B’nai mitzvah venue

If there’s one thing j. readers know how to do better than any other newspaper’s readership, it’s how to safely hoist a seated friend or relative eight feet in the air. These venues stood out as the best places in the Bay Area to dance the hora at a bar or bat mitzvah.

In San Francisco, Congregation Sherith Israel’s Newman Hall provides a versatile, modern-looking space that can comfortably host over 200 partygoers. The synagogue is also a major hub for Jewish community life in Pacific Heights.

Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland has a storied history, dating back to the club’s founding in 1913, through its time as a PGA golf tournament host in the 1930s and ’40s. The venue boasts a panoramic view from the Oakland hills and Spanish colonial architecture. “The historic character of our facilities really attract people to hold life celebrations here,” says general manager Tom Schunn. “We’re very respected for the quality of our food and services here.”

Sofitel in Redwood City is a Francophile’s delight, featuring French-language answering machines and a waterfront view. The European-inspired design provides an elegant and luxurious touch to a b’nai mitzvah party.

The Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley brings the outdoor environment indoors. “It’s simple, serene, and our event space takes advantage of the views of Mount Tam,” says sales manager Judy Gilmore. “We’re intimately sized, and we try and make sure we fit in everybody’s box other than the other way around.” The green landscape and adaptive staff ensure that a bar or bat mitzvah at Acqua is both stress-free and enjoyable.

Taking second place were the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto and the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

First Place

San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel

(415) 346-1720

www.sherithisrael.org

East Bay

Sequoyah Country Club

Oakland

(510) 632-2900

www.sequoyahcc.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Sofitel

Redwood City

(650) 598-9000

www.sofitel.com

North Bay

Acqua Hotel

(415) 380-0400

Mill Valley

www.marinhotels.com

Second Place

San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum

(415) 655-7800

www.thecjm.org

East Bay

Claremont Hotel Club & Spa

Berkeley

(510) 843-3000

www.claremontresort.com

South Bay/Peninsula

The Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel

Palo Alto

(650) 857-0787

www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com

North Bay

Osher Marin JCC

San Rafael

(415) 444-8000

www.marinjcc.org

 

Place for an elegant indoor party

The word elegance has many different definitions — but j. readers obviously define it as being found in their favorite places for an elegant indoor party. From museums to mansions, these hot spots will provide the perfect venue for your classy evening.

 The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco can add the backdrop of Jewish history to any event. “The museum is just stunning, and you don’t need a lot of décor to make it look elegant,” says spokeswoman Danielle Cappannelli.“The spaces are both contemporary and historic, making it a truly unique venue.” The Yud Gallery, Goldman Hall and Grand Lobby are ideal for gatherings of all types including dance parties, lectures, fashion shows, award ceremonies and lifecycle events.

The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel in Oakland is an architectural daydream. “When you walk inside it’s an enchanting environment,” says Cheryl Berger, who co-owns the property. “You get the feeling that it’s modernized, but we’ve left all the beautiful building aesthetic that you find in older buildings that you can’t replicate anymore.” Lake Merritt Hotel can bring an intimate environment to a larger event, and the building itself is a piece of art. “It’s a beautiful art deco, glass enclosed facility that overlooks lake merit, in a necklace of lights,” Berger says.

The Kohl Mansion in Burlingame has a history that goes back to 1912, when Frederick Kohl built a great hall for entertaining for his wife to sing in. “The outside is a beautiful Tudor mansion,” says Dianne Devlin, the associate director of events. “Inside is a lot of dark wood, a 6-foot-by-6-foot black marble based fireplace, and the ceilings are about 30 feet high.” The mansion offers privacy and flexibility, with the ability to host a party indoors in the airy Nile-green dining room, or outdoors overlooking the rose garden.

The family-owned and operated Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood is a bastion of elegance in the North Bay. “We have one of the most beautiful views of Sonoma County,” says events manager Martha Marquez. “During the day we have a vineyard view, and during the night we have the city lights.” Along with glistening Italian chandeliers, a wood burning fireplace, and a sculpture garden, Paradise Ridge also offers a stock of award-winning wines.

