City Club of San Francisco

A City Club Affaire Wedding & Event Show - Sunday, October 2, 2011

2011-09-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

The City Club of San Francisco

155 Sansome Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104

www.cityclubsf.com

Why Wouldn't You Join?

2011-09-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

In a previous life, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the day-to-day life at The City Club of San Francisco - engaging with our interesting Members, planning events, working with a friendly and personable staff, enjoying vibrant and busy lunches, happy hours, etc - all things that I miss in my new life as a full-time mommy to a busy and very happy 10-month old. But I'm fortunate to still be involved with The City Club and having some time away has given me a whole new perspective on the Club: WHY WOULDN'T YOU JOIN?

I have a bit more time these days to explore what else is out there, club-wise in San Francisco, and I say this in the most objective of ways - The City Club is by far the BEST private Club in the City. Starting with the staff - a group of consummate hospitality professionals who hail from all corners of the industry and who walk through those brass doors at 155 Sansome Street with the same goals in mind: to make the Club that much better every day and to ensure that our Members feel like they are the most important people in the world (they are!). They know names, they know preferences (window table? stirred not shaken? they know!), and most importantly, they care. These days, good customer service seems to be rather obsolete, but at The City Club, personal service is the heart and soul of our business.

Beyond this paramount personal service, I've yet to find another club in town that offers an array of amenities and programs to the Members than what The City Club offers. Monthly speaker events with city notables? Check. Savings on private meeting rooms and events? Check. A delicious, healthy, and abundant lunch buffet daily? Check. A private Members-only bar with witty bartenders and top-shelf libations? Check. Networking events every week? Check. A membership comprised of the city's top-tier professionals from all industries? Check. Management who continues to invest in the Club to ensure its longevity and prosperity? Big check. All of these reasons and many more lead me back to my original thought: WHY WOULDN'T YOU JOIN?

When it comes to joining, Corporate Memberships are the way to go. They are designed to allow several individuals from a company enjoy the benefits of Membership at The City Club at the most reasonable rate. All designees can entertain clients at their leisure at the Club, as well as customize their individual membership to best fit their needs (including fitness, golf, spa upgrades). Larissa Lorian in Membership is as gracious and friendly as they come when greeting new and prospective Members so I encourage you to reach out to her if joining the Club is something you or someone you know may be considering. There's nothing to lose and much to be gained...

Until next time, I know that The City Club has many more suprises in store, putting the exclamation point on being THE BEST PRIVATE CLUB in San Francisco! Go see for yourself.

-Victoria Welch

Club Director turned full time Mom...for now

It's Just Lunch...Unless It's Lunch at the Club!

2011-08-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

A decent commute on MUNI (hey, one can hope, right?!) that gives me some nice reading time. Saying “Good morning” to my fellow coworkers and awaiting a productive and interesting day. An evening run along the Embarcadero. Every day I try to think of the “little things” I have to look forward to, as having these highlights makes the day pass that much more pleasantly.

Sometime around late morning, however, what I begin looking forward to is LUNCH! I am admittedly proud to work for The City Club, where our Executive Chef Michael Munoz prepares an elaborate and unique menu for you, our Members, to enjoy every day.

On The City Club’s daily lunch buffet, you can expect a full array of salad options to choose from, as well as a delectable carvery display and seasonal accompaniments, a sandwich station, and a medley of sinfully delicious desserts. But did you know that each day’s buffet has its own theme, and that the daily menu can be found, available on our website, every day after 11AM on our City Club Calendar of Events?

As a reminder of our themes:

Monday – Comfort Food

Tuesday – Dim Sum

Wednesday – Sushi

Thursday – International Day

Friday – Prime Rib, Shrimp & Oysters

I don’t know about you, but with these tantalizing offerings available online to entice you to come to The City Club for lunch, I’d have our calendar bookmarked! Better yet, come taste for yourself why lunch at The City Club can be a highlight of your day, as well!

I look forward to seeing you at the Club soon!

Jennifer C. Desideri

Controller

In Need of a Fresh Summer Cocktail?

2011-08-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

The City Club Bar has you covered!

Food and Beverage Manager Dwayne Arikawa has a simple yet refreshing cocktail that will bring a little bit of cooling mint and bubbly sparkles into your bar or backyard! Here's a how-to guide for bringing a little bit of Cuba into your home this summer:

Dwayne Arikawa's "City Club Mojito"

12-15 Mint Leaves

2 oz Light Rum (Oronoco Rum Suggested)

4-6 oz soda water (Ginger Beer Substitute can be used as well)

1-2 cubes of raw brown sugar (or simple syrup)

One half lime

Cocktail Shaker

1 cup of ice

1 Collins glass

1 muddling stick (or any other kitchen tool that will muddle)

Using a wooden muddling stick, muddle mint leaves with the brown sugar or simple syrup at the bottom of your cocktail shaker until the mint is slightly bruised and the sugar has dissolved just a bit. Then, add your rum and squeeze the juice of one half a lime into the mixture. Add half a cup of ice. Pour this mixture into your cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds. Pour the shaken mixture into your glass, and top off with the remaining ice, and the desired amount of soda water you'd like (4-6 oz) and stir gently to blend all the ingredients. Garnish with a mint leaf and lime wedge. Mentally transport yourself to Cuba and enjoy!

You may substitute unflavored soda water with ginger beer, however if you do so make a note to use slightly less sugar than previously recommended to avoid making your cocktail too sweet.

Cheers!

The City Club of San Francisco

A Special Recipe from our Kitchen to Yours

2011-07-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Take a step into the City Club kitchen as we present Sous Chef Juan Munoz's vegan tomato bisque recipe to you. We offered this delicious soup at the Members' buffet lunch a few weeks back, and it was quite the popular hit amongst our members, with one member even asking for the recipe! Although this soup is vegan and healthy, it is thick, hearty and provides the warmth and comfort we all look for in a home-made soup recipe. So bring out your cooking utensils and introduce a little bit of The City Club kitchen into your home today!

Vegan Tomato Bisque

10 Roma Tomatoes, halved
½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 carrots medium diced
2 yellow onions sliced thinly
2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ cup canola oil
¾ cup red wine
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
4 quarts vegetable stock
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons white truffle oil

Toss Roma tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil together in a bowl. Then, place tomatoes on a sheet pan, skin side up and roast at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until skin is charred. Using a deep pot, heat up canola oil and add the carrots, onions and minced garlic. Let the vegetables caramelize, then add the red wine. Let reduce completely until the mixture is tender. Add roasted tomatoes. Then, add thyme, cumin, sugar and tomato paste, let stew for 10 minutes on low heat, continuously stirring so the sugar does not burn. Add vegetable stock and let simmer for 30-45 minutes. Blend the mixture. Add red wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Add truffle oil to taste.

-Juan Munoz,
Sous Chef
The City Club of San Francisco

Additionally, if ever you or one of your guests would like the recipe for any of our dishes provided in the restaurant, please do not hesitate to ask us! We would be more than happy to share any of our delicious recipes with you.

We hope you will enjoy this healthy soup recipe as much as we did. Have a wonderful week!

The City Club of San Francisco

Secrets of a Private Club: The City Club Revealed

2011-07-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

San Francisco has a secret that even many San Francisco Bay Area natives and visitors alike are not yet privy to. Nestled in the heart of the Financial District, 155 Sansome St. houses one of the City’s best kept secrets: The City Club of San Francisco.

Located on the 9^th, 10^th and 11^th floors of the Stock Exchange Tower building designed by architect Timothy L. Pfleuger, The City Club of San Francisco originally opened as the men-only Pacific Stock Exchange Luncheon club in 1930, with the transition to The City Club of San Francisco occurring in 1987 after an extensive restoration and remodel of the space. The art and interiors of the Stock Exchange Luncheon Club cost a third of a million dollars in 1930, a very significant sum in the Depression Era times. Iconic and opulent, the décor of The City Club reflects the height of the times in which it was built, with lavish appliqué work existing throughout the entire club, bronze, gold and silver adorned ceilings in addition to the club’s centerpiece and iconic symbol: the Diego Rivera “The Riches of California” mural that takes up one entire wall between the 10^th and 11^th floors, along the grand stairway connecting the two floors. The City Club houses a plethora of historical facts, artwork and memories from the era of prohibition, the stock market crash and California’s rip-roaring 1930’s.

In addition to the iconic Diego Rivera mural and the two stunning main ballrooms, The City Club also boasts the “Wine Cellar Room” and the adjacent “Game Room”, both of which hold secrets of their own. Both rooms boast speakeasy-themed accents that during their heyday attempted to conceal the consumption and sale of alcohol that took place during the infamous prohibition era of the 20^th century, when the rooms were being constructed. Additionally, the game room holds numerous surreptitious doorways and stockrooms, along with a hidden cubbyhole to hide the once outlawed alcohol.

We invite you to see what one of San Francisco’s premier secrets is all about. The City Club of San Francisco is one of the Bay Area’s outstanding spaces to host any type of event ranging from a large wedding to a simple and straightforward business meeting. Although the ambiance of the City Club may be opulent and regal, the warm, welcoming and personalized service provided by The City Club’s staff is what sets the club apart and has kept it alive and growing for 86 years.

To book your next event or inquire about membership, contact The City Club today at 415.362.2480, or at our website at www.cityclubsf.com.

Hungry?

2011-06-28T21:32:00.001-07:00

With the Club offering daily breakfast, lunch, and evening bar service, there are many ways – in addition to our array of interesting member events – you can meet your Food & Beverage Minimum each quarter. This week concludes the 2nd Quarter of 2011, and as it includes our traditional last-Thursday-of-the-month Mexican themed buffet, why not make it the perfect excuse to come dine with us for lunch - or grab a cocktail in the Members Bar one evening this week - before the long holiday weekend?

If you are not sure what you have spent this quarter toward your Minimum, you can always check the bottom left hand section of your latest member statement for your summary. The 5/31 statement example below reflects, from left to right, a $90.00 Minimum, $53.72 spent toward it, and $36.28 left to spend before Jun30/11. Of course, if you don’t have your statement handy, you can always give me a call and I will be happy to let you know where you stand toward meeting the Minimum!

Can't make it to lunch on Thursday or prefer a different cuisine? See our City Club Calendar of Events for our Cafe Buffet lunch offerings, updated daily by 11AM.

We look forward to seeing you at the Club soon!

Jennifer C. Desideri
Controller

Summer is here! Join Us Around Town!

2011-06-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Can’t get enough of this gorgeous weather? Neither can we! What a great excuse to get out and be around town. Join us wrapping up June at the following great events.

You are invited to join us and The Golden Gate Business Association Business Expo at their 9th Annual Pride Business Expo Thursday, June 23rd, 5-8pm at the Hotel Whitcomb

The Pride Business Expo is the centerpiece of GGBA’s annual programming giving members the unique opportunity to showcase their business to consumers from all over the Bay Area.

Click here to RSVP or find out more!

Looking for something a bit more bridal? Join us at The “Pre- Wedding” Wedding Party” at Bloomingdales Thursday, June 23rd from 6-8pm

Scan your registry, sip wine, sample savory hors d'oeuvres, and indulge your sweet tooth with cake tastings. Be inspired with great tips for creating your dream registry and planning your wedding, plus, take home a fabulous gift bag! Think of it as partying with a purpose!

Click here to RSVP or find out more!

Can’t get enough? Want to find more events to attend or having trouble organizing the ones that you have? Come out to the City Club for lunch and a talk by Eventbrite on Monday, June 27th at 11:30am
Eventbrite and The City Club have partnered to bring event planners and those involved with the food and wine industry a sneak peek into our latest technology.

Join us for a luncheon at The City Club of San Francisco, one of the city's premier Art Deco venues, while learning the ins and outs of Eventbrite and how using our product will help you manage, promote and sell out your next event. We will be highlighting some of our latest product developments: Invite Only, Profile Pages and At the Door. Whether you're a current client that's been using Eventbrite for ages or just curious about how our technology can help, we'd love to have you.

Attendees will receive an Eventbrite gift bag and be entered to win a raffle prize with tickets to upcoming food and wine events using Eventbrite for their ticketing!

Click here to RSVP or find out more!

We look forward to seeing you!

Cassie Harris
Sales & Catering Manager

City Club Open House featuring The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom

2011-06-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Come join the City Club in welcoming the newly launched Wedding Suite at Nordstrom. As a new bride we recommend you pay them a visit! A Nordstrom Wedding Stylist will help you every step of the way, from choosing a gorgeous dress to everything for your wedding party! And what’s even better, their styling services are complimentary.

The City Club of San Francisco will be featuring the Wedding Suite team at their monthly Second Tuesday Open house coming this Tuesday, June 14th from 5-7pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cassie Harris

Sales & Catering Manager

Turkish Delights

2011-04-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

If you've been to the City Club's Cafe Buffet on a Thursday, you are familiar with the creatively designed themed menus that Chef prepares for you each week. From Chinese to Chilean, "Southern Comfort" to "Exotic Pizza," Peruvian to Portuguese, Moroccan to Mexican (the latter which has become a City Club tradition, featured every last Thursday of the month), there is always something on a Thursday Buffet that is sure to whet the international - and sometimes domestic - palate we all have!

This Thursday, I invite you to dine with us and enjoy yet another delectable internationally themed buffet, a carefully executed menu of dishes from my next international destination adventure, Turkey. With my departure date of April 16th fast approaching, what better way to get prepared for the thrill of a new locale, and the exciting medley of delicious eats that await, than to enjoy a fantastic lunch at the City Club of San Francisco?

I hope you can join me in this little pre-vacation send off this Thursday, April 14th, and look forward to sharing some travel stories and photos with you upon my return!

Jennifer Desideri

Controller

jennifer.desideri@cityclubsf.com

Wedding Workshop- Sunday March 27th, 2011

2011-04-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and fall wedding planning is in full swing! On Sunday, March 27th in partnership with SF Brides, Well Rehearsed and Classic Party Rentals, the City Club hosted a Spring Wedding Workshop. With over 50 guests in attendance it was a wonderfully successful event!Guests arrived mid-morning to enjoy a full brunch buffet by Chef Michael Munoz which included a Frittata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Sweet Italian Sausage, House-made Granola and all the other morning goodies you would want. Champagne and Mimosas flowed freely while couples mingled.

The event kicked off in the Main Dining Room with Editor in Chief Robin Wilke of SF Brides giving our Brides and guests an insight into how to have your wedding featured in a magazine. She emphasized staying true to yourself in your planning and submitting photos that tell a story about your special day and about you as a couple.

Once the talk wrapped up guest were invited downstairs to the Café to explore how to plan a seamless rehearsal dinner with Kathy Goodman of Well Rehearsed. Kathy debuted her City of San Francisco themed table designs which were a total show stopper. Guests enjoyed viewing the tables and getting tips about what to keep in mind when planning their rehearsal dinner. While half of the group sat with Kathy, I had the opportunity to speak with the other half about planning table tap décor that created an impact and stayed true to the theme and unique features of the couple. Classic Party Rentals provided a stylish seating arrangement along with all the linens, glassware and china that we needed to get hands on experience with mixing and matching.

The whole event was captured by the fabulous Gustavo Fernandez. It was great having his up-beat personality and positive energy in the mix.

Guests found the Workshop to be fun and informative and it was our pleasure to meet the up-coming Mr. & Mrs.! We look forward to the next opportunity to host this event again soon!

-Cassie Harris Sales & Catering Manager

Sunday, March 27th - City Club Wedding Workshop & Champagne Brunch

2011-03-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

WEDDING WORKSHOP & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
Join us at The City Club of San Francisco for a wedding workshop that will help set the tone for your special day.

To purchase tickets, visit:

http://www.cityclubweddingworkshop.eventbrite.com/

Sunday March 27, 2011 10am-1pm

The Stock Exchange Tower
155 Sansome Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

$35 general admission
$40 at the door

Registration and Meet the Partners
10–10:30am

Brunch
10:30am

Champagne Brunch featuring Robin Wilkey

Editor-in-Chief of San Francisco Brides

“Tips & Trends for 2011,How to feature your Wedding in San Francisco Brides”

Rehearsal Dinners: Kicking-off your wedding celebration
Whether you’ve thought about it or forgotten about it,

join Kathy Goodmanowner of Well Rehearsed to learn how to plan a creative, stress-free rehearsal dinner that will set the tone for your wedding day.

