AT&T Park Cuisine Spotlight: The Garden

Last night I attended the Giants vs. Rockies game at AT&T Park. I have been on a health kick lately, trying to eat a clean diet, but was worried when I went to the game that that wasn't going to be possible. Who can say no to hot dogs and nachos? As good as the Gilroy garlic fries and hot dogs smelled, I managed to fight the urge and made my way down to The Garden. I’m always surprised by how many Giants lovers are unaware of this gem. 

In the summer of 2014, AT&T Park opened up an edible garden behind the center field wall. The 4,320-square-foot patch of garden features both raised beds and aeroponic growing towers, which use 95% less water than conventional growing methods. Fun fact: the garden is fertilized with coffee grounds provided by Peet's! On top of that, The Garden has become an outdoor classroom for children of nonprofit organizations in San Francisco, with the goal to educate younger generations about a healthier lifestyle. 

The Garden offers a variety of fresh salads, delicious flatbread pizzas, and a selection of tasty desserts and treats. My favorite is the cauliflower flatbread and their arugula and shaved Parmesan salad. The Garden’s amazing food is paired with a beautiful bar area, complete with tables, chairs, and fire pits. 

It’s hard to believe you are at a ball game with the ambiance in center field. Be sure to check out The Garden next time you are at AT&T Park and follow their fabulous twitter and instagram accounts! 

Go Giants!

Alli

A Visit to Blueprint Studios

Last week we had the chance to visit Blueprint Studios in South San Francisco and see their amazing showroom! Their creative designs and functional layouts make for some super fun spaces and we can’t wait to see our collaborative designs come to life in an upcoming event! 

We loved this chic Western display – the perfect mix of rustic and glamour. 

Even the small details stand out in the showroom – a mix of textures and patterns create unique design elements that add to the overall feel of the space. 

We LOVED this framed table space! The backdrop and wood frame add interest and variation to a beautifully simplistic table design. We got a first look at their new rose gold farm table, which they paired with these fun blue chairs – the perfect design for a chic backyard BBQ this summer!

We love visiting Blueprint because they are constantly changing their showroom displays. We can’t wait to come back soon for their "Winter is Coming party" later this month – stay tuned!

Best,

Fiona

Design Inspiration at West Main

This past Friday, June 11, a friend of mine officially opened the doors of her brand new home design store, West Main. Located on the very quaint Main Street in Half Moon Bay, West Main is the latest home design store bringing you loads of fabulous items and design inspiration for any kind of home. Ranging from coffee table books, kitchen essentials, and even jewelry, West Main has got it all. 

If you are in Half Moon Bay, be sure to check out West Main!

Happy decorating,

Alli

A Night at the SFMOMA

Last night we got to go to  SFMOMA as guests of one of our clients. What a treat. 

I found the selection of modern art interesting. There was something for everyone, from well-known pieces by the iconic Andy Warhol to Bruce Nauman's "Life Death/Knows Doesn't Know."

The architecture of the building was just as beautiful as the exhibits. 

It is incredible how some artwork just speaks to you. 

Put a visit to the SFMOMA on your calendar! It is back and better than ever. 

Best, 

Christy

San Francisco's Decorator Showcase

This past week our team had the opportunity to attend the Decorator’s Showcase in North Beach.

The house itself was exquisite, accompanied by its European-style gardens and beautiful marble reliefs framing the property. 

We love what Nest Design Co did with this shared bedroom space.

The amazing ocular mural by The Martin Group was an interesting feature in one of the bathrooms.

Patterns, patterns, patterns! We love how Stephan Jones Interiors used today’s trend of overlapping patterns to create this unique study.

This opulent home shares a hillside with Coit Tower and has views of the city that are breathtaking. 

If you live in the Bay Area and need some inspiration or just enjoy taking a peek inside some seriously striking homes – the SF Decorator’s Showcase is a must-see. We look forward to what 2017 brings.

 

Ta-ta for now,

Paige

When Instagram Strikes

I sometimes wonder what the effects of Instagram are on my behavior. Do we see things and want to buy them, eat them, or maybe wear them?

Just the other day I saw the Instagram below. I took a picture of it and sent it on to my husband and 12 hours later we were having dinner at WesBurger 'N' More. I was fully influenced by the pictures on their Instagram feed.

What I sent my husband

Well, WesBurger did not disappoint. My family decided they had the best tater tots we had ever had. My hamburger ("The Hot Wes," pictured below) was covered in onion rings and pickled jalapeños. 

The decor was easy on the eyes. 

Next trip we will try their Nashville Hot Chicken to see how it compares to Prince's Hot Chicken, which we loved so much in Nashville.

Details coming soon. 