Coming in second place were Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco, the Brazilian Room in Berkeley, Los Altos Country Club and the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

First Place

San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum

(415) 655-7800

www.thecjm.org

East Bay

Lake Merritt Hotel

Oakland

(510) 832-2100

www.lakemerritthotel.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Kohl Mansion

Burlingame

(650) 762-1136

www.kohl-mansion.com

North Bay

Paradise Ridge Winery

Kenwood

(707) 282-9020

www.prwinery.com

Second Place

San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel

(415) 346-1720

www.sherithisrael.org

East Bay

Brazilian Room

Berkeley

(510) 540-0220

www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br

South Bay/Peninsula

Los Altos County Club

(650) 947-3100

www.lagcc.org

North Bay

Osher Marin JCC

San Rafael

(415) 444-8000

www.marinjcc.org

 

Place for a casual indoor party

 

Toss away that black tie and loosen up your collar — j. readers have made their choices for the best place in the Bay for a casual celebration.

Last year San Francisco’s Congregation Beth Sholom set the Jewish community abuzz with a fabulous new facility that has gathered architectural awards and fans in j. readers. The facility hosts galas, film showings and speaker events, in addition to the traditional lifecycle events. It’s modern, bright, airy and industrial, and the sanctuary features the sandstone look of the Western Wall — combining a modern look with old-world sensibilities.

Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland is further proof that a synagogue is always an excellent venue for a celebration. “We’re really kind of a small, eclectic community,” says synagogue administrator Kathy Hollander. Beth Jacob is a kosher venue, a rarity in Oakland, with separate dairy and meat kitchens, making it all the easier to hold that special event.

Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City, offers a comfortable environment for a casual throwdown. The facility is versatile, and has rooms for gatherings of any size, as well as a dance floor for the nimblest partygoers on the Peninsula. While you don’t have to be an

athlete to attend, events there have been known to make guests sweat.

Stonetree Golf Club in Novato is a picturesque venue for a casual event, overlooking Mount Tam and the coastal range. “You can’t really get a view like that in the North Bay,” says spokeswoman Amanda Harris. “The clubhouse has a classic old Marin architecture to it. It’s surrounded by gorgeous oak trees.” Stonetree offers golf, catering services, top-notch service and staff who can adapt to your needs and budget.

Coming in second were the JCC of San Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto and Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood.

First Place

San Francisco

Congregation Beth Sholom

(415) 444-8000

www.bethsholomsf.org

East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation

Oakland

(510) 482-1147

www.bethjacoboakland.org

South Bay/Peninsula

Pacific Athletic Club

Redwood City

(650) 593-1112

www.pacclub.com

North Bay

Stonetree Golf Club

Novato

(415) 209-6090

www.stonetreegolf.com

Second Place

 

San Francisco

JCC of San Francisco

(415) 292-1200

www.jccsf.org

East Bay

The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa

Berkeley

(510) 843-3000

www.claremontresort.com

South Bay/Peninsula

The Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel

Palo Alto

(650) 857-0787

www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com

North Bay

Paradise Ridge Winery

Kenwood

(707) 282-9020

www.prwinery.com

 

Place for an outdoor celebration

The Bay is beautiful, so why stay indoors to party? J. readers, in tune with our natural surroundings, have selected these places as prime locations for an outdoor party.

The Brazilian Room rests in Tilden Park in the Berkeley hills. “You get to overlook the hills and the trees,” says facilities supervisor Mike McNally. “You suddenly feel like you just left and took a trip to the mountain.” In addition to the lush vistas, the site also boasts a rich history: It is a historical site, a 1940s WPA project, featuring wood paneling from the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It’s no wonder that the site now hosts over 200 weddings per year. 

