July 29, 2008

Myles O’Reilly and manager Chris Shelgren have opened ~MCTEAGUE’S SALOON~ in the former Johnny Wok location on Polk Street, just next door to O’Reilly’s Holy Grail. To recap my mention back in May, the saloon is named after the book by Frank Norris, McTeague, (Frank Norris Street is a potato’s throw away), and O’Reilly is keen to keep Polk Street’s literary heritage alive. There are booths, old chandeliers, rustic/saloon-style plank tables with stools, and a 44-foot redwood-topped bar, with 18 taps of primarily West Coast ales and microbrews (although they are currently running 12)—there is also an emphasis on bourbons. Some literary readings and acoustic music are also planned, and there are some saloon-style eats that will be on offer starting next week, like bean-less Southwestern-style chili, and “toasties” (sandwiches, like ham or turkey). On the weekends, the saloon will open at 9:30am for football season, and will have a BBQ menu inspired by the SEC and Big 12 teams playing, so expect pulled pork for southern teams, or even some gumbo when Louisiana is playing. Hours are otherwise noon–2am daily. 1237 Polk St. at Sutter, 415-776-1237.

This Thursday July 31st, H Joseph Ehrmann, the owner of Elixir, is hosting ~FARMERS’ MARKET SUMMER COCKTAILS~, a hands-on class at the SF Bay Club from 6pm–8pm. Club Members: $75, non-members: $85. Order tickets online for this class or future classes here.

Here are some wino events in the East Bay: on Sunday August 3rd, ~JC CELLARS~ is hosting a Summer Beach Party, complete with everything except the beach. Their wines will be paired with light summer fare, such as grilled sausage, and a bruschetta bar. Tucker’s of Alameda will be customizing their very own JC Cellars syrah-flavored ice cream, and Fabrique Delice patés and specialty cheeses will also be available. Rockpile and Stagecoach Vineyard rosés will be poured, plus limited edition viognier from Condrieu & Seyssuel, plus the debut of the 2005 Rockpile Vineyard syrah, and some surprise older vintages. Vermillion Border will be performing lively blues/rock. The party is conveniently located near the Lake Merritt BART station and the Jack London Ferry Terminal. 1pm–5pm. $20 advance tickets or $25 at the door. JC Cellars Winery, 55 4th St., Oakland.

The East Bay Vintners Alliance is hosting the third annual ~URBAN WINE EXPERIENCE~ on Saturday August 9th. This event will feature 15 East Bay urban wineries partnering with local restaurants and food purveyors. The participating wineries and partner restaurants are: Adams Point with Whole Foods, Andrew Lane Wines with Canvas Underground, Aubin Cellars with Adagia, A Donkey and Goat with Franklin Square Wine Bar, Dashe Cellars with Fabrique Delice, Eno Wines with Savory Cook Special Event Catering, Irish Monkey with C'era Una Volta, JC Cellars with Scott's Seafood, Lost Canyon with Montclair Bistro, Periscope Cellars with Bellanico, Prospect 772 Wine Company with Patrick David's Catering, Rosenblum Cellars with Mona's Table, Tayerle Wines with Pappo, Two Mile Wines with Sea Salt, and Urbano Cellars with E-22 Café. New to this year's event will be free limousine shuttle service to and from the Lake Merritt BART station, courtesy of Angelica Limousines. Advanced purchase tickets are $45 online, and admission at the gate the day of will be $60. A ride from the San Francisco Embarcadero Ferry will drop guests right off at the doorstep of the event, and Jack London Square is easily accessible by BART and ferry. 2pm–5pm at the Meadow at Jack London Square, Oakland. (There’s an exclusive tasting for trade and media from 1pm–2pm.)