Question: We just came home from vacation, and as usual brought back hundreds of photos. First, I decided to delete some old shots that haven’t been sorted out before, and took up so much of our computer memory. In the process, I stumbled upon some photos of my husband and a woman who I don’t know. They weren’t together in any of the pictures, rather each one taking a shot of another in front of a swimming pool and at a bar. Probably at some hotel. I can’t identify the location, but I think I know the time frame. At his previous job several years ago, my husband used to travel a lot for business. I feel shocked and upset. We love each other and I never thought of him cheating on me. I am holding it to myself for now, but I feel I can explode any minute. I want to know the truth, but don’t know how to confront him. If I ask directly, he might just lie. How can I make him admit it and ask for forgiveness? At least he owes me that much!
Answer: What happened years ago and did not hurt you then, is hurting you now. You want the truth, but you don’t know what truth is. If your husband were a habitual cheater, you would have known it for sure by now. If not with this woman then with another one, if not this time then the next, but the truth would have presented itself to you in all its ugliness. He is either faithful, or he is too good to get caught. In either case you have led a happy and secure married life next to him for years, right? Why risk it all now over some old pics? Should you be able to forget and forgive without bringing it up, your husband would never know about your discovery, so no conflict would ensue. Since you are feeling so strongly about this blast from the past which is in no way a proof of his infidelity, ask him about it calmly. Before you do, though, think that the woman could have been just a hotel guest that he met there and was attracted to. They might have gone to the bar, and even to the swimming pool, and that’s all. Think about your own old photos, and the way they might be interpreted.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Napa Mustard Fest Comes to Glorious Photo Finish at Rubicon Estate, Rutherford
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
If wine is king in Napa, then mustard is definitely the queen. This year, her majesty was duly pampered at the new location – Rubicon Estate, (Niebaum Coppola Winery - rubiconestate.com) where the grand finale of the beloved annual festival was celebrated with the appropriate luxury and style. The stone and iron Chateau with its chic tasting rooms, grand staircase, stained glasswork, and lavish décor seemed a perfect setting for the centerpiece of the Festival that combined the art exhibit of mustard-themed photography with gourmet food, great wine, and live entertainment.
A sold out event, as always, attracted crowds of art and mustard lovers, and served as a booster for local businesses, bringing together the community at large.
Some of the favorite wine presenters included Black Stallion Winery (the host of Mustard Awards a week earlier), Girard, Falcor, Ballentine Vineyards, and many others. Let’s not forget the Lagunitas and Blue Frog breweries and their invigorating brews.
Among the stellar food offerings there were Artisan Sonoma Foie Gras (always a winner); delicious mustard greens and green garlic soup from Napa General Store; meatballs with whole grain mustard and micro mustard greens from chef Peter Pahk (Silverado Resort); roast beef finger sandwiches with mustard and horse reddish from Brix Restaurant; seafood paella from Entourage Catering; handmade hot dog buns from Metropolis Baking Company, chocolates from Vintage Sweet Shoppe, and others.
Alas, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival 2010 ended last Saturday, but the celebration continues with the Photography Contest Exhibit through the end of April.
What a great chance to come to Napa, look at amazing art, see golden-green fields of wild mustard in bloom, taste more wine, and try more wonderful foods! Additional information at mustardfestival.org.
If wine is king in Napa, then mustard is definitely the queen. This year, her majesty was duly pampered at the new location – Rubicon Estate, (Niebaum Coppola Winery - rubiconestate.com) where the grand finale of the beloved annual festival was celebrated with the appropriate luxury and style. The stone and iron Chateau with its chic tasting rooms, grand staircase, stained glasswork, and lavish décor seemed a perfect setting for the centerpiece of the Festival that combined the art exhibit of mustard-themed photography with gourmet food, great wine, and live entertainment. 
A sold out event, as always, attracted crowds of art and mustard lovers, and served as a booster for local businesses, bringing together the community at large. 
Some of the favorite wine presenters included Black Stallion Winery (the host of Mustard Awards a week earlier), Girard, Falcor, Ballentine Vineyards, and many others. Let’s not forget the Lagunitas and Blue Frog breweries and their invigorating brews. 
Among the stellar food offerings there were Artisan Sonoma Foie Gras (always a winner); delicious mustard greens and green garlic soup from Napa General Store; meatballs with whole grain mustard and micro mustard greens from chef Peter Pahk (Silverado Resort); roast beef finger sandwiches with mustard and horse reddish from Brix Restaurant; seafood paella from Entourage Catering; handmade hot dog buns from Metropolis Baking Company, chocolates from Vintage Sweet Shoppe, and others. 
