Steph Keay
- Marketing Specialist, Skyline Construction
San Francisco Bay
Covers:
Food, wine, travel, arts, entertainment, and culture.
Writer, among other things.
Articles by Steph Keay
Still Life in Marble Canyon
Where time slows, and the commotion of city life falls blissfully away. The drive into this seemingly remote corner of northern Arizona is a lesson in stillness. Cell service drops as the Vermilion Cliffs rise in the distance; the layered bands of rust and rose demanding your full attention. California condors drift around the Navajo Bridge that stretches across the Colorado River.
Waiter, There's an Anchovy in My Sundae
Fun is the formula at Atomic Workshop Restaurant Group, where visionary chef-owners Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski are blending culinary alchemy with outstanding hospitality. On the 1500 block of Fillmore Street, the lines start forming early. Twin queues snake along the facades of two neighbors: The Progress, its frosted windows partially veiled by creeping fig, and State Bird Provisions, a warm glow emanating from within.
Behind the Wheel with Land Rover: A Day of Women's Empowerment with Defender in Carmel Valley
Ahead of Mother's Day, the Land Rover Experience Driving Center at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California, hosted a special event celebrating women's empowerment. Held May 3, 2025, this unforgettable day at LRE California brought together women from Sacramento to Ojai to embrace the spirit of adventure. Against the rugged backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains, participants experienced off-roading thrills and formed meaningful connections.
Elevating Soul: Team Two's Dinner at the 14th Annual Culinary Clash
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, Luce at the InterContinental San Francisco transformed into a proving ground for the next generation of culinary talent. The second week of the 14th Annual Culinary Clash brought together students, mentors, and food lovers for a night of innovation, storytelling, and thoughtful dining-all in support of City College of San Francisco's (CCSF) Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies program.
Smuin Ballet Raises the Barre
Smuin Contemporary Ballet ushered in a thrilling new chapter-its 31st season and the first under visionary Artistic Director Amy Seiwert-with a dazzling gala on Saturday, March 22. Hosted at the San Francisco Design Center by co-chairs Lee D. Baxter and John & Athena Konstin, the evening shimmered with style and star power.
Franciscan Estate Celebrates the Best of Napa Valley's Food and Wine at Heritage Fire
A nationwide tour that unites live-fire cooking, family farms, and local chefs in diverse destinations, Heritage Fire made its annual stop in Napa Valley, Sunday, August 18. Hosted at Charles Krug Winery on a beautiful sunny day, culinary enthusiasts gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of excellent food and wine. Guests wandered the property of Napa Valley’s oldest winery, sampling a diverse array of dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, prepared by more than 25 top chefs.
Discovering Dillon Beach Resort
Just a little over an hour away from the city is an idyllic coastal escape perfect for couples, friends, families—and you. Right at the edge of the scenic Marin County coastline is a haven for vacationers seeking tranquility, creatives looking for inspiration, and even adventure-seekers with furry friends in tow. The embodiment of casual coastal living, Dillon Beach Resort is perched on a bluff above a mile-long privately owned beach that the resort preserves, protects, and operates publicly.
Chef Tony Gemignani and SF Giants Launch Eighth Annual Fundraiser for George Mark Children's House
Pizzaiolo and philanthropist Tony Gemignani has teamed up with the San Francisco Giants to launch their eighth annual fundraiser in support of George Mark Children’s House (GMCH). The first free-standing pediatric palliative care house in the U.S., GMCH offers life-affirming care and comfort for children and their families. Giving back locally is a priority for the Bay Area native, who is a world-renowned restauranteur and 13-time World Pizza Champion.
Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Celebrates 40 Years
Food lovers, fashionistas, and oenophiles came together at the Ferry Building’s Grand Hall to celebrate National Caviar Day with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar on Saturday, July 20th. The Bay Area’s pioneers of sustainable caviar, Tsar Nicoulai celebrated its 40th anniversary at the soirée—which saw partygoers in jackets adorned with tins of caviar, and glittery slingbacks with novelty champagne cork heels.