Mountain Winery in Saratoga can tickle your eyes and ears, along with your taste buds. The winery, located in the valley’s rolling hills, offers dinner, wine tastings, a concert series and, of course, a secluded and picturesque location for a wedding. Mountain Winery appeals both to the epicurean and aesthetic sensibilities. 

The Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross is a gem sitting in the heart of the North Bay. “We are a nonprofit, and we are a community resource,” says Nancy Vernon, president of the board of trustees, “a place for people to come for the arts, horticulture, history and environmental conservation.” The center is host to a Shakespeare camp, a historical theater group, a horticulture society that tends the rose gardens and a vibrant society of naturalists and artists. The center has facilities that can be rented for almost any type of outdoor event.

Coming in second place were Scott’s in the East Bay, Kohl Mansion in Burlingame and Deer Park Villa in Fairfax.

First Place

East Bay

The Brazilian Room

Berkeley

(510) 540-0220

www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br

South Bay/Peninsula

Mountain Winery

Saratoga

(408) 741-2822

www.mountainwinery.com

North Bay

Marin Art & Garden Center

Ross

(415) 454-1301

www.magc.org

Second Place

East Bay

Scott’s

Various locations

www.scottseastbay.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Kohl Mansion

Burlingame

(650) 762-1136

www.kohl-mansion.com

North Bay

Deer Park Villa

Fairfax

(415) 456-8084

www.deerparkvilla.com

 

Dance band

“I was in the Purim spiel for Purim, and one of the actors was improvising,” explains band leader Michael Gill. “He had a boombox, or a ghettoblaster, so he said, ‘I’ve got my Shtetlblaster’”— and the rest is history. Ever since, the Shtetlblasters has gelled into one of the tightest wedding bands on the West Coast.

The Shtetlblasters have been gigging around the Bay Area scene since 1992. The band plays a variety of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and traditional Jewish music. “We’re always learning a few new songs, requests, updating the repertoire,” Gill says. “Having done this business for the past 17 years, it’s been fun to see the whole range of the Jewish community. We’d play for an Orthodox Jewish community, and then possibly play a lesbian wedding a week later.”

In second place was Frank Goldstein’s Manhattan Towers.

First Place

Bay Area

The Shtetlblasters

(510) 287-2540

www.maxjas.com/shtetl.htm

Second Place

Bay Area

Manhattan Towers

(800) 578-5780

www.joelnelson.com/Corporate/Manhattan-Towers_150.cfm

 

Klezmer band

Bay Area klezmer band the Red Hot Chachkas almost went by another name. “It was either that or the Seventh Inning Kvetch,” says Julie Egger of the Chachkas, “but that didn’t work out right.”

The Red Hot Chachkas have been playing klezmer for the Bay and far beyond for the past dozen years. They whip their audiences into a joyous frenzy with thumping grooves. “The stunts that people try to klezmer music are pretty wild,” Egger says. “At Chabad weddings the men do juggling, fire eating, all types of wild stuff.”

Musically, the Red Hot Chachkas can play all the traditional klezmer classics, along with a number of original songs that can be considered “klezmer fusion.” “It’s wild, it’s creative, it’s energetic — it makes you move,” Egger says.

In second place were Go Van Gogh and Klezmania.

First Place

Bay Area

Red Hot Chachkas

(415) 488-9125

www.redhotchachkas.com

Second Place

Bay Area

Go Van Gogh

(415) 430-5082

www.govangogh.net

Klezmania

(415) 239-4670

www.bennybemusic.com/klez.htm

 

DJ

Denon and Doyle handles over 300 b’nai mitzvah a year, and yet they treat each like a unique production. “We’re committed to what we do the day of — it is the most visible part of the event. But it really begins with the first phone call,” says general manager Dan Orman. “We have long-lasting relationships with our clients.”

Denon and Doyle manage to stay ahead of the game in event and DJ services. “Every other week we have two different classes — classes for our dancers, and classes for our emcees,” Orman says. “It’s dedicated to coming up with a new dance, or coming up with a new game that the kids haven’t seen before.”

