Rock Shic: San Francisco

San Francisco

03/23/2017

#803 Dining at the Four Seasons -- San Francisco Style

Morning!

Or should I say good afternoon.

Sigh.... Well it WAS morning when I started writing this post anyhow. This week has gone by in a giffy hasn't it! Tomorrow mamma leaves for Arizona bright and early, and I still can't get over how much needs to be done before my imminent departure (although truth be told I feel ultra lucky just to be getting away at all!). Hard to believe that this time last week I was flying back from my whirlwind visit in NYC before flying back to Florida. Incidentally we've been getting loads of questions re: when we'll be back to the northeast, and the answer is -- soon!!!! I can't believe that March is practically over and Spring is finally here! Really, where did the time go?

Also hard to believe that this time last year mamma had just wrapped up her crazy San Francisco, New Zealand, and Miami tour de force! In honor of all of that, and the Four Seasons (where yours truly will be calling home at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North the next few days in sunny Arizona!) -- I'm walking down memory to the Four Seasons San Francisco (see I told you I'd be doing this quite frequently this month didn't I!)... where we enjoyed one very memorable luncheon right upon landing. Well, I had just landed the night before anyways, hubs and our big guy had gotten there a few days earlier, just following the Super Bowl!

I've always had a fondness for this particular Four Seasons in the Bay Area... Not only is it located on one of my favorite streets (on Market Street) in San Francisco (look all the way down and you'll see the iconic Ferry Building at the Embarcadero!), but it's also right next to the hustle and bustle of Union Square, where one of my besties lives (can you say, perfect crash pad?).

This was my second time dining at MKT (the first time featured here), and I just love the open windows and the fantastic views straight into union square. The food is prepared simply but deliciously -- always fresh ingredients with a local twist (very SF) -- and it is never super crowded or noisy for an enjoyable conversation. Can you also tell from the photos that it was Chinese New Year? Sure brings up great memories of our recent Chinese New Year celebrations right here in Florida! The year of the monkey to celebrate my little monkey. To think, I wasn't even pregnant with Baby #2 at that stage! (Though we were definitely working on it). So much has changed since then... it feels like a lifetime ago.

For more information on our do in experience. You can also visit the full feature here on MKT, Four Seasons dining on City Baby Dining.

Also see the full list on Rockshic's recently updated media kit for a jazzed up version of all of our recent reviews of luxe properties and eateries!

Posted on 03/23/2017 at 11:14 AM in Dining with Kids, Eat Drink Love, Four Seasons, San Francisco | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/06/2016

#727 Take me back to the Nikko Hotel ✈ San Francisco Style

Hot tub zen time? Check. #HotelNikkoSF

Happy Sunday!

This mamma just landed from Miami (yes, it's been that kind of a week), where I had the most exquisite culinary and visual arts experience. I'll tell you all about it soon, I promise.

For now, I wanted to share with you some recent memories at the Nikko hotel. Really, I can't believe that it's been a mere week since we stayed there.... feels like a lifetime ago!

We came through the Nikko, via Wellington, New Zealand, via Auckland, New Zealand (where I also had a fabulous gourmet memory at Clooney, see here). At any rate, we were a bit travel weary at this stage, as you can imagine. Three hours domestic, followed by a transfer, and then an international ten-plus hours of flying. Oh the horror! Throw into this mix some bad weather, a bus delay or two, a tired babe, cranky parents, and (would you believe?)... even a lost car seat at baggage claim. Yes, it's fair to say that we were all in desperate need of rest and relaxation by the time we arrived in San Francisco.

Given all of the above-mentioned string of misfortunes, you can only imagine how absolutely relieved we were to step inside the zen-like surroundings of the Nikko Hotel in downtown San Francisco, truly a gem.

Hubby and I had first came here back in 2005 when we began dating (more than a decade ago!), we were charmed by its decor and also loved the location, along with the pool factor (did you know that indoor pools are extremely difficult to come by in San Francisco?! I still haven't quite figured out why).