Alas, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival 2010 ended last Saturday, but the celebration continues with the Photography Contest Exhibit through the end of April. 
What a great chance to come to Napa, look at amazing art, see golden-green fields of wild mustard in bloom, taste more wine, and try more wonderful foods! Additional information at mustardfestival.org.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Be Cool with JetsetExtra.com
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
It was about time Teresa Rodriguez Williamson, creator of widely-popular all over the world TangoDiva.com for women travelers, would come up with something to include men. After all, their very presence makes parties more fun – and Teresa knows fun. She is fun.
A fearless avid traveler, a brilliant and highly energetic entrepreneur, and an author of a well-researched book “Fly Solo” (the 50 best places on Earth for a girl to travel alone) Teresa just launched her new website, JetsetExtra.com, where members of the virtual jet set are invited to get the inside scoop on exotic destinations, upload their own photos and videos, blog about their adventures in travel, make friends around the globe, and follow “cool people in cool places.”
“I want to know what cool exciting people are doing, where do they travel, what do they wear, what do they eat and drink – I want to know what I’m missing on!” said Teresa to the laughs and applauds from her friends and colleagues at the JetsetExtra.com launch party last Wednesday at Ana Mandara Restaurant in San Francisco.
One can hardly believe that a woman who travels to Paris Fashion Week, has a lunch interview with the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and celebrates Kite Jam with Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Megastores, on his private Necker Island might be missing on anything in this world, but the message of her new website is clear: get the personal insider information on the coolest people and the hottest places to stay and play, delivered by a global team of destination experts.
The launch party perfectly reflected ambitions and aspirations of its gracious hostess. Coming from many countries, and speaking many languages, Teresa’s guests were all equally enthralled, enthused, and having fun with the red carpet, stretch limo, celebrity photo ops, Jetset-tini with Bluecoat American Gin and Devotion Vodka, and wines from Pfendler Vineyards and the Wine Jar.
To become a cool member of the global jet set, go to JetsetExtra.com and register free.
It was about time Teresa Rodriguez Williamson, creator of widely-popular all over the world TangoDiva.com for women travelers, would come up with something to include men. After all, their very presence makes parties more fun – and Teresa knows fun. She is fun.
A fearless avid traveler, a brilliant and highly energetic entrepreneur, and an author of a well-researched book “Fly Solo” (the 50 best places on Earth for a girl to travel alone) Teresa just launched her new website, JetsetExtra.com, where members of the virtual jet set are invited to get the inside scoop on exotic destinations, upload their own photos and videos, blog about their adventures in travel, make friends around the globe, and follow “cool people in cool places.”
“I want to know what cool exciting people are doing, where do they travel, what do they wear, what do they eat and drink – I want to know what I’m missing on!” said Teresa to the laughs and applauds from her friends and colleagues at the JetsetExtra.com launch party last Wednesday at Ana Mandara Restaurant in San Francisco. 
One can hardly believe that a woman who travels to Paris Fashion Week, has a lunch interview with the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and celebrates Kite Jam with Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Megastores, on his private Necker Island might be missing on anything in this world, but the message of her new website is clear: get the personal insider information on the coolest people and the hottest places to stay and play, delivered by a global team of destination experts.
The launch party perfectly reflected ambitions and aspirations of its gracious hostess. Coming from many countries, and speaking many languages, Teresa’s guests were all equally enthralled, enthused, and having fun with the red carpet, stretch limo, celebrity photo ops, Jetset-tini with Bluecoat American Gin and Devotion Vodka, and wines from Pfendler Vineyards and the Wine Jar. 
To become a cool member of the global jet set, go to JetsetExtra.com and register free.
Friday, March 26, 2010
New Levels of Sophistication at San Francisco International Chocolate Salon 2010
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
Unbelievable, but true: this favorite, beloved, much anticipated, ravishing, and simply tantalizing event, namely, Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon was presented in it’s fourth year last Saturday. I think I heard someone by the truffle display saying she’s been attending these salons for 40 years now! For an outside observer, an event so famous must have been around for at least that long.
Organized by TasteTV, the full-day Salon, from the get-go the premier chocolate show on the West Coast, now became the largest indoor chocolate event in North America, with more than 4,000 attendees and dozens of exhibitors in the 50,000 square feet Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
Chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef and author talks, as well as new product launches, chocolate body frosting, and even Hawaiian dances presented by the Maui Visitors Bureau were all a part of the celebration.
