Heidi K. Papers is an online stationery shop that is based right here in San Francisco (buying local is a goal of mine this year). She has a slew of offerings, whether you’re looking for cards with photos or just text. And you can also pick up some labels and save yourself the trouble of hand-writing your address on each and every envelope.

Now I can focus on other pressing matters – like what to give to the sister who has practically everything. Hmmm … Maybe a set of personal stationery from Heidi K.

Heidi K. Papers
2130 Fillmore Street
Suite #153
San Francisco, CA 94115
415) 846-1083

The Union Square location is the old FAO Schwarz. Remember that building? It’s not super-big, but it’s better than nothing. On the fourth floor is where you’ll find labels like Diane Von Furstenberg, Madison Marcus, Demylee, Marc by Marc Jacobs … the list of swoon-worthy designers goes on and on.

Oh, and shoes are on the second floor, which is more like a mezzanine than an entire floor. If you wear at least a size 36, you’re in for a real treat. (Luckily, ladies with petite feet like myself still have Nordstrom!)

So the next time you’re shopping downtown, be sure to add this to the list of places to drop by. And, if you want one of those black cotton Co-Op bags, you probably have to ask — but, from what I witnessed during opening weekend, the Barneys staff will be happy to oblige.

Barneys
77 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 268-3500

Who needs a golden ticket when this sweet shop is more pleasing on the eyes and tummy than anything Willy Wonka could dream up. (That’s no surprise, considering the Miette Patisserie folks are behind this place.)

Miette Confiserie
449 Octavia Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 626-6221

Tucked away in Carmel Valley is Bernadus Lodge, which is its own little oasis in this already heavenly region of Northern California. The Lodge features just under 60 rooms, a small spa, a heated outdoor pool, and two restaurants. The Bernadus Winery is just a few miles up the road, and a stay at the Lodge includes complimentary wine-tasting.

The rooms feature fireplaces, soaking tubs and patios. The decor is simple and comfortable. Service is stellar here — and I like that there’s a flat-rate service charge included in the room rate, so I don’t have to worry about scrounging for dollars to tip the bellhop or valet.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Bernardus is the on-site dining. A small group of us recently gathered at Marinus Restaurant for an amazing dining experience at the Chef’s Table. The booth in the kitchen offered such insight into the behind-the-scenes restaurant action. The chef was a pleasure — friendly and always taking the time to answer our questions or just explain random things to us.

As long as you’re not opposed to relaxing and maybe being pampered just a bit, there’s something for everyone here. Even a croquet lawn.

Bernardus Lodge
415 Carmel Valley Road,
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 658-3400

Although most people seemed to order the chef’s tasting menu, my husband and I opted for the three-course meal. There was not one, not two, but three amuse bouches. First up was a salty mango lassi; I wasn’t too fond of this salty (rather than the usual sweet) version of this drink. The second amuse was a delicious salt cod fritter. And finally, there was “The Egg” — a custard-like egg, sherry vinegar, chives and maple syrup layered in an eggshell. On the first bite, the contrast between the egg and the maple syrup was a bit too strong. But subsequent bites — once the runny yolk had been broken — were much better.

Now, on to the actual food that we ordered! We had the butterfish (served sashimi-style with olive oil, chives and sesame seeds) and the abalone (in brown butter, which sat atop layers of onions). Both were fantastic. For our main course, we enjoyed the farm poularde and the beef bavette. Again, we had absolutely no complaints.

I was glad the previous courses’ portions were on the small size, so we weren’t too full to enjoy the molasses cake and warm chocolate pudding. The cake was served with pears poached in port (a favorite of mine) and spice ice cream. The pudding was presented in the jar in which it was steamed, along with a scoop of rocky road ice cream. We easily finished off both desserts. As you would expect at a restaurant of this caliber, a platter of complimentary sweets were also provided at the end of the meal.

At the end of the evening, we rolled out of there completely satisfied. This restaurant in the ‘burbs (Los Gatos is about 45 minutes from San Francisco) definitely lives up to the accolades. If you’re looking for an adventure in taste and texture, it’s worth the trip here — even if, like us, you get a little lost finding the place!

