December 23, 2008

I was very sorry to learn local bartender ~TONY DEVENCENZI~ (he works at the Clock Bar) was in a terrible accident last Sunday night when out walking, and has had to undergo some major surgery. He is in stable condition and doing well, but unfortunately does not have health insurance, and will be missing a lot of time from work as he heals. The bar and restaurant industry, and the San Francisco chapter of the United States Bartender Guild have rallied to set up a fundraising benefit for Tony at Enrico’s on Monday January 5th.

Enrico’s has volunteered exclusive access to the entire restaurant, and is donating passed apps (sliders and pizzas) from 6:30pm–9:30pm. While the official hours of the event are 6:30pm–11:30pm, people are encouraged to come later when they get off work, too. The entire bar staff will be USBG volunteers who are donating 100% of their tips to Tony’s fund. (The majority of bar revenue will also benefit the fund.) Reza Esmaili of Conduit and Zare at Fly Trap is managing the event and happy to take inquiries/volunteers. Event organizers are taking donations at the door, and will be selling raffle tickets for restaurant gift certificates, wine, and silent auction items and other prizes, including chef Joey Altman cooking at your home, spirit gift baskets, and collector cocktail books from Gary Regan and Dale Degroff. There will also be music (to be confirmed next week) and a great crowd of folks. I’ll have additional details next week. 504 Broadway at Kearny.

How you can help:
~Attend the event, donate, buy raffle tickets, tip big.
~Donate auction/raffle items (they are looking for spirit, wine, and beer sponsors for the event; monetary donations; raffle and silent auction items). If you or your company has something to donate, please contact Debbie Rizzo of Drink PR: darizzo[at]gmail.com.
~Write a check to the USBG. All proceeds will go to Tony through the USBG Relief Fund, a 501c3 Charity. Checks can be made out to the USBG and are tax-deductible. To make a donation, contact Debbie Rizzo (see above). Here’s wishing Tony a speedy recovery.

Over at ~MAGNOLIA~, growlers are back! What’s a growler? Uh, how about a two-liter German vessel with a ceramic flip top and rubber seal so you can bring your beer home! Cheers is right. That is 67.63 ounces, people, for $25 with beer and $17 for refills. Most beers are available for growler sales, though some seasonal and strong beers are just for pub consumption. Ask your server for more details. Also at Magnolia: they held one cask of 2009 Winter Warmer for Christmas Week, and it was just tapped this Monday. There are also some English cask ales on offer. 1398 Haight St. at Masonic, 415-864-7468.