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Sep 10, 2012 20 min read

September 11, 2012 - This week's tablehopper: la donna è mobile.

September 11, 2012 - This week's tablehopper: la donna è mobile.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: la donna è mobile.                    

The stunning chandelier at the Opera House. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Hello there, fab folks. Can’t believe one week ago I was trundling back to San Francisco in a cloud of dust à la “playa Pig-Pen,” and now I’m back at my computer, doing my usual Tuesday grind. Of course, I’m now fighting a rotten cold (a friend on Twitter suggested it’s playa SARS, great). Thank God for naps, spicy beef noodle soup from King of Thai Noodle, and Wellness Formula—that stuff is a miracle. I am determined to kick this thing to the curb.

I’ve had quite the reintegration (of course I am still cleaning the dust off my clothes and gear; it takes weeks to get it all packed away, I swear). Friday I had lunch at RN74 (farewell, soft-shell crab!), and that evening I was honored to be invited by a friend to attend the opening night for the San Francisco Opera, now in its 90th year. Rigoletto was gorgeous, from the dramatic de Chirico-inspired sets to the thrilling notes of soprano Aleksandra Kurzak as Gilda. My Italian blood was pleased—don’t miss it. Sitting among the swells in their jewels and taffeta was entertaining—a far cry from my high school days when I used to do standing room (how else was I ever going to see Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni sing La Bohème?).

My friend Daniel and I then scooted over to Zuni for a late-night dinner of oysters, the Caesar salad, and, of course, the roasted chicken. Perhaps my favorite part of the night was closing the restaurant out at 1am, with the divine Margrit Mondavi just finishing her meal at a neighboring table. While many people went home after the performance, there’s Margrit, still on the town after the fat lady sang, full of quips and sass. She’s my hero—such vigor!

I was also busy this weekend emceeing at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival on Saturday, filming in the Mission for eight hours on Sunday (more on that soon!), and a fantastic dinner at La Ciccia that night with two fellow paisanas—the appetizer special of chicken gizzards is a winner (winner chicken dinner!), and, of course, the spicy octopus was on the table. There was also a lot of wine, which is what happens there.

Today’s newsletter is all about catch-up from the last couple of weeks since I’ve been MIA (Marcia in Action), so buckle up. Next week is San Francisco Cocktail Week, and I want to be sure you note the Italian Happy Hour I am co-hosting at Blackbird on Wednesday September 19th! Hope to see you there—I’ll be selling my tablehopper T-shirts, FYI!

A few more items of note: did you see this piece I wrote for 7x7.com last week on the city’s best $1 oyster deals? There are SO many (be sure to check the comments)! Have fun.

Also, I posted an album from my Burning Man trip in case you want to see my father in action with his grappa bar, the beautiful sunsets on the playa, the incredible art, big burns, and the many wonderful people I met this year. The pics barely cover it, ah well.

Today is my dear sister’s birthday: Happy Birthday, Erica Rose! Life is so good with her in it—I am so lucky to live just two blocks away from her. (I know, the universe was generous with that placement.)

Lastly, I am sorry to end my intro on a solemn note, especially when September 11th is already such a heavy day, but I was so very saddened last night to read about the tragic accident involving Isaac Mejia of Don Pico’s, one of the first people I met when I launched tablehopper in 2006. Isaac always called me with tips (I have him to thank for turning me on to Doña Tere’s pupusas many years ago), invitations, and comments. Sincere condolences to his beloved family and friends—the man loved hosting people and introducing them to one another, and he definitely loved food. I know the news of his passing affects many.

Take good care, Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Nombe Has a New Chef: Brandon Armstrong

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The Nombe interior. Yelp photo by Claudine C.

Some chef changes at NOMBE in the Mission: chef Noriyuki-san (of Ramen Bull fame) went to Japan for a month this summer and did not return to Nombe (I will let you know if I hear where he is now). Taking his place is Brandon Armstrong (Clift Hotel chef, opening sous chef for Michael Mina and Bourbon Steak). While with the Michael Mina Group, Armstrong was no stranger to blending Japanese and French techniques and concepts. Look for more of a focus on small izakaya-style plates and sake/wine pairings and less on ramen, although Nombe will continue to offer tonkotsu and tantanmen as well as one specialty ramen daily.

This week, to welcome Armstrong, there will be a special four-course tasting menu (just $40), paired with two summer namazakes and two beers (the Nautilus hibiscus saison from Pacific Brewing Laboratories and the honey saison from Almanac Beer Company). There is also the kaiseki menu (seven courses, $39.95) and sake and drink pairings at an additional $25 (with all courses except the salad course).

