Tasty Tuesday: Simply Delicious Restaurant Design in San Francisco

Entertaining

While I’m a sucker for a good recipe any day of the week, I might love good restaurants even more. A fabulous meal I don’t have to clean up after? It’s the best, am I right?! But I particularly love it when beautiful food is served in an equally stunning space. This is certainly the case with a brand new pasta bar that recently opened in San Francisco’s Mission District; Barzotto.

Having just returned from my trip to Italy (sneak peeks of which you may have spied here), I am loving having fresh handmade pasta – and an awesome looking spot to eat it – in my own backyard.

Every detail throughout Barzotto is spot on. The former space was a restaurant called St. Vincent – which I loved in its heyday – but it is nearly unrecognizable from its former much-darker self. All walls were taken from black to white using either original exposed cinderblock walls or Venetian plaster. Even the wood-paneled ceiling has been white washed and space’s central open kitchen bar was clad in white square subway tiles installed on a diamond-oriented bias. At the front of the restaurant, there is a simple seated bar at the open windows where guests can watch San Francisco’s Mission neighbors stroll by. The geometric tile floor totally pops against the subdued tones.

The lighting throughout is gorgeous too — a collection of contemporary brass pieces from Schoolhouse Electric, Restoration Hardware, and CB2 – my faves all around. Plants and pops of greenery bring life into the space. Installations in vintage pots were designed by Eleanor Gerber-Siff from Wallflower Designs. Carrera marble tables are simply accented with wooden salt and pepper grinders, utensil caddies and gold-leaf votive candle holders. A long bench with suspended leather backing banquettes is flanked by custom walnut framed-mirrors in the main seating. I give it all an A+. Guests are greeted at a custom counter and built-in shelving for retail wines, fresh pastas and soft serve gelato sundaes (I hear the spumoni with the house-made magic shell, candied cherries and pistachios is incredible. I cannot wait to try it myself).

At the heart of the restaurant, chef Michelle Minori and her team are hand-rolling fresh pastas so that guests seated at the open kitchen can sit in on the action. Extra-long spaghetti hangs on drying racks for practical reasons (and dramatic effect).

This light, bright space just makes me happy – and hungry. I have a feeling many a carb-filled evening is going to be spent here.

For more of my favorite spots in and around San Francisco, CLICK HERE.

interior design by hannah collins, photography by kassie borreson

Tasty Tuesday: {A Delicious New SF Restaurant}

San Francisco

Like me, a lot of my blogger besties had babies this year. And if what I see on Instagram is true {and we all know Instagram pics are so realistic, right?!} their jet-setting, uber stylish, always in the know ways haven’t changed a bit. I wish I knew their secret. I wouldn’t say having a baby has totally cramped in my style, but it’s certainly given me a new bedtime {hello, 8:30pm}, altered my eating habits {5:30pm reservation please} and rearranged my social schedule {it’s now filled with playdates at the park instead of happy hours or long luxurious lunches.}

But that doesn’t mean my love for getting out and about has disappeared. If anything my craving for something new has only intensified! You can only exist in the cave for so long. So when noosa yoghurt, this seriously amazing new yoghurt brand, asked me to be a part of their “try something noo” campaign, I jumped at the chance. It was just the excuse I needed to explore something beyond the 10 minute-walking radius of our loft.

And thankfully I found myself at the new San Francisco restaurant Lord Stanely. I was smitten the moment I walked through the door. It’s not hard to see why.

The space is stunning. You might not notice Lord Stanely if you quickly walked by its Polk Street location in the heart of San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood, but it captures your attention the moment you step through the door. The decor is so right up my alley. Rustic minimalism but with a modern edge. I love how they layer in all kinds of texture. Polished concrete floors are juxtaposed with rough wood beams, a plant here and there and a killer oversized wall hanging made of sheep skin. I had to restrain myself from petting it.

