Think Vietnamese food, personal shoppers, petiquette classes,
and more. Read all about it. - Becca
Hensley
San Francisco, California
In an urbane South of Market locale, Bong Su (311 Third Street,
415-536-5800,
www.bongsu.com) waitstaff in
Calvin Tran-designed uniforms serve small plates to communal
tables. Chef Tammy Huynh's cuisine (such as lemongrass bass that's
boned, seared, and served with garlic, chiles, and turmeric) honors
the eclectic elegance of traditional Vietnamese fare while
simultaneously redefining it with an artistic, novel preparation.
Nearby, at Prana (540 Howard Street, 415-978-9953,
www.pranasf.com), chef Jamie Lauren affirms Indian
fusion as the new comfort food. Against the backdrop of an
authentic sixteenth-century temple's facade, diners nibble on
recipes that showcase the 14 "superfoods" - from blueberries to
walnuts to salmon - prepared with an unmistakably Indian
accent.
New Orleans, Louisiana
For adult hydration, hurry to the Savvy Gourmet's Friday afternoon
happy-hour cocktail classes. A new twist on the long-savored
tradition of unwinding at the end of the day, these courses combine
learning with libations. Local foodie Lorin Gaudin instructs
thirsty participants on how to make everything from the Sazerac to
the Ramos Gin Fizz. 4519 Magazine Street, (504) 895-2665,
www.savvygourmet.com
Scottsdale, Arizona
Don't feel like heading to the golf course? Then languish in a
limousine that's loaded with shopping bags acquired during a
four-hour private shopping tour led by an expert shopping guide.
Personal itineraries developed by Spree! might include stops at
stores such as the trendy Ames at the Borgata or the always-classic
Louis Vuitton at Scottsdale Fashion Square. And it's your call
whether it's a before- or after-hours shopping spree. $495. (480)
661-1080, www.azshoppingspree.com