What’s Cookin’

(Sponsored): Find the Tastiest Corned Beef at Whole Foods Market

2010-03-10T00:09:27Z

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by having a feast with the best corned beef in NorCal from Whole Foods Market stores! We’re making our own traditional corned beef right in the store using Country Natural Beef brisket and bottom round, locally-sourced spices, and our secret blend of brine and pickling spice. The meat comes from small family farms and is raised on a vegetarian diet, without antibiotics or added growth hormones, for the most flavorful, tender corned beef this side of the pond.

Don’t miss out! Pre-order your corned beef or brisket now from your local Whole Foods Market. Want to test your Irish luck? Just stop by the store starting March 10th to pick one up. Only available while they last!

Georges Soon Opening Its Doors

2010-03-09T23:00:14Z

This week marks the soft opening for ~GEORGES~, located in the former London Wine Bar space in the Fugazi Building—they plan and hope to be officially open and live on OpenTable on Monday March 15th. As I mentioned in a post last year, chef and co-owner Elias Bikahi (Nook, Caffe Sapore, Sapore Catering, and he started Valentina) is partnering with Leo Lippi on the project. The 55-seat restaurant will be focused on serving sustainable seafood, including a raw bar up front and at a 10-seat bar, plus local produce, and other sustainably raised ingredients (the partners have a close relationship with a family fish market and numerous farms). Bikahi will be working with Amanda Hamilton in the kitchen.

The lunch menu will be tailored for quick service since they’re smack dab in the Financial District—I’ll have details on what’s on the lunch and dinner menus next week. The owners want the business to be as green and sustainable as possible, which includes offering house-filtered water instead of bottled. The look is definitely modern but not stark due to the bright, Granny Smith apple-green counter. The front entrance features wine towers with the building’s original brick wall visible behind it, and there’s a second wine tower at the back of the room. The dining tables and the wooden panels on the walls (which make it look a bit Scandinavian) are made of reclaimed wood sourced from McCloud, near Shasta. And the ceiling now features a skylight, previously hidden by the three false ceilings they removed to raise the ceiling height.

Lunch and dinner will be served Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, and perhaps Saturday service will start later. The space will be available for private events on weekends and is business-meeting-friendly (it has a projector and screen). There is also a catering component to the business (there is a second kitchen downstairs). As for the bar, they are launching a sherry club during the afternoon (between lunch and dinner service), and the bar manager, Rene Dominguez, who was at Quince and Boulevard, will be doing a house tonic, syrups, and featuring organic gin and vodka. In addition to the full bar, there will also be around 70 wines and nine beers on tap (none by the bottle). As for the name, it looks like there were a lot of Georges in the family, so the name is an homage to them (although it’s meant to be pronounced like the singular French name of “Georges”).

There's Now a Chef for Comstock Saloon

2010-03-09T23:00:13Z

Was thrilled to learn the chef for the upcoming ~COMSTOCK SALOON~ is Carlo Espinas, whom some of you may recognize from Piccino, Bar Jules, and currently Camino. I spoke with co-owner Jeff Hollinger, who said the menu will focus on some classic San Francisco saloon-apropos fare, like a pot pie, pickled items (vegetables, eggs), a variety of seafood cocktails (crab, oysters), and good bar snacks (he’s currently working on some fried favas—you know the kitchen crew is gonna love that, not). The dining room is shaping up to be larger than originally thought, with around 80-90 seats total. Look for an upcoming hardhat column with all the details on the space and build-out. They are currently pushing for mid-April.

Hustle & Flow

2010-03-09T23:00:12Z

I don’t think many tears will be sniffed over the closure of Craig’s Place in the Mission, which is now opening as ~EBB & FLOW~ this Wednesday. Chef-partner Vincent Schofield (Boulevard, Sundance Kitchen, Willows Inn on Lummi Island in Washington) has partnered up with the owners, Craig and Tony Dropalas. After a brisk remodel, they are going to be open for dinner this Wednesday, and starting lunch on Thursday. The “fine diner” menu will highlight sustainable West Coast seafood, with oysters, crab Louie, and, as Schofield said, “other classics done right.” There will also be four daily specials for dinner based on what’s freshly caught, plus a ribeye and a burger on the menu. Brunch will kick in the weekend of the 20th, with dishes like a house Benedict made with grilled sourdough, spinach, and tonnato sauce, and a Nova Scotia breakfast of fish cakes, eggs, and beans (Scofield’s co-chef is David Vogler, who hails from Nova Scotia—they both met as line cooks in the Boulevard kitchen).

Look for 12 West Coast beers on the menu and a selection of wines chosen by sommelier Rob Perkins of Boulevard. There are 40 seats, with four at a counter. To be expected, there is now some nautical decor, including nets, buoys, and a large fishing chart of the San Francisco Bay. Hours will be Mon-Fri 11am-10pm and Sat-Sun 9am-10pm when weekend brunch begins.

Pica Pica Opening in the Mission Mission

2010-03-09T23:00:11Z

Visitors to the Oxbow Public Market in Napa may have tried the tasty arepas and other Venezuelan street food bites at ~PICA PICA MAIZE KITCHEN~. In early April, Pica Pica is launching a second restaurant in the former Mi Lindo Yucatan Space on Valencia here in the city. Owner-executive chef Adriana Lopez Vermut is collaborating with her father on the menu of arepas ($7.99); cachapas (imagine a corn pancake quesadilla; $8.99), and maize’wiches ($7.99), grilled corn breads stuffed or layered with meat, cheese, and vegetable fillings. There will also be empanadas, yucca fries, and sweet plantains (all $3.99), plus soups ($3.99 small, $5.75 large) and salads ($3.75). Quench your thirst with their coconut lemonade, and more “adult beverages” will be available when their beer and wine license kicks in. The 30-seat space is currently being renovated, and will feature a predominantly glass storefront facing both streets, plus orange tiles, and wood benches of dark-stained elm. Hours will be 10am-10pm daily. 401 Valencia St. at 15th St.

