paddle # 69? sure, i can handle it.
no, not an s&m event....
i attended the 32nd annual guardsmen sf wine auction hosted at the westin st francis this year. it was an impulsive decision but i'll throw money on any charity for kids or puppy dogs. this event was for the bay area youths.
the black tie gala was a nice excuse to dust off some of my parisian gowns. i loved the wine tasting event. some big names like bond, faust, peay, and seavey but i especially liked learning about the smaller family run vineyards such as maybach. i did wish that i could buy some right away!
however, i did win 2 silent auctions - a dunns '93 cab and a kistler russian river pinot noir '01. i definitely paid way more than the value but it was all ego at that point. i do NOT like to lose.
the sit down dinner menu was created by michael mina.
it was his well known ahi tuna tartare, filet mignon (mushroom ravioli for veggie peeps), and a chocolate molten cake.
emmanuel lemoine, the rep from the villa maria estate was super nice and and gave us better wines to drink than the table ones.
at the live auction, lot #13 was donated from an old boss of mine john varvatos. the package included vip party invites, dinner, fashion show, backstage access and clothes. i was happy to see him be a generous sponsor. he's really nice and was one of my fav bosses.
some things they could improve for next year are:
1. number the tables please. 5 people there could not tell me where table 39 was.
2. frustrated and angry guy at check-in was not happy to reseat me with my friends. i just smiled and said i would really appreciate not dining with strangers.
3. the workers did not pay attention to a bid my friends were making on a mexico trip. at over 12k, they were trying to bid higher but the emcee did not see them and they lost it.
4. bags pls! carrying 2 bottles of wine around town is not fun. concierge gave me plastic laundry bags (not elegant). a girl from michael mina gave me a restaurant bag - much better!
i skipped the band and dancing portion as my friends left and i was a lone ranger. so no comments on that.
so why 5 stars? i can't knock an awesome charity group. it was a fun event and i'll definitely support the boys in the future. read more