April 29, 2014 - This week's tablehopper: flavortown.

This week's tablehopper: flavortown.                    

Shakshuka with merguez sausage at Tasty n Sons in Portland. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Hello there, I’m back from Portland, where I managed to avoid getting caught in any rainstorms. I got to finally taste the famed Pok Pok wings (and other incredible dishes), had a fabulous canelé at the brand-new Philippe’s Bread, visited the brunch mothership of Tasty n Sons, and drank Ninkasi beers while enjoying my cousin’s amazing pulled pork. Put a bird on it! I was in Portland for a wedding, so it was great to hang out with my family and catch up, but I can’t wait to head back there and eat and drink my way through that town; so many good spots!

The day before I left town last week, a friend and I took a two-hour boat ride around San Francisco Bay with Bay Voyager—the weather this week is perfect for it! I have lived here for almost 20 years, but have never had such an exhilarating ride on the bay before. It’s an open boat—a 28-foot custom-built rigid inflatable boat (RIB)—so you catch a lot of water spray. Yeah, it’s a total blast. You get really close to landmarks and captain Charles shared a ton of interesting facts I didn’t know about the bay. Check my Instagram feed or Facebook page for some pics since Facebook doesn’t like to let you see everything I post. They offer a $39 one-hour sunset cruise as well, which would be amazing tomorrow evening, I’m jus’ sayin’. Pack some adult beverages! Pro tip: if you’re doing a day ride, I recommend a quick lunch at Sammy’s Aloha beforehand, and then you can walk on over!

Our gorgeous city isn’t the only thing heating up right now—there are a ton of openings coming up too. We have a few listed in today’s column, and this Saturday, 4505 Burgers & BBQ opens its doors at 10:30am. Smokestack (at Magnolia Brewery) in the Dogpatch is also slated to open on Friday; we’ll have deets on that one next week, along with a bunch of other openings, including Outerlands. Whew.

For those of you with your mother nearby, have you made Mother’s Day reservations yet? No? Well, my 7x7.com piece on five new brunches should come in handy right now (get on it!), and I will also be on KRON 4 this Saturday at 9:15am with my tablehopper hot list, talking about where to go.

Big congrats to the restaurants included in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants yesterday, including Daniel Patterson’s Coi, which newly entered the list at 49. Saison was named “one to watch.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, can we talk about a small, female-owned business for a second? Yeah? Great, because this bums me out: our dear Azalina is running short in her fundraiser for a new commercial kitchen since she lost access to the one she was using. People, we all love her food quite a bit, can you please help her reach her goal? The fundraiser ends in four hours! Any amount helps, even $25. I for one would like to see her rock this fundraiser, please help a sister out.

OK, time to punch the clock and enjoy this weather. I hope you get to do the same this week.

Cheers! Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Details and First Look at the Menus of the New Hog Island Oyster Bar, Opening Very Soon

Here are the first details and menus for the brand-new and expanded HOG ISLAND OYSTER BAR at the Ferry Building Marketplace, although the opening date is still a bit up in the air due to a snag with the ventilation system (it’s “early May” for now). As we previously mentioned, the popular oyster bar took over the Ferry Plaza Seafood space and has therefore doubled in size, and now has a full bar, with executive chef Christopher Laramie leading the kitchen (prior to this, he was chef and owner of Brasa and eVe in Berkeley, and his cooking background includes Blue Door in South Beach’s Delano Hotel, Everest in Chicago, and 1515 restaurant in Denver).

The menu will continue to have cult classics like the clam chowder and the grilled cheese sandwich, with new additions like an oyster po’boy on a special baguette-style roll developed with Acme Bread (a good neighbor to have), plus a spin on a Caesar salad with crispy white anchovy “croutons” and a creamy oyster-based dressing. There will even be steak frites! You’ll be able to enjoy the bay view while noshing on the house-smoked potted sturgeon and fried smelts, and of course there will be plenty of oysters (here’s an initial oyster list, plus some specials). All the seafood is sustainably raised and harvested, with many small fish that are low on the food chain, and even the produce and herbs come from their own gardener near the oyster farm in Marshall.

Designed by Cass Calder Smith Architecture, the expanded space now has 65 seats inside and 65 outside. There are three bars: a 16-seat oyster bar facing the bay, an 8-seat cocktail bar, and an 8-seat chef’s counter with mirror-reflected bay views (ooh, trippy), plus communal tables too. You’ll see lots of recycled materials, with oyster shells in the concrete and an oyster bar top by Bohemian Stoneworks, and the shelves at the cocktail bar are from an original 1880s redwood foundation at the Hog Island farm in Marshall. Nautical elements include a hull-shaped ceiling of wood and rope and kelp sculptures woven by Lina Prairie (an Inverness artist).

