SMARTY SD: Featuring Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: March 20, 2012 Contact: Lorena Whiteside Nelson Red Coral Public Relations (619) 572-8564 SMARTY UNITES SAN DIEGO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AT EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS Innovative Women’s Networking Group to Socialize March 28 at the Little Italy Restaurant of Guest Speaker Karen Krasne San Diego, CA, March 14, 2012 – SMARTY, a novel organization self-described as “A Network for Women in Business,” has earned the enthusiastic support of acclaimed pastry chef, restaurateur and author Karen Krasne.  As a leading woman entrepreneur, Krasne's desire to contribute to the female business community in San Diego has led her to co-host an early-evening wine and dessert event for SMARTY members and guests at Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy on March 28. To be held 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at 1430 Union Street in one of San Diego's liveliest urban neighborhoods, the SMARTY event will unite women who share a common sensibility more than a demographic, are connectors more than networkers and are free agents, entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial employees.  When SMARTY, founded in Los Angeles by Amy Crosby, decided to establish a presence in San Diego, Karen Krasne was eager to assist the startup group – which has built a strong reputation in Southern California for fostering a culture in which women can connect through a community dedicated to business growth by bringing together women business owners and smart people to share stories, personalities and knowledge that otherwise might not be shared – in launching itself with style. At the “SMARTY SD Master Event: An Evening with Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts,” guests will mingle with Krasne, network while enjoying a glass of wine, and help themselves to a sampling of Karen’s famous desserts.  Following introductions and cocktails, San Diego SMARTY organizer Priscilla Wood will lead a one-on-one interview with Karen Krasne in front of the group; then open the discussion to audience questions.  Karen will share insights into her culinary and entrepreneurial experiences, background and professional challenges and successes through this unique format.  Wells Fargo Private Bank will help to sponsor the social as well as educational affair. SMARTY members will attend for free; the non-member price is $25 per person.  For more information about tickets and/or becoming a member of SMARTY San Diego, click here. What is SMARTY? SMARTY isn’t your typical networking group. It is a conduit for authentic connections and access to other powerful, dynamic women doing great things in the world.  We all want to stay connected to interesting people; but what if connecting was anchored in great programming where you could come hear fascinating stories from visionaries, founders, thought leaders and world-changers? From large scale events that leave you walking on air, to smaller, more intimate gatherings where your ideas get flushed out, your revenue model tightened up, sales questions answered and so much more. It is a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurial women and women in business, a community of like-minded people, who support each other’s risks and celebrate each other’s achievements and a center for inspiration and motivation.  A fountain of resources, information and tools designed to help facilitate business growth. We’re independent.  We’re smart.  We’re innovative.  We are our own bosses.  And we mean business. About Extraordinary DessertsIn 1988, Karen Krasne opened the first Extraordinary Desserts at 2929 5th Avenue near San Diego’s Balboa Park.  Since then, Extraordinary Desserts has become one of San Diego’s most prominent and unique dining establishments and has expanded to include a second location in San Diego’s Little Italy area at 1430 Union Street as well as a line of gourmet products and a robust online store. From the dazzling artistry and sublime taste of its award-winning sweets to the attentive customer service, Extraordinary Desserts has built a strong reputation for its decadent, gourmet dessert creations, elegant eats, and extraordinary experience.  As a result, Extraordinary Desserts is consistently a top pick by critics and readers of both local and national publications and has been featured on national television programming including the Food Network and notable publications including Bon Appetit, The Wall Street Journal, Gourmet, Sunset, Los Angeles Times, Forbes and Pastry Arts. Owner and executive chef Karen Krasne studied at Paris’ best pastry schools. She uses organic ingredients when possible, and adorns each luxurious dessert with locally-grown fresh flowers, her signature edible gold leaf, stunning seasonal trimmings, and sinfully sweet sauces making her creations a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. More information about Extraordinary Desserts can be found at extraordinarydesserts.com.  Extraordinary Desserts, Little Italy 1430 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Phone:  (619) 294-7001 For more information about Extraordinary Desserts or Karen Krasne, please contact: Lorena Whiteside Nelson, Red Coral Public Relations at (619) 572-8564 For more information about SMARTY San Diego, please contact: Priscilla Wood at (760) 777-2696 or priscilla@priscillawood.com

Mark Your Calendar- An Evening with Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts

Happy Friday SMARTYs! What do decadent desserts coupled with an upscale eatery and an amazing female entrepreneur equal?  An Extraordinary experience that's what! On Wednesday, March 28th, SMARTY SD gets the pleasure of sitting down with Karen Krasne, Owner and Executive Chef of Extraordinary Desserts, San Diego’s #1 destination for desserts for the last twenty-two years. Recognized as one of the "Top 10 Pastry Chef's in America" by Forbes Magazine, Krasne’s cakes have graced the cover of Bon Appetit, and she has been featured in the New York Times, Gourmet, Sunset, and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. While yes, she’s an absolute culinary powerhouse (she has two enormously successful locations, a private label-line of “Extraordinary Gourmet” products, and recently published her first book EXTRAORDINARY CAKES) she’s also kind, spiritual, authentic and has an INCREDIBLE story, to boot.
Event Details An Evening with Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts Date: Wednesday, March 28th Time: 6:30-8:30pm Location: Extraordinary Desserts Little Italy 1430 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 All SMARTY Members: Free Non-Members: $25  Learn more and register here Join us for another night of connecting, learning and of course....inspiration. I'll be there early to take advantage of the Extraordinary Cheese Bar...how about you?? Looking forward to seeing you there...	SD Master Event Featuring Karen Krasne               Wednesday, March 28th
For more information about SMARTY please visit www.SmartyPeople.com  Remember, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”  “Desserts celebrate a moment you take to be with people and enjoy life,they provide great joy and laughter and that’s what life is all about.” –Karen Krasne Priscilla Wood SMARTY SD Leader www.SmartyPeople.com  I Facebook: SmartySD    Twitter: @SmartyPriscilla Email: Priscilla@SmartyPeople.com