Samantha

San Francisco Site Visits

Samantha, Jessie, and I checked out some cool spots last week for our upcoming events. We started our morning visiting a place called The Garage. When this site is not in use for an event, it is actually someone’s home. The garage look and feel makes for a fun and unique event space.

After that, we headed over to a space that we’ve used before called One Kearny Club. The space has beautiful views of San Francisco. The venue has a sort of Asian theme running through it, which is a fun idea for a future event.  

I had a great time during the site visits. I learned more about the event spaces available in SF and also had a fun day learning more about Samantha and Jessie while exploring San Francisco with them.

Love, 

Alli

goop MRKT

We always love a good field trip at Samantha Smith Productions. Last week we were out doing site inspections of a few new venues in San Francisco so we decided to pop into the latest pop-up market – goop MRKT

 

When I first read about the market I was curious about how goop would translate from an online blog and retailer to a brick-and-mortar retail space. But I was more curious about the location itself. The space was created by Frank Lloyd Wright and it features a ramp that predates his Guggenheim Museum design.  

Well neither the space nor the store disappointed me. It was a beautiful space with beautiful merchandise.

Go check it out soon. It closes on May 22. 

Samantha

The American Industrial Building

We’re truly lucky to work in such an amazing building. 

This building is a true San Francisco landmark. 

This photo was taken on Third Street right outside of our building.

One of my favorite things about it are these beautiful stairwells with exposed brick and lots of natural light. 

It's crazy to think that the space we work in was once the home of the American Can Company!

These incredibly long hallways span the entire length of the building.

We are surrounded by inspiring and creative neighbors. 

 The view at the end of the day isn't so bad either.

Until next time, 

Jessie

Weekend Getaway

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Silvestri Vineyards in the beautiful Carmel Valley. 

It is an exciting time for this vineyard in particular because they just planted a new crop of the Bordeaux variety. I learned that the vines need to be kept in growing tubes to protect the fruit and help the plant grow upward at first. 

The highlight of my weekend was driving the golf cart around the vineyard and learning about each variety...and tasting the wine of course! 

Also, the delicious meal at Cafe Rustica. This pizza with caramelized onions, Gruyere, and smoked bacon was to die for!

If you haven't indulged in a bottle of Silvestri wine or visited stunning Carmel, I recommend that you do! 

Best, 

Christy

An Evening of Recognition

Yesterday we headed to sunny Southern Cali for an awards dinner. Having grown up in Orange County, it was fun to be in my own backyard at Fashion Island’s Fig and Olive Restaurant in Newport Beach!

 

After a week of rain, this event marked the return of sunny days – getting me (and probably many others) excited for summer beach days. If only I had a tan . . .

 

Anyway, we held the event in the wine room, which was wonderful. Clean, bright, and filled floor-to-ceiling with wine – can you say heaven?

 

We added some elegance by pairing white with cool grey menus and floral arrangements that incorporated different textures with a pop of pastel orange. Oh, and don’t forget the clear glass box candles! We also added a sweet touch from Woodhouse Chocolates.

It was all smiles all around – literally. They had such a great team at the restaurant supporting us. From waiters Carly and Adam to Chef Mark. 

 

Can’t wait to return!

xoxo,

Hayley

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Last week, our team had the opportunity to see a brand new space opening right in our backyard, The Pearl SF.

It is a renovated industrial boiler and welding works building, which adds a certain style and sophistication factor that we don’t always see.

The first level is a beautiful open space with amazing art and sculptures by Alexis Laurent. We love anything that Alexis in involved in because we know it will be beautiful. 

We love the tiles in the women’s bathroom. It’s in the details!

The second floor has a great view of the old cranes that will be transformed into beautiful suspended gardens.

Having a rooftop space is an anomaly in San Francisco and we are excited about planning a great party on their rooftop. We are also excited by the great line-up of vendors they already have, including Birite and Gotlight. 

So thrilled this remarkable space is opening this spring! 

Cheers, 

Paige

Sometimes you get paid to go to lunch

Recently we chose a place to hold an upcoming board dinner, but after inspecting the restaurant, we realized it didn't meet our expectations. We decided to search for something new and different, but ended up going back to an iconic SF restaurant we'd used before. Kokkari, what took us so long to come back?

When you enter you are greeted like an old friend and you instantly feel at home. You smell the meat roasting on an open fire and you see the open dining room that feels more like a living room. 

We were quickly reminded of how good the service was as the staff answered our many questions and guided us to dishes that will work well for our group. We had some Greek classics like spanakopita (phyllo dough around spinach and cheese), chicken skewers, and some new dishes including zucchini cakes (I am still thinking about these and wishing that I did not have to share them). We also had an amazing lamb chop and Jessie tried the grilled shrimp. All the food was wonderful. 

We were so full, but work is work so we had to try dessert as well. We knew we would order the chocolate cake for our guests as we had seen it while walking to our seats so we did not try that. But we did try the Greek version of doughnuts and again I wish that I did not have to share them with Jessie, but I did. 

