Answers!

Q: Have you been to Boulevard? How was it?
My hubby and i are planning a trip to S.F in December and we're thinking about going there!

A: Yes, I have been to Boulevard. It is an absolutely fantastic restaurant. One thing that I really appreciate about Boulevard is the fact that it simply isn't pretentious. It very much earns it's Michelin star, but unlike so many similar restaurants, the focus is all about good service, great food and an overall wonderful experience without the attitude that can be prevelant. I think you will be very happy with it. Hopefully I'll get around to posting my own review soon.

Q: Plouf may be too fancy for my parents. Have a rec for something that is very family and old-timer friendly in San Francisco?

A: One that immidiately comes to mind is Tadich Grill. I actually misread this (mild dyslexia! lol) as "Old time San Francisco" somehow but the more I thought about it, the more sure I was that this was still a good rec. This restaurant has been around for years and has remained a solid choice. So many "old school" restaurants survive on reputation but I feel that this one does it right. Cioppino here is excellent. It is casual but there is something for everyone on the menu. Another plus? They make a killer dirty martini.

Q: What are your favorite restaurants in SF? Low, mid, & high-priced.

A: This is a tough one. Hm... For very cheap, I love Chinese food. You could talk to many people and end up with many answers, but my favorites are Kam Po Kitchen, You's Dim Sum (the ladies who work there are always really nice and give me extra food:) ) and U-Lee for their potstickers. The potstickers are such a comfort food for me.

Mid range: I really like the Butler & the Chef Bistro. I actually live fairly close so I know that plays a part as who doesn't enjoy something that is easily accessible? That aside, my meals have always been very solid. They've never been bad. I feel that you get good food for the money.

Bistro Aix is another that I think is awesome. Unfortunately, I should note they are closed for a renovation so you'll want to check on this before just deciding to make the trip there.

Baker Street Bistro. Simply, just YUM!

Pricey: The Dining Room @ the Ritz Carlton is absolutely at the top of this list. It is probably one of the best dinners I've every had. If you decide to come here, you must have the tasting menu. End of story.

Masa's and Gary Danko are two others that are high on my "recommended" list. Gary Danko is nice if you're just venturing in to "fine dining" and as far as the amount of food you get for the price, Gary Danko is the best "deal".

Q: What inexpensive beauty and fashion items do you like?

A: One thing I am really partial to is Avon's Moisture Therapy Intensive hand cream. We ski a lot in the winter and the area in which our resort of choice is located get extremely dry. This isn't kind to my skin. Last year, I receieved a small bottle of this as part of a Christmas gift. I was astounded at how well it worked. I wish I had a before/after picture of my hands. You don't need a consultant, it can be purchased online and a small bottle is only about $2.00. A huge bottle, $6.00. You can't beat this if your hands get chapped during the winter.

I love plain old cherry chapstick. It keeps my lips soft but it adds a hint of color.

I no longer use this b/c I have a horrible time with color matching, but the absolute best foundation I've found in terms of lasting all day without touch ups is Revlon's liquid ColorStay. It simply blows other products out of the water. If you can find one that matches your skin tone, use it. For anyone wondering, I now use Bobbi Brown Oil Free Even Finish Liquid and love that as well. Revlon, however, is about 1/4 of the price.

Q: Some favorite movies and books?

A: I read a lot actually, but I am hard pressed to name a favorite book. I love a variety from crappy chick lit to biographies to the Twilight series. I would say that I am draw to bios most often though. I really like more obscure characters throughout history.

Another book I would say is a favorite is Zorba the Greek. As I said, my reading material is rather eclectic. I really love nothing more than coming home at the end of the day and reading while taking a hot bath.

I am really far more in to TV shows than I am movies... For TV, my all time favorites include Castle, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, Six Feet Under, Gilmore Girls and... actually, I'll stop as I could spend the evening naming shows.
Castle really appeals to me because of the wit as well as the chemistry between Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion. The dance between the two of them is fun to watch. And as for Boston Legal, that was absolutely one of the best shows on television. I'll end this post with two words: Denny Crane.

Q: What are your favorite stores and designers for day-to-day wear?

A: My favorite stores in general are probably Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, & Lululemon. Lately, my time has been so limited that I like being able to have access to everything I need & having it all in one place has been important. As far as local boutiques, Mingle (this store especially is so cute!), Blu, Cielo, & Susan San Francisco are high on my list.
I really like simplicity in my clothing. Simplicity need not be confused with boring, but I like pieces that can easily transition from work to play. I love Milly and Lanvin. I would say that my closet is very heavy on both of these. James Perse's shirts are a true addiction for me as well. Theory is also very wearable. And finally, Chanel. This actually is more apparent in my accessories. As much as I'd love a closet full of it, I'd need to make a lot more money to fund those clothes on a regular basis!

I hope this provided some insight in to me. I felt like I was blabbering on a few of those, so excuse the length of some of my answers. : )