April 28, 2009

Opening this Friday May 1st is ~TRIGGER~, the latest Greg Bronstein bar project. Designer Craige Walters reportedly re-did the former Jet/Detour (oh, the days) plus an adjoining space into a completely new look described as SoHo loft meets Hollywood Regency. There will also be Black Card memberships (I have been hearing a price ranging from $500–$750, uh, is this 2009?) that will include table and bottle service, complimentary valet parking, and a VIP restroom (no word if it comes with a special mirror). Happy hour lounge and food service, daily 4pm–10pm, club from 10pm–2am. 2344 Market St. at Castro, 415-551-CLUB.

~BACAR~ has decided to continue with Sunday brunch service, and is offering bottomless Bloody Marys made with Lotus vodka. Sundays from 10am–2pm. And did you know on home game days, you can show your ticket stub to enjoy a Pabst and a burger for $8 in the main bar? 448 Brannan St. at 3rd St., 415-904-4100.

~1300 ON FILLMORE~ has launched happy hour Mon–Thu 4:30pm–6:30pm, with $5 well drinks, $5 house wines, $3 draft beers and $3 sparkling wine in the bar and Heritage Lounge. 1300 Fillmore St. at Eddy, 415-771-7100.

~GRAND CAFÉ BAR~ has a revitalized look, refreshed interior, a new chef (chef de cuisine Sophiane Benaouda), and more. His all day bar menu highlights Southern French classics with a lighter twist, including salt cod beignets and pissaladière, plus hearty brasserie dishes like beef bourguignon or steak frites paired with a beer or glass of wine for $18; there is also a renewed focus on desserts. The 3–7 happy hour is, you guessed it, Mon–Fri 3pm–7pm with drinks and appetizers priced $3–$7. Jacques Bezuidenhout and Danielle Kuzinich just designed the cocktail list. 501 Geary St. at Taylor, 415-262-0100.

Ruby Wine, ~SLOW CLUB~, and Serpentine are celebrating the release of 2008 rosé wines for the month of May. It all starts with a rosé release party at Slow Club hosted by Ruby Wine on Sunday May 3rd, 4pm–7pm. You can taste several wines and enjoy some nibbles for $20 per person. Kids are welcome and free. For the entire month of May, get discounted prices on 2008 rosé wines at Ruby Wine, Slow Club, and Serpentine. Slow Club, 2501 Mariposa St. at Hampshire, 415-241-9390.

More rosé: mark your calendar for ~PINK OUT! SF 2009~ from the Rosé Avengers and Producers on Tuesday May 12th at Butterfly Restaurant. This extensive walk-around tasting will feature 40 classic still and sparkling international rosés, accompanied by tasty appetizers from chef Robert Lam and chill DJ grooves. The event is 6:30pm–8:30pm. $35 online advance; $45 at door, if available. (NOTE: this event has sold out in advance every year.) You can purchase tickets and see the line-up of wines here. Pier 33 (The Embarcadero at Bay St.).

After hosting a few beer dinners at the ~MONK'S KETTLE~, they have decided to do them regularly. The first Wednesday of every month they’ll host either a four- or five-course beer pairing dinner featuring a craft brewery. A representative of the brewery will be on hand to talk about the beer (a brewer if possible). The next one will be Wednesday May 6th with Oskar Blues from Lyons, CO. You can see the menu (regular or veggie) and more details here. $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Monk’s Kettle is also about to start a cask beer program as well, so watch for that. 3141 16th St. at Valencia, 415-865-9523.

I recently took a peek at Aussie ~MATT SKINNER’S~ latest book, Heard It Through The Grapevine, and it looks like he’ll be in town signing books at Book Passage in the Ferry Building at 6pm on Thursday May 7th. It’s a friendly intro book for fledgling winos.