the chatterbox
the word on the street
the regular
it's about time we met
the lush
put it on my tab
the wino
in vino veritas
the socialite
shindigs/feasts/festivals
the starlet
no photos please

the sponsor
this round is on me

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO Well, is the joke on you, or is the joke on me? Last week, in my April 1st issue, I said it was my last tablehopper, but revealed it was an April Fool’s Day joke in the end of the first paragraph. So no, I’m not going anywhere just yet. But thank you all for the 150-plus emails of concern, kindness, support, and inquiries of “what the hell?” I even got a condolence card in the mail. Awwww.

So the larger question is this: if you’re not making it past the fifth sentence of my petite tomes (would you pay more attention if they were tommes?), why am I even writing this thing? Ha ha! But seriously, you skimmers, look for shorter columns, starting today! Yeah, right. Well, I will try.

Now that we have my faux retirement (I’m going to start bolding more) out of the way, how apropos, let’s celebrate with a humor-related giveaway. Coming up on Friday, April 25th is Comedy for Kids, a big-ticket comedy event hosted by Dana Carvey (choppin’ broccoli!) and friends, preceded by a cocktail reception and a celebrity chef dinner with Daniel DeLong and Margaret Grade, the chef/owners of Manka’s Lodge, plus Gordon Drysdale, and Elizabeth Falkner (Orson, Citizen Cake), and hosted by Joey Altman. There is also an after-party with Joey Altman's band and great food tables from Miette, little laura's sweets, Umbria, and an open bar with specialty cocktails. Pretty swell, no? It’s a huge fundraiser for kids with autism.

I am giving away a pair of tickets to the dinner and comedy show (worth $1,000 each, uh huh!)—just forward this newsletter to three pals (or more, thanks!) and cc luckyme@tablehopper.com when you send it to your peeps—it's best if you explain why you're emailing it to them, and what tablehopper is. I promise I won't be collecting your friends' emails, those will stay private—I just need to keep track that you forwarded it to three or more folks. The deadline to enter is by midnight, Friday, April 11. I will be randomly drawing the winner and will email you to let you know you've won. Good luck!

And now, let’s hop to it,

~Marcia

Wasn’t able to say a peep about this project until after April 1, so here we are: Michelle Mah, formerly of Ponzu, will be the chef at ~MIDI~, a California brasserie-style restaurant moving into the Perry’s Downtown space that just closed last week. Joie de Vivre Hospitality is behind the 130-seat project—it’s in the Galleria Park Hotel. Michael Guthrie (Myth, Bix, Spoon) is handling the redesign, and midi is set to open in fall 2008. In the meantime, Perry’s is moving into the now-closed Faz Restaurant space, and will reopen sometime in June. midi, 185 Sutter St. at Kearny; Perry’s on the Embarcadero, 155 Steuart St. at Howard.

Folks have long-wondered if the cultish ~CAFÉ ORGANICA~ would ever return to its Western Addition digs (there was a pile of drama, and a fire, too), but instead, some French bistro action is moving in! The owners of Baker Street Bistro, Jacques Manuera and his wife Claude Belliot, are taking over the space and will be opening ~CENTRAL PARC~. VERY extensive renovations will soon be underway, so the project most likely won’t open until the end of the year. Will keep you posted on the concept, décor, and menu as those components develop. 562 Central Ave. at Grove.

Eater broke the story that local character Bruno Viscovi of the Istrian ~ALBONA RESTAURANT~ is selling after 20 years in the business. The new owners are chef Samuel Hernandez, who has been cooking at Albona for over ten years, and Viscovi’s nephew, Michael Bruno, who handles the front of house. You can read Viscovi’s goodbye letter here. Ciao ciao, Bruno. 545 Francisco St. at Taylor, 415-441-1040.

Another sale: last week I got a call from executive chef Seth Bowden that Ron Silberstein (Thirsty Bear, Ramblas) has bought ~CORTEZ~ in the Hotel Adagio from the Bay Bread crew; nothing is slated to change. I heard from Bowden that he is really excited about his current menu—I’ll be revisiting and reporting back soon. 550 Geary St. at Jones, 415-292-6360.

