San Francisco’s who’s who wrapped up their summer soirées as Aubrey Brewster & Edward Winger hosted A Taste of Sicily Luncheon at Neiman Marcus San Francisco’s posh Rotunda restaurant on Union Square.
Guests arrived in a whimsical reception room adorned with hand-crafted ‘teste di more’ (Moorish head vases that party host Aubrey Brewster had flown in from Messina Sicily especially for the lively fête) filled with lush blue hydrangeas. Party goers snapped photos against a 7-foot lemon tree with faux Italian sparrows perched on its branches and sipped on libations before being escorted into the adjacent dining room where they were sat at an elegantly adorned table surrounded by tall potted lemon and olive trees.
The afternoon’s guests were welcomed to bowls of comforting ‘pastina’ worthy of Nona followed by indulgent sea urchin pasta (spaghetti chi ricci). The family style main courses of roasted sea bass caponata and veal representing Sicily’s ‘mare e terra’ along with sautéed artichokes, Moorish couscous and stuffed summer squash blossoms were quintessentially Sicilian. Authenticity curated by Neiman Marcus’ the Rotunda executive chef Erik Harrelson and elegantly plated on colorful Sicilian-style China. To cap off the enchanting luncheon, chef served guests his limoncello sabayon in charming lemon shaped ceramic dessert dishes and platters of a selection of classic Italian cookies (from San Francisco’s Stella Pastry) and shots of limoncello.
“Sitting next to Aubrey and surrounded by dear friends, I was once again reminded of Aubrey’s magical touch and exquisite taste and Edward’s generosity. Aubrey has the power to send you on a journey to a faraway land, as you sit not far away from home!” Said Navid Armstrong of the afternoon’s host(s).
Notable guests included Neiman Marcus SF’s new Vice President & General Market Manager, Lin Huber, who warmly welcomed the afternoon’s attendees – many who are loyal clients to the brand. And Bravo’s A-List luxury real estate guru Joel Goodrich, socialite and partner to SF Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. Sonya Molodetskaya, socialite Clara Shayevich, Chandler Properties Carolyn Chandler who’s Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian orange mosaic-print brocade dress was a standout amongst the ladies who coifed themselves in Italian couture to celebrate the event’s theme. Philanthropist Navid Armstrong, and ABC7’s news anchor (retired) Carolyn Tyler, couture designer Vasily Vein, socialite Heide Betz, and Union Square Alliance president, Marisa Rodriguez just to name a few.
