May 17, 2011 - This week's tablehopper: sobriety checkpoint.

This week's tablehopper: sobriety checkpoint.                    

The scene at the Foodie Chap Chef Cook-Off; photo by Rick Camargo.

Oh, it’s so FUN pretending it’s November in May! Can’t believe I have my space heater back on. Lame. But in the decidedly not lame department was my weekend. Saturday I was a judge in the the first annual Foodie Chap Chef Cook-Off at Mary Risley of Tante Marie’s lovely home (ends up Mary and I are both Alfiste: Alfa Romeo drivers). While Team Foodie Chap (Liam Mayclem, Roland Passot) edged out Team Rock Star Chef (Dominique Crenn, Russell Jackson) by one point for their cottage pie, the real winner was Food Runners: nearly $5,000 was raised for the organization. A big thank you to everyone who donated funds (and their time) to pulling off this fun event.

As a reminder to all restaurants/event hosts/etc., no one ever has to discard or compost good, edible food—all you have to do is package the food and call Food Runners at 415-929-1866, and a volunteer or the Food Runner truck will come the same day to pick up the food and take it to an appropriate feeding program. Please remember this, thanks!

Sunday was the annual Star Chefs event for Meals On Wheels, which raised another record-breaking $1.4 million dollars to help bring meals to homebound seniors. Incredible. And while it was pure torture to be there and not be able to eat or drink ninety percent of what was being served during the reception, I was definitely impressed with how many dishes I was able to make vegan by just asking chefs to leave the meat off their dish (it helped to have a friend with me who ate every piece of meat I gave him, and he fed me the garnishes). I was also thrilled to find out the vegetarian sit-down meal that night was prepared by the one-and-only chef Stuart Brioza (I was the sole diner at our table with a plate full of morels). It’s always a smashing event, kudos to all involved.

Since I’m on the charity news circuit today, I want to thank the tablehopper reader who donated $250 to the CHEFS program, my charity of choice here in San Francisco. Made my week to hear that from the fine folks at ECS, thank you! Please remember SummerTini, the annual fundraiser for CHEFS, is coming up on June 10th!

Okay folks, try not to let the rainy weather get you down. Just look at it as a free car wash.

Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

Charles Phan Brings on Michelle Mah to His Team

While at the Meals On Wheels Star Chefs event on Sunday, I had a chance to intercept chef Charles Phan, fresh off his James Beard induction into the lineup of Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. I asked him about his plans for chef Grace Nguyen’s replacement at Out the Door Bush, and he said they are going to just manage it internally, and promote from within as necessary.

The bigger news, however, is that he has brought on Michelle Mah to his team. Mah just started yesterday, and will be working to understand Phan’s systems and doing some menu development at the commissary. Phan is being tight-lipped about the upcoming Valencia Street restaurant, but he did mention there is a hearing on the 19th, so I expect to have more details after that. (One can make some guesses with these two pieces of news….) There was also a tweet mentioning Phan’s potential expansion to New York in 2012—hopefully more on that soon as well. 584 Valencia St. at 17th St.

Chambers Eat + Drink (Softly) Opening Tonight

The transformation from Bambuddha Lounge into the spiffy CHAMBERS EAT + DRINK is now complete: Sean and Isabel Manchester’s groovy new bar and restaurant opens tonight for business. Chef Trevor Ogden (Mission Beach Cafe) has crafted a menu that’s a bit gastro-pubby, with some California seasonality, and a bit of Asian flair in a few dishes. Dishes on the opening menu include 13 small bites, like artichoke hearts ($9) with baby beets, Meyer lemon, olive oil, garlic, mache, sunchokes; and braised pork croquettes ($13) with mustard emulsion, smoked grits, baby greens, apple jus. A few dishes that show more Asian inspiration include the P.B.L.T. ($10), crispy braised pork belly, baby romaine, and heirloom tomato, rice paper roll, house sambal, and Champagne aioli. Larger plates include suzuki bass ($25), beech mushrooms, baby bok choy, ramps, potato noodles, hot and sour consommé, pink peppercorn; and smoked beef short rib ($18)—there’s also a Prather Ranch burger on a challah bun with fries for $12. The full menu will be served until 11pm, with a smaller bar menu until 1am or 1:30am (TBD).