The cocktail list is by Scott Beattie and Michael Jack Pazdon of St. Helena’s Goose & Gander. Look for spirits from Bay Area small-batch producers and lots of fresh produce; drinks range from $10-$12. There are also West Coast wines, including a couple of custom collaborations, plus five microbrews on tap, a cider, and Boylan natural sodas (also on tap)—check out the wine and cocktail list here.

We’ll keep you posted on the actual opening date and will hopefully have some images to run next week. Happy hour will continue on Mon and Thu from 5pm-6pm, with chef’s choice of half-price oysters on the half shell (selection changes weekly), plus beer and wine specials. Hours will be Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, and Sun 11am-9pm. 1 Ferry Building, 415-391-7117.

Outerlands Names New Chef and Is Reopening Within a Couple of Weeks

An update from the OUTERLANDS team: after letting go of chef Brett Cooper, owners David Muller and Lana Porcello have named a replacement: Greg Kuzia-Carmel. He is a new recruit from New York, where he worked at Thomas Keller’s Per Se and Michael White’s Altamarea Group; prior to that, he was part of the opening team at Governor in Brooklyn, and also spent time at Mugaritz in Spain and Toro in Boston. Their pastry chef, Brooke Mosley, will also be more involved in developing the savory menu, in addition to heading the newly expanded bakery program.

Outerlands has been closed while expanding into the space next door, and pending successful inspections, hopes to open within the next 10 days or so. They will open for midweek lunch next week or brunch that Saturday (May 10th), and will also offer a late afternoon/early evening bar menu. They will add dinner after a week or two. Stand by for a look at the new space and menu, hopefully by next Tuesday’s tablehopper.

Outerlands            - 4001 Judah St. San Francisco - 415-661-6140

Big 4 Chef Named: Kevin Scott

After hearing some rumors about who the chef was going to be for the BIG 4, replacing longtime chef Gloria Ciccarone-Nehls, the official hire has just been named: Kevin Scott, formerly of Paragon, Bar Jules, and Hog Island Oyster Bar. He will be working with the Puccini Group operations team on the menu, which “speaks to classic San Francisco with a focus on local, Bay Area ingredients in simple and straightforward, no-fuss cuisine.” His menu officially launches May 23rd—Puccini Group’s culinary team developed an interim menu that will be further evolved by Scott now that he’s on board. Stand by for more details soon on the restaurant’s reopening, which is happening Tuesday May 6th. (I know, that’s next week!)

Big 4            - 1075 California St. San Francisco - 415-771-1140

Dirty Habit Opens Thursday May 1st

After completing its run of preview parties for local tech companies (including Uber and Twitter), the (unfortunately named) DIRTY HABIT is opening to the public this Thursday May 1st. The former Fifth Floor in the Hotel Palomar has been converted into this bar-centric project, led by chef David Bazirgan and bar manager Brian Means. Bazirgan’s menu is focused on shareable (and very appetizing) small plates, like steamed buns with fried lamb belly and peanuts, pork croquettes with pickled mustard seeds and raita, and squash blossoms with ricotta and romesco. There are a few larger plates as well. You can look at the menu here.

As for beverages, look for some unique touches (like corn tea), barrel-aged cocktails, large-format drinks for groups, cocktails served tableside, and fun vintage glassware. The list has an emphasis on rare brown spirits, with 300-plus rare spirits and whiskeys available. Emily Wines is behind the wine list—look for some rare pours from the cellar (using Coravin). You can look at the beverage and wine list here.

The space was given a film noir-esque style, with a dark color palette. A highlight is the new heated outdoor patio, with room for 50. There are also private dining areas for events. Hours are Mon-Sat 5pm-12am. 12 4th St., fifth floor, at Market, 415-348-1555.

Could It Be True? La Rondalla Reopening This Week

After literally years of false starts and false hope (and some really wacky window signs), it looks like LA RONDALLA in the Mission may finally be ready to reopen, according to Scoop. The current opening date is Thursday May 1st (yes, just in time for Cinco de Mayo), and they’re even taking reservations on OpenTable. The menu will remain largely unchanged, with the addition of elote, carnitas, and shrimp cocktails, but classics like enchiladas will remain as staples. And yes, their margaritas will still flow freely.

