It’s a jam-packed spring in the bay with so many great things to do, foods to eat and clothes to buy! First up is a book launch by an incredible Tomato (and friend of mine) who has written a book called “Identity Theft” about life after a stroke – powerful! Mireya Mayor – a globetrotter extraordinaire comes to the Hammer theatre to share her exploits. Any of you who came of age in the Bay – i.e., partied in your 20’s and 30’s – certainly are aware of Sam’s in Tiburon. Well it has re-launched in a grand way. Now that the sun has arrived it is time for spring shopping – read on for some great finds. Happy Sunny Spring – we deserve it!

April 30. Book Launch – Identity Theft

In 2010 Debra Meyerson, a Stanford University professor at the school of Education and co-director of the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, suffered a severe stroke in which she lost all speech and was paralyzed on her right side. She is a remarkable woman whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for years and have witnessed her growth from this incident. Along with one of her sons, she has written an inspirational story for anyone struggling with their sense of self following injury.

The book centers on her experience, her stroke, her extraordinary efforts to recover and her journey to redefine herself. She draws on her skills as a social scientist and conversations with dozens of fellow survivors, family members, friends, colleagues and doctors to paint a new picture of the emotional journey through the identity-based challenges born from stroke and other accidents and illnesses that rob people of important capabilities. Her book launch takes place on April 30^th at 6:30 p.m. on the Stanford University Campus. Get details and register.

May 15. Female Indy

Mireya Mayor has been called the “female Indiana Jones” for her globe-trotting work as an explorer, primatologist and wildlife correspondent for National Geographic. A former NFL cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, Mayor discovered her fascination with primate life in college, which inspired her to get her PhD in anthropology. Now a Fulbright Scholar, National Science Foundation Fellow and Emmy-nominated wildlife correspondent, Mayor swam with sharks, has been chased by elephants and even discovered an entirely new species of mouse lemur in Madagascar.

Hear her fascinating talk at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose. Mayor will discuss her most daring exploits, accompanied by unbelievable photography and videos. Get the details.

Sam’s Seaside Café Gets a Makeover

If you have lived in the Bay area for a minute you are surely familiar with Sam’s in Tiburon, truly an iconic seaside café. Billed as the most non-exclusive yacht club on the bay, it has recently been remodeled by new owners. Sam’s has been around since 1920 and is one of the best places to hang out on a sunny day. But the wear and tear over the years took its toll.

Since the location is weather dependent, and you know our fog….the new 80 foot heated bench should keep us all toasty, with or without a glass of spirits.

It is gorgeous inside and the new food and drink menu is spot on. They still have a nod to the “old” Sam’s where the wait staff continue to sport Hawaiian Shirts, Sam’s signature look, and they have brought back an old time special of champagne and a burger. The tastiest bowl drink they have added is a shared Aperol spritz with a bottle of Proseco tipped upside down in to the bowl. It’s a winner for sure. The popcorn is still free and we are sure it will continue to be as packed as it always has been, so get there early to grab a spot by the sea. www.samscafe.com

Shop Talk

Freda Salvador – she of glorious handmade footwear fame (designed in CA, hand crafted in Spain) has just launched a new line of sneakers. Not the ones you wear to the gym, but the kind you proudly sport out on the town. Low tops are crafted in white calf, vanilla snake, peony snake and rose snake and high tops make a statement in vanilla snake and silver metallic.

Quintessentially Freda – statement making, comfortable (padded footbeds) and versatile. And an adorable “you are perfect” message is embossed on the tongue of each shoe. Statement pieces and statement prices – $295 – $375. SF store located at 2416 Filmore Stree. LA and NYC stores also! www.fredasalvador.com

For years, SF Tomatoes in the know have been hitting up designer Basil Racuk’s Mission atelier and namesake store for handmade, pared-down leather bags. With the recent opening of a second shop on Union Street, hordes of Cow Hollow shoppers, including those unfamiliar with Racuk’s sublime handiwork, are in for a serious treat. Along with BR’s signature slender Paper Bag Tote, an array of bags, briefcases, sleeves, and small accessories inhabit the space. Cool hunters will also be wooed by jewelry from local designers, candles from all over the state, along with all manner of notebooks, hand-screened graphic tees (a must-have for Spring) and so much more. 1739b Union St. Get the details.