Follow @tablehopper on Threads!
Learn more
Jan 21, 2013 21 min read

January 22, 2013 - This week's tablehopper: remove the feedbag.

January 22, 2013 - This week's tablehopper: remove the feedbag.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: remove the feedbag.                    

At Rich Table: cured herring with pickled red onion, “tortilla” chip, coconut and fish sauce emulsion, olive oil, and avocado purée. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Whew, this past weekend was quite the food whirlwind: Friday afternoon I was a judge at the WCR (Women Chefs and Restaurateurs) cook-off event, and that night was the Good Food Awards (you can check out a list of the winners here). The event included a tasting of all of the winners’ products, from coffee to chocolate to spirits to my favorite, salumi. Congrats to all.

Saturday was a luncheon at Rich Table put on by the California Olive Oil Council, with a bar set up with 12 oils to try (there’s no better way to find out what you like), and producers seated at each table. Of course the Riches knocked it out of the park, utilizing California olive oil in each of their unique dishes.

Sunday I was only able to hit up the Fancy Food Show for three hours (had too much work to do that morning), but I still managed to tear through most of the South Hall (the one with the international booths, of course). I posted some pics on Flickr from all of these events--please excuse my crappy Good Food Awards pics—it’s tough to juggle a drink, a plate, and a camera all at once, let me tell you.

Have been craving pizza the past few days, so luckily tonight I’m heading over to Oakland’s Jack London Square for a media preview party of The Forge, due to officially start slinging pizzas next Tuesday—I’ll have the recap for you next week!

Oh, and if you want a peek at the upcoming Saison location in SoMa, take a look at these stunning and very recent images.

Cheers! Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Caña Cuban Café Now Open (Softly) in the Mission

01_cana_cuba_interior.jpg

The dining room at Caña. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

02_cana_cuba_interior.jpg

Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

04_cana_cuba_bar.jpg

The bar, which will undoubtedly be sexier once there are bottles on those shelves. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

A report by Dana Massey-Todd. As previously reported on tablehopper, Oakland’s CAÑA CUBAN RESTAURANT (musica alert!) was opening in the former Circolo location in the Mission. Well, it is now open softly for lunch. The new outpost features many of the same Cuban dishes as the Oakland one, though they’ve also added a wood-fired oven to the kitchen for cocas, or flatbreads, and other fire-roasted choices.

For now, Caña is only serving lunch until its liquor license comes through, at which point there will be a full bar with a list of rum-focused specialty cocktails and dinner service. The lunch menu features sandwiches, including a Cubano, of course, plus empanadas, salads, and a nice coffee selection with Roast Co. beans. While Caña isn’t open for dinner yet, there is a sample sneak peek menu with entrée platters and plenty of small dishes for sharing.

The space is lovely, with a tropical/industrial elegance thing going on. The open kitchen has a counter if you like to watch the action, and the ceilings are tall, with exposed and painted ducts plus crystal chandeliers for a fun contrast. There’s a glassed-in water fountain at the entryway, and elegant tile along the walls and floor, plus hardwood in the dining area. While the preservation of the hard industrial surfaces looks great, they might run into a bit of a noise control problem once things pick up and they add the planned live music and dancing. But then again, maybe after a few mojitos and a turn on the dance floor, no one will mind.

There’s an upstairs mezzanine that large groups can reserve, plus plans for booths and humidors for cigars. There are reportedly ideas about some sort of cigar salon situation, though whether that will be inside, outside, or even legal is still unclear. There will also be weekend brunch, in addition to the coming dinner service. For now, though, it’s open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, and do note that they are cash only. 500 Florida St. at Mariposa, 415-580-7888.

The Latest News at Broken Record (Say Hello to Brunch!)

brokenrecord-crawfishplate.jpg

The live crawfish plate at Broken Record; photo provided by Broken Record.

After chefs Shane LaValley and James Moisey left BROKEN RECORD to open up their own place, Rickybobby in the Lower Haight, BR owner Jason King has now brought in a new chef, Mark Furr. Furr was previously making some of the tastiest chicken in the city I have ever had with his Smoke barbecue truck (he made the move to catering after he got tired of dealing with the city), but now he’s brought his smoker over to the Broken Record.

