Lawdy, this weekend almost did me in. And no, I wasn’t celebrating Mardi Gras early. I came down with some crazy food poisoning Friday evening, oof, and was worried I wasn’t going to be able to rally by Sunday evening for the Academy of Friends fundraiser event and Oscars party. But fortunately things turned a corner and it all worked out! Wow, it was quite an event. What a great crowd! People were DRESSED. Way to go, SF—so snazzy and fun.
I had a busy time with my sis and dear friend Danny pouring three cases of Fess Parker Winery’s 2014 Fesstivity blanc de blancs sparkling wine for all the guests—what a perfect party wine to pair with all the food being served. And thanks to everyone who subscribed to tablehopper that evening, welcome aboard! We also were giving away a $150 gift certificate to China Live. I’m hoping the lucky winner gets back to me soon or I’ll have to choose another winner! Nudge nudge.
It was my first year curating the restaurants for the event, and all I kept hearing all night was how amazing the food was, the best ever—so you rocked it, gang! Tremendous thanks and gratitude to all the restaurants who participated: it was a big ask, with a lot of pieces (I heard Pabu/The Ramen Bar rolled 1,500 temaki hand rolls!), and on a Sunday no less, which is a rare night off for most restaurant industry folks. We all appreciate your contribution so much—proceeds from the event will be donated to six HIV/AIDS service organizations. I also want to thank everyone who donated gift certificates to the silent auction, so generous. I’ll let you all know the final tally once I hear how much the event earned.
You can see pics on Instagram of some of the dishes. I was so busy pouring bubbles at my table that I wasn’t able to snap pics of everything. (And sadly I wasn’t quite up to trying everything either but it all looked so good. My body was like, “Can I just have some toast and water, please and thanks?”) Anyway, your support and participation meant so much to everyone there and involved with the event, mille grazie.
I want to do a shout-out to all the restaurants and partners who served Sunday evening because they so deserve your business and support: Liholiho Yacht Club, Dabba, Mister Jiu’s, Chubby Noodle, Nomica, Motze, Tartine, Dosa, The Saratoga, Mestiza Taqueria, Onsen, Parallel 37, Okane, Salt & Straw, E&O, Perle, Pabu/The Ramen Bar, Jane, Bluestem Brasserie, The Caviar Co., Cypress Grove Cheese, Hot Cookie, and Slanted Door. BOOM.
If you didn’t get a chance to attend and you missed your chance to snag tickets for my preview event at China Live next Saturday (sorry, that wait list is longer than the number of guests we have attending!), I’m happy to announce I’ll be emceeing the Bubbles and Brunch event at Flavor! Napa Valley on Sunday March 26th, see you there? Let’s drink some bubbles, yo.
In case you’re looking for some Mardi Gras options tonight, here’s my post from last week. Another option this week is the reopening of Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center on Friday evening—I’ll have a post about the new lineup, vendors, and dishes for you next week.
All this talk about sparkling wine has made me thirsty. Ciao! Marcia Gagliardi
The first step in feeling Fesstive is a vintage silver ice bucket full of Fess Parker Winery’s 2014 Fesstivity blanc de blancs! Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Feb 28 2017
