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Jun 28, 2010 22 min read

June 29, 2010 - This week's tablehopper: less cranky, more hanky panky.

June 29, 2010 - This week's tablehopper: less cranky, more hanky panky.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: less cranky, more hanky panky.                    

Baked oysters at Marlowe.

Why hello there. I am certainly much less fussy than last week—that lame weather was ridiculous. Fortunately we got blessed with some epic weather, how fabulous—and even better, I got to go play in it. I enjoyed a couple lunches out: a tasty one at Marlowe (pictured here), and some friends invited me over for a leisurely lunch on Friday (yes, we consumed some bubbles). Sometimes you just have to punch the clock early, right? This past Pride weekend was all about a much-needed break from the computer (dance floors are much more fun). It was great to catch up with so many friends I hadn’t seen in a long while.

But, I have once again traded my dance card in for a dining card, and this week is bizzeee: I’ll be checking out Pica Pica, the revamped Presidio Social Club, and Thursday is the San Francisco magazine Best of the Bay party, always a good time. I am most looking forward to a mother-daughter day in the city on Friday—we’re going to visit our family friend at his new business, The Sandwich Spot, and we’re checking out the Shanghai exhibition at the Asian Art Museum, can’t wait. And then for the holiday weekend, it’s up to Hopland for a friend’s wedding, which is going to be faboo drive in my convertible. Vroom.

As a reminder, my reviews are now coming out on Fridays, so don’t be surprised with the second installment in one week.

Have a sunny, smoky, and meat-tastic holiday weekend. Boom!

Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Prospect Is Now a Reality

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Prospect’s main dining room: booths and banquette seating. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

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The bar area (with unique light fixtures).

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Black cod with shiso shrimp fritter.

Last week I had a chance to attend a friends and family dinner at the brand-new PROSPECT, the much-awaited project from the Boulevard team (Nancy Oakes, Pam Mazzola, and Kathy King) that opens tonight for dinner in The Infinity building in SoMa. The executive chef is Ravi Kapur, who has been the chef de cuisine at Boulevard, working with Oakes and Mazzola for the past eight years.

Walking into the spacious location, there’s a small lounge/waiting area to the left, and a square bar with seats all around (there are more seats along the window overlooking Folsom Street). Brooke Arthur’s cocktail menu includes 12 drinks, ranging from the lighter to the more spiritous (like The Stallion). The bar is made of a beautiful poured concrete with an antiquated copper finish from Concreteworks, who also did the opposing wall of ribbed concrete tiles that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—you gotta touch it to believe it’s concrete and not wood. Lovely reclaimed wood floors as well (although the main dining room is carpeted, modulating the noise to a pleasant volume—people are going to love that they can hear their tablemates). There is some communal seating at a taller table, and then the 120-seat dining room extends beyond, with spacious six-person booths, a long banquette that faces the street, custom wrought-iron light fixtures from Augustine Martinez (Kathy King’s husband) of Jefferson Mack Metal, and a contemporary art program. The feeling is clean and modern and chic, while still maintaining warm tones. I liked the space in between the tables, which will make it good for business dining (although I imagine in time more tables will be added). There is also a large half-moon booth near the kitchen that is sure to become the most-requested power table, plus there’s a private dining room in the back of the restaurant. The floor-to-ceiling windows are huge, letting in a lot of light—the evening atmosphere gets cozier as the light dims outside. Brand + Allen Architects designed the space (they specialize in high-end retail clients, like Prada).

The menu is designed to be flexible—you could just stop by the bar for a drink and some smaller “for the table” dishes, like deviled eggs ($7) or the decadent pig trotters ($9) with a lobster salad. There are 10 starters to choose from that can be shared, like my personal fave so far, the black cod ($13) with a shiso-wrapped shrimp fritter, shiitakes, small bites of snap peas, and a snappy red curry. Mains range from $19 for whole wheat crêpes with ricotta, nettles, and roasted toybox mushrooms to $28 for the Wagyu beef with chard, mustard seed jus, smoked king trumpets, and creamed potatoes. They are all beautifully presented, featuring top-notch seasonal ingredients. (You can take a look at this Grub Street slideshow of the menu here.) Desserts from pastry chef Elise Fineberg clock in at $9 and under, or you can opt for to-be-shared items, like ice cream sandwiches, crimson popcorn, and s’mores. We requested but didn’t get a chance to look at wine director Amy Currens’s wine list (she was previously at Luce).