Along with DJs and dancers, Denon and Doyle can provide a bevy of other entertainment services, like a photo booth that looks like it came straight off the Coney Island Boardwalk. “We just like to stand out with creativity,” Orman says.

In second place was Daryl Grace of DJK Productions.

First Place

Bay Area

Denon and Doyle

(800) 944-9585

www.djay.com

Second Place

Bay Area

Daryl Grace

DJK Productions

(877) DJK-4-FUN

www.djkproductions.com

 

Party entertainment

J. readers voted overwhelmingly in favor of inviting the Bay’s most skilled pickpocket to their parties. But don’t worry: If he gets ahold of your wallet, there’s a chance he’ll change a $1 bill into a fat Benjamin.

“I can take wallets and watches without people knowing, and then give them back,” Dan Chan says. “I don’t recommend people trying to pickpocket on the street — that can get you in serious trouble.”

Chan, aka Dan Chan the Magic Man, dazzles Bay Area crowds with his combination of magic, acrobatics, sleight of hand, bian lian, pickpocketing, sword balancing, costume changing and juggling. This self-taught jack-of-all-trades entertainer with 10 years of experience performs about 250 gigs a year. He has performed everywhere from birthday parties and corporate events, to the Shoreline Amphitheatre, to U.S. Marine bases in Japan — and his skills have even gotten him out of speeding tickets.

“I was told by my parents, this is a bad job, you can’t make a living doing this,” Chan says, “and it just made me determined to say yes, I can do it.”

In second place were the photo booths run by j. readers’ favorite DJ, Denon and Doyle.

First Place

Bay Area

Dan Chan the Magic Man

(415) 244-2700

www.danchanmagic.com

Second Place

Denon and Doyle

(800) 944-9585

www.djay.com

 

Party planner

 

A well-planned party allows the host to relax and enjoy the moment — without stress. Luckily for j. readers, the Bay Area boasts a cadre of talented party planners to make a major lifecycle event worry-free.

Oakland resident Barbara Kweller has close to a decade of experience planning parties. From this, she’s amassed a huge network of vendors, decorators, DJs and more. Kweller’s close attention to detail ensures that everything is attended to, so that the host has no need to worry. “It’s an entire weekend, not just a party,” Kweller says.

She also enjoys giving back to the community: “I started out doing centerpieces that are donated to charities,” Kweller says. “I try and get the kids involved in giving centerpieces to battered women’s shelters, food banks, children’s hospitals. It’s all part of the mitzvah process.”

Tied for second place were Diane Metzler of Shindig and Marcia Barkoff of Time to Party.

First Place

Bay Area

Barbara Kweller

(510) 410-4413

Second Place

Bay Area

Marcia Barkoff

Time to Party

(650) 867-6505

Diane Metzler

Shindig

(510) 499-6654

www.shindighome.com

 

Invitations

In days of yore, the town crier or herald would be the best way to announce a party. Needless to say, the times have changed. These places have stamped themselves as the top places to make the perfect first impression on your guests.

Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles has served San Francisco for 23 years. “There are no limits to what we can do,” says manager David Eiland. “We do all of the invitations like every other store does, plus everything the other stores don’t do. We can take anybody’s artwork, we can take anybody’s imagery, and we can do any colors you want.” This flexibility converts many first time customers into repeat customers.

Folio in Larkspur has also been open for over 20 years. The store’s calligrapher, Alexandra Beritzhoff has done the scripting for over 10,000 letters. “We like to entertain the customer that likes to entertain with style,” Breitzhoff says. ”We have a pretty incredible selection of invitation and great customer service. We can print in the store and do great custom work.”

Miriam’s Well in Foster City is a one-stop Judaica shop, in addition to being the South Bay’s favorite place for invitations. “I offer the whole gambit,” says owner Michelle Booth. “I spend a lot of time with each client to help them find exactly what they want to fit their budget, fit their needs, and individualize the invitation. We spend all the time with all the details.”