Radius Now Honing In on This Friday

2010-03-09T23:00:10Z

After hitting some ever-common snags with inspections, ~RADIUS~, the new cafe-restaurant opening in the former Julie’s Supper Club, is now targeting this Friday. I got to check out the final menu, and it looks really good. Like: tarragon egg salad on polenta bread ($8) with little gem lettuce, and homemade bread-and-butter pickles. Yeah, that sounds freaking good.

Here’s what I said last week in case you missed it: the cafe has 30 seats, and Kelly Hughett’s menu includes seasonal soups, salads (duck confit, quinoa), sandwiches (truffled egg, pork loin and cheese), hot-pressed panini (eggplant, pork belly), and starting at 5:30pm, there will be a nightly pasta dish, fried chicken, and a vegetable torte. Ingredients will be sourced from within a 100-mile radius, hence the name. The hours will be 11am-11pm Sun-Wed, and 11am-1am Thu-Sat.

A New (Point of) View at The Waterfront

2010-03-09T23:00:09Z

Got a call from Erik Hopfinger, the chef formerly at CIRCA, Spoon, and the opening chef for butterfly when it was in the Mission (and he was a contestant on Top Chef). He is now the new chef at ~THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT~, starting tomorrow. He will be easing his own dishes onto the menu, which is focused on sustainable and high-end seafood. Also learned David Nepove is going to be making his delicious cocktails at the bar. Pier 7, The Embarcadero at Broadway, 415-391-2696.

Wakey Wakey (Without Eggs But Some Bakey)

2010-03-09T23:00:08Z

A tablehoppin’ reader writes in: “~PIZZETTA 211~ (my neighborhood happy place) is now open for Blue Bottle Coffee and pastries 7am-11am. They had croissants yesterday (and said they will likely have them every Thursday) and delicious kumquat marmalade buttermilk scones today. The guy ahead of me in line walked half a block away, then came back for a second scone. Unlike the pizza line in the evening, the coffee line is short, for now.” Kumquat marmalade buttermilk scones—that doesn’t sound crappy, not one bit.

Bi-Rite Creamery Moves "Our Treat Day" to March 18th

2010-03-09T23:00:07Z

Not. So. Fast. Looks like ~BI-RITE CREAMERY~ is moving “Our Treat Day” to NEXT week, Thursday March 18th, from 4pm-8pm. Seems the window had some construction glitches. 3692 18th St. at Dolores, 415-626-5600.

Leave the Gun. Take the Tubesteaks.

2010-03-09T23:00:06Z

The hot dog trend continues: open as of last night is ~THE DOGFATHER~, the latest spot to join the local hot dog revolution. Eater originally sniffed up the trail, noting that it was opening in the former North Beach Lobster Shack. There are a variety of sausages on the menu, from bratwurst to hot links to wild boar, plus fries (french, chili-cheese, curly), corn dogs, and a ton of toppings (peppers, onions, mushrooms, relish, sauerkraut, avocado, and bacon). While a basic dog will put you back $3, you might not want to say “no” to the Dog Corleone: an Italian sausage which comes loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella for $7.50. Another is the Little P, a garlic sausage with crispy bacon, onion, cheddar cheese, and chili ($7.95, heartburn is complimentary). The owner is local boy Tommy Balistreri, who grew up in North Beach and noticed the neighborhood needed a good “salciceria.” As the menu says, “We’ll make you a sausage you can’t refuse.” Woof. Hours are 11am-11pm daily.

Gimme a Sandwich... And a Scoop

2010-03-09T23:00:05Z

Now, here’s a shop that has all your bases covered: ~DAGWOOD & SCOOPS~, offering 12 flavors of Mitchell’s ice cream ($2.65/scoop) and sandwiches. Like Paulie’s Dagwood, a honkin’ sandwich packed with roast turkey, ham, salami, roast beef, Swiss, provolone, marinated peppers, “Dag sauce” (yes, a secret sauce), artichoke hearts, lettuce, and tomato. Day-am. It’s $10. (There are some other sandwiches available, too). And since the sandwiches require all those meats, you can also get meats sliced to go.

Owner Paul Araj was at Say Cheese in Cole Valley for 13 years (his family owns it), so he is also selling five soft and ten hard cheeses, plus crackers, sauces, jams, and other sundries. There aren’t any seats, but he is planning to install a small window counter. Hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. 2736 24th St. at Hampshire, 415-814-3459.

Feeling Bitter

2010-03-09T23:00:05Z

Cask, Bourbon & Branch, and Elixir are hosting some upcoming events where it’s all about being bitter, check it out:

Thursday March 11th, 2pm-5pm
The Bitter Truth Q&A with Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck at Cask.
Bitters will be for sale at this time.

Thursday March 11th, 7pm-9pm
The Truth About Bitters
Elixir Cocktail Club
Stephan Berg, Founder of The Bitter Truth Bitters
$30 with cocktail samples and bitters tasting.
Tickets. 30 tickets only!
German mixologist and bitters expert Stephan Berg presents his acclaimed line of cocktail bitters long available only in Europe and newly introduced to the U.S. Mr. Berg will discuss his path to creating The Bitter Truth and a bit of the story behind the history and significance of bitters in classic and contemporary cocktail culture. He will be joined by Elixir’s H. Joseph Ehrmann in preparing some cocktails to sample, as well as in conducting a tasting of The Bitter Truth products.

Friday March 12th 6pm-9pm
Bitter Truth Cocktail Party
Stephan and Alex bartend in the Russell’s Room of Bourbon & Branch.
RSVP required; space is limited.
Contact.
The cocktails are not free, but the event is exclusive to those on the guest list. Entry to the room is free, and sampling of the bitters themselves is free. Stephan will have the Creole bitters with him—these are not available in the U.S., so they will be extra special for the event.

Tuesday, March 23rd 8pm-11pm
Scrappy’s Bitters Cocktail Party
Miles and Chris from Scrappy’s Bitters bartend in the Library of Bourbon & Branch.
RSVP required; space is limited.
Contact.

