Presented (mostly) without commentary and in no particular order, our favorite utterances from the July issue of San Francisco's most exclusive news magazine. This month's theme is: Summering, prepping for Fall Galas, some best-of lists and the exaggerated death of luxury. Observe:

  • "Back to our optimistic world view: the energy level has begun to percolate in the Bay Area—it’s summer and time to plan for the upcoming fall events. I might even have to pinch myself… luxury is not dead, as predicted. Galas are selling out quickly and fabulous parties are in the planning stages as I write this. I’ve caught a lot of fascinating people haunting the tuxedo and gown departments, and I notice the jewelers are smiling. If you haven’t booked your hair and makeup appointments yet, you’ll be sorry." - Publisher Lois Lehrman's Letter to Our Readers.

  • "Yachting is a luxury sport, known as 'a hole in the water into which you pour money.' Just as women don’t tell husbands how much they spend on shoes and 'procedures,' yachtsmen don’t tell wives about varnish costs, electronics upgrades, or about their decision to buy a couple sets of new sails for the summer racing season.

    Yachts are referred to as 'she' and 'her,' and many boats are named 'Mistress.' Yacht upkeep, however, is far more expensive than having a mistress (usually). Monthly dockage and yacht club dues alone can run as much as mortgages, and a powerboat can burn through many hundreds of gas dollars just for an afternoon spin around the Bay." - America's Cup reporter Sandra J. Swanson in the "How Many Does She Sleep?" Yachting Update.

  • "This time of year also means bracing oneself against the wine and food police. They are sure to insist upon only rich, red wines to go with all that spicy, delicious barbeque. Perhaps you’d like a 15 percent alcohol, zesty zinfandel? Or, a 95-point cabernet? Yikes! Just thinking about it gives me first-degree burns in my mouth." - Wine writer Ed Schwartz' "Super Suds Fourth of July" guide to beer snobbery.

  • "For many of us, going to 'the country,' means heading to the wine country. Both the Napa and Sonoma valleys are about an hour from San Francisco, so it’s no wonder many San Franciscans call the wine country their 'home away from home.' For those of you who want us to name names, the list of summertime residents includes Kate Kelly and Tom Klein; Ann and Bob Fisher; Anita and Ron Wornick; Kay and Frank Wood; Sloan and Roger Barnett; Dede Wilsey; Ken Fulk; Usha and John Burns; Carolyn and Alex Mehran; Maria Manetta Farrow; Michael Polenske; Ricky Serbin; Summer Tompkins and Brooks Walker." - From noted etiquette expert Lisa M. Grotts' guide to summering outside of the city, "In Wine the Truth, In Country the Proof!"

  • "The quality and sturdiness of this Fiat are both very evident. Drivers feel reassured that it has a spare wheel and tire—missing from Porsches and other pricey cars today. The Fiat also has a real ignition key, unlike more costly cars that have one of those electronic non-key keys―which are too easy to forget or misplace. Further, all the controls are well arranged and easy to operate. Did I say I like this car? I’m trying to rationalize buying one—tough to do because we already have five cars for a two-driver household. Still, I might find a reason!" - Car collector Martin Swig's review of the new Fiat 500 in "A New Star is Born".

  • "Wow Piccino" - James Stolich's caption to a photo of Piccino's new Dogpatch location in a Taste section column titled, "Destined for Greatness".

  • "That same year [1921] Hollywood and San Francisco were connected off-screen, too, when the then-superstar comedian, Fatty Arbuckle, gave the film industry one of its most notorious scandals in showbiz history. The actor’s short visit to the St. Francis Hotel ended with a very dead starlet in the bedroom, actress Virginia Rappe." - Movie Critic Jan Wahl's "Movies Starring the Bay Area" feature.

  • "On a less bubbly note, I feel compelled to address the unfortunate news that the city has forced the Fairmont Hotel to sell its landmark building. Since the Gazette and Nob Hill are intrinsically linked, I cannot ignore this development, and I must tell you that I think our city officials have made a major blunder in adopting the short-sighted position of the unions." - also from publisher Lois Lehrman's Letter to Our Readers.

  • "The nominations are in, everyone has been consulted, and we have found that style, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. With that said, we are happy to share the names of these natty and notable dressers with you, both dames and dudes. With so many fashionable San Franciscans to choose from, we probably overlooked a smart and sophisticated someone—so we tip our hats to everyone who has been out and about this past year gracing society, and the pages of our magazine." - Introduction to the 8th Annual Best Dressed List. The winners were: Angelique Griepp and Jim Herbert.

Five selected winners of Nob Hill Gazette's Best of the Bay Area Categories:

  • Best 2010 Private Party (Under 200 Guests): Dorothy & Ken Paige's Holiday Party.
  • Best Doorperson: William May at the Fairmont
  • Best Catering Company: McCall's
  • Best Food Network Star: Brian Boitano [What? No sympathy vote for Guy Fieri and his stolen Lamborghini?]
  • Best Operatic Mezzo-Soprano: Frederica von Stade