paul Dyer)

Holiday Afternoon Tea at Hotel Healdsburg

Each weekend from November 28 to December 20, Hotel Healdsburg is serving holiday tea from 2 to 4 pm. Surrounded by lush winter florals and holiday décor, tea service will feature Chef Charlie Palmer’s custom loose leaf blends accompanied by small bites, sandwiches, scones, and housemade pastries.  //  $34-43 per person, $14 for children; for reservations, call Dry Creek Kitchen at 707-431-2800 or email DCK@hotelhealdsburg.com; Hotel Healdsburg (Healdsburg), hotelhealdsburg.com

Gingerbread Decorating at Long Meadow Ranch

On Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2 to 4 pm, the lovely Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch will host a kid-friendly shindig with apple cider, hot cocoa, and gingerbread animal cookies fresh for decorating. Admission is free; each kid will contribute one farm animal cookie to the gingerbread ranch (on display throughout the holidays) and take two for the road.  //  Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (St. Helena), longmeadowranch.com

The Twelve Days of Christmas at Meadowood

Meadowood’s popular guest chef dinner series, The Twelve Days of Christmas, returns for its eighth season from December 4th through 19th. Celebrated chef Christopher Kostow will cook alongside a roster of international culinary influencers, including Christian Puglisi of Copenhagen’s Relæ, chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City‘s Quintonil, and chef Isaac McHale of The Clove Club in London. The series will benefit Napa Valley charitable organizations. The full lineup of dinners can be seen here.  //  $495 per guest or $750 for chef’s counter seating; for reservations, call 855-953-2435 or email reservations@meadowood.com; Meadowood (St. Helena), meadowood.com

Modern Gifts from Revival Made

Stray too far from a winery's tasting bar and you might end up in a questionable gift area stocked with gaudy logo caps and wine glasses emblazoned with "humorous" quotes. Thankfully, Napa Valley natives Lindsay and Sean Garvey are producing smartly designed items, inspired by Wine Country, that you'll actually want in your home. Revival Made is their line of contemporary, handmade home goods and wellness products including beautiful ceramic wares, leather goods, and small-batch honey and olive oils.  //  Available online at Kelly's Filling Station (Yountville) and online at revivalmade.com

10th Annual Hanukkah Hootenanny

On December 6, Judd’s Hill Winery in Napa throws its can’t-miss Hanukkah Hootenanny with barrels of wine, brisket, jelly donuts, and live music. The famous latke bar is worth the price of admission alone.  //  Noon to 2:30 pm, $55 per person benefiting the Napa Children's Health Initiative; Judd’s Hill (Napa), juddshill.com

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