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

I.  I’ll be spending Valentine’s Day at a friend’s “Love Bites” themed dinner party (extra cool factor for the epic Def Leppard reference).  My contribution will be these chocolate ganache-filled cupcakes with raspberry buttercream - sure to get everyone’s heart racing!!

II.  Walking to work on sunny mornings is my favorite way to start the day.  On a recent stroll, I noticed the newly opened store Mercato in North Beach.  I popped in to peruse the artisanal products ranging from exotic honeys to organic candles and face creams.  I was psyched to find my favorite Red Jalapeno Jelly!  Stop by soon to pick up hostess gifts and unusual edibles.

III.  If you’ve not been to the Sunday’s a Drag Brunch at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, you are seriously missing out!  I went for the first time yesterday for a friend’s birthday, and I can’t wait to return.  The buffet brunch and bellini carafes are divine, but the real reason to go is the spectacular drag show.  The sassy queens interact with everyone in the room, while performing classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and contemporary hits from Ke$ha, Fergie, and Lady Gaga.  Bring your out of town guests, or plan a big group brunch soon!

IV.  Ever since Greens & Company opened its doors in the Marina, I have been a frequent juicer.  I find multiple-day cleanses too restrictive, but I’m a big fan of the store’s single-day cleanses. The delicious juices (Ginger Lemonade is my favorite) and easy regimen is a great way to detox before you retox this weekend!

V.  I was thrilled when a friend sent me this photo yesterday - it’s her take on my breakfast pizza, which she made vegetarian by subbing butternut squash for the bacon that the recipe calls for. Recreate her pizza by skinning a squash, placing it in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water, and a quarter teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and nutmeg.  Microwave for ten minutes, then smash into a paste and spread over your crust before following the rest of the directions in my recipe.

Have a wonderful week!!  xx tt