Martha Stewart's Dining

It's a Good Thing
Enjoying yet another evening at Chaya Brasserie had Harry all aglow when, looking across the room, I caught the gaze and smile of none other than the queen of entertaining: Martha Stewart herself, dining with friends. Being a big fan, I struck up a conversation; after some small talk about her mother's birthday -- Martha bought her a Volvo and a cell phone -- I slipped in the big question. "Martha, are you getting some property out west -- say, in Marin?" Smiling, she answered, "No, but it is fun to keep people guessing."

Kitchen Confidential
Food reviewers might not like the newly opened Butterfly, but how about that table of top toques last week enjoying the atmosphere and cool tunes? Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys, Laurent Manrique of Campton Place, and Sylvain Portay of the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton were treated to some of chef Erik Hopfinger's creations. As conversation continued Thomas Ricci of Lapis joined in to see what he could learn from the big three. Could it be that the Mission has its own version of Globe for late-night chef dining?

RSVP
Have you received your invitation to the opening of Harry Denton's Rouge? The festivities start swirling into full swing with more red carpet and limousines than the Oscars Wednesday, Oct. 4; the club opens to the public Saturday, Oct. 7. Harry C. stopped by to see Harry D. firsthand and get a personal preview. Harry -- always the king of fabric and mirrors -- has transformed the old Johnny Love's into a real showpiece. Just think booths, chandeliers, and the namesake color; that's hot enough, but the jewel in the crown is the gilded and chiffon-draped dressing room for the showgirls. Yes, showgirls, and no, I am not going to explain the difference between showgirls and strippers. "You know, this is the first bar location I worked in San Francisco," said Harry. Welcome home!

Deck the Halls
With weather like we had last week, you have to spend your nights out! Had a quick bite at TwentyFour before the game; all was well until I visited the restroom. That's when the visual terror struck me: There in a pewter vase on the sink vanity was an arrangement of holly -- yes, holly. Harry has a question for GM Howard Cumins: Does your florist know it's only the end of September? As if we don't have the holidays shoved in front of us soon enough ... Howard, keep me posted.