Get out of the kitchen and into the woods at Chefs’ Holidays--an incredible culinary series at the Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park. The series kicks off this Sunday with Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge, Matt Bolton of Pacific’s Edge, and David Kinch of Manresa hosting classes and a five-course gala dinner. National guests like Brad Farmerie of Public and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard join the lineup later this month. From $694, Jan. 10-13.
Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Asian Art Museum at Mochitsuki!, the Japanese mochi pounding party. Musicians and dancers lead this traditional Japanese ceremony while audience members are invited to pound and taste mochi--delectably sweet rice treats--for good fortune. Free with museum admission, Jan. 9, 12-4 PM, Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., Civic Center, 415-581-3500.
SHOP NOW!
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but you’ll find peace of mind at the San Francisco Wedding Fair: A Five Star Afternoon at the Four Seasons. This Sunday, sip Domaine Chandon champagne and nibble gourmet treats while viewing couture tabletops and chatting with Jin Wang about your ideal dress design. Reluctant grooms can head to the Bachelor Pad lounge and on-hand etiquette experts can help with any and all wedding issues. $22 in advance, $25 at door. Jan. 10, 11 AM-4 PM.
Jetsetters rejoice: Scottevest’s line of coats, shirts, and cargo pants appear sleek and streamlined, but conceal a suitcase-worth of carry-on storage tucked into the seams. IPods, passports, and cell phones are suddenly within reach, even in the closest of cabin quarters. James Bond would be proud. Available at Edwards Luggage, 3 Embarcadero Center, Financial District, 415-981-7047, or online at scottevest.com.
PARTY NOW!
Join the San Francisco Ballet at the 2010 Opening Night Gala and Silver Celebration, celebrating artistic director Helgi Tomasson’s 25th anniversary with the company. The one-night-only event includes cocktails, dinner, a special performance chosen by Tomasson, and a post-performance party. From $375, Jan. 20, 5 PM.
Gin or vodka? Shaken or stirred? The battle is half the fun at the Olive Festival’s Martini Madness. Sonoma Valley bartenders will bring their shakers and their A game to Saddle’s Restaurant at MacArthur Place for the annual competition. Sample jazz and appetizers as you taste their creations and vote for this year’s martini champ. $40, Jan. 8, 5-7 PM, Saddles Restaurant, 29 East MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-933-3183.
GET SMART NOW!
Looking for nightlife that’s a bit more stimulating? Check out Exploratorium After Dark, an adventurous after-hours series for adults. Explore your mind’s sensory perception at tonight’s event, Revolution; enjoy a cocktail and learn all about hangovers at the museum’s Science of Cocktails fundraiser; and take an intimate look at genetics at next month’s event, Sexploratorium. $15, 6-10 PM, first Thursday of every month.
Keep all of your resolutions with Wag Hotel’s Thank Dog! Boot Camp. Wag Hotel’s daily training and exercise classes help you lose the pounds while Fido loses those bad habits, combining a workout, obedience training, and puppy exercise into one hour per day. From $50. Wag Hotel, 25 14th St., SoMa, 415-876-0700.
ESCAPE NOW!
Confused about romance? Ditch the man, grab your BFFs, and head to one of six fabulous Personality Hotels for the Love Him or Leave Him Package. Cozy into your chic room, down some custom cocktails, and consult your Limbo Kit--which includes a questionnaire, Magic 8 Ball, truth candle, and voodoo doll--until your problem is solved. From $135, through April 30, see website for details.
Celebrate food and wine at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay’s Fire and Wine Experience. Guests can enjoy private winemaker dinners, winemaking and blending workshops, and a nightly fireside hot chocolate and s’more bar. From $539 per night, Jan. 15-17, Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, 1 Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay, 650-712-7000.
