As the Bay area eases into April, exceptional diversions are everywhere.
Ansel Adams, “Clearing Winter Storm,” Yosemite, 1937
EXPERIENCE
A collection of more than 100 works, Ansel Adams in Our Time at the de Young Museum spans the duration of the photographer’s career alongside complementary pieces from his predecessors as well as contemporary artists. “Ansel Adams had close ties to San Francisco and the California landscape,” says Lauren Palmor, associate curator of American art at de Young. “Over the course of his lifetime, his reverence for our region’s natural beauty drew him to photograph the diversity that can be found throughout the Bay Area.” April 8-July 23, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, 415.750.3600, famsf.org
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
DINE
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay’s Global Cuisine series is back in action, and this month’s visiting chef is Rachel Haggstrom of The Restaurant at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles (which boasts both a Michelin and Green star). In collaboration with Navio chef de cuisine Francisco Simón, chef Haggstrom will present a decadent seven-course dinner menu plus a yummy brunch. Says Simón, “She’s a true master in her field, setting the bar high for culinary programs worldwide.” April 20-23, 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, 650.712.7000, ritzcarlton.com
The organization welcomes submissions.
DESIGN
Introduced to help mitigate San Francisco’s housing crisis, the AIASF Housing + San Francisco 2050 Design Competition welcomes designers and architects to examine new forms of affordable and sustainable multiunit housing. “The lack of affordable housing in San Francisco has been plaguing our city for decades,” explains AIASF Executive Director Stacy Williams. “The [competition] will support the objectives of newly passed housing policies.” Submissions are open through May 1, aiasf.org
Saint Laurent moves to Grant Avenue, and the brand offers some of the most alluring looks of spring.
SHOP
High-end French fashion house Saint Laurent has relocated to Grant Avenue to thorough fanfare. Now nestled in the Marion Building, the new storefront offers all of the haute couture ensembles and ready-to-wear styles the brand is famous for. 90 Grant Ave., 415.765.0975, ysl.com
Have a rebel Rover? Check out this superb training this month.
TRAIN
For two days, lauded dog behaviorist, trainer and handler Jennifer Sharpe will host a High Performance K9 Training class. The obedience training is perfect for hard-to-handle pooches, while proper grooming lessons will help keep dirty dogs in check. Don’t forget the treats! April 22-23, 10102 Bellflower Ave., Cherry Valley, 510.523.4833, highperformancek9.com
Ritz-Carlton’s sleek bar is primed for pretty spring sips.
SIP
Our new favorite way to explore the city? The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco’s inventive Neighborhood Cocktails of San Francisco program, of course. Each boozy beverage was crafted with one of SF’s iconic neighborhoods in mind, from North Beach (Negroni Sevillano) to Chinatown (Good Fortune) to Nob Hill (Welcome Home) to the Castro (Euphoria). As an added bonus, the experiential menu also features gorgeous handsketched drawings of each neighborhood. 600 Stockton St., 415.296.7465, ritzcarlton.com
This brand-new pavilion at The Donum Estate is sure to wow guests any time of the day.
SEE
Explore sculpture like never before with The Donum Collection’s newest walking tour, a 90-minute jaunt across the 200-acre property with stops at more than 50 monumental works, including pieces by artists like Ghana’s El Anatsui, China’s Liu Xiaodong and France’s Louise Bourgeois. An online interactive map ensures guests don’t miss any part of the enthralling tour. The Donum Estate, 24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma, 707.732.2200, thedonumestate.com/art
Photography by: ANSEL ADAMS/COURTESY OF DE YOUNG MUSEUM; COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON HALF MOON BAY; WIKTOR KARKOCHA; ANTHONY VACCARELLO FOR SAINT LAURENT; FABIAN GIESKE; COURTESY OF THE RITZ CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO; COURTESY OF THE DONUM ESTATE