The space is a bit pared down, with fewer string lights and a little less kitschy stuff on the walls. But it’s still brightly painted, and lots of paintings and fun touches remain. There will still be live music, but instead of the full mariachi band you’ll now find a three-piece band on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There will also be a happy hour Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm. They’ll be serving lunch 11:30-am-3pm Tue-Sun and dinner Tue-Thu 4pm-2:30am, Fri-Sat 4pm-3:30am, and Sun 4pm-12am. Closed Mondays. 901 Valencia St. at 20th St. 415-829-8444.

Gut-Bustin' Openings: Adam's Grub at Chug Pub, Homeskillet, Grubbin'

Here’s a trio of new restaurants with funny names that want to get you fat. First up is ADAM’S GRUB AT CHUG PUB. It looks like food truck Adam’s Grub now has a permanent home at Chug Pub in the Sunset. The menu is the same as the truck; think Asian-inspired and hefty sandwiches like the Falkor (that’s panko-crusted fried chicken with pepper jack, bacon, and Asian slaw on a brioche bun) or the Sho’nuff Hot Dog (a beef dog with jalapeños, Asian slaw, wasabi avocado, pepper jack, and bacon bits). Check out the whole menu here, and note their late-night hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am and Sat-Sun 12pm-2am. 1849 Lincoln Way at 21st Ave., 415-242-9930.

Eater caught the news that HOMESKILLET is now open in the former Pearl’s Burgers location on Market. The new project comes from John Chow, who also owns nearby Little Griddle, and has a diner-inspired menu. There are burgers with lots of toppings at lunch; at breakfast, look for lots of hotcakes, egg dishes, and Benedicts. They’re pouring Equator coffee too. 1001 Market St. at 6th St., no phone.

There’s also a new sandwich spot in Parkside, according to Eater. The new spot is called GRUBBIN’, and is owned by Emily Truong. It’s a classic sub shop, with some rather visceral names for their specialty (from Droolin’ to Savorin’) and a signature “grub sauce” on all of them. There’s also a daily special, hot wings, fries, and tater tots. Hours are Mon-Fri 11am-7pm and Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. 1404 Taraval St. at 24th Ave., 415-688-7116.

New Mealtimes: Trou Normand Now Serving Breakfast, Kate's Kitchen Adds Dinner

TROU NORMAND is now serving breakfast Mon-Fri from 8:30am-10:30am. You can sit in one of their tufted leather booths and enjoy table service, or order at the takeout counter. In addition to Four Barrel espresso and drip coffee, there’s a breakfast sandwich on the menu with pancetta, egg, and cheddar ($8), or yogurt with housemade granola ($6). Here’s the menu, plus they’re serving pastries from Neighbor Bakehouse. 140 New Montgomery St. at Natoma, 415-975-0876.

Hoodline reports that KATE’S KITCHEN is now serving dinner Tue-Sat from 5pm-9:30pm. The previous plan for dinner with chef Thomas Martinez is no longer in play, so the dinner menu is focused on Southern-influenced comfort food, not unlike their current breakfast options. Look out for fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy ($13.50), pork chops with carrots, leeks, parsnips, and watercress ($15.50), and wild shrimp tostadas ($13.50). 471 Haight St. at Fillmore, 415-626-3984.

Tidbits: Biscuits at Firehouse 8, Chef Changes, Book Event at Baker and Banker, More

At FIREHOUSE 8 there is a new opportunity to check out some brunch. On Sunday May 4th from 11am-3pm, SunnySide Biscuits will be popping up with their signature biscuits. Options include a brisket biscuit (do not try to say that before coffee) on a cheddar biscuit with yogurt horseradish, or a biscuit Benedict with egg, bacon, spinach, and hollandaise. Check out all the menu choices here. Their beer and wine bar will also be open, with mimosas and Bellinis. 1648 Pacific Ave. at Polk, 415-890-4800.

A reader let me know there’s a new chef at Lorenzo Logoreci’s ALA ROMANA: according to a Facebook post, chef David Taylor has been replaced by Philippe Routhier, whose background includes Anzu, where he was chef de cuisine, and Ame (executive sous). Weekend brunch has also been added. The menu’s atrocities against the Italian language and its spelling continue to remain. 1098 Jackson St. at Taylor, 415-292-3699.