Nombe            - 2491 Mission St. San Francisco - 415-681-7150

1058 Hoagie Opening in SoMa Within a Week!

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The interior of the new 1058 Hoagie. Photo from 1058 Hoagie.

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A hoagie from 1058 Hoagie. Photo by Rose Garrett via Facebook.

I know I’m not the only one excited that I’ll be able to sink my choppers into a honking hoagie from 1058 HOAGIE very soon, maybe even this Friday (or Monday at the latest)—owner Adam Mesnick (Deli Board) is just waiting on inspections.

As previously mentioned on tablehopper, the brick-and-mortar location will also serve prepared salads, antipasti-type salads, soup, and, of course, hoagies. For more on these sandwiches of your dreams, take a peek at the piece I wrote for 7x7 here.

Since the shop is right by the Federal Building, Mesnick will be focusing on lunch service to start; hours will be Mon-Fri 11am-3pm. 180 7th St. at Howard, 415-552-8984.

Happy 15th Anniversary to Jardinière

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Photo: FrankenyImages.com © 2010.

This week is JARDINIÈRE’s 15-year anniversary, a commendable feat, so it’s time for a fête! In honor of the occasion, the team has put together an updated and redesigned menu, which you can check out right here. Basically, diners will have more choice in how they order, with a variety of sides, more first courses, and deconstructed entrées. The Chef’s Tasting Menu and popular Monday night prix-fixe menu will continue. Congrats to Traci Des Jardins and her team on 15 fantastic years.

Jardinière            - 300 Grove St. San Francisco - 415-861-5555

Hama-Ko Closing, Canteen Ends Brunch, Closed Tu Lan Plans a Comeback

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Brunch at Canteen. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

This remains unconfirmed at this time, but according to this post on Chowhound, HAMA-KO, the traditional sushi place in Cole Valley, will be closing at the end of September after 28 years in business. The owners are reportedly taking a much-needed retirement—and just like that, the city’s count of sushi Nazis takes a hit. 108 Carl St. at Cole, 415-753-6808.

Also on Chowhound, CANTEEN is no longer serving weekend brunch at all. Crap, it was my favorite eggs Benedict in the city. Farewell, chupacabra and amazing house-baked brioche for brunch. Sob.

In the unexpected (potential) comeback category, Scoop reports TU LAN is making the requested changes by the health department (stainless steel shelves, a new co-manager, and more) and will be allowed to apply for a new permit instead of going to a hearing; if all goes well, the plan is to reopen in October. 8 6th St. at Market.

Canteen            - 817 Sutter St. San Francisco - 415-928-8870

Expansions: Caña, Acme Burgerhaus, Market & Rye, Four Barrel

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Four Barrel cappuccino; Yelp photo from Jamie R.

Some news about expansions around town: First, before I went on vacation I announced Oakland’s CAÑA CUBAN RESTAURANT was moving into the Circolo space. Grub Street did some further sleuthing, revealing the menu will be “similar to the Oakland location, though with the wood-burning oven at the new kitchen, there may be pizzas and some additional dishes as well.” Stand by for news on timing and more. 500 Florida St. at Mariposa.

Looks like the Tenderloin is going to get a location of ACME BURGERHAUS (the original is on Divisadero). Eater shares that owner Joe Dabit will be expanding the offerings, with more salads, 49 seats, 10 to 15 beers on tap, and two big-screen TVs. The opening is planned within the next two months. 620 O’Farrell St. at Leavenworth.

Scoop reports Ryan Scott is expanding his MARKET & RYE location in the Design District and will be taking over the space next door—there will be up to 50 new seats, beer and wine, and expanded hours. He has also reportedly sold his 3-Sum Eats trucks. 300 De Haro St. at 16th St., 415-252-7455.

Also in the Scoop, FOUR BARREL COFFEE is expanding to the Portola neighborhood, opening a coffee bar on San Bruno Avenue at Burrows. Look for a November opening.

Pig & Pie Launches Weekend Brunch, Park Tavern Now Open Nightly

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The Pig & Pie interior. Photo: Dana Massey-Todd. © tablehopper.com.

Another brunch spot to add to your list: PIG & PIE on 24th Street in the Mission has added weekend brunch, served Sat-Sun 10:30am-2pm. You can take a peek at the menu here, which includes green eggs and ham (Gruyère cheese and toast, $9) and biscuits and gravy (marjoram-cheddar biscuit and sausage gravy, $4 for 1 biscuit or $7 for 2). 2962 24th St. at Harrison, 415-401-8770.

