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Oct 5, 2015 22 min read

October 6, 2015 - This week's tablehopper: huarache lights.

October  6, 2015 - This week's tablehopper: huarache lights.
Table of Contents

This week's tablehopper: huarache lights.                    

Now that’s how to start a party: the raw bar at Stones Throw’s industry party last night. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

It’s a miracle today’s column even got written, but that’s where wonder woman/associate editor Dana Eastland saved the day (grazie, bella). Last night I was invited to co-host a thank-you dinner by Stones Throw for all the chefs who have cooked at their Eat Like a Chef/Drink Like a Somm charity series of dinners. I’m normally at my desk on Monday nights burning the midnight oil, but instead, I got to sit across the overflowing table (I blame you, chef Jason Halverson!) from the inimitable Robert Sinskey, with chef Bruce Hill to my right and chef Roland Passot to my left—and a whole lotta prime rib in between all of us. Thanks to the Stones Throw team for the generous feast, and all the chefs and somms who have donated their time to this awesome program!

This past weekend was of course action-packed: I started my Saturday moderating a panel on restaurant innovation at the Bon Appétech conference, and then you couldn’t have come up with more of a 180-degreen turn for where I went to next. After many years of hearing about Angelo Garro’s mythic Renaissance Forge in SoMa, I finally got an invite to his annual spit-roasted pig party. The space dates back to the early 1900s; it’s Garro’s blacksmithing shop and test kitchen and lab and man cave and everything else. It was quite the epic party, with a spit-roasted wild pig that was on the rotisserie for hours (loaded with herbs and fennel), handmade pizzas by Mitchell Rosenthal (Jersey) and his wife Mary Pult (plus ribs from Town Hall), beans and salads and charcuterie and cheese, and of course some homemade wine from Angelo. What a party, it was one of my favorites of the year.

The party was in honor of the latest release of Angelo’s Omnivore Salt (Limone) and his upcoming hot sauces, and if you contribute to his current Kickstarter campaign, you’ll see some great prizes, including the ability to attend the pig roast next year or have a private party at The Forge. Trust, you want any invite you can get to this magical and completely singular space. Take a look at my pictures from the event here.

Another big Italian event I hope you have on your radar is the upcoming James Beard Taste America San Francisco event, a celebration of Italian cuisine called A Night of Culinary Stars on October 23rd. I will be emceeing this epic night at Bimbo’s 365 Club with Brian Boitano (!) and you won’t believe the culinary and cocktail and wine talent who will be there. A few updates: I received word that Sarah Rich (Rich Table) has joined the roster of award-winning chefs that night, and there are only about 30 tickets left! Hop to it.

This week, we have the Blue Angels and everyone else roaring into town for Fleet Week, and I can’t wait for Pop-Up Magazine this Wednesday and the Jamie XX show this Friday, where I will hopefully work off some of this prime rib.

And on Sunday, I really hope you’re going to come visit me at Litquake’s Eat, Drink, and Be Literary event, where I will be selling tablehopper vintage SF restaurant and bar T-shirts and Blue Fox hoodies! Come say hi!

Have a great week.

Marcia Gagliardi


the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Corey Lee's Latest Innovative Project, In Situ (and More SFMOMA News)

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Photo of Corey Lee by Blair Sneddon Photography.

Leave it to culinary savant Corey Lee (Benu) to come up with such a groundbreaking restaurant concept, and yet at its heart, it’s based on imitation. Meet IN SITU, his upcoming project opening in the new Snøhetta-designed SFMOMA in spring 2016.

The menu will feature rotating à la carte dishes from 80 international chefs that Lee is going to faithfully re-create. Recipes from innovative and legendary chefs like René Redzepi (Noma), Alice Waters (Chez Panisse), Thomas Keller (The French Laundry), Martin Picard (Au Pied de Cochon), Olivier Roellinger (Les Maisons de Bricourt), Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz), and Dominique Ansel (Dominique Ansel Kitchen) have been curated (like an art installation!) and contributed to the project. Lee is working closely with each chef on re-creating their signature dishes—and some of the dishes will be created specifically for In Situ.