After eight years at ~GARY DANKO~, executive sous chef Kolin Vazzoler is leaving for a restaurant in the 650. I’m not supposed to reveal the “where” just yet, but everyone at Gary Danko wishes him the best.

I mentioned a long time ago that a wine bar and café was going to be opening next door to Weird Fish, in the Wang Fat Market space. Well, things are moving forward: the plans are approved, and demo is underway for ~THE CORNER~ (because that’s what it’s on). Timothy Holt of Weird Fish is spearheading the project, and is about to tour around Italia for some research and development, and when he returns, he’ll be finalizing the concept—it’s about six to eight months out. Look for coffee from Four Barrel Coffee, baked goods, outside seating… Oh, and he wanted to mention that Weird Fish is doing breakfast daily now, starting at 9am. 2199 Mission St. at 18th St.

Some of you have asked me where to find chef ~DANIEL HOLZMAN~, most recently at SPQR. I got a call from him last week, telling me he’s the new chef of Chow in Lafayette—his first day is April 14. He’s excited to get back into the kitchen, but for now, he’s enjoying ten days in Argentina, lucky duck. The previous chef is busy launching the new Danvillle Chow that is slated to open in June or July at San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Railroad Avenue, but without the adjacent market like the Lafayette location.

After some minor delays, it looks like the third location of ~MIXT GREENS~ is on target to open on April 15th. 560 Mission St. between 1st and 2nd.

Here’s a funny switcheroo: ~LAVASH~ and ~L’AVENIDA~ on Irving Street are trading places. L’Avenida is already open, and Lavash is reopening today; with the bigger space and additional seating, there will also be more menu items, including appetizers, kebabs, and beef and lamb stews. Open 11am–10pm daily. Lavash, 511 Irving St. at 6th Ave., 415-664-5555. L’Avenida, 507 Irving St. at 6th Ave., 415-681-1246.

I had fun checking out a pal’s happy hour that happens every Wednesday at the Knockout in the Outer Mission: ~GODZUKI SUSHI HAPPY HOUR~. There’s a laid back, eclectic, and friendly SF crowd, and thanks to the wonder duo, Tim Archuleta and Erin Neeley of Ichi Catering (many know Tim from Tokyo Go Go), you can munch some swell sushi specials while enjoying Kirin on draft, or sake, beer, and cocktail specials, plus some rock ‘n’ roll. Place your order with Taka, taking your pick of super-fresh rolls ($4) or nigiri ($3), ranging from shiro maguro to inari, AKA crack tofu, and I can’t wait to try the famed yuzu chicken wings one of these nights. The fave was the specialty nigiri of spicy crab and scallop ($5). They also just started Tuesday Raw Bar Night, with shrimp cocktail, oyster deals, and drinks. Both happy hours have the same timing (6pm–9pm). You can sign up for the weekly menu, reminders, or I recommend hiring Ichi to cater your next event or company lunch at ichicatering@gmail.com. Knockout, 3223 Mission St. at Valencia, 415-550-6994.

Congrats to Joel Huff of Silks who won the ~BATTLE OF THE CHEFS~ at Macy’s Cellar last night against Ian Begg of Café Majestic in “Competition Lobster.” Not like I ever wish any chef ill will, and I very much enjoy Rising Star Begg’s cooking, but after seeing (and screaming) over the 71g of fat in his mushroom soup recipe, I can’t help but wonder if it was some payback from the fitness gods, battling against the gourmet gods. No wonder that soup was so delicious.

Now, for some events. Mmmm, veggies. (The fitness gods are pleased to see that sentence.) Next Thursday you can swing by ~PICCINO~ from 5pm–7pm for a $25 “mystery box” of Mariquita Farm’s delightful organic produce. For details and to order, click here. (Mystery Box Night continues on 5/1 at Pizzetta 211.) 801 22nd St. at Tennessee, 415-824-4224.

Vegetarians, this menu looks extraordinary, and the event sounds quirky-fun. On Saturday, April 12th, ~AN EVENT TO DYE FOR~ will be held at Grandma Mary's Farm in El Cerrito, and Sasha Duerr, founder of the Permacouture Institute is going to conduct a plant-based dyes studio workshop. Following that, there will be a five-course farm-to-table vegetarian dinner from Leif Hedendal using many of the same plants used to make the dyes, with live music by Clark Meremeyer. Sound hippie enough for you? Here is the menu: mache, orach, upland cress, watermelon radish, kumquat, walnut, and Andante chevre; soup of Princess Laratte potato, golden turnip, Knoll green garlic, Star Route baby favas, saffron, and Berkswell; Knoll rapini, dandelion, various kales, black trumpets; Dirty Girl chioggas with puree of stinging nettles; Riverdog asparagus with gold nugget mandarin and Strauss brown butter; Rancho Gordo Tepary beans with red cabbage, avocado, fennel, coriander, sesame, ginger, and hemp; strawberry, young coconut, lemongrass, Blossom Bluff dried stone fruit confit, Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche, maple, Tonka bean. 4pm–10pm, BYOB, $70–$120 sliding scale. (This is a benefit for the Permacouture Institute.) The address in El Cerrito will be included with your RSVP confirmation. RSVP by April 10th to sashaduerr@gmail.com.

In this week’s “the regular,” I am writing up the charming ~LA CICCIA~. In case you want to check out some vittles, the restaurant is hosting a spring lamb dinner on Monday, April 28th. The menu includes vegetables stuffed with lamb, prosciutto and pecorino cheese; Sardinian maccheroni with lamb ragout; roasted baby lamb served with roasted vegetables; poached farro with citrus zest dressed with saba, and of course some vinos. My stomach just growled. $70 per person, including wines, plus tax and gratuity. 291 30th St. at Church, 415-550-8114.
           
Next week, ~OLIVETO~ is hosting its Risotto Dinners, with Aceto Balsamico, Wednesday, April 16th–Thursday, April 17th. It will be a rich, full-bodied five-course family-style dinner with balsamico vinegars from infancy to antiquity, and beautiful risotto, made to order. The menu includes a platter of Oliveto salumi; shaved spring vegetables with Castelvetrano olives and Oliveto aceto balsamico; risotto in bianco with old aceto balsamico; cotechino sausage braised in saba with English peas and Bianca di Spagna beans; and for dessert, strawberries with black tea granita and middle-aged aceto balsamico. $65. 5655 College Ave., Oakland, 510-547-5356.

Now, for the winos: ~RANDALL GRAHM~, the founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, is hosting a winemaker dinner at vegetarian eatery ~MILLENNIUM~ on Wednesday, April 30th. 6pm wine reception, dinner served promptly at 6:30pm. $85 per person (excludes tax and gratuity); five-course prix-fixe dinner. All reservations need to be made by calling Erica: 415-345-3900 x11. 580 Geary St. at Jones.

~VINIPORTUGAL~ is on Tuesday, April 22nd, at the Palace Hotel, with more than 30 producers and over 300 new wines that will be on hand for tastings, plus some light food. The trade tasting is from 2pm–5:30pm, and the consumer tasting is from 5:30pm–8pm. For those eager to sharpen their knowledge of Portuguese wines, a seminar on the indigenous grape varieties will take place from 6pm–6:30pm. A $40 donation is requested at the door for the consumer tasting, and proceeds benefit Project Open Hand. Reservations may be made at rsvpsf@wagstaffworldwide.com or by phone at 800-871-9012, extension 24552#. 2 Montgomery St. at Market.
 
Mmmmm, bubbles. ~BACAR~ is hosting its monthly sommelier supper on Sunday, April 20th, and will feature food and wines from the Champagne region in France. For details and reservations, visit the website or email jessica.bacar@gmail.com. $75 per person. 448 Brannan St. at 3rd, 415-904-4100.

Beginning Saturday, April 12th, ~WINE BAR & SHOP~ in Embarcadero Two is hosting a bimonthly wine tasting and food pairing seminar. When you’re done with the hustle of the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, you can unwind and taste wines paired with food—there will even be some easy spring cooking demos. 2pm–6pm. $15. Receive 10% off the purchase of any wine featured in the tasting, the day of the event only. Two Embarcadero Center, (Front St. between Sacramento and Clay), 415-391-0758.

And friends of ~DAVE GOGOLAK~ will be interested in this event to honor his memory: an ’80s-themed party that will raise proceeds for the newly formed GoGo Fund: Scholarships for Extended Education. Saturday, May 3rd, 2008. 8pm–1am. Visit the site to purchase tickets and get more details. Elan Event Venue, 839 Howard St.