This time around, of course, we had our little man with us, which made the experience all the more adventurous. Early check-in? Not a problem! Crib in room? Done. (We were also upgraded to a higher view and a bigger room -- much more spacious, in fact, than our first time here!! Where I basically had a spacial experience akin to "Lost in Translation"). Of course the little Nuke was super thrilled to explore and run around. Everything was brand new again!!! He kept pointing to different things throughout the hotel while asking "New Home? New Home??".

Adorable right.

Not so adorable though, when your two year old toddler decides to take out all of the vodka from the hotel mini-bar (particularly as it's motion-sensored). Such is the pleasure of traveling with a rambunctious munchkin!! Oh, but not to worry, the Nikko were kind enough to not charge us for all that liquor moved by those grubby little hands. Disaster averted!

This bathroom! Believe me when I say that it is a much welcomed site after at the end of along journey.

The little man is a huge fan of hotel tubs too #rockshicbaby #luckykid

Posted on 03/06/2016 at 09:42 PM in Luxe Lodgings, San Francisco | Permalink | Comments (0)

07/03/2014

#545 A Table at the Rosewood Madera

Happy (almost) Fourth of July! We’re currently en route to the East End of Long Island, as we speak, excited to spend the long weekend in the vineyards of North Folk – think delicious wine and lobster-rolls in style!

Speaking of wonderful seafood fare, I’ve got oysters on my mind lately… I mean really, shouldn’t oysters and a glass of rosé be a requisite combo for any given summer? These photos were taken from my recent trip to the Rosewood Sand Hill – where my bestie and I indulged in a scrumptious lunch at the Michelin-starred Madera restaurant on property, right before I flew back to NYC (begrudgingly, might I add).

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning and super eco-chic, super popular with the local VC and tech crowd (more on this later). The Madera restaurant overlooks the spectacular pool of the Rosewood Sand Hill, and when it gets a tad too steamy – there’s actually electric shades that come down for us diners out on the balcony (lovely!). The food was absolutely fantastic (we especially appreciated the seafood and devil’s egg). Every mouthful was savory, replete with fresh local ingredients; this is the real thing.

My only lament was that we couldn’t stay for dinner due to my flight schedule. I can certainly appreciate why folks living in the Palo Alto/ Menlo Park locales would dine here on the regular, I’m obsessed myself!

The last time I wore this Yumi Kim dress was in the the Mediterranean Coast of Spain! See Costa Brava Style.

My scrumptious omelette with fresh crab-meat! #noms

FIFA World Cup playing in the background, of course!

Posted on 07/03/2014 at 09:05 AM in Eat Drink Love, San Francisco | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/22/2014

#541 West Coat Concert Extravaganza

I was treated to a rare live-performance feat this Saturday when my West Coast bestie invited me to his annual work event/ live concert, held inside the AT&T Ball Park.

Not only is it always nice to spend a day outdoors grooving to live music and dancing (weather could have been just 5-10 degrees warmer, but that’s San Francisco for ya!), but when else do you get bestowed with an awesome line-up that include both the Foo Fighters and Usher?! (Talk about eclectic music styles). I’ve never seen either perform live (though hubby has been to a Foo Fighter concert a few years back and absolutely LOVED it. Needless to say, he was a bit jealous when I shared the news, but what can you do!).

Personally, I think that Usher’s style and swagger translates better on stage – chalk it up to that synchronized choreography of his! But really, this East Coast birdie was happy to be witness to both performances!!!

Oh, and if I told you that the entire stadium was simply teeming with free food and beverages… would you hate me? It really was like an adult summer wonderland inside that stadium!

Posted on 06/22/2014 at 09:01 PM in San Francisco | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/21/2014

#540 Spotted – Rockshic back in SF

Well hey there! What’s a year without a trip back to the West Coast? I always feel a sense of calm and belonging whenever I’m in SF, maybe because I can legitimately call this place my second home now.

This time it’ll be in and out for moi (what’s different), with a packed itinerary (including a little visit to the Rosewood Sandhill, with a table at the Rosewood Madera!), and I am super stoked!! Looking forward to a weekend of fun, great food, dancing, beautiful scenery, and most important of all – love and laughter with my darling friends! Below are some photos of us post arrival (straight from the airport, tucking into the rose, and dining at nearby MKT at the Four Seasons, yum yum yum).