New Café on Crissy Field

2010-03-09T23:00:04Z

I guess I was out to lunch on this one, but there’s a new café open in the new Crissy Field Center called the ~BEACH HUT CAFÉ~. The menu has coffee and tea, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, smoothies, and Straus frozen yogurt, perfect for all those dog and power walkers. Open daily 9am-5pm. 1199 East Beach (in the East Beach parking lot), 415-561-7761.

Bar Basic: Grand Opening Tonight

2010-03-09T23:00:04Z

Tonight, Tuesday March 9th, is the grand opening of ~BAR BASIC~, which was formerly the Gallery Lounge in SoMa. New owner Mike Limanon repainted the space, re-did the seating, flooring, and lighting, and put in a new bar top. Look for more of a neighborhood vibe, and fewer private parties. Did someone say party? According to LiveSOMA, tonight’s grand opening party is going to feature “a night full of drink specials and raffle prizes. The drink specials include 2 for 1 beverages from 6-7pm and starting at 7pm, they’re giving away 150 tacos with the first 150 drinks ordered. They’ll also hold an hourly raffle starting at 6:39 pm, with the grand prize being awarded at 10:39 pm.” On non-grand opening nights, Tuesdays and Thursdays mean $6 drink specials, and happy hour runs from Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm. Hours Mon-Wed 4pm-12am, Thu-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 7pm-2am, Sun 5pm-12am. Hours may change, especially around baseball season.

Pre-St. Patrick's Day Planning

2010-03-09T23:00:03Z

No, this is not about putting your liver in basic training in preparation for March 17th, and I’m not here to remind you Shamrock Shake season is here. Just a few things to note: ~ARIZMENDI BAKERY~ will be featuring their Irish soda bread, but encourage advance orders. Since we’re discussing baked goods, this post from Tasting Table about the off-the-menu griddle cakes at ~JOHN CAMPBELL’S IRISH BAKERY~ also got me excited for a carbed-up Irish breakfast.

And then ~THE LIBERTIES~ is doing a five-day celebration, starting with an Irish brunch on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th; Irish beer flights on Monday the 15th: Kilkenny, Harp, Smithwick’s; things get more serious on Tuesday the 16th with flights of Irish whiskey; and then on the big day, they will be open at 10am, with live music all evening, expanded outdoor seating, and general partying mayhem. Traditional St. Patrick’s Day dishes will be served for late lunch and dinner all week long (corned beef and cabbage, cottage pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and more). 998 Guerrero St. at 22nd St., 415-282-6789.

The City Is Awash in Burgundy This Week

2010-03-09T23:00:03Z

Oui, darlings, it’s the ninth annual ~LA PAULÉE DE SAN FRANCISCO~, and the winos are celebrating. Here’s some background on the posh event: “Over the years, Burgundy aficionado Daniel Johnnes has dedicated himself to educating consumers and collectors about the fine wines of Burgundy, promoting the rich cultural traditions of the region and bringing many of the humble winemakers out of their cellars and into the spotlight to share their superb wines. Starting in the late 1980s, Daniel began hosting wine dinners with some of the most sought after winemakers from Burgundy—opening bottles that most collectors had never seen outside of France. Thanks to growing interest and a desire to reach a broader audience of Burgundy enthusiasts, Daniel introduced La Paulée to New York in 2000.

“La Paulée is Daniel Johnnes’ homage to La Paulée de Meursault, a convivial Burgundian fête where growers and their guests come together to celebrate the harvest. It is the third component to “Les Trois Glorieuses” or “The Three Glorious Days” in Burgundy that are made up of a formal dinner at Clos de Vougeot, the famous charitable auction of Les Hospices de Beaune, and the lively Paulée de Meursault where winemakers bring bottles from their cellars to toast the harvest. The first La Paulée de Meursault took place in 1923 in a local restaurant in Meursault and was hosted by Jules Lafon, the great grandfather of Dominique Lafon, winemaker of Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault and regular participant in Daniel Johnnes’ La Paulée. The tradition continues and the annual La Paulée de Meursault is one of the most sought-after tickets for lovers of great Burgundy.”

In 2010, the 9th annual La Paulée will be held in San Francisco. Guests at La Paulée de San Francisco will delight in the newest releases and older vintage wines from over forty of the most sought after Domaines of Burgundy. The event gives collectors with deep cellars a unique opportunity to enjoy their most prized bottles with the winemakers themselves, other collectors, top sommeliers from across the country and chefs. Daniel Johnnes himself is often seen at the event carrying around a Methuselah of an outstanding wine to toast with guests and winemakers, thanking them for joining him at La Paulée!

Host chef Michael Mina will welcome 3-star Michelin-rated chefs Daniel Boulud and Michel Troisgros to collaborate on an unforgettable menu (I am quite sure). The beneficiary of this year’s charity auction held during the Gala Dinner will be Meals On Wheels of San Francisco.

Here is the list of attending growers from Burgundy: Domaine Marquis D’Angerville ٠ Domaine Charles Audoin ٠ Domaine de L’Arlot ٠ Domaine Ballot-Millot ٠ Domaine Bonneau du Martray ٠ Bouchard Père et Fils ٠ Domaine Brocard ٠ Domaine Chevalier Père et Fils ٠ Domaine Blain-Gagnard ٠ Domaine Alain Chavy ٠ Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy ٠ Domaine Bruno Colin ٠ Domaine Philippe Colin ٠ Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey ٠ Domaine de Courcel ٠ Joseph Drouhin ٠ David Duband ٠ Domaine Dujac ٠ Domaine D’Eugenie ٠ Domaine Faiveley ٠ Domaine Michel Gay et Fils Domaine Pierre Gelin ٠ Camille Giroud ٠ Domaine Jean Grivot ٠ Domaine Michel Gros ٠ Maison Louis Jadot ٠ Domaine des Comtes Lafon ٠ Domaine de Lalande ٠ Domaine Leflaive ٠ Thibault Liger-Belair ٠ Domaine Long Depaquit ٠ Domaine Matrot ٠ Domaine de Montille ٠ Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils ٠ Domaine Denis Mortet ٠ Domaine Michel Niellon ٠ Domaine Perrot-Minot ٠ Patrick Piuze Domaine Ramonet ٠ Domaine Michèle et Patrice Rion ٠ Domaine Georges Roumier ٠ Domaine Tollot-Beaut ٠ Domaine de la Vougeraie ٠ a presentation from the Hospices de Beaune ٠ and a selection from the Village of Meursault.