No tablecloths here—but you are going to note some rather large and dramatic plates as your dishes come out; the flatware and smoked glass water glasses feel modern and very choice. While I wouldn’t call the experience casual, it’s definitely meant to be easygoing—a bit like RN74 in its approachable but stylish vibe. Think business casual. Hours are Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, bar 4pm-close.

Prospect            - 300 Spear St. San Francisco - 415-247-7770

Kitted Out

The culinary interwebs (Eater, Thrillist, SFoodie, Inside Scoop, et al.) have been bubbling with news of this new SoMa joint that just opened yesterday, SPICE KIT. As owners Wilfred Pacio and Fred Tang put it, their offering is “chef-driven Asian street food” (they are both alums of high-end kitchens, like Per Se, the Laundry, and the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco).

The quick-service menu includes bánh mì (with an optional add-on of housemade pâté); ssäm (the classic Korean wrap) with rice paper, red leaf lettuce, cucumbers, seasoned rice, marinated bean sprouts, meat/tofu, kimchi, and their signature ssäm sauce; salads with your choice of meat or tofu; and steamed pork buns with pork belly (check out the entire menu here). Nothing is over $8. Hours are Mon-Fri 10:30am-8pm, and Sat 10:30am-3pm. 4505 Howard St. at 1st St., 415-882-4581.

Time to Get Skooled

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Photo from Skool.

SKOOL RESTAURANT AND BAR is now open at the base of Potrero Hill. The project is from Andy Mirabell (Blowfish Sushi To Die For), with executive chef Toshihiro Nagano (Bushi Tei, Bushi Tei Bistro, Blowfish Sushi To Die For), and director of operations Olia Kedik (Blowfish Sushi To Die For). In a unique twist, they are starting with lunch, and adding dinner and brunch later this summer. Look for a fish-focused menu of international dishes with Japanese flair using seasonal, often locally sourced, sustainably raised, and organic ingredients. The lunch menu includes starters like hirame crudo (yukari-cured halibut, toy-box radish, and blackberry coulis) and Sun Smiling Valley Farm eryngii mushroom fries; main courses include a Washugyu sandwich (coffee-marinated Japanese Washu beef, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, caramelized onion, pepper cress, and creamy wasabi aioli, served open-faced on Napa bâtard sliced wheat) and spiced panko salmon. The Lunch Box feature ($11-$15) includes a choice of five different main courses accompanied by the soup of the day and either local mixed greens or French fries. Once the liquor license kicks in, there will be both cocktails and a local wine list with some international selections. Décor highlights include an exhibition kitchen, a communal table, custom-made chairs and refurbished resin-encased walnut tabletops made by a local designer, a polished concrete floor, counter seating, and a sunny, spacious off-street patio with room for 35 (45 inside). Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm.

Skool Restaurant and Bar            - 1725 Alameda St. San Francisco - 415-255-8800

New Ethiopian Restaurant Opening in SoMa

A new and soon-to-open Ethiopian restaurant in SoMa has been getting all kinds of coverage in Eater, Grub Street, SFoodie, and Live SOMA (and I am sure I’m missing probably five more outlets). MOYA is aiming for a July 1st opening, serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Owner Fana Alemayehu has enjoyed cooking as a hobby, and after encouragement from her friends, is going to be sharing her home-cooked recipes and made-from-scratch dishes with us. She wants to use local and organic ingredients when possible, and will have beef and lamb dishes along with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. (Check out the menu here.) Weekend brunch will feature both American and Ethiopian dishes, like fule (beans, onion, tomato, and jalapeño); kentha (cracked wheat with butter), and chechebsa (bread with butter and olive oil, plus egg, tomato, onion, and jalapeño). There will also be Ethiopian coffee service. 1044 Folsom St. at 6th St., 415-431-5544.