Tsar Nicoulai's National Caviar Day Soirée
Celebrate 40 years of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar at The Ferry Building on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Celebrated annually on July 18th, National Caviar Day is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of this luxurious delicacy. This year’s holiday coincides with the 40th anniversary of San Francisco’s very own Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. In honor of the holiday, Tsar Nicoulai will be throwing a soirée on Saturday July 20th at the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Haute Living San Francisco
Don’t miss this hidden gem, with its warm hospitality, idyllic surroundings, and unforgettable chipas in the heart of Sonoma County. Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Dawn Ranch is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city among the majestic redwoods of Guerneville. Originally established in the early 1900s, the historic property has evolved into a charming cabin-style resort that blends rustic elegance with modern comfort.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 30 Years
Arts, community, and civic leaders came together at The St. Regis to celebrate Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s 30th anniversary gala on Sunday, March 3. Hosted by co-chairs John Konstin and Lee D. Baxter, the evening began with a cocktail hour where Smuin Artistic Director Celia Fushille and company dancers mingled with esteemed guests such as Mayor London Breed, Willie Brown, Assistant U.S. Attorney Annemarie Conroy, and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
CordeValle Resort & Golf Club
Experience championship golf, wine tasting, and inspired dining under the leadership of Executive Chef Nicola Cavicchini at one of the best resorts in Northern California. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of San Martin, CordeValle Resort is a luxurious respite from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a golfing retreat, or simply a peaceful weekend surrounded by natural beauty, CordeValle caters to every desire.
Goodnight's Prime Steak + Spirits
The Healdsburg steakhouse led by Executive Chef David Lawrence is blazing a trail in Sonoma County. Walking into Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits feels like coming home. Hailing from cattle country, steakhouses have always been a mainstay of my childhood. However, Healdsburg’s best new steakhouse elevates a down-home dining experience with lush design—from warm ambient lighting to plush leather banquettes—and seasonally-inspired takes on chophouse classics.
If You’re Going to Downtown San Francisco…
As the heart of San Francisco, the downtown core embodies its spirit of creativity and resilience. Supporting it will be essential to the city’s future. It’s the first week of December, and San Francisco’s new rooftop restaurant off Union Square is packed with groups in waiting. Down the street, a line for one of many holiday-themed cocktail bars wraps around the corner.
A Taste of Vienna in Palo Alto
The newest branch of a beloved South Bay restaurant marries European tradition with Californian sensibilities. Nestled amid the bustling streets of Palo Alto, a culinary gem transports diners to the vibrant streets of Vienna, Austria: Naschmarkt Restaurant. Following a decade of well-earned praise at its Campbell location, the family-owned establishment now brings its recipe for success to Silicon Valley.
Picnicking in the Lap of Luxury
Jordan Winery’s new Executive Chef offers a glimpse of its culinary future over Labor Day weekend. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, Jordan Winery in Healdsburg is renowned not only for its exceptional wines but also for its exquisite culinary offerings, masterfully curated by executive chef Jesse Mallgren. The marriage of fine wines and culinary artistry creates an unforgettable epicurean experience that reflects the essence of the region.
A Force of Nature
Marchesa hardly needs an introduction. Founded in 2004, the global fashion house has long been synonymous with the red carpet and A-list celebrities donning its ethereal gowns. Since its inception, Marchesa has been renowned for its fitted yet flowing silhouettes and botanical motifs. “We always have the Marchesa woman in mind while designing any collection. She is unapologetically romantic and ultra-feminine,” says co-founder Georgina Chapman.
Haute Living San Francisco
It’s a balmy Friday evening on the Embarcadero, and the city’s social set is out and about. At Pier 1½, lively chatter drifts out the double doors as patrons stream in: a pair of girlfriends in gilded platforms, an assemblage of backpack-decked colleagues, a sharply dressed suitor with a bouquet of lilies in hand. The location is La Mar Cocina Peruana’s newly reopened bar, connected to the acclaimed restaurant by an adjoining foyer.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Though I adore the Bay Area’s proximity to the rolling hills of wine country, dewy coastal forests, and powdery slopes of Lake Tahoe, sometimes I’m seeking a little sun and sand. Fortunately, Puerto Vallarta has more than enough of that to offer—and it’s just a hop, skip, and jump from the Bay. Finding myself in need of a short and sweet getaway, I journeyed to Hotel Mousai on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore for an all-inclusive vacation to destress and decompress.
