From world-class theater to hotel openings and more, this is what's new and now in San Francisco.
Alfresco dining spots abound at The Madrona.
The interior spaces, designed by Jay Jeffers, take inspiration from 19th century Aestheticism.
ESCAPE
What was once a historic private residence in wine country is now an ethereal boutique hotel. Sitting on 8 lush acres, The Madrona offers luxurious accommodations housed across the property’s six buildings (the majority of which are original), like The Mansion & Carriage House located above the restaurant or the scattered private bungalows. For a sumptuous meal, complete with bay windows or private balcony views, head to The Restaurant & Bar helmed by Michelin-star chef Jesse Mallgren, who focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients inspired by global flavors alongside a deliciously boozy beverage program. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707.395.6700, themadronahotel.com
Rolston’s first solo show is a sophisticated fable tailored for adults.
WATCH
Kevin Rolston’s critically acclaimed play Deal With the Dragon is back and better than ever. Watch Rolston’s gripping three-character, one-man performance of an artist desperate to land a gallery show at an acclaimed museum and the challenges he faces along the way. Featuring a new revised script, expect dark twists and turns in this camp comedy coming to the Magic Theatre. July 22-Aug. 14, 2 Marina Blvd., 415.441.8822, magictheatre.org
Free True boasts a well-appointed collection of clean, cruelty-free skincare.
REPAIR
Earlier this summer, lauded Bay Area beauty brand Free + True unveiled its Balanced Being barrier repairing moisturizer. Founder Tami Blake, who was born and raised in the Bay Area, uses botanicals grown in the region in her product formulations. The new moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier overnight, lessening sensitivity and reducing transepidermal water loss. Packing ingredients such as haritaki fruit extract, plum kernel oil, rose of Jericho and pomegranate juice, this moisture veil is sure to guide complexions back into balance. Bonus: The company supports both the Pollinator Partnership (pollinator.org) and Inner City Bliss (inner-citybliss.org); the latter offers trauma-informed yoga and meditation to underserved communities throughout the Bay Area. freeandtrueskincare.com
Little Saint’s vegetable-forward menu places an emphasis on elevated yet approachable family-style dining.
DINE
Bay Area design legend Ken Fulk has done it again, this time with a sensational vegan hot spot in Healdsburg. Little Saint is a farm-forward gathering place boasting all-vegan fare, including a cafe and exclusive 16-seat cocktail bar. Feast on scrumptious menu items inspired by California-Mediterranean cuisine, such as a pumpkin seed dip starter, potato and green garlic soup, spring asparagus and stuffed collard greens; or take it on the road with Little Saint’s Provisions’ varied selection of picnic-ready items. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707.433.8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com
LIKHÂ’s new place mats are available in two-tone black, solid black and natural hues.
DISCOVER
Napa-based Nathalie Lim, who’s the founder of LIKHÂ, has an array of new looks for sprucing up Bay Area homes this summer. Her brand works with more than 100 artisans from multiple regions in the Philippines who craft handmade goods from natural and sustainable materials—think straw, plant fiber, coco coir (coconut fiber) and sustainably sourced shells—ultimately blending contemporary design with local techniques. New offerings include 100% abaca fiber round woven place mats that add a showstopping natural accent to any tablescape. shoplikha.com
The Science in Design Summit will explore how neuroaesthetics can be used to improve health.
DESIGN
Comprising 100 elegantly curated showrooms exhibiting more than 2,000 unique manufacturers—think Osborne & Little, ADAMS 74, Christopher Peacock and Una Malan—the San Francisco Design Center is home furnishings, fine art and more. The center hosts the Science in Design Summit, a national tour exploring how neuroaesthetics is changing the future of the industry. Look forward to research from leading institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the Mayo Clinic alongside presentations on biophilia, human-centric design and the impact of color and cognitive architecture. July 21, 101 Henry Adams St., 415.490.5800, sfdesigncenter.com
This dangerously seductive show reimagines classic Star Wars characters into dreamy burlesque divas.
