Tablehopper

This week's tablehopper: boat hopping.

Um, yeah, that is close! We even got a wave (from the crew, that is)! Photo: © tablehopper.com.

Ahoy! How was your weekend? Did you escape the fog? I embraced it fully on Sunday morning, when I was invited by SKYY Vodka and Campari America to board their spectator boat and cheer on Emirates Team New Zealand at the Louis Vuitton Cup races on the bay. When I visited New Zealand back in March, I got to visit the ETNZ base and got to see the massive AC72 catamaran (and actually sit on it for a picture), but seeing them sail up close is another thing entirely. Very infrequently am I spotted tablehopping on boats (although I do like captain’s hats and sailors), but I am definitely getting into watching these races (even the live coverage on YouTube is pretty cool). Since we were on the water, we had the added bonus of witnessing both the hulking ETNZ boat and Prada’s Luna Rossa come verrrry close to our boat, superexciting.

After being fed lunch and a ton of snacks all day, we got to hang out on the New Zealand base in their Waka Māori pavilion (shaped like a waka, a Māori canoe) and enjoy some cocktails (courtesy of Rye on the Road) while watching the boats get cleaned and dismantled in front of us. What an operation. Oh yeah, and some strapping team members came by to say hello; does it get any better? Epic day for sure. I know there’s a lot of controversy surrounding our city hosting the America’s Cup—and it’s not quite the slam-bang event it was intended to be—but watching those wicked-fast catamarans zip across the water is undeniably cool. (And congratulations to team Artemis for getting back on the water this week.)

More zipping: I am going to be heading up to Lake Tahoe this Thursday to spend some time with my fam this weekend at our cabin in Tahoma (been going there since I was a baby, it’s one of my favorite places in the world). And hey, I gotta do what I can to preserve this Rio tan, it’s a rare bird. But I’ll still have another ‘hopper installment for you this Friday, because my office is all virtual like that. Poof.

Today’s newsletter has some sneak peeks for you, and plenty to keep you busy (and fed, and tipsy).

Dig in! Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

First Look at Café Claude Marina (Opening in Mid-September)

Last week I got a look at the glammy CAFÉ CLAUDE MARINA that we mentioned was coming awhile back—while the design is very close, we’ll have to wait until mid-September to enjoy a glass of wine and frites there.

The building dates back to the early 1900s, and the design by Elmer Lin (Consortium)—working with owner Franck LeClerc—is one part boudoir and one part bling-bling. While LeClerc’s Gitane is swankity-swank, Café Claude Marina definitely has more of an old-world feel to it, with flocked damask wallpaper in a deep hue of burgundy, dark wood wainscoting, and painted tin ceilings.

For contrast, the vintage lighting sourced in France brings an eclectic-chic vibe to the look, and there are lots of reflective surfaces, like mirrors with frames that have a painted patina. Additional shimmer: there is a brass bar (LeClerc loves the one at Le Central), with a base that is covered in antique mirrors topped with a layer of vintage grating that has been painted a soft red. The bar is also surrounded in penny tile, adding to the vintage vibe. There will be classic bistro-style chairs and simple barstools that will lend a relaxed and approachable sensibility.

A sure-to-be-in-demand table is the private booth in the back, with room for five to seven people (the table will be enclosed in curtains). There will also be outdoor seating (six tables in all), and on nice days, the windowed doors can swing open to let in fresh air and light. While the infamous “triangle” (people get lost in a booze fog over there) is just around the corner, the 49 seats at Café Claude Marina will offer more of a sophisticated escape—I see this place becoming flirtation central, with lots of dates, and ladies who love their wine at the 12-seat bar.

A big difference from the downtown location (besides the more feminine look) is that this Café Claude has a full kitchen. Chef Doug Degeeter will be offering a traditional French bistro menu, but one designed to appeal to the neighborhood—stand by for more on that soon. The wine list by Sarah Knoefler will include both French and California selections—look for about 35 wines with many by-the-glass selections.

Hours will be Tue-Sun 4:30pm-11pm, Sat-Sun brunch and lunch will launch four to six weeks after the opening, with an aperitif hour from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Weekday lunch will come even later. You can’t miss the cheerful building—look for the bright red and wood exterior. 2120 Greenwich St. at Fillmore, 415-292-3599.