Cocktails were designed to be quickly executed and simple, like a Paloma, Martinez, and Blood and Sand, all for $10—there’s a list of 10 specialty cocktails in all. The space looks aaaamaaaaazing (Sean Manchester worked with Charles Doell of Mister Important Design); look at my last piece for descriptions of the décor, and Grub Street has this nice slideshow of the interior and the patio. And check out the vinyl count: 7,000 LPs are lining the shelves, and they’re collecting another 2,000 more. The music will be rock-influenced (like the look of the place), spanning classic to indie.

Please note that even though Chambers is open tonight and Wednesday, starting Thursday, it will actually be closed to the public for the kick-off of ArtPad, a three-day event at the hotel and restaurant. So your best bet is to visit starting next Tuesday May 24th, when they will be able to run their regular hours. Can’t wait. Let’s rock.

Chambers Eat + Drink            - 601 Eddy St. San Francisco - 415-829-2316

An Update on Txoko, Opening Tuesday May 31st

Time to practice your Basque Xs, because Ryan Maxey and Ian Begg (Naked Lunch) are opening their San Sebastián-inspired restaurant, TXOKO. To begin, here’s how you say it: like tchotchke, just add a little “T” to the word choke, tchoke-oh. Okay, now that you’ve got that down and are ready to start drinking some Txakoli, here’s what is on Begg’s sample menu: there will be a variety of small bites (pintxos) for $3-$7, like oysters, fava bean cuscurro (crostino), and a Roncal cheese croqueta; slightly larger small plates include crispy Chesapeake Bay soft shell crab ($12) with piquillo pepper purée, bacon, spring onions, herbs, crispy sweetbreads ($10), and grilled octopus ($8) with potato pearls, sea beans, ramps, and truffle foam. Bigger plates include oven-roasted suckling pig ($32) with spaetzle, Madeira, yam purée, and mustard greens, and rex sole a la plancha ($25), with summer squash and potatoes. There will also be a cheese selection, and dessert includes gâteau basque ($6) and foie gras ice cream ($8) from these foie-loving dudes.

They’re going to be open late (kitchen until 1:30am, bar until 2am), providing a place for their industry pals to dine and drink late. GM/owner Ryan Maxey (who was the sommelier at Café Majestic when he worked alongside Ian Begg) has dedicated 80% of the wine list to Iberian wines. The cocktail menu by bar manager Jason Brown (Kokkari, Michael Mina) includes a Picon Punch (Brinba Picon, grenadine, Torres brandy, soda water) and the Fatty Arbuckle, with bacon-infused Elijah Craig bourbon, verbena simple syrup, and tobacco tincture. (At first I was a little perturbed by a drink being named in honor of Fatty Arbuckle, but reading the lengthy history of his scandal was super fascinating, and made me change my mind.)

More on the history tip: the Enrico’s space has been transformed from a live music venue into more of a “Basque-style tavern with a modern twist.” Urban Chalet is behind the redesign, and local artist Jeremy Fish did the mural (along with their logo). They added a communal table, and there’s a spacious bar area, plus both indoor and outdoor seating (45 and 35, respectively). I’ll have more details and some pics in a couple weeks.

Txoko            - 504 Broadway San Francisco - 415-500-2744

The Next Proxy Container Opens This Saturday: Ritual!

After Smitten, the next in line to open in the Hayes Valley Proxy series is RITUAL COFFEE ROASTERS this Saturday May 21st. They will continue to offer their small lots of high-quality coffees that they source directly from coffee producers. Coffee will be brewed on the v60 bar, with three on offer at any given time. The espresso program will feature their seasonal blend as well as a single origin, which changes monthly. There will also be special treats from Sandbox Bakery and Black Jet Bakery, plus a really nice tea menu featuring Red Blossom teas. Hours will be 7am-7pm. (Please note this picture is not of the finished container.) 432 Octavia St., No. 1b, at Linden.

Turtle Tower Opens a Third Location

A tablehopper reader on their way to work in SoMa told me they spotted a sign stating “TURTLE TOWER Coming Soon” on 6th Street. Further details can be found on LiveSOMA, with the owners writing in to say they are hoping for a June 1st opening. That is pho-king awesome. 501 6th St. at Bryant.

Mirtille Opens This Week

Not too long ago, I mentioned a new café opening in the Civic Center/Tenderloin area: MIRTILLE. Well, the 26-seat café with the blueberry-inspired palette (mirtille is French for blueberry) should be opening this Wednesday or Thursday from owners François and Isabelle Chevillotte. To recap, they will be serving healthy and flavorful food with local and seasonal ingredients, including fresh salads (there’s a salad bar), sandwiches on house-baked bread, and being French, some pastries and coffee will also be offered (they are using Mr. Espresso). See the full menu here. They are also planning for eventual outdoor seating. Hours will be 7am-7pm daily. 87 McAllister St. at Leavenworth, 415-252-7661.

