This Wednesday November 4th is a Sagatiba distiller dinner at ~SPRUCE~, who will be pouring their line of cachaças, including Pura, Velha, and their yet-to-be-released Preciosa. Bartender Brandon Clements will be concocting a variety of cocktails to pair with the five-course menu, which includes hors d'oeuvres during the reception. $125 (exclusive of tax and gratuity). 6:30pm. 3640 Sacramento St. at Spruce, 415-931-5100.
On Monday November 9th, ~AUTHOR KARA NEWMAN~ of Spice & Ice–70 Tongue-Tingling Cocktails, will be at Cantina for an evening of spicy cocktails from her new book. (Here's a recent review from Camper English of Alcademics.com.) You will be able to sample drinks made with jalapenos, hot sauce, and other fiery ingredients, and will have an opportunity to try your hand at making your own spicy cocktail. Light refreshments will be served. 5:30pm–7:30pm. 580 Sutter St. at Mason. (Note: Newman will also be at Omnivore Books on November 11th from 6pm–7pm.)
If you're extra-crafty, you can do a double play next Monday November 9th, and also try to get in to a special (and free!) event for the ~SECRET SHERRY SOCIETY~, which is just a few blocks away. (Well, it's more like "secret" since I'm telling you about it.) You and a guest are invited to enjoy a party with complimentary cocktails, "live collaborative art," and DJs at Swig from 6pm–9pm (view the invite). RSVP by emailing rsvp@secretsherrysociety.com. I can't guarantee there will be room, so act quickly if you're interested. 561 Geary St. at Taylor.
And just in case you get really excited about how delicious sherry is and you want more, more, more, you should come the next evening to the ~TABLEHOPPER SHERRY TASTING~ at the cool Stable Cafe (the event is Tuesday November 10th). As I mentioned last week, sherry educator supreme, César Salda ña, will lead us through all the different styles of sherry, like a palo cortado and manzanilla. And James Stolich of CookWithJames is preparing quite the meal for us; while these items are TBD, it's looking like during the reception we'll be sipping fino and manzanilla (and a sherry cocktail) while grazing on pimientos de Padrón, authentic Spanish artisan chorizo, aceitunas rellenas con anchoas (anchovy-stuffed olives), Marcona almonds, and a specialty of Jerez, salmorejo con pan, a wonderful smooth tomato sauce on bread. Once we sit down, the menu is currently slated to include a chicken dish (pollo casero with garlic and red Spanish pimentos is being discussed) and beef cheeks braised in red wine seasoned with smoked, sweet Spanish paprika (pimentón dulce). Plus a cheese course. And ice cream with Pedro Ximénez for dessert. AND cocktails to start (and finish) from Neyah White from nopa. I know, it's a total flavor fiesta. Tickets are just $59, all inclusive. The event runs from 6:30pm–9pm, and since there's always a great crowd (we're talking about faboo tablehopper readers, right?), it's sure to run over with more talking and drinking. Stable Cafe, 2128 Folsom St. at 17th St.
A couple beer dinners for your radar: don't forget this Wednesday November 4th is a ~DEVIL'S GULCH BELGIAN BEER DINNER~ at Magnolia. The three-course dinner ($45 with beer pairings) will feature pork, quail, and rabbit from farmer Mark Pasternak (who will be at the event). 1398 Haight St. at Masonic, 415-864-7468.
And then on Sunday November 8th, Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery are hosting a dinner at ~ANA MANDARA~ to debut the release of Life & Limb, their new beer collaboration. Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada, and Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head, will be on hand to answer questions, drink beers (hic), and tell stories throughout the evening. The five-course French-Vietnamese dinner will be paired with eight beers, including hand-pulled cask firkins of the two collaborations: Limb & Life and Life & Limb. The remaining courses will be paired with a mix of Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada specialty beers. Tickets are on sale now. $100. 891 Beach St. at Polk.
Anyone know about this new wine bar coming to the Castro? Permits call it ~CORK: A WINE BAR~. Bueller? 2111 Market St. at Church.
Over in the East Bay, ~DASHE CELLARS~ is hosting a Spanish-themed Fall Open House this Saturday November 7th from 4pm–8pm. There will be new release wines, giant paella pans by Gerard's Paella, and flamenco performances by Roberto Aguilar's trio. Online tickets are available for $25 ($20 for wine club or ZAP members); tickets at the door are $30 ($25 for wine club or ZAP members). Entry includes wine tastings, food, and a complimentary Riedel glass. 55 4th St., Oakland, 510-452-1800.