BEHOLD
After a sold-out, critically acclaimed U.S. tour, The Empire Strips Back: The Burlesque Parody takes over San Francisco with an eight-week residency at the Great Star Theater. Beginning this month, delight in sultry Stormtroopers, dangerously dreamy droids and more beloved characters from the Star Wars franchise as they take to the stage. Featuring sexy burlesque numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, coy stripteases and more, this one-of-a-kind production is not to be missed. July 6-Aug. 28, 636 Jackson St., empirestripsback.com
Inspired tablescapes astound at Table Teaspoon’s first physical showroom.
SHOP
Table + Teaspoon’s new Daly City showroom is every design lover’s dream. The 56,000-square-foot space was designed entirely by CEO and founder Liz Curtis with a focus on the client experience. While the building’s exterior is inspired by Palm Springs, the interior exudes a midcentury modern aesthetic with Kelly Wearstler wallpaper, St. Frank cloths, barn doors and dashes of neon. In the reception foyer, a sultry Champagne bar welcomes guests with flutes of bubbly as they explore the showroom’s sensory textile wall. Be sure to check out the Table + Teaspoon kiosk to place digital orders from the brand’s stunning collection. 411 Allan St., Daly City, tableandteaspoon.com
SF Heritage’s 1506 Gallery exhibits the work of Stanley Mouse through July 28.
VIEW
San Francisco Heritage (sfheritage.org) celebrates its new artist-in-residence program this summer at its 1506 gallery with counterculture icon Stanley Mouse. The exhibit showcases 60 years of the artist’s groundbreaking work (think psychedelic posters of San Francisco’s art and music scene in the 1960s and 1970s), which has been shown everywhere from SFMOMA to the Louvre. Mouse will unveil a painting of the Doolan-Larson Building, a city landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through July 28, 1506 Haight St., mousestudios.co, haightashbury.org/residences
St. Regis San Francisco’s new restaurant, Astra, is decked out with Pacific Ocean blues and warm pastels that evoke picturesque sunrises and sunsets over the Bay.
STAYCATION
St. Regis San Francisco’s exciting refresh—part of a multiphase property redesign—is worth a stay. The five-star hotel tapped award-winning, London-based design group Blacksheep for the plush decor of St. Regis Bar, adding elements like rich textiles, soft metallics and a sweeping brass trellis that sits above the bar. Guest rooms and suites also received a refresh, boasting headboards with rich leather paneling and photographs by Ansel Adams. Insider tip: New signature fine dining restaurant Astra is sure to stun, so be on the lookout. 125 Third St., 415.284.4000, marriott.com
Bottega Veneta’s new Kalimero bag
FIND
Bottega Veneta’s San Francisco flagship officially opens in July, offering the Italian leather handbags and ready-to-wear collections fashionistas around the world know and love. Unique architectural features include concrete flooring and handknotted merino wool carpet, with limited-edition ceramic plant vessels crafted by renowned sculptor Anders Ruhwald alongside solid oak shelving and furniture designed by Raphaël Zarka. Exclusive to the luxe San Francisco flagship is the Brick Cassette in denim, the city’s must-have accessory for summer. 124 Geary St., bottegaveneta.com
Lune Dame Aries and Pisces prints
The Lady Liberté Divine Feminine candle in cream
DECORATE
Danielle McWaters of San Francisco-based Designsake Studio has launched Lune Dame, a lifestyle collection inspired by the cosmic energies of the moon and female vitality, crafting a line of products that will help us connect with and express ourselves, cultivating a high-vibrational space. Start with the Zodiac Dame prints, hand-drawn female forms inspired by the 12 sun signs printed on the finest archival paper, or, for a more olfactory experience, deliciously scented Divine Feminine candles are also on offer. lunedame.com
Former Young Artists members performed selections from Giacomo Puccini’s La rondine in 2019.