Three Chef Hires and Departures in the Mission

Over at MISSION BEACH CAFE, chef Ron Silverberg had to unfortunately attend to a family matter in Pennsylvania, and had to leave the restaurant. Owner Bill Clarke is welcoming back chef Thomas Martinez, who started this week and is working on creating his own menu with his team; Thomas left in 2009 to pursue farming up in the Healdsburg area with Timothy Holt (Weird Fish) at Roshambo Farms and some freelance chef gigs. One more thing to note: starting on Tuesday May 31st, MBC will be re-launching their annual “BBQ Tuesdays” menu. Stand by!

Based on this posting on Craigslist, it appears LUNA PARK is looking for a new executive chef; Ronnie New is leaving in two weeks, and will be working as a line cook at Contigo, and picking up shifts at Living Room Events/Kitchenette. 694 Valencia St. at 18th St., 415-553-8584.

And over at NOMBE, chef Vincent Schofield has departed, and owner Mari Takahashi is now serving as executive chef. She has brought on chef de cuisine Pierre Mangé (Zero Zero, SPQR, Contigo)—I mean, come on, with a last name like that, of course she had to hire him.

New Carbs for You!

Don’t be afraid. Really. You’re going to love this. Starting Wednesday May 25th, indie baker Josey Baker (you gotta love this town of baking Bakers) is going to be selling his fresh, warm, delicious bread in Bi-Rite Market every Wednesday and Thursday evening, starting at 5pm. The bread schedule for now will have his black pepper Parmesan and seed feast breads on Wednesdays, and walnut levain and whole wheat levain on Thursdays. He’s going to have SF bike messenger company TCB Courier pedal the bread over from Mission Pie (where Josey is baking it) hot out of the oven to Bi-Rite. Pedal fast, boys! On a blog post, he also alludes to “special treats in store for those who buy these first Bi-Rite breads… you’ll be able to take the bread bag from Bi-Rite and bring it to Mission Pie, where I will trade you for secret treats.” Hmmm. Secret treats. Sounds intriguing.

And up in Bernal, Bernalwood alerts us the latest tenant to join the 331 Cortland marketplace is ANDA PIROSHKI, from Muscovite Anna Tvelova. She’ll be selling homestyle and baked piroshki, in flavors like beef, rice, and cheese; cheesy potato and onions; creamy mushrooms and rice; and apple, cranberries, and almonds. Her launch is also May 25th, an auspicious day for bread products in this town. SFoodie mentions soups like borscht and “rassolnik, made with pickles from 331 Cortland neighbor Paulie’s.” 331 Cortland Ave. at Bennington.

Revealed: The New Lunch Menu at Oyaji

Last week, I mentioned OYAJI is now serving lunch Wed-Sun, and a star tablehopper reader snagged a lunch menu for me. Items basically include all the things I want to eat all the time: ramen ($8.50); oyako-don ($7), chicken and egg over rice; katsu curry ($7), deep-fried pork cutlet with Japanese curry over rice; and their evil kani cream korrokke ($8), crab and béchamel croquettes. Other choices include tempura, chicken karaage, and more—all come with miso soup and salad, and nothing is over $9.

Oyaji            - 3123 Clement St. San Francisco - 415-379-3604

Two New Sunday Brunches: Baker & Banker and Chez Spencer

Starting Sunday June 5th, BAKER & BANKER in Pacific Heights will be serving brunch from 10am-2:30pm. Brunch items include Lucky Dog Farm brisket hash, poached farm eggs, romesco sauce, pickled ramps; French toast bread pudding, maple and bourbon glazed bananas, whipped crème fraîche, and pecan praline; and eggs in purgatory, with spicy tomato sauce, mascarpone-brown butter polenta, and housemade Italian sausage. Some baked treats from their bakery include pineapple fritters with mango-Champagne sauce and sticky buns. Reservations accepted. (I am always a fan of brunch reservations.)