The awards were given for Best Dark Chocolate; Most Luxurious Chocolate Experience; Best Truffle; Best Wine with Chocolate; Most Exciting Experience, and Most Delicious Ingredient Combinations among multiple others.
This reporter’s favorites included: Gateau et Ganache Fine Chocolates and Confections – especially La Lavande (Lavender Earl Grey Tea); the many flavors of Sacred Chocolate (yeah, why is it often called sinful?!); grapes dipped in chocolate by Chocolate Galeria of Chocolate & Wine; truffles by Truffles, Inc.; Jade Chocolates with their unique blends of teas and spices; Dolce Bella Chocolates; Robyn’s Chocolates and Confections; festive and multicolored Sterling truffle bars; vegan organic truffles by Nicobella; artsy creations by Chocolatique, and Marti Chocolatt with chipotle.
Quady Winery and Sonoma Valley Portworks presented some happy liquid desserts, and a creative combination of Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream and Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka in a chocolate martini came to the top as the absolutely indulgent best. For a complete list of awards and winners go to tastetv.com/sfchocolatesalon.
Unbelievable, but true: this favorite, beloved, much anticipated, ravishing, and simply tantalizing event, namely, Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon was presented in it’s fourth year last Saturday. I think I heard someone by the truffle display saying she’s been attending these salons for 40 years now! For an outside observer, an event so famous must have been around for at least that long. 
Organized by TasteTV, the full-day Salon, from the get-go the premier chocolate show on the West Coast, now became the largest indoor chocolate event in North America, with more than 4,000 attendees and dozens of exhibitors in the 50,000 square feet Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. 
Chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef and author talks, as well as new product launches, chocolate body frosting, and even Hawaiian dances presented by the Maui Visitors Bureau were all a part of the celebration. 
The awards were given for Best Dark Chocolate; Most Luxurious Chocolate Experience; Best Truffle; Best Wine with Chocolate; Most Exciting Experience, and Most Delicious Ingredient Combinations among multiple others. 
This reporter’s favorites included: Gateau et Ganache Fine Chocolates and Confections – especially La Lavande (Lavender Earl Grey Tea); the many flavors of Sacred Chocolate (yeah, why is it often called sinful?!); grapes dipped in chocolate by Chocolate Galeria of Chocolate & Wine; truffles by Truffles, Inc.; Jade Chocolates with their unique blends of teas and spices; Dolce Bella Chocolates; Robyn’s Chocolates and Confections; festive and multicolored Sterling truffle bars; vegan organic truffles by Nicobella; artsy creations by Chocolatique, and Marti Chocolatt with chipotle. 
Quady Winery and Sonoma Valley Portworks presented some happy liquid desserts, and a creative combination of Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream and Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka in a chocolate martini came to the top as the absolutely indulgent best. For a complete list of awards and winners go to tastetv.com/sfchocolatesalon. 
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Livermore Valley Barrel Tasting Brings About Futures
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov.
Livermore Valley - a region off the beaten path on the California Wine Country map - opened up to a wider audience of oenophiles with its Second Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend last Sat-Sun.
I still regret not being able to attend on both days, since every winery I happened to visit, and every wine I managed to try were so welcoming, enticing, and interesting, that I could’ve spend much more time enjoying them along S. Livermore Ave./Tesla Road. Out of 27 participating wineries, I happened to explore only six, but right then and there I knew I would come back for more.
Starting with Wente Vineyards (ventevineyards.com) was an obvious choice, as it’s the oldest in the country continuously operated since 1883 family-owned winery. Now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of Wente family, it has the sixth generation coming up, or rather, still enjoying a care-free lifestyle of babyhood. Among the wide selection of wines produced by Wente there are three distinct categories – commercially sold nationwide and in 55 foreign countries; small lot wines produced in the amount of 300 cases or less, and available only through tasting room distribution; and limited Nth degree wines, an epitome of hands-on winemaking, for Club Wente members.
A 100% merlot, aged 16 months in new French oak, 2008 The Nth Degree Merlot was featured at the Barrel Tasting to multiple accolades from the attendees.
Tamas Estates (tamasestates.com) encouraged everyone to enjoy “A Taste of Italy from California” and presented its 2008 Sangiovese Riserva from a special limited release Prima Classe in a classic Italian very smooth style – to be bottled for sales by December.