Owned by a husband and wife chef team, the menu is light, refreshing and hit with a touch of European influence – both chefs are from England. I recently got to enjoy a custom brunch menu created with noosa yoghurt – you might have spied a sneak peek on my Instagram. Every dish that came out was flavorful and super interesting. Think soft scrambled eggs with chives & trout roe served in the egg shell!

Lord Stanley’s Citrus Champagne Cocktail seems like the perfect pre-Thanksgiving aperitif don’t you think? And their Pan-seared Scallop with Coast Herbs seems like the perfect bit to enjoy right after Thanksgiving week! A touch of curry gives it hearty fall flavors without weighing you down.

Needless to say, this mama was thrilled to get herself back out on the town. There’s something about exploring amazing food, local business and experiencing the work of creative minds that just feeds my soul. Now that Carter is starting to eat solid foods, maybe I should start bringing him along. Or maybe I’ll just leave him at home with some delicious yoghurt while I enjoy another Citrus Champagne Cocktail. Seems like a win-win for everyone!

original photography for apartment 34 by suzanna scott

This post is in partnership with noosa yoghurt. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

Tasty Thursday: {The Best Mexican Brunch in The Bay}

San Francisco

It’s no secret that there are two things we love in this world; Mexican food and a yummy Saturday brunch! But how often do they go hand in hand?? Mexican restaurants don’t tend to be everyone’s go-to brunch spot, but we say they should! In fact we’ve kinda made it our mission to criss cross the Bay looking for the best hidden gems {especially during the height of my Mexican food pregnancy cravings}. That’s why we were stoked to learn about Taste Buds, a cool new YouTube show presented by Ford. To help celebrate the show’s launch, we’re working with Ford and Taste Buds to share one of our favorite Bay Area discoveries!

Dona Tomas, one of Oakland’s hottest Mexican joints, will convince you Mexican is the perfect brunch food. From its sunny outdoor patio, to the best chilaquiles verdes you’ve ever tasted, to tequila for breakfast {why not???} – move over mimosas and dime-a-dozen eggs benedict, the menu at Dona Tomas won our hearts {and our bellies!} over!

Before we chat chilaquiles – seriously, they’re life changing – let’s walk through Dona Tomas’ sophisticatedly decorated dining area. Set smack dab in the middle of Oakland’s poppin’ Temescal neighborhood, the space features dark stained wood tables, authentic tapestries on the walls and wrought-iron candlestick sconces – all instantly transporting you to a chic Mexican villa! Nothing is over the top or too loud. It’s exactly the way we’d decorate our own Mexican vacation home {if we had one!}. In fact, we’ll take those wooden guacamole bowls with us right now!

The carefully curated decor still features colorful moments – think old-timey photos antique posters, jumbo grass pendants and colorful floral tablecloths on the outdoor patio will totally get you excited for what’s ahead: a gorgeously fun Mexican feast!

Now let’s talk about these chilaquiles! For those of you who don’t know, they are crisped up tortilla chips doused in tomatillo salsa and sprinkled with fluffy egg, chunks of queso fresco, crema and avocado on top! We ordered a lot on the Donna Thomas menu {because how could you not? it was so hard to decide!} and these were everyone’s fave and a must-try!

Coming in a close second were the juicy Huevos Rancheros with two fried eggs, black beans and pickled carrots. But then there were the Mole Enchiladas – a chocolate, almonds, peanut and chile recipe straight from Oaxaca! And the Carnitas Tacos and the Chile Rellenos – poblano chiles stuffed with yams and walnut cream sauce. Ok, it was pretty impossible to pick a fave. Seriously, talk about a culinary overload. Each dish is elevated with organic and locally sourced ingredients and tastes as fresh and delicious as they look!

Oh and let’s not forget the cocktails or “cocteles” in Spanish! If hibiscus infused Flor de Caña Rum, lemon, grapefruit syrup with sparkling wine doesn’t whet your appetite, the habañero infused Vida mezcal, agave & lime, muddled cilantro, fresh cucumber & celery Celerito definitely will! In fact, we’ll be back to taste test the evening cocktail menu in Dona Tomas’ separate crimson red bar room! Oh and don’t forget to top off your brunch with crunchy on the outside and gooey in the inside churros and coffee! Yummm.

