Happy 2019 fellow Tomatoes. I say, don’t wait until spring, let’s clear out our the old shoes now, making way for the new locally made flats in town that you will love  – Bosque. Kamperett,a luxe and lovely womenswear label has been around for a while, but they have a brand new atelier. And Globeln, a subscription box service unlike any others, just opened their first brick and mortar store.  Sketchfest has returned and there are more than 100 laughable shows being presented over the next few weeks. Giggles galore. Did someone say cheese, yes please – the Cheesemonger Invitational is here! Bring on 2019 – we got this!

SHOPPING

Bosque

My fellow shoe addicts rejoice as I have found the chicest, most comfortable new flats by BOSQUE. Their footwear falls under the heading of Posh everyday shoes. Duchess Megan Markle wears SF local brands, Birdies and Rothys, and she may just be caught in a pair of Bosque. Their flats – including lush velvet loafers just scream elegance.

Their green flannel version is perfect for the preppy set with their terracotta-hued leather soles. But my personal favs are the flats with silver buckles, their nude leather goes with everything in my closet! Check them out at “The Reset,” on Filmore and at Stanford Shopping Center or online.

Kamperett

Created by two local designers, Kamperett has recently christened their brand-new atelier. Anna Chiu and Valerie Santillo are the creators behind this dreamy several-year-old women’s wear label. Their new location at 3686 20th Street is a sun-filled showroom where they design, sew and operate their business.

Their new location allows them to meet and connect with customers in person and assist them in trying on the flowy dresses, versatile jumpsuits, hand-painted structured tops and more. The studio is open to the public every Friday from 10 – 3. Kamperett.com

GlobeIn

GlobeIn’s purpose is to support artisans around the world through its subscription boxes. Filled with unique homewares, jewelry and other lifestyle products, the boxes help support more than 1,000 artisans in Mexico, South Africa, Morocco and other developing countries. Now you can shop the products in real-life at Globeln’s first-ever retail store in Noe Valley.

It’s the ideal place to create your own boxes, for you or someone else. The items are unique and useful as well as beautiful. They offer bath products, comfort items and so much more. Remember, shopping, and gifting, for good – it’s the best. 4175 24th St. globein.com

Entertainment

Now – Jan. 27. Sketchfest

The funny people have arrived! The annual SF festival that brings dozens of well, along with up and coming comedians, starts now and there are literally hundreds of shows for you to choose from. Carol Burnett’s appearance is currently sold out (one of my Tomato idols from way back), but you may be able to score a ticket somewhere. Never fear though, there are so many events, priced reasonable as well, and at all times of the day, that you are sure to find something to tickle your funny bone

Weird Al Yankovic will be in town or you can catch the 20th anniversary screening of “Best in Show’ with conversations moderated by Kevin Pollak and attended by Eugene Levy. The ever popular Celebrity Autobiograhy event will be held at Marines Memorial. Comedians and actors read from other celebrities’ work. Hysterically read by Ed Begley Jr, Laraine Newman and other funny folk – don’t miss it. The festival runs now through January 27th at various locations around the city. For all the laugh out loud details and info: https://www.sfsketchfest.com/

Jan. 13. Cheese Mongers Invitational

Anyone out there like cheese? I sense that most of you are giving a resounding yes, please. Here is your opportunity to see the best cheesemongers from around the country in competition showcasing their technical skills, encyclopedic knowledge and passionate salesmanship. A little bit odd, kind of weird and intensely competitive, cheese professionals compete in categories which test their knowledge and dedication to all things cheese.

You can witness it all, enjoy all the unusual cheese creations while watching the cheesemonger’s battle it out. January 13th at 3 p.m. 200 Marin Street is where the cheese is happening. Some of the events include a competition where the cheesemongers will cut, wrap and sing the praise of their favorite cheese. Your $65 ticket includes unlimited tastings, enough to put you in a serious cheese coma. You can diet the next day! http://www.cheesemongerinvitational.com