Carolyn Jung, who is also known as Food Gal on her blog, is hosting a dinner to showcase some of the locals celebrated in her cookbook, San Francisco Chef’s Table. Join her at BAKER & BANKER on Saturday May 10th for a multicourse lunch. Chef-owners Lori Baker and Jeff Banker will be cooking their recipes that are featured in the book, and the book’s photographer Craig Lee will be in attendance, as well. Lunch begins at 11:30am and costs $65 per person, including a copy of the book. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 415-351-2500.

SECOND ACT MARKETPLACE has a change coming: Community Craft bakery is closing (so bummed, I will miss many of their tasty treats!), and in its place Eatwell Farm’s Ice Box is moving in with their seasonal soft-serve ice cream. They make their own cones with real butter, and recent flavors have included chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and melon. 1727 Haight St. at Cole, 415-713-0270.

I heard some rumblings about POPEYE’S on Divis being put on the market, and sure enough, Hoodline confirms it’s available for a long-term sublease. Popeye’s has been holding down the corner of Hayes and Divis for 28 years, so we’ll have to see if someone wants to take over the business, or put in their own concept—the space still has 22 years on the lease. I can’t imagine the neighborhood without that particular Popeye’s perfume, and not finding discarded chicken bones in the one-block radius around it. 599 Divisadero St. at Hayes.

Nothing Says Happiness Like Cheese: A Happy Hour and a Book Event

Here’s a new happy hour for your antennae, and this one involves cheese! Now that the weather is nicer, THE CHEESE SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO is offering a special Cheese Makes Me Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5:30pm-8pm. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and include a plate of cheese and a glass of wine or a beer. For those of you who haven’t checked out their new digs, which includes access to the former Saison courtyard, this is a great chance to do so for minimal moolah! 2124 Folsom St. at 17th St., 415-346-7530.

On Saturday May 3rd, get even more cheese in your life at MARCH during an event with cheesemonger Chester Hastings. He’ll be signing his new book, The Cheesemonger’s Seasons, and there will also be a pop-up cheese shop from Gourmet & More, so you’ll have a chance to hear about cheese and eat some too. The event is from 11am-3pm and is free, with items available for purchase. 3075 Sacramento St. at Baker, 415-931-7433.

AlaMar Opens in Oakland on Thursday May 1st

Officially opening on Thursday May 1st is ALAMAR from chef-owner Nelson German—it’s opening in the former Noble Café location in Uptown Oakland. We previously mentioned the project here, but to recap, German—a New York City native—was most recently the chef at Supperclub and Marbella. The restaurant’s name means “to the sea,” so you can expect a variety of seafood dishes. The primary theme is food that is meant to be eaten with your hands, including crustacean boils with Louisiana crawfish (there will also be a vegetarian boil with vegetables), soft-shell crab, peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp, and Penn Cove mussels. There are also plenty of small plates, some meaty large dishes, and lots of sides—even dessert will be meant to be eaten with your paws. Check out the menu here.

There’s also a full bar, with cocktails by Rob Wertheimer, which will include sno-cones, punch bowls, and housemade sodas. The interior is a bit industrial, melding with some nautical elements as well. There’s a cheerful turquoise wall, a high-top communal table, an intimate bar area, and plenty of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. One fun touch: there’s a copper hand-washing station in the dining room, good for pre- and post-meal cleanup.

Lunch service will roll out in a couple of weeks, and will feature rustic sandwiches instead of seafood boils. All-day Sunday brunch will launch shortly after. Initial opening hours will be Mon-Wed 4:30pm-10pm, Thu-Fri 4:30pm-11pm, Sat 4pm-11pm; closed Sun. 100 Grand Ave. at Valdez, Oakland, 510-907-7555.

510 News: BarLago Now Open, Marzano Closing This Summer, Comestible Pop-Up

According to a notice on their Facebook page, Oakland Italian restaurant BARLAGO is now open. The new place features a menu of Italian staples, including pizza, pasta, and entrées. Take a look at the full menu here, and look out for classics like pasta carbonara, a meatball appetizer, and a beef short rib entrée. They also offer gluten-free pasta, which is handy for some folks.

They’ve also got a full bar, with a list of specialty cocktails that incorporate Italian spirits, like the Cicciolina, with bourbon, Carpano Antica, Meletti amaro, and orange bitters. There are six beers on tap (mostly local craft brews, with Peroni for good measure), and an exclusively Italian wine list with a house red and white available by the glass, carafe, or bottle. Take a look at all the beverage choices here. There’s also a heated and dog-friendly front patio for enjoying those beverages. Hours are Tue-Thu and Sun 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm. Look for lunch to be added later, as well. 550 Grand Ave. at Euclid, Oakland, 510-836-2424.