He has completely overhauled the dinner menu, adding dishes like pork “wings” (small pork shanks cooked sous vide, tossed with rice flour, and then fried and topped with a spicy Thai chile sauce), pappardelle with oxtail, a house-ground burger made with Angus brisket (and a touch of bacon fat), housemade pastrami, lamb shoulder, jambalaya fritters, and even the fries are made in house. A brand-new addition is live crawfish that Furr has flown in from Louisiana every Friday and are on the menu until they’re gone (they’re served in a signature boil, with potatoes and corn).

Broken Record is also launching a weekly Sunday brunch, kicking off this Sunday January 27th from 11am-3pm (they will be opening Saturdays for brunch in the early spring). Here are some brunch menu items: ham and red-eye (house-cured and smoked Berkshire pork and coffee-based “red-eye” gravy), soft-shell crab Benedict (crispy soft-shell crab, Berkshire ham, and poached egg on top of grit cakes, topped with housemade hollandaise), house-smoked pastrami hash (served with basted eggs), and most items come with a biscuit on the side. There will also be some more savory items, like live crawfish served by the pound, a Hangtown Caesar salad (with fried oysters and bacon), and a cheeseburger. Come hungry.

Broken Record            - 1166 Geneva Ave. San Francisco - 415-963-1713

A First Peek at Hillside Supper Club in Bernal

01HSC_whole_interior.jpg

The not-quite-done interior at Hillside Supper Club. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

02_HSC_interior_windows.jpg

The arched windows and a view of Precita Park. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

03_HSC_chalkboard.jpg

The specials chalkboard and bar. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

A report by Dana Massey-Todd. As reported on tablehopper in December, Tony Ferrari and Jonathan Sutton of the pop-up HILLSIDE SUPPER CLUB are opening a brick-and-mortar location, right in the same space where they’ve been popping up. The former Caffe Cozzolino was taken over by the pair after a successful Kickstarter campaign, and it’s slated to open this week. On Wednesday January 23rd (that’s tomorrow!) they’ll be throwing an opening party, then fully open on Thursday January 24th.

They’ll be serving Italian-Californian food, with about six appetizers and four mains. They’ll also do a daily prix-fixe chalkboard menu, which will vary in price depending on the items. Here’s the opening menu for you to check out. Lamb sugo? Check. The wine list, which was put together by general manager Gregory van Hoesen, is focused on sustainable and biodynamic wines from all over the world. There are around 12 wines on the regular menu, and as many as 15 more on an “adventurers” list that you can ask for, with more eclectic and unusual choices. There will also be two beers on tap: the Almanac Honey Saison (delish) and Sculpin IPA. You can take a look at the wine list here.

These guys lucked out with their space too. The building has fantastic Victorian bones, and they’ve kept things simple, if a bit expected. There are repurposed Mason jar light fixtures from Omega Lighting Design in Berkeley, wooden chairs, and a nice metal-topped bar. The ceilings are wonderfully high, with great arched windows and stained glass on one side. In the back is a great lofted area that they’ve converted into a more intimate and personal area with a big communal table. Eventually, there will be bookcases with the pair’s favorite cookbooks, as well as the names of their most generous Kickstarter contributors and some other more personal mementos. This spot will be available for groups of up to 10 to do a chef’s tasting menu, family style.

The spot has been warmly embraced by the neighborhood, from the designer upstairs who offered to make their signage to a women down the street who will be doing their flowers (adorable). They are just across the street from Precita Park, and hope to add picnic lunches to their arsenal soon, along with weekend brunch. For now, they’re only open for dinner and are closed Tuesdays. Hours are Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. Reservations are available on UrbanSpoon now, for as soon as Thursday January 24th. 300 Precita Ave. at Folsom, 415-285-6005.

Closed: Shanghai on Market

2-shanghai-diningroom.jpg

Dining room and bar area. Photo by Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

Last week a reader sent in a good-bye note from SHANGHAI RESTAURANT on Market Street, which closed January 15th. Who will step up to the plate next? 2029 Market St. at 14th St.