Aidlin Darling Design (Bar Agricole, Scribe Winery) is behind the design, which will nearly double the square footage of the previous restaurant. There will be 150 seats, with a small area for reservations and a larger area available for walk-ins. The restaurant will be visible from the street and have a simple, comfortable, open environment, with a wood ceiling canopy. In Situ will serve lunch and dinner.

If you want to read more about the project, check out this article in WSJ. Magazine’s October issue, which has an exclusive, in-depth profile of Lee and the project. A quote from Lee in the piece: “Five years ago, I made the decision to tune out international trends, to stay away from cooking conferences and events, all to create an identity for Benu that isn’t easily identifiable. Now it’s the opposite. It’s all about immersion, building relationships and working with chefs from around the world in a deep and lasting way.”

A couple more notes: The fifth-floor café, Cafe 5, will also open in spring 2016, offering California dishes like flatbreads, organic salads, and open-faced sandwiches. It will be operated by McCalls, who also operate cafes in the de Young, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art museums. Guests will be able to dine in the rooftop sculpture garden and be served tableside.

On the third floor, Sightglass at SFMOMA will provide coffee beverages, espresso drinks, and pastries from San Francisco bakeries and pastry chefs. Guests will be able to bring their coffee into the museum’s new Photography Interpretive Gallery.

Grand Fare, a Grand Culinary Project, Now Open in Oakland

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The garden at Grand Fare. Photo by Michael David Rose Photography, courtesy of UrbanDaddy.

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The market hall at Grand Fare. Photo by Michael David Rose Photography, courtesy of UrbanDaddy.

Almost a couple of months ago, I had a chance to attend a preview party for GRAND FARE, a beautiful new epicurean market with a spacious outdoor garden, just down the street from Penrose. It’s one of those places that only Oakland could have—San Francisco just doesn’t have the urban real estate available (nor the balmy weather to enjoy the patio). The garden reminded me of a dream location you’d find in Silver Lake or Los Feliz (in Los Angeles), with eclectic antique fixtures and a bohemian vibe.

This is all from the stylish minds of restaurateur Doug Washington (Town Hall, Salt House, Anchor & Hope, and Irving Street Kitchen in Portland) and his wife, artist Freya Prowe. When you walk through the antique iron gates, you’ll find a 3,500-square-foot courtyard to the right, full of tall trees, ivy-covered brick walls, native plants, and tables and chairs (75 seats in all), which is where you’ll want to sit with your cappuccino (they are using SF’s Linea Coffee) and a housemade pastry that you ordered from the 1946 Spartan Mansion trailer parked in the courtyard—take a peek inside, it got souped up with a mahogany and penny-tiled interior. Also on the trailer menu: sandwiches, gluten-free treats, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream. And then you’ll want to come back to the garden again in the afternoon for oysters and Champagne, or charcuterie and wine. See you there.

Meanwhile, to the left inside the building is the massive 4,500-square-foot epicurean market, which seems to take some visual inspiration from French markets and Ottolenghi’s deli in Notting Hill. (Washington worked closely with Robert Fink of Fink Architecture.) The space features its original concrete floors, plus an exposed beam ceiling that’s been painted white. The room is full of natural light from the tall plate-glass windows and oversized skylights. It has a clean and classic look, with white marble counters, British blue-painted cabinetry, and vintage slate accents. You’ll also note murals and paintings by Prowe, as well as a rotating collection of artwork by local artists.

There are counters and a center island with cases where you can purchase raw oysters (the raw bar has seven seats where you can perch), housemade charcuterie, seasonal farmers’ market salads (like kale salad with green romesco dressing, and seared cabbage with Medjool date vinegar and pistachio pesto), grab-and-go items, and an array of quality cheeses.