It looks like Oakland Italian restaurant MARZANO has been sold to new owners, according to Scoop. Owners Justin Hafen and John Hurley (who also own Garibaldi’s in San Francisco) have moved to the Napa Valley to focus on a design business, and will be closing Marzano this summer. They’re not saying who the new takers are, though, only that they are Montclair residents and veterans of the East Bay dining scene. The liquor license transfer names the “Growler Group,” and a search of the state LLC database names Shelley Mulhall as the owner. According to her LinkedIn profile, she currently works at Gary Danko, with previous stints at A16 and Chez Panisse. No word yet on any other partners, but it sounds promising so far. 4212 Park Blvd. at Glenfield, Oakland.

Comestible Catering & Supper Club has a pop-up in Oakland on Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th. A team of six chefs, including Allyson Harvie (chef of the the soon-to-open Township Restaurant, and previously of Citizen Cake and Ragazza), Molly Healey (Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York), and Christian McDermott (Jardinière and Spruce), will be preparing a 10-course lamb tasting menu in the future Township space. Tickets are $60 per person, with wine pairings for an additional $20. A vegetarian menu is also available. Both evenings, dinner will run from 7:30pm-10:30pm. 1545 Broadway at 16th St., Oakland.

the sponsor

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

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the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Local Wine Scene News: Jai Wilson to Quince, Gordana Josovic at EPIC, More

Some big news over at QUINCE: with the departure of wine director Chris Baggetta, a new wine director has been named, Jai Wilson. He has worked as a sommelier at Jardinière since 2006, and prior to that was at Aqua.

Meanwhile, over at EPIC ROASTHOUSE, Gordana Josovic has been promoted to the position of wine director—she was most recently a sommelier, assisting former wine director Petra Polakovicova.

Big congrats to all our local folks who recently passed the Advanced Sommelier Exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers, which includes Amy Racine of Son & Daughters, Evan Hufford of Saison, Jose Maria Aguirre of Kimpton Hotels in San Francisco, Cosmin Marinescu of The Battery, Matthew Montrose of Soutirage, and Vincent Morrow of The French Laundry. There were 23 total who passed from across the U.S.; 50 candidates from 15 states and 4 countries sat for the exam. Kudos to everyone who made an attempt—the amount of study and knowledge required to even take the exam is staggering.

Two Exclusive Wine Dinners (Featuring Penfolds and Champagne André Clouet)

If you ended up getting a tax refund this year, here are two wine dinners for you to take a look at. On Thursday May 1st, PARALLEL 37 is hosting a six-course Penfolds Grange Shiraz Dinner. Be some of the first people in the U.S. to taste the release of the 2009 Penfolds Grange Shiraz. A reception begins at 7pm, dinner begins at 8pm. Penfolds ambassador Tim Irwin will be pairing wines from their collection with each course, and guests will receive a copy of The Rewards of Patience, a “form guide” to all things Penfolds. $400 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Call 415-773-6168 to make reservations.

On Tuesday May 6th, STONES THROW is hosting Jean-Francois Clouet from Champagne André Clouet in conjunction with importer Sacred Thirst Selections. The four-course dinner will include the following Champagnes from Andrew Clouet: Grande Reserve, rosé, 2008, and 1911. Yes, you read that correctly. Dinner is $150 plus tax and tip. There are 20 seats, and it begins at 6pm. Call Stones Throw for reservations: 415-796-2901. 1896 Hyde St. at Green.

Nice Drink Deals: Exotic Wine Flights, Unusual California Grape Varieties, Hidive Turns 10

On Wednesday April 30th, catch a wine flight tasting of unusual wines at the FERRY PLAZA WINE MERCHANT with Deena Smith of The Henry Wine Group (she used to work at FPWM, and had a bunch of loyal customers when she was there). The tasting includes two-ounce pours of five different wines, all from unusual regions or featuring unusual grape varieties. The flights are only $15, and retail bottles of each wine will be 15 percent off, as well. The flights are available from 4:30pm-7:30pm. 1 Ferry Building, Shop 23, 415-391-9400.