New Hours for Kronnerburger, Deli Board, and More

deliboard-pastrami.JPG

A honkin’ pastrami sandwich from Deli Board. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Craving a beefy, salty KRONNERBURGER? You can now indulge in your burger urge from Sun-Thu 6pm-late. Friday hours are potentially launching next week (February 1st), and Kronnerburger will also be open for Super Bowl Sunday (on the 3rd), serving burgers, wings, and carbonated margaritas (keep an eye on those, they are far too tasty). There is also takeout available; call the burgerphone at 415-656-9871. 2379 Mission St. at 20th St.

PRESS CLUB is now open on Sundays from 4pm-11pm. Feel like watching some sports over a glass or two of wine? There are flat-screen TVs that can be tuned into a game of your choice.

Starting Saturday February 2nd, fresh-pressed juice purveyor SŌW will be moving to Yield Wine Bar in the Dogpatch. It will also be extending its weekday service to Mon-Wed and Fri 8am-2pm and Sat 9am-2pm, but closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Its last pop-up at Pause is this Saturday January 26th from 9am-2pm. Yield Wine Bar, 2490 3rd St. at 22nd St.

Coming soon: starting Sunday February 17th, DELI BOARD will be open on Sundays from 11am-3pm, serving breakfast sandwiches and the same type of brunch items they serve on Saturdays, like smoked salmon, whitefish salad, bagels, and meats by the pound.

And over in Oakland, starting on Saturday February 16th, STAG’S LUNCHETTE is going to be open on Saturdays for brunch and lunch, 8am-3pm.

Cawfee Tawk

dripd.png

Image from DRIP’D via Facebook.

Some new coffee spots continue to dot the local landscape. Coming in mid-February to the Inner Sunset will be DRIP’D from Chris Morell and Tae Kim. They are opening in a shared space with Green 11 on 9th Avenue across from Arizmendi and will be serving Sightglass Coffee (although they plan to roast their own coffee in the back later on). They have been busy doing the construction themselves (pouring concrete for the counter and installing chalkboard walls). They are installing a long table with room for six to eight, plus some bar stools and outdoor seating will also be available.

Initial hours will be Fri-Sun from 8am-2pm (possibly Sat 9am-2pm or 3pm) while they get things ramped up. They also hope to integrate their original plan to be the first coffee shop to serve California-certified raw milk, maybe in April or May. Follow updates on Facebook. 1352A 9th Ave. at Irving.

Mission Mission mentions 111 MINNA GALLERY has launched Red Door Coffee, offering Four Barrel Coffee from 7:30am-3pm, with lots of seating available. 111 Minna St. at 2nd St.

And a tablehopper pal let me know John Quintos of SoMa coffee kiosks Cento, Special Xtra, and Vega just opened a kiosk inside the Chrome store, serving Four Barrel Coffee (his first foray with them). You can follow the CHROME COFFEE BAR on Twitter here. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm. 580 4th St. at Brannan.

Over in Uptown Oakland, the East Bay Express has the story behind ANFILO COFFEE, a café that specializes in Ethiopian coffee service. 35 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland.

Tidbits: Coming Soon

unclescafe.jpg

Uncle’s Cafe. Yelp photo by Kevin Y.

According to a post on Chowhound, it sounds like the folks behind the Szechuan The Pot Sticker have taken over Uncle’s Cafe, just a little bit farther down Waverly in Chinatown (they certainly seem to use the same sign maker). The new name is MA LA XIAO GUAN; there’s paper on the windows for now. 65 Waverly Pl. at Clay.

Tipster Jason B. also let me know about the upcoming BAMBŪ, which will be opening Saturday January 26th. It will be the first San Francisco location for the chain known for serving Vietnamese drinks featuring tropical fruits, coconut, jellies, beans, hot and cold coffee drinks, and milk teas. Hours will be Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. 6050 Geary Blvd. at 25th Ave., 415-379-4683.

This Week at Omnivore, and a Special Event at Woodward's Garden

01_Hero_Food_book.JPG
03_Fresh_off_boat_book.JPG
04_suffering-succotash.jpg

Catch some of these cool book events at OMNIVORE BOOKS in the coming week. First, on Friday January 25th, Seamus Mullen will be talking about his book, Hero Food: How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better, and his experience with changing his diet to fight his diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. 6pm-7pm, free.