There’s also a rotisserie station, with hot savory dishes and sandwiches, like a leg of lamb sandwich from the rotisserie with stewed peppers and chimichurri and basil yogurt; a rotisserie porchetta sandwich with house sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Gruyère; and whole-roasted peri peri chicken.

The culinary team includes executive chef Ben Coe (previously Box & Bells and Commis) and sous chefs Frederico Oliveira, Drew Boczon, and Eric Cordova. The team will be doing some excellent sourcing, and Ryan Voss serves as the house forager. All selections highlight artisan producers and feature local, organic, and handmade foods.

Whether you want to grab a bite and enjoy it on the patio, or pick something up to bring home for dinner, your bases are covered. There are also many grocery items in case you need to pick up some eggs and milk. You’ll also see cases full of domestic and imported wines (60 boutique wines in all) and beers (also on tap).

In the front of the space is Prowe’s first Brother & Sisters floral shop. Prowe has worked more than 20 years in the floral design business, so expect some gorgeous seasonal bouquets, planted arrangements, and she can work with you on event services too.

Look for upcoming public classes on workshops on everything from bread baking to coffee roasting to winemaking, plus other monthly events and ongoing collaborative projects. The entire team is really excited to open this unique space for the community to enjoy, a project they have been working so hard on for some time.

Hours: coffee service at the trailer 7am-10pm, market hours are 11am-10pm. Online ordering and curbside pickup will begin in November. 3265 Grand Ave. at Elwood, Oakland, 510-899-9610.

The Chef's Table at Octavia Now Available for Groups and Parties

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The chef’s table at Octavia. Photo by Wes Rowe.

Just in time for holiday parties and gatherings is the new chef’s table at OCTAVIA, an interactive dining experience for up to 12 people. The seating is in the center of the restaurant’s lower kitchen and offers a multicourse meal perfect for a festive occasion. It’s available any night the restaurant is open, and reservations are required. You’ll need to plan a menu and wine pairings in advance too. The chef’s table begins at $1,200, and reservations can be made via email.

Octavia            - 1701 Octavia St. San Francisco - 415-408-7507

Bites of Bagel News from Leaven and Shegetz

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Bagels from Leaven Bagel. Photo from Facebook.

A report by Dana Eastland. Holey bagel news, Batman! Bagels have been on everyone’s mind lately, and now two new businesses are taking on the chewy, boiled delight. First is LEAVEN BAGEL, which has been serving bagels at the Fort Mason farmers’ market and via pop-ups (mostly in Santa Cruz). Owner Alison Lee is making the bagels by hand and boiling them properly for the right level of chew. She’s taking inspiration from the bagel styles of New York (density and texture), Montreal (a dash of honey is added to the dough) and San Francisco (she’s using a natural leavening style to get a touch of sourdough flavor). The menu offers classic bagel flavors as well as a seasonally changing special and housemade cream cheese spreads. Hours at the farmers’ market are Sunday 9:30am-1:30pm, but be aware they do sell out sometimes. You can also follow along on Instagram for information about upcoming pop-ups.

For a pop-up bagel experience, make your way to SHEGETZ BAGEL at PizzaHacker on Sunday October 11th. Their bagels are made with a sourdough starter, hand rolled, and freshly baked and boiled. They are only serving them cut and topped with house toppings, which vary and start at $5. The team behind Shegetz is Oliver Steele (Pizzetta 211), Ben Kaminsky (Blue Bottle), and Alex Rogers (Local’s Corner, 20th Century Cafe), and they are using “West Coast” methods, so come expecting something delicious—but maybe not a New York copycat, mmmmmkay? The pop-up begins at 10am and goes until they sell out; coffee and wine will also be available. H/t Mission Mission. 3299 Mission St. at 29th St.

Tidbits: Lemonade, Piccolo Forno, Proper Food, Chicken Wings

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Colorful trays from Lemonade. Photo courtesy of Lemonade.