Hog & Rocks Is Ready to Open Its Pen

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Under construction image from Hog & Rocks.

If everything goes according to plan, the city’s first ham and oyster bar, HOG & ROCKS will be opening on Sunday July 4th. The project is from chef Scott Youkilis of Maverick, partner Dave Esler, and Eric Rubin of Tres Agaves Tequila, who helped to develop the overall concept. The menu will include a variety of oysters, artisanal ham (including country ham, Serrano, domestic, and Italian prosciutto), and hearty comfort fare from chef de cuisine Ray England. Other sample dishes include chicken wing confit with Youk’s Hot Sauce and buffalo wing garnish ($10); oysters in a blanket with herb salad ($11); and crab and artichoke on sourdough toast ($8).

The 86-seat bar is meant to feel casual and lively, with dark wood, concrete floors, and a “minimalist modern meets vintage” design. It’s designed to be a place where you just swing by (no reservations for parties fewer than six), and can get lit on classic cocktails by the pitcher (very curious—and very dangerous), wine (four on tap, more by the bottle), and beer (in cans, bottles, and on draught). In a nice move, for every Hurricane sold (the signature house drink made according to the original recipe from Pat O’Brien’s), $1 will be donated by the bar to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund. Open daily; snacks and sips from the bar menu available daily beginning at 3pm; full menu from 5pm-1am.

Hog & Rocks            - 3431 19th St. San Francisco - 415-550-8627

New Restaurant Opening This Fall: Melody

The former Coco’s Bakery Café in the Outer Mission is going to be morphing into MELODY, a project from Esam Jaber. Look for an all-day menu of Lebanese/Middle Eastern/French dishes that are authentic and homey. The space is relatively large—it features two garages with high ceilings. One of the garages will be converted into a 350-square-foot patio with tables and trees; there will be 55 seats total. Since Jaber is a musician, look for many of his friends coming by to play Arabic folk music daily. Looks like a September opening is the target. (They will be nearby neighbors to the upcoming ICHI moving into Yo’s Sushi Club.) 3401 Mission St. at Eugenia.

New Delis/Cafés Around Town

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Photo from L’Acajou.

Not like it’s going to diminish the lines at Ike’s (whose fate remains TBD)… I got this tip too late last week from a reader, but here you go: there’s a new deli in the Mish next door to the 500 Club called CLARE’S DELI. The menu of sandwiches ranges from a meatball grinder to pastrami to a $3 bologna and cheese on white bread, served 11am-11pm daily. According to Urban Daddy, you can bring your food into the 500 Club, or TCB Courier will soon be able to deliver it to you if you live in the Mission. 3505 B 17th St. at Guerrero, 415-621-3505.

There’s also a new-ish café in SoMa called L’ACAJOU that has opened in the former MotoJava space. It’s serving De La Paz coffee and espresso drinks with fresh-baked pastries like blueberry muffins, banana walnut bread, berry apricot scones, and cheddar chipotle scones, plus lunchtime fare like a pulled Moroccan lamb sandwich, a Tuscan chicken panino, endive salad, chicken salad, and a grilled Mediterranean vegetable panino (plus cookies for your 3pm sweet tooth—even vegan ones). You can return for beer and wine in the afternoon (happy hour specials Mon-Fri from 3pm-6pm), and Saturday brunch means dishes like fried eggs or Belgian waffles. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 9am-6pm. 498 9th St. at Bryant, 415-626-3683.

Summer Break

Just a few reports on temporary closures around town: COI is closed for summer vacation until July 6th. When it reopens, there will be a light remodel in the dining room, and a totally new menu.

Meanwhile, MASA’S will be closed from July 4th through the 19th. When they reopen on the 20th, there will be a new pastry chef, Maggie Leung, who was once at The Lark Creek Inn. The former pastry chef, John McKee, moved to Philadelphia to open up a bakery with his girlfriend.