Arrival bubbly on my friend's roofdeck! #lifeisgood

Dinner with my SF besties at the MKT Restaurant and Bar at the Four Seasons (South of Market), it's farm to table deliciousness with a view! You can't lose. This was later featured on City Baby Dining. Full feature here.

Posted on 06/21/2014 at 10:39 AM in San Francisco, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

06/12/2013

#370 Elegant Expecting – Week 30 (Muir Woods)

One more look of my 30^th week before I kick off the eighth month! This one from our recent excursion to Muir Woods, which we did with the excellent folks at Extranomical Tours. (For some additional vignettes of our quick jaunt to San Francisco, find me on Instagram, @rockshic!).

We were flipping through “The Pregnancy Journal” tonight, and I can’t believe that as of tomorrow, we only have 69 days to go! (Doesn’t sound like very much when you break it down in terms of days, does it).

Of course, the first thing hubby said to me when I donned this ensemble was, “are you sure you want to wear a white blazer?”

Yes, yes, and yes!

At this stage in my pregnancy – I’m beginning to think that perhaps separates are the way to go. It is almost as if I went full circle since my first trimester. This Helmut Lang number is a new acquisition from the recent Clothingline Sample Sale (now is a particularly dangerous time for sample sales!), and I am in LOVE. See my collection of Helmut Lang maternity blazers here.

I am also digging my maternity tribal-print leggings from Asos. It’s a bit much for the office, but perfect for a day-trip to the forest!

Posted on 06/12/2013 at 10:04 PM in Elegant Expecting, Helmut Lang, San Francisco, Seven Months, Third Trimester, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

#369 Tranquility at the Huntington Hotel and Spa (San Francisco)

Breakfast by the pool... renew your chakras!

It seems like a distant memory now, but only three days ago – hubby and I were basking in a lap of luxury at the Huntington Hotel in San Francisco. I’m a big fan of bespoke boutique hotels, so for me, the Huntington was the perfect find, as it exuded the ideal mix of intimacy, charm, and serenity.

Situated atop Nob Hill, the location instilled in me an instant sense of calm (unlike most of my hotel experiences in SF, which comprised of the bustling streets of Union Square and Financial District). Of course, the fact that the hotel was right across from the street from Grace Cathedral & the lovely Huntington Park, not to mention a stone’s throw from the Fairmont & Intercontinental (which boasts the lovely Top of the Mark) didn’t hurt either.

Hubby may have made some snarky comments about rolling his seven-months pregnant wife (c’est moi) down the hill (surrounding streets were quite steep, after all) – though that turned out to be rather unnecessary, as the hotel even offered complimentary chauffer services to nearby environs!

The crowing jewel of the experience, apart from our classically designed suite with a beautiful view of downtown San Francisco, was the hotel’s pool and spa facilities (also known as the Nob Hill Spa), complimentary to all hotel guests, of course. What a winning touch – to juxtapose the Huntington’s sophisticated & old-world décor with the modernity of a sleek and swanky spa!

To my knowledge, the Huntington boasts one of the nicest indoor pools in the entire city – and lucky for us it was right downstairs. Believe me when I say that we utilized it well, and spent much our downtime frolicking in the infinity pool and lounging on the balcony!!! It was definitely a highlight of the trip, and made me one happy preggy lady.

The soothing shades of our room (Suite #1010)

Lounging by the pool, a winning formula.

The resting area of our well-appointed junior suite

I wasn't kidding about those steep hills!

The lovely view from our window.

Good morning San Francisco! The view from our front door.

A little welcoming note before we hit the spa! Hubby had the Longevity Relaxation Massage while I treated myself to a nice Pregnancy Massage.

Pool view. This is where we parked ourselves whenever we could.

Relaxing in my room with some beats for the little one ;)

The hotel's restaurant (Big Four), which sadly we did not have time to try! Though my trainer told me that they serve a mean game night!

Enter the wellness zone!

Posted on 06/12/2013 at 02:28 PM in Luxe Lodgings, San Francisco | Permalink | Comments (3)

06/09/2013

#368 A Trek to Muir Woods

In addition to touring the wine country during our San Francisco trip, we also paid a visit to the famed Muir Woods – the 295-acre site of California giant redwood just half an hour north of the city. This particular place has been on my lust list for quite some time now, and I can’t really articulate the exact reasons why. There’s just something about the beautiful red oak, the tranquil forest, and the beguiling setting that simply spoke to me. What could be more soothing and calming?