Perfect Your Tabletop Décor

The City Club of San Francisco and Classic Party Rentals willteach you how to select the right
tabletop pieces for that extra special touch that your guests will appreciate.

For more information please call Catering Sales at 415.362.2480.
Featured Partners: San Francisco Brides, Classic Party Rentals, Well Rehearsed

To purchase tickets, visit: http://www.cityclubweddingworkshop.eventbrite.com/

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2011 has a nice ring to it!

2011-01-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Thank you to all of the Members and Guests who hosted events with us in 2010. December was a joyous month. The Club looked amazing decorated for the holidays and we enjoyed several events including our Grand Holiday Celebration and a divine luncheon with Paula West. Photos from these events can be found on our Facebook page.

The New Year brings many special occasions from birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, annual galas, corporate celebrations and business meetings.It is customary around this time of the year that many couples are engaged and begin looking for that special venue to celebrate their union. We bring back after two successful years, The City Club 2^nd Tuesday Wedding & Event Open houses.

The next open house will be Tuesday, February 8^th from 5-7pm. We invite you to visit us and enjoy complimentary Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres. Our special featured partner for this show is none other than our very own Member, Natasha Miller from Entire Productions who will be providing live musical entertainment. We invite you to join us and ask about our preferred wedding pricing for 2011.

This month the Sales & Catering team is working with two very special organizations who have opened up their events to our Membership and guests.

Information about both events are below:

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 6:30pm

Exiles, Emigrants and Entrepreneurs: Archaeology of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania)

The island of Tasmania, long renowned for its unique geology, pristine landscapes, and delicious food and wine, is also home to five newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Join us at The City Club of San Francisco where Eleanor Conlin Casella will take us on a tour of Tasmania, including its archaeological sites and memorable landscapes, through an exploration of the history of the island and its founding as a penal colony. She will discuss the famous male convict sites incorporated within the recent World Heritage listing, and then turn towards some of the results of archaeological excavations she's directed at the Ross Female Factory - a Tasmanian prison site established for exiled British female felons and their dependent children. The sites she will discuss offer some of the best-kept records of convict history anywhere in the world. Followed by a reception featuring a Tasmanian wine and whiskey tasting.

Please contact jklahn@aia.bu.edu or 617.353.8709

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Please join us and over 150 Bay Area professional women for the Women's Business Luncheon: EXPERIENCE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER on January 27th, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at The City Club of San Francisco. The guest speaker for the evening is Kathy Tierney, Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Sur la Table.

All proceeds benefit Immaculate Conception Academy, an all-girls high school in the Mission District of San Francisco. Tickets available online: http://icaluncheon.eventbrite.com/ or call Caroline Curran at 415 824 2052 ext40

We look forward to a prosperous and exciting New Year!

Best Wishes,

The City Club Team

Join us at our Grand Holiday Party!!

2010-12-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the holiday season at The City Club of San Francisco and leave all of the planning to us.

Spaces are still available for our Grand Holiday Celebration!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
6pm-11pm

This is the perfect event for groups who wish to enjoy the elegant ambiance of The City Club for their office holiday gathering but don't have the large guest list to fill the rooms, nor the time to devote to the planning.

We've got all of the details covered - all you have to do is show up!

The City Club has partnered with Denon & Doyle and Sidepocket to combine the sophisticated elegance of a band and the great dance music of a DJ.

It's the best of both worlds... It's "SideSpin"

Our Executive Chef has created the seasonal menu, and the bars will be stocked with the finest wines and festive libations. Your table will be set with custom linens and centerpieces, especially for your special group.

WHAT: A BIG holiday party with all of the trimmings - live band on one floor, DJ on another floor, customized holiday menu featuring hors d'oeuvres and lavish buffets, open bars and fine wines, specialty linens and holiday décor throughout.

WHO: Tables can accommodate a minimum of 6 guests, up to a maximum of 12. You may reserve more than one table if your group is larger than 12.

WHERE: The City Club of San Francisco 155 Sansome St. 10th and 11th Floors DATE: Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 TIME: 6pm - 11pm PRICE: $150 inclusive per person

RSVP: By December 10, 2010

Table requests and reservations will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. This event will sell out, so reserve your table today.

You're Invited! 4th Annual City Club Affaire, Sunday October 3rd 11am-2pm

2010-08-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

The Catering Team at the City Club would like to invite you to the 4th Annual City Club Affaire coming up on Sunday, October 3rd from 11am-2pm.

For now the 4th year in a row, we invite Brides and Grooms from all over the Bay Area and beyond to spend a day with us at the City Club enjoying all that we have to offer. Fresh delicious bites will be served up by our own Chef Michael Munoz. Champagne will be flowing and most importantly the stars of the show, our vendors, will be sparkling!

We look forward to showcasing all the partners and vendors that we work with on the City Club vendor list. Each has developed a relationship with our team, had success working at our venue and proved themselves to be the best at what they do.

You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to meet some of the Bay Area’s best Photographers, Dj’s , Florists and Videographers. Enjoy cake and sweets from the crème de la crème of the industry. View show tables, centerpieces, specialty flatware, china and glassware. Peruse through what our stationers, make-up artists, lighting and transportation professionals have to offer. Don’t miss out of a wonderful opportunity to submerge yourselves in wedding planning bliss!

Already on board for this great event are Ajalon Printing and Design, Andrew Weeks Photography, Artists in Music, California Chocolate Fountains, California Parking Valet, Carolyn Wong Cakes, Classic Party Rentals, Denon & Doyle, Entire Productions, Final Frame Studios, Floramor, Floreal, Galleria Park Hotel , Got-Light, Hyegraph, Jade Studio Productions, Kaemmerling Photography, Kimpton Hotels, La Tavola Linens, Marianne Kent Music, Napa Valley Linens, Omni Hotel, SF Brides, Sound in Motion, Thomas Hughes Video, Under the Chuppah, Well Rehearsed and many more to come!

Also on-site, the City Club team will be available to answer questions, direct you to the right professionals and show you the City Club .

Grab your fiancé, your mom, your maid of honor and friends and come out for a day of luxury, sweet treats, information and fun.

This is a free event! Please register by clicking this link. We look forward to meeting you then.

-Cassie Harris
Sales and Catering Manager

Early Holiday Bookings at The City Club

2010-08-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Think Holidays. Yes, it is right around the corner. It’s not too late to book a fabulous celebration at the premier downtown venue, the City Club of San Francisco. Leave all the planning & décor to our very professional Catering Team . Let us alleviate the planning and make it simple for you. I promise it will be the easiest thing you have left, and you will still have time to Christmas shop!

Dates are still available! The City Club’s spaces have the flexibility you are looking for whether your group may be 10-500 guests. The City Club Café, 10th floor and Th e Main Dining Room, 11th floor provide classic Art Deco Décor with the spirit & glamour of the Holiday’s. Enjoy a joyous cocktail hour with classic cocktails a-flowing, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres a-passing, or a beautiful sit down dinner prepared by our Executive Chef Michael Munoz followed by Dancing & Dessert!

Got Christmas Décor? No outside décor needed. The City Club is decorated to the nines with a large Christmas tree in the foyer , garland & wreaths hanging in the windows, with a spectacular view of the City skyline. Our smaller spaces on the 9th floor, the Library Room, and the classic Bechtel Room are also decorated.

Got Music? Our complete vendor list will help you with all your entertainment needs. All our music & entertainment vendors are professional and a wonderful addition to your Holiday Celebration. Whether an intimate gathering, Classic cocktail party, or Dinner & Dancing, the City Club has you covered. Leave the planning to us! We are offering a Holiday Promotion to YOU! Book your Holiday celebration before September 30, 2010 & receive 10% off our standard food & beverage pricing.https://app.verticalresponse.com/campaign/www.cityclubsf.com

Alison Angelo

Sales & Catering Manager

August Happenings are Happening!

2010-08-05T17:25:00.001-07:00

We at The City Club are always looking to create dynamic, interesting and compelling events – whether giving members a first look at the Chevy Volt (thanks to member David Barthmuss of GM) or sampling viticultural jewels such as Robert Craig with consulting Winemaker Keith Emerson (also of Vineyard 29) - there is always something happening at The Club!

On August 12, our members will be led through an aromatic array of rare Single Malt Scotch Whiskies by Ed Kohl, industry veteran and spirits expert. Hosted in conjunction with Whiskies of the World , this is a wonderful opportunity to educate yourself about variety of flavors available, and also about food pairings that complement whisky.

On August 19^th, we have two terrific events. Our monthly roundtable luncheon hosted my Member David Jamison welcomes Stan Slap, a noted speaker and author of Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers will be on hand to introduce his new book, on stands August 12. According to his website, "The World Needs This Book." So, this event is highly recommended, and sure to be entertaining as well as informative. If you are interested in learning more about attending this event, we would be happy to extend an invitation to you to participate.

On the evening of the 19^th, we are also saying a last "hurrah" to Wicked, prior to the show closing (for now!) in San Francisco. Members and their guests will be treated to a delightful pre-theatre dinner and then will be whisked off to orchestra seats just in time for the curtain to rise. We have members who have seen the show numerous times as well as those who have never seen it – and it is sure to be a treat for all!

Another highlight of the member events in August is the newly formed Investor's Forum. This forum is designed to inform as well as be a way to exchange information. Our topic on the 25^th is The Nuts and Bolts of the 401(K): The Owner's Manual – and we will be gaining valuable insight on the topic from the perspective of not just one, but two special guests - Eric Petersen of Hicks Pension Services, and Kari Lusby of Nationwide Financial.

These are just some of the great events we have lined up for this month – for more details or to see what other great benefits members can access, take a look at our website or visit our online calendar for more details.

A Summer Soiree- Seasons of The City Club

2010-07-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

With Summer in full swing and Fall quickly approaching, what better way to treat our Members and Guests than to a Summer Soiree!

Our Executive Chef and Management Team worked together to prepare a fun-filled evening. Our idea was to showcase the four seasons so that guests could fully experience the cuisine and seasonality that The City Club has to offer.

Thank you to everyone who attended "Seasons of The City Club" and made our event special.

The evening began with guests being welcomed on the 10th Floor Cafe where our theme was Summer “San Francisco Giant’s” Baseball and Spring Farmer’s Market. The Café was decorated with wine barrel cocktail tables, market umbrella’s, sounds of tropical birds chirping provided by Peter Rudolfi’s latest Soundscapes, and Steel Drums, provided by our Member Natasha Miller, owner of Entire Productions.

Summer’s tasty offerings were House Made Mini- Corndogs, Philly Cheese Steaks on mini brioche buns, Garlic French fries, and Fall off the Bone Baby Back Ribs. Spring included abundant baskets of fresh produce showcasing the array of seasonal vegetables our Farmers Market has to offer. Spring influenced dishes included, Mixed Stone Fruit Salad, Watermelon and Cashew Salad, Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh Mozzarella and Basil, Artisan Cheeses and Rustic Breads paired with Market Honey Comb. Delish!!!

Our Summer and Spring libations were refreshing Rosé wine, Fizzy Lemonades with the option of a splash of Vodka, and bottled domestic and imported beers.

A fully dressed Santa Clause, who was definitely checking his list to see if we were naughty or nice, was the perfect escort chanting Ho! Ho! Ho! Inviting guests to our 11th Floor Main Dining Room where Winter & Fall could be enjoyed.

The 11th Floor Main Dining Room was decorated with deep jewel toned linens, gorgeous fall colored florals, holiday wreaths, and our fireplace was flanked by a beautiful live harpist and festive holiday tree.

Guests dined on a Raw Bar filled with fresh Dungeness Crab Legs, P.E.I. Mussels, Poached Prawns, and Oysters on the Half Shell. Our custom designed City Club Caviar ice sculpture was filled with three different types of Caviar and all of the accoutrements.

For fall Chef prepared, House Brined Quail with a Cornbread Stuffing, Garlicky Rapini, and a Roasted Beet and Humboldt Fog Salad. While Winter delicacies included our signature Prime Rib Carving Station, Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding and a Mixed Chicory Salad.

There were plentiful amounts of food prepared by our culinary team and we think our guests surely enjoyed!

Back on the 10th Floor a beautiful Brazilian Carnival dancer reminded guests that on the 9th floor there was a little piece of Havana.

Our 9th Floor Library Room which has beautiful sage walls and bright windows with natural lighting was decorated with custom Havana furniture, coordinating ottomans, fresh Palm trees and Tropical sounds.

A fully stocked Mojito Bar welcomed guests along with tasty dessert treats, including seasonal Petite Fours, Chocolate Dipped Bananas, City Club Signature Truffled Popcorn, House Made Caramel Popcorn, House Made Chocolate Covered Pretzels and a Custom City Club Candy Display.

Our custom City Club bags, allowed guests to take home Sweet taffy’s, Sour Candies and Chocolate covered goodies, a perfect way to end the evening!

For those looking for an added nightcap, our 9th floor Bechtel Room, known for its dark wooden walls and built in fireplace was set up for a Scotch tasting. Our dark brown leather bar stools and custom Colchester linens provided the perfect atmosphere for guests to finish their evening and enjoy a fantastic taste of signature scotches.

The evening was certainly one to remember, a definite display of all that The City Club has to offer and we look forward to seeing our Members and Guests back at the Club soon!

Photos of the evening can be seen on our City Club Facebook page. Become and Fan to learn more about our upcoming events and happenings. Don't forget to tag yourself!

Prime December Dates are still available.
Please contact our Catering & Sales team for more information!

Happy Planning!

Michelle Kimmins – Director of Sales & Catering

Get Your Network On This Summer !

2010-07-06T16:32:00.001-07:00

We are very excited to help you help your business!

Join us for Focused Networking at the City Club Network
Next Date: Wednesday, July 14
PLUS A Brief Presentation from
Elizabeth Link, Link Mediation
8-9:30 AM

SPECIAL SUMMER NETWORKING PROGRAM - DETAILS BELOW!

This summer brings a new infusion of energy to our group! We have added another reason to get out of bed early - a hot breakfast, complete with scrambled eggs and bacon! Plus, forward on this terrific deal for summer networking!

SUMMER NETWORKING SPECIAL includes:

Six (6) City Club Networks - July, August & September

Value: $120 - includes full hot breakfast!

Buffet Lunch for Two (2) at The City Club Cafe (excludes alcohol)

Value: $50 - Reservations Required

One (1) Jamison Roundtable Luncheon in July, August or September

Value: $45 - Advance Reservations Required

Jamison Roundtable Dates & Speakers (12 N- 1:30 PM):

July 8th - Sramana Mitra
Sramana Mitra has been an entrepreneur and a strategy consultant in Silicon Valley since 1994. Her fields of experience span from hard core technology disciplines like semiconductors to sophisticated consumer marketing industries including fashion and education. As an entrepreneur CEO, Sramana founded three companies: Dais (off-shore software services), Intarka (sales lead generation and qualification Software; VC: NEA) and Uuma (online personalized store for selling clothes using Expert Systems software; VC: Redwood). Two of these were acquired, while the third received an acquisition offer from Ralph Lauren which the company did not accept.

Sramana writes a weekly column for Forbes and is currently authoring Entrepreneur Journeys, a series of books focused on demystifying entrepreneurship. 'Entrepreneur Journeys' (Volume One) and 'Bootstrapping, Weapon Of Mass Reconstruction' (EJ Volume Two) and Positioning: How To Test, Validate, And Bring Your Idea To Market are now available from Amazon.com. Her newest project is Vision India 2020. The book is a collection of 45 of her business ideas leveraging India's strategic advantages, spanning a diverse set of sectors ranging from technology to education, healthcare to infrastructure, film to rural development.

August 19 - Stan Slap
Stan is a frequently requested keynote speaker in many of these same countries, in constant demand for major event presentations by Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies. Stan's unique communication style is a constant switch-up pitch of heartfelt, hysterical, and hip -- causing his presentations to be especially compelling and memorable. And his obvious empathy for their real world causes his message to resonate deeply with managers around the world. Stan Slap is intent on making a profound difference in the world before he is forcibly removed from it. He will be introducing his new book, Bury My Heart at Conference Room B: The Unbeatable Impact of Truly Committed Managers.

September 9th - Dan Fost
Dan Fost is the author of "Giants Past and Present", a book that celebrates the history of baseball's Giants from their earliest days in New York to their last half-century in San Francisco. The book is loaded with more than 230 photographs and colorful stories of Giant characters, World Series champs, and all the heartbreaks and close calls that characterize San Francisco's beloved team. Dan is a former technology and business reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, and more recently has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco magazine and other publications.