Haute Living San Francisco
Messika Featuring diamonds fit for a queen, Parisian jewelry house Messika launched Beyond the Light at a star-studded runway show during Paris Fashion Week last September. The dramatic new collection comes from Valérie Messika, daughter of renowned diamond dealer André Messika. “I loved working alongside my father and sharing our common passion for diamonds, but I was missing the creative aspect,” she says.
Seeing 2023 in a New Light
The new year is all about beginnings, and there’s no better way to freshen your perspective than with changes to your home. Lighting, in particular, is at the forefront of our minds for 2023. Whether you’re setting a scene or creating a mood, lighting can help you transform a space from a relaxing sanctuary to the backdrop of a lively fête at the flick of a switch. This year, take a closer look at the ways you’re illuminating your life and spark inspiration with our forecast of lighting trends.
Savor the Season at Lucia
A luxe escape nestled in the bucolic setting of Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a 28-acre wine country retreat offering 73 guestrooms, suites, and villas tucked among picturesque vineyards and gardens. Feathery clouds roll in over the Santa Lucia Mountain range in the early morning, best viewed from the resort’s tranquil rose garden.
Estiatorio Ornos
One of the most breathtaking beaches in Greece, Ornos lies along a dreamy isthmus bridging the tranquility of the seaside with the urbanity of Mykonos. San Francisco’s Estiatorio Ornos, a restaurant that transports diners to the breezy Mediterranean isles, celebrates the spirit of this beautiful paradise.
High Spirits for the Holiday Season
Swirling the glowing amber liquid in my glass, a velvety wave of smoky-salty-sweet flavors roll over my tongue. It’s a Friday afternoon, and this twist on an Old Fashioned—made with Highland Park Whisky’s 12-year-old single malt, honey syrup, Angostura bitters, and smoked sea salt, finished with Applewood smoke—is the quintessential end to a long week. Smooth and spicy, it evokes the salty air of Orkney, where Highland Park’s distillery is based.
Haute Living San Francisco
Luxury travel for families in the “California of Europe” For those of us with children, luxury travel becomes a very different proposition than what it was when we were dependent-free. Finding a…
San Francisco Opera celebrates 100 years
Since its inaugural performance of Puccini’s La Bohème on September 26, 1923, San Francisco Opera has persisted through the Great Depression and World War II, the rise of technology and competing media to earthquakes and recessions, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Only the third American opera company to reach its centennial milestone, San Francisco Opera’s longevity is a testament to its tireless dedication to preserving the art of opera while also expanding its boundaries.
Plating Up Purple Urchin
One of the great gastronomic visuals in life is an untouched tray of buttery uni. Rows of glowing amber flecks immaculate in shape and identical in size packed side-by-side, it recalls a briefcase filled with glimmering bars of gold. It’s riches, still, but from the sea.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
It’s no secret that the Maldives is one of the ultimate vacation destinations for discerning travelers. From overwater bungalows to gleaming white sand beaches, the island nation is a veritable paradise for jetsetters seeking the ultimate in rest and relaxation. With more than 160 resorts spread across 26 atolls—the majority of which occupy their own islet—there’s no shortage of worthy options.
A Dream Come True
Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” I was reminded of this recently when I caught up with my 7-year-old niece after two long years. She had composed no fewer than three original songs, drew spitting images of cartoon characters on her iPad, and proudly shared the groundwork for a business she had started with her classmates—complete with business cards. “She could rule the world someday,” I thought to myself.
