By Chloe Konrad By Chloe Konrad | March 31, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
From symphonic evenings to road trips to wine country, there’s much to explore in Silicon Valley and beyond this month.
The new Stavrand Russian River Valley features 21 rooms
ESCAPE
Located on nearly 6 forested acres in Sonoma County is the new Stavrand Russian River Valley Hotel. Formerly the Applewood Inn, the property has been revamped into a 21-room, luxurious getaway. Resort-style service and amenities pair with the personality of a boutique hotel, bringing guests an intimate experience of relaxation and exploration. Guests also can simply enjoy an evening aperitif while watching the sun descend behind the redwoods. 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707.869.9093
The property sits beautifully in lush surroundings of Sonoma
SEE
Road trip to see great films? Later this month, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for a week of fun. “Compared to other major film festivals, we offer a small-town charm and an opportunity to interact with filmmakers and local organizations,” says Skye McLennan, the festival executive director. Look for a VIP lounge at the Hotel SLO with film panel discussions, local food and wines. Some films will come from major festivals such as Telluride and Sundance, and this year the event will host a live recording of screenwriters Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna’s The Screenwriting Life podcast. April 26-May 1, San Luis Obispo, 805.546.3456
Bright Night Gala takes place May 14.
RAISE FUNDS
A Bright Night Gala 2022 for the Alzheimer’s Association will be held in person at San Jose’s The GlassHouse in May. On the agenda is a seated dinner, including appearances from some exciting speakers like Jim and Denys Voorhees. Guests also will enjoy live and silent auctions during this lively night of fundraising. May 14, 6:30-10PM, The GlassHouse, 2 S. Market St., [email protected]
The collection includes 600-thread-count bedding
LUXURIATE
Bay Area-based Bella Notte Linens’ new Bria collection will drape an evening in soft tranquility. Created from 600-thread-count cotton sateen, the sheets and pillowcases come in 18 radiant colors. “Cotton sateen has always been a favorite fabric of mine, because it’s effortless without being austere,” says the brand’s CEO, Mitchell Gately. “We spent a year developing sheeting that would complement our elegant silk, linen and Tencel collections.”
The tastings areas at the vineyard are perfect for the warm days ahead
DINE
Windsor’s Bricoleur Vineyards is a destination for some of the finest wines in Sonoma, and internationally acclaimed chef Thomas Bellec recently joined the team after an 18-year run with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in spots like Hawaii, Beverly Hills and Uruguay. Food prepared by Bellec and his team is sourced from local farms and the Bricoleur Estate. According to CEO and founder Mark Hanson, the chef is eager to strengthen relationships with local farmers and artisanal producers. “We’re known for our unique wine and food pairings, dinners and special events, and chef Bellec is taking them to the next level with his leadership, creativity and energy,” Hanson says. 7394 Star Road, Windsor, 707.857.5700
The Fur Ball takes place in person this year at Levi’s Stadium, June 11.
SUPPORT
The Fur Ball is back. Humane Society Silicon Valley hosts its distinguished event at Levi’s Stadium in June. With three donation tiers—the Cat’s Meow, Top Dog and Best in Show—attendees will have multiple options for participation. After two years without the event, the society is pulling out all the stops with on-field entertainment, multicourse farm-to-table dining, auction opportunities and the premiere of a Humane Society of Silicon Valley film. There’s even a concierge service for canines! June 11, 5-10PM, Levi’s Stadium, 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, [email protected]
The restaurant’s sleek interior.
STAY + DINE
Recently opened in Sunnyvale, the TETRA Hotel is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and home to the new Adrestia restaurant. The building houses 9,000 square feet of event space, 186 brightly designed rooms and 14 suites for an upgraded stay. Adrestia opened in February and draws inspiration from its surroundings, with a distinctly Californian menu, influenced by Japanese cuisine. Ingredients are local and seasonal, creating a menu reflective of the Valley’s exceptional climate. 400 W. Java Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.734.2300
LEARN
Explore beyond the shore at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s brand-new underwater exhibition, Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean.“This unprecedented exhibition tells the story of the deep sea and reveals the many ways the deep ocean sustains our lives on the surface,” says Julie Packard, executive director of the aquarium. Explore the strange and fascinating world of bioluminescent animals and the bloody-belly comb jellies that live along the Monterey coast and beyond. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, 831.648.4800
Rent’s last stand begins April 8 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
EXPERIENCE
Don’t miss composer and playwright Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning musical Rent as the cast continues the 25th anniversary farewell tour, with five shows in San Jose. See rising stars Lyndie Moe and Javon King in the iconic roles of Maureen and Angel, respectively. Evan Ensign is the director working with choreographer Marlies Yearby. Broadway San Jose, April 8-10, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., 408.792.4111
The train rolls through gorgeous Northern California terrain
RIDE
The Napa Valley Wine Train rolls on this spring with a new afternoon tea service. Settle in for a three-hour passage through wine country that promises an elegant cruise with sparkling beverages, finger sandwiches, cheese and scones along with an optional caviar course. The antique Pullman railcars have been beautifully restored with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs. 1275 Mckinstry St., Napa, 707.253.2111
The dining room at the new Teleferic Barcelona
SHOP + DINE
Old Town Los Gatos is in full swing, with lots of new tenants, including Teleferic Barcelona, Steamer’s Grillhouse and The Wine Cellar. For outfitting a home beautifully this spring, visit Sur La Table. Other brands coming later this year include Blue Bottle Coffee, Boba Guys and Warby Parker.
Photography by: FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STAVRAND RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STAVRAND RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY; GALA PHOTO COURTESY OF A BRIGHT NIGHT GALA; LINEN PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA NOTTE; VINEYARD PHOTO COURTESY OF BRICOLEUR VINEYARDS; FUR BALL PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FUR BALL; PHOTO BY JEFF PETERS; PHOTO BY CAROL ROSEGG; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS