The Lush

While trawling through some liquor license changes a while back, I mentioned the Future Bars/Bourbon & Branch chaps were in escrow to take over a dive in the TL, Club 441. Well, it’s a go because they’re slinging drinks. Right now it’s called MISTER LEW’S…

Now open in the former Dragon Bar space on Broadway is MONROE, a new, upscale bar and lounge that has bailed on the bottle service and velvet rope B.S. found elsewhere around town. The space looks rather fantastic; designed by Mr. Important (Charles Doell)—who also did Gitane—the…

Swing by ~ANCHOR & HOPE~ on Wednesday evenings (starting at 4:40pm) for a half-dozen oysters (chef’s choice) and a pint of stout for $10. Don’t ask me what’s up with the 4:40pm start time—only goes until 6pm. Over in Cow Hollow, EASTSIDE WEST has…

This Saturday March 26th is the 12th annual WHISKIES OF THE WORLD EXPO & ARTISANAL SPIRITS FEST. From the biggest brand names to whiskies that are not even available for sale, there will be whiskies from the U.S., Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Australia, and more. There will also be…

On Wednesday March 30th, ~LOCAL MISSION EATERY~ is launching their monthly series of winemaker dinners, to be held on the last Wednesday of each month. This one will feature Natural Process Alliance’s winemakers Hardy Wallace and Kevin Kelley, pouring their 2010 wines. Details here. On Thursday March 31st, ~FOREIGN…

On Saturday April 2nd, 21 urban wineries in the East Bay are coming together for the 4th annual PASSPORT TO THE EAST BAY. Six tasting rooms in Oakland and Alameda will pour the many different wines of the EBVA (East Bay Vintner’s Alliance). Guests will be able to sample…

On Sunday March 13th, there will be an underground beer pairing dinner in Oakland from the EATING ABOUT BEER team. They’re serving six courses, each one paired with a beer (plus a sake for one dish) that they brewed themselves. 7:30pm. $50. CommonWealth Cafe & Pub, 2882 Telegraph…

In just a few weeks, the RHONE RANGERS 14th annual Grand Tasting is taking place on March 26th and 27th at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. This is the largest American Rhone wine event in the country, with the opportunity to taste over 500 American Rhone wines from at least…