Stop the presses. And hold the phone. It’s true, ~PRESS CLUB~ actually made it through the red tape and has opened. There’s plenty of wine to taste in the 9,000-square-foot space, from eight wineries in all, including Hanna, Chateau Montelena, Miner, Saintsbury, and others. There is also a bite-sized menu of dishes, both savory and sweet, designed to be paired with the wines. Press Club is just around the corner from the Four Seasons, on Yerba Buena Lane. Yes, near the cream puff headquarters. Tasting Room hours are Mon–Thu 2pm–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm, and Sun 11am–6pm. 20 Yerba Buena Lane at Market, 415-494-2000.
There’s a new happy hour on Fridays, ~LOOK OUT WEEKEND~ at 111 Minna, with the tasty Ichi catering! Not only will there be sushi on offer, but there will be an open bar hosted by Peroni and Fernet from 4pm–5pm and 7pm–8pm, DJs, and art. Sounds like trouble to me. There is a small cover charge: $3 before 6pm, $5 after. Every Friday, 4pm–9:30pm. 111 Minna at 2nd St.
A few bar shifts: ~JACKIE PATTERSON~ is no longer behind the stick at Orson and will be the mixologist/bar manager at Zinnia when it opens in mid October or so, and ~THOMAS WAUGH~ has left the Alembic; in fact, he’s left San Francisco for New York. Jordan Mackay says on the Buzzed blog that Waugh will be picking up some shifts at two of my favorites, PDT and Death and Company.
Mmmmm, bubbles. North Bay bubble lovers, don’t miss this ~FEAST WITH DR. CHAMPAGNE~ and chef Nathan Lockwood of Fork Restaurant in San Anselmo on Thursday October 9th. The menu: Course One, albacore tuna and roasted red pepper involtini with caper berries and micro-herbs, 1999 Laurent Perrier Millesime Brut, 52%Chard, 48% Pinot Noir, Tours-sur-Marne; Course Two, mezzaluna (pasta) of duck and guinea hen, Romangola sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs, NV Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix, 100% Bouzy Pinot Noir Rose Saignée; Course Three, potato-crusted black cod with sautéed Brussels sprout leaves and shallots, 2002 Deutz Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime, 100% Chardonnay, Ay; Course Four, boneless braised beef short ribs on Yukon gold potato puree with celery and baby vegetables, 1996 Bruno Paillard Brut Millesime, 48% Pinot Noir, 52% Chard, Reims; and for the Dolce course, chocolate torta Barozzi with mascarpone cream. Cost per person, including tax and gratuity: $150. Seating is limited to only 30 very tasteful, responsive, and excitable diners. (Hey, that’s what it said!) 7:30pm. Payment is required in advance to reserve your seat(s). Your personal check or cash in Dr. Champagne’s hands ensures your place at the table. Please snail-mail your check immediately, if not sooner to:
Jerry Horn, Dr. Champagne
60 Corte Ortega #10, Greenbrae, CA 94904
Questions, need further info? Email Jerry at drchampagne [at] comcast [dot] net. Fork, 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo.
Just because this usually sells out quick, I thought you should have a heads up that ~THE JOY OF SAKE~ is coming to San Francisco on October 23rd, at the San Francisco Design Center. Tickets are $75 in advance, or $85 at the door (or call 888-799-7242). 6pm-8:30pm. 101 Henry Adams St.