On Saturday February 2nd, Clark Wolf and Marvin Taylor will be signing copies of 101 Classic Cookbooks: 501 Classic Recipes, a collection of 501 recipes from the 101 best cookbooks of the 20th century. The two editors were selected for the project by an advisory committee of luminaries, like Ruth Reichl, Jonathan Gold, and Michael Pollan, so they’ve got to have some good stories. 3pm-4pm, free.

Catch New York’s controversial shining star Eddie Huang of BaoHaus on Monday February 4th. His new book, Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir, shares his tales of opening the restaurant and his adventures traveling around the United States before BaoHaus opened. 6pm-7pm, free.

Got a picky eater in your life? If you’re still trying to understand where he or she is coming from, check out local author Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s book Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate. On Friday February 8th she’ll be at WOODWARD’S GARDEN, serving a Picky Eater’s Dinner with some of the most hated foods in the picky lexicon (think Brussels sprouts, beets, and parsnip), but made into some very delicious dishes. Tickets are $40-50, and reservations can be made via OpenTable. Just be sure to note you are attending the Picky Eater’s dinner.

Omnivore Books            - 3885a Cesar Chavez St. San Francisco - 415-282-4712

Weekend Events: CatHead's BBQ Turns One, Oyster Day at Piccino

piccino-oysterday.jpg

Oyster Day at Piccino; photo via Facebook.

Swing by CATHEAD’S BBQ on Saturday January 26th for its one-year anniversary/customer appreciation party from 12pm-5pm. It will be giving away sliders and prizes throughout the day, and at 3pm is the CatHead’s BBQ Biscuit Challenge (that sounds like a tough eating contest!). 1665 Folsom St. at 12th St., 415-599-6298.

On Sunday January 27th, PICCINO in Dogpatch is hosting its annual Oyster Day, with shucked Tomales Bay oysters by the Oyster Girls, starting at 12pm until they’re all gone. Weather pending, there will be plenty of tables on the sidewalk, and of course plenty of delicious wines to enjoy.

Piccino            - 1001 Minnesota St. San Francisco - 415-824-4224

Check Out These Fighting Irons at Dux's First Art Show

SHEATHS.jpg

Known for his Dux dinners, chef Eddie Lau is starting 2013 with some new projects, ranging from events to workshops but first, an art show at 18 REASONS. “Beneath the Sheaths” was concepted by Lau, featuring images of chef’s tools (from Melissa Perello’s knives to Bill Corbett’s whisk to Ryan Farr’s cleaver) photographed by Meigan Canfield and Ellis Au. The reception is Friday February 1st, from 5pm-8pm. The show will be up through March 30th, be sure to check it out.

18 Reasons            - 3674 18th St. San Francisco

New York's Amazing Russ & Daughters at JCCSF

Russ_and_Daughters_Book.jpg

On Sunday March 10th, catch a very special talk and brunch at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco with Mark Russ Federman of New York’s fish temple, Russ & Daughters. He’ll be there discussing his new book, Russ & Daughters: Reflections & Recipes from the House that Herring Built, which celebrates his family’s store and history (it’s been around since 1907!). The event begins at 12pm and includes a classic Jewish fish brunch with some of the store’s excellent smoked and cured products. Tickets (just search “Russ” in the search box) are $45 for the general public, or $40 for JCCSF members. 3200 California St. at Presidio.

Upcoming Special Dinners (There Will Be Crabs)

00_chef_ian_mullen.jpg

Chef Ian Mullen in the kitchen. Photo courtesy Naked Kitchen.

02_Cook_and_her_Farmer.jpeg
02_Heath_Ceramics_Store.jpg

The Heath Ceramics Shop. Photo by Alana Hale.

Here are a few dinners to consider if you’re looking for a special night out. First up, underground dinner locale NAKED KITCHEN will be doing a winter tasting menu from chef Ian Mullen on Saturday January 26th. There will be seatings at 6pm and 9pm. The dinner costs $100 per person and is BYOB. You can find tickets and the menu here. The location will be revealed after tickets are purchased.