Eater caught wind that CHEZ SPENCER has started serving Sunday brunch, with items like omelet aux fines herbes; poached eggs and steamed asparagus in truffle emulsion; wild mushroom tartine and poached egg; and smoked duck breast à la Lyonnaise with poached egg and lardons. Since they have a full bar, you’ll be able to enjoy cocktails like a classic Corpse Reviver. And it’s one hell of a pretty location. Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

Baker & Banker            - 1701 Octavia St., San Francisco - 415-351-2500

James Syhabout's Hawker Fare Now Open in Oakland

James Syhabout (Commis) has opened HAWKER FARE, his casual and affordable 49-seat Asian place in Oakland. On the menu: rice bowls, a whole bunch of them, plus some snacks like green papaya salad and beef salad. Some dishes include a spin on kao mun gai ($9), a classic dish of poached chicken with mung bean sauce, but their version has the tender chicken cooked sous vide. There’s also a 24-hour pork belly over rice, and issan sausage, a spicy pork meatball sausage. You can add a fried farm egg on top of any of the dishes.

Chef de cuisine Justin Yu has worked at Momofuku Ssäm Bar, so he’s no stranger to sriracha. For this week only, they are just starting with lunch (11am-6pm), and next week will be Mon-Wed 11am-6pm, Thu-Fri 11am-9:30pm, and Sat 5pm-9:30pm. Hopefully their beer and wine license will be in effect by the time dinner starts next week. Enjoy the hip-hop and kung fu art. Closed Sun. 2300 Webster St. at 23rd St., Oakland, 510-832-8896.

Changes and Cocktails at Manresa

Two weeks of construction and many changes later, and MANRESA in Los Gatos is scheduled to complete its remodel on Wednesday May 18th. The renovations include lots of new things: a new look, new dining areas, a new wine cellar, and a new bar and lounge space with a new cocktail program to match.

Chef-proprietor David Kinch worked with Sterry Architecture and Sunnyhills Studio to update the restaurant’s 1940s ranch-style building with a more contemporary (yet still sophisticated) look. The color palette reflects the natural surroundings of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the ocean with earthy tones and cream and maple accents. Guests will enter under a handmade glass chandelier by Berkeley artist Erik Powell and Los Angeles-based Cleveland Art as they head toward the new bar and lounge at the back of the building. The lounge features a backlit bar with alabaster mother-of-pearl backing, and custom seating encompassing the restaurant’s art-inspired curved wall and mosaic fireplace. It’ll be a nice setting to order from the special bar menu and from the new artisan cocktail program from wine director Jeff Bareilles, who will offer classic and contemporary cocktails using ingredients from Love Apple Farm. The bar seats 10.

On one side of the bar, the existing dining area has been completely refreshed, and on the other side, a new dining area seats up to 30, including a cream and ebony banquette lining the back wall. The adjacent private dining room seats up to 10. Plus there are four sure-to-be-coveted outdoor seats, and what was formerly the entrance will now be a walk-in wine cellar. Dinner starts 5:30pm Wed-Sat, 5pm Sun. 320 Village Ln., Los Gatos, 408-354-4330.

the sponsor

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

(Sponsored): Bi-Rite's Spring Wine Blitz Starts May 19th!

Trac, Matt, Sarah, and Mel, Bi-Rite Market’s trusty wine team, have one of the best wine selections in town. Surrounded by amazing cheeses, salumi, fresh produce, and a world-class deli, the team is inspired to choose wines that aren’t just “food friendly” but rather living partners with food that elevate the dishes they’re served alongside. That selection includes a wide array of wines under $15, including the latest in natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, plus hard-to-find cult wines from Comtes Lafon, Clos Rougeard, Sean Thackrey, Bartolo Mascarello, Movia, Quintarelli, and more.

During Bi-Rite’s Spring Wine Blitz (May 19th-22nd), all wines are 20% off when you purchase any 12 or more bottles. The sale includes every wine in the store, and delivery is free in San Francisco!

Bi-Rite Market, 3639 18th St. between Dolores and Guerrero, in the Mission District. For more information, call the store at 415-241-9760 or email.

the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Comstock Saloon Is Throwing an Anniversary Bash This Friday May 20th

This Friday May 20th, celebrate the one-year anniversary of COMSTOCK SALOON gloriously joining (and preserving) our local saloon scene. The party starts at 11:30am, with the gents offering a free lunch (until 2:30pm) with the purchase of two adult beverages. Hey, it’s Friday after all! Starting at noon, there will be live music (ragtime, bebop, Dixieland, swing, blues) until midnight, along with complimentary snacks, a sexy burlesque show, and $4 boots (dangerous, those boots—you’ve been warned) and $3 Steams. Vintage attire is encouraged, and as the invite says, “All moustaches will be checked at the door.” Happy Anniversary, Jonny, Jeff, Carlo, and all the rest of the Comstock crew!

Comstock Saloon            - 155 Columbus Ave. San Francisco - 415-617-0071

Bernal Heights Update: A Wine and Tequila Report

Eater has more details on EL AMIGO, the Bernal Heights bar connected to Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack that I mentioned was going through some changes. Ends up the new owner, Joe Kaplan, was a bartender at neighboring The Royal Cuckoo, and is serving a house margarita (made with Cabrito Blanco tequila) for just $5. There’s a list of 30 blue agave tequilas, and look for more Latin-inspired cocktails coming down the pike. 3355 Mission St. at Virginia.

Here’s more on who is moving into the Socha Cafe space which I reported was all covered up last week: Grub Street notes it will be a second location of North Beach’s wine bar, DELL’UVA. Owners Jason Marcucci and Juri McCorkle are aiming for an opening in early June. 3235 Mission St. at Valencia.

Get Your Erupting Volcano Cocktail at the Next Farmers Market Happy Hour

Sounds like drinks are gonna flow like lava at the Ferry Building when CUESA and the Northern California Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild hold their next (bigger and badder) FARMERS MARKET HAPPY HOUR on Wednesday May 25th. The event’s theme is “Pacific coast produce meets Pacific Rim cocktails,” and highlights cocktails made with spring produce (from strawberries and cherries to guavas, cucumbers, and pea pod juice), including an erupting volcano cocktail from local watering hole Smuggler’s Cove.

Guests will enjoy three full-sized signature cocktails made with El Tesoro Tequila, Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum, and Laphroaig Islay Malt Whisky. They’ll also taste 12 distinct, sample-sized drinks that will combine farmers’ market ingredients with FAIR. Quinoa Fair Trade Vodka, Moon Mountain Vodka, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Oxley Dry Gin, No.3 Gin, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Combier Original Orange, Herradura Tequila, Casa Noble Tequila, Siete Leguas Tequila, St. George Absinthe Verte, and VeeV Açaí Spirit.

Using the best market-fresh ingredients, the bartending stars who will be making original cocktails for you include Erik Adkins from The Slanted Door and Heaven’s Dog, Martin Cate and Steven Liles from Smuggler’s Cove, Brandon Josie from 15 Romolo, Michael Callahan from Azul, Kristin Almy from Bar Adagio, Tony Devencenzi from Bourbon & Branch, Kevin Diedrich from Burritt Room, Matt Harrison from Delarosa, Alicia Walton from Elixir, Keli Rivers from Hotsy Totsy Club, Kate Bolton from MICHAEL MINA, David Ruiz from Mr. Smith’s and That’s My Jam, Peter Vestinos from Prospect,  and Jeff Lyon and Ken Furusawa from Range.

Expect tasty bites too: hors d’oeuvres will be provided by 15 Romolo, Beretta, Delarosa, Ozumo, Revival, Sutro’s at the Cliff House, and Venus. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite drink and hors d’oeuvre, and five winners will be selected to receive bartending and farmers’ market prizes. Tickets are $40 online. All proceeds benefit CUESA and the USBG equally.

               Wednesday May 25, 2011 5:30pm–7:30pm $40 more info

The Next Cocktail Class at CUESA with Scott Beattie: Gin!

Cocktail expert Scott Beattie and CUESA are putting on yet another hands-on class, this time focusing on vodka’s classy cousin, gin. The SHAKEN OR STIRRED? D.I.Y COCKTAILS FEATURING GIN AKA “MOTHER’S RUIN” class will consist of a brief history of gin distillation, a discussion of current gin making methods, gin tasting, and hands-on cocktail instruction, and takes place Saturday May 28th, 2pm-4pm in the CUESA Kitchen at the Ferry Building.

Students will make classic drinks The Last Word, The Aviation, a Corpse Reviver, and a martini, and conduct some experimentation. Plus, Davorin Kuchan, third-generation distiller and proprietor of Belmont’s Old World Spirits, will talk about his Blade gin and other upcoming brands. Kuchan will also have Old World’s exceptional absinthe, eau de vie, and brandy available for tasting. The class costs $50; tickets online.