Last week we mentioned that there were rumors that Los Angeles-based chain LEMONADE was in talks to move into some of the former La Boulange locations vacated by Starbucks earlier this year. Well, now it’s official: Lemonade has indeed secured three former La Boulange locations and will be opening their seasonal fast-casual concept in The Metreon, on University Ave. in Palo Alto, and in Walnut Creek. The plan is to open in spring 2016, serving fresh, seasonal fare in a relaxed, quick-service environment. While each location offers a slightly different look and menu, you can get a sense of the food from this menu, from their Pasadena location.

Maurizio Bruschi and Giuseppe Terminiello of Ideale in North Beach are teaming up for a new project, according to Hoodline. It’s called PICCOLO FORNO, or “small oven” in Italian, and will fill a neighborhood niche for quality food that is still affordable. It’s in the same vein as an Italian rosticceria and will offer items all day long, including espresso, pastries, light lunch items, and plates of pasta in the evening. They are also planning to apply for a liquor license. Opening is currently slated for later this fall. 725 Columbus Ave. at Filbert.

On Wednesday October 7th, PROPER FOOD is opening a third location in the Financial District. The latest location will offer plenty of grab-and-go options for breakfast and lunch, including egg and sausage sandwiches in the morning, salads and sandwiches at lunch, and fresh juices. Here’s the menu. Hours are Mon-Fri 7am-5pm. 350 California St. at Sansome, 415-481-3217.

Bwok bwooook! If you’re a fan of chicken wings, you’ll want to hit up the WING WINGS FOURTH ANNUAL CHICKEN WING EATING CONTEST on Saturday October 10th at the SoMa StrEat Food Park. The party goes from 12pm-4pm, and there are two contests: a timed event and a “hella hella hot” event (and we mean hella). They’re still seeking contestants and donations for the raffle; more information is available on the event’s Facebook page.

If you just want to attend the event, you can! There will be plenty of wings and drinks available, plus raffle tickets and fun activities for kids and adults. The event is raising funds for The Precita Eyes Muralists. 428 11th St. at Harrison, 415-834-5001.

A Sad and Rather Long List of Closures

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Pastries at Knead Patisserie. Photo from Facebook.

The Mission has lost a favorite bakery: KNEAD PATISSERIE closed on Saturday October 3rd, according to a tweet. For those missing their pomme d’amour and croissants, follow along on Facebook, because they mention plans to reopen within a year in Lodi. Shauna Desvoignes, the owner of Knead, has moved with her husband Jake to the country, though Jake will stay on as chef at LOCAL MISSION EATERY. However, while they figure out his commuting and other shifts within the company, Local Mission Eatery is going to pause their brunch service and ramp up their small plates and by-the-glass wine offerings in the next few weeks. 3111 24th St. at Folsom, 415-655-3422.

Hawkeyed Chowhounds caught the closure of the Outer Richmond location of ENJOY VEGETARIAN, and Yelpers confirmed it. The Chinatown and Sunset locations remain open, though. 5344 Geary Blvd. at 18th Ave.

Another oyster business in West Marin has attracted regulations and drama, and this time it’s the picnic area at TOMALES BAY OYSTER COMPANY that’s in hot water. As of Sunday October 11th, the picnic tables and grills will all be removed due to permitting issues with Marin County, SFist reports. The county cites concerns about traffic and safety, though the Marin County Planning Commission recently denied a request from Tomales Bay Oyster Company for a permit to add additional parking and legalize their current picnic setup.

After October 11th, the company will only be able to sell oysters to go on Fridays from 12pm to 5pm and Saturdays and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Since picnickers represent about 60 percent of the company’s business, they’ve had to lay off 13 workers and are concerned about their financial stability moving forward. For more information on nearby beaches where you can picnic after purchasing oysters on the weekends, head here. Please feel free to sign this petition in support of the multigenerational family business. The current plan is to reapply for a permit and hope for the best. 15479 Shoreline Hwy., Marshall.