TOTAL VALUE: $215

We are offering this special program for just $60* for the three month period. The earlier you join, the more value you gain!

*Promotion valid July 1 - September 30 only. Lunch gift certificate must be used within this time frame.

Contact Larissa Lorian at larissa.lorian@cityclubsf.com to sign up, or call with questions! 415.362.2480.

Next Dates: July 14 & 28/August 11 & 25/September 8 & 22

Presenter July 28 - Jennifer Raike, Old Republic Title Company

8 AM -9:30 AM

Always held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month.

Welcome 2010!

2010-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Now that we're well into the first quarter of the new year, it feels good to confidently say we are in for great things at The City Club of San Francisco in 2010!

First, we've welcomed over 90 new Members since the closing of the Bankers Club at the end of 2009 and with that we're enjoying new energy, new faces, new events, and a reinvigorated spirit day and night around the Club.

Second, is it just me or are our events getting better and better? As someone who has seen the Club thru hundreds of events over the years, I'm only slightly biased in my declaration that we have some of the BEST events in town - networking, cocktailing, socializing, connecting - we've got it all. Founding Member, David Jamison, continues to bring interesting speakers to our monthly roundtable luncheon on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Our City Club Network continues to grow each month as Members enjoy networking over breakfast on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Chef Munoz has wowed us with his delicious culinary delights at Winemaker Dinners, The Big Night dinner + movie, Speakeasy Nights, and many more - not to mention every day in the dining room. There is SO much yet to come and I'm continually proud of our extraordinary team for their inspiration, creativity, and dedication to excellence.

Lastly, on behalf of our entire management team, we all share a sense of pride in being the last club standing in the Financial District. We strive to maintain this awesome trajectory in 2010 that we've experienced thus far and invite you to join along on this great adventure!

I look forward to seeing you at the Club soon!

Cheers!
Victoria Welch
Club Director

Think Holidays at The City Club!

2009-11-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

The City Club of San Francisco invites you to celebrate the Holiday Season in holiday adorned Art Deco splendor. From small, intimate lunches or dinners, to larger celebrations, we’re pleased to offer a variety of customized options to put your holiday party planning at ease.

Our halls will be gloriously decked, our culinary team has created a delicious array of seasonal menus, and our events planning experts are ready to help you create the best holiday celebration of the season.

Prime dates are still available for luncheons, dinners, and receptions of all sizes!

Looking for something different this year?
Whether you a small business looking for a unique dining experience with a twist of dancing and fun, or you are just wanting to treat your closet friends and colleagues to a wonderful evening, join us for our Grand Holiday Party.

The City Club has partnered with Denon & Doyle and Sidepocket to combine the sophisticated elegance of a band and the great dance music of a DJ. It's the best of both worlds... It's "SideSpin"

DATE: Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

TIME: 6pm - 11pm

PRICE: $150 inclusive per person

RSVP: By December 1, 2009

Table requests and reservations will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.

This event will sell out, so reserve your table today.

For all new bookings, reserve your Holiday celebration with The City Club & receive 10% off our standard food & beverage pricing.

Please contact our Catering & Sales team for more information.
We will look forward to hearing from you soon!

Happy Planning,

Michelle Kimmins
Director of Sales & Catering

2009-10-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Newsmaker! City Club Member Ken WinansBay Area Philanthropist Selected for Ride With the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Team
from Forbes.com

09.30.09, 6:30 PM ETNOVATO, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ --

Respected money manager and philanthropist Ken Winans has been selected by the U.S. Navy as one of three civilians for a 35-minute flight in a Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet supersonic fighter next week. Educators Dale Vigil and Dennis Willeford will join him."I have watched the Blue Angels since I was 5 years old, and I never thought I would get this opportunity - Dreams really do come true!" says Winans, who participated in Navy ROTC while attending college, but due to poor eye sight, didn't qualify for flightschool www.kenwinans.com .

Earlier this year, San Francisco Fleet Week organizers had selected The W Foundation's "Navy in Space" exhibit as a featured event during the 2009 San Francisco Fleet Week festivities in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 and 12 moon landings.

Ken and his wife Debbie Wreyford founded The W Foundation http://www.thewfoundation.org/ in 2004 as volunteer staffed & privately funded 501c3 non-profit education organization. In addition to Fleet Week, the Winans are also actively involved with Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Hornet Museum, The Magic Theatre, Museum of American Finance, and The Society of CaliforniaPioneers.

SOURCE The W FoundationCopyright 2009 PR Newswire All rights reserved.

Havana Night - September 17, 2009

2009-09-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Last night’s very mellow Havana Night featured a wonderful Cigar Roller named Nestor Castillo, who spent the evening demonstrating his trade of rolling world-class cigars grown from Cuban seed tobacco. Nestor came to us through Oye Productions, and was recommended to us by member Irv Spivak (thank you Irv for all your great connections!)

We may be looking to spice up future Havana Nights with live music or casino tables – what do you think? Would a Monte Carlo theme be the perfect fit for our final Havana Night of the year? Or would you rather heat it up by adding Flamenco dancers or a salsa band to the mix? I did get feedback that meeting other members is a key factor in the continued success of these evenings – should we just keep it simple and step up our game in adding new faces to the mix? I would love to hear what you think – email me with your comments or suggestions for what you want to see at the Club.

Save the Date: Friday, November 20
Hasta la Proxima Vez!

Larissa Lorian
Member Services Manager

Fillet-A-Fish and other Stories

2009-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Chef Michael Munoz, along with Chefs Danny Renteria and Luis Zepeda, put together a dynamic and interactive presentation for our members! After a brief overview on cutting techniques and knife sharpening, Chef pulled out three extremely fresh 15-pound salmons, and swiftly sliced, trimmed and boned the fish for members. Then it was time for everyone to don their gloves and aprons, and slice into the fish themselves!

A City Club Affaire- Sunday, October 4, 2009

2009-08-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

The City Club of San Francisco invites you to our A City Club Affaire
Wedding & Event Show on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 11am-3pm.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet The City Club’s preferred partners in our beautiful venue. We promise you will find just the right collection of experts for your next event.

We are proud to feature the following partners:

Amy Kushel Bride

Arrowood Photography

Artists in Music

Bay Music and Entertainment

Blueprint Studios

Branch Out

Cakework

California Chocolate Fountains

California Parking Valet

Carol Irvine Photography

Carolyn Wong Cakes

Chapin Court Salon

Classic Party Rentals

Darcy Padilla Photography

Denon & Doyle

Dilek Sezen

Dot the I Designs

Dreams on a Dime

Elle MusicEntire Productions

Floramor Studios

Floreal

Galleria Park Hotel

Have Your Cake

Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy

Jade Studio Productions

Jay Kelly Photography

Justin Fone Productions

Karina Marie Diaz Lifestyle Photographer

Kimpton Hotels

La Tavola Linen

Mandarin Oriental

Marianne Kent & Bay City

Mosaic Transportation

Nancy Liu Chin

Napa Valley Linens

Omni Hotels

San Francisco Brides Magazine

Sibby's Cupcakes

Simayof

Sound in Motion

Stacey Miller Designs

Sylvie Gil Photography

The Buttercream Studios

Thomas Hughes Video

Under the Chuppah

Well Rehearsed

Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and champagne mimosas provided by The City Club, a full day schedule of live entertainment so that you can sample sounds from our collection of artists, tasty treats from our dessert partners, a copy of San Francisco Brides Magazine, and the opportunity to meet in person with all of our premier partners.

Complimentary Admission
Complimentary Valet Parking will be available.
Please register at http://www.cityclubsf.com/

Here Comes the Sun

2009-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

What makes the City Club such a special space for a Wedding Ceremony’s is the look you can create. Our large windows in the City Club Café receive great light depending on the month, time of year, and of course the weather. A wedding in April whom hosted their ceremony here had one of the best afternoon “Sun’s” that I have seen.

The couples’ wedding colors were hues of red & pink. The Café became a red, pink, and amber haven! With the blush floral hues framing our fireplace, red & pink chinese parasols, afternoon sun, the beautiful gold & silver ceilings of the City Club, and our orginal white stretch calf skin walls, the room lit up just in time for the Bride to walk down the aisle! To make everything complete, she walked down the aisle to the song “Here Comes the Sun”. The perfect song to the most perfect sunset.

Thanks to Charlie Gesell photography, he captured the perfect photos for the occasion, photographing every color of the room that the Bride & Groom dreamed of. Please visit his work and more photos of Diana & Jay’s sunny ceremony at http://www.charliegesellphotography.com/. Charlie can also be reached at cgesell@sprynet.com, and 707 494-9698.

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

Have you been Well Rehearsed?

2009-07-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

If you are a new couple planning your upcoming wedding celebration, don’t lose thought of the Mother of the Groom. She can be your biggest resource, your biggest supporter, and is probably just as thrilled and excited as the Bride, that her son is now getting married!

And most importantly the Mother of the Groom creates the kick- off celebration to your BIG day!

Rehearsal dinner planning is something that most couples do not think about until much later in the planning, but they don’t have to. Kathy Goodman from Well Rehearsed is the best resource for her special niche market, Rehearsal Dinners.

Not only will Kathy customize and create a memorable and unique celebration, but she will work directly with the Mother of the Groom to help make your celebration one of a kind, personal, and of course enjoyable by all.

Groom’s here’s something for you!
The Groom’s Checklist:

______________________________________________________________________________

Bride’s- if you were running out of tasks for your groom-

Think Kathy Goodman, Well Rehearsed, Rehearsal Dinner-

Then sit back and enjoy your pre-wedding surprises and celebrations created especially for you!

Don’t miss an upcoming event hosted by Well Rehearsed and Nieman Marcus, Palo Alto

Kathy Goodman and Well Rehearsed will also be featured at our upcoming A City Club Affaire, scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2009.

Happy Planning!
Michelle Kimmins-Director of Sales & Catering

Who Joins The City Club?

2009-07-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

MEMBER PROFILE

Name: Dr. Adam Jacobs

Title: Head Chiropractor

Company: Executive Express Chiropractic

Background: College Athlete Basketball Undergrad UCSC B.S. Biology, Post Grad Palmer West College of Chiropractic D.C.

Website: http://www.executiveexpresschiropractic.com/

Phone: 415-392-2225

Industry/Type of Business: Neck, Back and Wrist Pain Center.

Clients: Athletes, Professionals, and Families. Specialties: Chronic Back, Neck and Wrist Pain, Sports Injuries, Active Release Technique, Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

Business Aspirations: To be the number one Chiropractic Center in the Financial District.

Reason for Starting Business/Choosing Industry: Injured my back wakeboarding going into first year of college, went to chiropractor who fixed my problem quickly without drugs, changed my career path from orthopedic surgeon to chiropractor.

Biggest Business Strength: Nicest and most professional health facility in San Francisco. No appointments necessary.

Biggest Risk: Economy

Secret to Success: Treat everybody with respect and give them a positive experience that they want to talk about.

Most Admired Person in Business: Dr. Eben Davis

Inspiration: My father.

Favorite Past Time: All sports, basketball, golf, baseball, skiing, working out etc.

Favorite Movie: Caddy Shack

Special Offer: To all City Club members ~ Free Initial Exam and Treatment ($150 value)
Just go online to our website, click on appointment center and enter City Club under the referral source.

___________________________________________________________________

Larissa Lorian

Member Services Manager

larissa.lorian@cityclubsf.com

Getting In Tune With the Local Growing Season

2009-06-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Those of us who live in the San Francisco Bay area are privileged with an abundance of seasonal produce to enjoy. The seasons create a natural time interval for reviewing our menu and adding or changing items to take advantage of the fruits and vegetables the market has to offer.

There are many websites that can help you find the foods from our local area. One suggestion is http://www.sustainabletable.org/shop.eatseasonal/ where you will find help locating your local farmers market, or an itemized list of foods that are air-freighted, and answer questions on food related issues There are also recipes to help you learn to cook like a pro. For those who want to take a more radical approach to “eating sustainable” look for the sun-shy porker on the hoof. He will be the link to the thought provoking “watch the meatrix” website. Between the two websites you will find information and opinions on issues in regard to additives, antibiotics, the environmental impact made by factory farms and family farms. Love the opportunity to camp and grill? Check out the recipes for meat lovers or vegetarians.

http://www.localharvest.org/ features a calendar of farm and food events in your local area. You also have the option to buy from an extensive family farm listing. From apples to pet needs you will find what you need from the on-line stores. You will also find the answers to your questions about Organic foods. Many people do not understand the regulations regarding the production and marketing of USDA certified –organic foods. This website gives you specific guidelines for your reference.

We look forward to serving our Members throughout all the seasons and encourage your questions and comments. Bon Appetite!

Slice, Dice & Roll

2009-06-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday evening, City Club members were treated to some one-on-one time with our very own Executive Chef Michael & Executive Sous Chef Danny. All the elements came together, as we set up cutting boards, honing knife, and a sharpening stone, and (normally very shy) Chef Michael gave a brief presentation and demonstrated the how-to of sharpening kitchen knives. He also honed the edges, giving a nice smoothness to the blade and removing any nicks or roughness left after the running it on the sharpening stone. Dull knives make slicing, dicing and brunoise SO hard; a sharp knife makes all the difference!

Members also got to get their hand sticky! Chef had at the ready a whole sushi-making station. In pairs and on their own, members spread prepared sushi rice on nori, filled it with yummy julienned fruits & vegetables, tossed in fresh salmon or tuna to taste, and spread spicy aioli over everything – making personalized sushi to taste! Chefs Michael and Danny also gave hands-on instruction on how to press and roll sushi, and those sharp knives came in handy for slicing the rolls. My favorite part was that everyone had the opportunity to try everyone else’s handiwork, as members generously shared their creations with each other.

If you missed it, stay tuned for future mini-classes – this one only lasted an hour, but offered a full evening’s worth of fun! This event was complimentary for members and their guests - just one of the benefits of membership!

Chef’s Luis’s Secret Spicy Aioli Recipe

Blend in food processor:
Six Egg Yolks
2 whole eggs
Throw in:
¼ cup lemon juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
With the processor running, slowly pour in:
3 c extra virgin olive oil
Until thick aioli consistency
Add:
3 tbsp of Cajun seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground white pepper, red chili flakes)
1 tbsp of tabasco

Makes Approximately 2 quarts

For a listing of other upcoming events, take a look at our online calendar as we are always adding in events. See you next time!

Larissa Lorian
Member Services Manager

"I'll have Buttercream please"

2009-06-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

The City Club now showcases our “2nd Tuesday’s, Wedding & Event Showcase” well every second Tuesday of the month. Our guests are booked and prospective Bride's & Grooms or corporate event meeting planners. They have become very popular and we always receive a good turnout. One of the advantages of attending our 2nd Tuesday is our special guest (vendors) spotlight. This month, we featured Tracey from The Buttercream Studios, whom brought sample cake’s to the open house in addition to her yummy cake samples of Butter Almond cake with Vanilla Butter cream and Organic Apricot Preserves, Belgian Chocolate Cake with Oreo Butter cream and Vanilla Bean Cake with Raspberry Butter cream.
She is a very enthusiastic, creative, and a delightful wedding & event cake baker & designer. One of my favorite things about Tracey is her color plalete she offers to clients for their cakes. It looks something like a paint color palette you would find at Home Depot, very impressive to get that specific color you may be looking for! I find Tracey to be very easygoing, precise, and best of all LOVES her job. Meg, a bride whose wedding is coming up in August at the City Club attended our 2nd Tuesday this month with her florist. She is also using Tracy for her wedding cake and wanted them to meet, as she is having fresh floral on her cake. Again, our 2nd Tuesday’s is a great opportunity to have all vendors meet under one roof, and I being her Wedding Coordinator was there as well.

Please view Tracy’s website for further information about her & Buttercream Studios and more pictures. The link is http://www.thebuttercreamstudio.com/, The Buttercream Studio is also on Facebook and Twitter at tracyacakes.

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

Climb for the Cure

2009-06-08T17:18:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, the City Club hosted a kickoff meeting for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 3rd Annual Point B Climb for a Cure. Local business leaders from such companies as Point B, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Kaiser and Google met to create corporate teams in support of this fundraising event.

