The Good Fork

My friends and I had dinner this evening at The Good Fork in Red Hook. I had heard of them and recently read a glowing review of the restaurant. Small, but cozy the restaurant has an amazing chef, Sohui Kim. She is the wife of the owner, and a wizard in her kitchen. The decor is mostly small tables set under a curved wooden roof. It gives the feel of dining in a ship's cabin.

I had the wild mushroom risotto with pancetta, peas and confit of duck. It was definitely stick to your ribs food. I only made it half way through my entree. My friends had the butternut squash ravioli, and the cod, both of which looked and tasted equally as good. The ravioli had a beautiful presentation. It was served in a sage butter sauce which what we guessed was a caramelized ginger. Service is friendly and quick. Not in your face, but they make sure you have everything you need. The key lime pie for dessert is not to be missed.

HBO

I discovered to my delight this morning that HBO has an actual store here in Manhattan. They sell DVDs of all of their shows, including Fashion Girl favorites Sex and the City, Deadwood, Rome, Entourage & Six Feet Under.

The also sell merchandise associated with all of the shows. While I was tempted by the Rome merchandise, I was astonished to find my shopping holy grail. A tee shirt that says, "Shopping is my cardio". You know I had to buy it!

Fashion Girl takes Manhattan

That's right, I'm flying out on the red eye tonight. Visiting fashion mecca to replenish my shoe collection, indulge in some great food and of course have some cocktails. Please forgive me if I'm in and out of touch. I'll try to blog from the Big Apple. Here's hoping that T-Mobile gives me the love.

Getting in touch with my inner geek

Sorry for being MIA yesterday, but I was busy watching the season finale of Battlestar Galactica. Yes, it's true, I'm a science fiction geek.

I initially was drawn in by the hoochie outfits of Caprica (Number Six), the cylon hottie leading the humans down the path of destruction. But I couldn't help getting caught up in the messy personal lives in this character drama.

I love people whose lives are more messed up than mine. Ergo my addiction to Bridget Jones, Sex and the City and chick lit in general. Battlestar is just a bunch of screwed up people floating around in giant tin cans looking for Earth.

And I am seriously geeking out about this last episode. The final 5 cylons were revealed...or were they. None of us are sure. I won't give anything away, but suffice it to say I never saw that last scene coming. To quote the show, "Frak me!"

I am such a girl

Throw a cute, fuzzy polar bear out there and I just melt like butter. Knut, the newest attraction at the Berlin Zoo made his media debut this week. He was rejected by his mother, but is being raised by a zookeeper. There's been a whirlwind of controversy about this. Environmentalists are saying it would be better to euthanize him as he will never be able to survive in the wild. What wild?! People, polar bears are already becoming cannibals in "the wild" and their habitat is rapidly disappearing.

I say you were right to spare Knut. I mean, who could put down an animal with this punim? Besides the zoo can make boocoup bucks selling stuffed Knuts and branded gummi bears! They've already made him into a screensaver.

Mother of the Year?

Dina Lohan was featured in a recent Harpers Bazaar article in which she discussed many things. Her daughter's rehab, her living the American Dream and the lost kids of Hollywood. She also makes clear that Lindsay isn't addicted to alchohol. Right...the girl isn't even 21 yet and she's already done a stint in Wonderland for, what Dina? Shopping addiction? I don't think so.

I guess I would start drinking too if my Mom followed me around to parties, acting like a MILF and trying to nail my leftovers. Dina brags about borrowing her daughters clothes and shoes. Um, your 40 lady, time to update your style. I think Lindsay should declare herself an emancipated minor. However, since she was never allowed to go to college, she may have no idea what I'm talking about.

Linsday your Mom is going to drag you down. She's Turtle to your Vince. She'll just keep giving you what you want so she can keep getting what she wants.

Dina Lohan's most telling comment in the article, "You know, you can't blame parents for kids." Oh yes you can lady, oh yes you can.

Made from "the best stuff on Earth"?