Speaking of local politics and drama, The Bay Area Reporter has a very interesting article on vacant spaces in the Castro owned by neighborhood investor Les Natali. Apparently, after the announcement of the pending closure of ZAPATA last month due to a lease dispute with Natali, the Castro Merchants Association wrote an open letter to him, expressing concerns over the many empty storefronts he owns in the neighborhood (Zapata is due to close on October 16th, after being open since 1993). There are a few lawyers involved at this point and, of course, lots of opinions. Stay tuned.

Eater reports that Marina sushi spot YUZU has closed, and a note on their website confirms it. They hint that there are plans afoot to reopen elsewhere, perhaps in Sacramento. 3347 Fillmore St. at Chestnut.

A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned that PAL’S TAKEAWAY is moving to the East Bay, and just wanted to remind everyone that Friday October 9th is their last day in the Mission before reopening in The Hive in Oakland.

This Week in Caffeine: Teatime at Asha Tea House, Philz on the Move in Castro, Peet's Buys Stumptown

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The interior of Asha Tea House, now open on Kearny. Photo courtesy of Asha Tea House.

By Dana Eastland. We love tea around here, and now there’s a new place in town to warm up (or cool down) with the delicious beverage. ASHA TEA HOUSE, the already-popular tea spot in Berkeley, has moved west with a second location on Kearny in the Financial District. They are pouring teas from a variety of places, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Britain, all impeccably sourced from farmers by owner David Lau.

There are a few different ways to experience their teas. You can try pure teas served tableside in their traditional vessel, with the intention of introducing customers to the ways various cultures approach tea service. There is also a variety of milk teas and boba teas, which are made from scratch, including housemade condensed milk. Or check out the variety of changing teas infused with seasonal fruits, with options like kumquat green tea, a housemade Earl Grey made with real, fresh bergamot, and even a pumpkin spice tea latte, made with real pumpkin. There is also a whole section of the menu devoted exclusively to matcha, as well as a selection of herbal tisanes. Here is the full menu for your perusal.

They also offer a large selection of retail items, including loose-leaf tea and lots of equipment for your own at-home tea service. And if you’d like to geek out on the origins of their teas, check out the page of their website devoted to showing where their teas come from. The San Francisco teahouse is currently softly open with hours Mon-Sat 11:30am-6:30pm. 17 Kearny St. at Geary, no phone yet.

In the Castro, the former 18th Street location of PHILZ has relocated to a much larger space on Castro. Hoodline reports that the new location not only offers more space for additional coffee stations (meaning faster service) and more customers, but also allows them to serve more food items, including breakfast burritos, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches. In the coming weeks, there are also plans afoot to add outdoor seating and additional food items. Hours are Mon-Fri 6am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm. 549 Castro St. at 18th St., 415-321-6276.

And some big news: Peet’s Coffee and Tea bought Portland’s Stumptown Coffee Roasters—you can read all about it in this Sprudge piece, which confirms that Stumptown will continue to operate independently.

Even More Fall Book Events at the JCCSF, Omnivore Books

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Lidia Bastianich. Photo by Diana De Lucia.

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Now that it’s really starting to feel like fall, it’s time to start thinking about the season’s lineup of authors and events around town. First, the JCCSF has a bunch of great speakers coming up as part of their Arts and Ideas series. Don’t miss the Essential Taste-and-Talk Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All on Wednesday October 28th. Richard Betts and Wendy MacNaughton will be talking about their new book, The Essential Scratch-and-Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All, which includes tasting notes on the delicious brown spirit, as well as MacNaughton’s illustrations. In addition to discussing whiskey and its many flavor profiles, they will also be leading a tasting and doing live, onstage illustrations. Tickets are $47 per person (10 percent off for all JCC members), and the event begins at 7pm.