The program of events is pretty sick (uh, $1,400 gala dinner), so I’ll let the website tell you all about the super-luxe events. But one thing to note is the Grand Tasting on Saturday March 13th from 12pm-3pm ($275).

Hunky Luke Wilson Spotted Around Town

2010-03-09T23:00:03Z

Not only did I miss one but TWO opportunities to see cutie ~Luke Wilson~. He was spotted by a tablehopper reader at the bar at ~THE SLANTED DOOR~ during lunchtime last Friday. He also stopped by ~E&O TRADING COMPANY~ on Friday night. It was reportedly his second time at the restaurant recently: this time, he had a beer with a girlfriend.

(Wired) Errata

2010-03-09T23:00:02Z

An eagle-eyed reader (perhaps a very caffeinated one) wanted to let me know that the upcoming Oasis Café’s upcoming selection of ten kinds of individual drip coffees to choose from isn’t as novel as I thought: Rodger’s Coffee & Tea in the Mission does even more. I called and learned they offer 24 kinds of coffee (regular and a couple decaf), with the ability to mix and match. Yup, that option could have some people wired for weeks. 3520A 20th St. at Mission, 415-829-3405.

(I also just learned Sweet Jo’s in the JCC offers 10 kinds as well.)

Domaine Christian Moreau at the Moss Room

2010-03-09T23:00:02Z

Next Tuesday March 16th, the ~MOSS ROOM RESTAURANT~ is having a special four-course tasting menu of local, sustainable seafood paired with Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru wines from Domaine Christian Moreau. Both executive chef Loretta Keller and Christian will be there for tableside discussion at this seafood and Chablis event. This dinner will be the first in their “Dinner with the Winemaker” series, kicking off this month.

Hot Mimbo Action

2010-03-09T23:00:02Z

Okay, this sighting was pretty priceless. Actually, a sighting and eavesdropping. ~Christy Turlington~ and ~Ed Burns~ reportedly spent the weekend in Napa, stayed at ~BARDESSONO~, and dined at ~BOTTEGA~ on Friday. GastroMania tweeted these hilarious “overheard” quotes: “OH Ed Burns, sitting next to us, with Christy Turlington, about a croque madame: ‘if it’s just a ham-n-cheese sandwich, why the fancy name?’” [Ed. note: Well, it’s not just a ham and cheese sandwich, that would be a croque monsieur, but no matter.]

And then this gem: “It’s getting better and better. OH Ed Burns, after being told that the coffee he is drinking is Blue Bottle: ‘how do you spell that?’” [Ed. note: Maybe all that French made him nervous and he forgot he knew English.]

An Evening with Tony Abou-Ganim at the Starlight Room (and at Elixir)

2010-03-09T23:00:01Z

In honor of the release of Tony Abou-Ganim’s new book, The Modern Mixologist, he will be returning to The Starlight Room for a one-night celebration. Cocktails and edible treats will be available during this night of Harry Denton and Tony’s reunion. USBG guest bartenders will include Starlight alums Jacques Bezuidenhout and Marcovaldo Dionysos. Proceeds from the evening’s book sales benefit the Bartender’s Relief Fund, a local non-profit committed to helping bartenders in times of need.

One more appearance: Tony will be swinging by ~ELIXIR~ to hang out with Dale and Jill DeGroff for Lush Life Night, an event to benefit The Museum of the American Cocktail and The Barbary Coast Conservancy of the American Cocktail. Saloon artist Jill DeGroff will be sketching caricatures and signing her book, The Lush Life, while guest bartending legends Dale DeGroff and Tony Abou-Ganim will be slinging drinks with Elixir’s own H. Joseph Ehrmann and Nick DesEnfants. $10 donation requested at door, but not mandatory. Books will be discounted 50% off, with $5 of every sale going to the benefit. All tips and a portion of cocktail sales will benefit the Museum and the Conservancy. Kicks off at 8pm at Elixir (3200 16th St. at Guerrero.)

Readin' About Eatin'

2010-03-09T23:00:01Z

For those who like to eat and read and read about eating, I thought you’d dig this lineup of upcoming events:

Gordon Edgar, author of Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge, will be holding a launch party for his new book on Saturday March 13th. Gordon is the head cheese buyer at Rainbow Grocery, so you know there will be cheese! From Marin French Cheese Company, to be exact, plus other local artisanal cheesemakers. (Here’s a book mention from Amy Sherman). The party kicks off at Amnesia Bar from 6:30pm-8:30pm, and is being sponsored by the Modern Times Bookstore. 853 Valencia St. at 20th St.

This Saturday March 13th, you can also come to Omnivore Books to listen to Tara Austen Weaver from 3pm-4pm. She will be reading from The Butcher and the Vegetarian: One Woman’s Romp through a World of Men, Meat, and Moral Crisis.

~GASTRONOMICA~ editor in chief Darra Goldstein will be in the San Francisco Bay Area from March 31st-April 2nd for a series of events commemorating the 10th anniversary of the award-winning Gastronomica: The Journal of Food and Culture and the publication of THE GASTRONOMICA READER (UC Press). Here’s where you can find her (I won’t mention the Harold McGee event that is sold out).

Gastronomica at Fog City News
Fog City News
Thursday April 1st, 12:30pm-2pm
455 Market St. at 1st St.
Meet and greet with Darra Goldstein, chocolate tasting.
This event is free and open to the public.

Food, Culture and Identity in a Global Society: A Conversation with Darra Goldstein
Friday April 2nd, 12pm
335 Dwinelle Hall on the U.C. Berkeley campus.
Moderated by Barry Glassner, Professor of Sociology at USC and author of The Gospel of Food.
This event is free and open to the public.