A Cocktail Chat with Barbara Fairchild and Claire Smith

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Claire Smith (Belvedere), Barbara Fairchild (Bon Appétit), and yours truly.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet Barbara Fairchild, the vibrant editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit magazine, who was in town for the Curators of Taste tour in partnership with Belvedere. We met briefly at Fleur de Lys, where she was going to be hosting an intimate invite-only dinner the following evening (the tour included Boston and Los Angeles). While tasting her new namesake cocktail by Belvedere master distiller Claire Smith, The Fairchild (which is now permanently on the Fleur de Lys cocktail menu), we got to talk a little bit about the event, and of course I had to ask her what are her favorite spots in Los Angeles right now. She’s a fan of The Bazaar by José Andrés, along with Hatfield’s (a San Francisco export, ahem), AMMO (a long-standing favorite of mine), Cecconi’s, Eva Restaurant, and Jar. A few other mentions: the Lazy Ox Canteen, BOA Steakhouse, and Rick Bayless’s Red O on Melrose. She also noted the upcoming September issue is the restaurant issue, so I’m looking forward to it.

Since Barbara is a fan of cocktails (obviously), she mentioned she likes the cocktails at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and The Varnish. Meanwhile, Claire (who is the only female master distiller in the world, FYI), said the cocktails at The Varnish, The Bazaar, and The London are top of her list, as well as Providence. Cheers, ladies—thanks for adding to my LA hit list!

New Ways to Rock Your Tuesday Evenings

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Starting Tuesday July 6th, STARBELLY is launching Patio Picnic Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm. The patio was recently freshened up with heat lamps, plants, and a retractable, striped canopy, so now they want to show it off. Every Tuesday evening, you can swing by for a family-style urban picnic with dishes from chef Adam Timney, like fried chicken, grilled brats, ribs, sloppy Joes, sides and salads, pies, and cobbler. You can arrive anytime during the three-hour picnic dinner service and load up your plate (no seating times). Seats are $25 per person, and guests are welcome to second helpings. The special will run every Tuesday from 5pm-8pm through August 31st. Beverages available for purchase (not included in the picnic dinner price) are wine, sangria, lemonade, micheladas, and pitchers of beer. Reservations accepted, but not required, and walk-in parties are welcome. 3583 16th St. at Market, 415-252-7500.

Over in Hayes Valley, SAUCE has launched Dinner for 2uesdays. For $60, you get a dinner for two: a three-course meal with a bottle of wine. Tonight’s menu is Bacon Trifecta: cornmeal-crusted pork belly with whole-grain mustard dipping sauce, prosciutto-wrapped butter fish with herb risotto and peeled asparagus, and caramel peanut smash with fresh banana and crispy bacon sprinkles, plus a bottle of Rosenblum Cellars Fess Parker roussanne. The menu will rotate weekly. 131 Gough St. at Oak, 415-252-1423.

Upcoming Special Prix-Fixe Meals at Ame

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The red table at Ame. Photo from Ame.

AME restaurant at the St. Regis is kicking off another series of its Wednesday Evening Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menus. July 7th is the Bo Ssäm Dinner (back by popular demand); July 14th is the Sustainable Dinner (exploring farmed vs. wild seafood); July 21st is a Sherry Dinner; and July 28th is the Puerto Rico Dinner (chef Orlando Pagan and bar manager Rafael Jimenez Rivera share their Puerto Rican heritage). You can read the details about each menu here. $55 per person, which includes three courses with beverage pairings (excluding tax and gratuity).

               Wednesday Jul  7, 2010 – Wednesday Jul 28, 2010 more info

Ame            - 689 Mission St. San Francisco - 415-284-4040

Nido Oven Lunch on July 11th

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Photo from Nido website.

Just in case you’d like to taste chef Brandon Jew’s vittles (of the upcoming Bar Agricole, due to open on July 24th), he’ll be cooking at the third NIDO OVEN EVENT AT SCRIBE WINERY~ in Sonoma on Sunday July 11th. He’ll be using organic ingredients organic ingredients picked the morning of the event from from Free Spirit Farm in Winters. Beer from Linden Street Brewery will be served, as well as juice and snacks for the kids (who are invited to attend for free). Guests will also be invited to taste Scribe wine, explore the 100-year-old hacienda, and go on a hay bale tour of the grounds. (Dogs are also welcome.)