On Thursday November 5th, the one and only Lidia Bastianich will be in conversation with Delfina owner Craig Stoll. The prolific author on Italian food will be talking about her new book, Lidia’s Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine. She’ll be sharing some of her kitchen secrets, and there will also be treats from Delfina available for sale. Tickets start at $57 per person and include a copy of the book; the event begins at 7pm.

Nigella Lawson, cookbook author and mega television personality, will be at the JCCSF on Monday November 16th, discussing her new book, Simply Nigella. Tickets to the event start at $32, and the event begins at 7pm. It will be preceded by a complimentary wine tasting. 3200 California St. at Presidio, 415-292-1200.

OMNIVORE BOOKS also has a spectacular lineup of author events this fall that you won’t want to miss. You can see them all here, and be sure to check out a cocktail reception with chef Enrique Olvera on Tuesday October 20th at Bar Agricole from 6pm-9pm. He’ll be discussing his new book, Mexico from the Inside Out. The event includes food inspired by the book, as well as wine and cocktails. Tickets are $75, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

There are lots more events at Omnivore to check out, including book signings with Karen MacNeil, David Lebovitz, and Yotam Ottolenghi, plus off-site events like another cocktail party at Bar Agricole, with Daniel Humm and Will Guidara. The whole lineup is here, and even if you can’t make it to the events, be sure to stop by your local bookstore to check out some of these great authors and their cookbooks.

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

In the 510, Flour and Co., Herbs N' Chicken, and a Vegan Deli, Oh My

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The new Berkeley location of Flour and Co. Photo courtesy of Flour and Co.

By Dana Eastland. FLOUR AND CO., the Nob Hill bakery from owner Emily Day, has opened a second location in Berkeley (we mentioned it was coming earlier this year). The menu offers brunch and lunch items every day, including options like an English muffin breakfast sandwich, egg pie, granola and yogurt, and a seasonal, savory oatmeal. For lunch, there are daily changing sandwiches, salads, and soups, plus a combo of half a sandwich with either soup or salad. There is also a selection of pastries, like seasonal muffins and cookies, carrot cake, seasonal pies, and breads. There’s Stumptown coffee too. They are also offering breakfast and lunch catering, with delivery to Oakland and Berkeley. Hours are daily 6:30am-6pm. 1398 University Ave. at Acton, Berkeley, 510-883-3650.

Berkeley’s Epicurious Garden Food Hall is home to the now-open HERBS N’ CHICKEN, a rotisserie chicken spot serving whole birds for takeaway, as well as salads and sides. Peek (and peck) at the menu here. 1511 Shattuck Ave. at Vine, Berkeley, 510-529-4338.

Berkeley vegan deli THE BUTCHER’S SON tried to open a brick-and-mortar location earlier this year, but had to call off plans in June. Now, a liquor license application shows that they’ll be moving to the space on University currently occupied by Athineon. Peter Fikaris, one of the owners of Butcher’s Son, let us know that they are still in the process of securing the space but should have the keys sometime in December. After that, they plan to serve the same vegan dishes that have garnered them quite a following and hope to add dinner service to the lineup as well. Athineon will remain open until December. 1914A University Ave. at MLK, Berkeley.

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the sponsor

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

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the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Another Dive Bites the Dust. Actually, Two.

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There’s no place like Dave’s. Yelp photo by Andy K.

By Dana Eastland. If there were any doubt that the rad dive bar was officially an endangered species in San Francisco these days, news has come that beloved dive bar and SoMa institution DAVE’S is closing at the end of the year. The bar, which has been on 3rd Street just a block off Market for 26 years, lost their lease and won’t be able to remain. SFist reports that the lease has been taken over by the Future Bars team, of Bourbon & Branch, Rickhouse, Local Edition, and Cask, which is just next door. In the meantime, be sure to swing by Dave’s before it’s gone forever. 29 3rd St. at Market, 415-495-6726.