“Truly people come to me because I sit down with them, I listen to them, I listen to their child,” says Susan Gildea, of Susan Gildea Personalized Printing in Berkeley. “We come up with the perfect piece to represent their style and their budget.” Gildea brings over 25 years of experience in printing to the table. She does business cards and stationary in addition to invitations, paying lots of attention to individual detail. “I work with them to find their look,” she says.

In second place were Papyrus in San Francisco, Afikomen in Berkeley and Paper Pizzazz in Palo Alto.

 

First Place

San Francisco

Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles

(415) 285-4068

www.justforfun.invitations.com

East Bay

Susan Gildea Personalized Printing

Berkeley

(510) 883-0890

www.susangildea.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Miriam’s Well

Foster City

(650) 341-4400

www.miriams-well.com

North Bay

Folio

Larkspur

(415) 461-0120

Second Place

San Francisco

Papyrus

(415) 543-4246

www.papyrusonline.com

East Bay

Afikomen

Berkeley

(510) 655-1977

www.afikomen.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Paper Pizzazz

Palo Alto

(650) 858-0771

www.paperpizzazz.invitations.com

 

Ketubah maker

A ketubah is more than tradition — it is a promise, an heirloom and a work of art. The Bay Area boasts some of the nation’s top artisans in the craft of constructing ketubahs.

Naomi Teplow began making ketubahs in 1983, as an immigrant from Israel with no experience in the trade. She is now selling her ketubahs all over America and abroad. “I love the vibrancy of the colors, the patterns, and mostly I love the juxtaposition of geometrical patterns … with floral, more flowing themes of flowers and trees,” the Oakland resident says. Her ketubahs are strongly influenced by Persian miniatures and old European manuscripts.

Lisa Rauchwerger specializes in custom papercut and watercolor ketubahs. “When I work with couples I tell them that finding the ideal ketubah for them is almost like marriage counseling,” Rauchwerger says. “If they can figure out what they want on their ketubah, then they’re halfway to having a successful marriage.” Rauchwerger has created the full spectrum of ketubahs, from the most traditional, showcasing her Hebrew calligraphy, to interfaith and gender-neutral texts on three-dimensional paper sculpture.

Robin Hall begun studying lettering at age 16, Hebrew calligraphy at age 20, and has been making ketubahs since 1977. The Julliard-trained dancer is so attuned to the aesthetics of her craft that she even teaches yoga class based on Hebrew letters. “I don’t do video ketubahs,” Hall quips. Her works are influenced by everything from old world manuscripts to Matisse cutouts, and some of her works now rest in museums.

Coming in second place was Jessica Kraft.

First Place

 

San Francisco

Robin Hall

ABC Calligraphy

(415) 771-1719

East Bay

Naomi Teplow

Ketubot by Naomi

Oakland

(510) 530-2210

www.ketubotbynaomi.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Lisa Rauchwerger

Cutting Edge Creations

(408) 448-4972

www.lisarauchwerger.com

Second Place

San Francisco

Jessica Kraft

Ketubah Kraft

(877) 778-5654

www.ketubahkraft.com

 

Jeweler

It don’t mean a thing unless you got that ring. Our winners this year for best jeweler put a sparkle into any day of the week.

Hand in Hand Jewelry in San Francisco has endeared itself with the San Francisco community by adhering to a “do it yourself” aesthetic. “The process of really getting to know our clients personally to inspire the designs we create is unique in today’s mass-produced, mass-marketed marketplace,” says owner Marc Stiglitz. Stiglitz intends for the pieces he crafts and sells to become heirlooms, not just jewelry.

Michael Endlich of Pavé Jewelry Design, with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, specializes in custom jewelry work and repurposing older jewelry. “It’s not the run-of-the-mill jewelry — it’s very distinctly different,” Endlich says. “It has a modern flair — from ancient coins to Tahitian pearls, to diamond beads and unusual colored gemstones, and natural colored diamonds that we make ourselves.”

Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino is focused on continuing the art of jewelry the old fashioned way. Owner Vardy Shtein begun as a goldsmith in Tallinn, Estonia, the former home of the Fabergé workshop. Shtein creates custom jewelry and draws from 38 years of experience in the trade. “Everybody wants to get something unique and different,” Shtein says. “I am able to fulfill their desires. Nobody wants to have a cookie cutter.”

Julianna’s Fine Jewelry will be celebrating its 25th year in business this year. Their longevity is a testament to their service — they are the only original tenant and the only family-owned business remaining in the Village at Corte Madera.

Shimmering their way to second place were Geoffrey’s Diamonds in San Carlos, Edelweiss Jewlers in Berkeley, and Simayof Jewlers in San Francisco.

First Place

 

San Francisco

Hand in Hand

(415) 282-4370

www.handinhandsf.com

 

East Bay

Pavé Fine Jewelry Design

Various locations

(510) 547-1000

www.pavefinejewelry.com

 

South Bay/Peninsula

Vardy’s Jewelers

Cupertino

(408) 446-2900

www.vardysjewelers.com

 

North Bay

Julianna’s Fine Jewelry

Corte Madera

(415) 924-9711

www.juliannasfinejewelry.com

 

Second Place

 

San Francisco

Simayof Jewelers

(415) 929-6200

www.simayof.com

 

East Bay

Edelweiss Jewelers

Berkeley

(510) 644-5544

www.elmwoodshop.com/stores/edelweiss.html

 

South Bay/Peninsula

Geoffrey’s Diamonds

San Carlos

(650) 591-0301

www.geoffreysdiamonds.com

 

Kosher caterer

Modern kosher caterers have discovered that the laws of kashrut are not a restriction, but rather a framework to ensure quality. And these three caterers  in particular have earned an impressive culinary reputation in the Bay Area — without the trayf.

Alan Finkelstein brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to his Berkeley-based catering business. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and cooking instructor at San Jose State, Finkelstein says he brings “a New York attitude and Bay Area sensibility” to his work. His roots in Queens are evident in his traditional kugels, but he rounds out his menu with Middle Eastern– and Israeli-inspired dishes.

Park Avenue Catering, based in Cotati, is the only certified green caterer in Napa and Sonoma counties. They have worked with Carbonfund to offset their carbon footprint, compost nearly everything, and provide sustainable seafood and local ingredients. “We’ll take our contemporary, cutting edge trendy menu,” says event planner Denise Kramer, “and adapt it to kosher.”

Too Caterers, the kosher division of Continental Caterers, is a winner in both San Francisco and the South Bay. Local organic produce and meals for the health conscious are a staple of their services, and the leftovers are earmarked for Second Harvest. Too Caterers pride themselves on being able to fit with today’s economic and social climate. “You just change yourself,” says caterer Wendy Kleckner, “and you turn yourself inside out like a pretzel to do an event that’s making them proud, at a more affordable level.”

Coming in second place were Wine Country Kosher Catering in Santa Rosa, Dina’s Kosher Catering in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods and Milk and Honey in Foster City.

First Place

 

San Francisco/

South Bay/Peninsula

Too Caterers

(650) 322-4189

www.continentalcaterer.com

 

East Bay

Alan Finkelstein Catering

Berkeley

(510) 845-8275

 

North Bay

Park Avenue Catering

Cotati

(707) 793-9645

www.parkavecater.com

 

Second Place

 

San Francisco

Dina’s Kosher Catering

(650) 827-1309

www.dinaskoshercatering.com

 

East Bay

Oakland Kosher Foods

(510) 839-0177

 

South Bay/Peninsula

Milk and Honey

Foster City

(650) 212-6455

 

North Bay

Wine Country Kosher Catering

Santa Rosa

(707) 206-8686

 

Non-kosher caterer

Noshing and joshing are inseparable parts of the party experience. The palates and senses of our readers have voted for these non-kosher caterers as setting the standard in service and quality.