Whether you’re tired of the same ole’ long lines, looking for a fun new spot to spend your Saturday morning or are in need of a weekend hangover cure stat, check out Dona Tomas in Oakland. It will not disappoint. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a warm day, drink margaritas at 10 a.m. and explore a buzzing East Bay neighborhood!

You can also check out the episode of the Taste Buds featuring SO many of my favorite San Francisco hot spots, not to mention my girl Erica Chan of HonsestlyWTF fame, below!

Now, who’s hungry??

original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick

This post is sponsored by Ford. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. Thanks for supporting partnerships that help keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

What To Visit in LA If You Have Less Than 24 Hours

Gotta Getaway

With spring breaks upon us, it’s time to start thinking about taking a mini escape! But where to go and what to do when time is short? A few months ago our Editorial Director went on a quick 24 hour trip to Los Angeles in search of big design and even bigger inspiration. With hours against her, but no set itinerary, Bianca hit the pavement running, at times quite literally, in order to beat the ticking clock and savor every second in sunny LA! She stumbled upon some hidden gems while she was checking out a couple of other mainstays. This all looks so fun, she’s even got me considering a quick trip to the City of Angels before le bebe appears! Here are her top discoveries:

> The Line Hotel – A super modern hotel where no design detail was missed – we’re talking down to the “do not disturb” sign. Refrain from trying to sneak every gorgeous piece into your luggage. You also get an awesome view of the Hollywood sign from your room, but really, no one is looking at the sign when your hotel room looks like that!

> Poketo – The popular design focused store has a pop-up shop right in the lobby of The Line. It definitely goes above and beyond our average “pop up” and is well worth a walk through. From super gorgeous bath soaps, to chic zip pouches, clothing, bags and everything in between, you’ll likely find an excuse as to why you “need” it all.

> The Commissary – The Line’s restaurant is kind of the best thing about the entire hotel – because it’s in a greenhouse! You can enjoy the ambiance even if you’re not staying in the hotel and we highly recommend it. Vines and leaves hang overhead and mismatched English tea sets and plates make your food prettier, if that’s possible. A playful menu built like a bingo game and cocktails served in soup to-go containers will ensure sensory overload and surprise after surprise. Did we mention it’s in a greenhouse?!

> Bottega Louie – If you’re headed downtown, it’s basically a sin not to stroll into this longstanding joint. Stop for a pastry {Nutella filled brioche!!} and coffee, stop by for a cocktail or enjoy lunch in the spacious restaurant. Regardless, don’t leave without getting something smothered in butter or sugar, or both. You’ll also want to check out Aesop if you’re in the area!

> Aesop – Every Aesop store is designed completely differently, something the brand prides itself on. So if you’ve been to one, you haven’t been to them all which is exactly why you should go to every single one you possibly can! LA’s is filled with cardboard, yup cardboard, cardboard that looks so cool you’re going to want to wallpaper your own home in it.

> Joan’s on Third – It’s an LA institution and you should probably go just to feel the LA buzz practically humming off its outdoor patio. This place is always packed, so if humans aren’t your thing, go in, grab a sandwich {or cookie or cupcake or amazing salad} to go and head out.

> Beckley Boutique – Alexander Wang, local LA jewelry designers, cool design books, they all live in this well curated women’s boutique. You’ll want something. And you should probably get it because it’s LA – the land of looking good!

So there’s proof postive you can literally hit all of these LA hotspots in under 5 hours – perfect for a pesky layover! If you only had a day in LA, what would you see?? We’d love to add to our must-see list for our next trip!

Looking for more last minute travel ideas?? Check out more of our fave escapes HERE!

images by bianca sotelo

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