Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Work It, San Francisco: Sunday Best



Spotted at the Treasure Island Flea Market.
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Work It, Google: Lauren Vilders




Lauren's purple ring is from her grandmother, and her earrings and gold ring are by Loren Stewart.


Lauren is wearing a vintage dress from somewhere in the Mission, an Ever jacket, a Madewell belt, Miu Miu booties, and Forever 21 necklace.

What's your name? 
Lauren Vilders

Where do you live? 
Mission in San Francisco

What do you do at Google?
I’m a Strategist on the Audience Development team at YouTube. My team is all about empowering creators with the knowledge to build bigger, more engaged audiences on YouTube.

How would you describe your style?
Bohemian with a touch of rock n’ roll. I love to pair high end pieces with $7 vintage finds. I adore Alexa Chung -- in my mind, her style is always flawless.

What's your typical work outfit look like?
Like all good things, it depends. My only ever present accessory are my much-loved, long gold rod earrings from my cousin’s jewelry line, Loren Stewart.

I’m all about flat Frye boots, Levi's jeans, a t-shirt and leather jacket or a blazer depending on my mood. If I’m feeling more feminine, I go for a belted vintage floral dress, high heeled booties and a jean jacket.

How do you upgrade a typical work outfit?
I am a firm believer in lipstick. A bold, bright lip color can easily transform a boyish look into something chic and sophisticated.

Want to see more photos of Lauren? Of course you do!

You can follow Lauren on Instagram.

"Spotted" at YouTube in San Bruno.
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Work It, Google: Tawnee Kendall





Tawnee is wearing a BCBG dress, Zara jacket, Steve Madden boots, and American Apparel tights. 


Her gold bracelet and spiky ring are from Harajuku in Tokyo, her necklace is from a Abbot Kinney boutique in Venice in Los Angeles, and her rectangular ring was her great-grandmother's from the 1920's. She's also wearing a black Fitbit activity and sleep tracker.



What's your name? 
Tawnee Kendall

Where do you live? 
San Francisco, near Alamo Square.

What do you do at Google?
I design what our Customer Support experience looks like. (Think Call Centers & Tech Support)

How would you describe your style?
In a word, thematic. I don't consider myself to have any one particular style. I love vintage pin-up, leather, bohemian flowy dresses, military garb, Harajuku style outfits. I think the one I gravitate most to is anything that constitutes bad-assery. Think: what a super hero might wear when she's not fighting villains. Or maybe, I am the villain, and I'm fighting off good guys.

What's your typical work outfit look like?
Whatever it is, it's rarely ever pants. Wearing jeans provides a shock to my team. I'll hear "You're wearing pants! Who are you?" throughout the day. I'm typically in short dresses or crazy Black Milk leggings.

How do you upgrade a typical work outfit?
High heels. Always high heels. The higher the better. If they come with buckles, spikes, or any kind of metal, I'm sold.

Want to see more photos of Tawnee? The answer is yessir!

You can follow Tawnee on Twitter and her band, The Handover Brigade, on YouTube.



"Spotted" at Google in Mountain View.
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Monday, February 17, 2014

Eat in San Francisco: City View Restaurant


Shrimp shumai


Rice noodle roll


Pan-fried chive and shrimp dumpling


Duck and green onion


Fried calamari


Broccoli


Glazed walnut prawns


Egg custard tarts

Last weekend, I tried dim sum at City View Restaurant in San Francisco's Financial District with some of my favorite people. Like most dim sum places, City View was buzzing with food carts carrying bite-sized treats.

The photos represent just a sample of what we ordered. We tried various dumplings filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, delicious pork buns, steamed bun halves we stuffed with duck, green onions, and a tangy sauce, and much more. We also had fried calamari that we tried to balance with some healthier broccoli. On the sweeter side, we had glazed prawns with walnuts and egg custard tarts.

All in all, this was a pretty delicious dim sum experience that I will definitely repeat in the future. The service was quick, as would be expected from a place where the food is carted around at an almost dizzying pace. The wait was pretty short as well.

City View Restaurant
662 Commercial St., San Francisco, CA 94111
Open: Monday - Friday 11am - 2:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 2:30pm

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Eat in Oakland: Grand Lake Kitchen


Savory French Toast made with rye bread, two poached eggs, wild mushrooms, Parmesan, arugula, herb oil, and prosciutto di Parma






Chilaquiles made with tortilla chips, salsa roja, black beans, two eggs sunny, avocado, queso fresco, sour cream, and pickled red onions





I think I found my new brunch spot. Located right near Lake Merritt on Grand at El Embarcadero, Grand Lake Kitchen is a hip restaurant and deli that serves tasty New American cuisine any brunch fiend would enjoy. This was my first time visiting and I can confirm that my love affair has begun. Their brunch menu has about eight entrees on it, all of which I'd like to try at some point. After using process of elimination to figure of which item was today's lucky winner while making sure to get something different from my brunch buddy, I ordered the chilaquiles.