Taste Livermore Valley Wine Country's Terroir
Less than an hour east of San Francisco, Livermore Valley Wine Country is enjoying a wine renaissance that harks back to the golden years of California wine history. One of the state’s oldest wine regions, the Livermore Valley played a pivotal role in shaping California’s wine industry. Spanish missionaries first planted wine grapes in the region during the 1760s. Wine pioneers C. H.
Haute Living San Francisco
While Fiji conjures images of stark white sand beaches, impossibly clear water, and coral reefs teeming with brilliant aquatic life, the tropical archipelago is more than just a picturesque destination for honeymooners. The mystical island country brims with rich culture, intriguing cuisine, and a heartwarming sense of community that extends far beyond simple hospitality. It’s the ideal country for a soul-stirring vacation after two years of social distancing.
Haute Healdsburg
“Is this your first time in Healdsburg?” You’ll inevitably be asked by a friendly server, sommelier, or shopkeeper in the charming city, located in the heart of Sonoma County. Though I’ve visited several times now, somehow it always feels like the first. It’s a place where you return to revisit favorite restaurants, hotels, and wineries, but also to explore the exponentially growing list of new ventures. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Pintxos, Paella, and Porrón
A chance visit by an East Bay developer to the Padrosa family’s restaurant during his honeymoon in Spain led to the first U.S. outpost of Telefèric in Walnut Creek. When a space in the reclaimed brick building on Mount Diablo Boulevard opened up, Brian Hirahara immediately called Xavi Padrosa, whose mother, Soledad Urabayen, opened their first restaurant almost three decades ago in Sant Cugat del Vallès.
Life-Changing Couture
Inspiring personal histories. Unparalleled artistry. Fashion that transforms the way women look and feel. These are just a few of the phrases describing the three couture designers we’ve chosen to spotlight in our annual fashion issue, from an effervescent go-getter who draws inspiration from the world around her to an Australian creative director liberating brides worldwide to a lawyer-turned-designer empowering women through professional attire and out-of-the-box occasion wear.
Wine, dine, and unwind
If there’s one scene that could capture my visit to Yountville, it would be this: a flaxen sun hat perched delicately on the corner of a wrought iron chair. In front of it, a tangerine cloth is draped atop a table and top of that, a ceramic bowl holding a perfect stack of persimmons. Their plump, shiny skins glint with the last rays of the late afternoon sun. Handwritten signs offer up the produce for sale, with instructions to knock on the front door accompanied by a charming doodle.
Raconteurs de Cuisine
Usually when I dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, I don’t expect to be served a dish that appears to be stones served with water—but look a little closer, and it turns out this amuse-bouche is, somehow, a grilled cheese and smoked tomato broth. It’s a playful start to the latest dining experience at Merchant Roots, an unassuming boutique restaurant tucked into San Francisco’s Fillmore district.
Setting the Barre
Yuan Yuan Tan may now be acclaimed worldwide for her perfect displays of complicated combinations, but when it came to becoming a ballet dancer, it was a stroke of luck that led to her career. While her mother, who once dreamed of being a ballerina, supported Tan’s dancing, her father disagreed, knowing careers in the field were often short-lived. “My father felt it would be better to become a lawyer, or an engineer like him.
A Cut Above the Rest
Most people would be intimidated by the prospect of coming into a brand as established as Louis Vuitton and attempting to reimagine its iconic elements, but for Francesca Amfitheatrof, it was a perfect fit. Named Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of jewelry and watches in 2018, the innovative designer is natural-born storyteller destined to trailblaze in the world of design—her father was a bureau chief for Time Magazine, and her mother a fashion publicist who worked for Valentino.
Cheers to BottleRock Napa Valley 2021
“Life-changing,” I think, as Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl bangs away maniacally on a drum set six feet away. It’s the Sunday of BottleRock Napa Valley—normally the sleepiest of any 3-day festival—but the crowd at the JaMPad stage has just been served a dizzying injection of adrenaline, thanks to a surprise set by the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Announced on Instagram only a few hours earlier, Grohl strolled onstage humbly, a beer in one hand, lyric sheets in the other.