More Hotness Around Town

2010-03-09T23:00:01Z

What is it with all the cute actor sightings? A reader spotted ~Peter Krause~ at ~QUINCE~ a couple weeks ago. The reader reports, “I also think he was with Lauren Graham, his co-star in Parenthood. They had drinks at the bar and then left. Fun!!” Well, it would be more fun if he was single at the bar and asking for my number, but whatever, it’s cool.

and we have lift-off.

2010-03-09T23:00:00Z

Oh yeah, it’s not every Tuesday I start my day with a glass of sparkling bubs (some crisp Iron Horse ‘03 blanc de blancs, if you must know), but then again, it’s not every Tuesday your first book goes on sale [insert “holla!” here]. You can find my book at a variety of wonderful bookstores around the Bay Area and of course online (but please support your local bookseller if you can!).

I’m looking forward to my first book signing this Friday at Booksmith in the Haight (7:30pm), where we’ll have orange-cardamom-ginger with saffron gobs from Gobba Gobba Hey, cardamom-ginger chai (and another surprise flavor) from The Chai Cart, and naturally there will be bubbles! Hells yes. Some of my very favorite local bubs, in fact: Domaine Carneros Pompadour Rosé. Purr.

I have a bunch of events and book signings coming up that are far from “bookish,” from a Cooks with Books lunch at Perbacco to a demo/event at Bloomingdale’s with Humphry Slocombe to a chocolate tasting at Fog City News to a two-martini lunch at Bix. (Hint: you also might want to look at the ViniPortugal event since admission for the first 150 people comes with a free book!) You can peek at the complete lineup here—I will be updating it each week with more details and info. Hope to see you out and about.

Suffice it to say, things have been a little crazy this past week, so I’m sorry to bail on writing a review for this issue. Too. Much. Going. On.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the encouragement, support, enthusiasm, and generosity you have shown me along the way—I am counting my lucky stars that I am a published author. I’m here to report: it really feels good—I think it’s just sinking in. (It’s also a fab honor to start the day with a clever mention about your book in Daily Candy—I cracked up over “Where should I take Lois?”) Who knew this former little bookworm—let’s just say my favorite way to spend my allowance was on books—would eventually have her very own book? So many writers dream of this opportunity. I know I did. Thank you, Ten Speed Press!

So with that, I want to dedicate this issue to my loving parents—they worked so hard to ensure my sister and I had a good education, a happy home, healthy lives, and grew up believing we could accomplish anything. I am profoundly grateful.

And now… it’s time to party! Pop!

In the Field with Daisy

2010-03-09T23:00:00Z

Daisy Chow, tablehopper editorial assistant extraordinaire, has this field report from an event I had to call in sick to (thanks Daisy!): “If you ever get a chance to play hooky for the day, I suggest you play tourist in your own city. On a surprisingly sunny Saturday in February, I joined a group of writers, bloggers, and tweeters for the ~BEST OF SAN FRANCISCO STREET FOOD TOUR~, sponsored by Chevrolet, La Cocina, and the San Francisco Street Food Festival. We started off with Blue Bottle coffee from the Ferry Building to warm up—the wind was still whipping at this point. Then we all climbed into brand-spanking-new Chevy cars that were waiting to take us to our first stop, old-school street food at the Fisherman’s Wharf sidewalk stands. We made our way through the off-season crowds to Alioto’s Crabstand to get to the piping-hot clam chowder in Boudin sourdough bowls and ginormous crab sandwiches. Unique, stand-out food? Maybe not. Classic street food? Yes. Sun coming out? Yes!

“Next, our friendly drivers steered us to Let’s Be Frank Hot Dog Stand at Crissy Field for 100% grass-fed beef hot dogs and gorgeous views of the Golden Gate bridge. I liked the idea that the humble hot dog is part of a sustainable food system because it’s made from trimmings that might otherwise go to waste.

“When we reached our third stop, the clouds had caught up with us at the Alemany Farmers’ market. Weather-be-damned, I wanted to eat, but I was so full, I could barely sample the authentic Mexican street food from La Cocina protégé El Huarache Loco. (No food was wasted though ‘cause this starving student took home all the leftover nopales tacos and huaraches.)

“Our last stop was a rendezvous with itinerant food pioneer The Crème Brûlée Cart, conveniently waiting for us in front of La Cocina. There’s always room for dessert, especially if it’s creamy French custard flamed right before your eyes by a surly man in a floppy toque. Between the lavender, coffee, vanilla, and s’mores flavors, saying no was not an option. Just goes to show, playing tourist can be quite the delicious treat. My thanks to the tour organizers! They even sent us home with goodie bags. Score!”

Rose Pistola Cooks for North Beach

2010-03-09T23:00:00Z

Honorary Chair Francis Ford Coppola and hosts Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Jeannette Etheredge announce the next ~ROSE PISTOLA COOKS FOR NORTH BEACH~. Here’s more from the announcement: “One of San Francisco’s most festive and soulful neighborhood parties takes place Sunday evening, April 11th in the heart of North Beach. Every year for the past nine years, people have gathered in the basement of Sts. Peter and Paul church for a bountiful family-style dinner, served at long tables, and accompanied by wines by Francis Coppola Wines. Past events have included poetry readings by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, orchestration of the cooks by Francis Ford Coppola, film screenings, dancing, and surprises of every sort.”

“This year, Rose Pistola, the venerable restaurant named after one of North Beach’s most beloved barkeeps and cooks, will cook a dinner in the spirit of its namesake. The evening benefits North Beach Citizens, A Neighborhood Approach To Homelessness, founded by Francis Ford Coppola.”

Radius (May) Open By This Weekend...