Point B Climb for a Cure is the CF Foundation’s annual stair climb event. Participants form teams to hike up 72 flights of stairs in the One Front Street Tower. The event ends with a celebration on the 28th floor—including music, food, mimosas, massages and a raffle. Climb for a Cure takes place on Saturday, September 19 at One Front Street with registration beginning at 9 am.

“With so much promising research on the horizon, it’s more important than ever that we raise every dollar we can to fight CF and improve the lives of people with this disease,” said Brian Herriot, volunteer chair of Point B Climb for a Cure. “We are grateful for the contributions of each volunteer and donor who supports Climb for a Cure. Everyone is doing their part in this life-saving effort.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been recognized as one of the most efficient charities in the country. Nearly 90 cents on the dollar raised by the CF Foundation is available to fund CF research and care programs.

Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school.
Today, as a result of dramatic improvements in research and care, the median age of survival is more than 37 years old. For more information on cystic fibrosis, visit http://www.cff.org/.

To help fight CF, participate in the Point B Climb for a Cure and register at http://nca.cff.org/stairclimb or contact Jennifer Rucker, Special Events Manager, at jrucker@cff.org or (415) 989-6500.

-The City Club Team

Taking a Look Back

2009-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Can you believe the year is almost half over? The Club is filled with conversations of networking opportunities, business speculations and vacation plans. Every floor has a buzz of excitement as we prepare for the next meeting or event. With such gorgeous facilities, it’s not hard to showcase your event with our commitment to excellence that is defined by the beauty of the City by the Bay.

The first six months of this year have been busy with business and social member events. To name a few: the Jamison Roundtable Luncheons have hosted guests Nader Shabahangi, founder of AgeSong and The Pacific Institute, Cari Guittard - Executive Director, Business for Diplomatic Action, Sunny Schwartz who wrote Dreams From the Monster Factory. Our Food & Beverage Department has had tastings from The Balvenie Distillery, Macallan Single Malt Whiskeys and Tre Bicchieri Wines. The Club has been an exciting place during the first half of 2009, our event calendar will reflect the summer vacation months with fewer activities; which gives us ample time to plan for a great fall and holiday season to finish of the 2009 year. We look forward to sharing the good times with you.
Hector Romero - Banquet Manager

Got Light?

2009-05-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

There are many aspects to wedding planning, food, cake, floral, dress, etc. One aspect that can be become over looked is lighting. Fortunately at the City Club, we have an in house lighting package called “Up Lights” that illuminate our white leather walls in the Café, and our walls of ash, ebony, pear wood and Philippine mahogany in the Main Dining Room with a warm amber glow.

If you’re looking for more, you can add more to our up lights with outside vendors. Lighting sets the mood of a venue, and enhances the atmosphere you are trying to create. I compare lighting to floral…..it illustrates the ambiance and look you are trying to showcase.
Recently, I have experienced the work of Got Light at a wedding at The City Club. The look requested by the bride was a “champagne glow”. The Café and Main Dining Room had this look throughout the event, and especially during dancing. The dance floor lighting had a scroll design on the dance floor, as well as the cake, and colored spot lights on the bar, cake, and dessert station. Everything matched impeccably, and perfectly reflected the look of a modern, elegant, and the "champagne glow strived for".

Other companies whom have great lighting ideas & packages are Elle Music & Events; contact Brandon Cruz at 925-236-2663 for assistance and booking. Pictures are compliments of Got Light? Cake by Carolyn Wong Cakes.

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

Fiesta Cigars!

2009-05-15T17:17:00.001-07:00

Diamonds, Don Julio & Draws – the essence of Cigar Night at the Club! Once of my favorite events at the Club is Cigar Night –do you know why? First off, how cool is it to cut up a fine Nicaraguan cigar (a favorite was the El Baton, courtesy of Grant's Tobacconists) while sipping three or four different Don Julio tequilas? Kevin Kachadoorian, our awesome rep from Southern Wine & Spirits, talked our members through a tasting of Don Julio's premium tequilas – from the smooth, clean flavor of the Blanco all the way to the honey and vanilla notes of the 1942 – yum! This is one to savor, not shoot.

Did I mention the bling-bling that we had going on as well? The gorgeous diamonds adorning these lovely ladies were hand-selected from Simayof's vaults by our member Irv Spivak. Aren't you jealous of his job? Irv is continually followed around by his personal paparazzi, Cody Rasmussen (ok, I am sort of making that up ) so he shot these amazing photos of the event that really captured the vibe!

Every other month, our members enjoy this event as a way to relax, reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Board member and general great guy Rich Stratton made an eloquent speech in praise of the event, the outstanding Cinco de Mayo fare, the camaraderie, and the Thursday night date. Come join us next time – we practically guarantee that is you like Cigars, you will LOVE this event!

Photos by Cody Rasmussen (thanks Cody!)

Life is a Cabaret...and a Cabernet!

2009-05-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

The excitement continues to build for The City Club’s first ever Cabaret evening!

On Friday, May 29th, the Club will transform into a beautiful, plush cabaret lounge with all the “bells and whistles” that will WOW even the most frequent Club visitor!

Here’s a sneak preview of how the night will unfold….
You’ll make your grand entrance to the affair as you’re greeted with bubbly and exquisite hors d’oeuvre, in true City Club fashion…followed by a classic cocktail as you mix and mingle with fellow Members and guests…let’s get this evening started!
At just the right time, you’ll move upstairs to the Main Dining Room and experience true culinary decadence as Chef Michael and his team unveil a special surf and turf menu, created just for this event! Perfectly paired wines will fill the glasses as you enjoy the sounds of the baby grand on center stage…
Moving from dinner – it’ll be SHOWTIME! And we’re all in for a treat with Steve Ross. Hailing all the way from New York City, Ross will deliver an intimate cabaret performance of the songs of Noël Coward for our entertainment and enjoyment. A truly classic evening and our first class Club – we can’t wait!

Because of the unique set up requirements for this show, seating will be limited and last minute reservations will be difficult, if not impossible, to accommodate. That being said, reserve your tickets today! City Club Members enjoy the exclusive price for $150 – such a steal for all that this evening includes: a cocktail hour featuring an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner with wines, dessert, and ports, and a legendary cabaret performance.

Dust off that tuxedo and your most special dress and make it a night out! We promise you that it will be one of the most memorable City Club events to date!

Click here to find out more about the event!

Weddings at the City Club Whinston & Kim 4.03.09

2009-05-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I love about weddings and particularly about the wedding venue is how every couple makes it their own. Each couple selects the venue that they feel is perfect for their day and if you ask they reasons that they find it so well fitted the answers run the gamut. Whether it be the location, the food, the atmosphere and decor or some combination of it all, eventually the decision is made. Chances are, other people have also been married in the same location so personalizing the venue to reflect you as a couple and your journey to that day becomes the next step!

Julie and Adam did such a wonderful job doing this and I think that was one of the main reasons that I’m still hearing compliments about this particular event. From the first conversation that I had with them I could tell that they were true adventurers always looking for their next destination. They happened to become engaged on a trip to Morocco and had decided to work this into the wedding day. It was really important to the couple that who they were as individuals and a couple shone through and that their guests had a wedding experience as unique as their relationship.

A Moroccan themed print (picked out on the trip) was present from the Wedding Invitations, to the Ceremony Programs all the way to the Cake made by Carolyn Wong. They customized a masterfully prepared menu by Executive Chef Michael Munoz, including Seasoned Veggie Skewers, Panzanella Bread Salad and Moroccan spiced Tri-Tip, all served family style. A photo-booth provided by Photoboof, Henna Artist from Henna Gardens and jeweled trinket boxes for place cards all helped to complete the theme. With San Francisco street names as table numbers and a personalized song about their life, there was no doubt where this couple was from, where they’ve been and where they are going! Congratulations to Julie and Kim on beautiful day!

All Photos by Traci Griffin
To see a slideshow of the day, click here

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

The City Club Healthy Lifestyle

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

In this first installment of The City Club Health & Fitness series, Executive Chef Michael Munoz demonstrates the proper technique for exercising the Quads. Chef Munoz strives for an overall approach to healthful living and is eager to share the benefits of his 15 years experience as a personal trainer. Please e-mail Chef Michael if you have questions pertaining to this healthy lifestyle fitness segment. Michael.Munoz@cityclubsf.com

Spring has Sprung!

2009-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

As a Wedding & Event Planner at the City Club I work with many creative people and the creative process. Each season brings new themes, colors, trends, and cuisine. I am lucky enough to work with different designs aspects all year long. Each event and/or Wedding couple is different. Usually the wedding date dictates the theme or “look” of the wedding they wish to create. Due to so many professionals in the Wedding market there are several ways to design the perfect atmosphere.

As we head into spring and Wedding season, I have seen some great colors pop within the club walls. Recently the work of Classic Party Rentals, and Nancy Liu Chin came together to create the perfect Spring Wedding atmosphere at The City Club in March. The colors of Pea & Kelly Green, Soft Ivory, and Canary Yellow complimented one another. Pictures provided by Darcy Weddings captured the light and colors in a beautiful way to portray the essence of Spring. Creativity is just one aspect in Wedding Planning which can really enhance the atmosphere. Each season of the year has signature colors & themes which can be incorporated to enhance any celebration.

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

The City Club recommends San Francisco!

2009-04-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thinking about where to have your next event or Wedding?
I recommend San Francisco!

San Francisco has so much to offer within its mainland of seven square miles.
At your very fingertips you have sites, smells, and sounds of such a diversely populated city. From the restaurants, neighborhoods, historical sites, museums, and sporting arenas, the culture that San Francisco offers is truly one of a kind. Your guests can experience all of this by taking urban hikes, jumping on our Cable Car lines or by utilizing our public transportation system. It’s really easy to travel around, take it from me, I grew up in suburbia!

If you are out of town planning for an event in San Francisco I recommend checking out: http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

If you are local to San Francisco and want to provide your guests valuable maps and information about San Francisco, head downstairs near the Powell BART station and you’ll see the Visitors Information Center at 900 Market Street. Here you can grab complimentary maps, visitor’s guides, restaurant coupons and Bay Area tour information, great for welcome bags.

Looking for large party restaurant ideas, check out San Francisco Private Dining Venues, http://www.sfpdv.com/. Here you can access the city’s finest restaurants with private dining space. You can search by group size and even view photos of each restaurant.

Need a place for your guests to say?

The City Club has partnered with the following hotels:
Galleria Park Hotel, contact Monica Bowman, (415) 835-6466
The Hotel Monaco & Serrano Hotel, contact Chad Schyvincht, (415) 292-0149
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Prescott Hotel and Hotel Triton,
contact Sarika Patel, (415) 395-8569
Mandarin Oriental, contact Candace Balandra, (415) 276-9713

All of the above recommendations are easily accessible and very close to The City Club.

Once you get to The City Club your truly San Francisco experience promises to continue.
If you’re here reading this, you’ve found us, we are one of the city’s most historical and hidden gems.

Hope you are getting excited for your next San Francisco visit.
We look forward to seeing you here soon!

Michelle Kimmins, Director of Sales & Catering

“Mad About the Boy”

2009-04-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

Friday, April 17^th

Victoria and I are extremely excited about an upcoming Black-Tie gala coming up in May. Working in conjunction with the Museum of Performance & Design, we have put together an amazing evening for our members! The romance of the 20's and 30's will come alive with a cabaret performance of Noël Coward by the talented Steve Ross. At once comical, classic, and layered with music and wit, this style of entertainment so perfectly fits the City Club that we couldn't resist hosting this special event.

New to Noel Coward as a performer? The Museum of Performance and Design reminds us of his enduring legacy:

"Star Quality: I don't know what it is, but I've got it," said Noël Coward with his inimitable style, cigarette in hand and twinkle in his eye.

The Museum of Performance & Design is proud to celebrate this extraordinary figure in its new exhibition, Star Quality: The World of Noël Coward.

For many Coward is known purely as a playwright, creating such classics as Private Lives, Blithe Spirit, Hay Fever, and Design for Living, or as the composer of such timeless songs as "Mad About the Boy," "I'll See You Again," and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen." Star Quality is the first exhibition to show the full extent of his prodigious talents as a director of plays and movies, actor, cabaret artist, wartime patriot, painter, and patron of charitable causes, as well as his knack for celebrity and his gift for sustaining warm and enduring friendships.

For a small taste of what's to come, take a look at a short video – then get your tux pressed and set the date aside! And after the event, make sure to check in on the blog for a post-party wrap up.

When: Friday, May 29^th

Take a look at our online calendar for all the pricing and timing!

I look forward to seeing you then!

Larissa Lorian

Member Services Manager

The City Club partners with NACE

2009-04-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

NACE - National Association of Catering Executives
“Investing to benefit YOU in these uncertain times”

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The City Club was happy to partner with NACE to host their April program. It was wonderful to meet many new faces within the industry and to also receive valuable information from our speakers from Mass Mutual.

Thank you to Cla ssic Party Rentals for providing the table linens and décor, and Ornamento for the table top floral arrangements.

The highlight of the night was the meal provided by our Chef Michael Munoz.

Spring Salad
Shaved Local Asparagus, English Peas, Roasted Chioggia Beets, Marcona Almonds, Shaved Reggiano, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Sage & Prosciutto Wrapped Organic Chicken Breast
Shell Bean Ragout, River Dog Spring Onions, Sessatina Rapini, Toasted Full Belly Garlic

It was a great evening and thank you to those who attended.
We appreciate all of the lovely compliments about both the food and service.
For those who attended don't forget about your special offering!

Photography compliments of Richard Mayer Photo, http://www.mayerphoto.com/

Enjoy your next event,

Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

Making the Connection...

2009-04-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Since we launched the City Club Network in late February, Members have responded very enthusiastically and positively to this new benefit of Membership – so we’re keeping this good thing we’ve got going in the right direction!

Every other Wednesday, Members and guests gather over breakfast and work their best networking mojo with a great group of people. Each session has brought new faces and new business to those who attend– just as we had hoped that this new program would do! The group started with about 10 people and has grown to over 30 at the last gathering. We like the direction that this is headed!

The City Club Network is graciously moderated by City Club Member HENRY EASON of Eason Communications and he’s offered this wonderful praise for how the program has worked for him:
“Many of us City Club members and prospects are seeing a great benefit from the leads-exchange breakfast group you created for us. I know of many leads that have been given, and I have a prospect whose business could cover my club dues and bar bills for some time to come. We appreciate the club pitching in during these difficult times to help your members stimulate trade.”

We’re always looking for ways that we are able to add Member benefits and the City Club Network has created quite a “buzz” around the Club, extending beyond just the bi-monthly gatherings to one-on-one lunch meetings and socializing in the Member’s Bar. Larissa Lorian, our exceptional Member Services Manager, has “linked” everyone together through the network’s very own LinkedIn group so that the connections extend even into the cyber world.

Great people making great connections…that’s what The City Club has always been about and we’re very proud of all that the City Club Network has provided for our Membership. Join us at our next gathering on Wednesday, April 22nd from 8:00-9:30AM and be a part of the Club next best thing going!

City Club Network meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 8:00-9:30AM. Complimentary for Members. Non-Members and Guests are welcome to attend - $20. RSVP with the Club!

GO GREEN!

2009-04-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

“Go Green” is the new campaign name seen and heard around the country as a better effort to promote less waste and an emphasis on recycling. California and especially in the Bay Area efforts have been especially high and expected at almost every establishment you visit. I have noticed signs everywhere to encourage GREEN efforts such the gym, restaurants, grocery stores, and even shopping malls. The obvious would be to use less paper products, less towels, and to recycle when possible!

Now more than ever, I have seen many corporate meeting and event planners asking me “Are you Green?” Yes, the City Club does promote going green and we do support ways to do so. The biggest way to go green at luncheons and meetings is to eliminate bottled water. Pitchers of Ice Water versus bottled water have been in high demand for corporate meetings in an effort to recognize their corporate “Green” efforts. I have seen meetings use less paper handouts, and use more audio visual ways of communicating their message & program.

Be conscious of the environment and Go Green! For more information please visit http://www.globalgreen.org/ for ways you can become more green.

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

The Balvenie Scotch Tasting and Cigar Night

2009-04-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

We are grateful to our members who enjoy sharing their many interests and talents and last Friday Night was a double hitter. The City Club was privileged with an opportunity to host an outstanding start to the weekend through the effort of one of our Board Members and Past Chair, Mr. Marc Intermaggio.

