{BENU ... FINE DINING REDEFINED}

The wait is over. San Francisco's most hotly anticipated new restaurant recently opened its door with seasoned Chef Corey Lee (world-renowned Chef Thomas Keller protege) at the helm. Benu is the culmination of Lee's 15-year experience working at some of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the world, including nearly nine years with Chef Keller as Chef de Cuisine at the French Laundry and as a Sous Chef at New York's Per Se. Benu distills fine dining down to the elements most relevant to modern diners: exquisite ingredients, unique flavors, precise technique an caring service. Defining subtle sophistication, Benu offers inspired, progressive American cuisine in a historic, cleanly design space that is sleek, contemporary and elegant.

The tasting menu varies between eight and 12 courses, reflecting seasonality, inspiration and evolution.

22 Hawthorne St

(415) 685-4860

{... DARIOUSH}

I am so excited about my weekend! October marks the most exciting time in the Wine Country_ Crush, when grapes are picked, sorted, crushed and turned into wine. I will be spending a few days there enjoying the grape crush festivities and attending to some special wine tastings.

I am thrilled to visit my friends at Darioush, which is one of my favorite wineries, they will be hosting a "By Invitation Only Experience", a 120 minute tasting experience crafted for connoisseurs and hosted at the owner Darioush Khaledi’s private cellar. Our host will pour their Crown Jewel, Darius II to be tasted alongside with Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Small, exquisite food bites, prepared by the Khaledi’s private chef will complement the yummy tasting.

Cheers!

{DESIGN, WINE & DINE}

Join the Kitchen Design and Epicurean Event of the Season. Live cooking demos by Tyler Florence, Alain Roby and many more. Complementary design workshops, seminars, cocktail parties and panel discussions. The full size, built-out working dream kitchen will be surrounded by outdoor dining and living spaces featuring beautiful and provocative custom furnishings, flooring, fine art, and antiques. Designer and chef competitions and Festive cocktail receptions - all in an entertaining and interactive forum.

Proceeds from the event will provide scholarships to Bay Area interior design students. Scholarships will be awarded through the Design Trade Resources Association, a showroom-based trade organization comprised of San Francisco Design District showrooms.

October 19, 20, 21, 2010
San Francisco Design Center
Galleria Atrium
101 Henry Adams Street
San Franciso, CA