October 28, 2008

Found out that the Tunnel Top’s owner, Ludovic Racinet, and his bartender of eight years, Michael Spike Krouse, are buying the ~MADRONE LOUNGE~ in the Western Addition. They should be getting the keys sometime in December, and will be changing the name to Madrone Art Bar. Other changes: it will be free (no cover), the music format will get some tweaks, and the cocktails will feature fresh juices, but they said the drinks won’t be too highbrow, or lowbrow, either. Spike said they plan to keep and add to the artsy vibe, both on the walls, and in the cocktails, too. There won’t be any cosmetic changes the first few months, they just want to move in, check things out, let the good things stay, and let the rest evolve. They said they look forward to joining the stellar line-up of businesses on the Divis corridor. 500 Divisadero St. at Fell, 415-241-0202.

Just heard Jonny Raglin of Absinthe is going to be consulting on the bar program for ~DOSA FILLMORE~: he will launch the program, create the list, and train the bar staff. The opening is looking like mid-November, permits pending. 1700 Fillmore St. at Post.

Over in Laurel Heights, the old G Bar has closed, and will reopen as ~SWANK~ at the end of November. Anthony Laurino is leading the redesign of the space, which will play off the retro look of the adjoining Laurel Inn hotel, but without being “retro cheesy.” Instead, it will be sexy, classy, and stylish, with cool period-piece lighting, deep colors, and a quality cocktail menu. The plans are to be open six nights a week. 488 Presidio Ave. at California.

This Wednesday October 29th, ~ALICE FEIRING~, the blogger and author of “The Battle for Wine and Love: Or How I Saved the World from Parkerization,” will be at biondivino for a book signing and something a little fun, too. More from Ceri of biondivino: “We are planning a very interesting event for our first book-signing... Something that relates to the authors voice about wine... Somewhat of a compare/contrast, but I can't let you in on the secret just yet—you’ll have to wait 'til Wednesday, but I can tell you this: we are going to pour something very different this night... and it is not Italian... We'll be pouring 2 very different white wines and 2 very different red wines—brown bagged... It's Halloween—I’m feeling devilish... Alice will be reading from her book at 6pm and then open for discussion. People like to challenge Alice and opinions run strong... so bring an open mind and your copy of her book if you'd like to have her sign it for you. We will have books available here $25, covers the tasting and a copy of Alice's book, or if you have a copy already, you can enjoy the tasting for $10.” 6pm–8pm. 1415 Green St. at Polk, 415-673-2320.

This Thursday October 30th is ~TASTING THE GREAT WINES FROM ARGENTINA~, from Salta to Patagonia, with more than 200 wines and 30 wineries present. 6pm–9pm, $40 per person. In addition, 50% of the $40 ticket will be donated to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women Cancer Programs. To purchase tickets, please call 800-338‐7819 x 4, or email rsvp [at] bluelifestyle [dot] com. Fort Mason Conference Center, San Francisco.

~ARLEQUIN WINE MERCHANT~ is hosting a NorCal Pinot event on Thursday November 6th, with wines from August West, Freeman, Halleck, Harrington, MacPhail, Peay, Sandler, Skewis, and Toulouse. They will also be serving gourmet food from the café: charcuterie, cheese, and a few different appetizers. 5:30pm–8:30pm. $35 advance (plus $2.50 service fee), $45 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased on the website. All featured wines will be available for purchase at special event pricing. 384 Hayes St. at Gough, 415-863-1104.