I had my first diet lemon Snapple today. I just have to say this. I could have licked a vinyl couch and it would have tasted better. What are they putting in this stuff? It's vile!

Lime

I've been going to this Castro restaurant practically since it's inception. Spent last Friday night reliving the glory days with friends at a table near the bar. Lime is my L.A. moment in San Francisco. With a decor like the Standard hotel, and mood lighting it's the place to eat. Loud and vivacious, like a long lost friend.

The menu doesn't change at all, but the food is always consistently good. Personal favorites are the white cheddar grilled cheese and tomato soup. They cut the crusts off and make little triangles just perfect for dipping into your demitasse of soup. The deviled eggs, and the filet with two sauces are also delicious. You can practically order the entire menu during a 2 hour dinner.

Cocktails are creative and mostly fruity. My beloved Fashion Guy had a melon martini that tasted slightly medicinal. I was much happier with my vodka tonic. Note to self: stick to the standards.

With brunch on weekends Lime is still a solid hit in my book. Try it and see.

The real reason Justin dumped Cameron

"I actually buy my own clothes. It's kind of a drag. But I have a new philosophy, now I always wear whatever I'm wearing, the same outfit, for four days, and then I never wear it again. I do change my underwear though."

~ Cameron Diaz
quoted by FemaleFirst.co.uk

Thank you D-Listed.com

Your caption contest made my whole day...

The CAPTION THIS Contest Winner for March 16th!!!

You will revert to Scientology
You will revert to Scientology - Anonymous

Runner-up:

Mary Kate Olsen shields her pet chihuahua from the glare of the paparazzi. - sr morgan

Sure beats eating over the sink

San Francisco is becoming the new New York. You can get almost anything delivered to your door here. In this case fresh, organic meals to cook at home. For busy professionals like myself it's a lifesaver. Think of all the nights you're schlogging home trying to think of something, anything, to cook yourself. If you are like me you often just give up and eat a bowl of cereal.

Well no more. I've just discovered Cook! SF. They are an food delivery service here in the City. For the low price of $13.95 they will deliver a ready-to-be-cooked entree to your door once a week. Instructions are easy (though we found some detail was missing), and the food is delicious. We had their Korean steak with jasmine rice, mung beans and kimchi. It was fast to make and felt like something you'd spent all day cooking. So if you don't have to time to menu plan, shop and cook for yourself give them a try. They are offering a 50% off trial offer over on their website. Bon appetit!

Oh oh it's magic

I was at the Asian Film Festival this afternoon and saw The Mistress of Spices. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai, one of my favorite Bollywood actresses. Her character, Tilo, is a spice mistress. A child with second sight, she is kidnapped by bandits, but escapes and washes ashore on an island of women. She is taught by First Mother the properties of all the spices. Then sent into the world where she uses her knowledge and ability to read people to help direct their lives. She is bound by rules and traditions. For instance, she's not allowed to touch anyone or to use her knowledge of spices for her own gain. Enter Doug, the uber hottie architect she longs for. Tempted by the possibility of love she begins to lose sight of her work and the spices stop working their magic.

This movie falls into the genre of magical realism films. It is similar to Like Water for Chocolate, Chocolat and Woman on Top. A woman using unique powers to control her world, and finding love in the process. The big question here is can Tilo be a spice mistress and still have love.

The movie is a beautiful payan to food as well. The spice shop is warm, and beautiful. Mounds of colorful spices are precisely displayed on elevated platforms, in beautiful glass jars, and in baskets. It has the same feel as the greenhouse from Practical Magic, so beautiful you just want to pack your things and move in. It's a total Pottery Barn moment.

I found some of the dialogue a bit silly. Thought Dylan McDermott could have done a bit more acting. On the whole, though I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I was just glad it wasn't 3 hours long!

Blog schmog

It seems Anna Wintour, Vogue's high priestess of fashion has declared war on the word blog. She and her staff are updating the Vogue website to include more blog material. However, she insists there must be a better word than blog, and Voguer's have been tasked to find it.