2010-03-02T23:00:16Z

~RADIUS~, the new cafe-restaurant opening in the former Julie’s Supper Club is in the final stretch of inspections this week, and may even open on Friday. The cafe has 30 seats, and Kelly Hughett’s menu includes seasonal soups, salads (duck confit, quinoa), sandwiches (truffled egg, pork loin and cheese), hot-pressed panini (eggplant, pork belly), and starting at 5:30pm, there will be a nightly pasta dish, fried chicken, and a vegetable torte. Ingredients will be sourced from within a 100-mile radius, hence the name. I’ll have pics and more details next week about the interior, patio, and the beer and wine list once things are official, stand by. The hours will be 11am-11pm Sun-Wed, and 11am-1am Thu-Sat.

Ame Gets a New Executive Chef

2010-03-02T23:00:15Z

Since covering for Greg Dunmore after his departure in October, Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone have brought on Orlando Pagan as the new executive chef at ~AME~. Pagan was most recently the chef de cuisine at Silks Restaurant, and has also worked at Restaurant Gary Danko and Ducca Restaurant. Under the guidance of Sone, together with influence from Pagan, Ame will launch its spring menu on March 5th, showcasing new, seasonal items alongside Ame’s signature dishes (like Lissa’s Staff Meal, which is thankfully staying put). Meanwhile, over at the Mandarin Oriental, executive chef Rick Bartram will continue to oversee the hotel’s entire culinary program, which includes catering, in-room dining, VIP service, MO Bar, and Silks restaurant. A replacement for the chef de cuisine position has not been named.

The tablehopper on Tour

2010-03-02T23:00:14Z

The Tablehopper’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco: Find the Right Spot for Every Occasion is now on sale, so I’ll be making a variety of appearances at all kinds of events around the Bay Area. You can keep track on my Google calendar, and here’s the current lineup below.

Details will be added in coming weeks about each event, like, what we’ll be eating and drinking (oh you know it!). Looking forward to seeing you out and about!

Friday March 12th, 7:30pm, free
Book Signing at Booksmith
1644 Haight St. at Cole, San Francisco
Event details.
Treats: orange-cardamom-ginger with saffron gobs from Gobba Gobba Hey, and cardamom-ginger chai (and another surprise flavor) from The Chai Cart. Pompadour Rosé bubbles provided by Domaine Carneros.

Thursday March 18th, 7:30pm, free
Book Signing at Books. Inc. Chestnut St.
2251 Chestnut St. at Pierce, San Francisco
Event details.

Wednesday March 24th, 6pm, free
Book Signing at Omnivore Books
3885 Cesar Chavez St. at Church, San Francisco
Event details.
Andrew Mariani of Scribe will be pouring his delicious 2008 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Sonoma.

Thursday March 25th, 7pm, $18 members/$20 public*
Moderating an Event with Michael Chiarello (and Book Signing)
Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, 200 North San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Event details.
*Mention tablehopper.com in the comment area when purchasing tix online and get the member price.

Wednesday March 31st, 12pm, $100 (includes book, tax, tip)
Cooks With Books Lunch at Perbacco
230 California St. at Front, San Francisco
Tickets/event details.

Thursday April 1st, 7:30pm, free
Book Signing at Kepler’s Books
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Saturday April 3rd, 2pm, free
Demo with Humphry Slocombe/Signing at Bloomingdale’s
845 Market St. at 7th St., San Francisco

Monday April 5th, 5pm-7pm, $35 ($50 door)
Book Signing at Wines of Portugal—A World of Difference Tour 2010
Westin St Francis, 335 Powell St., 32nd Floor, San Francisco
Tickets/event details. First 150 ticket buyers get a free copy of my book!

Thursday April 8th, 7pm, $5 members, $10 general
18 Reasons Event (with bubbly and bites from La Cocina producer Onigilly)
593 Guerrero St. at 18th St., San Francisco
Event details.

Saturday April 10th, 12pm, free
Book Signing/Meet and Greet at The Pasta Shop
The Pasta Shop (inside Rockridge Market Hall), 5655 College Ave., Oakland

Friday April 16th, 12pm-2pm, free
Book signing and chocolate tasting at Fog City News.
455 Market St. at 1st St., San Francisco

Saturday April 17th, 2pm, free
Book Signing at Read Booksellers in Danville
Blackhawk Plaza, Danville

Thursday April 22nd, 6pm, free
Book Signing at The Tyler Florence Shop
59 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley

Thursday April 29th, 12pm, $67 members, $77 non-members
Two-martini lunch with the tablehopper at Bix
This event is part of the Bay Gourmet/Commonwealth Club program. Moderated by Jordan Mackay.
56 Gold St. at Sansome, San Francisco
Tickets and more.

Saturday May 22nd, 4pm, free
Book Signing at Readers’ Books Sonoma
130 E. Napa St. at 1st St. E., Sonoma

READY TO BUY NOW? HERE YOU GO.

The Return of Bi-Rite Creamery

2010-03-02T23:00:13Z

Almost on schedule, ~BI-RITE CREAMERY~ is due to reopen this week (perhaps tomorrow, Wednesday March 2nd) after a short closure, with expanded room inside (formerly three seats, now ten!). And it’s time to loosen the belt one more notch: there’s going to be a new soft-serve ice cream window, featuring chocolate, vanilla, or the classic swirl, all made from Straus Family dairy; future plans for custom soft-serve flavors are in the works. You’ll also be able to pick up the bakeshop’s cupcakes, cookies, pies, and galettes from the window.

The Creamery family invites the public to visit next week on Our Treat Day on Thursday March 11th: anyone who makes a purchase at Bi-Rite Market across the street will be entitled to one free small soft-serve ice cream at the new window from 4pm-8pm—their treat! 3692 18th St. at Dolores, 415-626-5600.

Guest Chefs Doin' It Up at the Tacolicious Stand

2010-03-02T23:00:12Z

Starting this Thursday March 4th, some of the city’s best chefs will have their own taco on offer at the ~TACOLICIOUS~ market stand every week for the next six weeks. Here’s the lineup: this week (March 4th) is Chad Newton from Fish & Farm, serving slow-poached then seared octopus, confit potato, smoked crema, lightly pickled cabbage, lime, and cilantro plus (bonus item), a pineapple and celery agua fresca.

