Frederic Levy, Rada Katz, Sonya Moledetskaya, Willie Brown
After dipping their espresso spoons into San Francisco’s coffee culture with a small boutique in Bloomingdales Nespresso has gone full force with their first large boutique in California. The 7,400 square foot two-level space on Grant Street was designed by Italian architect Aldo Parisotto and Futurebrand Paris. The generous and open space with jewel-like pods in rainbow colors and stylish machines displayed like pieces of art exudes the kind of luxury that is both inviting and sensuous. Videos of Nespresso’s captivating commercials featuring Penelope Cruz play on large screens, and the product itself becomes video art along the staircase connecting the two levels.
Coffee bar on ground floor
The interactive ground floor boasts a welcome area, a coffee bar and lounge, info centers like the N Pad Bar with iPads loaded with brand information and the Discovery Ring, a sort of Nespresso library.
The lower level contains the stores shopping area with a tasting bar that allows customers to test the machines and sample the various coffees and the self-selection room for serious club members who know what they want and need to get in and out quickly when running out of their most coveted pods. It is fast and easy: pull your favorite flavors from display walls that look like colorful cosmetic displays, place them in bag and take them to the self-check-out, scan your Club Member N Pass Card, your selections are recorded and your account is charged. Here customers can also return empty capsules for recycling.
Whether you want to linger in the lounge and nibble on a gourmet menu and try all their various Grand Crus selections, made from only the top 20% of the finest single origin gourmet coffee, or restock on your favorites as quickly as you sip a ristretto, Nespresso has got you covered.
Lounge area
Coffee station on lower level
Although open since November Nespresso only recently hosted their grand opening party. Nespresso’s chairman Patrice Bula and Nespresso USA President Frederic Levy served up a variety of coffees long past dinner time, Champagne cocktails with deliciously crunchy espresso caviar thanks to molecular gastronomy, and an elegant buffet spread provided by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering.
The combination made for a lively crowd discussing the local coffee culture, debating over preferred flavor profiles, comparing brands of machines, and even sparking some serious challenges between coffee aficionados. That is what coffee-spiked Champagne and espresso can do after 8:00 PM. Among the guests were American’s Cup CEO Stephen Barclay, former Mayor Willie Brown and Sonya Molodetskaya, Lisa and John Grotts, Dr. Clara Shayevich, Bahya Murad, Jorge Maumer, Karen Caldwell, Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, Marybeth La Motte, Beth Schnitzer, Ellian Raffoul and Michael Tal.
Nespresso sales associate explaining the use of a machine
Oakland Interfaith Choir performing “Black Coffee in Bed”
Nespresso also beat out Starbucks and Pete’s as the sponsor for the America’s Cup, the perfect partner for San Francisco’s upcoming premiere sporting event driven by speed and built on style.
“We are proud to be supporting such a prestigious and exciting event,” said Patrice Bula, “Like the teams competing with cutting-edge technology in this ultimate sailing challenge, we strive for excellence. This partnership gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase Nespresso on a global stage.”
Frederic Levy, Stephen Barclay, Patrice Bula with the America’s Cup trophy
No doubt Nespresso is the chicest and sexiest coffee brand around, and it is finding a welcoming home in San Francisco. In a city that really knows about coffee there may be purists who even at home aim at being their own barista, but for those who are looking for a cup of superior coffee that is easy to make with stylish and space-saving machines requiring little cleaning and maintenance, this is the brand for them.
I am certain the opening has won Nespresso many new beyond Union Square. Jeweler Michael Tal confided that the lounge has become his office away from his office. I am sure I will cross paths with other familiar faces when returning for a grilled cheese sandwich or to replenish pods for my chartreuse space-saving Pixie.
Tags: Aldo Parisotto, Bahya Murad, Beth Schnitzer, Clara Shayevich, Claudia Juestel, Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, Ellian Raffoul, Frederic Levy, John Grotts, Jorge Maumer, Karen Caldwell, Lisa Grotts, Marybeth La Motte, Michael Tal, Nespresso, Patrice Bula, Paula LeDuc, Rada Katz, Sonya Moledetskaya, Stephen Barclay, Willie Brown
Osso Steakhouse (1177 California Street at Jones), a new venture from Jerry and Jennifer Dal Bozzo in partnership with Dante Serafini, recently celebrated its grand opening.
The restaurant offers a diverse a la carte menu featuring the highest quality of 4-6 week dry-aged tender prime beef with bone-in (osso) steaks, along with specialty offerings like Hot Iron Skillet Dungeness Crab. Great pride is taken in the extensive wine list.
The Dal Bozzos and Serafini are the same group behind other San Francisco favorites like The Franciscan Crab Restaurant, The Stinking Rose, Calzone’s Pizza Cucina, and the recently revamped The Old Clam House.
Osso Steakhouse is open everyday for dinner only, from 5-10pm. Valet Parking available for $10. 1177 California Street at Jones. 415-771-6776.
We’re delighted to see that the Alex Chases Salon, run by the renowned hairstylist Alex Chases, has recently moved into a larger space at Rosewood Sand Hill’s Sense spa.
Designer Cedric Charlier recently visited San Francisco from Paris, to present his Spring 2013 collection at Barneys.