This class is part of a six-part series taught by Scott Beattie. All classes include a short “Cocktails 101” demo that will include proper shaking and stirring techniques (and the reasons why you would do either), precise measurement, ice, glassware selection, and several other helpful tips that will insure better home bartending. In addition to hearing from the guest speaker, all attendees will also receive printed information about additional spirits. Classes are limited to 40 students, and are mostly DIY. Time permitting, Scott will present and sign copies of his book Artisanal Cocktails, available for $28 (cash/check only).

               Saturday May 28, 2011 2pm–4pm $50 (includes tasting, hands-on cocktail instruction, take-home booklet) more info

It's Time for a TAPAS Tasting (the "T" is for Tempranillo)

On Sunday June 5th at the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason, the Tempranillo Advocates, Producers and Amigos Society is hosting their TAPAS GRAND WINE TASTING, the most extensive annual tasting of domestically produced Spanish and Portuguese varietal wines in North America.

Trade and general consumers will be able to sample wines from over 30 participating wineries and learn about the largely unknown yet unique domestic versions of indigenous Iberian grape varieties like tempranillo, albariño, garnacha, graciano, mourvedre, touriga, verdelho, bastardo, and more. Many limited-production, family-owned wineries will be pouring hard-to-find small lot wines from Arizona, California, Texas, Oregon, and Washington. Also, Chef Marco Rauch will serve paella to accompany the wines, and there will be samples from chef James Campbell Caruso from La Boca Restaurant, Santa Fe, and from local restaurants, caterers, and food purveyors.

Qualified members of the wine trade and media may apply for complimentary  admission to the Trade/Media Tasting to be held from noon-2pm. The Consumer Tasting will take place from 2pm-5pm: tickets are $60 at the door, or $40 in advance.

The event auction benefits the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation, and features special wines, crystal decanters, and other great items. Tempranillo Advocates, Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) is a trade association comprised of over one hundred members, whose mission is “to promote Tempranillo and other varietal wine grapes native to the Iberian Peninsula and wines produced from them in North America.”

               Sunday Jun  5, 2011 noon–5pm $60 at the door; $40 in advance more info

the socialite

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

The Spring Session of Dine About Town Starts June 1st

 Event Info

Wednesday Jun  1, 2011 – Wednesday Jun 15, 2011 Info

Ready for another round of DINE ABOUT TOWN? Great deals await you starting June 1st through the 15th during the spring session of Dine About Town SF, with over 100 SF Bay Area restos set to serve a two-course lunch menu for $17.95 and/or a three-course dinner menu for $34.95.

Check the list of participating restaurants, many of which have been doing this since the first promotion in 2002, places like Ana Mandara, Cliff House, E&O Trading Company, Fringale, Grand Café, and One Market. Newcomers to the first 2011 session included Comstock Saloon, Ducca, Georges, Hana Zen Sushi & Yakitori Bar, Kuleto’s Italian Restaurant, La Terrasse, Marlowe, Mayes, Moussy’s, Ristorante Specchio, Skool, Sociale, and Velvet Room in the Clift Hotel.

For the second 2011 session, 16 more restaurants have joined the promotion, and they are Café des Amis, Campton Place, Fior d’Italia, Fresca (Fillmore, Noe Valley, and West Portal locations), La Costanera, Medjool, Mochica, Passion Cafe, Radius, Sens, supperclub, Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar, The Moss Room, and Zingari Ristorante. Also new is the mobile app LiveShare by Cooliris available (free) for iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone 7—use it to share Dine About Town experiences and photos in real-time.

You’ll wanna keep in mind that dates and times of participation vary by restaurant. À la carte menus will also be available. Reservations encouraged and available online through OpenTable.com. And here’s one more promotion: American Express cardmembers can earn a $15 statement credit when they dine three or more times during Dine About Town at any participating restaurants and pay with any registered American Express® Card. Cardmembers must first register at www.dineabouttown.com.

Hey 650 and 408! Two Great Food Events the First Weekend of June

Food and wine lovers of the 408, take note: the annual MONTALVO FOOD & WINE CLASSIC VIII: THE ART OF DINING has quite the lineup of chefs, restaurants, and wineries this year, and they’re putting together a tasting event on Sunday June 5th, 5:30pm-8:30pm, on the beautiful grounds of the Montalvo Arts Center’s historic Mediterranean-style villa.

