Sondra Bernstein to ‘step back’ from Girl & Fig operations - Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Posted: 01 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST

Sonoma restaurateur Sondra Bernstein announced on Monday that she has "taken a step back from all operations" in the Girl & the Fig restaurant group.

Bernstein made the announcement March 1 in a newsletter to customers. Bernstein said she will retain her ownership stake in the company and continue in an advisory position, while John Toulze, current president of the restaurant group, has taken over the reins as the company's new managing partner and will continue to handle day-to-day operations.

"We've been talking about this for a few years," said Toulze, 46. "And there was never going to be a great time to make that transition, but we haven't run as a normal company for a while now so this felt like the right the time to do it."

The Girl & the Fig made national headlines in February when former server Kimi Stout said she left her job at the restaurant last September after being told she could no longer wear a Black Lives Matter face covering while at work. The Plaza restaurant closed temporarily in the wake of the controversy, after threats were made to the building and staff. The restaurant reopened a week later.

Bernstein, 61, started her restaurant company in 1997 in Glen Ellen, with the help of two of her brothers and 17 employees, including Toulze. Over the past 23 years, the company grew to 240 staff members and included additional restaurants, a food truck, a country store with cottages, a catering company with an event space as well as a food product line and two cookbooks.

Bernstein said in the announcement that she is looking forward to continuing to manage the Sonoma Fig Foundation, her nonprofit organization dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs in farming, food and wine, as well as managing the philanthropic goals for the company.

Her new website, sondra-bernstein.com, provides a hint as to how the preternaturally busy restaurateur may fill her new free time in 2021. The site is filled with hundreds of photos taken by Bernstein in Sonoma and during her travels as well as watercolors and blog posts.

Bernstein indicated in the announcement that "this is the right time for a personal change. Not only do I look forward to my next chapter (whatever that may be) but also can't wait to visit family and friends, eat and drink in restaurants and finally get out of my house in the daylight hours."

The restaurant group includes the Girl & the Fig restaurant on the Plaza in Sonoma, the Fig Café & Wine Bar in Glen Ellen, the Fig Caters, Fig Food online and the Suite D event venue in Schellville.

Reached by text on Monday, Bernstein told the Index-Tribune said she wanted the focus to be on Toulze going forward.

"Because Sondra and I have been partners for so long, in some ways this doesn't change anything and in other ways it is a big deal," Toulze told the Index-Tribune on Monday.

"It will be hard because Sondra has done such an amazing job with the brand and she has always been the public face of the restaurants, but she isn't going to disappear altogether," he said. "You can count on that."

Upon hearing the news of Bernstein's stepping down, colleagues and fans of the restaurant took to Facebook with accolades and reminiscences.

"When you were first getting started... you immediately inspired me," said Michelle Finn, who subsequently launched a bread baking business. "I loved that you never had an ego, always stayed true to yourself, and didn't care what others thought. You inspired me back then, and continue to, today."

"Congratulations to John on guiding the FigShip on a daily basis! And to Sondra for taking the Big Leap off the FigShip," wrote culinary educator and author Mary Karlin. "I know you both will carry on with great creative strength. You both have been strong influencers in my culinary career in Sonoma County."

8 Candles That Look As Good As They Smell - View the VIBE Toronto - viewthevibe.com

Posted: 26 Mar 2021 01:47 PM PDT

Spending more time at home is nothing new. We've been living this pandemic life for over a year now and it's become our new normal. At the beginning of COVID, folks everywhere were undertaking home reno projects and making their spaces as nice as possible since we're basically been stuck inside most of the time. But what can you do if you aren't in a place to undergo a reno or home update? It sounds crazy but a great and incredibly non-committal way to give your home a little boost is to light a candle. A new scent is a brilliant way to impart new vibes and freshen things up. Plus, if you're condo living and you ever have to cover up some not-so-great smells like last night's curry, you can thank me later.

These candles not only smell amazing, but they look so freaking chic. Believe me, if I'm going to put something on display in my condo, it better look stylish and fierce and these candles will tick all the boxes.

See also: All The Products I've Re-Purchased As A Beauty Editor

Here are 8 candles to buy that look just as good as they smell!

Boy Smells Polyamberous

From the deep scent to the gorgeous greeny-metallic colour of the candle, Polyamberous by Boy Smells is one of the most stunning candles I've ever laid my eyes on. The smell is truly intoxicating and it (literally!) lights up the room. Even when it's not lit it emits a warm and homey fragrance that feels so comforting and cozy.

Apothegeri Light & Love Soy Candle

Inspired by family, this candle by Toronto-based brand Apothegeri is all about spreading love. It's scented so beautifully with rose, vanilla, lavender, and frankincense. These small-batch, hand-poured candles are made in Parkdale and they're so cute with the minimal packaging. They'll truly have pride of place no matter where you choose to display it. Plus, you'll be supporting an independent local business which is super important these days.

Goop Beauty Scented Candle: Edition 03 – Incense

Goop certainly has a reputation for it's candles with interesting names but this one is a little less 'out there.' With a spicy and woody vibe, it's deceptively simple but it still fills the room with its aroma. It has notes of juniper, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon for the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.

Bastide Figue D'Été Candle

Transport yourself to Provence through this candle that's fresh and woody. With notes of fig leaf and cassis, the vibe here is musky, cozy but still light and tantalizing. The candle itself is stunning with its amber-coloured glass and chic pink label.

Goutal Paris Une Maison de Campagne Candle

Dreaming of escaping to a country garden? You can through the scent of this Goutal Paris candle. In addition to its gorgeous shape and colour, this candle emits a beautiful blend of blackcurrant, redberries and roses.

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir and Peony & Blush Suede Fragrance Layered Candle

We all have our go-to Jo Malone candles but these layered candles combine our faves to create a unique blend. This one combines the iconic Pomegranate Noir with Peony & Blush Suede and the result is truly mesmerizing. The candle itself is a showpiece with its two-tone design and the scent will continue to evolve as you burn through the alternating layers of wax.

Voluspa Blackberry Rose Oud Candle

If romantic scents are your thing, you'll want to spark this Blackberry Rose Oud candle from Voluspa. You'll fall in love with the warm, fruity sweetness from blackberries mixed with floral rose notes and warm oud. Once you've lit the candle, the warm glimmer of the flame illuminates the delicate embossing of the jar. Plus, you can even use the jar after the candle's gone for jewellery and storage.

Mala the Brand Chai Candle

There's nothing we love more than a hot cup of chai tea but with this candle from Vancity-based Mala the Brand, you can enjoy the scent anytime you fancy. The blend of clove, cinnamon and vanilla is classic and so warm and inviting. The minimalist vibe is so cool and we love the metal detail as well.

Featured Image: Apothegeri

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