HEAR
Combining world-class opera with the finest young talent around the world, the Merola Opera Program trains and develops young opera singers through professional-level productions and concerts. This July, the 2022 Merola Opera Program Young Artists presents its Schwabacher Summer Concert showcasing lyrical and romantic Latin American and Spanish composers, such as Daniel Catán, Manuel de Falla, Osvaldo Golijov and Amadeo Vives. Featuring a full orchestra, conducted by general and artistic director of Opera Hispánica Jorge Parodi and directed by Merola alum Jose Maria Condemi, this is a night of jaw-dropping opera not to be missed. July 14, 7:30PM; July 16, 3PM, 50 Oak St., 415.936.2324, merola.org
Presidio Tunnel Tops sets the stage for an unforgettably adventurous San Francisco summer.
SEE
San Francisco has a new must-see—this time, in the form of a highly anticipated national park space opening July 17. Presidio Tunnel Tops, built on top of the Presidio Parkway Tunnels, is 14 acres of new parkland in the heart of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area boasting scenic overlooks, walking trails, picnic areas, gardens, meadows and breathtaking Golden Gate views not found anywhere else. Starting at Presidio Plaza, recreation areas include a cliff walk and overlook, a picnic area, multiple meadows, the Presidio steps and the Outpost, a 2-acre outdoor play area that fosters an early love for nature. 210 Lincoln Blvd., 415.561.4323, presidiotunneltops.gov
The cast of Madhuri Shekar’s House of Joy at the 2018 festival
EXPERIENCE
Theater lovers, rejoice! The 45th annual Playwrights Festival will present five powerful plays by exciting new voices in a hybrid in-person and online program. This year’s festival focuses on themes of resilience, bonds, honesty, love and life-changing moments that lead to deeper relationships. The five plays selected for this season are A Jumping-Off Point by Inda Craig-Galván, How to Let Your Lover Die by Elana Dykewomon, An Arab Spring by Denmo Ibrahim, Saturday Mourning Cartoons by Iraisa Ann Reilly and Close to Home by Sharifa Yasmin. July 29-Aug. 7, 1695 18th St., 415.626.2176, playwrightsfoundation.org
Ram’s Gate Winery recently launched its Seasonal Wine and Food Experience.
SIP
Ram’s Gate Winery recently announced its Seasonal Wine and Food Experience, a communal wine-and-food pairing set in the Carneros-based tasting room. The “first bites” experience showcases what lies ahead for the Sonoma winery’s hospitality program, led by Ruby Oliveros (executive chef) and Kristoffer Miller (director of hospitality). Experiences are limited to 24 guests, with up to six guests per party. Thu.-Mon., 11AM and 2PM, 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707.721.8700, ramsgatewinery.com
Buzzy environs and Bay views await at The Bungalow Kitchen.
Sip on Shallow Aloes all night long.
PARTY
Just in time for summer, The Bungalow Kitchen’s beloved Late Nights are back. Every Friday and Saturday night, head upstairs to the Salon for live DJs, expertly crafted cocktails, bottle service and sweeping views of the city skyline and the Bay. The posh space, designed by AD100 interior designer Martin Brudnizki, boasts intimate lounge seating, bohemian decor, a speakeasy-style bar and an adjoining billiards room with a cozy fireplace. Grab a boozy beverage—our fave is the refreshing Shallow Aloe made with cucumber-infused vodka, ginger, lemon and, of course, aloe—snag a spot with the best views and enjoy late night done right. 5 Main St., Belvedere Tiburon, 415.366.4088, bungalowkitchen.com
Photography by: MATTHEW MILLMAN; MATTHEW MILLMAN; MELATI CITRAWIREJA; BEN KRANTZ STUDIO; BRENDAN MAININI; COURTESY OF LIKHÂ; KAM IDRIS/UNSPLASH; COURTESY OF THE EMPIRE STRIPS BACK; ADRIEN VILLEZ; COURTESY OF SF HERITAGE; JASON DEWEY PHOTOGRAPHY; JASON DEWEY PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF BOTTEGA VENETA; COURTESY OF LUNE DAME; SETH SMOOT; KRISTEN LOKEN; JAMES CORNER FIELD OPERATIONS; JAMES CORNER FIELD OPERATIONS; LORENZ ANGELO; COURTESY OF RAM’S GATE WINERY; ANGELO CLINTON; AVABLU
