It's Christmas time again!!

On this Holiday Season let’s keep in mind a few social gift-giving etiquette:

Let’s give a little thought of what that receiver will enjoy, sometimes we reach into the old “gift closet” and pull out anything so as not to show up empty handed. There is nothing wrong with the saved gifts in the closet, though choose among them carefully. Scented candles and luxurious soaps are great for the Holidays; my personal favorites are Diptyque candles, Joe Malone soaps or any Fresh shower gels & body lotions.

Giving to a friend a hardcover retrospective on a favorite designer is very thoughtful and sophisticated.

Keep in mind that gifts don’t have to be expensive. It really is the thought that counts! How about a manicure certificate? Presentation counts. Take the time to make your gift look fabulous with nice wrapping.

Think about the receiver, things they like, or things that are expressive of your relationship. On a side note, if you bring flowers to a hostess when she is having a party, please put them in a vase before you arrive. Avoid creating extra work for someone who is receiving guests.

Don’t be offended if the receiver does not open the gift right away – even if you were hoping to taste the wine you brought.

What a Recital Lang Lang!

Last week I had the privilege to be invited by Montblanc San Francisco to a magical evening for Lang Lang first opening solo Piano Concerto of a week-long residency with the San Francisco Symphony, including performances with the Orchestra, chamber music with SFS musicians and lecture-recital programs for middle-school and high-school music students. All the events were sold out.

This amazing genius was born in 1982 in Shenyang, China, Lang Lang began piano lessons at age of three; two years later he won the Shenyang Piano Competition and played his first public recital. At nine he entered Beijing’s Central Music Conservatory. At the age of fourteen he was a featured soloist in the China National Symphony’s inaugural concert, and the following year he began studies with Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

He made his first San Francisco Symphony debut in October 2000 returning after that last April, when he was soloist with the Orchestra in music by Beethoven.

In 2007 he appeared at the Nobel Prize concert in Stockholm, 2008 joined the Vienna Philharmonic for a celebratory concert at the end of the Euro Cup finals. He appeared in New York’s Central Park this summer and subsequently auctioned the piano he played in that concert to support Red Cross earthquake relief efforts in China.

Lang Lang records include Beethoven’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 4 with the Orchestre de Paris as well as appearances on the soundtrack of The Painted Veil (whose score won a Golden Glove award). His latest recording with the Vienna Philharmonic features Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2.

After his recital, we were invited to a champagne reception with the young artist and he was the kindest, accessible and fun person to be around with.

I can’t stop listening to his CD’s ………. Treat yourself and get one!

By Maria Barrios Ehmer & http://www.conciergesolutions-sf.com/

{CROWN & CRUMPET}

So exciting to have a great new place just in time for the Holidays to go for tea in San Francisco, I discovered Crown & Crumptet a couple of weeks ago and immediately became one of my favorite’s places in the city. Located at Ghirardelli Square, they offer 38 different types of tea, Black, Green, Premium, Oolong, White, and Fruit and Herbal just to mention some.

They offer private parties & events perfect to celebrate a Holiday gathering, an upcoming wedding, a girlfriend Birthday party or a mummy-to-be.

Keep in mind, weekends can get busy, so reservations are recommended.

http://www.crownandcrumpet.com/

November Cheese match!

November is certainly a month for great and fun entertaining, when ever possible I love to spend time at the Ferry Building so I came up with the best cheese & wine match for our special gatherings at Cowgirl Creamery and the Wine Merchant… Enjoy!

Leonora, Spain
Made in the mountains of Leon, Spain, Leonora is made from pure Alpine goat milk. Uniquely molded into a long brick shape, the cheese is covered with a natural mold and develops a creamy consistency over the three month aging process.

Best pairing: 2006 Spann Viognier/Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California

Silver Mountain, Bravo Farms – Visalia, CA
Reviving traditional methods, Silver Mountain is bandaged-wrapped Manchego/Contal cross that is aged for nine months. It is smooth and full flavored with the sharpness of a cheddar.

Best pairing: 2003 Pisa Moorings, Central Otago, New Zealand

Patacabra, Spain
This unique goat milk cheese is made in the brick shape of a “Pata de Mulo” it is a washed ring cheese which is wonderful both young as well as aged. It is quite pungent, yet smooth. The rind turns from a reddish, slightly sticky one into a faded, pale orangy brown.

Best pairing: 2006 Tremani Russian River, California

Cave Aged Marisa, Carr Valley Cheese Company – Wisconsin
This sheep milk cheese is aged for six months in an open-air cave where it is endowed with a complex sweet earthiness. A high butterfat content balances the cheese’s inherent saltiness with a rich creaminess that deepens as Cave-Age Marisa ages.

Best pairing: 2007 Graham Beck Gamekeeper’s Reserve, Robertson, South Africa

Special notes:

• Cheese boards are a great addition to any menu, from family gatherings to office meetings or formal receptions.
  
• Artfully arranged your cheeses on a wooden board with roasted Spanish almonds, quince paste, and sliced baguettes.
  
• Serving size is based on 2 ounces per person for hungry crowd, it all depends if there is additional food at the event you are hosting.

OH… LA MAR

Have you tried it yet? La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, the newest restaurant by renowned chef Gaston Acurio has opened its doors at The Embarcadero. Gaston who is a national hero and beloved Chef celebrity in South America has brought his unique flavors to San Francisco.

La Mar is best described as a casual waterfront restaurant serving Peruvian fusion cuisine. The restaurant is a wonderful gathering place for foodies, delivering a very inspiring wide range of delicious complex menu. There are so many wonderful dishes, the influence of Asian flavors in Peruvian cuisine is delightful as shown in their ceviches and sashimi dishes.

And the experience wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t try the signature Pisco cocktails. You will not be disappointed.

Bon Appétit!

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, Pier 1 ½ , The Embarcadero – (415-397-8880)