The grand reopening of the historic Villa Florence Hotel in the heart of San Francisco turned into a truly Italian feast inside the lavishly decorated lobby on October 2. The warm hues of wall paint, dark wood floors, intricate chandeliers, framed mirrors, inviting salon furniture, flower arrangements with fragrant pink lilies—all hinted at the ultimate Tuscan villa experience, enhanced by modern conveniences and contemporary designs. At the entrance, two Anita Ekberg impersonators in blond wigs and strapless black dresses were greeting the guests, while three more were luring them into renovated with a romantic flair rooms, open for viewing and decorated with images of Sofia Loren and other Italian movie stars. In the front lobby, a model was sitting for “a street artist” on a high platform over a lavish seafood display provided by the praised Kuleto’s restaurant. Overflowing with oysters, mussels, salmon crudo, ceviche, pickled mackerel, crab legs, and giant shrimp the arrangement seemed good enough for a Roman emperor (or for a regular San-Franciscan). In the bar area the whole length of the counter was covered with house-cured meats—bresaola, soppressata, coppa, mortadella, prosciutto—the names alone are pure poetry, and semi-soft and very soft Italian cheeses, by the end of the evening dripping with delicioso milk fat. In the restaurant area a new take on the most traditional dish—risotto, prepared with red beats, and crostini with broccoli rabe and basil over goat cheese were served just to make one feel the excess of indulgence, but that was not the end of it. Upstairs, a small line formed to get a scoop of Ciao Bella gelato with an espresso shot, and almond biscotti with that intoxicating fennel aftertaste… But enough about food. Let me quote a hotel description which says it all: “Located in Union Square, Villa Florence is a Boutique Hotel that celebrates the Italian heritage through its luxury hotel décor, family-style hospitality and Italian spirit. A colonnaded entrance and Giotto-style wishing fountain welcome guests to a unique Italian experience. The lobby features a mural of 16th century Florence and a Medici-style fireplace and is decorated in Italian Renaissance colors of crimson, gold, violet and bronze. Kuleto's Wine Bar, nestled between its namesake next door and the hotel, adds to the Italian spirit of hospitality, featuring more than 40 wines by the glass and taste, including selections from Italy and California, with flights from Australia, France, Spain and New Zealand.” And yeah, a brand new 24-seat intimate Bar Norcini just opened in the hotel lobby. It’s all in addition to 183 guest rooms with 29 junior suites, FeatherBorne® Bed packages, plush towels, robes and slippers, LCD flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Each meeting room for 10 to 120 people features audio/visual equipment, conference call capabilities and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. A complimentary business center is also available to all guests. Villa Florence is located at 225 Powell Street, SF; Kuleto’s Restaurant—221 Powell Street, SF. Seek more at: http://www.villaflorence.com/, http://www.larkspurhotels.com/, http://www.kuletos.com/, http://www.chiaobellagelato.com/ Photo by Emma Krasov: Feeling lucky, punk?Renovated Villa Florence Spreads La Dolce Vita on Opening Night
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The grand reopening of the historic Villa Florence Hotel in the heart of San Francisco turned into a truly Italian feast inside the lavishly decorated lobby on October 2. The warm hues of wall paint, dark wood floors, intricate chandeliers, framed mirrors, inviting salon furniture, flower arrangements with fragrant pink lilies—all hinted at the ultimate Tuscan villa experience, enhanced by modern conveniences and contemporary designs. At the entrance, two Anita Ekberg impersonators in blond wigs and strapless black dresses were greeting the guests, while three more were luring them into renovated with a romantic flair rooms, open for viewing and decorated with images of Sofia Loren and other Italian movie stars. In the front lobby, a model was sitting for “a street artist” on a high platform over a lavish seafood display provided by the praised Kuleto’s restaurant. Overflowing with oysters, mussels, salmon crudo, ceviche, pickled mackerel, crab legs, and giant shrimp the arrangement seemed good enough for a Roman emperor (or for a regular San-Franciscan). In the bar area the whole length of the counter was covered with house-cured meats—bresaola, soppressata, coppa, mortadella, prosciutto—the names alone are pure poetry, and semi-soft and very soft Italian cheeses, by the end of the evening dripping with delicioso milk fat. In the restaurant area a new take on the most traditional dish—risotto, prepared with red beats, and crostini with broccoli rabe and basil over goat cheese were served just to make one feel the excess of indulgence, but that was not the end of it. Upstairs, a small line formed to get a scoop of Ciao Bella gelato with an espresso shot, and almond biscotti with that intoxicating fennel aftertaste… But enough about food. Let me quote a hotel description which says it all: “Located in Union Square, Villa Florence is a Boutique Hotel that celebrates the Italian heritage through its luxury hotel décor, family-style hospitality and Italian spirit. A colonnaded entrance and Giotto-style wishing fountain welcome guests to a unique Italian experience. The lobby features a mural of 16th century Florence and a Medici-style fireplace and is decorated in Italian Renaissance colors of crimson, gold, violet and bronze. Kuleto's Wine Bar, nestled between its namesake next door and the hotel, adds to the Italian spirit of hospitality, featuring more than 40 wines by the glass and taste, including selections from Italy and California, with flights from Australia, France, Spain and New Zealand.” And yeah, a brand new 24-seat intimate Bar Norcini just opened in the hotel lobby. It’s all in addition to 183 guest rooms with 29 junior suites, FeatherBorne® Bed packages, plush towels, robes and slippers, LCD flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Each meeting room for 10 to 120 people features audio/visual equipment, conference call capabilities and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. A complimentary business center is also available to all guests. Villa Florence is located at 225 Powell Street, SF; Kuleto’s Restaurant—221 Powell Street, SF. Seek more at: http://www.villaflorence.com/, http://www.larkspurhotels.com/, http://www.kuletos.com/, http://www.chiaobellagelato.com/ Photo by Emma Krasov: Feeling lucky, punk?
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