I've never had chilaquiles before, but since reading the list of ingredients made me salivate a little, I knew it was a good pick. The chilaquiles were made of tortilla chips covered in a tasty salsa and then topped with everything myself and the internet daydream about, namely sunny-side up eggs, slices of avocado, and green onions. It was also served with pickled red onions that were made in-house. From what I can tell from the display case that's a part of the counter I was eating on, they make a variety of pickled vegetables, including beets, carrots, onions, and well, pickles. Needless to say, this was the most delicious breakfast nachos-type dish I've had.

I also tried a bit of the savory French toast, which was French toast minus the syrup and plus prosciutto, poached eggs, arugula, and Parmesan. It was as good as it sounds. I would encourage someone to try it which some maple syrup to see if that adds to the experience.

All in all, I would recommend trying Grand Lake Kitchen ASAP. If you're visiting on the weekend, come early as it seems pretty popular and they only have about twenty seats in total. They do have outdoor seating, so maybe come in on a sunny day and enjoy a view of the lake (somewhat) nearby. Their very nice and helpful employees make waiting not so bad. If there is a line, stop by Walden Pond Books just up the way.

Grand Lake Kitchen
576 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610
Open: Daily 9am - 10pm

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Work It, Google: Rachel Lightfoot Melby



Rachel is wearing a vintage Indian tunic from Mercy Vintage, vintage boots from the Alameda Point Antiques Faire, thrifted earrings, rings from the Melrose Trading Post, and Todd Reed wedding band.

What's your name? 
Rachel Lightfoot Melby

Where do you live? 
North Oakland

What do you do at Google?
I'm a Senior Programming Strategist within YouTube's Next Lab. In short, I figure out what's working well for the top channels on YouTube, and help others achieve that success.

How would you describe your style?
Bold bohemian. I love to be comfortable, opting for wedges, skirts, and natural fabrics. I love shopping vintage (check out my new fav) and even find some of my best pieces at thrift shops and fleas. If I have a big meeting or presentation at work I try to confine my outfit to a more structured yet feminine silhouette. 

What's your typical work outfit look like?
A bold a-line skirt with a solid color top to to tone it down, or vice versa. I buy a lot of basics from Anthropolgie and mix and match with my zanier pieces. 

How do you upgrade a typical work outfit?
Color. Adding a bright color to anything shows confidence. If I'm feeling blah I'll put on something bright and bask in the extra attention. Before you know it I feel just as energetic as my favorite Peruvian pom-pom boots.

Want to see more photos of Rachel? Yes, ma'am!

"Spotted" at YouTube in San Bruno.
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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Eat in San Francisco: Thai Thai


Pumpkin Red Curry with Tofu: pumpkin and vegetables in a red curry sauce


Pineapple Fried Rice: fried rice with eggs, yellow onion, snow peas, pineapple, cashews, raisins, chicken, and shrimp


BBQ Chicken Fried Rice: grilled marinated chicken, served over fried rice with egg, yellow onion, and snow peas

Last weekend, I tried Thai Thai on Clay between Kearny and Montgomery in San Francisco's Financial District with a couple of friends. Being the adventurous lady that I am (not), I tried the Pineapple Fried Rice. It was everything that I wanted in a rainy day dish. The rice had a dynamic flavor and the variety of ingredients blended nicely in the way that Thai fried rice so often does.

Thai Thai is a great place to try if you're looking for solid (and affordable) Thai food in the Financial District, whether you're planning to eat inside or have it delivered.

Thai Thai
653 Clay St., San Francisco, CA 94111
Open: Monday - Friday 10:30 - 9, Saturday - Sunday 4 - 9

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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Work It, Google: Donna





Donna is wearing a top from Thrift Town, Forever 21 pants, hand-me-down sweater, Bongo shoes, and earrings from Etsy.

What's your name? Where do you live? What do you do at Google?
My name's Donna. I'm from Santa Clara, but just moved to the Sunset District in SF. I work with Partner Ops for YouTube and Google Play.

How would you describe your style?
I'd like to call it pseudo-hipster wannabe gypsy. Just kidding...kind of. I enjoy fashion on a budget and treat thrift shop visits as treasure hunts. I'll take that 99 cent top and think, "Can I really make this work?" Yes, definitely yes.

What's your typical work outfit look like?
If I can get away with wearing pajama-esque pants at work, then it's a good day. Basically, I like to remain as comfortable as possible. Clothes that fit right, but also look right for the workplace. I'm a big denim jean hater, but jeggings, leggings, and genie pants? I'm all about that. I'm usually in dark casual cottons and though I'm not wearing it now, floral prints are my weakness.

How do you upgrade a typical work outfit?
This year I made an unofficial New Year's Resolution to wear accessories (why make a resolution that isn't fun to do?). Previously I wouldn't wear any, but my ears were pierced since I was little and look Ma, I'm putting it to good use! Usually it'll be a necklace or earrings, bracelets become annoying against your laptop while typing, remember comfort is key.

Want to see more photos of Donna? Yuuup is right.

You can follow Donna on Instagram and Tumblr.