Got a hot tip? You know I'd love it (and you). Just reply to this email!

La Ciccia
291 30th St.
Cross: Church St.
San Francisco, CA 94131

415-550-8114
website

Tue–Sun 5:30pm–10pm

Apps $7–$12
Pastas $13–$14
Entrées $21–$22
Desserts $7–$8

So I finally scooted my culo to the two-year-old La Ciccia, a name that has a variety of meanings, from “belly fat/sweet fat/baby fat” to “buddy” to the meant-to-be-endearing “cute chubby girl” (I’ve heard that one before, grrrrrrreat). Well, belly fat is no buddy of mine, so my friend and I actually had a standing rule that once we lost ten pounds from our increased exercise/dieting regimen, we’d come to La Ciccia to celebrate, no holds barred. Yes, this is how our minds work, which is how we get into trouble to begin with.

This cozy neighborhood restaurant is run by the charming husband-and-wife team of Lorella Degan (front of house) and Massimiliano Conti (chef and wine wizard). They are friendly and personable, with chef “Max” even coming into the dining room during the evening to answer questions, say hello to guests, and see what everyone thinks of their meal. That kind of care translates into the excellent and attentive service you’ll encounter here—it comes from the top down.

The menu is all about authentic Sardinian dishes, with many that can potentially throw our local Tuscan-cuisine-lovin’ dining public for a loop. Lots of seafood, unique pastas, and different flavors here, like saffron. The dishes really reminded me and my dining pal of being in Italy (both of us have lived there), and I even had an Italian amica, who as a people are notorious for being the pickiest diners ever, and even she was raving about the food, and how true to Sardinia it is.

The menu is pretty tight (it’s a small kitchen) but there’s plenty to contribute to your ciccia status, starting with their fresh bread and spunky olive oil. We tried a special of gorgeous, juicy sardines one night, and then dove into the pastas. My friend blissed out on her house-made spaghetti with cauliflower and bottarga ($14), a perfectly cooked and seasoned tangle of pasta, topped with dreamy olio nuovo (we were there in February). The bottarga is preserved mullet roe, so it has a milder flavor than tuna roe—scrumptious. We also tried a delish special of house-made tagliolini with beans, calamari, and octopus.

Being a porker myself, I opted for their imported semolina gnochetti ($13), piccolo nubs of tender pasta with a pork sugo that, shocker, wasn’t too salty—it was just right, and topped with pecorino. It was a monster portion, so I had them pack up half of it for munching at home later. Now that I think about it, nothing we had was salty—the kitchen is a bit more restrained, which might made the food seem under-seasoned to some diners who are used to saltier food.

I’m completely matta for fregola, the Sardinian pasta that’s like Israeli couscous—it’s prepared here with mushrooms and pancetta. On my list for next time. Ditto on the house-cured salumi ($14), so hard to pass up, and the pizzas ($11–$13)—they looked extraordinary (the previous location was a pizza joint). My next meal here is shaping up nicely, I gotta say. There is also a whole-roasted fish of the day (AQ), which makes me think I want to come back in a group of four so we can do salumi, pizza, pasta, and fish. And order lots and lots of wine.

We finished with the wild boar stew ($22), rich and satisfying with a tang of saffron and the dusky addition of dried porcini and fresh mushrooms. The juicy and tender boar comes from Texas. Please note the menu is Italian-style, so you have to order contorni, like a side of vegetables—the smashed potato with carrot was spot-on with the boar ($5).

We were dying, like, mamma mia, but had to finish with something sweet. (Come on, we’re professionals.) I honestly can’t recall how I felt about the ricotta and saffron cake ($7), because it was quite overshadowed by the incredible locally made gelato. We had a trio of gelato, with flavors of saffron, olive oil with pepper, and vanilla with saba. Fantastico.

The décor here reminds me of some of the bare bones neighborhood places you see in coastal Italy—weird wall color (in this case, it’s a sea green-aqua), funky lighting, and not the most attractive bar. Tables are close together, and it’s boisterous. So folks who need aesthetics to be on par with the food will be a wee bit fussy here—either cool it, or go to Farina.

