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Mandatory Composting Begins in San Francisco Today

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:15:23 -0700

Beginning today, the city of San Francisco will require both businesses and residences to compost food scraps and biodegradable products or risk a fine for not properly sorting their garbage. While other cities require recycling service and participation, the law, which Mayor Gavin Newsom signed into effect in June, is the first nationwide to require the collection of food scraps and other compostables.

A study by the Department of the Environment found that 36 percent of what San Francisco sends to landfills is compostable, primarily food scraps, and 31 percent is recyclable - which is mostly paper. Seeing that SF already has an impressive 72 percent recycling rate, the legislation could send that rate soaring to 90 percent.

To facilitate the program, the city will offer free green compost carts to apartment buildings and businesses, as well as free kitchen pails for renters. Fines will be capped at $100 and are meant primarily to raise public awareness and encourage compliance. Has your city or town made any moves to require composting? Has your city had success with any recycling fines or mandates? Tell me by commenting below!

Source: Flickr User MayorGavinNewsom

March of the Magellanic Penguins at the San Francisco Zoo!

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:20:28 -0700

All eyes were on some other Magellanic penguins at the San Francisco Zoo a couple weeks back- remember the love triangle of Harry, Pepper, and Linda? To recap that ~~soap opera~~ story, male Pepper got a new home when Harry took up with a female penguin.

Anyway, same species but different birds, these penguin chicks forge their way to a new home on Penguin Island in the annual March of the Penguins event. Yeah, they didn't have quite as dramatic a tale as the Emperor penguins featured in the movie of the same name, but these birds surely had to endure more (human) crowds as they traveled down some pavement to the new watery habitat.

See more pictures from the world's largest Magellanic penguin colony in captivity when you read more.

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San Francisco Restaurant Eliminates Taxes and Tips

YumSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:07 -0700

Earlier this year, we broached the question of whether it was fair for establishments to impose a built-in surcharge for large dinner parties - and many of you were strongly opposed. But how would you feel if taxes and gratuities were eliminated altogether?

Frank Klein, owner of San Francisco's Fish & Farm, thinks the idea has potential to succeed in times like these. According to San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer, Klein will remodel Fish & Farm, reopening with a new menu that has all-inclusive prices.

The restaurant's new tabs will have "no surcharges, no extras, no nothing above what it says on the menu. We are going to become the anti-surcharge restaurant." The waitstaff will still be adequately compensated because the computer will automatically deduct sales tax and 18.5 percent gratuity for every check.

Although this isn't a new concept - it's standard in many countries like France - it's uncommon to see in America. At a time when many Americans feel nickel-and-dimed, does this strategy have the potential to succeed - and catch on in other restaurants?

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Happy Hour: The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

partysugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:15:08 -0800

Last week I attended a huge wine tasting hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle. The event showcased wineries from over 25 states that competed in the nation's largest wine competition. After the judging takes place - at another location on an earlier date - the newspaper hosts an impressive, almost overwhelming, public tasting. Although I tried countless wines, here are the bottles I plan on seeking out in the future.

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Scenes From the 20th Century Modernism Show

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:00:05 -0700

This weekend I attended the 20th Century Modernism Show and Sale at Fort Mason in San Francisco, which featured 50 national and international exhibitors (many local) of decorative and fine arts from all design movements of the 20th century. I was excited to see up close some works by artists I follow, like David Wiseman's porcelain blossom and bronze branches (and I even caught a glimpse of the artist himself) and a large collection of original works by the late great American Modernist Charley Harper from the Charley Harper Art Studio.
A few of my other favorite exhibitors were Battersea, R 20th Century, Peter Fetterman, 20th Century Interiors, Antik NYC, Off the Wall, and Eric Firestone Gallery. Peter Fetterman sells a range of black and white photographs, including many well-known pieces such as this image of Andy Warhol with Edie Sedgwick and Chuck Wein by Burt Glinn, which was fun to see. See more scenes from the show when you read more.

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San Francisco Fashion Week: The Music Video!

FabSugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:00:22 -0700

Here's a little treat we put together to wrap up our San Francisco Fashion Week coverage. You saw some of our favorite designers from the event, but here is some of the runway footage for your viewing pleasure. Goodbye SF...hello NY!

San Francisco Fashion Week: Dcepcion

FabSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:00:33 -0700

Watch out cool cats, there's a new designer duo in Fog City. Identical twins Daniel and David Concepcion were the sweethearts of San Francisco Fashion Week with their sharp edged but wearable cool-girl (and boy!) collection. Dcepcion premiered their first full collection this year and it was very well received...

And for obvious reason. With an aim to create flattering street-wear, the duo churned out tailored, slim silhouettes inspired by early 90s comic books. There is also a touch of detailing from the 30s and 40s, with graphic prints and muted colors, as well as stiff collars and cuffs. Plunging necklines were a go-go, voluminous shorts were flirty and men's looks were buttoned up without being stuffy. My favorite look? This razor sharp zippered jacket twined with a not-so-ordinary everyday striped dress; her fierce blunt bangs add severity. Graphic perfection.

To see more of Dcepcion's Spring line, read more

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San Francisco Fashion Week: Emily Jane

FabSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:00:22 -0700

Texas-born designer Emily Jane showed on the first day of San Francisco Fashion Week and she instantly caught my eye with her fem/mas designs. What was interesting about her collection is that despite the masculine details (tuxedo-inspired blouses and bow ties), it retained an air of girliness and elegance.

Some taffeta dresses were bridesmaid-y, but on the flip side, belted silk frocks could pass for red-carpet looks. Lace skirts, ruffle blouses, polka dots, belts and high-waisted pencil skirts also made cameos.

These are special pieces, perfect for a special event! The looks that would make me feel the most Fab are the polka dot ruffle top paired with the black high-waisted pencil skirt and the black silk sleeveless turtleneck mini dress.

To see more from Emily Jane's Spring collection, read more

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San Francisco Fashion Week: Kirribilla

FabSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:00:22 -0700

Kirribilla was one of my favorite collections at San Francisco Fashion Week. One may argue it was one colorful dress after another but we all know I am a dress junkie!

The young label was founded in 2005 by three best friends whose goal was to make every girl feel like the prettiest one in the room. With design studios in San Fran and London, this was their third collection, and boy was it pretty!

With tropical music calming the room, the Spring/Summer collection was inspired by old time Hawaii. You will notice fine tailoring with an aloha twist. Flattering day and cocktail dresses in a sunset of colors flirted with the crowd but what really caught my eye were the details like coconut buttons, floral-inspired sleeves and cascading ruffles. All reminiscent of the Big Isle, this green and purple frock was a favorite - isn't it so very Zac Posen on a Hawaiian vacay?

To see more from Kirribilla's Lanikai collection, read more

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Happy Hour: Twilight

partysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:13:04 -0800

Well, folks, the moment everyone's been waiting for is here. The second movie in the Twilight series, New Moon, finally comes out today. Whether you're dying to see it or excited that the hype surrounding it will die down, there's only one way to celebrate - with a cocktail! Not just any boring old drink, but an aptly named concoction created by one of San Francisco's illustrious bar owners, Jon Gasparini. A couple of weeks ago when Jon (of one of my favorite bars, Rye) tweeted about a new cocktail called Twilight, I knew I needed the recipe.

Jon describes it as having a beautiful color and balance, and I couldn't agree more. The complex gin and Prosecco drink is easy to put together and elegant enough to serve at a Thanksgiving dinner or holiday soirée. To get his recipe, read more.

Twilight
From Jon Gasparini of Rye

Ingredients

3/4 ounce creme de violette
1 1/2 ounces gin
dash orange bitters
dash simple syrup or agave syrup
1 ounce Prosecco or other sparkling wine

Directions

Combine the violette, gin, bitters, and sweetener in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Strain into a chilled Champagne coup and top with the Prosecco.

Makes 1 drink.

Print recipe with images | without images