 Then on 3/11 is Craig Stoll of Delfina,  3/18 is Alex Ong of Betelnut (reportedly doing pork leg braised in duck fat, topped with fish sauce infused with chiles, anise, and Szechuan peppercorns, hold the freaking phone),  3/25 is Mark Denham of the soon-to-open Bishop,  4/1 is Liza Shaw of A16, and  4/8 is that wild man Robbie Lewis (formerly of Bacar and Jardinière) who is doing conejo al guajillo con ensalada de fabas (guajillo chile-braised rabbit with fava bean and radish salsa, cotija cheese).   

Una Pizza Napoletana Comes to SoMa

2010-03-02T23:00:11Z

Kudos to Grub Street for sleuthing some details on Anthony Mangieri’s upcoming pizza project in San Francisco, ~UNA PIZZA NAPOLETANA~. According to the post, his wood oven from Naples is already installed and he’ll hopefully be open by May—while the exact location isn’t revealed, he’ll reportedly be quite close to Thad Vogler’s upcoming Bar Agricole. Also noted: his pies clock in around $20, so start saving your yuppie food stamps.

In the meantime, in case you never saw this gorg video about his pizza-making, Naturally Risen, check it out. May can’t get here fast enough.

Orson Brunch Begins This Weekend

2010-03-02T23:00:10Z

This weekend marks the kickoff of brunch at ~ORSON~, which is going to look swell during the daylight hours. Full bar, check. The hours are also civilized: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm. I got a preliminary peek at the menu, which promptly made me wish it was Saturday already (prices might shift a little, FYI). Here goes: brown butter-vanilla donuts, jam, and glaze ($8); Betty’s pancake, a Dutch-soufflé with citrus marmalade ($11); ramen with egg and pork—hey, it’s what’s for breakfast! ($13); beef and beet hash with two poached eggs and horseradish cream ($15); and a rösti roll with scrambled eggs, scallion, chili, and paneer ($14).

For those who want lunch-y items, there are items like a pastrami and Swiss sandwich ($12), a fried chicken sandwich ($12), and of course the Orson burger ($15), but there’s now a new burger coming to the table: the OTT Burger, with fried egg, cheddar cheese, house-made kimchee ketchup and tonkatsu mayonnaise, served with duck fat fries ($16). Yeah, get an extra napkin for that bad boy. Sorry I didn’t include any of the healthy items, like the house-made granola. What can I say, I’m hopeless that way.

Heart Adds Brunch--Three Days a Week

2010-03-02T23:00:09Z

Yup, you read that correctly: ~HEART~ is now offering brunch on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (yes, industry folks, Monday!) from 11am-3pm. You know those sick minds from Kitchenette are doing up some fierce vittles (like braised duck scrapple with pear and cabbage slaw, 4505’s maple bacon breakfast sausages, and Berkshire pork blade steak with poached eggs), plus there are oysters on the half shell (Hog Island Sweetwater oysters with radish-coriander mignonette), bubbles, and musica. Salivate over the menu here.

Lunch Special at La Mar

2010-03-02T23:00:08Z

~LA MAR CEBICHERIA PERUANA~ is now offering a new lunch option: almuerzito peruano (don’t worry if you can’t remember what it’s called, or how to say it—it means “Peruvian small lunch”). For $17, you’ll get a sampler plate of four of the restaurant’s most popular items, plus dessert: cebiche classico (California halibut in a classic leche de tigre, red onions, habanero), arroz chaufa (fried rice with chicken, scallions, ginger, crispy egg noodles), empanada choclo (stuffed with Peruvian corn “choclo,” butter, and aji amarillo), ensalada nikei (mixed greens with bell peppers, green papaya, jícama, soybeans, pickled carrots and daikon, crunchy quinoa, Peruvian purple corn, and rocoto vinaigrette), and for dessert, arroz con leche (rice pudding with fresh strawberries, sweet balsamic reduction, and butterscotch sauce).

One More Lunch Special

2010-03-02T23:00:07Z

Also learned ~GRACIAS MADRE~ in the Mission is now offering a $10 lunch special every day from 11am-3pm. On the menu: a handmade organic tamal made with heirloom corn, filled with butternut squash and green chiles, covered with a spicy enchilada sauce and cashew cream and served with rice and beans. The other is an Acme torta filled with black beans, rajas (grilled poblano strips), cashew cheese, avocado, pico de gallo, and romaine grilled in garlic oil, served with a small Caesar salad and spicy pickled vegetables. Items subject to change, but this is what’s available now—based on the dinner I had a few weeks ago, it seems like it’s a substantial lunch.

Time to Get Schooled

2010-03-02T23:00:07Z

Zach Pace, a local wine and spirits expert (he has written a wino piece for tablehopper here) is hosting a four-part wine series at ~18 REASONS~ exploring all the major wine regions of the world. The series will allow students to view the diverse world of wine through varietal expressions of terroir and style. Each class will include six wines.

Here’s the lineup: Class One (3/8): Three Pinots; Class Two (3/22): Don’t Forget Merlot; Class Three (4/5): California’s Other Wines; and Class Four (4/19): Killer Cabs. You can take one, or all four, you over-achiever, you!

New Café Coming to the TenderNob

2010-03-02T23:00:06Z

Call it a quirky sort of destiny: David Williams of Hooker’s Sweet Treats will be opening a café in the TenderNob named after his addictive sea salt-orange cream-dark chocolate caramels. (The name is sure to make some neighborhood folks wonder exactly what kind of business he’s running.) Williams will also be offering espresso service, courtesy of Sightglass Coffee. The new space will allow him the room to do both manufacturing and selling of his caramels, in addition to potentially offering a monthly meal (let’s hope his gumbo makes the first appearance). While it’s a petite space (there will be room for about 14 folks), it’s sure to be high on style, since he’s working with Rod Hipskind and Kelly Ishikawa of The Perish Trust. And in case you’re wondering what was in the space previously, it was Chez Momo. He’s hoping for a late spring opening, perhaps mid- to late April—I’ll keep you posted. 442 Hyde St. at Ellis.

