BrandHabit

SF Vintner's Market

by Carlina Harris

It's already December and the Holiday season is in full swing! The decorations have been put up, (I know- already!) the gifts have been purchased, the cards are being sent out, and the glitzy, glam-y dresses have been dug up from the back of my closet! In a few weeks I will be hosting a holiday cocktail party, and I seem to have most everything in order. Everything except for the cocktails! This year I am doing wine, nothing says festive like red and white- wine that is! Forget BevMo, and the local liquor store, this year I planned ahead and bought my bevvies at an exclusive wine event- the San Francisco Vintner's Market.

I was able to attend this Vintner's Market recently at the iconic Fort Mason in San Francisco and had a ball sipping boutique, small batch and reserve wines. The atmosphere was buzzing with what seemed like several thousand spirited wine aficionados. Over 200 wineries local to California were pouring that weekend. And not only that, but several of San Francisco's ubiquitous foodie trucks were strategically placed throughout the event- including Kara's Cupcakes, a fabulous Indian truck, and even a large pan of paella was cooking- quelling any hunger pangs, and possible overindulgence's in vino!

I was lucky enough to be granted admission to the "Reserve Room" where the top tier selection was housed. Not only was I able to sample some amazing wines, but the most interesting part of this reserve section was the selection of tequila's and whiskeys to be tried, as well as the cigars for purchase on the very exclusive top floor. I opted out of most of the fine liquors, but had to try the Johnnie Walker Blue Label- still as smooth as I remember.

The best part of the event besides the unlimited wine, was being able to purchase these one of a kind wines on the spot! I went home with a richer appreciation for red wine, and four bottles from a fabulous winery i've never heard of before--Murphy Vineyards. Now that I've got the drinks part taken care of, I better figure out what to wear to my party!

 
 
 
 
 
 

1.Trying the cheese selction                                                                                                          2.Packed House                                                                                                                                3. Top shelf whiskey's                                                                                                                         4. Swirling and Sipping                                                                                                                      5. The View                                                                                                                                      6. Souvenirs

 

Walter & My Free Friday/Saturday

Friday is my day to just wander around.  I go to a hot yoga class, stop into DSW (which I JUST discovered!  Where have I been???)  and then later in the day I visit Water of Walter – Walter Baker. 

I tell Walter that he is my niece’s favorite designer.  
“ You KNOW Walter???” My niece exclaimed one night when I mentioned I have met him several times.
Walter is flattered and offers her a gift.  He brings out the hippest silver cropped jacket with a side zipper.   Something I could never pull off but will look fantastic on Lindsay. She is going to DIE. 

Later in the evening I meet my Cousin, and her daughter for dinner at Apizz, a long time New York favorite, hidden on the lower east side.  I have completely gone off of my food and exercise routine this week… In fact, I am busting out of my dress as I have been carbo-loading with some of the best epicurean indulgences NY has to offer.  So, for the last night I might as well indulge all the way: I order a butternut squash ravioli dish that is beyond amazing.  It’s rich, sweet and dripping in butter.  It tastes more like a dessert than a main course.   Next week I’ll get back to the healthy routine I am used to.  It’s all been worth it.

Alas, it is my final day in NYC.  I’m tired for no reason at all really.  I didn’t go out and party like a crazy person but with the travel, the time change, the cocktails with dinner every night and the carbo-loading, I needed a good long nights sleep.  I sleep in till 10 then wander out into the spitting rain to my local neighborhood coffee shop: Café Borgia.  I sit with my laptop and listen to at least 5 different languages spoken around me.  The waitress recognizes me and welcomes me back.  I feel like I am at home again in New York.  I am not here as a tourist but as someone who feels the city is my own. 

Despite my desire to be ALONE. (and to some degree I have been), I am now beginning to feel lonely and am craving the demands of my day-to-day life.   It’s time to get back to my routine:  Wake up, get my daughter out of bed, make her breakfast, make her lunch, drive her to school, work, come home, make dinner, shower, go to bed… do it again.

New York will be here for me and I’ll have my time in the city again. 

Back to life. Back to reality.