Next, the STAG DINING GROUP will be teaming up with The Bold Italic and Heath Ceramics for A Heath Warming Dinner on Saturday February 9th. The multicourse dinner will be prepared by Stag chefs Jordan Grosser and Ted Fleury, with wines from Swanson Vineyards, and will be held at Heath’s Mission location. You can check out the menu and get details here. The dinner begins at 6pm with a cocktail and shopping hour, and then guests will sit down to dinner at 7pm. Tickets are $140 and include wine, tax, and gratuity. 2900 18th St. at Florida.

Celebrate the ongoing Dungeness crab season with AMERICANO in the Hotel Vitale. Its fourth-annual Crab and Champagne Dinner is taking place on Thursday January 31st. The dinner includes three courses, including an entrée of the delicious crustacean with butter and salsa verde and a dessert of pear and huckleberry pie. Each course comes paired with Schramsberg sparkling wines too. The event is at 6:30pm and costs $59 per person, including the beverage pairings (but not tax and gratuity). Reservations should be made on OpenTable.

As previously reported on tablehopper, chef and author Romney Steele is opening THE COOK AND HER FARMER this spring. In the meantime, she’ll be doing some pop-up dinners at GUERILLA CAFÉ. The first one is this Friday January 25th, followed by another on February 8th and 22nd. They’ll feature oysters and crab gumbo, plus a rotating roster of specials. The dinners run from 6pm-10pm and are cash only. 1620 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar, Berkeley, 510-798-1895.

Americano            - 8 Mission St. San Francisco - 415-278-3777

Now Open (and Coming Soon) in Oakland

trappist-taps.jpg

Taps at Trappist Provisions; photo via Facebook.

Last year, tablehopper mentioned that the folks behind The Trappist were opening a bottle shop called TRAPPIST PROVISIONS in Rockridge. Berkeleyside mentioned it’s now open, with 9 taps (there’s a beer bar and some tables) and 99 bottles. Open daily 10am-12am. 6309 College Ave. at 63rd St., Oakland.

Liquor license activity reveals Jon Guhl, who was an original partner in deep-dish favorite Little Star Pizza, is opening THE STAR on Grand Avenue in Oakland. Scoop explains Guhl split from business partner Brian Sadigursky (who still owns the original Divisadero location), while Guhl now owns the Mission location and the one in Albany. Grub Street notes it’s where the now-closed Milano Ristorante was located. 3425 Grand Ave. at Mandana, Oakland.

Nick's Pizza Community Dinner on January 28th

nicks_pizza_community_dinner.jpg

The last community dinner at Nick’s. Photo by Courtney Griffin courtesy Nick’s Pizza.

As previously reported on tablehopper, NICK’S PIZZA in Oakland occasionally throws a Community Meal to thank its neighborhood for supporting the business. On Monday January 28th, Nick Yapor-Cox, the owner and chef at Nick’s Pizza, and his staff will welcome anyone who stops by with free slices, salad, and beverages from 5pm-7pm. The Caamaño Bros. Soda Pop Co. will also be in attendance, serving free samples of its root beer. There will be live music, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own plate and cup to reduce waste. 6211 Shattuck Ave. at 62nd St., Oakland, 510-658-3903.

Some Berkeley Changes and Openings

oggi_interior.jpg

The interior at Oggi. Photo from Facebook.

Coming soon to Berkeley is the freshly named and revamped OGGI in the former CIOCCOLATA DI VINO space. Chef-owner Rebecca Bernstein Redwine is still on board, but will be featuring more savory dishes and a seasonally changing menu. There will be lots of small plates to enjoy with more than 25 wines available by the glass, plus some great lunch and dinner prix-fixe deals. Take a look at the lunch and dinner menu here and the dessert list here. There’s also a happy hour Tue-Fri from 5pm-6pm, with $3 beers and a $2 discount on all glasses of wine. 1801 Shattuck Ave. at Delaware, Suite C, Berkeley, 510-898-1392.