If that wasn’t enough to drive you to an early happy hour, Hoodline is reporting that SoMa dive and sports bar ZEKE’S has also run into landlord trouble and is also closing. According to partner Eileen Chen, the bar lost their lease when a partner passed away unexpectedly abroad, and the lease didn’t get resigned as planned. Now, the bar’s landlord has chosen a new tenant for the space, and Zeke’s will be closing on Saturday October 10th. And let this be a reminder, friends: if you have a favorite bar, a local dive you love, go there often. Spend your money there. Support and enjoy them while you can. We can’t take our city’s gritty heart and authentic soul for granted. 600 3rd St. at Brannan, 415-392-5311.

The Fine Mousse Now Open in Nob Hill

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There’s a new bar on Nob Hill for bubbly—and french fries. It’s called THE FINE MOUSSE and is from Jake Hajer of Woodhouse Fish Co. (it opened in the former Ala Romana). They are serving a selection of reasonably priced sparkling wines by the glass, Eater reports, with the intention of providing a relaxed, neighborhood experience. The french fries are fried in a variety of oils, including a duck fat option, and they are available with several different dipping sauces, inspired by Belgian fries. There are also some small plates like charcuterie and cheese, plus popcorn with porcini mushroom powder. Hours are Tue-Sun 12pm-12am. 1098 Jackson St. at Taylor, 415-908-1988.

Drink Up! Billecart-Salmon, Sour Beers, Drinking the Devil's Acre, and Fort Point Beer Events

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Billecart-Salmon, all ready for you at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants. Photo from Facebook.

It’s time for some bubbly at the FERRY PLAZA WINE MERCHANT. On Wednesday October 7th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, they will be hosting a special night of bubbles from Billecart-Salmon, including the Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois and the 1999 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Grand Cru, which will both be available by the glass (that never happens!). You can also try a flight of four Billecart-Salmon Champagnes for $48, and all bottles poured will be available at a 15 percent discount to anyone who purchases a flight. One Ferry Plaza, Shop 23, at Embarcadero, 415-391-9400.

Fans of sour beer will want to pay attention to this one. On Saturday October 10th, catch the Sour/Bitter Fest going on in the lot behind THE TRAPPIST from 2pm to 5pm. Ten breweries will be in attendance with kegs of their sour and bitter beers, and six restaurants will be serving paired bites. Breweries include Sante Adairius, Rare Barrel, Almanac, and Allagash, while restaurant participants include Ramen Shop, Tamarindo, and Homestead. Tickets start at $42 for general admission, which includes unlimited tastes of beer. Food bites are $2 each at the event, or you can purchase tickets with included bites; details and tickets here. 460 8th St. at Broadway, Oakland, 510-238-8900.

Local barman Duggan McDonnell is going to be at DOC’S LAB on Tuesday October 13th for Books and Booze. He’ll be talking about his new book Drinking the Devil’s Acre in conversation with Jordan Mackay, plus there will be live music from Duo InAuthentico. The event starts at 8pm (doors at 7pm) and tickets begin at $15 per person, which includes two drinks at the bar, or $40 for VIP tickets, which include a copy of the book—you definitely want it on your bookshelf. 124 Columbus Ave. at Pacific, 415-649-6191.

HILLSIDE SUPPER CLUB is hosting another producer’s dinner with Fort Point Beer founders Justin and Tyler Catalana plus head brewer Mike Schnebeck on Wednesday October 14th at 7:30pm. The dinner will pair four courses of dinner with beer from Fort Point, including confit pork shoulder with black barley, sunchoke purée, and fall squash. With each pairing, chefs Tony Ferrari and Jonathan Sutton will talk about the food and beer pairings along with the special guests from Fort Point. Tickets are $100 per person including food and beer, but not tax and tip. 300 Precita Ave. at Folsom, 415-285-6005.

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the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

SF State of Mind

Things were a little Illmatic at Stones Throw on Saturday evening. Hip-hop artist Nas dined with a female friend, and they ordered the puffed potato and egg, grilled albacore tuna, and roasted rib-eye. He was reportedly extremely friendly and polite.

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