Marc facilitated a tasting presentation with Andrew Weir, the talented and charismatic Balvenie Ambassador from The Balvenie Distillery based in San Francisco. The Balvenie has been specializing in a handcrafted single malt scotch since 1893. Today it is the only Scottish distillery to grow and floor-malt its own barley and has its own coopers and coppersmiths to tend its traditional distilling equipment. They make a unique range of single malts which offer a rich, luxurious and smooth finish with the underpinning of a distinctive honeyed character.

The event was so popular we requested and received a second tasting opportunity that evening, to accommodate the extra reservation requests. Members & Guests expressed their enthusiasm in the excited conversations buzzing around the room. Appreciative remarks were in regard to the "information and history provided" and "a superb education on each selection" Andrew choose to showcase.

In between the tastings interested members met on another floor to enjoy seven different varieties of Cuban, Dominican, Nicaraguan and African Cigars. Our Food and Wine Committee Chair, Mr. Kevin Cholokian, choose several full bodied and medium-bodied, handmade cigars to satisfy the evening’s aficionados. The City Club invites you to view the calendar of events and plan your evenings accordingly. There is a special event planned just for you!

Hector Romero, Banquet Manager

The Center for Justice and Accountability 3.17.09

2009-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

The City Club of San Francisco welcomed back The Center for Justice and Accountability for the second year this past month. This organization is one of the many non-profit groups that we have the pleasure of hosting here at the City Club. They are a group that works on a variety of human rights legislative and policy efforts with an emphasis on supporting policy that enhance the commitment to criminally prosecute human rights abusers.

As a venue, when clients to come back and use the Club, it is very flattering for us. To me it means that their past event was a huge success not only for the guests on that evening but also for their fundraising efforts and publicity for their group. It’s a great feeling for the entire team to have that type of compliment be paid. Like most organizations, especially non-profits in a fundraising capacity, it is ever important to maximize your resources and I am glad that we were able to create a truly wonderful event that the guests seemed to really appreciate and enjoy again this year.

The organization provided their own wine which was paired with a variety of food stations ranging from Turkey Carving to Italian prepared by Chef Michael Munoz. Guests mingled and filled up on the stations in the Café (10th floor) before being invited upstairs to the Main Dining Room (11th floor) for the Awards presentation featuring awards for Paul Farmer, M.D., Ph.D, Bureau Des Avocats Internationaux and Dr. Juan Romagoza. The guests were then invited back to the Café for dessert, coffee and tea. The evening had a wonderful flow and despite not including a full plated meal, the guests left full and satisfied.

I spoke with my contact at CJA following the event and we concluded that we may have preferred this set-up as it afforded guests with the opportunity to mix with a larger number of people rather than be with the same 8 people for the entire of the evening. All in all, we concluded that their guests really seemed to enjoy themselves.

It is a pleasure working with such an energetic and organized group and we hope to have them back with us again next year.

City Club Quinoa

2009-03-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Scallion Quinoa
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
¾ cup diced onion
3 Garlic Cloves Minced
2 Cups Quinoa
2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
1 Bunch Green Onion-Sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Olive oil for sauté
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sauté onions and garlic till translucent. Add Quinoa to pan and lightly toast, add a little

more olive oil if needed. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cover tightly and place in oven for 20-25 minutes. The quinoa will be done when the grains look like they have little strings hanging from them. Take out of oven, let cool slightly and season with salt and pepper. Add green onions and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Mix and enjoy!

Healthy Lifestyle Tips from Chef Munoz

2009-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Many of you do not realize that our Executive Chef, Michael Muñoz, is not only dedicated to serving the most healthful of foods, he is also a dedicated personal trainer. Here are some culinary tips on how to prepare a tasty dish of Quinoa. In future blog spots Michael will also provided us with an instruction video for an exercise technique that will help you towards the goal of developing a healthy, active lifestyle.

The City Club presents "Chefs to Know - Dine & Sign"

2009-03-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

The City Club of San Francisco has partnered with Starchefs to bring you an all star lineup of celebrity San Francisco Chef's.

Celebrate the launch of StarChefs.com's "Chef's to Know", a comprehensive guide to chefs from around the country and the world.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a five course prix fixe menu from the following:

· Stuart Brioza, formerly of Rubicon, San Francisco

· Noriyuki Sugie, formerly of Asiate, New York

· Richard Corbo, Ducca, San Francisco

· Mark Dommen, One Market, San Francisco

· Nicole Krasinski, formerly of Rubicon, San Francisco

Monday, April 6, 2009
6:00pm
Hors d'oeuvres provided by Executive Chef Michael Munoz from the City Club
Dinner to follow

$175 including dinner, wine, tax and service charge
+ a copy of the book signed by participating chefs

Reservations are still available.

Please contact us at 415-362-6697 or michelle.kimmins@cityclubsf.com

A Decadent Affaire

2009-03-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

As we all face challenges with the economy everyone is being creative with their budgets. Planning a wonderful event is just a few innovative ideas away. Earlier this year I shared Carmen and Jim’s budget friendly afternoon event. At the City Club’s 2nd Tuesday Open House last month another couple shared another great idea with me. They are looking to host an afternoon dessert and drinks reception. I’m talking about a delightful, delicious, decadent dessert display (sorry, I couldn’t help myself).

The timing for this kind of event is highly important. You don’t want anyone to show up thinking they will be having a big meal. Strategically placing the event between lunch and dinner is the way to go. The couple is planning on inviting their guests to a ceremony starting around 1 or 1:30 giving their guests plenty of time to grab lunch before they head over. After the Ceremony in the Main Dining Room, the guests will then be invited to Café for the party, where they will be greeted with Champagne, Cocktails and a variety of non-alcoholic, refreshing beverages. And don’t forget the dessert, cookies, fruit tarts, petite fours, an ice cream bar and much much more. The event is slated to finish around5 or 6 giving their guests to go and grab dinner or head out into the City for a post wedding celebration.

The best thing for the couple, aside from looking fabulously creative and unique, is that their guests will get to sample a wonderful array of treats (something you don’t get to do every day), and the couple doesn’t have to compromise on all of the wedding traditions; toasts, slideshow, cake cutting and first dance.

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

Secrets to fabulous Parties & Decor

2009-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Take it from us at The City Club who has seen so many wonderful events and celebrations!
We are always excited to see creative event design but also admire tasteful simplicity.

There are a few secrets to keep in mind when planning your next celebration at The City Club:

Lighting:
The City Club offers an in-house up-lighting package which truly enhances the ambiance of the Club. The lighting reflects off the white walls on the 10th Floor Café and plays off the gold leaf ceilings. When lighting is placed on the 11th floor Main Dining Room it creates a warm amber glow which encompasses the warmth of the wood walls.

The City Club works closely with Elle Music & Events who can help create even more lighting designs from table pin spotting, room washes, dance floor washes, gobo designs and spot lighting.

Linens:
The simplest way to create drama and flair in the rooms is to upgrade your linens. With the right touch of color you can keep the rest of your design elements simple.

The City Club works closely with Classic Party Rentals, La Tavola and Napa Valley Linens.

Floral Design:
Fresh, colorful and tastefully done. The City Club is happy to provide three large entry arrangements that can be tailored to your event. When thinking about floral design, take advantage of the colors, art work and existing Art deco elements within the Club. Create floral masterpieces that can be as simple as a floating gardenia in a tasteful 30’s inspired bowl to taller natural looking centerpieces that can bring outside elements inside. Floral design is the obvious choice, but you can be creative, budget conscious, and still achieve that extra flair.

The City Club is happy to work with our Club florist on your floral needs and also works closely with Stacey Miller Designs, Branch Out, Floramor Studios and Floreal.

Music:
The City Club is wired with Satellite Radio and has connections for IPod sound. Just a little touch of sound is all you need but when you choose a live element it makes all the difference.Whether it is steel drums, a solo guitarist, duo or trio, full live band or DJ, music really keeps the entertainment minimal and the enjoyment among guests high.

The City Club works with Peter Rudolfi of Artists in Music, Denon & Doyle, Marianne Kent & Bay Society, Bay Music & Entertainment and Elle Music & Events.

Furniture:
The City Club has a variety of original 1930’s furnishings that can be arranged within our event spaces to create a lounge like feeling. Use these pieces to warm up our spaces and create an inviting feeling which guests will love. Whether you want the Club to feel classic and original or bring in a modern feeling all of this can be achieved.

The City Club works closely with Classic Party Rentals and Blueprint Studios to create the perfect ambiance.

We hope our advice will help make your next event even more wonderful!

Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

Did Someone say "Crab Feed?"

2009-03-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a little over a month since President Obama has been in office. We have seen quite a few changes in the faces of government and I’m sure we will see more has time progresses. It is important to note that the hope that President Obama brought to the nation is still in the air. We realize there are some hard times ahead for all, but the hope that change can bring, is where we choose to focus.

Here at the City Club we have experienced a few changes as well. Alex Rychetsky, our Food and Beverage Director, is no longer with the Club and he will be missed. We wish him the very best and thank him for the outstanding attention he gave to the presentation of our Chef’s menus, fine wines and beverages. Change is always a challenge and the entire City Club team looks forward to continuing with the very best interest s of our members and guests in mind.

As the end of Crab Season draws to a close, join us for our annual Crab Feed festivities. We promise an excellent selection of wines to pair with the succulent morsels. Another event you do not want to miss is the Wine Tasting featuring Tre Bicchieri wines. We look forward to serving you.

Hector Romero – Banquet Manager

Variety and the Spices of Life

2009-02-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

One of the great benefits to being a Chef in a private club venue is the variety of menu offerings one can create during a single calendar day. The day can start off with a member’s favorite healthy breakfast such as our Organic Ground Turkey-Egg White Scramble or the very popular City Club Chilaquiles. And the City Club is not limited to a “Members Only” mindset; we have the unique privilege of offering cuisine for every kind of event imaginable. Our professional event planning staff will help you plan for Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Meetings and Seminars, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to name a few.
Morning event planners find the meeting and dining room decors a memorable back drop for an eye pleasing array of our Club-Baked Muffins, Bagels & Lox and Croissants to the plated Egg Frittatas with Sweet Italian Sausage.
To avoid the afternoon “slump” during an information packed meeting, we have helped coordinate creative, nutritious snacks to fit between the most rigorous of agendas. One of our experienced Catering Managers will help you with snack ideas that could include, but not limited to, health bars, nuts and whole fruits. We have planned the right combination of flavors and nutritional offerings to perk up the senses, but still be health and energy conscience.
The evening menus are some of my most favorite. We are prepared for the challenge to prepare provocative, satisfying Hors d’oeuvres for “Happy Hour “at the Member’s Bar. Variety is the goal with each week’s menu planning. House-made breadsticks, Lemongrass chicken Fingers, Ahi Tuna Tartare gives you a hint of what you may find to enjoy with your favorite beer or cocktail. Planning for a special Anniversary Party? Do you have a fundraiser in mind? Our goal is to offer you exceptional cuisine, not only for the palate, but also the eye. Coordinate with your event planner to arrange for a tasting and experience the artistic cuisine surrounded by the timeless beauty of the City Club.
Michael Muñoz, Executive Chef

Raise Your Glass (or Three)

2009-02-24T17:11:00.001-08:00

In the works for months has been our Tre Bicchieri Wine Dinner. Originally set for March 5^th, we have postponed the date to April 23^rd - but it will be well worth the wait! Chiara Geronimo, from Italia Wine Imports, has worked with our Food & Wine Committee to put together an amazing "tour" of Italian wines. And not just any wines…most of them are winners of the prestigious Tre Bicchieri (translated as three glasses) awards, hosted here in the Bay Area by Gambero Rosso, the experts on all things Italian. After tasting through 14,000 wines (hopefully not all by the same person!) they came up with hundreds of winners – and the wines hand-selected for our dinner show just how variegated the wines of Italy can be.

Not only will you be wowed by the wines, but we are also extremely excited to feature the collaboration in the kitchen – our own Chef Michael Munoz is pairing with Chef Richard Corbo, the rising star who heads the kitchen at Ducca. This powerhouse of talents is sure to produce several courses that will delight your palate! Limited space is available for this event, so don't wait until the last minute – make your reservations now! For members and their hosted guests, this dinner comes in at a very reasonable $95 inclusive. But if you would like to come and try out the Club as a non-member, you are welcome to sign up; the cost for all these wines, and a full dinner still a very digestible $125 inclusive.

This will be a dinner not to be missed!

Larissa Lorian

Member Services Manager

Larissa.lorian@cityclubsf.com

Second Tuesdays Does it Again! Another Home Run!

2009-02-12T00:09:00.000-08:00

February’s Second Tuesdays turned to be another hit for many of our lucky brides and grooms who visited their Catering Managers for a tour, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Chef Michael Munoz prepared tow of his favorites – a refreshing tuna tartare offered on a light crisp and his truffled croque monsieur – often the groom’s favorite!

Our Vendor Spotlight was a true treat! We had Artists in Music, Classic Party Rentals, Under the Chuppah, Butterfly Cakes and La Tavola Linens. Having such a great group of industry professionals available to our guests, I noticed that our visiting couples were really able to get important one-on-one advise, coaching and inspiration.

Not only were guests able to taste (in my opinion) The Best Red Velvet Cake around by Sonya Hong’s Butterfly Cakes, but they were also able to look at her light-hearted and elegant designs to see how her cakes are a perfect fit for an impeccable wedding indulgence.

Once the cake was selected, we introduced our guests to Classic Party Rental’s Gwen Ortiz who was standing by to give that creative inspiration and advise on how you can serve your cakes on a whimsical plate, or bring a pop of color and originality to your wedding day décor!

Peter Rudolfi of Artists in Music, mingled through The 10th Floor Café discussing different musical options for any musical flavor and budget. Even a bride and groom who thought they had found the perfect band listened to Peter’s careful advise on how to select a band that you can really trust to bring tapping toes and big smiles to you and your guests for the big celebration.

Carol Attia, the Bay Area’s leading Chuppah designer showed guests her elegant and colorful pictures of Chuppahs she has done for weddings at The City Club and throughout San Francisco’s top venues.

And to add a final pop of fun to our space, La Tavola Linens brought us edgy and elegant linens that offered tantalizing textures and crisp colors!! It’s amazing what fun linens will do to a room! The new Company has colorful books filled with all of their newest and latest linen options.

Definitely ask your City Club Catering Manager to connect you with any of our visiting Second Tuesdays Spotlight guests to make your wedding day exciting & different from any other wedding you’ve ever been to!

March 10th is our next Second Tuesday Open House. Please mark your calendar and contact your Catering Manager to schedule an appointment or let her know that you’ll be visiting with your friends, family or vendors for a planning session. We’ll have another great group pf Spotlight Guests to introduce you to. Stacey Miller Designs, Denon & Doyle, Lisa Huffman Hair Designs and Under the Chuppah will be available to give you their one-on-one time to talk with you about your wedding day.

See you on March 10th!

-Alison Bianchetti, Catering & Sales Manager

Weddings at the City Club De La Cruz & Oshima, 1.3.09

2009-02-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

In our budget conscious economy, finding ways to stretch your dollar a little further is the key to planning a successful wedding. One of the best options to bring prices down is to consider moving your celebration to what are considered “off” times. Since Saturday evenings are the most desirable dates and times they are also the most costly. Why not consider hosting your event on a Friday or Sunday evening, where rental and vendor fees are sure to be lower? Or, do as Jim and Carmen did, and host your Wedding on a Saturday or Sunday Afternoon! They chose Saturday, January 3rd in the afternoon and it was truly a wonderful event.

Compared to the evening events, I felt like to focus of the afternoon was really on the couple and on the marriage. The ambiance was mellow and open and the Club had a fresh, bright feeling. On the budgetary side of things, for “lunch” they hosted a variety of different heavy appetizer stations including an Asian Station with Dim Sum as well as a Prime Rib and Salmon Carving Station along with a variety of passed hors d’ oeuvres. This option got them away for the per person full meal price but still offered enough food for their guests to enjoy a hearty afternoon nosh. They also saved on the beverage bill by choosing to host a variety of non-alcoholic beverages along with wine and beer.

A couple of other great ideas from this couple…
1) Higher a great coordinator, wait you are thinking, that costs money, but not when it’s Jessica Goldblatt with Dreams on a Dime, who specializes in working with budget conscious events.