Cedar Mountain Winery (cedarmountainwinery.com) came up with 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by a bite of fudge, cooked with the wine at the Livermore-based Live For More Fudge, Inc. (liveforemorefudge.com).
At Garre Vineyard and Winery (garrewinery.com) I tried some unforgettable 2008 Primotivo. Although it had to spend 5-6 more months in barrels, it was obviously a delight with a well-rounded taste, bringing all its qualities together in harmony, like a sunny ocean wave. Outside the unassuming tasting room, Garre visitors enjoyed a game of bocce ball, which made me linger a little longer and eventually return for a second taste of the wine.
My next stop was at Bodegas Aguirre (bodegasaguirre.com), and more surprises ensued. Owned by a surgeon Dr. Ricardo E. Aguirre, and managed by his daughter, Sylvia, the winery first attracts drivers by with its interesting gate image, also seen on its labels. Apparently, a Picasso-esque painting by Carlos Canas that depicts a male and a female wine-drinkers under a crescent moon, belongs to Dr. Aguirre, and fits the definition of his second career perfectly. The doctor and his friend and former patient, Jeff Greenhagen, were pouring from the barrels 2009 Carneros Chardonnay, 2008 Estate Malbec (excellent!) and 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva. Then in the tasting room I discovered another surprise – 2006 Estate Cabernet Blanc – a refreshing pale garnet gem that comes from no-skin grapes.
By the time I made it to Wood Family Vineyards (woodfamilyvineyards.com), owned by Rhonda and Michael Wood, the impromptu party there was in full swing, in compliance with the owners’ expressed belief in family, friends, and having fun. Merlot is the estate-grown fruit at Wood, and there was no shortage of Merlot tasting, although the star of the [new American] barrel was 2008 Hansen Ranch Zinfandel.
The tasting hours were coming to close, and that’s when Greg and Evelyn Lamberg were caught on camera in-between two wine pours, as a proof that good time was had by all.
Barrel tasting events are designed to allow wine producers secure their upcoming sales, and let the buyers get the best for less – before bottling and retail.
Buying “futures” is now a part of Livermore Valley wine history, and judging from the Barrel Tasting Weekend success, the future is easy to predict.
There are many more wine events coming to Livermore throughout the year. For more information, visit lvwine.com
Livermore Valley - a region off the beaten path on the California Wine Country map - opened up to a wider audience of oenophiles with its Second Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend last Sat-Sun. I still regret not being able to attend on both days, since every winery I happened to visit, and every wine I managed to try were so welcoming, enticing, and interesting, that I could’ve spend much more time enjoying them along S. Livermore Ave./Tesla Road. Out of 27 participating wineries, I happened to explore only six, but right then and there I knew I would come back for more.
Starting with Wente Vineyards (ventevineyards.com) was an obvious choice, as it’s the oldest in the country continuously operated since 1883 family-owned winery. Now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of Wente family, it has the sixth generation coming up, or rather, still enjoying a care-free lifestyle of babyhood. Among the wide selection of wines produced by Wente there are three distinct categories – commercially sold nationwide and in 55 foreign countries; small lot wines produced in the amount of 300 cases or less, and available only through tasting room distribution; and limited Nth degree wines, an epitome of hands-on winemaking, for Club Wente members. 
A 100% merlot, aged 16 months in new French oak, 2008 The Nth Degree Merlot was featured at the Barrel Tasting to multiple accolades from the attendees. 
Tamas Estates (tamasestates.com) encouraged everyone to enjoy “A Taste of Italy from California” and presented its 2008 Sangiovese Riserva from a special limited release Prima Classe in a classic Italian very smooth style – to be bottled for sales by December. 
Cedar Mountain Winery (cedarmountainwinery.com) came up with 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by a bite of fudge, cooked with the wine at the Livermore-based Live For More Fudge, Inc. (liveforemorefudge.com).
At Garre Vineyard and Winery (garrewinery.com) I tried some unforgettable 2008 Primotivo. Although it had to spend 5-6 more months in barrels, it was obviously a delight with a well-rounded taste, bringing all its qualities together in harmony, like a sunny ocean wave. Outside the unassuming tasting room, Garre visitors enjoyed a game of bocce ball, which made me linger a little longer and eventually return for a second taste of the wine. 