               Sunday Jul 11, 2010 12:30pm $20 more info

Lunch Starting at Thermidor This Week

Looking for a new downtown spot for lunch? THERMIDOR should be starting lunch this Wednesday, serving salads and sandwiches to start ($8-$12). Lunch hours will be 11:30am-2pm.

Thermidor            - 8 Mint Plaza San Francisco - 415-896-6500

Brunch Is Back at Namu

Just in case you’re a little more motivated to get out of bed for a Kobe-style skirt steak and eggs instead of the usual chicken apple sausage scramble, head on over to NAMU in the Inner Richmond for the return of their weekend brunch. Other dishes on the menu include challah French toast, a breakfast burrito, a burger, and other items with their usual Korean-Japanese spin on things, like a sunnyside-up egg with kimchee fried rice and housemade pancetta. FYI, you can come check them out this Sunday July 4th for brunch—but they’ll be closed for dinner. Brunch is Sat-Sun 10am-3pm.

Namu            - 439 Balboa St. San Francisco - 415-386-8332

Countdown to a New Wine Bar in Marin: 1-2-3

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Burrata and fava bean crostini.

Due to open next week (permits pending) is 123 BOLINAS from Dominic Phillips and three partners. The former gallery has been transformed into a casual hangout featuring artisan wine, beer, and food. Wines are sustainably produced, from Anderson Valley to Paso Robles, along with a few international selections (there will be 6 on tap, 9 by the glass, 32 by the bottle), and 5 seasonal beers on tap (including Eel River Organic Amber), with 9 by the bottle (including Allagash White and Pranqster Belgian-style golden ale from Fort Bragg).

Vera Ciammetti is the consulting chef, who has put together a market-fresh and local menu of simple dishes like burrata with salt, pepper, fava bean and mint tapenade, and fresh fava beans; zucchini carpaccio with housemade vinegar, roasted pinenuts, and domestic Parmesan; baked mac and cheese; and some cheese and charcuterie boards. There is room for 45 guests total, including a bar and regular seating. Hours will be Wed-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, and Sun 11am-9pm. 123 Bolinas Rd. at Park Rd., Fairfax.

San Mateo Joins the Artisan Pizza/Pasta Craze

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Photo from Osteria Coppa.

Now that a chef is confirmed, here’s some news for you San Mateo dwellers (my home town): partners Paul and Julie Shenkman, owners of Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, and Lewis Rossman, executive chef/partner at Sam’s Chowder House, are opening OSTERIA COPPA in downtown San Mateo. The kitchen will be led by executive chef Chanan Kamen, who has been at Quince for five years, and has worked in Italy for a year at seven different Michelin-starred restaurants in seven different regions of Italy. He will also be making salumi, along with housemade pasta (his specialty), and pizza—all the ingredients will have a strong farm-to-table focus. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant (formerly the Pomaroma Cafe) seats 145, which includes a 40-seat outdoor patio, and a full bar. Look for a late-August opening—follow their renovation and launch progress on Facebook. 139 South B St. at 2nd Ave., San Mateo.

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the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Put the "W" in Wino at the Vino & Vinyasa Event

Coming up on Thursday July 8th at the W San Francisco is a Vino & Vinyasa event with lululemon athletica. The evening begins with a complimentary yoga session led by Sean Haleen, who teaches Anusara-inspired and Vinyasa flow yoga, which will be suitable for yoga newbies and veterans alike. Bring your mat for a one-hour session, followed by a  goal-setting workshop with a wine tasting courtesy of Napa Valley’s organic and sustainable Long Meadow Ranch Winery (nothing like setting goals while a little tipsy). Vino & Vinyasa guests may also cool down with a post-yoga dip in W San Francisco’s pool. Complimentary; RSVP here.

Starting July 14th, you can return for complimentary one-hour yoga sessions hosted by lululemon every other Wednesday at 6:30pm through the end of the year. All participants are invited to take a dip in W San Francisco’s pool from 7:30pm-8:30pm.