It can sometimes be a little tricky finding a place to eat on Monday nights, which is why it’s great news that PARK TAVERN in North Beach is now open nightly!

Park Tavern            - 1652 Stockton St. San Francisco - 415-989-7300

Fun Hapa SF Dinner at TRACE This Thursday September 13th

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Lumpia Shanghai from Hapa SF at Off the Grid.

Chef William Pilz of the HAPA SF food truck and pop-up will be at TRACE in the W Hotel this Thursday September 13th. He and TRACE’s executive chef Paul Piscopo will be cooking a four-course California-Filipino feast together, as a “Guest Wheels” collaboration project. The supper will begin streetside at 7pm, on Hunt Lane, where you can try some appetizers like lumpia and lamb meatballs, straight from the Hapa SF food truck, along with drinks. Then head inside for a seated dinner with goodies like salted duck eggs with tomato, greens, and calamansi vinaigrette, or marinated short ribs with garlic fried rice.

Tickets are a reasonable $40, plus tip and tax, and beverage pairings are available for an additional $35. Reservations can be made by calling TRACE at 415-817-7836, or via OpenTable.

TRACE            - 181 3rd St. San Francisco - 415-817-7836

Burmese Dinner at Betelnut with Naomi Duguid September 25th

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Canadian cookbook author extraordinaire Naomi Duguid has written several beautiful books about her travels and eating adventures in Asia. Her most recent is called Burma: Rivers of Flavor, and as the name suggests, it focuses entirely on Burmese cooking. On Tuesday September 25th she’ll be at BETELNUT, talking about the book, her many enviable travel adventures, and her perspective on the pretty serious changes taking place in Burma right now. Betelnut’s chef, Alex Ong, will prepare dishes from the book and take part in the discussion with Duguid. The event takes place 6pm-8pm, and the cost is $75 for Asia Society members or $90 for the general public. The cost includes tax, gratuity, food, wine, and beer. More information and tickets can be found here.

Betelnut            - 2030 Union St. San Francisco - 415-929-8855

Oliveto Tomato Dinners September 18th-21st

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Some of the tomatoes the chefs at Oliveto sampled. Photo via website.

The 23rd annual tomato dinners at OLIVETO have been pushed back a little later than usual, owing to a tardy (but awesome) tomato season this year. From Tuesday September 18th until Friday September 21st, Oliveto will be serving a variety of à la carte dishes that will showcase tomatoes in all their amazing forms. After sampling tons of local tomatoes, chef Jonah Rhodehamel and his team have selected the best, and will be presenting them on their special menu.

Some possible options include shaved green tomatoes with abalone, crème fraîche, and smoked sea salt; stuffed sardine with spicy tomato sauce and farro; and some really interesting desserts like tomato, cornmeal, and rosemary upside-down cake with lemon mascarpone cream. Remember, tomatoes are technically a fruit! Here is a preview of the menu, but it’s still in the planning stages, so be prepared for changes! Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant.

Oliveto            - 5655 College Ave. Oakland - 510-547-5356

SMIP Ranch Farm Dinner with Chef Mark Sullivan of Spruce on October 6th

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The supper table at SMIP Ranch’s 2011 farm dinner. Photo from Facebook.

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The SMIP Ranch CSA box. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

In the mood for some serious farm dinner action? The SMIP Ranch is a beautiful farm in Woodside, operated in collaboration with the Bacchus Management Group, which runs Spruce, Café des Amis, and Woodside’s The Village Pub.

On Saturday October 6th, they’ll be celebrating this collaboration in the tastiest way possible: with a farm dinner! Chef Mark Sullivan of Spruce will be in charge of the kitchen, which will be staffed by other chefs from the group’s restaurants. The whole thing begins at The Village Pub at 2:45pm, with snacks. Then it’s up to the ranch! Diners will be transported via bus and will have a chance to sip on some wine and nosh on appetizers while learning about the ranch’s operation.

Dinner will be served family style at a long table in the middle of the fields, with an emphasis on items produced on-site. Oh, and there will be wine too. Brian and Mary Shipman, the farmers themselves, will be in attendance to answer any questions and talk to curious guests about the farm. Tickets are $195 per person, and include the multicourse dinner, wine, tip, and tax. For reservations, email rsvp@bacchusmanagement.com. The event begins at 2:45pm at The Village Pub, and should go until about 10pm. Transportation to and from the ranch from the Village Pub is provided. The Village Pub is located at 2967 Woodside Road at Whiskey Hill, Woodside, 650-851-9888.