Here we are at the end of meal, very happy, but back to work we went, feeling full and secure in the knowledge that one of our clients was going to have a very good meal in May. See you soon Kokkari, you are back on our list of favorite spots to eat in SF.

Thanks. Samantha

Ladies Who Lunch

On Wednesday, we had a special treat at the SSP office. Janet, owner and founder of Ladies Who Lunch, and a few members of her team came to our office to make us lunch! They turned our collaboration picnic table into a full kitchen, where we got to watch (and smell) the menu come to life.  

What was on the menu, you ask? Well I’ve been trying to create a healthier regular diet. I do this by choosing vegan-friendly options in as many of my meals as I can! Ladies Who Lunch was able to accommodate me. 

 

I started with a roasted heirloom baby beet salad!

I then moved on to a trio of smoked and sautéed forest mushrooms. 

 

For the third course we were served a fresh spring pea soup – it was light and refreshing – especially for the hot week we’ve had in the city!

 

Fourth course was a seared soy curd for me with some Asian slaw and wild wood sorrel, served over black garlic emulsion (YUM!).

 

Last, but certainly not least, were the cutely displayed vegan puddings served in bite-sized cones with an amazing flavor. The perfect ending to a delicious lunch!

Thanks so much to Janet of Ladies Who Lunch! It was certainly a day to remember.

- Hayley

What's in the box?

Inspiration all the way from Åre, Sweden! It is always an exciting day when one of our subscriptions is delivered. Today, we received a package from NorseBox. 

We instantly loved the packaging and this clever sticker. 

Thank you NorseBox for a little taste of Nordic design!

Best, 

Christy 

Destination Wedding

What’s better than attending a wedding? Attending a destination wedding, of course! I recently traveled to Puerto Vallarta to watch one of my closest friends walk down the aisle – an aisle made up of sand and palm mats that is!

 

After a few days of relaxation in paradise, all 81 weddings guests boarded a boat to Las Caletas, an island 30 miles off the coast where the ceremony and reception were held.

After an hour of margaritas on the water, we docked at the picturesque island. We couldn’t wait to abandon ship!

We walked down a stone path, which lead to the ceremony space. We were greeted by an 8-piece mariachi band, a map of Mexico to sign our names on, and some very creative seating assignments.

The ceremony setting was incredible with dark wood chairs in rows right next to the ocean. The water even hit our chairs during the nuptials!

The bride was just as beautiful as the surroundings.

After the ceremony, the island was beautifully lit by hundreds of candles. A dance floor was set up in place of the chairs where the ceremony had been.  All seamlessly done, an event planners dream!

We danced the night away both on the dance floor and the boat ride back. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience! Congratulations Nikki & Drew!

Lost in Nature

This weekend I had the opportunity to discover a beautiful venue on Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley. The delightful Ralston White Retreat is capable of hosting 55 people overnight. 

The striking heart-shaped driveway entrance shows the amount of passion that was put into creating this space. A ceremony of any kind can take place on this lawn, providing guests with a sense of peace, serenity, and love.

The 43 acres of scenic trails through the mountains makes this an unforgettable place. 

Some of the trails lead you to this stunning opening on the slopes where you can look straight out at the Bay Bridge and views of San Francisco.

We took a hike to this location early in the morning and enjoyed watching the sun rise over the mountains.

 

I could not have had more of a relaxing and picturesque weekend at this charming estate.

 

A wedding here might be in my future!

 

Happy travels,

Paige

Dinner at Prospect SF

Private dinners are some of the most fun events to plan & work here at Samantha Smith Productions. 

Earlier this week, we hosted one of our clients Board of Director's dinner at Prospect in San Francisco. 

 

Of course, there was lovely decor - Shoutout to Michelle for creating these lovely centerpieces from scratch! 

 

Of course, there was excellent wine selected by our expert Food & Beverage Director! 

 

One of the incredible inventive entrees, carrot and potato gnocch. Yummy.

Oh the Pork Chop, we believe the best one in all of San Francisco. 

And the beets below were heavenly. 

Last but not least, The caramel and chocolate popcorn is to die for!

Check out the recipe for the popcorn, give it a try and let us know what your think.

Until next time, 

Jessie 

 

Great Event

Hello. We love what we do and we are so lucky to have great clients who let us turn blank canvases into magical events. Check out the photos from our latest event below. Have a great week.

Thank you to our amazing team and to our great partners who helped us to make this event happen. We love you Shotgun Floral Studio, Standard Party Rentals, Essence Printing, McCalls Catering, Blueprint Studios, Compass Transportation, Doorstep Photography, Jimmy Dillion, CPA Valet, La Tavola Linens, and Impact Lighting.

Samantha