I liked how casual and relaxed it felt, with couples and small groups having a good time, drinking fab wines off the list. Blame it on Massimiliano, a former sommelier—he’s the madman behind this jaw-dropping and extensive all-Italian list, with some serious winners from Sardinia. (Get your bifocals out—they all barely fit on the legal-sized back page of the menu, at something like a size six point size. Not unlike this column.) For a neighborhood restaurant, having 16 wines by the glass is downright commendable, and this lovingly selected list, well, it’s worth the visit alone. Don’t fret if you’re overwhelmed—the capable staff, or even Lorella, will steer you to a winner. Hopefully I’m doing the same thing right now. Eat, drink, relax, and be merry.

Xanadu. Shangri-La. Garden of Eden. Mythical communities of bliss searched for, but never found. If you haven’t discovered your perfect Mecca, well lucky you, it’s only a click away at TheWhole9.com.

Haven to thousands of artists, musicians, writers, and other creative souls looking for sparks and new inspiration. A sea of people to pique your romantic interest. A pool of creatives to partner with on your next project. And home to cyber-chef Mannix, who shows you how to create a seductive dinner at home.

It may not be Shangri-La, but you’re always welcome in this Garden of Eden.

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO Next Monday, April 14th, Conduit is hosting the ~USBG NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL COMPETITION~, from 12pm–5pm. Up to 20 of the area’s best bartenders will be competing, making cocktails with spirits from Future Brands, but otherwise there are no restraints with the type of cocktail the bartenders can make, from an aperitif to a dessert drink. This is a unique event, highlighting a very precise and regimented style for those who are used to the competitions at Rye (there will be a technical judge!). There will also be some food, and assuredly some industry folks will be there to check it out and support their friends—everyone is invited to attend. There are still five slots left for any bartenders who wish to compete—just submit your name and drink recipe by April 9th to davidnepove@southernwine.com (feel free to get more details about the parameters of the competition from him). The national competition is in Long Beach May 2–4. Conduit, 280 Valencia St. between 14th and Duboce, 415-552-5200.

I’m sure numerous leather lovin’ gents were happy to celebrate the opening of ~CHAPS II~ this weekend. It’s named in honor of the original Chaps bar in the SoMa “Miracle Mile” in the 1980s, which was located where the DNA Lounge is now, on 11th Street (read more about the history here). You can read all about the opening in this article in the Chron. 4pm–2am daily. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th St., 415-255-CHAP (2427).

Photo by Stefanie Michejda

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO Jerry Cooper on Some New (Winning) Spirits

Jerry Cooper is a nationally recognized wine consultant, wine and spirits judge, lecturer, educator, and can be found wandering aimlessly around San Francisco with his various sommelier friends. He has recently established his own company, Swirl on Castro, a wine/spirits retail store and wine bar in the Castro district, and has received industry accolades. Jerry sits on the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Panel, and is a judge at The San Francisco International Wine Competition, and the SF World Spirits Competition.

Three New (Winning) Spirits to Taste

And the winner is… Envelope please! Last month 28 spirits judges (paid lushes all, I should know, I am one of them) descended on San Francisco for the annual World Spirits Competition Awards. We spent the weekend sampling and analyzing over 800 spirits, and categorizing them to various awards of excellence.

Top honor for Best In Show Liqueur went to the new Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur ($35/btl). This zingy antioxidant is a sublime handcrafted infusion of VSOP Cognac and baby ginger. The packaging is dramatic–creamy yellow bamboo in a glass slinky. This divine liquid is intense but subtle, with sweet ginger flavor and a touch of vanilla. It is rich, creamy, and dreamy. Tropical romance in a bottle. Mix up a Canton Ginger Mojito by adding equal parts Canton Liqueur to your favorite rum and muddle with fresh mint and a lemon wedge. Ibiza here I come.

Save the world one martini at a time! Can this really happen? Can we really drink ourselves silly (I know, no driving) and have new trees sprout up around the globe? Yes, Dorothy, it is TRU! When you order (or buy a bottle of) TRU Organic Vodka ($36/btl), the new release from the great people at Modern Spirits, makers of true artisan vodkas, not only will a tree be planted in one of the desperate tropical zones of the world, but you are also drinking 100% certified organic American wheat vodka, the first of its kind.