Now open in the former Sea Salt is EAT + LOUNGE. Scoop reveals the chef is Kwin Vu; you can peek at his Cal-Med menu on the website. Open Sun-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10pm; lunch coming soon. 2512 San Pablo Ave. at Dwight, Berkeley, 510-883-1720.

Thanks to Chowhound for the tip-off about PIZZA MODA, which is now open in the former Divino. There are also some salads and pastas on the menu, plus a kids’ menu. Open Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm. 1401 University Ave. at Sacramento, Berkeley, 510-841-5200.

More pizza! As previously mentioned on tablehopper, SLIVER PIZZERIA was opening in the former Sportivo space; it’s now open. A recent special included roasted marble potatoes, pasilla chiles, yellow onions, mozzarella, Bulgarian feta, cilantro, Mexican key limes, and garlic olive oil. 2132 Center St. at Shattuck, Berkeley, 510-301-6280.

Go_Pig_skyscraper.jpg
Go_Pig_skyscraper.jpg

the sponsor

This Round Is On Me... (hey, thanks!)

(Sponsored): Go Pig or Go Home!

Are you ready to get your pig on? Wanna make fresh pasta like a nonna? Travel to Italy’s culinary heartland for a week of hands-on classes on regional food craft. Learn how to make savor, a local conserve of winter fruits, nuts, and saba. Make hand-rolled fresh pasta under the close watch of two little old ladies (though not quite to their standards, certo), plus passatelli, a local pasta made of bread crumbs, eggs, and Parm. Work with a norcino to break down a hog into a veritable mountain of salumi—while nibbling on a special treat, ciccioli, lard cracklings. Oh yeah, and you’ll experience unique local cheese, off-the-radar wines, astonishingly fresh fish, and of course the holy trinity of Italian foods: Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, and balsamico.

More info here.


the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Tank18 (an Urban Winery) Opens in SoMa

tank18.jpg

Tank18’s spacious location; photo via Facebook.

Last year, Grub Street mentioned a new urban winery was coming to SoMa: TANK18. A press release announces that founders Patrick MacCartee and Cheryln Chin will be opening the space on Saturday January 26th. The winery is opening with five wines (a tempranillo, Meritage, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir) that will be poured Thu-Sun 3pm-10pm at the tasting bar. Flights are $15 and come with a cheese sampler (free if you buy six or more bottles); by the glass is $7-$11 and bottles are $25-35 (bottles to go are $13-$24).

The 6,000-square-foot warehouse will host future public events and will also be available for private events. They repurposed a lot of materials, like the wood from the floor that was pulled up and toasted for the bar, and tables and seating are made from wood pallets and crates.

If you come by the opening party on January 26th, be sure to bring your own wine bottle (a clean one, mind you)—you’ll be able to fill it with their 2009 El Dorado Zinfandel for $7.99 and have it corked (or buy a bottle for $2 more). The bottle event runs from 10am-4pm; there will also be food provided by paella king Gerard Nebesky and music. 1345 Howard St. at 10th St.

New (Potential) Takers for Solstice Lounge Revealed

solstice.jpg

Solstice Lounge; Yelp photo by Joe G.

Back in December, I mentioned SOLSTICE LOUNGE was currently in lease negotiations with its landlord. Now, liquor license activity points to a transfer to the gents behind Tonic, Bullitt, Mayhem, and more: Duncan Ley and Benjamin Bleiman, plus a new project partner, Mark DeVito. But it’s all contingent upon the landlord writing a new lease for them, and right now is under discussion. Solstice’s lease extends through March 31st, so stand by for news about what’s next. 2801 California St. at Divisadero.

Upcoming Wine Dinners and Events That Will Rock

maven.jpg

Maven; photo via Maven’s newsletter.

I hope you’re thirsty, because there are a bunch of upcoming wine dinners and events you should have on your radar. First, MAVEN in the Lower Haight is hosting a sparkling supper with Roederer Estate on Wednesday January 30th. The four-course dinner will be $85 per person (view the menu here), and reservations are available 6pm-10pm. Call 415-829-7982.