If you can’t make it to the dinner or just want to use SMIP Ranch’s produce at home, you can sign up for their incredible CSA box. The boxes are $28 and can be picked up at four locations: in San Francisco at Spruce and Café des Amis on Tuesdays from 11:30am to 6pm, and on the Peninsula at Mayfield Bakery & Cafe or The Village Pub on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm. The just-picked produce will include lettuces, squash, herbs, beans, and fruit, to name just a few possibilities. Mark Sullivan will also provide recipes and advice, so no need to worry about getting something unfamiliar to you. They’ll teach you! To sign up for the CSA, email smipranchcsa@gmail.com and they’ll get you all set up.

               Saturday Oct  6, 2012 2:45pm-10pm $195 more info

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the sponsor

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

(Sponsored): CUESA's Tenth Annual Sunday Supper Is October 14th

Sunday Supper is an elegant celebration of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market community and California’s rich agricultural bounty. On Sunday October 14th, thirty of San Francisco’s best chefs join winemakers, bartenders, and sustainable farmers in the historic Ferry Building for one memorable and decadent evening in support of CUESA’s Schoolyard to Market program. Here are just some of the talented chefs who will be participating: Ryan Farr of 4505 Meats, William Werner of Craftsman and Wolves, Craig Stoll of Delfina, Melissa Perello of Frances, and Yigit Pura of the freshly opened Tout Sweet Pâtisserie.

This year the event will commence at 6pm with a Champagne reception featuring an oyster bar, hors d’oeuvres, Napa Valley wine, and artisan cocktails. Guests will witness the action in the kitchen with a special behind-the-scenes preview before ascending the stairs to the Grand Hall for an elegant, four-course, gourmet dining experience. The long tables and family-style service are emblematic of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market community, encouraging guests to interact as they enjoy the unique menus created by six different chef teams. Each menu is paired with premier wines by a distinguished sommelier and features a whole beast carved tableside.

A live auction featuring one-of-a kind, culinary-themed items will complete the evening’s festivities. Tickets are $225, $175 of which is a tax-deductible donation.


the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Join the tablehopper for Italian Happy Hour at Blackbird September 19th

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The bar at Blackbird. Photo from Facebook.

Next week is San Francisco Cocktail Week, and on Wednesday September 19th, I’ll be pairing up with the fabulous Regina Schauerte and Matt Grippo for Italian Happy Hour at BLACKBIRD in the Castro. Join us from 6pm-10pm for your choice of three different Italian-style cocktails or straight amari, plus charcuterie from Fatted Calf. Delizioso!

You’re encouraged to make like an Italian and come fashionable, but we won’t judge your sneakers and North Face, I promise. I will also be selling some of the fab new tablehopper T-shirts, so bring your cash money, honey! Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Ci vediamo!

               Wednesday Sep 19, 2012 6pm–10pm $35 in advance, or $40 at the door more info

Pinot in the City by the Bay Event Coming to the Presidio September 13th

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This Thursday September 13th, Oregon wines will be taking the Presidio’s Golden Gate Club by storm at Pinot in the City by the Bay. The event is put on by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and will feature 70 wines from Oregon’s wine country. Many of the winemakers will be in attendance, so you’ll have the chance to chat with them about their pours. The event will be focused on pinot noir, the region’s best-known grape, but there will be wines made from other varieties, too, like viognier, roussanne, and melon de Bourgogne.

From 12pm-4pm the event is trade only, and industry folks can register for that portion here. The event will be open to the public from 6pm-9pm, and tickets are $65. Entry includes wine tastes, a logo tasting glass, and a raffle ticket for a trip to the Willamette Valley, with accommodation at the Allison Inn and Spa. The Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop at Sheridan, 415-561-5444.

               Thursday Sep 13, 2012 Trade 12pm–4pm, public 6pm–9pm $65 more info

Beer Events: From Ales to Fromage, a Nojo Dinner, and Beerunch

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Some of the beers at Beerunch. Photo by Tchell DePaepe.

On Wednesday September 19th, master cicerone Rich Higgins and beer expert Heather Castro will be kicking off their new beer series, From Ales to Fromage. This first event will be at PICCINO and will be focused on the farm. Specifically, there will be six farmhouse ales and three cheeses, with pairings to highlight their rustic flavors. Piccino’s wine and beer guy, James Butler, will be on hand along with Higgins and Castro to guide sippers along, and there will also be some little bites provided by Piccino’s pastry chef, Michaela Hug-Nelson. If you can’t make the event, you can still try out the pairings because Piccino will keep them as their rotating chalkboard special for two weeks after the event. Tickets are $45, all inclusive, and the event will take place from 5:30pm-7pm.

