Ten Toe TV San Francisco

Frascati

I had heard of Frascati from friends who live in the Russian Hill area, but never had been until a few months ago. You know that feeling when you go to a place and you immediately feel like you are coming back, BEFORE you even eat your meal. I think it is the perfect combination of a neighborhood vibe, with excellent French/Medterranean style food, and a cozy, intimate feeling of the warm and rich colors of the place.

While a happenin' place that seems crowded (good idea to make reservations..cuz they take 'em) it has a VERY romantic vibe if you want to go with a sweetheart. The owner, Jon Rader, who I interviewed, is also very hospitable, with lots of restaurant experience. I know that he will make sure you have an amazing dining experience.

The food is wonderful, and one dish that I learned about is the crisp chicken. I did not try that and will be going back for it, just upon the description that Jon gave me during our visit. Speaking of the interview, go to www.TenToe.TV, check it out, and go try Frascati.

Looking forward to hitting the pavement for you and finding the best places to eat in San Francisco.

Blues Jean Bar

Hey Everyone – Katie here.  For this video segment I stopped at the Blues Jean Bar on Union Street.    This place is a jean Mecca with hundreds of different styles and labels of denim.  I thought I would help you parse through their vast array of dungarees with some tips I have learned as on-air stylist.   I call these denim tips my “Universal Flattering Truths of Jeans”.  Generally, no matter what your body type is these universal truths will work for you.  Once you know what looks good on you, you will know what to buy.

The Details of Your Jeans –

Back Pockets that are larger/wider in size and sit close to the center seam will narrow your rump.  While jeans with back flap pockets will plump your rump. 

 

Contrast Stitching on the outside of your jeans’ legs can slim making your legs appear longer.

Jeans Without Whiskering look best.  The whisker detail makes your jeans appear like they are too tight even when they aren’t!

The Cut of Your Jeans –

Wide Leg jeans slim your legs as they take the visual emphasis off your thighs while slim fit jeans, although they are all the fashion rage, can accentuate your hips and thighs and are not flattering on most body types.

Medium-Rise jeans conceal your tummy and rests on your natural waistline effectively ‘body balancing” you.  For most of us it is best to stay away from low-rise jeans as they can create the dreaded “muffin-top” effect (i.e. your belly fat rolls over the top of your jeans), accentuate your hips and make your legs appear short.

The Length of Your Jeans –

Longer Legged jeans make you appear taller – just remember to add a heel so you don’t trip over yourself.  On the contrary, crop jeans can make your legs appear short and stocky.

The Rinse of Your Jeans –

All-Over Dark Rinsed jeans have a slimming effect.  Steer clear from jeans that are spot faded on the thighs or rump.   This denim treatment will make those body parts appear fuller than they are.

 

The Size of Your Jeans –

Half Size Larger jeans, like boyfriend jeans or relaxed jeans will make you look two sizes smaller.  Vanity sized jeans that are too tight might be good for your ego but they aren’t good for your look!

The Stretch of Your Jeans -

Less Stretch is best.  Just enough lycra, like 2%, reshapes, slims and smoothes you while retaining the original shape of your jean.    Too much stretch can give you the dreaded “sausage” effect (i.e. your body looks squeezed into your jeans).

                        

So anyway, check out my video at Blues Jean Bar at www.TenToe.tv.   Until next time…..here is to happy shopping!

Stella Pastry & Cafe

OH.MY.GOODNESS.

Stella’s was heaven!  If you are like me- and have a weakness for sweets- you’ll be in sensory overload- guaranteed. It’ll hit you the minute you walk in….your jaw will drop, your eyes will widen, and your heart will skip a beat, as you take in the wonderful aroma of butter cream deliciousness!

Okay, okay- maybe that’s a little extreme, but what can I say? This is, essentially, the perfect pastry shop in the heart of North Beach. From fresh cream-filled flaky pastries, to tarts, cookies, cannoli, and a great selection of coffees & espressos to enjoy along with; you’ll be in sugar heaven!

Christina, the co-owner of Stellas, was nice enough to give me a close-up (yum!) of all the goodies…including the “Sacripantina”- the official cake of Stella’s.  It’s a multi-layered sponge cake with zabaione cream, rum, and cookies on the outside. The Sacripantina is often called their “claim to fame.” I’m sure a 40-year history of happy customers and to-die-for desserts doesn’t hurt either :o)

Need a preview before you taste-test? Check out our video on www.tentoe.tv and feast your eyes on a little piece of heaven! Enjoy. :o)

Feeling the urge…to splurge,

Sandy

Pesce

Hey food lovers,.

Michael here...and a big welcome to you to TENTOETV. San Francisco is a culinary capitol, and my show is finding the best places to eat in the city by the bay. Whether you want a quick bite on the run, or the real sit down experience you can have it all. I am constantly searching around town to find those places that will make locals and visitors get the best food available.

I have several lists that I keep on file, and PESCE seems to come to the top, whatever the criteria for the discerning diner may be. The chef is from Italy and has a knack for creating wonderful seafood plates like his lobster rolls and house cured smoked fish platter. Non seafood dishes are offered as well, and the Ceasar Salad is one of the best in town. The concept leans toward small plates, but larger entree dishes can always be spotted on the specials list. In either case, sharing is a great way to taste it all.

The service is wonderful, and the sommelier, Reza Esmaili, will help you make the perfect wine selection. And the list of cocktails is way worth mentioning here. Not only does that list include the classic cocktails, but a host of seasonal drinks and house specialties. If you like bloody mary's the bloody di mare..with whole shrimp will blow you away. Also the Phoenician cocktail. with gin, and a floral orange muscat. is outstanding. Or the Negroni with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.

The ambience is great too. Not fancy but a casual and simple that gives the place a certain urban sophistication. So that's a quick synopsis of PESCE. You can see the video and hear more about PESCE at TenToe.TV and I look forward to giving all of you more great picks as we highlight the best of San Francisco!

Choosing the Perfect "First Date" Clothes

Join the Ten Toe TV style expert, Katie Rice Jones, as she shows us some perfect outfits to wear on a first date.  Whether you're going to a ball game, romantic dinner, concert or other date, Katie has the look for you. 

To see the full video of Katie, click here.