OK, so that is all very PC and green and all, but let me just say it is really, really tasty—both the “Straight” (you don’t have to be to drink it) and the “Lemon” (probably the most vivid citrus vodka I have ever tasted), made of course from organic California lemons. But wait, there’s more… Sourcing our spirits in the U.S. reduces transportation pollution, and TRU uses 25% less glass in their packaging. Remember Earth Day is April 22nd, be sure to toast appropriately.

Veloce has velocity. Being a lover of all thing Italian, I am hooked on the newly imported Liquore di Milano called Veloce. ($36/btl) This 100-year-old family recipe of orange bitters, apricot, peach, soft red wine grappa, herbs, and fruit flowers is the latest nectar of the gods. Wheat grains from Valle Padana are mixed with spring water from a source deep in the Italian Alps, distilled six times and filtered through quartz crystals before bottling. Say what?

This slightly sweet elixir is really intriguing and seductive, and the less-is-more packaging is pure Italian casual elegance and simplicity. Serve before dinner over the rocks with a squeeze of lemon, splash some in your after dinner coffee (my personalfavorite), and give a bottle to your mother. She will thank you. Grazie, mio bel figlio.

Swing by Swirl on Castro for these spirits and more, and ask for them to be served bar side at your local haunts.

Wok On The Wild Side
Fri., April 18, 2008

City College of San Francisco
Statler Wing
Ocean/Phelan Campus
50 Phelan Ave. SW156
San Francisco, CA 94112

415-239-3152
website

6pm–9pm

$100 per person
$250 reserved seating and parking

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO This year is the ~10TH ANNUAL WOK ON THE WILD SIDE BENEFIT~ for CCSF’s Culinary & Hospitality Studies Program. I’ll actually be the MC at the event—come check it out!

The evening is prepared and presented by the students, chefs, and guests of City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies department. Four kitchens, eight chefs, a bunch of students. Sweet, spicy, savory. An international taste tour! Raw, grilled, roasted, and toasted. Enjoy California wines paired with culinary treats. There will be a live auction, and music from the Berkeley High Jazz Combo & City College Musicians.

This fundraiser enables the CCSF to provide scholarships as well as kitchen and building facilities for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies Department with the goal of educating talented, well-trained professionals ready for careers in hotels and restaurants nationwide. CCSF’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program is the oldest public two-year degree program in the United States with a 73-year history. Their alumni are a who’s who of the most successful people in the culinary arts and hospitality industry today, with folks like Nick Peyton (Cyrus), Jeff Hanak (NOPA), Maggie Pond (Cesar), Sean O’Brien (formerly of Myth), and Sue Conley (Cowgirl Creamery).

Napa Valley with Altitude
Wed., Apr. 23, 2008

Officer's Mansion
1 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

website

6pm–9:30pm

$75
$60 (for tablehopper readers)
password: wino

tickets

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO Don Davis over at Uncorked Events has put together this groovy consumer wine event, ~NAPA VALLEY WITH ALTITUDE~, featuring many boutique and high-wineries from Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain, and Diamond Mountain. Also, most are never seen in the big tastings like Family Winemakers of California or ZAP as they don't have enough wine, or it's too allocated.

There will be bites from A.G. Ferrari, and some awesome giveaways too. tablehopper subscribers can purchase $60 discounted tickets (instead of $75)—just be sure to enter the password “wino.” Uh huh.

APRIL 8, 2008 | SAN FRANCISCO Over the weekend, T.R. Knight (AKA Dr. George O’Malley from Grey's Anatomy) and “his super cute boyfriend” came in to NOPA for dinner.

Chris Rock was spotted at The Ambassador for about an hour and a half after his show.

While at Sunday’s sold-out Taste of the Nation event at ACME Chophouse, it was not only a sea of The Next Iron Chef talent (Traci Des Jardins, Michael Symon, Gavin Kasen, Chris Cosentino) and local Top Chef hopefuls (Jennifer Biesty, Ryan Scott, Erik Hopfinger), but Peter Coyote was also there. Personally, I was most enthralled with Cosentino’s whole-roasted goat.