"In Residence" at Quince

2010-03-02T23:00:06Z

Next Tuesday March 9th, the ~QUINCE~ “In Residence” Wine Dinner Series continues with winemaker Markus Heinel of the J. Hofstätter estate. He will lead guests through a tasting of the many varietal wines he crafts in the shadow of the Italian Dolomites: the single-vineyard “Kolbenhof” gewürztraminer; the white blend “Vigna San Michele”; the luscious lagrein “Steinraffler”; and, perhaps most notably, two vintages of the acclaimed “Barthenau” pinot noir—one of Italy’s reference-point pinots. Hofstätter’s lineup offers a unique glimpse of what’s possible in the varied terrain of the Alto Adige (the Alpine, German-speaking region that was ceded to Italy after World War I). The winemakers of the Alto Adige have been creating some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, both white and red, even though they still do so in the shadow of more famous regions such as the Piedmont and Tuscany. Here’s an opportunity to see just how great these wines really are. Chef Michael Tusk will create a six-course menu uniquely suited to each wine’s distinctive profile.

And mark your calendar, because on Monday March 22nd, Quince will host agronomist Elisa Scavino of Paolo Scavino Winery, whose Barolos from the famed “Bric del Fiasc” cru will be the focus of a spectacular vertical tasting. If you are a lover of Piemontese wines, and Barolo in particular, here’s a chance to taste four landmark vintages (1990, 1998, 1999, and 2000) from a benchmark producer. 6:30pm. $295 per person (exclusive of tax & gratuity); includes six-course meal with wine pairings.

Keeping Tabs on the 212

2010-03-02T23:00:05Z

In case you were curious about former A16/SPQR chef Nate Appleman’s project in New York with Keith McNally, ~PULINO’S BAR & PIZZERIA~, here’s an update on Grub Street New York for you, menus included.

Say Cin Cin at dopo with Gunther Di Giovanna

2010-03-02T23:00:05Z

On Sunday March 7th, dopo in Oakland is hosting organic wine producer Gunther Di Giovanna from Sicily. The family-style menu may change depending on what’s available the day and the week of the dinner, but here’s what’s slated for now: antipasti misti (house-cured smoked swordfish, artichoke conserva, octopus al mattone) paired with 2008 “Gerbino” rosato di nerello mascalese; house-made spaghetti ai ricci (sea urchin) paired with 2008 grecanico, IGT; house-made maccheroni with house-made ricotta, tomato, and Sicilian pecorino paired with 2008 nerello mascalese, IGT; roasted leg of lamb, rib chops, and lamb sausage, plus chicory and potato salad paired with 2005 G & K nero d’avola, IGT; and to finish, house-made gelato with brioche. And yes, I am now hungry and thirsty. You?

Halle Berry Has Good Taste in Sausage

2010-03-02T23:00:05Z

~Halle Berry~ was spotted at the ~FERRY PLAZA FARMERS MARKET~ on Saturday. After touring around the market and checking out the edibles, she decided on the maple breakfast sausage wrapped in brioche from the new Saturday breakfast stand from Ryan Farr of 4505 Meats. She ordered two, one for her and one for her Canadian model beau hunk, Gabriel Aubry, who was with her (and there were two nannies trailing behind).

She was a bit incognito, as much as a gorgeous woman can be, sporting a grey knit cap and of course some fab shades (the description matches these pics from PopSugar), and she was pushing her daughter Nahla in a stroller. Cesalee Farr, Ryan’s Farr’s wife, said her skin and smile were both stunning: “You can see why she’s a movie star.” Another tablehopper reader writes in: “[She] listened to some of the bands playing (seemed pretty into it). She was wearing killer boots and was super gracious, flashing stunning smiles at anyone who got a little excited to see her.” According to this blog post on 7x7, the couple possibly has a new place in Tiburon.

A New Kind of Combo

2010-03-02T23:00:04Z

I know, at first glance, I was like, huh? A 99-cent store and the ~OASIS CAFE~? It ends up that the businesses are next door to each other, almost like a Taco Bell/KFC combo space, but instead of getting an enchirito and a bucket of wings, you can get some aluminum foil and a coffee. Owner Taddesse Haile is from Ethiopia, and quite a lover of coffee. He’s going to be offering what I think is a first in town: ten different kinds of individual drip coffee. There will be sandwiches, juices, and other affordable eats (hours will be 6am-11pm daily). Also in the works: beer and wine, but being budget-minded and all, he said his prices will be like happy hour all day. He expects to open around March 15th. 901 Divisadero St. at McAllister, 415-474-4900.

All Wines By the Glass Are $5 at luella in March

2010-03-02T23:00:04Z

~LUELLA~ restaurant on Russian Hill is celebrating its five-year anniversary by offering all wines by the glass for only $5, Sunday through Thursday, throughout the month of March. You can take advantage of the special pricing in the dining room or at the bar, where the full menu is also served. Take a peek at the current wine list here (note to self: gotta try the wine by Gianni Gagliardo—although I was expecting it to be a Calabrese grape, and not favorita, a grape from the Langhe).

Note: the Powell-Hyde Cable Car line runs right past the restaurant, and there is a parking garage at 1945 Hyde Street near Union (close to Swensen’s Ice Cream).

Olympic Fever Continues

2010-03-02T23:00:04Z

Just last night, ~Jonny Moseley~ was spotted at ~PIZZERIA PICCO~ in Larkspur with his son. He ordered the burrata appetizer, and a Specialized pizza: a margherita with sausage and pepperoni. (Looks like someone’s a meat lover.) It appears there was a decent amount of carbs in that meal—no need to request a dinner roll (his trademark move).

Krasinski In the Mix

2010-03-02T23:00:03Z

One of my favorite pastry chefs EV-AH, Nicole Krasinski, is working with Caitlin Freeman to develop some yeasty sweets for Blue Bottle. Items include new cinnamon buns, savory brioche, and here’s what really got my attention: a stout and currant cake with a caraway and pecan topping, made with stout from local suds outpost Magnolia. The treats are available at all locations but seems to be running out in the day, so the early bird gets the buns. Ahem.