2) Rather than the traditional tiered wedding cake, the couple purchased a sheet cake from Tartin and had them cut it down into smaller pieces. The smaller peices were then frosted on all sides and once strategically displayed it had the same great effect!

3) They used their family as a great resource for assistance. Cousins and other family members were responsible for floral, folding origami votive boxes and other décor.

I hope you will away at least one money saving tip from this couple that did it right! They had a wonderful wedding surrounded by friends and family and did it without breaking the bank.

Happy Planning!!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

2009-02-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

This month we are featuring two new additions to our wine list from the Byron Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. The Santa Maria Valley is located on an unusual topographic slice of land known as a transverse range. Unlike the majority of California's wine producing valleys, the orientation is east to west rather than north to south. As a consequence, an unprecedented amount of marine air and accompanying fog is pulled into the vineyards from the nearby Pacific Ocean.

The first wine we are featuring on the wine list is a Chardonnay. The valley is the ideal location for cold-climate grapes, featuring benchland vineyards. This Chardonnay is rich and creamy, with toast, citrus, lime and minerals. It will be ideally matched with our newest menu selection, the New England Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops. This wine was #30 in the Wine Spectator Top 100 wines of 2008. WS is quoted, “Ultra rich and concentrated, with layers of fig, citrus and tangerine flavors that are shaded by toasty oak, filling out the flavor profile and ending with a complex marshmallow edge.” 93 Points, Wine Spectator.

The second wine featured is from the Single Vineyard Designates. It is the Bien Nacido Pinot Noir. For more than 30 years, Bien Nacido has been growing some of Santa Barbara County's most distinctive benchland Pinot Noir. This wine demonstrates the sophisticated interplay that goes on each year between soil, weather and variety. Expect a complete wine packed with cherries, spice, earth and truffles. Enjoy this wine with another one of our new additions, Lemon-Pepper Seared Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna. Bon Appetite!

Alex Rychetsky, Food and Beverage Director

Seasonal Menus & Custom Planning

2009-02-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

Together with our Chef Michael Munoz we have created sample menus and packages that are truly delicious.For those looking for a custom five course meal, a seasonal or all organic menu, or just a little ethnic flair, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Our Chef Michael Munoz is happy to work together with our Catering team to create special custom menus that are exciting and crowd pleasing.

Depending on the type of food and style of cuisine you request there may be an increase in expense, but if you are a true San Franciscan and enjoy good flavors and delightful cuisine, then your appreciation for food should be understood.

We recently hosted a Cuban Inspired event where we passed the following items:
Duck Confit Tamalitos with Cherry Glaze
Taquitos with Cuban Vieja Ropa
Spicy Shrimp & Potato Empanadas
Ceviche en Crispy Plantain

A sample all organic and vegetarian menu included the following:
Parsnip & Seckel Pear Soup with Truffled Crème Fraîche
Living Cress Salad with Local Citrus, Marcona Almonds and Citrus Vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom Strudel with Butternut Squash Gratin, Living Pea Shoots and Salsify Cream
Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Crème

We hope these menus sound tempting and show some of our various tastes and flavors.
Be sure to ask and from there our team and Chef will do our very best to accommodate.

Happy Planning!
Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

City Club Nonprofit Breakfast ~ January 29, 2009

2009-02-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

Breakfast & Networking Opportunities

Dr. Michael O'Neill of USF with City Club Board of Governors & Event Chairs Syndi Seid & Fred Rodriguez

Distinguished Guest, Phillip Vaughns

Dennis M's Photography Showcsae!

2009-02-02T23:19:00.000-08:00

What an exceptional evening! As wedding and special event planners at The City Club, we are so lucky to have the opportunity to plan some stunningly remarkable events for our clients and members alike. The Dennis M showcase however was a very special treat!

Together with Duncan Reyes, we had an opportunity to create a sophisticated yet funky look that The City Club hasn’t seen before. We completely recreated the 10th floor Café to look like a vintage Cuban night with an edgy South Beach twist! Our opportunity was to showcase Dennis M, an award-winning photographer who with Duncan assembled a great group of people to throw a great party in order to show off his breathtaking work, and of course – The City Club!

Hartmann Studios and Impact Lighting started off by bringing in fantastic led lighting that faded between crisp blues and aqua to warm romantic magenta and auburn tones. Hartmann brought in edgy white leather couches with bright lounge pillows, vintagy lamps. We brought sleek cocktail tables an chairs and set them with soft votive candles with sparkling crystals and ambient turquoise hues.

Amy Burke Designs threaded the look together and delighted the senses with her simple, elegant and lively floral designs. Her ultra modern pieces were so creative using different materials to hone in on the modern yet vintage twist we were looking to bring into the Cuban theme. They were so interesting you literally wanted to reach out and touch them.

To set the perfect backdrop Oye Productions brought in a sassy Cuban combo who filled The Club with their rich melodies. We literally felt as though we were on the set of The Buena Vista Social Club’s live recording! Once the music was in place our guests were really able to feel the amazing vibe The Club had brought together.

Our Executive Chef, Michael Munoz put together an outstandingly rich menu with Cuban inspired cuisine! And, of course to top off the savory, Butterfly Cakes brought in decadent samples of silky chocolate cake! It was absolutely to-die-for!! So to die for, that Butterfly Cakes is coming back on February 10th for The City Club’s Second Tuesdays!

- Alison Bianchetti, Catering & Sales Manager

The Seasonal Menu

2009-01-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

This January it’s been hard to decide what season we are experiencing from day to day. But The City Club menu will show none of the ambiguity felt in the weather. Looking forward to the seasonal bounty available through the different times of the year is a fun challenge for those of us who enjoy preparing a healthful and visually appealing menu of choice. We are grateful for the compliments on the seasonal Buffet items. The Oven Roasted Winter Squash and the Citrus Salad have proved to be the biggest winners so far, but the Buffet is not the only place where we have made some changes.

The City Club breakfast offered in the Café from 7:30 to 9:30 AM has introduced two new healthy food items. Organic Irish Oatmeal with brown sugar, honey & raisins and Organic Ground Turkey-Egg White Scramble. Also new are the Nova Scotia Smoke Salmon plate and our very own recipe, the City Club Chilaquiiles. For our members who look forward to a sweet breakfast every now and then, we haven’t forgotten you. We are sure you will enjoy the Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas drizzled in Marshall Farms honey. Is anybody hungry yet? Well, we are not finished.

Our Ala Carte Menu, always offered in the Main Dining Room and the Café, has items added to reflect the great bounty from the sea. Tantalizing Scallops, Mussels, and Tuna are spotlighted in their own individual recipes with the signature gourmet touch of our own Chef Michael Muñoz. Another new offering is the Sweet Dungeness Crab Terrine, taking advantage of the crab season which will end much too soon. Two more items you will want to try are the West Indian Rubbed USDA Prime New York and the House Made Caramelized Gnocchi. Oh, so good! See you at the Club!

City Club Weddings to Remember- Zarin & Sherman 12.31.09

2009-01-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Eve probably seems a million miles away for most of us, but for one couple it will always seem like it was “just yesterday” that they tied the knot! Trisha and Greg selected this date for their big day because they figured there was no better way to ring in the New Year than with a big commitment. This was one couple that did not have to worry creating a party atmosphere. The energy and excitement comes built in with the date.

They choose a classic Black and Ivory theme, classic not only for the Club but for the Wedding and for the Holiday. Beautiful ivory damask linens to the floor and black satin napkins ordered from Classic Party rentals. Floral centerpieces by Sharla Flock accented their theme. Music was by Joel Nelson and the evening’s festivities were photographed by Francis Baker. And for this couple, there was no cake to be found. Their guests were treated to a variety of scrumptious cupcakes from Sprinkles.

The thing that really worked for this event was that like another couple we hosted Rick & Ron, they planned a great party and their guests really appreciated it. They started with a champagne reception to get the evening going and the party didn’t stop until the ball dropped!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

Urban Winemaker Dinner Photos - featuring Connor Brennan, Keon, Jax and Vineyardgate

2009-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

Paint the Town Red!

2009-01-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 29th The City Club hosted The Red Cross event "Paint The Town Red Gala Launch Party". We teamed up with the Red Cross to help showcase recent trends in the Fashion Industry to include labels such as:

Robert Berry, Cari Borja, Emily Jane, Marta Kaapl Couture, Erin Mahoney, Studio 615, Torso Vintages, Verrieres & Sako with hair and make up provided by Patrick Evan Salon and Shu Uemura.

The American Red Cross is an organization of volunteers which help fundraise to provide relief to victims of disasters and helps respond to emergencies. Through the way of fundraising and supporting the Red Cross you are supporting and helping the relief of others. This event will directly benefit the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter’s Disaster Readiness and Relief Efforts.

The City Club Café was dressed in Red as the scent of red roses filled the air, models struted down the runway with music spun by DJ Kitchen. City Club showcased some of our most popular hors d’oeuvres by executive chef, Michael Munoz and cocktails. The event has been designed by Dominic Phillips Event Marketing.

To find out more information about the Bay Area Red Cross Chapter and the 2009 Paint the Town Red Gala RSVP to http://www.bayarea-redcross.org/Gala2009/index.htm.

The event was a huge success, with nearly 300 guests in attendance!

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

On Stands Now! 2009 San Francisco Brides

2009-01-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

The City Club is pleased to have joined San Francisco Brides by the publishers of San Francisco Magazine. The Spring Summer 2009 edition has already hit stands, so get your copy now!

Whether you are a new bride, already a bride, a planner or someone who just loves Weddings, this is a great source to read through. I personally love the “Wed Dossier Now!” section. You can find helpful new tips and trends, resources from everything to jewelry, gifts, and flowers, to biographies of industry professionals. Of course if you are perusing this section, you may run across our City Club ad, which hopefully gives you the feeling and emotion of a City Club Wedding.

Don’t miss the calendar of events, where you will also see our 2nd Tuesday Wedding and Event Showcases, hosted every month. We feature at least three wonderful vendors in the industry, offer complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and set up the Club in style of a sample wedding ceremony and reception. You can also grab a complimentary copy of San Francisco Brides.

We hope to see you soon and if not you can read about us in San Francisco Brides. And remember, have fun learning more about the wonderful world of Weddings!

Happy Planning!

Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

Second Tuesdays Takes On a New Flavor!

2009-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Each Second Tuesday of the month, our fabulous Catering Team opens our doors to you for a special intimate Open House. Our purpose is to give you an opportunity to really feel the level of hospitality and warmth that we are so proud to extend here at The City Club. It also gives us an opportunity to show our guests how The Club transitions from day into evening.

Since we’ve had such a great response from our visiting brides, grooms and guests regarding how helpful Second Tuesdays are for planning and visual purposes, we have decided to invite our favorite vendors to come in for a monthly stoplight.

From now on, we’ll have at least one special Spotlight guest for you to meet whom we feel is someone you should know about for your big day! Whether the Spotlight is a photographer, DJ, or wedding cake designer, you can be assured that we have carefully hand selected them based on great experience, reputation and product.

This month our Second Tuesday Spotlight was Krista Markell of Sugarcoat It Studio. Her sweetly sophisticated cakes look as though they are freshly baked from your favorite letter-press stationary boutique! Her designs are elegant and graceful of course with a pop of fun! But looks aren’t everything… Once you taste her rich flavors – you’ll know that her cakes aren’t only beautiful on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that’s sure to have you hooked!!

Also, Classic Party Rentals styled out a beautifully decorated sample wedding table that definitely sparked a creative chord for many of our guests. As a great partner of The City Club, Classic’s resources are a great way to bring a festive glow to your wedding or special event. They have beautiful linens, chargers, napkins, chairs and beyond. Just ask your City Club Catering Manager to help with your selections to bring a polished charm to your table décor.

February 10th is our next Second Tuesday, and is sure to be a blast! We’ve got a great group of people coming in to Spotlight!!

You’ll be able to meet Peter Rudolfi of Artists in Music for your musical needs; whether you want a full band, string quartet, or a single classical guitar – he’s got it!

Carol Attia will be here from Under the Chuppah, helping you bring a personal touch to your traditional ceremonial chuppah.

Classic Party Rentals will have a great imaginative table set to help you get your ideas for your own décor flowing.

And, La Tavola Linens will be here to show you that adding a little pop to your linens is fun, easy and a sure way to impress your guests!!

If you would like to check on future Second Tuesdays dates, definitely check out your local news stand for San Francisco Brides Magazine! We're listed throughout the Summer/ Spring 2009 issue, and you'll find endless helpful hints about planning your luxurious City Club Wedding!

See you here on the 10th!
-Alison Bianchetti, Catering & Sales Manager

Times they are a'changing....

2009-01-16T10:02:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh....a new year is here. With "change" on everyone's mind these days, I'm inclined to reflect on the many positive changes that I've seen at The City Club over my 6 year tenure - and what a wild ride it's been! I've had the pleasure of welcoming so many wonderful Members to the Club and we, as Managers, enjoy the unique challenge of keeping things exciting and interesting for them, all the while maintaining the consistent values of a Membership club. That being said, allow me to elaborate on the images of "change" as seen through the eyes of the Club Director:

- Sold out Dining Rooms! Gone are the days when you could shoot a canon through the dining room at lunch and no one would be harmed...these days it's a packed house! To say that we love that would be an understatement. We love greeting our Members by name. We love how much they love their Club and enjoy showing it off to their guests. And most importantly, we love that we can always find them an open table, even when it appears to be SRO. Service with a smile, always.

- Excellent cuisine! A packed house can only mean one thing - the food must be top notch! As Chef Michael Munoz will tell you, when he came on board just about 5 years ago, he was determined to eliminate the stigma that "private Clubs serve bad food." And boy, did he do something right! We constantly receive praise for his outstanding creations, from the variety of the Cafe Buffet to the delicacies offered on the A la Carte menu - we've got one heck of a talented Chef and we're proud that he's all ours.

- Events! Not to brag too much, but we've been told a time or two that we throw a good party. In the last few years, thanks to the event suggestions from our Members and the creative geniuses that comprise our management team, we've taken events to whole new level. A boxing ring in the middle of the Cafe? No problem. Casablanca-style hookah lounge? Check. Havana Nights in January? We can't wait. Members not only enjoy the social nature of these events, but also the opportunity to network and entertain guests, for business or pleasure. On the business side of events, our Jamison Roundtable Luncheon series continues to gain momentum, thanks to the diligence and commitment of David Jamison, one of the Club's Founding Members. Excellent speakers and timely topics - thanks David!

- A true Art Deco treasure! Walking into The City Club for the first time is truly a magical moment. The looks of "awe" that we see when someone admires the Diego Rivera mural brings a smile to our face, every time. Our Club is a true gem and those of us who get to experience such elegance and splendor everyday are among the more fortunate ~ yet another reason our Members love calling this "their Club." The unparalleled decor and history of The City Club have been well preserved in the past few years, thanks in no small part to the commitment of the Owner to continually invest back into the Club, ensuring that we're always looking our best. It's amazing how much a gem can really shine with a little love and genuine care...and the capital for restorations here and there certainly helps! We're thankful for all of that.

Our Members are the heart and soul of The City Club ~ our most loyal fans and greatest assets for whom we have the great pleasure of welcoming everyday. As we look ahead to this year of "change," may we stay focused on making strides in a positive direction and continue to look at ways that we can be better citizens, partners, associates, and friends. I close with a reference to our Mission Statement, and the pledge to continue to promote positive change at The City Club of San Francisco ~ yesterday, today, and all of the tomorrow's to come.

"Our mission is to promote active engagement and influence in civic, social and business areas. We focus our support on community service, appreciation of The City's arts, culture and culinary experiences to inspire fellowship at the Club. People making a difference through leadership, fellowship and diversity defines the purpose of the Membership at The City Club of San Francisco. Camaraderie is not only important at the City Club...it defines our experience!"

- Victoria Welch, Club Director

Now that's what I call Fun!

2009-01-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

I figure that I can’t be the only one who is happy for December to be over. Please do not get me wrong, I am no scrooge. I love cheer, decorations, parties, holiday music, hats, blowers, more cheer, champagne, big dinners, more parties, bigger dinners, wine, more champagne, more cheer and yet another party. But really, I am exhausted and I like I said, I can’t be the only one.

Want to know the sad thing though, as much as I’m happy to be rested, what do I have to look forward to? I look out into the vastness of 2009 and there isn’t much aside from full 5 day work weeks. Again, don’t get me wrong, I love my job and I love working, but it is always nice to have something to get really excited about.