I can just imagine what this meeting sounded like, "Who are we kidding, blog. It sounds like blah! It has no style, no energy, we need something with more finesse. It must pop! pop! pop!"

No fat chicks

The Delta Zeta sorority was kicked off the DePauw University campus this week for discrimination. University president Robert Bottoms said in the press that "the values of the sorority did not fit with the 2,200-student private college".

Turns out the sisters have been engaged in an eviction campaign aimed at removing their less attractive recruits. Under the thinly veiled explanation that these girls weren't living up to their recruiting commitments, the DZs turned their house into Legally Blonde.

I always thought sorority girls were a waste of genetic material, now I'm sure.

sugar cafe

I was very excited to meet the girls at Sugar Cafe last night. We walked in and grabbed a set of four faux leather seats near the fireplace (think G bar or Matrix Fillmore). The decor was so Miami! A second delight was a small plates menu to accompany our drinks.

There were a few disappointments. A great neighborhood hotspot turned out to be more of a student hangout for the artkids (i.e. college bar). Our waitress was sweet but as the only waitress that night, there was a small wait between rounds. Drinks were on the small side but the cosmos tasted great! Our cheese plate was served sans knives.

All in all, I'd say it was a pricey European bar and menu for a Tuesday night. Next time I'd stick to beers and eat at home, unless of course you are down for the scene.

If this is your fashion inspiration you're already doomed

Socialite Life commented on the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker's new clothing line, Bitton, was unveiled today. Apparently she's based her collection on the fashion stylings of the Olsen Twins. Seriously. Would you want to look like this?

If her dress is any indication of what the new line looks like, I'll stick with Proenza Schooler for Target.

300

We all know it was the 900 lb gorilla of this weekend's film releases. It had one of the stealthiest ad campaigns since the Matrix. Nobody knew what this film was about until a week ago. 300 Spartans take on the entire Persian army, and are slain to a man. A fascinating premise for a history geek like myself. I actually read The Battle of Salamis. Add that it's based on Frank Miller's novel, he's the Sin City guy, and I'm totally hooked.

My favorite things about the film were the Oracle Girl. She looked like she was floating in a pool of water, but actually it was smoke. That was some amazing special effect they created. I loved the Spartan battle scenes, arguable the best choreographed fighting I've seen in years...and not computer generated. I found the Spartan Queen pretty unbelievable. She suffers some affronts no Spartan woman would put up with. She does find her inner strength in the end though. All in all it was roaring good fun.

I have to give props to A Socialite Life for publishing a hilarious, but totally accurate synopsis of the film. Banana hammocks indeed!

Spring cleaning

It's time to clean out the closet and freshen up the wardrobe. Here are my tips for Spring:

Keep

- wedge heels
- swingy, cropped a-frame jackets
- wrap dresses
- aviator sunglasses
- peep toe shoes
- pop art prints (especially minidresses)

Cast off

- skinny jeans
- huge buckled bags
- heavy winter perfumes
- wide belts
- matte red lips
- roots (even LiLo fixed up her dye job)
- Crocs

Welcome in

- lipgloss: Nars Orgasm (peach) is a fave, who can resist something called Orgasm?
- shine: keep it subtle, but add back the glow with Laura Mercier's secret finish
- straw purses: this Spring I'm loving the straw clutch
- jeweled thong sandals: so chic
- and one fabulous piece of lucite jewelery

Restaurant Gary Danko

I tried a new restaurant last night, Gary Danko. One of the hardest reservations to get here in the Bay Area, I was pleasantly surprised that they actually lived up to their reputation. The service was stellar. No less than 11 people were at our table pouring wine, serving bread, moving dishes around, and all were as stealthy as cats. No in your face, "Are you ready to order?!" from this crew.

The food is seriously delicious. I'd been told that their specialty is game. My coworker Karena suggested ordering the game birds because they are served with a fabulous glace sauce. She was right. I had the guinea hen with bread pudding and it was small, but very tasty. It went perfectly with a French Sancerre wine. Followed up by a chocolate souffle served with more panache than I thought possible. The waiter punctured it to let out the steam, then filled the hole with chocolate and vanilla sauce. Yum!

