Well Tomatoes, several of the events I had scheduled for today’s newsletter have been cancelled or rescheduled. First among them is our St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has a grand history in SF. So, you may have to wear that green and create your own parade at home. The unique fundraiser benefiting children with Lyme Disease has been rescheduled.  Dart for Art. Berkeley rep hosts new playwrights in quickly created short plays and so far, they’re still on. And a few new places to dine for all you foodies out there. Check them out. I still plan to be in NYC on May 1 for our Renewal Summit. I hope you will join me.

A Little History of Our St. Patrick’s Day Parade

It was 1851 many Irish Immigrants came to find their gold at the end of the rainbow. That year the Irish community held the first celebration at Hayes Valley Park and in 1853 the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was organized. YES, the same one we have today.  Past parades have had attendees from all over the world reel with laughter and revelry all the way to City Hall. So hold that thought for next year.

March 16. Berkeley Rep

Monday concludes the 25th anniversary season of Monday Night Playground staged reading series at Berkeley Rep. This special evening will feature environmental-inspired plays at 8 pm. The theme for the program is Feeding 9 Billion. Members of the writers’ company have just four and a half days to generate their original ten-minute plays inspired by the topic.

The top six scripts will each receive an hour-and-a-half rehearsal and a professional script-in-hand staged reading at Berkeley Rep on March 16.  This is the sixth year of PlayGround’s partnership with Planet Earth Arts and Stanford University on the development of environmental inspired plays. PlayGround is the leading playwright incubator for the bay area. Supporting the playwrights are members of the PlayGround company that represent leading directors, actors and designers with most belonging to Actor’s Equity. A chance to see some original and thoughtful works before they are developed further.  https://playground-sf.org/monday.

Dart for Art Moved to May 22

Originally scheduled for March 20, Dart for Art will now take place on May 22, so save the date. This is not your typical auction or cocktail party. It is, however, an important fundraiser for the LymeLight Foundation that raises hope for families dealing with Lyme disease.  Grants are provided that enable eligible children and young adults with Lyme disease to receive proper treatment and medication.

It will take place at the San Mateo Convention Center where you will find cocktail clad friends running for a local artist donated piece of art. This lively and unique event takes place in a gallery setting. Your ticket enables you to stroll through the gallery previewing the works you will be “darting” (running) for later in the evening. After cocktails and light bites, one of your party will be lined up ready to hopefully grab their favorite work of art. Art for a great cause. Lymelightfoundation.org

New Eats

Ettan – a Cal Indian Restaurant

Calling all Peninsula tomatoes, we have a new destination restaurant by a two Michelin Starred Chef. It’s a Cal-Indian menu with deliciousness on a plate. Chutney samplers, lobster potlis and whole roasted red snapper are some of the items on the menu.

It’s a striking restaurant with a multi-story balcony and stunning domed skylight. By the way, Ettan means “breath in Sanskrit and refers to breath being the essence and center of one’s life force. Signature cocktails include a wide range of healthy, “skinny” libations, and wine list that pairs beautifully with the complexity of some of the dishes will have you craving more.518 Bryant St. ettanrestaurant.com

Tea Time at Maison Danel

It’s tea time and there is a new elegant tea spot on Polk Street  – Masion Danel. It is gorgeous and offers so much more than a cuppa. The chef, Danel, specializes in mouthwatering croissants, sweet and savory.

His husband David saw the vision for the new spot after taking over three storefronts. Based on the oceanic colors found in Danel’s native Biarritz, the space is gorgeous. They serve, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Cheers! Let’s meet. Get the details.

May 1. Join Me at the Renewal Summit

This all-day event will focus on health, wellness, beauty and more in midlife and beyond. I’ll be moderating a panel on “Aging Backwards,” and who doesn’t want to do that? We have a block of hotel rooms reserved at a special rate too. If we cancel the event you will receive a full refund for your event ticket. Get the details.