On Sunday February 3rd, ST. VINCENT is hosting a Festa Italiana, featuring wines from AR.PE.PE winery in the Valtellina (plus Isabella Pelizzatti Perego will be in attendance), along with Michele Braganti from Chianti’s Monteraponi estate (sangiovese in the house). There will be porchetta sandwiches and other snacks. The restaurant will be set up in a walk-around format for tasting. 1pm-4pm, $55 per person at the door.

Come by SPQR on Wednesday February 6th for an evening with Villa Crespi (one of Italy’s top Franciacorta producers) and Canalicchio di Sopra from Montalcino (brunello, baby). For reservations, email here.

SPQR            - 1911 Fillmore St. San Francisco - 415-771-7779


the socialite

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

Wine & Wishes Comes to Treasure Island February 2nd

wine_wishes_food.jpg

Some of the chef offerings at the tasting event in 2012. Photo courtesy Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Event Info

Saturday Feb  2, 2013 – Saturday Feb  2, 2013 Info/tickets

The 12th annual charity event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, WINE AND WISHES, is coming to Treasure Island on Saturday February 2nd. The event features two separate events: first is the Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting from 5pm-7:45pm. A variety of local restaurants and wineries will be offering wine tastings and food samples, including an oyster bar from Farallon and bites from A16, Masa’s, and EPIC Roasthouse. Tickets to the tasting are $150. 1 Avenue of the Palms at Pan American Esplanade, Treasure Island.

Then, at 8pm, you can take a seat at the Winery SF for a four-course winemaker dinner with wine pairings. The courses will be prepared by nine Bay Area chefs, including Roland Passot of La Folie, Suzette Gresham of Acquerello, and Mark Liberman of AQ. Tickets for the dinner begin at $500 per person and include tickets to the tasting event as well as access to the VIP area during the tasting. Matt Cain will be there, hanging out with the VIPs, so that’s pretty cool too. 200 California Ave. at Clipper, Bldg 180 North, Treasure Island.

Get Tickets for the Food and Farm Film Fest Coming in March

food_farm_film_logo.png

 Event Info

Friday Mar 29, 2013 – Sunday Mar 31, 2013 The Roxie Theater 3117 16th St. at Valencia

From March 29th-31st, catch the brand new FOOD AND FARM FILM FEST at the Roxie, in conjunction with Bi-Rite Market. The festival will be showing films that tell stories about our food, where it comes from, and how it is grown. Each of the screenings will include a food pairing, too. A panel of judges, including yours truly, the tablehopper, will screen each of the films and award their favorites Chef’s Choice awards.

Tickets will be available soon, but in the meantime, you can contribute to the festival’s Kicksarter Campaign. Twenty bucks gets you a ticket to any screening, including the food pairing, so it’s actually a pretty great deal. The included films haven’t been announced yet, but keep checking their website for details as they emerge. All proceeds will be donated to Three Square Meals, an organization that provides free nutrition classes in under-served communities. 3117 16th St. at Valencia, 415-863-1087.


the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Hello. My Name Is Inigo Montoya, You Ate My Frites, Prepare to Die

The wonderful Mandy Patinkin was spotted at Universal Cafe last Thursday with some dining companions. He was apparently rocking a serious winter beard too.

Gone in 60 Seconds

On Friday evening, Delroy Lindo stopped by Hayes Valley Bakeworks and picked up an apple-cranberry galette.

Joe, Can You Pass Me a Sidecar?

Well, the Niners are rocking the play-offs this year, so it was high time for a good ole Joe Montana sighting (or two). He was spotted at Jasper’s Corner Tap on Thursday night with his wife and kids, apparently enjoying a sidecar and having a great time.

Also on Thursday, he enjoyed lunch at Café de la Presse downtown, according to Twitter.

Boomer Whoops It Up

Sportscaster Chris Berman popped in to the Presidio Social Club last week. He fueled up on the meat loaf and a glass of Chardonnay, and was apparently quite a jolly fellow.

More Sporty Sightings Around Town

Last week, Pat Riley of NBA fame enjoyed a meal at Bluestem Brasserie.

Then, on Sunday, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan of the Clippers also stopped in at Bluestem and enjoyed two rounds of the mussels.

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to tablehopper.
Your link has expired.
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.