June 3, 2008

Sugar Daddy

2008 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Madonna begged hers to stop preaching and James Brown declared his got a brand new bag.

Sing Pop’s praises with a token of appreciation this Father’s Day.

Give Him the Bird
You may have heard through the grapevine that rosé is the wine du jour, and he’ll be sitting pretty in pink with Arriviste by Blackbird Vineyards (1330 Oak Knoll Avenue, Napa; 707-252-4444). Recently released by one of Napa’s cult favorites, the merlot and cab franc blend will be the most fly in his collection. Toss in a warthog tusk wine opener and monogrammed coaster to spruce up his bar.

Pull a Fast One
Give him the wheel deal with Jim Russell Racing Drivers School lessons at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma (29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma; 800-733-0345). Need-for-speed junkies can burn rubber on a state-of-the-art racetrack with a variety of packages, including a one-, two-, or three-day course.

Be an Open Book
For the man with a sense of potty humor, a copy of What’s Your Poo Telling You makes for laughs in the loo. Shake things up with A Man’s Place Is Behind the Bar for new mixmaster recipes. Get the BBQ guru fired up with Patio Daddy-O.

Hit the Nail on the Head
Pamper Pop with a mani-pedi from The Barber Lounge (854 Folsom Street; 415-934-0411). The trendy SOMA spot for couture coiffure offers an extensive menu of services, including traditional barbering in case bearded papa needs a close shave.

Test the Waters
If he’s yearning for some surf ’n’ turf, wave off his craving with beginner surf lessons from UCSF Outdoor Programs (415-476-2078; outdoors@ucsf.edu) taught by Surf Camp Pacifica. He’ll learn the basics in a two-and-a-half hour group class, including safety and etiquette at Linda Mar Beach (board and wetsuit included).

Road Trip
Show him the way to good grub with dinner at Camino (3917 Grand Avenue, Oakland; 510-547-5035), recently opened by Chez Panisse alum Russell Moore and Allison Hopelain. The rustic space of exposed brick and two 30-foot-long tables (that seat up to 34 peeps) is perfect for the inventive organic menu that changes daily.

Sit Still
Take a load off the overworked with a treatment at newly opened Stillpoint Wellness Center in Cow Hollow (1996 Union Street; 415-441-5659). Straighten him out with everything from holistic massage and acupuncture to chiropractic services and lifestyle coaching. Receive 20 percent off his first treatment for the month of June.

Don’t Be a Dud
Save the golf shirts and neckties for the country club bluebloods and hit up the new John Varvatos (152 Geary Street; 415-986-0138) in Union Square for Mr. Metro. From Ernst Benz watches to the swanky Converse collection, you can make up for your history of lame gifts and errs in judgment.