NEW GIRL IN TOWN
You may have noticed the snazzy black and white shop that slipped into 2157 Union Street recently. It’s the London-born luxury fragrance store, Jo Malone, and the Union Street location is its only free-standing store in Northern California. The staff report they’ve received a warm welcome from the Union Street merchants.
Inside the beautiful, sleek interior, you’re greeted with a row of elegant bottles containing over 40 exotic fragrance combinations like Earl Grey and cucumber, wood sage and sea salt, or lime basil and mandarin, which are divided into categories (citrus, fruity, floral, and so forth). From these, you can create your own bespoke scent, which you can then also use to scent lotions, creams, oils, scrubs, and washes. These items, as well as cologne, candles, and room scents are also available in some of Jo Malone’s most popular scent combinations. The store offers free hand and arm massages and its kind and knowledgeable staff will helpfully guide you down the scented pathway.
Don’t miss the special fragrance created especially for Mother’s Day, Nashi Blossom cologne. Playfully packaged in a black and white dotted bottle with Jo Malone’s elegant black and cream-colored signature label, the scent has notes of lemon, pear blossom, rose, and white musk — sure to be a hit with any mom.
IN WITH THE NEW
A favorite store in the neighborhood is Eurasian Imports (1861 Union Street), with their wide selection of scented candles, home accessories, and vintage/antique Asian furniture. Throughout May, the store is clearing out that Asian furniture to make way for another furniture line, so if you’re in the market for some unique Asian pieces, you’ll find some attractive markdowns.
A GOOD FIT ON UNION
After relocating from Fillmore Street a year ago, Juicy News SF tells us it is settling in quite well, and getting better all the time. It’s a good location near the Coffee Roastery and the Muni stop, and it has helped to have a loyal following. They feel as if the space “was meant to be,” given that it was the former long-ago site of Minerva’s Owl book store. One customer even brought in an old bookmark from the store. On a recent Sunday afternoon, there were quite a few customers browsing the excellent selection of magazines and newspapers, while a black and white Cary Grant movie screened overhead. Don’t miss the back nook with an equally excellent selection of letterpress and other unique and handmade cards.
MAKE IT A UNION STREET DAY
On Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., merchants on Union Street (Gough to Steiner Streets) and Fillmore (Union to Lombard Sts.) will participate in a citywide Sidewalk Sale, in conjunction with San Francisco Small Business Week. Find discounts from 25 to 85 percent. After your haul of goods, relax and dine at one of the street’s many restaurant options.
NEW SPRING COCKTAILS
A new spring cocktail menu is available at The Dorian (2001 Chestnut Street), inspired by the farm-to-table approach of using seasonal ingredients. Look for cleverly named creations such as “The Libertine” (vodka, house-made strawberry syrup, yuzu, basil eau de vie) or the “Albemarle” (light rum, lavender, fresh lemon, peach and cardamom water), and others. The Dorian, with its beautiful Victorian-inspired interior, also serves a popular weekend brunch, so take Mom and check out the new libations.
FARRELL FUNDRAISER
Reed and Greenough held a fundraiser last month for District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell’s bid for the Democratic County Central Committee, you know, the one that everyone seems to be running for. Farrell had set a fundraising goal to meet that week, which he had almost attained by the time of the fundraiser, so it’s a pretty good bet he was successful.
DOGS IN PROTEST
Hundreds of dogs and their people (including our own Skylar Grey and Susan Dyer Reynolds) turned out recently at Crissy Field for the Mighty Mutt March to protest the Dog Management Plan proposed by the National Park Service. The pooches wore fetching red bandanas, and their people carried protest signs (like Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Leash) against the latest version of the proposed plan that would severely curtail off-leash dog walking in a number of areas in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area throughout the Bay Area. The march along the bay culminated with remarks from Supervisors Scott Weiner, John Avalos, and Jane Kim.
The NPS is soliciting public comments on the plan until May 25 at regulations.gov (search for GGNRA dog management plan). Those against the proposal are invited to sign the petition at thepetitionsite.com/275/500/316/, which will be delivered to the NPS on May 24. At press time, organizers were shy about 1,200 signatures of their 65,000 goal.