Haute Living San Francisco
Named after one of the most elegant streets in Rome, Via Veneto has been a mainstay of the Pacific Heights community for more than 30 years, no easy feat in San Francisco’s costly and competitive culinary landscape. Not unlike its namesake, the neighborhood Italian trattoria has hosted many notable personalities during its time—just see the photo of owner Massimo Lavino and Robert De Niro behind the bar.
Beautiful by Nature
Seeing is believing, except in the case of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As we make our descent into Providenciales, sunlight streams into the plane from the open windows and all eyes are glued to the extraordinary view. As far as one can see, blue skies flow seamlessly into striking turquoise waters. Providenciales (known locally as “Provo”) welcomes me after exactly 17 months—to the day—that shelter-in-place orders were first announced in the Bay Area.
Girls’ Night In, Out
After a long weekend of flights and festivities, the Kurobuta pork belly and creamy polenta at Oak + Violet warms my soul on a slightly chilly Sunday. Perfect for digging into the hearty plate of sweet, tender pork belly and earthy braised chard, soaked with red-eye gravy and topped with microgreens for some brightness. A perfect balance of flavors, and the ideal comfort dish to wrap up an activity-filled weekend while readying myself for the week ahead.
Haute Living San Francisco
It can be hard to find refuge from the constant hustle and bustle of the city: somewhere you can sink into a banquette and cozy up for date night, catch up over a decadent brunch with longtime friends, or even saunter into and grab an apéritif after some solo retail therapy. Somehow, The Cavalier’s stylish yet inviting space is perfect for all that—and more.
Food for Thought
Food has the uncanny ability to transport us to a time and place: the first sip of rosé on a hot summer day, rolling over your tongue with a crisp finish; briny, creamy oysters punctuated with the acidic tang of mignonette; even the humble chocolate chip cookie, warm on your fingertips as you lift it off the baking sheet, then melting in your mouth with the perfect balance of salty and sweet. One dish can evoke memories of a buzzy family gathering or recall an idyllic vacation abroad.
A Taste of Things to Come
As San Francisco reopens, the city’s finest dining establishments are ready to welcome guests with the surprises they’ve developed during their closure. Some are household names, while others prepare to open their doors for the first time. Some have reinvented their menus, while others are ready to serve up the classics for which they’re known (and loved). The one thing they all have in common: they need our support now, more than ever. Go forth and indulge.
The Art of Wore - Haute Living San Francisco
The tranquility of Sea Ranch. Mochi from Benkyodo in Japantown. By the time we reach the front door of Yuka Uehara’s live/work space in SoMa, where an energetic Cavapoo named Frou Frou rushes us as soon as the door opens, we’ve already touched on a whirlwind of delightfully offbeat topics. There’s even more to unpack as we enter her industrial loft, complete with exposed brick walls and paint-speckled timber beams.
A Mushrooming Success
Sitting in front of $20,000 worth of fresh truffles, French Laundry alums Jason and Sarah McKinney were at a loss. The mammoth shipment of the famously earthy spheres of flavor had just landed in San Francisco the same day the shelter-in-place order was announced, and the high hopes they had for their fledgling company—which they founded to supply restaurants with the finest fungi—were looking dire.
From Switzerland with Love
Forget everything you thought you knew about Swiss cheese and journey with me to an altitude of 6,500 feet, where cheese is made over an open wood fire with tools delivered via helicopter. When I was 15, I flipped through the catalogue of a now-defunct kitchen supply store when an unfamiliar appliance caught my eye. Even the name was foreign: raclette.
Seasonality, Supporting Local, and ... Squash?
One Sonoma chef is taking “farm to table” to the next level with “plant to plate”—one Koginut squash at a time. On a crisp fall evening, I pull through the gates of the beautifully appointed Bricoleur Vineyard in Windsor. The sun is starting to set over the winery’s rose-covered trellises, and shadows from flickering flames of the property’s heat lamps are just beginning to dance across the burgundy-dressed tables spread across the courtyard.
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