Manresa Restaurant
320 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA
(408) 354-4330

The fusion restaurant, located in the new St. Regis, is from the acclaimed husband-and-wife team of Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (who also own Terra in St. Helena). With its dark wood floors, white linen tablecloths, zebrawood walls, striped floor-to-ceiling drapery and beautiful paintings, the setting is stylish and sophisticated — with a menu to match.

On a recent visit, my husband and I started with the “tuna five” (which is, as the name implies, tuna prepared five ways) and the poke (chopped tuna wrapped up neatly in seaweed). Both were incredible. I was pleasantly surprised by the crunchiness of the poke (thanks to the lightly fried seaweed), and thought the tartare was the best of the tuna five presentations.

For our main courses, he ordered the restaurant’s signature dish of broiled Alaskan black cod served with shrimp dumplings in a broth that was bursting with flavor. I opted for the matelote eel and foie gras on matsutake risotto, which was exceptional. We closely guarded our respective plates, not wanting to share too much.

We were wise to save room for dessert. We split the Valrhona hot chocolate and churros, as well as the pear crisp with gingersnap ice cream. They were both so good, I can’t pick a favorite. (Hmmm … Okay, since the churros are fried, they probably get my vote.)

The entire meal, from start to finish, was a real culinary treat. And the service, from the hostess to the waitstaff, was friendly and attentive. We even lucked out and scored a free parking spot just outside the St. Regis’ doors. That’s extra money that can be put to good use — in the form of another ginger pomegranate cosmopolitan!

TIP: Wondering how to pronounce the name of the restaurant? It’s “ah-may,” and means either rain or hard candy in Japanese.

Ame (in the St. Regis Hotel)
689 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 284-4040

The restaurant is a haven from the bustling area outside. Plush red chairs, comfortable curved booths and white tablecloths provide further confirmation that you have stepped into another world — away from the harried shoppers, cable cars and tourists. Just above the restaurant is a spectacular glass dome comprised of over 26,000 pieces. “The Glass Ship” is an architectural beauty that was originally installed in the City of Paris, a legendary San Francisco store built in 1909.

In addition to an assortment of black, green and herbal brews, the Rotunda offers an array of small sandwiches and sweets. All are beautifully presented on a multi-tiered server.

Somewhere along the way — between bites of smoked salmon, cucumber, fruit tartlets and scones — you’ll realize that this tea break has left your mind, body and appetite completely satisfied.

Afternoon Tea
Daily: Seatings between 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rotunda Restaurant (in Neiman Marcus)
150 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
( 415) 362-4777

Overlooking the first and second fairways of the famed course, the Mediterranean-style villa offers modern comforts in an old-world setting. There are just 24 rooms and suites — all of which have wood-burning fireplaces, and many with balconies or private outdoor hot tubs. The bathrooms boast heated slate floors and tubs that are big enough for two. Continental breakfast (delivered in a cute basket every morning), plus all of the snacks and beverages that are stocked in the room, are included in your stay.

With all of these amenities, why you would ever leave your room? For starters, the fragrant gardens and trickling fountains offer a tranquil spot to read or relax. You can brush up on your skills in the billiards room, or take a swim in the heated outdoor pool. In the evening, the main house plays host to a happy hour, where the drinks and food are free and for guests-only. (We’re not talking chips and salsa here — more like oysters and sashimi.)

And let’s not forget the world-class Spa at Pebble Beach, which is adjacent to Casa Palmero. The 22,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers an array of massages, wraps, peels, and scrubs. While I can’t resist a manicure/pedicure at the beauty salon, my husband likes to indulge in at least two massages followed by a nice rest in the spa’s conservatory lounge.

Although Casa Palmero doesn’t have its own restaurant, there are several just down the road at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. (Room service is available from most of these restaurants.) For more dining options, you can make a trip into Carmel. And don’t you worry about how to get there: Casa Palmero offers complimentary rides into town. Would you expect anything less?

TIP: Ask for a ground-floor spa room, which features a private patio with French doors that open onto your own whirlpool spa.

Casa Palmero
1518 Cypress Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93950
(800) 654-9300