Lunch Cravings: Cashmere and Silk

Hermes Cashmere & Silk Scarves

Tuesday Night Cravings: La Mer Crystal and Leather Wrap Watch

I've been eyeing for another pair of casual watch for a long time. The Movado watch I wear for work gets a little cold in this chilly San Francisco weather, and my MK one is a tad too big to wear to work.

This one is just perfect, can't wait for it to arrive in the mail!

Fashion: DIY Wrap Bracelets

DIY jewelry is so much fun.

San Francisco: Farmer's Market

This weekend in San Francisco was so beautiful. The weather went from a miserable storm that made every commuter mutter under their breath and swear they will never forget their umbrellas again to beautiful 70s weather for Fleet Week. In addition to Fleet Week, I also checked out the Ferry Building's weekly Farmer's Market that ran from 8am - 2 pm (my current obsession, after discover the Thursday Farmer's Market during lunch time at the Galleria on Montgomery).

Fruit stands, pastries, bread, vegetables, fish, food.. you name it

Grumpy because a stand ran out of chocolate covered almonds - my favorite!

They even sold packaged salmon here

Ditching the Boyfriend and running toward the flower stand. Hey, who would resist fresh flowers that were only $5 a bouquet?

Blue Angels flying in the sky, drawing out hearts and diving like a rollercoaster on steriods

Roli Roti! Tried the Porchetta sandwich - best street pulled-pork sandwich I've tried. They have a rotisserie inside the truck, and serves only sustainably farmed meats and organic produce from neighboring cities.

Sitting by the pier, watching the Blue Angels, enjoying the sun, my sandwich, and great company

From Embarcadero, we ventured out to the Marina, where we stopped by Palace of Fine Arts - there was a beautiful wedding under the dome and photoshoots going on all around it.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

In the Kitchen: Banana Bread

With my current work and study schedule, it's not often that I could find time to cook, not to mention bake. Fortunately, my schedule was fairly light last week, and I found the time to try out a new recipe for Banana Bread.

Makes: one loaf

INGREDIENTS
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar (I purposely didn't add as much sugar as the recipe directions, originally 3/4 cups)
1 cup smashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt


DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325°F

2. Lightly grease 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2-inch pan.
3. Using electric mixer; beat eggs and sugar in large bowl until thick and light, about 5 minutes.

4. Mix in smashed bananas, buttermilk, oil and vanilla.

Smashed banana

5. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt over mixture; beat until just blended.

6. Transfer batter to prepared pan.

7. Bake bread until golden brown on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1.5 hour.

5. Turn bread out onto rack and cool.

Enjoy!

Fashion: Say "Hello" to Nello

Amrita Singh is probably one of the well-known brands for statement necklaces. I have made numerous purchases on AS, and this one is probably my favorite.

Amrita Singh "Nello" necklace, in smokey

Eating Out: Chiaroscuro in San Francisco

I love visiting new restaurants and trying out new dishes. When we discovered Chiaroscuro nestled off of the FiDi in San Francisco, I was more than excited to try this place out, and was surprised that it wasn't more packed on a Saturday night.

The main concept of this restaurant is simple - "chiaroscuro," translated depicts the contrast between "light" and "darkness," that mostly resemble painter Caravaggio. Chiaroscuro restaurant uses this concept and translated it into a bold contrast that is defined by the decor of the restaurant (concrete high backed banquettes, with pillows to sit on in the dinning room), and an open kitchen surrounded by walls of mirrors.

Chiaroscuro dinning room

Sampler: rabbit meat, raspberry and chocolate sauce

Antipasti e Insalate: "degustazione di salumi"

Tasting of imported Italian charcuterie, pickled vegetables in extra virgin olive oil

Antipasti e Insalate: seared scallop with sauteed spinach and mushroom (off the menu, request for special)

Primi: spaghettoni ai gamberi e pesto di basilico

Thick spaghetti, sauteed prawns, 'nduja, basil pesto sauce, crispy potatoes, blue lake beans

Primi: bucatini con pomodori e lavanda (special order to add bell pepper and corn)

Bucatini pasta, heirloom tomatoes, peranzana olives, fresh lavender, lemon whipped cream

Dessert: semifreddo

One happy foodie.