20 noteworthy restaurants and food purveyors of Northern California and beyond will be on hand to prepare and serve their unique creations. They include The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, Arcadia (a Michael Mina restaurant), Cascal Restaurant, Chez TJ, Dolce Bella Chocolates and Cafe, Gitane, Junnoon, Kokkari Estiatorio, La Mar Cebichería Peruana, Lafitte, Le Papillon, Madera (Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel), Navio (The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay), Osteria Coppa, Plumed Horse, Rancho Gordo New World Specialty Food, Sent Sovi, Tell Tale Preserve Company, The Village Pub, and Whole Foods Market (Los Gatos).

Winemakers from 20 of the region’s finest wineries will also be on hand to pour tastings: Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, Cooper Garrod Estate Vineyards, Duckhorn, Faust, Fog Crest Vineyard, Goldeneye, Grgich Hills Estate, House Family Winery, Jemrose, J. Lohr Winery, Migration, Morgan Winery, Mountain Winery, Mustard Hill Cellars, Oakville Ranch, Poetic Cellars, Rosati Family Winery, Silver Oak Cellars, Talbott Vineyards, Twomey Cellars, and Ventana/Le Mistral Winery.

You’ll have a chance to bid on rare and limited edition wines, and special dining and travel packages during a live and silent auction, which includes vacation packages to South Africa, Bali, Italy, and Mexico! Tickets are $175 ($150 for members), and limited to 425 tickets. All proceeds benefit Montalvo’s art education programs.15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 408-961-5858.

A little further up in the 650, Sunset magazine in Menlo Park has announced the headliner for their June 4th-5th CELEBRATION WEEKEND 2011: MAKE IT YOUR OWN: celebrity chef Rick Bayless will be turning up the heat with Mexican-inspired cooking demos on both days, and Traci Des Jardins, Charles Phan, and other notable chefs from the West will also make appearances. Plus, you can easily not just watch, but enjoy the food and drink yourself with the bevy of food trucks and artisanal food, beer, and wine purveyors who will be on-site.

It is Sunset’s Celebration Weekend after all, so of course you’ll find DIY demos for home and garden (like beekeeping and beer-brewing), informative wine seminars, gardening exhibits and how-tos, and all sorts of interesting stuff, but let’s get back to the chefs, shall we?

Bayless will take to the IKEA® Cooking Stage both Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm-1:15pm to demonstrate four Mexican-inspired dishes: Mexican-style shrimp cocktail, a summer margarita, sun-dried tomato guacamole, and tropical beach ceviche. Chase Sapphire cardholders get a bonus: they’re invited to join Bayless at an exclusive meet-and-greet in the VIP lounge, and to partake in an invite-only breakfast with the editors of Sunset.

In the Safeway Outdoor Kitchen, you’ll find some hometown faves: SF chefs Traci Des Jardins and Charles Phan. Des Jardins will demonstrate warm bread and baby artichoke salad with marinated crescenza (one of my favorite salads) on Saturday from 2pm-2:30pm, followed by Phan from 3pm-3:30pm with caramelized shrimp with lemongrass. See the full lineup here.

Gourmet food trucks and artisanal food purveyors in the Artisanal Food Pavilion will include food trucks Babaloo, Chop Soo.ey, Fruit n Exotica, Safeway Ranchers Reserve, Seoul on Wheels, and SPRINKLESMOBILE; and food purveyors Beehive Cheese, Cypress Grove Chevre,  Foodzie, Klausesbees, Laloo’s Goat Milk Ice Cream, R & J Toffees, and much more.

See the complete schedule of presenters, events, and event information online, and purchase tickets here. General admission $16/day; seniors 60+ $12/day; children 12 and under free (must have ticket in hand). Sunset Headquarters, 80 Willow Rd., Menlo Park.

the health nut

Gettin' Fit (take a lap, tablehopper)

Squeaky Clean

I’m coming up on week two of my three-week cleanse (eating vegan, organic, and raw as much as possible; no wheat/processed items, no sugar, no caffeine, and no alcohol), and while I am really missing eggs (reason number one why I could never be a vegan), I’m feeling pretty damned good.

Nothing like seeing the recent flick Forks Over Knives to really hammer things home about the deleterious health effects from Americans consuming way too much meat and dairy in their diet. Now, I didn’t agree with the film’s usage of quite possibly the worst footage of meat they could find (it looked incredibly unappetizing), and egad, did you really have to show us so much nasty surgery footage? But otherwise, the film makes some really compelling points about the importance of having a plant-based diet. I hope a lot of people see this film—it’ll make you want to make some adjustments in your diet, even if you are eating organic meat. It’s playing at the Bridge on Geary (which dates back to 1939, I love that place)—check it out.

