June 23, 2009

Thanks to our city's electronic ABC permit system, yesterday I noticed what the location of Martin Cate's ~SMUGGLERS COVE~ is going to be, and I didn't even have to suffer through the brain teaser (or hurter) Cate has been hosting (it was designed to reveal the location to those who solve the online puzzle). Since Eater and MenuPages let the cat out of the bag, I'll just link to their sites with the news about the Hayes Valley location since there may still be some folks playing the game who don't want to know the answer. The good news for those still playing the game and who do know the location: per MenuPages, "The location reveal won't affect the contest, Cate said. People still have to solve the online clues in order to win." I'll share more details about the where and when soon.

Starting this Wednesday June 24th, Ronaldo Colli (Americano's bartender who won this year's U.S. Bartenders' Guild Association contest during Cocktail Week), is presenting customers with the opportunity to learn his tricks of the trade. Every Wednesday, Colli will show guests at ~AMERICANO~ how to make his famous $6 cocktails, providing pointers on preparing the Kama Sutra, a margarita, and a daiquiri, just to name a few. Guests can also enjoy $3 antipasti, like marinated mushrooms. Come to Americano between 6pm–7pm each Wednesday and you will receive a complimentary cocktail (based on the week's cocktail). Wednesdays until August 26th. 8 Mission St. at Embarcadero, 415-278-3777.

Want more free drinks? Of course you do. This is why you're even reading the lush section to begin with. A tablehopper reader wanted to point out this little promo at ~TROPISUENO~: bring in five friends for drinks at the bar in the evening, and you (the host) get to drink for free for the entire evening. (Does not apply to parties with dinner reservations.) Time to round up your buddies—and I hear Manuel's margaritas are pretty dang sabrocito. 75 Yerba Buena Lane at Market, 415-243-0299.

It's almost the end of the month-long promo, but I thought you'd like to know that next Monday at ~APERTO~ in Potrero Hill, all of their wines by the glass are half-off. 1434 18th St. at Connecticut, 415-252-1625.

Every Tuesday at ~PISCO LATIN LOUNGE~ is La Escuelita (the "little schoolhouse") with musical host Juan Data showing you the ropes about retro Latino, pop sintetico, old school, and dance nostalgia music from throughout the Spanish-speaking world. There will also be cocktails using Lotus Vodka (with a portion of proceeds donated by Lotus to charity), including a $7 cucumber martini and pom-mojito with vodka, pomegranate juice, lime, and mint. There's also a brand-new parking lot for only $7 all night at the corner of Buchanan and Market Street, a little over a block away. 6pm–11pm. 1817 Market St. at Guerrero, 415-874-9951.