               Thursday Jul  8, 2010 6:30pm–8:30pm Free more info

Where to Save Big Bucks on Wine in July

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It’s the eighth annual half-off wine promotion at LARK CREEK RESTAURANT GROUP’s Bay Area restaurants. All wine will be offered at half price for brunch, lunch, and dinner throughout the entire month of July (there are no restrictions on the day of the week or the meal period). Yup, that 2007 Robert Sinskey pinot noir just went down to $34.50 (regularly $69). Participating restaurants of the Lark Creek Restaurant Group include The Tavern at Lark Creek in Larkspur; One Market Restaurant and LarkCreekSteak in San Francisco; Lark Creek Walnut Creek; Yankee Pier in Larkspur, Lafayette and at Santana Row in San Jose; and Parcel 104 at the Santa Clara Marriott (Friday evenings only). The half-price wine discount cannot be combined with any other offer.

Get Shakin': Farmers Market Cocktail Night is Wednesday July 7th

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Photo from CUESA.

Are you a fan of savory flavors in your cocktails? Then the next FARMERS MARKET COCKTAIL NIGHT will be right up your alley. The event is presented by the Center for Urban Education About Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) and the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG).

On Wednesday July 7th, you will be able to enjoy cocktails from Kate Bolton from Wexler’s, Michael Callahan from Gitane, Martin Cate from Smuggler’s Cove, Tony Devencenzi from Bourbon & Branch, Kyle Ford from The Savoy Tivoli, Rachel Ford from Cigar Bar, Robert Gonzales—USBG Nor Cal Ambassador, Daniel Hyatt from The Alembic, Shaher Misif from Cantina, and Ethan Terry from 15 Romolo.

For $33, guests will enjoy two full-sized signature cocktails made with Auchentoshan Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky and Russell’s Reserve Small Batch Bourbon. You will also taste eight sample-sized drinks made with summer produce in combination with Blue Coat Gin, Combier Liqueur d’Orange, FAIR Vodka, Leblon Cachaça, Neisson Rhum Agricole Blanc, Tequila Fortaleza, Tres Agaves Tequila, VeeV Açaí Spirit, and Wild Geese Irish Whiskey.

Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by local restaurants 15 Romolo, Bix, Comstock Saloon, Flour + Water, Perbacco, Tacolicious, Plum, and Kika’s Treats. All proceeds benefit CUESA & the USBG equally. Cheers!

               Wednesday Jul  7, 2010 5:30pm–7:30pm $33 more info

Pull Up a Chair--Dr. Champagne Is in the House

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Flickr photo by Grégory Tonon.

Coming up on Wednesday July 14th, Dr. Champagne (aka Jerry Horn) is hosting one of his infamous Champagne dinners at PIAZZA D’ANGELO in Mill Valley. He will be pairing four choice French Champagnes with four savory courses from chef Massimo Covello—and they’re big pours, so you’ll have practically a bottle’s worth when all is said and done (so take a cab, hic).

Here’s the menu: Fiori di Zucca: Capay Farm zucchini blossom filled with smoked mozzarella, Bellwether ricotta, and diced zucchini served with La Tercera Farm agretti and Capay Farm heirloom tomato, with Champagne Deutz Brut Millesime, 2002, Ay.

Branzino in Carpaccio: California white sea bass carpaccio served with Arrowsmith Farm micro salad, capers, and dressing, with Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé, multi-vintage, Tours-sur-Marne.

Risottino di Funghi Porcini: Vialone Nano rice with Champagne wine, porcini mushroom, Star Route cresta di gallo herb, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano (24 months), with Champagne Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Brut, nonvintage, Bouzy.

Filetto con Finocchi: roasted Niman Ranch beef tenderloin, with braised Star Route fennel and summer Zuckerman Farms potato, with Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Millesime, 2004, Reims.

Fantasie di Frutti di Bosco: trios of Fairfield Farm blueberry, Ortiz raspberry, and Lucero Farm strawberry dessert.