In fact, the last time I visited San Francisco in April, I had wanted to come here. Sadly (and perhaps ironically) my girlfriend and I got horribly lost somewhere on Lombard street in the late afternoon – whereupon we gave up, and went shopping in the Mission instead.

Looking back, it was lucky that we did! Divine intervention I call it.

The best time to see the woods is early in the morning (we arrived around 9am), so as to beat the crowds and the impossible parking situation (which I’m sure my girlfriend and I would have encountered). There’s also nothing more relaxing and divine than to find yourself (nearly) alone amidst some of the oldest living things on the planet. By the time hubby and I left the park, it would have taken half an hour just to walk from the faraway parking sites to the entrance of Muir Woods. Say no to that!

Of course, being 30 weeks pregnant, we opted not to do any crazy hikes, and went for the man-made path instead (very preggy friendly indeed). Even so, I would venture to say that this is probably one of the more active things I’ll do during my third trimester! Well, apart from giving birth I suppose.

Similar to our wine-touring experience, we did Muir Woods with the lovely folks over at Extranomical tours, with Mark, our extremely knowledgeable guide. I highly recommend taking this approach, since navigating the steep hills to the park is no small feat. My only lament is that we didn’t stay longer – but there is always next time!!!

Posted on 06/09/2013 at 06:08 PM in San Francisco, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (2)

06/08/2013

#367 Elegant Expecting – Week 30 (Napa Valley)

Friday afternoon wine tour with Extranomical. #Perfection

Happy Saturday from San Francisco! We’ve been here since Thursday for a friend’s wedding – which will take place this afternoon at Kohl Mansion and I can’t wait.

Here are some photos from our little wine tour of Napa Valley and Sonoma yesterday (a little sip here and there was fine for me!). It was the perfect afternoon for the tour, which we did with the lovely folks at Extranomical. Here we are at the Madonna Estate in Napa, I like their no-frills approach to wine. “If you like it, you like it – cut out all pretenses to wine” said our knowledgeable guide.

As I’m progressively getting bigger, I’ve been digging these shirtdresses lately (see a similar polka-dot version here) – tied either with a thin belt or a pretty little bow (I borrowed this one from a previous outfit). Patterns a must… and I’ve fully learned to embrace the bump at this point!!!

Fore more glimpses of our San Francisco excursion, find me on instagram, @rockshic!

Afternoon dining at the Girl and the Fig in Sonoma

Polenta-crusted soft shell crab, from the Girl and the Fig

Posted on 06/08/2013 at 02:21 PM in Belted Maternity, Elegant Expecting, San Francisco, Seven Months, Third Trimester, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

04/15/2013

#334 Elegant Expecting – Week 22 (San Francisco Part II)

My last day in SF was captured by beautiful blue skies, a lovely stroll by the water, and a nice intimate luncheon at the St. Francis Yacht Club by the Marina. Oh, and you can’t beat the view! Really, a girl couldn’t have asked for more!

I knew in the morning that I wanted to wear my new striped Anita blazer, which I purchased at a boutique on Hayes street called Azalea (mental note – must go back!! For more on my favorite shops in the Hayes, see here). Luckily, I also packed with me this printed Derek Lam for Designation shift dress (very preggo friendly indeed), which I thought made such a fun combination with my new black & white acquisition. Personally, I love the idea of shopping while traveling on holiday. It may not be the most practical thing, but there’s something so terrifically leisurely and sentimental about the entire experience that you just can’t quite replicate back home.

Saturday night, I also happened to experience my first bout of mommy-related sickness (first trimester notwithstanding – though really, I was lucky to have been spared serious nausea and morning sickness even then). Sadly, my extended physical discomfort meant that I had to cancel my fabulous and much-anticipated evening plans. I attribute it to a case of over-zealous eating while in San Fran (who could blame me?). However, it was enough to remind me to take a deep breath and slow down. After all, I am almost six-months along!