So what am I getting at? New Year Celebrations, that’s what. At the City Club this January and Februarys we are hosting a handful of “delayed holiday celebrations.” These businesses have decided to postpone the excitement of the annual company to after the holiday season, and I can’t blame them. What a innovative idea and how exciting for their employees to have something to look forward to! Everyone eagerly anticipates their company party, but amidst the excitement of the holidays some might find it to be just another party.

Holiday burnout is a dangerous thing so why not consider moving you company party to the New Year? It’s a great way to start the year off as a business. Rather than looking at the year that’s past, use the opportunity look into what the New Year holds, build moral and camaraderie amongst the team!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

real simple.

2009-01-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

While helping a bride choose her theme, colors, and floral for her wedding, it dawned on me that the more simple the better. The simple things in life and always the best, right? We went through the Reds, Oranges, Blue’s, Dazzles, Sparkles; you name it we looked at it. Looking at all the options first gave us a good idea of what she was looking for. Elegant, but simple.

Consulting with the very professional & creative Stacy of Stacy Miller designs, she recommended that the more simple, the more elegant and classic. Being that it is a Fall Wedding we were designing, we were looking for rich colors that coordinate with the season but nothing too rich to take away from the beautiful setting of the City Club where our rich hues and décor make a statement for itself. In addition to our original and one of a kind Diego Rivera Mural, we wanted the color pallette all to blend together.

Before I knew it we found the perfect linen, thanks to La Tavola and an exquisite classic tall centerpiece from Stacy Miller. We had designed a simple, elegant, and classic wedding table every bride strives for.

Keep it real simple, and it will all come together with flying colors!

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

Food and Beverage Spotlight

2009-01-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

We would like to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year on behalf of the Food and Beverage Department and suggest checking the City Club’s website for the different calendar events for the month. One of the special events in January is our Cigar Night, on the 30th, which is always a big success.

This time we will feature the Johnny Walker Whiskey selections presented by Kevin Kachadoorian from Pacific Wine and Spirits. Kevin is very knowledgeable and passionate about the products he represents. As usual we will feature one of a kind selection of cigars and a sumptuous buffet prepared especially for you by our Chef Michael Muñoz.

Also, please, do not forget to check our wine list for new and exciting additions. This month we feature by the glass Provenance, Sauvignon Blanc, from Rutherford, Napa Valley and Chateau Vignot, Saint-Emilion, Grand Cru from Bordeaux, France. Please make sure to try these unique and highly rated wines by The Wine Spectator magazine.

Just a reminder that The City Club’s Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, at the Member’s Bar. We offer wine by the glass for $6.00 and beer for $3.00.
Thank you for your patronage and see you at the Member’s Bar.

Alex Rychetsky

Director of Food and Beverage

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

Resolutions, Words of the Year (my favorite), new gym memberships, Weddings to plan, Clubs to join, Places to visit, Events to plan, Old friends to catch up with and New friends to meet. Don’t you love the beginning of a New Year?

The year ended well for us at The City Club. We appreciate all the business received from our Members and guests and look forward to what this year will bring us.

We have a few upcoming events that we want to share and remind you about:

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from 5-7pm
City Club Wedding & Event Open Houses- scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month.
Complimentary Champagne and Hors d’oeuvres

Featured vendors: Sugarcoat It Studio cake tastings and Table Décor by Classic Party Rentals.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 6-9pm
Havana Nights- Dennis M Photography Showcase hosted by The City Club sponsored by f. Duncan Reyes events by design, one of San Francisco’s premier event planners.

The Café will be transformed into a Cuban Night! Join us for live music and entertainment, traditional food and flair, signature beverages and private reserve cigars. The night is sure to indulge your senses.
Please contact your Sales & Catering Manager for more information and to RSVP.

Friday, January 23, 2009 from 6-9pm
Urban Winemaker Dinner

$85 inclusive members and hosted member guests
$100 non-members
Featuring:
Connor Brennan, who will share about his Pinot Noir, recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the top 5 wines in the country.
Matt Reidy, of ConnonBrennon Cellars will share about his wine philosophy.
Kian Tavakoli of Keon Wines and a consulting winemaker at Crushpad will share about small lot wineries.

January 29th, 2009 from 7:45 -9: 30 a.m.
Cleopatra Vaughns Non-Profit Leadership Breakfast

Complimentary with reservation
reservations@cityclubsf.com
Featuring:
Michael O'Neill, Ph.D., Professor of Non-Profit Management, University of San Francisco
"Is there really a crisis of confidence in charities?"
This event graciously hosted by The City Club of San Francisco & Board of Governors.

*In Memoriam of Cleopatra Vaughns, Former City Club Board Chair and true community servant.

January 30, 2009 from 6-9pm
City Club Cigar Night

$85 inclusive members and hosted member guests
$100 non-members
Join us for our signature cocktails, and selection of fine cigars.
Menu will include barbecued beef brisket and fixings.

Hope to see you soon!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

The Christmas Song

2008-12-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire….Jack Frost nipping at your nose….Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir…

The Holiday season is filled with Christmas songs and traditional tunes you recognize from year to year. This year while planning several company holiday parties at the Club I have seen several different entertainment acts.

For a very classical and intimate setting, a harp is classic. I would recommend Michelle Sell, 415-457-3912. She has a beautiful harp and can play almost anywhere. I was fortunate enough to enjoy her holiday music on two different occasions, a corporate holiday party and the City Club's own Grand Holiday Party Celebration. Her music filled our lobby with traditional Christmas melodies as guests made their way to the 10th floor.

Denon & Doyle also graced the City Club this holiday season. DJ Paul spun holiday and popular hits as guest’s danced the night away! Their set up looked great, along with the Cafe's sparkling holiday white lights in the background.

In addition, I also became familiar with Orange Photography. They had a modern photo booth set up for pictures during a holiday celebration. It was a great way to get guests to mix and mingle and a form of entertainment for the evening. There was a green screen set up for guests to take pictures in front of. When their photo was complete the background was a holiday snow scene. They even set up printing on site, so guests could take home a memory of the night!

Christmas music is bound to get anyone into the holiday spirit!

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

Quick & Easy Holiday Recipes

2008-12-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

In all the excitement and planning for the day of the “big event” we tend to forget about the days afterward and the anticipation that leftovers can induce. Some people claim to look forward to the tasty leftovers as much as they do to the enjoyment of the actual holiday meal itself! Here are three recipes that can be prepared from the ingredients that most families like to include in their holiday meal planning. The Sausage and Apple stuffing lends itself to a different taste adventure for those leftover sandwiches! And just in case it is a dreary, rainy day in your neighborhood, sit and enjoy a great cup of Mushroom and Potato Soup on the side. Are your holiday pies and desserts all gone? Tired of cooking, empty of ideas and inspiration? To satisfy the desire for that sweet little something at the end of your meal, try this unique dessert, Chocolate Brittle Surprise. You will be amazed at how quick and easy it is for the mmmmm’s and aaaaaah’s to return for yet another day of feasting!

Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing Yields: 10 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread ½ teaspoon dried thyme
3 3/4 cups cubed white bread 1 Golden Delicious apple, cored & chopped
1 pound ground turkey sausage ¾ cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped onion ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley
¾ cup chopped celery ¾ cup turkey stock
2 1/2 teaspoons dried sage 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 degree C). Spread the white and whole wheat bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until evenly toasted. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the lumps until evenly browned. Add the celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Pour sausage mixture over bread in bowl. Mix in chopped apples, dried cranberries, and parsley. Drizzle with turkey stock and melted butter, and mix lightly. Transfer to an oven-proofed baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Mushroom and Potato Chowder Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup chopped onion 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup butter or margarine 1 cup diced, peeled potatoes
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ cup chopped carrots
1 teaspoon salt 1 cup light cream
½ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups water

DIRECTIONS:
In a large kettle, sauté onion in butter until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper; stir to make a smooth paste. Gradually add water, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, celery, potatoes and carrots. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add cream and Parmesan cheese; heat through.

Chocolate Brittle Surprise Yields: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS:
35 unsalted soda crackers 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butter 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup packed brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Cover cookie sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking oil spray.
Place crackers on foil 5 X 7 inch rows.
Microwave butter on high for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
Pour over crackers. Bake 17 – 20 minutes (should bubble but not burn).
Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers. Spread after 2 minutes (chips have softened). Sprinkle nuts on top.
Refrigerate 1 hour. Break into pieces. Can be frozen.

Leave the Theme to Us

2008-12-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Who said party planning was hard? If you are planning a Birthday celebration, Wedding, or Corporate event, leave the theme to us. You might be thinking right now, what does that mean?

Well, literally take advantage of us. The City Club of San Francisco has one of the cities richest histories. Our beautiful Art Deco interior is amazing. From the greeting at the front doors, to the outside exterior, to the ceilings on the 10th and 11th floors, don’t forget the elevator doors which brought you up to those levels, the staircase you can walk by, the marble table you can display food on, the couches and chairs you can sit on, the marble carvings on the walls, the multiple fireplaces, the secret cabinets, and the art all around the venue, leave the theme to us!

Don’t hassle yourself with new ideas, theme your event around our space. We can provide you
with all of the creative elements you may need to pull of a one of a kind event. Let your creative juices flow and use what The City Club has to offer and let’s entertain your guests.

From your invitations, to the style of your desserts, to the colors of your linens, to the type of food served, the beverages your guests enjoy, and the glasses your guests drink from, the music selection you chose, and to the attire you request from your guests, it’s easy once you leave the theme to us.

We promise to help you make all of this happen as we truly are the experts. We love to see our clients take advantage of us and in return delight their guests.

A few photos of our timeless interior are included compliments of photographer Kate Webber, who we highly recommend. Along with photos of a past bride and groom who took advantage of us and dressed the part, photographs compliments of Muse Studios.

Look forward to helping you plan your next special event.
Michelle Kimmins- Director of Sales & Catering

A Toast to the Season & the Members!

2008-12-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

Member Holiday Party
12/2/2008

When was the last time you went to relaxed, stress-free holiday party, thrown especially in your honor? Members that attended the Member Holiday Party on December 2nd were treated to a night just like this! Whether you enjoyed a Peppermint Stick at the specialty cocktail bar, or arrived early and gorged on an extravagant caviar spread from Tsar Nicoulai, or danced the night away with the Keith Johnson All-Stars, it was a night to remember!

Members mixed and mingled throughout the 10th and 11th floors, exploring the various food stations or selecting tasty bites as servers weaved their way through the crowd. With the festive decorations in the Club lending a holiday ambiance, and the blend of quiet background music or lively dancing available, there was something for everyone’s taste. For some members, it was their first Member holiday party, and for others, a way to catch up with friends they may not have seen in a while.

Take a look at Board Member Pamela Rhodes pictures of the evening – she took some great candid shots!

This happens to be one of my favorite events, as we get to kick off the holiday season with a party especially prepared to show how much we appreciate each and every member. What a fantastic group of people! One thing they all have in common is that they are true ladies and gentlemen, and the warmth and camaraderie felt at this party truly reflected this commonality. We, the staff, are just so thankful for this occasion and for a membership that gives back to us as much as we give to them. 2008 has been wonderful – and we are looking forward to seeing everyone throughout 2009!

Best regards,

Larissa Lorian
Member Services Manager

City Club Events: That Man May See 10.22.08

2008-12-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Photos by Jana Asenbrennerova

One of the main reasons for starting this blog was to create an venue for our clients to reach out to anyone with a relationship to the City Club. We hoped that our members as well as our clients would check in to see what was happening here at the Club and perhaps have their interested peaked by a specific group or organization. The group that I worked with on October 22nd is a group that I believe everyone should take a minute to learn more about. The organization is called "That Man May See," it's main goal is to raises funds for vision research, education, and patient care. It was founded in 1971 as a public charity at the University of California, San Francisco.

This organization hosted their annual dinner fundraiser at the City Club and it was a wonderful event. They guests arrived to the 10th floor Cafe for cocktails and hors d' oeuvres and then moved to the 11th Main Dining Room for dinner and awards.

With the holiday season upon us, please take a moment to think about how you can give to people in need. Especially at this time of the year, when money and resources are tight, it is, unfortunately also the time when people need a little bit more. It does take much to make a big difference. Check out JustGive if you have a chance.

Happy Holidays!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

Seasons Greetings!

2008-12-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

Every December people look forward to sending out Christmas cards to their family & friends to recap the year. I always look forward to receiving an update of whom of my friends & family have been engaged, married, added a new addition to their family, relocated, or advanced in their career. This year I have seen many creative holiday cards, from the traditional holiday cards with family pictures & letters, to tiny prints, and holiday e-cards.

One way to save money around the holidays is to do an e-card. There are many sites that provide holiday templates and no stamp is required! Popular sites that I like are http://www.hallmark.com/, http://www.yahoogreetings.com/, and http://www.americangreetings.com/.

These sites provide several free options and cards for a nominal fee to send via the web. I would say this is definitely an efficient way to send out your Holiday cards when in a time crunch, or a way to save! Other sites such as http://www.tinyprints.com/ lets you custom design your holiday cards with pictures, and will ship right to your door.

Hyegraph Invitations & Gifts have wonderful invitations and cards for the holiday season. We always keep Hyegraph in mind when we recieve questions about invitations from our weddings. Contact Jacques Oskanian, 415-626-0461 for your season's greetings and party needs.

Holiday cards are one of the great traditions of the season, and always a way to keep your friends & family close!

Season’s Greetings!

Alison Angelo
-Sales & Catering Manager

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2008-12-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

December has arrived! It’s so hard to believe the Holidays are here.

Last night we hosted our Members Holiday party which helped kick off the season. It was a fun evening filled with great food, wonderful entertainment, and festive libations.

Our décor really came together well and we are excited to host parties through the rest of this month. Tonight we host BOMA with over 500 guests and the next few weeks are filled with many more.

We hope that everyone has a safe season and enjoys!

From the Catering Team at the City Club,
Cheers!!

Our Grand Holiday Party is planned for next Tuesday, December 9th. We have a few tables left, so ‘tis the season with us.

Keep it Jolly!

Michelle Kimmins

City Club Weddings to Remember- Ron Smith & Rick Ritt 10.19.08

2008-11-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have been enlightened. For any person planning a wedding, I have a tip that will guarantee that you will have a wonderful wedding. I was enlightened through planning the wedding of Ron Smith and Rick Ritt, who were married at the Club on Sunday, October 19th. The tip, plan a party, not a wedding. Mr. Ron Smith, a lover of all things party, food, family, friends and fun, dreamt of a truly splendid event. From the pre-ceremony reception of hors d’ oeuvres by Chef Michael Munoz and open bar (he figured there was no reason to make his friends and family wait until all the way after the ceremony to start the celebrating), to the rocking Swing City Band led Bradley Connlain who played throughout the dinner (again, Rick wondered why make people wait to dance?) it was a truly sensational event.

They choose to let the band be the centerpiece of the reception, and placed them in front of the fireplace, dance floor next and then the couple’s King’s head table, all surrounded by tables of their family and friends. Rather the band take a break when dinner was served, the dinner was served when the band took a break! The guests enjoyed a delicious meal of Char gilled Angus Filet and Seared Blue Nose Sea Bass and then got right back to the dance floor. Aside from the great music, décor and food, the most spectacular part of this wedding was the love in the room. I have done a fairly good amount of weddings but this one brought me tears, not once but twice. The story about Rick, the last of I think 11 siblings, to finally use the family knife to cut the Challah was truly touching.

At the end of the night, everyone was full to the brim of food and drink, dance and merriment and most of all love and isn’t that the true essence of what we all want at our wedding? So take a tip from this couple, take little notice of the little details but focus fully on creating and event that will inspire love.

Photographs by Fred McMillan

See what Beth Spotswood of SF Gate thought about the event too!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

A Thanksgiving Table

2008-11-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday out of the year that families take the time to sit down and converse over good food & family traditions. I believe simple & elegant additions to the dinner table can have a beautiful & festive impact. I am always the one elected to set the Thanksgiving Table in my family. I have acquired some tips throughout the years to make a great impact on your table at home, that uses your time wisely, and won’t break the budget:

1. Start with a pressed and clean table cloth that fits the table. Some favorites of mine are ivory, burnt orange, or burgundy.

2. Centerpiece: If a small floral arrangement is not in the plan there are things you can do. Two candle sticks may do the trick, or simple votive candles can be just as elegant.