Continental Caterers is a favorite in San Francisco and the South Bay/Peninsula. The company has remained on top by re-inventing itself and focusing its business practices to fit the economy, environment and community. Continental looks for sustainably farmed food, organic produce and local growers, and donates extra food to Bay Area charities. “I always send home beautiful leftovers, but I mark the rest for Second Harvest,” says caterer Wendy Kleckner. “I let them know that Jewish caterers take care of the community, not just our community.”

Italian Colors, in the Montclair district of Oakland, is a restaurant whose reputation shone so brightly by word of mouth alone that they were asked to offer catering as well. “We’re a cut above on service,” says chef partner Alan Carlson. “Just the little extra touches to let them know we really appreciate their business.” For example, Italian Colors provides a pizza oven for b’nai mitzvah, always has an owner present and only uses its own employees, never hiring out.

Delicious Inc. has been catering for Marin for the past 35 years. Considering their clientele, it comes as no surprise that Delicious was the first certified green caterer in the county. “We work with Marin Organics and the agricultural land trust, and we go to the farmers market,” says partner Theresa Hammond. “The food is of a high quality, very delicious, and presented beautifully.”

In second place were Carrie Dove Catering in San Francisco, Jasmine Catering in Berkeley, JW Catering in Menlo Park and A Catered Affair in Santa Clara.

First Place

 

San Francisco & South Bay/Peninsula

Continental Caterers

Palo Alto

(650) 322-4189

www.continentalcaterer.com

 

East Bay

Italian Colors Restaurant

Oakland

(510) 530-0465

www.italiancolorsrestaurant.com

 

North Bay

Delicious Inc.

(415) 453-3710

www.deliciouscatering.com

 

Second Place

 

San Francisco

Carrie Dove Catering

(415) 460-9995

www.carriedovecatering.com

 

East Bay

Jasmine Catering

Berkeley

(510) 845-4378

www.jasminecatering.com

 

South Bay/Peninsula

JW Catering

Menlo Park

(650) 324-1165

www.jwcatering.com

A Catered Affair

Santa Clara

(408) 727-6480

www.acateredaffair.com

 

Photographer

Scott Lasky has endeared himself to the Bay Area as a photographer through personal attention and a relaxed demeanor. “I don’t get stressed out, so I don’t stress the client out,” Lasky says. “I keep the client very relaxed at the event, so that they have more natural smiles — they’re not all stiff and formal for the photograph.”

Another source of pride is the fact that his business is a one-man show. “I don’t have other shooters that I send out. I do all the parties, all the temple photos. I’m the one who comes to the meeting to meet with them,” Lasky says.

Lasky started doing photography part time in 1984, and has operated full time since 1993. “I want them to feel like that by the end of the party, I’m not just an employees — I’m part of the party and part of the fun,” Lasky says.

Pointing and shooting to second place was Nadine Samuels.

First Place

 

Bay Area

Scott Lasky

(888) 363-0654

www.laskyphoto.com

 

Second Place

 

Bay Area

Nadine Samuels

(510) 841-3656

 

Videographer

 

Stuart Sweetow of Audio Video Consultants in Oakland has been in videography for 25 years, at the most important moments in the lives of thousands of families. “Through the medium of video we’re able to document a particular life cycle ritual and preserve it so that tradition can be replicate throughout the generations,” Sweetow says, “Prior to having video it was pretty much through storytelling that people carried on ritual and traditions.”

In addition to unobtrusive and realistic event shooting and top-of-the-line editing services, Sweetow also can provide a number of specialized services like family history documentaries, montages and highlight reels.

Sweetow is academically dedicated to his craft, as well: He used to teach about videography at U.C. Berkeley extension, and has had over 100 articles published in video magazines.

Coming in second place was Esther Andrews.

First Place

 

Bay Area

Stuart Sweetow

(510) 839-2020

www.avconsultants.com

 

Second Place

 

Bay Area

Esther Andrews

(408) 858-0020