Poetic Shutterbug

Spending Thanksgiving in San Francisco? McCormick & Kuleto’s open for Thanksgiving! 11:30am-9pm on Thanksgiving Day $18.95 for traditional turkey dinner with turkey, stuffing and cranberry Reservations are available now by calling (415) 929-1730 2009 Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Nov. 27 from 1:30-6:00pm Ghirardelli Square kicks-off the holiday season with a day of magical fun followed by its 45th annual tree-lighting ceremony hosted by Channel 5’s Roberta Gonzales. Entertainment includes a visit from Santa, live music, strolling holiday carolers, entertainment for the children, snow and more. The 35-foot Ghirardelli Square tree will be lit at 5:30pm. (415) 775-5500 Visit Ghirardelli Square for more information

Courtesy of www.ghirardellisq.com Shuck & Swallow @ West Plaza of GSQ Tuesday, October 6, 5-6pm Teams from your favorite SF Restaurants will compete to shuck & eat as many oysters as possible in 10 mins. Viewing the competition is free. Immediately following the competition, head down to McCormick & Kuleto's for an Oyster & Wine Pairing event from 6-8 pm. Tickets, available at the door, are $30 per person with the net proceeds being donated to The Marine Mammal Center. www.mccormickandkuletos.com

The Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival September 12 - 13, 12 to 5 Click Here for more information Event Schedule SATURDAY Chef Demonstrations, In West Plaza 1:00 - Chef Mitchell Hughes, Spun Sugar 2:00 - Chef Casey Thompson, Top Chef Season 3 Finalist 3:00 - Kara Lind, Kara’s Cupcakes 4:00 - Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Main Stage, Beach Street 2:00–2:15 - Earthquake Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest 2:15–2:30 - Children’s Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest 5–8 year olds 2:30–2:45 - Children’s Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest 9–12 year olds SUNDAY Chef Demonstrations, In West Plaza 1:00 - Chef Jason Etzkin, Fairmont San Francisco 2:00 - Chef Casey Thompson, Top Chef Season 3 Finalist 3:00 - Chef Rebecca Lugtu, Sweet Dreams 4:00 - Steve Genzoli, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Main Stage, Polk Street 2:00–2:15 - Children’s Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest 5–8 year olds 2:15–2:30 - Children’s Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest 9–12 year olds BOTH DAYS All Day - Cost Plus Wine ...

And yes, I have had many over the years :) Tuesday, August 4, 6pm A rare opportunity to enjoy the private terrace of Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square. Enjoy some of the best views of the Bay & Alcatraz while tasting wine from Wattle Creek Winery and treats from other Ghirardelli Square restaurants. Click here to join Ghirardelli Square’s Meetup group and RSVP to this event

Ghirardelli Square is famous for their chocolate and rightly so. I am a chocolate connoisseur and believe me when I say Ghirardelli is one of the premier chocolate producers in the world. The Ghirardelli Square complex hosts two chocolate shops. As you enter the main gate on Larkin street the chocolate shop eatery and store are located immediately to the left of the plaza. The other as pictured above is located on the West Plaza. This shop is my favorite haunt. There are a few table and chair vignettes where you can sit, relax and enjoy some chocolate decadence or you can grab your treats and enjoy them at home. I like this little shop much better because it is not as crowded and actually has more of a variety. One thing I love doing while there especially on a cold and foggy day, is buying a hot chocolate, which by the way are the best in the city, then buying a little chocolate square and letting the square melt in the hot chocolate. It doesn ’t matter what flavor you ...

It was a warm morning in February 2003. I was working at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. The plaza was empty and I was sitting in the store reading a book. All of a sudden I hear this jazzy tune playing on the Fountain Plaza. I did not recognize the tune but I loved the melody. A few seconds later I was stunned by what I can only describe as the voice of an angel. The pure, smooth vocals were so engaging that I had to get out there and see who this was filling the square with such beautiful music. I went out, stood by the door and saw this elegantly dressed beautiful blond e in a long black gown and heels singing her heart out in this quiet bare plaza. I was completely mesmerized by her voice and stood there for her entire set without even moving. When I heard "This City Is Mine" which was written and composed by Jerry Holland I fell in love with the song. I waited until her set was done and went out and bought two CD's . I remember telling her that it...

The Ghirardelli Square Annual Wine Festival "Uncorked" was in full swing when we arrived. There were wine tasting booths along Beach Street from Larkin to Polk and above throughout the square plaza. Cooking demonstrations from local restaurants were at hand displaying their epicurean expertise. Live entertainment could be found along Beach Street and the plaza. I was thrilled to see Pamela Rose performing. She is a San Francisco favorite and wonderful jazz singer. I was also blissfully pleased to see some of my favorite wineries including the Martin Ray wineries of Santa Rosa. Cellar 360 as shown above is that type of venue where you just want to grab some wine and cheese and hang out on the plaza all day long. I love it there - any job openings? Seriously though it is the place for wine on the square. Wattle Creek also has some tasty delights waiting for you. We spent many hours at this festival and loved every moment. Thanks to Lindsay Maxon for this local fa...

Sunday at McCormick's Every Sunday 11:30am – 3:00pm Start off your Sunday right at McCormick and Kuleto’s as you enjoy brunch overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay. From San Francisco treats like Crabcake Omelets to classic Buttermilk Pancakes drizzled with fresh fruit, McCormick and Kuleto’s is the perfect start to any day. Brunch at McCormick and Kuleto’s will be offered on Mother’s Day serving the standard menu as well as a few special options in appreciation of moms everywhere. For reservations Click Here

Photo courtesy of www.ghirardellisq.com Ghirardelli Square "Uncorks" on May 16th. This annual event in San Francisco is a favorite among bay area dwellers and tourists. With over 50 wineries participating in this palate pleasing soiree there is enough to go around for everyone. I have been to this event many times and I absolutely love it. In addition to the wineries there are cooking demonstrations which are always a favorite of mine and live music which for me is the main event at this festival. The event is free however if you buy tickets there is an unlimited availability of wine tasting throughout the festival. I also want to personally thank Lyndsay Maxon for this fantastic annual event. So, come on out to the square on the 16th and join the fun. For more information including a schedule of events visit the Ghirardelli Square website.