The restaurant will not be collecting your payment—please send a personal check for $120 per person no later than Saturday July 10th made out to: Jerry Horn. Mail it to: 12 Sunnyside Ave., Mill Valley, CA, 94941, or drop if off at the Woodlands Market wine department and hand it to Jerry in person. No last-minute diners at the door on the evening of the event. Email Jerry with any inquiries; please don’t call the restaurant.

               Wednesday Jul 14, 2010 7:30pm $120, including tax and gratuity more info

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the socialite

Shindigs, Feasts, & Festivals (let's party)

Party Time: The Thursday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Turns One

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Flickr photo from CUESA.

Event Info

Thursday Jul  1, 2010 10am–2pm Info                        San Francisco Ferry Building

It’s been one whole year since the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) launched the THURSDAY FERRY PLAZA FARMERS MARKET. Join in the birthday celebration on Thursday July 1st from 10am-2pm at San Francisco’s Ferry Building. There’ll be special food offerings and festivities, and since it’s a first birthday, expect some piñatas, prizes, and party hats, oh you know it!

The first 111 folks to visit the farmers market information booth will receive a $1 gift coin to be used towards their next market purchase. Many stalls are offering birthday specials, including a free side salad with purchase of a sandwich from RoliRoti, free kraut shots from Farmhouse Culture, and buy-one-get-one-free pizza from 10am-11am at the Pizza Politana stand. Arlequin Pastries will unveil a new smoked vanilla cupcake (complete with birthday candle), and Tacolicous will have a birthday piñata to crack at the close of market.

CUESA will also give away over 50 prizes to those who enter a raffle by dropping their names and email addresses into the 5-gallon salad spinner. The prize list includes posters, certificates, hats, tote bags, t-shirts, coupons for free summer fruit, and more.

The Thursday market only turns one once, so don’t miss out on all the fun and prizes!

High on the Hog is Saturday July 17th

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Photo by Audrey Suzanne Jamieson.

Event Info

Saturday Jul 17, 2010 1pm–4pm general admission; noon–4pm VIP admission $95 general admission; $160 VIP; tickets must be purchased in advance and include tax and gratuity Tickets/info                        EPIC Roasthouse 369 The Embarcadero South (between Folsom and Harrison), San Francisco 415-369-9955

On Saturday July 17th, EPIC Roasthouse will be hosting its second annual HIGH ON THE HOG pinot noir tasting and pig roast. Co-owner and executive chef Jan Birnbaum’s menu will feature slow-roasted fennel porchetta and many more gourmet porky eats, and for the perfect pairing, wine director Petra Polakovicova has a hand-picked line-up of pinot noir wines.

The menu’s highlight will be the slow-roasted fennel porchetta—a savory, boneless pork roast that is spitted and roasted over wood fire for several hours. The impressive list of accompaniments will include housemade charcuterie (pork trotter terrine, capicola, pickled pork tongue); three kinds of grilled, housemade pork sausages (mango cumin, prune and Armagnac, spicy andouille); pulled pork sandwiches; molasses-honey pork spare ribs; crispy corn fritters; grain mustard and sweet onion potato salad; and maple ice cream cones with bacon brittle.

Award-winning wineries that will be on hand to pour their pinot noirs are Claypool Cellars, Fogdog, Fort Ross Vineyards, Freeman Winery, Goldeneye Winery, Hartford Family Winery, Hirsh Vineyards, Pisoni Vineyards, Red Car, Roessler Cellars, Tailsman Cellars, and Zepaltas Wines.

Not only will guests enjoy plenty of pork and pinot, they’ll also be able to spend the afternoon al fresco on EPIC’s outdoor patio with panoramic views and live music. Games like a watermelon-eating contest and a horseshoe competition should keep things lively.

General admission ($95) includes tax, gratuity, and unlimited food and wine tastings. New this year, VIP tickets ($160) are available, and include a private, hour-long reception and demonstration beginning at noon with chef Jan Birnbaum on how to make his signature barbecue sauce. VIPs will also receive a jar of chef Jan’s homemade sauce, and a select bottle of pinot noir from one of the participating wineries.


the starlet

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