SF LIFE: Valentine’s Day, Gung Hay Fat Choy, Virtual Events, Sparks
Hey friends, whether you’re gaga for Valentine’s Day, more into Galentine’s, or could really do without the upcoming commercial holiday, enjoy a cozy walk-through Union Square where the new Hearts in SF are on display. It’s the year of the Ox and you can still celebrate the Chinese New Year. And we have a few interesting virtual events that we think YOU tomatoes might enjoy! Listen in to my podcast with 3T founder Cheryl Benton. And sign up for our FREE 3T March event celebrating Women’s History Month. We consider you all our “gal”-entines and wish you hearts and flowers and dark chocolate to raise your endorphins!
The 3Ts Cheryl Benton and I had super fun on my new podcast “Ignite YOUR Spark.” We laugh. A lot. So get your giggle on. Listen in here.
Hearts in SF
Did you know that those incredible heart sculptures in SF debuted in 2004 and were auctioned to raise money for the SF General Hospital Foundation? Some that have been purchased are still on display as new ones arrive yearly as well, all created by bay area artists. Take a stroll to find them all, take your selfies and celebrate love. Find the locations at https://sfghf.org/hearts-in-sf-2/
Valentine Gift Ideas
Time to think outside the proverbial box of candy this year, and here are some ideas. Doesn’t have to be about the usual hearts, just do something for someone you love and appreciate!
Cookies and wine? Who knew? But we do know that tomatoes enjoy their vino, so create a special gift of a cookie and wine tastingwith Maker and Cookies by Katrice. You’ll pair canned chenin blanc and sparkling rosé with cheat-day worthy brown butter chocolate chip cookies; Sunday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Purchase kits ($72) on makerwine.com.
Ballet friends this is for you. Stream SF Ballet’s Digital Program 02. The 2021 Digital Season programming includes the premiere of SF Ballet soloist Myles Thatcher’s new ballet, ColorForms, filmed at locations around the city; archival captures of Dwight Rhoden’s Let’s Begin at the End; and Mark Morris’ Sandpaper Ballet; Thursday through March 4th. Purchase 72-hour viewing access ($29) on sfballet.org.
Your football loving valentine will enjoy this treat. Take a virtual tour of the 49ers’ Museum. While you can’t visit Levi’s Stadium IRL right now, the brand new 360-degree experience provides the Faithful with details and anecdotes from the team’s 75-year history. levisstadium.com
Cartoon lovers rejoice. If you can’t get enough of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts, don’t miss the chance to virtually view Hidden Treasures: Unseen Originals from the Schulz Museum. The online exhibition yet showcases more than 65 comic strips of Snoopy and friends, along with audio and visual enhancements. Purchase tickets ($10 for non-members) on schulzmuseum.org.
Gung Hay Fat Choy
The year of the OX is coming regardless of whether or not we can watch the annual parade live. So why not celebrate in other ways.
For the first time in Parade history, the Southwest Airlines float will be displayed at Pier 27, Cruise Terminal Plaza. You can see this gorgeous, shimmering float from noon-8pm on Sat 2/13- Sun 2/14 and Sat 2/20- Sun 2/21.
Another excuse to wander the city comes in the guise of “find the Ox”. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco is excited to debut, The Year of the Ox on Parade. A tradition in the making, 11 life-sized Oxen will be publicly displayed across San Francisco to help ring in the new year of the Ox. They worked with local artists to design each Ox to reflect upon the Chinese culture, people, and traditions. After the celebration, each Ox will be auctioned off to benefit local Chinatown non-profit organizations. https://chineseparade.com/ox-on-parade/
Support Our Local Chinese Restaurants
Of course THE BEST way to celebrate the year of the Ox, in our humble opinion is to support local restaurants. Dine outdoors, weather permitting, or take out. Fun fact, Dim Sum (touch heart) is one of the two essential components of the Chinese Tradition (the other being Yum Cha –– drink tea). So get your dumpling on and here are some of our favs across the bay.
For those who love their dumplings and Shanghainese cuisine, you can’t miss Dumpling Kitchen. Their crave-worthy Xiao Long Baos never fail to satisfy. Just don’t go on a Wednesday – they’re closed. 1935 Taraval St Sunset District
Easily the most popular dim sum spot in the East Bay, Hong Kong East Ocean delivers homemade dim sum (and wicked weekend specials!), ridiculously fresh seafood, and a breathtaking view of the Bay Area. 3199 Powell St Emeryville
A low-key dim sum spot with a modest interior, Dim Sum King’s homemade dim sum exceeds expectations. Trying to eat without breaking the bank? Most dim sums go for less than $5. 824 W El Camino Real Sunnyvale
A Fun and Inspiring Event in Honor of Women’s History Month
Women who make history have always been thought of as a little “crazy.” “Hysteria” and “crazy” has been applied to women for centuries. Arianna Huffington was told The Huffington Post was a “crazy” idea. Katalin Kariko was told her research of mRNA was a “crazy” dead end and now it’s the substance that made the first COVID-19 vaccines possible. Let’s make crazy less crazy! GET THE DETAILS.
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kimduffselby.com
Listen to her podcast, "Ignite Your Spark" wherever you listen to podcasts.
