Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Mondays with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  After rearing his refreshing head for just a few days last week, Karl the Fog gave way to the most intense Indian Summer I’ve experienced in San Francisco. It was literally too hot to sleep last night until four in the morning, and then the sun was back at it by nine. With my mind craving seasonal recipes, but my body still in summer salad mode, I’m making my Puff Pastry Pear Salad tonight for dinner rooftop with a bottle of chenin blanc. I know that I always say this, but the dish truly is easy to make - the puff pastry is from the frozen section, and it can’t be that difficult to peel a pear. The combination of delicate pastry, sweet pear, and tangy blue cheese makes this one of the best salads I’ve had to date.

II.  I spent Saturday in Sonoma Valley on a buying trip with my mother-daughter interior designer friends Catherine and Justine Macfee. I have to say, that I unexpectedly had the time of my life. These women are brilliant at spotting unusual pieces that they repurpose (like a giant piece of onyx that will make a phenomenal sink at a client’s Tahoe home). We went all over the valley, but my favorite place was Artefact Design & Salvage inside the Cornerstone Gardens. I was obsessed with everything in the showroom. I picked up an oversize tumbler made from aged scrap airline metal that I plan to use interchangeably as a branch vase in the fall and an umbrella stand in the spring. And I can’t stop thinking about the housemade Floral Clamp, there are literally hundreds of ways to use it, so I’ll be returning soon. If you’re seeking design inspiration, definitely make a trip.

III.  Last week, I had the privilege of hosting a martini making and tasting class at Bergerac. I partnered with a handcrafted luxe vodka line from Absolut called Elyx, who provided everything we needed to concoct four different kinds of martinis. Our instructor, Tammy (my new favorite Bergerac bartender), was phenomenally patient while we learned from her, attempted to follow her instructions, took countless breaks to post our creations on social media, and answered all of our (undoubtedly annoying) questions. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun while learning! Here’s a little knowledge from the evening for you - our Perfect Martini: 10 parts Elyx Vodka, 1 part Dry Vermouth, and a lemon wist. Measure the vodka and vermouth in a mixing glass, fill with ice and stir very gently with a cocktail spoon, then strain into your glass and garnish with lemon.

IV.  BuzzFeed is old news at this point, but a new portion of the hysterical time-sucking site has me reeled in all over again. Lately I’ve been noticing ten-second silent videos in my Facebook newsfeed from BuzzFeed Food featuring step-by-step recipe instructions. A lot of the creations are geared toward football snacks and children’s desserts, but some of it is mind-blowing. Like these Coffee-Caramelized French Toast Sticks (what?!). For some reason it’s always less scary to make something when you’ve seen someone else do it first - and ten seconds is a whole lot more doable than an entire afternoon of the Cooking Channel. Whether you just want to look at pretty food, or actually up your culinary prowess, definitely check out the videos pronto.

V.  With holiday parties just around the corner, I’m excited to share a friend’s timely new beauty service called La Mienne. Think on-demand make-up, hair styling, and manicures in your own home by artists who have been fully vetted for you. We’ve all experienced the scenario where you call a salon, get put on hold, choose a time, get put on hold again, shift schedules, book babysitters, find parking, sit there while the stylist finishes up the client before you, and then race home to finish primping. Suddenly pampering yourself isn’t fun anymore… Which is exactly why La Mienne is so genius. Whether it’s a quick blow out in your office or a group of friends at your home before a night out, having stylists come to you is pretty much the best thing ever. As the official beauty sponsor for the Symphony Opening Night Gala (three days away!!), La Mienne’s artists are booking up faster than you can download the app. Use my promo code TABLE2015 for $10 off your service. I promise, you’ll be an addict after your first appointment.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt