Blog — Provocateur: Media

Sunset Magazine Introduces ‘The 20-Minute Gardener’

May 17, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

With spring in full swing and summer fast approaching, it is time to get those gardening gloves out! This season, we at Pro Media are helping to promote and spread the word about the fabulous gardening tips from none other than The 20-Minute Gardener, the latest book to join the Sunset Western Garden series.

There is no need to be intimidated by your garden any longer! With inside tips and gardening how to’s, this book will have you not only creating, but maintaining a flourishing outdoor space with just 20 minutes a day! The 20-Minute Gardener is the perfect gardening tool to teach and inspire new and seasoned gardeners alike.

Just a peek inside the book: How to plant beautiful and easy-to-tend garden spaces, the top plants for easy-care gardening, seasonal and year-round checklists for everything from stone fruit trees to ornamental grasses, and practical tips like turning an early morning stroll into an opportunity to pick off spent blooms, are just a few of the topics included in this book.

With Sunset as one of our collaborative clients, we are excited to see the outstanding impact that this gardening book is making in the the media. Being well received in the gardening community, The 20-Minute Gardener has been featured in media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, USA Weekend, DailyCandy, and CasaSugar, just to name a few.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book is sure to have you building a lush a gorgeous garden in no time.

Filed Under: Sunset magazine Tagged With: gardening, gardening decor, gardening tips, green thumb, quick gardening projects

Vegas Inspired Nightclub Rêve to Open in San Francisco

April 25, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Here at Pro Media we are always interested in the new and ever changing nightlife that the city has to offer. It is for this very reason that we were intrigued to hear that the Las Vegas scene is coming to San Francisco. Richard Chu, former host of the Caesars Palace nightclub, Pure, is teaming up with Cy Waits, co creator of Vegas hotspots, XS, Tryst, and Drai’s After Hours, to open San Francisco’s first epic “Vegas” nightclub, Rêve.

sanfrancisco skyline

Rêve is scheduled to open this summer at the Embarcadero, but from the looks of it, it is unlike any other club the city has ever seen before. This 6,000-square-foot nightclub and entertainment center is entirely based on exclusivity. Open only to invited guests and for private and corporate events, the club is strictly limited to the “elite” of San Francisco.

As exciting as it is to hear that we wont have to travel the 550+ miles for the Vegas experience, the question remains, are high-end concepts like Rêve suitable for San Francisco? In a city that prides itself on its under-the-radar, happening, and versatile nightlife, we at Pro Media are interested to see how a “Vegas” concept will be accepted here in SF.

We can’t help but compare this new nightclub to Hakkasan, the high-end sensation made famous for their modern Cantonese cuisine. With restaurant locations all throughout the world, including both Las Vegas (with additional nightclub) and now with the latest location that opened in San Francisco, we have seen that the luxe image and concept of this high-end establishment has been greatly recognized in SF, but has triggered quite a bit of buzz– some good, some not so good.

With the anticipation of the Rêve opening approaching, this new nightclub leaves us wondering… should what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas?

Filed Under: Club, events Tagged With: hakkasan, nightclub, reve, San Francisco

Pro Media + Union Square Hosts ‘Spring Fling’ at Vera Wang Bridal

April 9, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Vincent Gotti, GEV Magazine

With +500 outstanding retailers in the heart of downtown San Francisco, we were honored when Union Square tapped Pro Media to help in expanding their quarterly events and to also help publicize the exciting new developments in the area. April 3rd was a night to remember as Pro Media teamed up with the Union Square to host their ‘Spring Fling’ event, held at Union Square’s newest retailer, Vera Wang Bridal.

Held in the new Vera Wang location, replacing the beautiful 4^th floor space where Jessica McClintock used to be, 150+ invited VIP’s, local media, and Union Square members came together to experience this exclusive event.

Surrounded with floor to ceiling windows overlooking all of Union Square, the event combined both food and fashion to showcase just a taste of what the District of Union Square has to offer. Guests had the opportunity to taste delicious dishes provided by Bluestem Brasserie, Gitane, and E & O, while sipping on tasty Bols Genever gin cocktails and chilled Chardonnay provided by Wente Vineyards.

Photo Credit: Vincent Gotti, GEV Magazine

Bluestem Brasserie
Photo Credit: Vincent Gotti, GEV Magazine

Guests had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful designs of Vera Wang. In addition to having 90+ gowns on display, ranging from $4,000 – $18,000, five models walked through the event showcasing an assortment of stunning styles and colors, allowing guests to experience the elegance and glamour of the bridal gowns live in action.

Union Square is constantly developing and expanding and we are excited to continue share some of the future plans and news of new retail locations and business with friends, press and VIP’s.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Destination Saratoga!

February 28, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Last weekend we at Pro Media were very excited to go on our familiarization tour for the kick off of our PR campaign with our new client, Destination Saratoga. Saratoga is actually just one hour south of San Francisco and is the “luxury base camp” for the Santa Cruz Mountains. While on our tour, we were astounded by all of the activities, and also high-quality food and wine offerings. We had been to Saratoga a few times in the past, but on this particular tour, were were able to get an insider’s look at what Saratoga truly has to offer. Take a look at some of the pictures we took and read the captions for more details.

Scenic views at Saratoga’s Cooper Garrod Vineyards, complete with horseback guided tours, it truly is a “destination worth knowing.”

Spectacular outdoor concert venue + wine at Mountain Winery

amazing jewelry finds at Deja & Co jewelry boutique

pic 1: wine at Cinnebar tasting room, downtown Saratoga, pic 2: decor from dinner at the Plumed Horse

pic 1: Big Eye Tuna Tartar w Caviar & A Quail Egg, pic 2: Parmesan Soup w Crab Souffle

The most delicious duck confit, made at restaurant Sent Sovi by Executive Chef, Josiah Slone

Ride em’ cowboy! Pro Media taking a beautiful horseback guided tour at Cooper Garrod Farms, through the beautiful + scenic Cooper Garrod Vineyards.

Oldest Japanese garden, Hakone Gardens, in the Western hemisphere, in Saratoga, CA- also where parts of Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Women (who are killing it) In Business: Stella & Dot

January 10, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

Stella & Dot Founder and CEO Jessica Herrin and Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris

The ladies of Stella & Dot gained a much sought after spotlight in The San Francisco Chronicle’s ‘Style‘ section last Sunday, being highlighted for their ‘Jewelry Issue‘. We at Pro Media have been huge fans of Stella & Dot for years – attending their events, buying their beautiful pieces and wearing them every day and getting to know some of their stylists along the way. We are so happy to see them gain some much deserved accolades!

The scene at a Stella & Dot trunk show

Part of a new breed of entrepreneurial women in the Bay Area, they bring great pieces to women at their fingertips, both online with their e-commerce site or physically with on-site trunk shows. Women of all ages and backgrounds are a part of this growing company, that now reaches to Europe, proving that Stella & Dot’s style and business truly connects women worldwide. They have also made their products and people further accessible with the addition of mobile shopping and social media sites.

So what is it about Stella & Dot that makes their business a success? That women can not only meet and connect over their jewelry, but that their jewelry is also created to be flattering on everyone. Their designs stay on top of the trends, as well as ahead of them, but are still wearable for everyone from a trendy high school girl to her classically-dressed Grandmother.

A few of Pro Media's favorites from Stella & Dot: Serenity Stone Drops, Tempest Necklace, and Stackable Gem Ring

A few of Pro Media’s current favorites from Stella & Dot: Serenity Stone Drops, Tempest Necklace, and Stackable Gem Ring

We admire a company ran by smart and creative women who continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a business that is of-age. CEO Jessica Herrin and Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris inspire us to keep progressing, to seek out the next big thing and continue to move our business, services and clients ahead with the always changing ways of things around us.

Check out the article HERE. (photo credits from SF Chronicle HERE and Stella & Dot HERE.)

Filed Under: beauty, business, design, fashion, retail Tagged With: accessories, fashion, jewelry, Stella & Dot, stella and dot, style, women in business

SF Holiday Happenings We Love

December 6, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

At Pro Media we love us some holiday events and happenings, and this time of year is one of our favorites in the city.

From the usual holiday events and must-do’s, to shopping and more, there is never a shortage of things to do this time of year. So what’s on our agendas this month you ask?

Like all good stories start, this one begins with a drink. Pro Media client (and cocktail hotspot) Blackbird Bar just introduced their Winter Cocktail Menu this month – and it’s not one to miss. Our favorites include the Blackbird Toddy (Single Barrel Bourbon, Earl Grey Syrup), Harvest Moon (Genever, Nocino, Maple, Egg Whites, Pumpkin Butter, Lemon, Angostura Bitters) and the Poached Pear (Pear-Infused Gin, Lambrusco, Honey, Lemon).

Blackbird Toddy, Blackbird Bar, Poached Pear

Or if you’re into numerous bars and liver failure there’s always SantaCon. People dressed up as Santa for a city-wide bar crawl – what could be more SF?

Or if you’re more of a classic holidays type there is always the SF-born ballet The Nutcracker and ice skating at Union Square and the Embarcadero.

San Francisco Ballet performing “The Nutcracker”

Other events happening in the city right now for a limited time include the oh-so popular and raved about Book of Mormon, showing now thru December 30 (if you were lucky enough to get tickets – it sold out entirely in 90 minutes…the also very popular Lion King is also playing). Or if you’re a Francophile the Legion of Honor is showing Royal Treasures From The Louvre thru March 17.

“The Book of Mormon”

“Royal Treasures From The Louvre”

Whatever brings you joy this holiday season we hope it’s a great one – Happy Holidays to all from Pro Media!

Filed Under: holidays, San Francisco events, Uncategorized Tagged With: december in san francisco, holidays in san francisco, San Francisco, winter in san francisco

Zara Takes The Fashion World By a Storm

November 15, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

For all of you fashionistas out there, we came across an article that definitely peaked our interest. The New York Times shared some interesting background information about Zara and its global domination as a fashion retailer.

With trends and styles changing by the minute, some would say it is almost impossible to keep up with the latest “look.” And lets not mention the financial toll it takes to look chic (for some.) It is for this very reason that Zara has grown into one of the worlds leading fashion retailers.

Coining the phrase “fast fashion,” Zara has become a front-runner for producing trendy European styles at a low price. With 5,900 stores in over 85 countries, Zara has become a key competitor within the fashion industry. The concept of making high-end fashion affordable has not only enabled people to stay current with the latest trends, but has become a global trend in and of itself.

Inditex Headquarters and Zara Factories located in Arteixo, Spain

Although growing in popularity, Zara along with other fast fashion companies, have been faced with quite a bit of scrutiny. Being labeled as “copy cats” and “knock offs” by higher-end retailers, in addition to being affiliated with unfair labor conditions. Zara faces a difficult question, will fast fashion be a successful business in the long run?

What we can tell you now is that it looks like Zara is showing no signs of slowing down. If this bit of information caught your attention, check out the full article at www.nytimes.com/zara

Filed Under: business, fashion, retail

Healdsburg Boutiques Tallulah & St. Dizier Collaborate on Luxury Pop-up Shop

November 2, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Tis the season to shop in style! With the holidays right around the corner, Pro Media is excited to announce the arrival of a luxury pop-up shop with a truly unique aesthetic for fashion and home décor.

Healdsburg boutiques, Tallulah and Saint Dizier Home, have collaborated to bring you select accessories and luxury décor items perfect for the holiday season. Owners Denise Trefry of Tallulah and Cathy Hopkins of St. Dizier have produced a collection sure to leave you wanting more.

This pop-up shop is for a limited time only, Nov 9th – Nov 21st, from 11am to 5pm daily and will be located at 149 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Just a taste of what to expect: Velvet pillows, gilded Tobi Tobin candles, one-of-a-kind furniture at special sale prices, as well as many exclusive pieces representing the best that each store has to offer.

With a gorgeous and eclectic collection, this is the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping and find something new for your home and loved ones.

Filed Under: design, events, fashion, holidays

Rock Wall Wine Company and le truc Team Up!

October 18, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Attention all foodies and wine lovers! Pro Media is proud to announce the collaboration of Rock Wall Wine Company with one of the most popular gourmet food trucks in the Bay Area, le truc. Offering a full menu to guests five days a week, le truc will take over the on-site chef’s kitchen becoming a permanent fixture at the Rock Wall Wine Co. location.

Known for their classic, contemporary American style cuisine, le truc will continue to serve many of their signature dishes, but with a Rock Wall spin – new dishes that le truc serves up will be specifically tailored to pair with Rock Wall‘s award winning wines.

{Taste Bud Teaser: le truc’s Turkey Meatball with hand crafted turkey meatballs, provolone, cabernet marinara, parmesan, basil, and pepperoncini paired with Rock Wall’s 2010 Monte Rosso Zinfandel}

Le truc dishes will range from $4-$15, with Rock Wall wines by the glass ranging from $8-$12. Restaurant hours are Wednesday-Thursday, 12:00pm-5:30pm, Friday from 12:00pm-6:30pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 12:00pm-5:30pm.

Join them in their grand opening on Friday, November 2^nd, 2012 for the ultimate urban food and wine experience. With plenty of wine and delicious food, it is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Eat. Drink. And Be Merry!

Filed Under: events, food, foodies, wine, wine events

San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko Celebrates Its 25th!

October 5, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

This month, Pro Media is proud to be working with San Francisco’s famed and green-acclaimed Hotel Nikko for their Silver Anniversary!

Located in downtown SF, just off of Union Square, Hotel Nikko is the only Nikko in the United States, other locations are in Asia, Europe and the South Pacific.

With a newly redone health club, select room remodels and the ever-popular restaurant and bar ANZU, Hotel Nikko’s 25^th will show off the best in San Francisco hospitality and dining.

It wouldn’t be a San Francisco celebration without a great menu and a wine pairing – don’t worry, they have that covered too. Nikko’s ANZU will be offering a ‘Silver Anniversary’ five-course prix-fixe menu running from October 11^th through November (just $49, $30 for additional wine pairings.) Menu items include Ahi Blossom, Misoyak Smoked Black Cod and a aptly named SF-themed dessert, ‘The Fog’.

ANZU Restaurant & Bar

For those of you special enough to get an invite, Hotel Nikko will be celebrating its Silver Anniversary with an invite-only event on October 11^th, 2012 complete with food, drinks (but of course), dignitaries and a proclamation from the Mayor’s office.

Hotel Nikko exterior at night.

If you’re not on ‘the list’ be sure to stop by Nikko during the next month and half to take in their specialty menu, we can assure you it’s well worth it!

(All pictures courtesy of Hotel Nikko)

Filed Under: client events, events, food, hospitality, San Francisco events Tagged With: anniversary events, hotel anniversary events, hotel events, Hotel Nikko, San Francisco Hotel Nikko