3. Set place cards out on the table. This is a great way to choose for your guests where they will sit, and avoid uncomfortable family situations- if there may be!

4. Last but not least remember napkins! A nice way to present them on the table is in a nice fold right on the plate or charger. Or if you want to get fancy a tuxedo fold is always great if you decide to have menu cards.

Oh! And don’t forget the kids table. A small coloring book and crayons is a great way to keep those kiddos occupied!

TIP: Set the table the night before so that is one less things you have to do in the morning while preparing everything else.

Have a happy & stress free thanksgiving!

-Alison Angelo
Catering & Sales Manager

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2008-11-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

The holidays are my favorite time of the year. I have had the great pleasure of working at the City Club for almost three years now and this will be my third season of enjoying the Club decorated for the holidays.

The halls will be decked on December 1st and we plan to decorate the Club with gorgeous holiday décor.

Each of the rooms will be decorated with garland and wreaths abundant with twinkling lights and bows. The staircase will be adorned with fresh birch wood and lots of poinsettias. Our tree will be overflowing with gold and silver ornaments and specially wrapped presents under the tree. With holiday music playing and festive libations available, we look forward to celebrating with our Members and guests.

We hope that no matter what the condition of the economy may be in right now, when you walk into the City Club you feel embraced with joy and remember what the holidays are all about.

We thank all of the companies and Members who will join us this Season and look forward to many great celebrations!!

Michelle Kimmins - Director of Sales & Catering

And in this corner...

2008-11-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

11/17
It was an amazing night here at the City Club – the Club was buzzing all day long as the boxing ring started taking shape on the 10th floor in the Café. All the various elements of this event sparked a palpable energy, as the boxing ring stood waiting for the classic mano-a-mano bouts to come. As members and special guests arrived looking elegant in their tuxes and gowns, the boxers weighed in and started warming up on the 9th floor. After a few cocktails and a hefty portion of beef tenderloin for dinner, it was time for the highlight of the evening – 10 sanctioned bouts, each three rounds. The boxers danced in the foyer in front of the elevators, as members admired their form and eagerly anticipated each match up. Everyone who attended enjoyed the transformation of the Club, and I have already had requests for another one next year! The Community Youth Center pulled everything together seamlessly, so we are appreciative of their level of professionalism and are looking forward to working with them again. Pictures will be coming soon, courtesy of member James Lilley – stay tuned!

Have you reserved for the Member Holiday party yet? December 2nd is not too far away - and the Club will be traditionally decked and ready for holiday cheer!

Looking forward to seeing you at the Club!

Larissa Lorian
Member Services Manager

Bridechilla

2008-11-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

As the Club Director at The City Club, I’m surrounded by events day to day, week to week, year after year. In other words, inspiration is around us all the time and we have the luxury of building some really wonderful events in this gem of a place. We’re lucky, and we know it.

When I got engaged in April, it would have made perfect sense to get married at The City Club – after all, I’d seen plenty of weddings over my tenure and I knew that I’d be in the wonderfully creative hands of our fabulous Catering team. However, given that my then-fiance/now-husband and I had over 400 people on our “A List” (did I mention he’s the youngest of 10 children??), we decided that we need a wide open space for our festive affair…a large open pasture to be exact. That being decided, I vowed to myself and to my better half that planning a wedding in 6 short months would not get the best of me, nor sabotage our relationship.

I won’t go into detail about all the trials and tribulations of planning a wedding in a pasture that was not exactly equipped for the party that we were dreaming up – some might say that sounds like heaven for a creative genius (and at times it was!) but time and efficiency was of the essence. What I will share with you are my tips on how to get through the wedding planning process with ease, however much time you have to plan, and the resources that I found to be most helpful and inspiring:

1. Hire a coordinator. Our coordinator, Ryann, was truly our saving grace. Not only was she in command of every detail, but she was a neutral voice throughout the process, offering insight and recommendations, and kept us on track throughout. If you don’t have the budget or feel the need to have a coordinator throughout the planning process, I highly recommend you consider a Day-of coordinator – someone who will corral your vendors and coordinate everything onsite so that it’s the farthest thing from your mind the day of!

2. Blogs, blogs, blogs. As much as I wished I’d had the time to read every bridal magazine cover to cover, make collages of my dream wedding (i.e. inspiration board), etc….time did not allow whatsoever. I found blogs to be particularly helpful in giving me a daily dose of inspiration and since they are updated everyday, there was always something new to check out. Here are a few of my favorite blogs and planning websites:
a. Style Me Pretty – for the style-obsessed bride…what’s not to love about that tagline? And it’s pretty safe to say that I did become obsessed with this site. I started my planning days with a cup of coffee and Style me Pretty. The “vintage chic” section of their real weddings and I became the best of friends.
b. Snippet and Ink – similar to SMP and a real treat for your eyes. I particularly loved the guest bloggers that they would feature from time to time. Lots of style and creativity throughout.
c. Etsy – SMP turned me on to Etsy and again, I became obsessed! I ordered that fabulous ring dish from an artist that I found on Etsy. And the inner-artist was all about supporting those out there who are doing some really creative things.
d. Alison Events blog- Alison Events is a local SF-based event planning company that specializes in fabulous destination weddings – and we’re talking fabulous! As much as I liked to think that my pasture-chic wedding in Chico was a “destination wedding,” I couldn’t hold a candle to what these talented ladies do but I did have some fun perusing their blog from time to time for some very helpful tips.

3. Take a Marriage Prep course. If you are not getting married in a Church that requires a pre-marriage course or retreat, a non-denominational marriage prep course may be something to consider. My then-fiance/now-husband and I took a course in San Francisco called Marriage Prep 101 and found it to be the BEST money spent towards planning the wedding, hands down. It’s taught by a husband-wife team of psychologists/couples therapists – click here to check out their website.

4. Use your Wedding Party. I mean that in the most sincere of ways! It’s an honor to be a part of a couple’s most special day and the people that you select to stand up for you are those who are most important to you – and most likely would do anything for you. So put them to work! Delegate tasks, errands, DIY projects - anything that does not absolutely need to be managed by you. Planning a wedding is a true labor of love in many respects, and most people are more than happy to contribute a helping hand.

5. Keep it all in perspective. Remember why you’re planning this great big event after all. The end result is far more important than any drama along the way. Remind yourself that everything will come together beautifully and most importantly, stay present in each moment. You’ll enjoy and remember the journey that much more.

6. Do the Hustle. When all is said and done and your wedding day arrives, get out on the dance floor with your people, queue up "The Hustle" on your setlist, and have fun.

Go with the flow, take it all in stride, and you too, can be the “Bridechilla” that you want to be. It’s far more pleasant than the alternative.

I’ve included some photos from my big day…just for fun!

Happy Planning to you!

-Victoria Welch (Piluso)

Run DMC Connects Event Planners with Suppliers

2008-11-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 12th the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted the first Destination Management Company networking event at The City Club. This unique networking event provides Meeting and Event Planners an opportunity to meet Bureau Convention Service supplier members, showcasing their latest products and services.

The Main Dining Room at City Club was the perfect venue to host this “speed dating” atmosphere for vendors to quickly blast their offerings to busy DMC’s. The sound of the bull horn signaled DMC’s to move to the next table. I was in fact a participant and I found the format to be highly successful and very pleasant. I enjoyed conversing with DMC planners about the City Club on a casual and social level, while hearing about upcoming groups and events coming to the city in 2009. DMC’s such as TBA Global, Mana, Allison & Associates, & California Host were among the “runners”.

Kudos to the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting this modern and effective networking opportunity. Check back with us to learn about future mixers at The City Club for Wedding Professionals!

-Alison Angelo
Sales & Catering Manager

The CMO Club –November 6th & 7th, 2008

2008-11-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

The City Club had the honor of hosting another group of diverse and intellectual guests late last week. The CMO Club headed by Peter Kranik, chose the City Club for their Peer to Peer Summit on November 6th and 7th.

The CMO Club focuses on exclusive peer to peer interactions of Chief Marketing Officers . They host dinners, online network and conferences to cultivate the “non-selling,” give and take form of information sharing.

It was a pleasure having the group with us at the City Club as well as working with Kaitlyn Mello of Garnish Events, a true professional with the discipline and focus on details that it takes to produce a truly flawless event.

The CMO Club started the morning on Thursday with a Networking Breakfast o followed by presentations and a panel discussion. Then they took advantage of the whole Club by breaking off into discussion groups in the Main Dining Room and Bechtel Room. The day continued with Lunch and wrapped up with a networking reception and a Celebration Dinner in the Café prepared by our Executive Chef Michael Munoz. The group returned on Friday, for more networking and idea sharing and ended early to give their guests an opportunity to enjoy the City.

Founder of the club, Pete Krainik noted, "we loved The City Club and it not only set the right tone for the sessions, the support from Club personal was excellent. Based on the postive feedback we will look to host another CMO Summit here".

Thank you for choosing us!

-Cassie Harris, Sales & Catering Manager

Party like a Poll-star!

2008-11-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

11.04.08
We know you didn’t miss the recent Election Night (or the results) – but maybe you missed a great night at the Club! Politically-minded members stopped by for our Election Night party, as we posted the results on the big screen and in the Member’s Lounge. Toasts were made, tears were shed, and everyone enjoyed amiable company that crossed the partisan boundaries. See you in 4 years for the next one (hopefully sooner…)!

Next week's Boxing Night is also shaping up to be a spectacular event - spaces are still available! Interested? Contact me for details or reservations!

Larissa Lorian
Member Services Manager
larissa.lorian@cityclubsf.com

Let the Festivities Begin!!

2008-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, the holiday season is fast approaching and we are planning to feature some special beverages to help usher in the holiday spirit!

Each year it is the goal of the City Club to feature a special priced wine by the glass as well as to offer some specialty holiday cocktails at the member's bar. As you know, I am always trying to offer wines that are not readily, or easily, available at grocery stores or specialty food and wine markets. I strive to find the wines that are unique in their own way with limited production, high in quality and affordably priced. This is one of the ways I can share my passion and my commitment to offer you a creative selection of beverage products that will reflect the holiday atmosphere.

On behalf of the Food & Beverage Department, we all wish you and your families a happy holiday season!

Alex Rychetsky, Director of Food & Beverage

A Childhood Dream Come True

2008-11-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

As a catering manager at The City Club, I am very lucky to meet many fabulous brides who are excitedly looking for that perfect location to host their wedding day celebrations. While we talk about their wedding day dreams and visions the topic of "The Dress" is always a sure topic to brighten any bride's face, and is just as important in a bride's wedding planning as finding "The One". The wedding dress is the quintessential icon of any bride's wedding day and is always the first item on the planning to-do list – whether or not the wedding location has been selected! In fact, many of the brides I meet have already selected their dresses before they've even begun their location search!

Knowing how important this process is to the bridal planning process, I've begun a search to help brides find the perfect dress and service that will extend the elegance and fabulous style of The City Club!

My favorite locations so far are:
Glamour Closet, Alexandra's, Amy Kuschel & JinWang.

Glamour Closet is a great find located on the edge of The Financial District & North Beach. Not only is it an absolutely darling storefront with great service and style but it's easy to get in. The fabulous ladies who assist in dress trials are on a walk-in client basis and are open to bride's whimsical schedules. Perhaps the best treat about Glamour Closet is the fact that all the dresses are sold off the rack – they're samples for sale – in great condition! So – if you can imagine – the designer prices are absolutely unbeatable!!

Alexandra's is another bridal boutique that leaves you with a great feeling. It is an intimate appointment-only studio that offers a wonderful feel for great taste, variety in design and very personal service. Nicole, Alexandra's Store Manager is a natural at guiding brides to their dream gown – and is a pro at making sure that every detail of each gown is perfected before it's debut walk down the aisle! Each bride who visits receives the royal treatment – it's an experience fit for a queen!!

Amy Kuschel is a San Francisco wedding gown designer who is so much fun to love! The Amy Kuschel experience is professional and fun. The Amy Kuschel team offers a very savvy style to your gown selection that feels a lot like shopping with your girlfriends! And there's nothing more special than seeing Amy walk up to her brides and taking a personal interest in each gown's individual fit to it's blushing bride!

My final bridal location is the ever so lovely Jin Wang. Located on Maiden Lane, Jin is perhaps one of San Francisco's most royal boutiques. Jin designs custom gowns for the bride who has the perfect picture in her mind – but not anywhere else… she is able to turn your childhood dream gown into a reality. And she also carries an elegant variety of her designs as well as other designers who extend her graceful view for design and beauty.

Ok ladies! Congratulations on your engagement!! Now – happy shopping!

- Alison Bianchetti
City Club Catering Sales Manager

Cooking Light Magazine's Signature Supper Club visit’s The City Club

2008-11-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

On October 23, 2008 Cooking Light Magazine partnered with The City Club to host their “La Crème de la Crème” Supper Club tour.

Cooking Light’s Chef demonstrated a tasty French- bistro- inspired menu while guests enjoyed a four course “healthier” meal along with wines paired by Woodbridge.

Cooking Light magazine provided us with their recipes while our executive Chef Michael Munoz prepared the tasty dishes. One of the recipes that certainly surprised us was the Country Chicken Pâté.

Pâté is traditionally made with whole cream but the Cooking Light version replaces the higher fat cream with low-fat sour cream and fat-free cream cheese.

For those who love to indulge in tasty food while watching calories, give this recipe a try. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

Country Chicken Pâté Recipe along with photo provided by Cooking Light, 2000 .

Served with French bread baguette
Coarse-grained mustard
Gherkins

1 teaspoon butter or stick margarine
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
4 ounces chicken livers
2 tablespoons port or other sweet red wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cinnamon
Dash of ground allspice
1 tablespoon low-fat sour cream
1 pound boned, skinned chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 (8-ounce) block fat-free cream cheese, cubed and softened

Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 325°.
Melt butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 4 minutes. Add chicken livers; cook 2 minutes or until livers lose their pink color. Add port, and cook 3 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates. Cool.
Place chicken liver mixture, salt, and next 5 ingredients (salt through allspice) in a food processor or blender; process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add the sour cream, chicken breast, and cream cheese; process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Spread chicken mixture into an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 325° for 1 hour or until a thermometer registers 170°. Cool; cover and chill 8 hours. Serve at room temperature.

Yield: 10 servings

CALORIES 95 (16% from fat); FAT 1.7g (sat 0.7g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 15.9g; CHOLESTEROL 82mg; CALCIUM 76mg; SODIUM 297mg; FIBER 0.2g; IRON 1.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 2.4g

Enjoy!
- Michelle Kimmins - Director of Sales & Catering

Splish Splash...

2008-11-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Members were blown away by the unexpected Library Wine that Winemaker Josh Jensen hand-picked from his cellar. The ‘97 Reed Pinot was just the beginning of an evening filled with splashes of a number of Pinot Noirs from Calera Wine Company. The Library Room on the 9th floor was a cozy and comfortable setting for this intimate dinner with the winemaker, as just 30 members and guests gathered to hear about Josh Jensen’s philosophy, techniques and tasting suggestions for his handcrafted wines. Chef outdid himself with the menu that evening; he started off with a creamy bone marrow custard set atop a thin layer of raw beef carpaccio, drizzled with earthy truffle oil – all of which melded together to set off the first Pinot Noir very nicely. The second course featured richly braised short ribs in their own braising sauce; the richness was perfectly cut by the sharp bite of fresh horseradish mashed potatoes. In the spirit of the season, a pumpkin flan with a dried fruit compote offered a nice complement to the precious pour of Calera’s Late Harvest Viognier. This was our last winemaker dinner of the year! Make sure to join us for a special Italian multi-winemaker extravaganza coming in February of 2009!

Chef Michael Muñoz

2008-10-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Executive Chef Michael Munoz love for food has been dedicated to the art of creating healthy and beautiful food for the body and soul. Whether he has a hand in creating dishes for the celebs at the Cannes Film Festival or teaching healthy food choices to “at risk youth” during his free time, Chef Michael considers it a sacred trust to provide healthy and satisfying menus for each occasion.

Indulge your appetite with his comforting Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese soup, his sophisticated Prime Beef Carpaccio or ‘bet-you-can’t eat just one’ homemade candy bars. The City Club’s award –winning culinary team will work with you to customize a menu and will provide your entire party with the finest and most creative cuisine available.