My next stop was at Bodegas Aguirre (bodegasaguirre.com), and more surprises ensued. Owned by a surgeon Dr. Ricardo E. Aguirre, and managed by his daughter, Sylvia, the winery first attracts drivers by with its interesting gate image, also seen on its labels. Apparently, a Picasso-esque painting by Carlos Canas that depicts a male and a female wine-drinkers under a crescent moon, belongs to Dr. Aguirre, and fits the definition of his second career perfectly. The doctor and his friend and former patient, Jeff Greenhagen, were pouring from the barrels 2009 Carneros Chardonnay, 2008 Estate Malbec (excellent!) and 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva. Then in the tasting room I discovered another surprise – 2006 Estate Cabernet Blanc – a refreshing pale garnet gem that comes from no-skin grapes. 
By the time I made it to Wood Family Vineyards (woodfamilyvineyards.com), owned by Rhonda and Michael Wood, the impromptu party there was in full swing, in compliance with the owners’ expressed belief in family, friends, and having fun. Merlot is the estate-grown fruit at Wood, and there was no shortage of Merlot tasting, although the star of the [new American] barrel was 2008 Hansen Ranch Zinfandel. 
The tasting hours were coming to close, and that’s when Greg and Evelyn Lamberg were caught on camera in-between two wine pours, as a proof that good time was had by all. 
Barrel tasting events are designed to allow wine producers secure their upcoming sales, and let the buyers get the best for less – before bottling and retail. 
Buying “futures” is now a part of Livermore Valley wine history, and judging from the Barrel Tasting Weekend success, the future is easy to predict. There are many more wine events coming to Livermore throughout the year. For more information, visit lvwine.com
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Important Message from Government Tourist Board: Travel Italy and Have More Sex
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
In an inspired advertising campaign “Italia Much More,” Riccardo Strano and Pompilio Farrizi – directors of the Italian Government Tourist Board for North America and Western USA urged American travelers to explore Italy in 2010 from Piedmont to Calabria, and from Veneto to Apulia. In a pointed presentation on what typical Americans do in their spare time, Italian tourism experts announced that the overwhelming majority of our compatriots prefer watching TV over lovemaking, however, should they travel to Europe, the country of choice to visit first would be Bella Italia. Chairman of the Italian Travel Promotion Council, Mauro Galli, presented his organization with dozens of members – major tour operators who follow the ENIT (Italian National Tourist Office) in meeting every need and satisfying every whim of foreign visitors, endlessly fascinated by “the most beautiful country in the world.” From group and family tours, to romantic retreats for two, to solo vacations, large and small tour operators offer accommodations, meals, rental cars, sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting and cooking classes alongside numerous and various outdoor activities – from beach sun bathing to mountain skiing. Beginning in June, Alitalia will open the only nonstop from Los Angeles to Rome five days a week in addition to its many connections throughout Italy and Europe. Learn more at italiantourism.com.
In an inspired advertising campaign “Italia Much More,” Riccardo Strano and Pompilio Farrizi – directors of the Italian Government Tourist Board for North America and Western USA urged American travelers to explore Italy in 2010 from Piedmont to Calabria, and from Veneto to Apulia. In a pointed presentation on what typical Americans do in their spare time, Italian tourism experts announced that the overwhelming majority of our compatriots prefer watching TV over lovemaking, however, should they travel to Europe, the country of choice to visit first would be Bella Italia. Chairman of the Italian Travel Promotion Council, Mauro Galli, presented his organization with dozens of members – major tour operators who follow the ENIT (Italian National Tourist Office) in meeting every need and satisfying every whim of foreign visitors, endlessly fascinated by “the most beautiful country in the world.” From group and family tours, to romantic retreats for two, to solo vacations, large and small tour operators offer accommodations, meals, rental cars, sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting and cooking classes alongside numerous and various outdoor activities – from beach sun bathing to mountain skiing. Beginning in June, Alitalia will open the only nonstop from Los Angeles to Rome five days a week in addition to its many connections throughout Italy and Europe. Learn more at italiantourism.com.
Chef Nathan Ivry Turns Underground Moussy’s into Pot o’Gold
By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
A tiny Nob Hill restaurant, named after a French village (of sentimental value to owner Jean-luc Kayigire) is fittingly located in a cozy basement of Alliance Francaise offices in San Francisco. Intimately darkish mirrored interior with coppertone highlights and red-glass candleholders on white tablecloths, vintage posters on the walls, live guitar, and a well-lit granite countertop, separating dining room from an open kitchen, set the scene for delicious French tapas and great wines – all in starring roles.