I also noted some bizarre but brillant touches. When the wait staff realized I had put my clutch under the table (there was no room on the table), they brought a hook and moved it up under our table. Then at the end of our meal they brought me a pineapple brioche to take home and eat for breakfast the following morning. Delightful!

Some tips for first timers. Don't order the bottled water, it's imported and incredibly expensive. Go for tap instead. Also, you must try the frog legs. And don't miss the cheese cart, an impressive display of cheeses is moved onto your plate with grapes and walnut bread so artfully displayed you almost won't want to disturb it. The wine list is the size of a small phonebook. It is easy to get overwhelmed, just breathe and choose something you can afford. That way if you must have a second bottle you can.

I am definitely going back.

Red's greatest hits

I'm seriously digging my new Ruby Slippers gloss. I had three compliments on it yesterday! It just makes me want to share the love. So here is my list of the greatest red lipsticks I've ever found:

- Fresh in Rouge Catalan - slick, glossy, and bold red
- Hermes in Rouge a Levres - a pinky red that looks good on anyone
- Anna Sui #404 - an oriental red with very orangey undertone
- Stream #38 - I bought this in Paris and always get compliments when I wear it
- Nars in Congo Red - dark, dark, dark, almost black in the tube. Wicked seductive.
- Tommy Hilfiger Dido - a brick red. Fit for a queen.
- Clinque Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - the actual color of my lips only darker
- Fresh Rouge de Monde - a deep wine colored red
- and of course Revlon in Ruby Slippers - candy apple red gloss with gold metallic flecks

The perfect lip gloss CAN change your life

While reading my Allure magazine this month I came across a feature on "the perfect red" lipgloss. First in line was Revlon's LipGlide Color Gloss in Ruby Slippers. Ruby Slippers? Who wouldn't swoon for a color named Ruby Slippers? It's like Cherries in the Snow, iconic.

I went to no less than 7 stores before I was able to purchase this little tube of fabulousness. That's right, 6 Walgreen's stores were out of it. In fact 3 of the 6 had completely taken down their Revlon displays.

I finally found my quarry at the Rite Aid on Market Street. It was in the wrong slot, and had I not been eagle eyed (and on a mission), I would have missed out. I guess I'm not the only Fashion Girl out there lusting for this candy apple red gloss with just a hint of gold.

All I can say is when I wear it out tomorrow, my life will be forever changed.

All hail The Onion

I've loved these guys forever. Their snarky, hilarious takes on news are always amusing. Even better that CNN reposts their stuff with disclaimers to warn readers it's not "real news". Um, duh!

They had a great 'article' this morning about Oscar fashions and the gap between best and worst dressed. Check it out!

This shit is bananas -- b*a*n*a*n*a*s!

To quote my homegirl Gwen Stefani. Yeah, Britney Spears has gone Thelma and Louise on us. Right over the edge. I read this morning that she tried to hang herself with a bedsheet in rehab. She scared the staff out of the wits running around claiming to be the Antichrist. No, sweetie...you married the Antichrist.

Now this is either an Oscar worthy performance or this girl's little red choo choo has chugged right around the bend.

The Namesake

We MUST go see this movie when it comes out!!! Next weekend!

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thenamesake/

I have watched repeated previews on Showbiz India this morning... more of a drama than pure Bollywood... but a must see!

The Simple Life: Behind Bars

I can just see the Fox execs all huddled together over their coffee pitching this one. Seems Paris Hilton got picked up yesterday for driving on a suspended license. She caught the cops attention by driving in the dark without her headlights on. I can just see the thought bubble over her head when they pulled her over, "Can they see me?!".

Anyway, since it is Ms. H's second offense there is a *chance* she may have to do 90 days behind bars. Since Nicole Ritchie is staring down her own second D.U.I. and also facing jail time, I say we capitalize and make it part of their reality show. They've done wackier stuff in the past folks.

Oh please, please, please Mr. Judge send the posh, pink princess to the clink.