Did you know that about 93 percent of the wine grapes planted in California are the same eight varieties? To celebrate the other 7 percent, check out a wine tasting from Bergamot Alley called the Seven % Solution on Thursday May 8th from 5pm-8pm. The event is being held at the Folsom Street Foundry and will feature more than 22 producers, including Arnot-Roberts, Copain, Donkey and Goat, Two Shepherds, and Unti Vineyards. Tickets are $65 per person. 1425 Folsom St. at 10th St., 415-795-3644. (There’s another event in Healdsburg on May 10th, FYI!)

Looking for an alfresco party to celebrate the gorgeous weather this week? You’re in luck! HIDIVE on the Embarcadero is turning 10 this week, and they’re throwing a party to celebrate! It’s on Thursday May 1st from 5pm-7pm. Their huge outdoor patio is the star, of course, along with live music, a photo booth, an open bar, and appetizers. The party is a benefit for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and a donation of $30 is suggested at the door. Pier 28, Embarcadero at Spear, 415-977-0170.

End of an Era for The Attic

At the end of last year, word was out that one of the Mission’s great dive bars, the usually packed and very loud THE ATTIC was going to be closing, and now The Bold Italic confirms that owner Roger Howell has closed the bar (you may recognize his name from our Gashead Tavern post from last week—he’s also a co-owner of Murio’s Trophy Room in the Haight). No word if someone is going to move into the space or not. 3336 24th St. at Bartlett.

Oakland Getting a New Bar: The Wolfhound

A tipster who lives nearby sent us the news on this bar right on the border of Oakland and Emeryville, and now it looks like E’ville Eye has some details. The former Streamline Lounge—which was housed in a cool, midcentury tiled building—closed back in 1979 and after a short life as Cobbler, sat vacant. Now, a team has taken the space over and plans to open THE WOLFHOUND.

Partners include Peadar Kelleher, bar manager Chris Southgate, and Keith Mulligan. They hope to create a local gathering place, in the style of the town pub in Ireland. They plan to embrace the space’s retro feel with cocktails from the era, and eclectic, vintage furnishings. You can also look out for live jazz once a week, as well as a pub quiz and other activities. There doesn’t seem to be a timeline at the moment, since the project is still awaiting planning commission approval. 5516 San Pablo Ave, at 55th St., Oakland.

the socialite

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

Raise a Glass to Cinco de Mayo, Coming Right Up

Event Info

Friday May  2, 2014 – Monday May  5, 2014

Cinco de Mayo is coming up on Monday May 5th, and here are some places to get your fiesta on. DON RAMON’S is going to be celebrating all weekend long, on May 2nd-5th from 11:30am until they close. They’ll be offering buckets of beer for $20, specials on margaritas by the glass or pitcher, lots of appetizers, plus there will be a tequila bar and giveaways. The Ramirez family, who own Don Ramon’s, have been running Mexican restaurants in San Francisco since 1967—at their current location since 1982—so they know how to throw a good party. It’s definitely going to be a festive few days.

On Cinco de Mayo, Suerte Tequila is hosting a bar crawl in Dogpatch from 7pm-10pm. The evening will begin at Third Rail, followed by Poquito, Dogpatch Saloon, and Magnolia Brewery. The fifth location is still a secret, and will be revealed at the end of the crawl. Each location will be offering a different discounted cocktail (made with Suerte Tequila, of course), bar snacks, and tacos. While the crawl is free, food and beverages can be purchased and will vary by location ($5-$8). 3rd St. between 20th and 22nd Sts.

For a special cultural cocktail mash-up, check out the “Cinco de Derby” cocktail at TRICK DOG. It’s named the Gutierrez Julep, after Mexican-born jockey Mario Gutierrez, who won the Derby in 2012 on a horse named I’ll Have Another (seriously, we can’t make this stuff up). His julep includes Tequila Ocho añejo, Pierde Almas mezcal, and muddled blackberries and oregano. It’s only available this weekend, Friday May 2nd-Sunday May 4th. 3010 20th St. at Alabama, 415-471-2999.

For a celebration that is about cultural history and not just tequila, head to the Cinco de Mayo Festival on Saturday May 3rd from 10am-6pm. The family-friendly (read: alcohol-free festival) takes over Valencia Street between 21st and 24th streets, and includes entertainment like Ballet Folklórico and live music including salsa and Latin jazz; here’s the schedule of entertainment. There will also be lots of food vendors, artists, and other festivities to check out. Valencia St. between 21st and 24th Sts.

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

My So-Called Rayon

Long-haired Oscar-winner Jared Leto was spotted at Twenty Five Lusk on Friday evening. He was the guest of honor at a private dinner; no word if his cool-as-ice mom was also in attendance.