Osso Steakhouse (1177 California Street at Jones), a new venture from Jerry Dal Bozzo and Jennifer Dal Bozzo in partnership with Dante Serafini, opened on May 3, 2013, and aims to become a new favorite with San Francisco foodies and steak lovers especially.
The owners hosted an intimate gathering of friends and supporters to support the new restaurant the day before the opening.
Osso Steakhouse is open everyday for dinner only, from 5-10pm. Valet Parking available for $10.
With Sloan and Roger Barnett, Sabrina Buell and Yves Behar, Jean-Pierre Conte, and Alison and Mark Pincus, Gucci recently hosted a private cocktail party at the San Francisco store to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the loafer, and the new 1953 collection for men and women.
Catherine Kwong’s living room, inspired by Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger, is one of the highlights of the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, taking place at 2800 Pacific Avenue.
Saks Fifth Avenue and San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary are presenting Zac Posen as this year’s guest designer at the 32nd San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show, benefiting San Francisco Ballet.
San Francisco Symphony fans recently gathered for a launch party at the Macy’s on Union Square in anticipation of the Symphony’s first Spring Gala, featuring R&B singer, songwriter, and fashion icon Janelle Monae performing with the Orchestra.
The 2013 Spring Gala featured Monae’s funky, soulful hip-hop and R&B style in combination with brand new orchestral arrangements of her songs, plus new material from her upcoming album. The Spring Gala raised money for the Symphony’s education programs, which reach over 75,000 children each year.
Michael S. Smith was recently honored at Hedge Gallery in San Francisco at a party hosted by Alison Pincus, Vanessa Getty and Allison Speer. His design work for a Palladian Villa in Malibu is being put up for auction at Christie’s in New York. Nicolas Berggruen, Princess Tatiana Galitzine, Dede Wilsey, and Sabrina Buell were among the guests.
Deepa Pakianathan and Phil Pemberton recently hosted a reception for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in anticipation of its upcoming Gala on April 20, 2013, which pays tribute to legendary opera baritone and Conservatory Advisory Board member Thomas Hampson.
Conservatory mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook directs and stars in a program featuring special performances by Hampson with Conservatory students, faculty and guest artists. Teresa Medearis and Barbara Walkowski co-chair the event, with catering by McCall’s Catering and Events and decor by Blueprint Studios.
Tickets for this very special occasion can be purchased at www.sfcm.edu
UCSF Partners in Care recently held its 2013 kick-off membership event at Reed & Greenough. Membership co-Chairs Schuyler Hudak and Libby Leffler hosted the launch party and kicked off the well-attended evening with brief remarks, followed by UCSF Partners in Care President Katie Budge, who spoke about the services that the auxiliary organization provides to the hospital.
UCSF Partners in Care works with UCSF hospital staff to fund programs that provide comfort and well-being to patients and their families while visiting the UCSF medical center.
Guests enjoyed spirited greyhounds nicknamed “Doctor’s Orders,” and a “Members Only” wine special while noshing on sweet treats from Kara’s Cupakes, and savory sliders and arancini from Cedar Hill Kitchen and Smokehouse.
Please visit www.ucsfpartnersincare.org for more information about this important organization.
Renowned European designer Ms. Madeline Pauw recently made an appearance at a delightful luncheon at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, where her Spring 2013 collection was presented.
The Pauw collection is designed by Madeleine Pauw, daughter of the original founders. Pauw is known for its luxurious fabrics and soft touches of femininity while integrating just a splash of masculine undertones, but always keeping the fit and style in mind for the female physique. The company has been in business for over 50 years, and originally was created in the Netherlands where it currently has 29 stores.
You can purchase pieces from Pauw at Saks Fifth Avenue at 384 Post Street, San Francisco, or online at Saks Fifth Avenue
Neiman Marcus and Vanity Fair, with writer Amy Fine Collins, recently hosted a luncheon in celebration of Vanity Fair’s 2013 International Best Dressed List. Guests included some of the West Coast’s best dressed women, such as Vanessa Getty, Pamela Joyner, and Sobia Shaikh. It also provided an opportunity to meet Alan Morell, the new general manager for Neiman Marcus’s Union Square store, following the move of our beloved John Capizzi to Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
ModeWalk recently unveiled its newest service for their clients, a first-of-its-kind, by-appointment showroom in San Francisco called Boudoir, located on the 7th Floor of 391 Sutter Street in Union Square.
Betty Lin, the chic Presidio Heights boutique, recently celebrated the launch of the new Maiyet collection with a party hosted by Alexis Traina, Alison Pincus, Nina Stanford, and Seth Miller.
HBO recently presented the premiere of Game of Thrones Season 3 with a VIP screening at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, attended by cast and creators, and VIP guests.
After the screening there was an on-stage discussion with Executive Producers D.B. Weiss, David Benioff and Co-Executive Producer George R.R. Martin, moderated by Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, Co-Executive Editor’s at All Things D.
The Mid Winter Gala for 2013 honored the exhibit, “Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis” with a chic winter wonderland that raised over $400k. Marissa Mayer, Jonathan Ive, Alison Pincus, Vanessa Getty, Dick Costolo, Stephan Jenkins, Connie Nielsen, Lori Levine, Evgenia Peretz, Jeremy Stoppelman, Trevor Traina, Allison Speer and Kathryn Lasater were among the 380 who attended.