Higgins and Castro will continue their From Ales to Fromage pairing series on Thursday November 8th at PUBLIC HOUSE called “East vs. West,” and Friday January 25th, the series will continue at THIRSTY BEAR BREWING CO.. Details on both these events are spare, but you can check back at Rick Higgins’ website for emerging information.

For an exceptionally locally-sourced beer experience, head over to NOJO on Monday September 24th for a beer pairings dinner with Almanac Beer Co.. They are both folks that take their farm products seriously (nojo even means farm in Japanese), so this should be a good match-up. Almanac’s co-founders Jesse Friedman and Damian Fagan will be in attendance, chatting about their beers, as will Nojo’s chef Greg Dunmore. On the menu will be five courses, including some dishes not normally on the Nojo menu, like nikujaga, a Japanese-style pot roast, which will be paired with Almanac’s Summer 2010 Vintage Blackberry Ale. Almanac will also be pouring several special release beers, including their Fresh Hop Ale, made from local hops and barley. The dinner costs $75, and includes the five-course dinner and beer pairings. Reservations are available from 5:30pm-10pm, and can be made here.

If you want to get your beer on nice and early in the day, head to PUBLIC HOUSE on Sunday September 30th for Beerunch. The event will feature beer from MateVeza, which is caffeinated with the South American herb maté, so it’s extra brunch-appropriate. There will also be beers from Magnolia, Mll Valley Beerworks, Bear Republic, and AleSmith, among others. All the beer will be paired with brunch dishes like buttermilk waffles with pulled pork and apricot preserves, or chicken chorizo scrambled eggs. Check out the full menu here. The event is from11:30am-2:30pm, and tickets are $49.

A Couple of Fab Wine Events and Classes in September (and Beyond)

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The lovely bar at Heirloom Café. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

On Sunday September 16th make your way to HEIRLOOM CAFÉ for a very special wine dinner. Hirsch Vineyards of the Sonoma Coast will be pouring six of their 2010 wines alongside five courses of chef Matt Strauss’s simple and elegant seasonal cooking. You can take a look-see at the menu and pairings here. The wines will include chardonnay and pinot noirs from multiple Sonoma Coast vineyards. Because 2010 was such a cold year in California, the wines from this vintage have a character distinct from typical California pinot noirs. These pours will likely possess more Old World qualities, including higher acidity and lower alcohol, so all you lovers of European wines who are pretty sure you hate California “fruit bombs” should check it out. Tickets are $105, and include food, wine, and gratuity, but not tax, and the dinner will begin at 6pm.

Then, throughout the autumn, Mick Cameron of Slave to the Grape will be teaching a seven-part series of wine classes at the INTERNOS WINE CAFÉ in the Richmond. The classes will all be on Sundays at 5pm, beginning on September 30th. The series is all about “The Great Wine Regions of France” and each class will focus on a different (and alliterative!) region, from “Rockin’ Rhone” to “Amazing Alsace.” The class cost varies, from $45 to $55 per person, and includes tastes of four to six wines. Tickets and details can be found here. 3240 Geary Blvd. at Parker, 415-751-2661.

Tidbits: Eagle Tavern News, Gold Star Bar Becoming Soda Popinski, Justin Deering to 15 Romolo

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Photo from RichTrove.com via Facebook.

Was happy to return home to the news that the EAGLE TAVERN will end up with gay owners after all! What a turnaround of events, seriously. The new owners are Mike Leon and Alex Montiel; you can read more on Grub Street here and here. This SFBG piece by Marke Bieschke shares they are hoping to reopen by Halloween.

Back in July, I mentioned the Tonic/Bullitt/Mayhem/Rebel crew was taking over GOLD STAR BAR, and Eater now reveals the new name is SODA POPINSKI. Get ready for the décor theme: “Soviet propaganda meets Wild Wild West.” There will be hot dogs and chili on the menu during football season as well. 1548 California St. at Polk.

Over in North Beach, SFoodie reports Justin Deering, previously chef de cuisine at Café des Amis, is now in the kitchen at 15 ROMOLO. 15 Romolo Pl. at Broadway, 415-398-1359.

