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WINTER DRIZZLE FOR HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
For the first time in several years, the rain was a guest at the annual Dolly Fritz Cope Tree lighting in Huntington Park. Not to be dampened by the weather, however, the some 100 guests simply moved into Grace Cathedral where they were serenaded by the wonderful San Francisco Girls Chorus. Dean Alan Jones even welcomed the climactic change as it gave the Girls Chorus the opportunity to perform in the acoustically splendid Cathedral. And at 6pm sharp, with the Cathedral bells in the background, Mayor Willie Brown flipped the giant switch illuminating all new lights in the Park and officially beginning the holiday season in San Francisco.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN EVIDENCE AT 2003 ANNUAL MEETING
The Nob Hill Association honored Al Melendez as "Police Officer of the Year" at its 75th Annual Meeting. Central Station Captain Stephen Tacchini announced the award recipient describing Melendez's 28 years of outstanding service to San Franciscans. Captain Tacchini noted that Melendez's award was particularly significant because fellow Officers at Central Station, where Melendez has worked for the past seven years, selected him as the recipient. To present the "Firefighter of the Year" award to Battalion Chief Alfred Quarteroli was San Francisco Fire Department Chief Mario Treviño. Chief Treviño also presented a nice check ro Melissa Lerma, chair of the Firefighters Christmas Toy Program on behalf of NHA. Treviño told NHA members that he attends many neighborhood association gatherings and that NHA events were far and away the best. Following the awards ceremony, NHA President Elisa Stephens then presented a nice contribution to Dean Alan Jones of Grace Cathedral to support the lighting of the stained glass windows.
Following the business meeting, members adjourned to a grand party in Salon 1 of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel where General Manager Edward Mady and his staff had prepared a festive cocktail reception. NHA attendees selected cocktails from a full bar or celebrated NHA accomplishments with a bit of the bubbly. They feasted on a tasty selection of Ritz specialties including chicken sate with peanut sauce, miniature southern crab cakes and Thai spring rolls in plum sauce. The beautifully arranged room was perfect for conversation and some NHA members lingered for a tasty supper of penne with spinach and walnut cream pesto or fusilli with fresh tomato and basil. Many members said that each year they think that the Annual Party is better than any of the previous ones and the 2003 party at the Ritz with its gourmet food and lovely decor was no exception.
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Restaurant Sofia Opens in Fairmont Hotel
Nob Hill Association members got a preview of the new restaurant Sofia recently. Formerly “Masons,” this new Nob Hill eatery has a look and feel right out of “La Dolce Vita,” evoking the aura of 1960s Italian art films. The space includes lots of white drapes, rose petals strewn on the tables and floor, a DJ playing mood music, a swanky pool table, crystal chandeliers and a white-garbed hostess who greeted NHA guests in front of an 8-foot screen showing Fellini films.
Members sipped Champagne and wines while nibbling on sumptuous hors d’ouvres prepared by chef Frank Whitaker, who comes to Sofia from the Park Avenue Café in New York City. Sofia will offer a menu of 40 small plates and an extensive wine-by-the-glass list. The Nob Hill Association welcomes Sofia to the Hill and encourages everyone to try it out!
Click here to see photos of the opening
New Restaurant Opens On Nob Hill
A wonderful cocktail party and reception for some 250 members of the Nob Hill Association marked the opening of the Hill's newest restaurant, the Watergate. Taking its name from its two owners Walter Liang (Walter sounding like "water") and Rebecca Kwan (Kwan meaning "gate" in Chinese), the Watergate masterfully blends French and Asian cuisine. Guests were served generous portions of Chef Liang's signature dishes from the menu while surrounded by a décor that is intimate, yet elegantly modern.
Local residents and visitors alike will delight from the extensive selection of items available such as Ahi-Tuna Carpaccio, Seared Day Boat Scallops or Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras which are found on the "Petites Assiettes" section of the menu as well as such enticing main courses as Sonoma Duck Breast, Pan Roasted Seabass or Kalamata Olive Crusted Escalore. The Watergate is located at 1077 California Street in the Gramercy Towers. For reservations, call (415) 474-2000.
Click here to see photos of the NHA reception
Puttin' on the Ritz the Biggest Ever!
This year's Puttin' on the Ritz was the biggest and best ever. This fifth annual black tie extravaganza benefiting the Nob Hill Foundation was attended by 180 delighted guests who packed the Grand Ballroom of the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco. The evening began with champagne and sumptuous hors d'oeuvres prepared by the master chefs from the Ritz. Or for those who preferred, a martini from the Sky Vodka bar provided the perfect start to the evening.
As the guests took their place at the elegantly decorated tables, everyone knew they were in for a special evening. To switch the mood from chatting to cuisine, the top notch staff from the Ritz started by serving roasted halibut medallion with Swiss chard, morels and beef jus, followed by a salad of bibb lettuce with papaya, fennel and mushrooms. The main course was a perfectly prepared beef tenderloin with bone marrow, herb crusted with a cabernet sauvignon sauce. The meal terminated with an almond biscuit with cherries compote and ice cream, followed by mignardises. Each course was accompanied by just the right wine.
As has become the custom, Ed Damon entertained the guests, many of whom were moved to dance between the tables. Eddie Fisher was seen waltzing around the room with a number of beautiful partners.
Many thanks to those who are responsible for the continued success of this benefit, particularly Social Events Chair Bella Farrow, co chair Sylvia Clough as well as Ed Mady, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton and his terrific staff.
Puttin' on the Ritz pictures
ELEGENT STREET PARTY TOASTS THE CALIFORNIA MILLE
The worlds of sleek vintage sports cars and Italian food and wine converged to produce "Nob Hill Toasts The California Mille," a glamorous afternoon affair to kick-off the California Mille Sunday April 27 in front of the Fairmont Hotel at California and Mason streets. The event benefited the Nob Hill Association in its work to preserve and enhance historic Huntington Park.
Patterned after the world-famous Italian Mille Miglia, the California Mille is a four-day, 1000-mile tour through Northern California. Although the Mille Miglia originally ran from 1927 through 1957, it was revived as an annual event in 1982. Martin Swig, who was the sole American entrant in the Mille Miglia in 1982, founded the California Mille in 1990.
Sponsored by The Fairmont San Francisco, the outdoor reception showcased more than 70 one-of-a-kind sports racing and production cars that then participated in the 13th annual running of the California Mille. Dating from 1927 to 1957, the rare cars, drawn from around the world, will recreate the spirit of the original Mille Miglia.
The Fairmont's Executive Chef Bernard Chirent prepared a bountiful Italian buffet to complement signature wines. Mumm Champagne, Smirnoff Vodka, Anchor Steam Brewery and Evian Water generously provided other refreshments. Several guests won exciting raffle prizes, courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Many thanks also go to the event chair Bella Farrow and to the co-chairs Martin Swig, Mark Huntley and Sylvia Clough.
Click here for photos from the 2003 California Mille
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