Faves and raves
PERSONAL STATS
AGE: 39
OCCUPATION: Founder of Bossa Beauty, a line of natural skin care products using ingredients from the Brazilian rainforest (www.bossabeauty.com)
NEIGHBORHOOD: Marina
YEARS IN THE CITY: Six
SELF-DESCRIPTION: Natural and positively Brazilian in S.F.
Favorite Nail Salon
Ciao Bella
WHERE: 2277 Chestnut St. between Avila and Scott streets
WHAT: Mani/pedis and leg massages
INFO: (415) 771-6666
I like to have my nails really short, and they do a good job. The staff is so friendly; they’re all sisters. I always get a hug from one of them when I leave.
Favorite Brazilian hangout
Bossa Nova
WHERE: 139 Eighth St. between Minna and Mission streets
WHAT: Happy hour cocktails, such as caipirinhas and mojitos
INFO: (415) 558-8004 or www.bossanovasf.com
I had the launch party for Bossa Beauty here; it’s such a fun spot! I love coming here for happy hour.
Favorite guilty pleasure
Fisherman’s Wharf
WHERE: Jefferson Street and The Embarcadero
WHAT: Eating crab and clam chowder
My husband, Adam, and I will go there when we don’t feel like cooking and get chowder in bread bowls at Boudin and crab on the Wharf. It’s really touristy but so much fun!
Favorite Makeup Store
Sephora
WHERE: 2083 Union St. at Webster Street
What: Stocking up on Lancome products
Info: (415) 614-2704 or www.sephora.com
Sephora has such a large selection of different brands. The staff gives great tips, too.
Favorite restaurant
Koh Samui & The Monkey
WHERE: 415 Brannan St. between Third and Fourth streets
WHAT: Sharing catfish in mango curry with friends
INFO: (415) 369-0007 or www.kohsamuiandthemonkey.com
I’ve started to move towards being vegetarian, and they have a lot of good options here. I also love the bags of gold; they’re deep-fried and delicious!
Favorite Cafe
La Boulange de Polk
WHERE: 2130 Polk St. between Green and Union streets
WHAT: Ordering an almond croissant
INFO: (415) 345-1107 or www.baybread.com
I love coming here with friends. I always see someone I know. Plus, the almond croissant is the best in The City.
Favorite Jewelry Store
Jewelry Mart
WHERE: 888 Brannan St. at Eighth Street
WHAT: Buying earrings, necklaces and gifts for friends
INFO: (415) 861-7733 or www.gcjm.com
This place is a huge warehouse full of fun little jewelry stores. A lot of it looks expensive, but you can find really affordable pieces.
Favorite Date Spot
Ristorante Gondola
WHERE: 15 Columbus Ave. at Washington Street
WHAT: Noshing on homemade pasta
INFO: (415) 956-5528
My husband and I know the owners. Whenever we’re there, I try something different, but their pastas, like the gnocchi, are excellent.