Speaking of plant-based living, have you had a chance to check out the newly updated CUESA website? There’s a new Seasonal Foods section, with over 150 new pages where you can learn more about the fruits, vegetables, and other edibles available at the Ferry Plaza, plus learn when things are in season, and get inspired with some recipes. There’s a whole lot more that has been added to the site, check it out.

My dining circuit has been mostly about dining at home, but I had a delicious meal at Cha-Ya in the Mission last week (check out my faves on Deep Dishing), and I was happy to visit a friend in the East Bay for lunch, swinging by Shangri-La Vegan (the former Manzanita location on Linden Street) for a bountiful macrobiotic lunch. That place rules. I recommend getting the “full” plate so you can bring home scrumptious leftovers.

Three of my favorite things I’ve been eating: the fresh cilantro chutney from Sukhi’s that I picked up at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market has been a godsend (love it with vegetables over brown rice), the Whole Foods red bell pepper hummus is notably creamy and delicious, and it’s been nice having the quinoa porridge back in my life for breakfast (my latest favorite combo is banana, Artisana coconut butter, and shaved almonds—hubba hubba).

the sugar mama

Giveaways (get some)

(Sponsored): It's Time for a Taste of Mendocino

Don’t miss out on a chance to sip, sample, taste, and, yes, buy the best food, wine, spirits, beer, and artisan goods produced in Mendocino County. For one night only, on Monday June 13th, 2011 (from 5pm-8pm), the Mendo vibe will be kicking at this marketplace-meets-showcase, Taste of Mendocino, at SF’s Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason. Check out 60+ wineries, one craft distiller, organic beers, artisan olive oil, cheese, and grass-fed beef, lamb, and veal producers, plus the Flynn Flying Circus. The county is coming down to share all that makes for an amazing destination getaway.

One lucky tablehopper reader will win a pair of tickets to the event: all you need to do is forward today’s tablehopper newsletter to one friend (but even more would be so very fabulous), then Cc: or Bcc: me at luckyme@tablehopper.com so I know you sent it—I promise I won’t use anyone’s email address. The deadline to enter is Friday May 20th by 11:59pm. I will notify the winner early next week. Good luck!

Those who aren’t so lucky can buy tickets here. Tickets are just $35 in advance, $45 at the door. You can find Taste of Mendocino on the web at www.tasteofmendo.com, and on Twitter (#TOM11) and Facebook.

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Samantha Jones Is a Fan of Quince's Cheese Cart

Can Kim Cattrall be any hotter? She came into Quince for a late dinner on Friday, and my spotter said she “went crazy on the cheese cart” (I tend to have the same reaction to it). She also spoke to her server in German (apparently she grew up in Germany).

James Spader Seems to Like Jackson Street

And next door at Cotogna, James Spader—who is a fan of Quince—was in for dinner, and toasted chef Michael Tusk’s Beard Award win with some Champagne.

Hugh Jackman Is Not a Homebody

Since Hugh Jackman was in town for two weeks for his run at the Curran, there were plenty of sightings to report. And homeboy tweets, so it makes my job easy. He celebrated the opening night at the Velvet Room in the Clift Hotel, and last Monday he had dinner at the French Laundry (of which he says, “OMG….one of the best meals of my life”). Another tweet mentions has was in the Ferry Building Marketplace with Dave Chapelle.

Two Degrees Away from Seeing Kevin Bacon

Down on the Peninsula, Kevin Bacon was spotted at Scott’s Seafood Palo Alto. My spotter says it was “possibly a business meeting and not sure what he was having to eat, but definitely him (minus Kyra Sedgwick, unfortunately).”

Lieutenant Gavster Getting a To-Go Dinner

I tend to not include local politicians in the starlet, but since he’s no longer our mayor, Lieutenant Governor of California Gavin Newsom was spotted waiting for his to-go order at Delfina. He was reportedly “chatting with some of the diners” and “looked very dapper in a suit with lavender tie.”

Forks are So Overrated

A tablehopper reader spotted Redfoo from the L.A. group LMFAO at the chef’s counter at Grand Café. He ate a butter lettuce salad and what appeared to be beef bourguignon. But here’s the odd part: rumor is, he opted not to use his fork….