joseph leon opens new store at 1506 vallejo

Well kids, its time to start your holiday shopping--hey its already November 5 and counting--time will get away from you before you know it.  And don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour Saturday night. Not only do you get an extra hour of sleep, the short days and longer nights really get you in the holiday mood.

The place to stop by and kick start the gift hunt is Joseph Leon's new shop, JL Designs, 1506 Vallejo at

Polk.  He has filled it with an amazing assortment of gifts, home furnishings, accents and holiday decor.  It's a very pretty space, with a central crystal chandelier, peaked ceiling with dark beams and a multi-paned front window, giving it a bit of an old world feel.  The location, just off Polk, is not far from some of my restaurant favorites like Nick's Crispy Tacos, Pesce and Aux Delices, plus plenty of coffee houses in between.  See you in the store.

jl designs new shop at 499 castro

Joseph Leon just launched his new store, JL Designs, with a champagne reception on May 20 at the corner of Castro and 18th (499 Castro) in the once Ritz Camera location. It can't get much better location wise on this corner with windows on all sides that look out to the center of everything and everybody.

Joseph is a top notch and well known floral designer with a long time shop in the famed St. Francis Hotel's shop row. His floral designs and his collection of new objet d'art and collectibles, (much in storage anyway) simply outgrew the little space. When this location became available, it was ideal. Floral orders are still available, but Joseph's collection of furniture, lamps, crystal, silver and porcelains is not to be missed--there is a treasure here for everyone.

l'ardoise reminds one of an intimate dinner at a european bistro

A friend of mine, Joseph Leon, the owner and creative force behind JL Designs in San Francisco has a love of small, intimate restaurants with well executed classic food, simple ingredients and especially fantastic sauces. I never refuse when he calls and says of any new found eatery, “I have been here three nights in a row—I can't stop—you are going to love it!”

Friday night the latest destination was L'Ardoise at 151 Noe in San Francisco. My first thought when I came up the street was “I know this corner!” Once upon a time it was home to my favorite Thai restaurant, Thai House. After Thai House closed, I forgot about that little restaurant space until now. L'Ardoise, owned by chef Thierry Clement (Fringale) has actually been open over a year and a half, so I did an excellent job of blocking out that location.

This really is a delightful space with 30 or so seats, friendly French waiters, tiny bar, moody lighting and the dark wood and cozy seating of any European bistro. Our favorites are the escargot with parsley sauce, tiger prawn ravioli, coq au vin and duck leg confit with pommes landaises.

Have a glass of Champagne and enjoy tarte tatin to finish. Be sure you make a reservation—you're going to need it!