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the socialite

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

Eat Real Festival Taking Over Oakland September 21st-23rd

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John Harley Richter of Harley Richter Meats and some serious pork action. Photo courtesy of Molly DeCoudreaux Photography/Good Eggs via Facebook.

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Flickr photo by Kostas Pagiamtzis.

Event Info

Friday Sep 21, 2012 – Sunday Sep 23, 2012 Fri 1pm–9pm, Sat 10:30am–9pm, Sun 10:30am–5pm Free admission; Meatopia opening party is $50 Info and schedule                        Jack London Square 65 Webster St. at 1st, Oakland

The EAT REAL FESTIVAL is coming to Oakland’s Jack London Square, and bringing with it all sorts of wonderful things: artisanal food, local businesses, DIY crafts, food contests, and drinks. Oh, and did I mention entry is free? Yep, pretty freakin’ awesome. The festival kicks off Friday September 21st at 1pm and will last until Sunday September 23rd at 5pm.

There will be more than 50 vendors selling food, and no dish will cost more than $5. Participating vendors include 4505 Meats, Rice Paper Scissors, and Cholita Linda, among many, many others. There will be cocktails by local bartenders at the Jam Bar, where you can learn about mixing for yourself while getting your drink on. There will be beer from more than 15 local breweries including Lagunitas, 21st Amendment, Linden Street, and more. Or, if you prefer, you can sip wine from a variety of yet-to-be-announced California winemakers. For those of you not boozing, you’ll find locally crafted sodas and aguas frescas from the likes of Taylor’s Tonics, Soda Craft SF, and Hella Vegan Eats.

You can also hit up the marketplace for locally made take-home crafts and food products, like charcuterie, jams, pickles, sauerkraut, pies, cakes, bread, chocolates, kitchen supplies, and more. Worried about carting all your finds around and still being able to stuff your face? No problem; there’s a complimentary bag check, so you can shop with no fear of schlepping or dropping your precious goodies.

Want to get hands-on? Check out the DIY foods, where you can learn about bread baking, preserving, churning butter, and more. The schedule of workshops hasn’t been announced yet, so check the festival’s schedule for emerging details. You can also visit with local backyard farmers, like goat farmers and beekeepers, and find out what it takes to do cool stuff like raise your own chickens. There will also be state fair-style contests in categories like jam, pickles, and beer brewing. It’s too late to enter, but you can check out the winners at the festival.

And that’s not all! Meatopia, New York’s merry band of meat gurus, will be in town sharing all sorts of meaty events with their West Coast brethren. Check out their demonstrations and events on each day of the festival; the schedule can be found here. You can let out your inner butcher at the Butchery & BBQ contests and demonstrations, where local butchers will compete in a variety of events, like pig and steer butchering, as well as a barbecue face-off with both professional and amateur pitmasters working the fire. Meatopia will also be hosting an opening night party, which is a ticketed event. Tickets are $50, and include two drinks and unlimited meat samples from the Meatopia chefs.

The festival begins Friday September 21st and goes from 1pm-9pm. It goes all day Saturday, from 10:30am-9pm, and then Sunday, from 10:30am-5pm. Lots more details can be found at Eat Real’s website. It’s all happening at Jack London Square, at 65 Webster St. at 1st St., Oakland.

Special Nopa Benefit Dinner for Bay Area Women's & Children's Center

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Kids in the BAWCC’s learning garden. Photo from BAWCC’s website.

Event Info

Friday Sep 28, 2012 6pm $100 Bay Area Women and Children's Center's Tenderloin Community School 627 Turk St. at Van Ness

Here’s some delicious for a cause for ya: on Friday September 28th, NOPA will be sponsoring a benefit dinner called Nopa for Tenderloin Kids. Chef Laurence Jossel will be cooking a three-course dinner at the Bay Area Women’s & Children’s Center in the Tenderloin. All proceeds will benefit the center’s Community School and literacy and learning garden programs, which serve children and families in the nieghborhood. The event will begin at 6pm with hors d’oeuvres on the center’s rooftop garden and then moves indoors for the three-course dinner, which will be accompanied by beer and wine, and coffee with dessert.

Live music will be provided by Kevin Fagan of Finding Fable. Tickets are $100, all inclusive. The event will be held at the Community School, at 627 Turk St. at Van Ness.


the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Buon Giorno: Jessica Alba Spotted at TRACE

The lovely Jessica Alba enjoyed breakfast at TRACE on Monday with her husband, Cash Warren, and a few other fellows. She had the market omelet (without bacon) and sipped on some coffee, and was apparently happy and affectionate toward her hubby, giving him a couple morning smooches.

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