"Spotted" at YouTube in San Bruno.
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Monday, February 10, 2014

Eat in Berkeley: Le Bateau Ivre


Escargots Sautes Au Pernod: six snails sautéed in butter, garlic, and herbs, and flambéed with Pernod


Fromage en Croute: French goat cheese baked in puff pastry with basil and walnut, served with roasted red pepper sauce


Plat du Jour: grilled veal t-bone chop with garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and mushroom sauce


Filet Mignon Bordelaise: prime filet mignon, served with a Merlot and mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, and watercress


Latte

A couple of weeks ago, I won a $25 gift certificate from Visit Berkeley to try a restaurant of my choice during Berkeley Restaurant Week. I chose to visit Le Bateau Ivre, or The Drunken Boat, a charming café and restaurant located on Telegraph and Carleton in South Berkeley. This is a place I've passed by for years, always wondering what delicious French food is offered within.

With my favorite dinner companion in tow, I had a hearty meal of French cuisine that I would gladly repeat. We started off with a couple of appetizers: the escargots and the Fromage en Croute. The escargots were cooked in butter, garlic, and herbs and were made to perfection. The puff pastry was stuffed with rich goat cheese and served with tomatoes and lettuce, which balanced the strong flavor of the cheese nicely.

For the main course, I order the filet mignon. Contrary to what the photos above suggest, it was one of the best filet mignons I've ever tried. It was made just like I like it and came with a side of buttery mashed potatoes. The steak was served with a Merlot and mushroom sauce that complemented it impeccably.

Le Bateau Ivre also has a café that serves baked goods and coffee, if you're looking for an after dinner treat. They also have breakfast, lunch, and brunch depending on the day of the week. Basically, whatever meal you're craving, Le Bateau Ivre's the place to try.

Le Bateau Ivre
2629 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

Hours:
Breakfast: Tuesday - Friday 9 - 11:30
Brunch: Saturday - Sunday 9 - 2:30
Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30 - 2:30
Dinner: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 5 - 9:30, Friday - Saturday 5 - 10:30

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Eat in Berkeley: Flacos


Taquitos and Banana Leaf Tamal 

This weekend I tried Flacos' taquitos at the Berkeley Farmers' Market for the first time. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that my life has changed for the better. I might as well notate life before trying Flacos as LBT (life before taquitos) and the present as LAT (life after taquitos). They're seriously that good.

Besides having an incredible flavor and perfectly fried tortilla, Flacos' taquitos are completely vegan. They're made with flavored textured soy protein and wheat gluten, wrapped in a corn tortilla, fried in canola oil, and then served with avocado salsa. The combination of the flavorful insides, the crunchy tortillas, and the creamy salsa make the taquitos very dynamic.

I tried their banana leaf tamal, which was also very good. Like everything that Flacos makes, it was vegan. It's made with a banana leaf wrapped around organic corn masa, filled with olives, capers, potatoes, textured soy protein, and wheat gluten and served with the avocado salsa. Having a couple of taquitos and a tamal sure can make you thirsty, so I ordered a delicious horchata as well. It was made with brown rice milk, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and water.

Flacos has a booth at the Berkeley Farmers' Markets on Tuesdays in South Berkeley, Thursdays in North Berkeley, and Saturdays in Downtown Berkeley. They also have their own shop on Adeline at Ashby, right across from Ashby BART, that's open Tuesday through Sunday. If you're in the mood for Mexican food, I would urge you to run, not walk to Flacos now. (Unless it's Monday since they're closed.)

Flacos
3031 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 9, Sunday 12 - 6
Farmers' Market Hours: See schedule

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

Work It, Google: Sofia Jasmine




Sofia is wearing a Scoop NYC dress, Theory blazer, Steve Madden boots, David Yurman bracelets, key necklace by Kitson, and Fendi necklace charm on her own chain.

What's your name? Where do you live? What do you do at Google?
I'm Sofia, and I currently live in the Lower Haight (San Francisco). I'm a strategist on YouTube's Partner Operations team - I work with fashion & beauty creators to help them build their audience, develop programming strategies, and ultimately, create sustainable careers on YouTube. I've recently accepted an opportunity to join Condé Nast Entertainment, so I'll be moving back to New York in a few weeks to launch and strategize digital video content for iconic properties such as Vogue, Allure, GQ, Vanity Fair, and Glamour.

How would you describe your style?
I’d say my style is chic, modern, and professional. I like pieces that can transition effortlessly from day to evening, but I also like to have a little fun with what I'm wearing, with a refreshing pop of color or a statement necklace.

What's your typical work outfit look like?
I’m almost always in heels - at the office, I’m rocking a pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps in black patent leather or leather booties (my favorite is a pair of Stuart Weitzman for Scoop booties that I've had for years). I love pairing a dress with a blazer - you look instantly polished - but I'll also throw on an Equipment button-down blouse with a skirt for a more subtle workday look.

How do you upgrade a typical work outfit?
It's all about the accessories! I'm obsessed with BaubleBar for bold pieces to add vibrancy to any outfit, and I love vintage jewelry - they can be such unique treasures. My go-to for everyday work pieces are David Yurman bracelets and chunky watches by Michael Kors.

Want to see more photos of Sofia? Yes is correct.

You can follow Sofia on YouTube.



"Spotted" at Google in Mountain View.
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