Chef Nathan Ivry – tall, dark, and handsome, and clad in black is a pleasure to watch when he moves between the stove top and the oven, tossing up searing greens or pulling out grilled oysters not one second later than necessary for perfection.
When I asked Chef Ivry, how did he make the staple of French cuisine – steak frites –so memorable with soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside potato sticks, he replied simply, “I’m Irish. I know potatoes.” Not just potatoes, mind you. I always pay attention to the sides that can make or break a foie gras presentation. No, scratch that, foie gras by any other name… However, embellishing a foie gras torchon with a little garnish of mission figs, pistachios, and honey thyme gastrique instead of often overplayed and overwhelming sweet berry preserves to me was a testament to Chef Ivry’s impeccable taste.
His spice crusted ahi in a fragrant tomato-shellfish broth was accompanied by a smart tonnato crostini, and was ocean-fresh, meaty and full of flavor. Ivry most recently worked at Jardiniére as well as Flying Saucer and Grand Café.
Our server and volunteer wine consultant John Prudenti made this excellent dining experience complete with some keeper wines from the Moussy’s well thought-through list. Gosset Brut and Marquis de la Tour sparkling rose from France made a great ménage-a-trois with those Washington Skookum oysters, lightly grilled and dusted with garlic breadcrumbs. Sancerre sauv blanc 2007 was refreshingly crisp and smooth, followed by funky Paul Jaboulet Aine Cote du Rhone 2007, composed of grenache and syrah (and close to being addictive), and a full-bodied beauty – Chateau Cazat-Beauchene Bordeaux merlot/cab sauv 2007, with a tiny new rubber aroma and a great satisfying taste.
Moussy’s dinner menu is deceptively short and simple, but far from ordinary in a nice price range from $4.00 to $16.00. The restaurant also serves a weekend brunch and offers happy hour specials Tuesday - Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Moussy’s is located at 1345 Bush Street, between Polk and Larkin, San Francisco. For more information and reservations call (415) 441-1802 or visit moussys.com.
A tiny Nob Hill restaurant, named after a French village (of sentimental value to owner Jean-luc Kayigire) is fittingly located in a cozy basement of Alliance Francaise offices in San Francisco. Intimately darkish mirrored interior with coppertone highlights and red-glass candleholders on white tablecloths, vintage posters on the walls, live guitar, and a well-lit granite countertop, separating dining room from an open kitchen, set the scene for delicious French tapas and great wines – all in starring roles.
Chef Nathan Ivry – tall, dark, and handsome, and clad in black is a pleasure to watch when he moves between the stove top and the oven, tossing up searing greens or pulling out grilled oysters not one second later than necessary for perfection.
When I asked Chef Ivry, how did he make the staple of French cuisine – steak frites –so memorable with soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside potato sticks, he replied simply, “I’m Irish. I know potatoes.” Not just potatoes, mind you. I always pay attention to the sides that can make or break a foie gras presentation. No, scratch that, foie gras by any other name… However, embellishing a foie gras torchon with a little garnish of mission figs, pistachios, and honey thyme gastrique instead of often overplayed and overwhelming sweet berry preserves to me was a testament to Chef Ivry’s impeccable taste.
His spice crusted ahi in a fragrant tomato-shellfish broth was accompanied by a smart tonnato crostini, and was ocean-fresh, meaty and full of flavor. Ivry most recently worked at Jardiniére as well as Flying Saucer and Grand Café.
Our server and volunteer wine consultant John Prudenti made this excellent dining experience complete with some keeper wines from the Moussy’s well thought-through list. Gosset Brut and Marquis de la Tour sparkling rose from France made a great ménage-a-trois with those Washington Skookum oysters, lightly grilled and dusted with garlic breadcrumbs. Sancerre sauv blanc 2007 was refreshingly crisp and smooth, followed by funky Paul Jaboulet Aine Cote du Rhone 2007, composed of grenache and syrah (and close to being addictive), and a full-bodied beauty – Chateau Cazat-Beauchene Bordeaux merlot/cab sauv 2007, with a tiny new rubber aroma and a great satisfying taste.
Moussy’s dinner menu is deceptively short and simple, but far from ordinary in a nice price range from $4.00 to $16.00. The restaurant also serves a weekend brunch and offers happy hour specials Tuesday - Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Closed Monday.
Moussy’s is located at 1345 Bush Street, between Polk and Larkin, San Francisco. For more information and reservations call (415) 441-1802 or visit moussys.com.