Update on Doc Ricketts (Justin Deering Announced as Chef)

In January of this year, it was announced that Christopher Burnett of Darwin Cafe in SoMa is going to be opening DOC RICKETTS in the original (and historic) Purple Onion comedy club space in North Beach.

I caught up with Burnett for an update, and there are some announcements to make about the team and space. Charlie Brown, who has been the restaurant manager at Prospect since it opened, is going to be in charge of operations. The chef is Justin Deering, who has most recently been the chef at 15 Romolo (it was a temporary gig that happily went a bit longer than expected; he is departing in two weeks). Deering was previously at Café des Amis and prior to that, Conduit. Deering explains that while he has been doing very approachable food at 15 Romolo, he’s looking forward to developing the menu for Doc Ricketts, which will have lighter flavors (there was also a mention of charcuterie and a curing room).

Deering is also going to be honoring the legacy of Doc Ricketts: he was considered the father of marine biology, and was an early conservationist (John Steinbeck was a friend, and the character Doc in Cannery Row was based on Ricketts). Owner Burnett grew up in the Monterey area, hence the affinity for Steinbeck. So perhaps some sustainability and seafood will come into play in the concept. Deering’s culinary style is creative and very seasonal, so I look forward to seeing what he has in store—he said it will be casual and affordable. There will be lunch and dinner service—nearby workers will be able to swing by for takeout, or opt for a sit-down lunch instead.

As for the building, it’s a unique one—it’s 102 years old and was brought down to the studs. Yeah, it has been a major renovation as the team converts it into a full-service restaurant (the entrance and staircase were both moved, and the former barber shop is no longer there). There will be oak floors, bistro tables with cast-iron bases topped in white marble, plus there will also be redwood, and hot-rolled steel beams in the kitchen. The layout is a little quirky: the kitchen is on the second floor, while the 49-seat dining room (previously Caffè Macaroni) will be on the first floor. The basement, which used to be the Purple Onion, will be Doc’s Lab, which will have a full bar and will be a space for music, book readings, comedy, and local talent to gather (look for the place to be open until 2am on the weekends). While a bar manager hasn’t been named yet, there will be barrel-aged cocktails and they will be making their own bitters. They are looking to open in October; stand by for updates (and pics!) between now and then. 124 Columbus Ave. at Jackson.

Ziryab Gets a New Look and a Full Bar

A report from Dana Massey-Todd. Thanks to a tip from a reader, we learned awhile back that ZIRYAB on Divisadero is reopening with a new bar program, a revamped menu, and a face-lift. Owner Salim Nasser has redone the interior, with moodier paint colors and art that evokes the restaurant’s namesake Ziryab, a ninth-century musician and inventor of the fork (nice work, that). They’re also opening up the back patio, with new seating and greenery, so they’ll end up with both a front and rear patio area.

The bar program is being run by Zach Taylor (check out an interview with him on Haighteration here), who previously worked at Hog & Rocks. He’s created a drink list that incorporates the flavors of the Mediterranean, with drinks built around the anise-based spirit arak, pomegranate, and yogurt. The Ziryab Manhattan is made with date-infused Bulleit rye, Lapsang souchong tea, and a touch of arak; the Ostwald Ripening has arak, yogurt liquor, Pavan, and freshly grated cinnamon. There are nine beers on tap that haven’t been finalized yet; Taylor reports that there will be at least a couple of rotating handles, plus some bottles of Belgian beers. They’ll be pouring wine primarily from Spain and Portugal, with a few other Mediterranean offerings available as well.

In the food department, look for updated interpretations of Mediterranean food, ranging from Morrocco to Jordan to Turkey. They’ll have a vegetable tagine, a merguez flatbread, and a roast duck with lentils, chard, and dried cranberries. Shawarma and kebabs will be cooked over the charcoal grill; take a look at a sample menu here. The chef, Khalid al Morabet, will also be offering daily specials to keep things interesting. Opening is slated for early next week, hopefully Monday July 29th or Tuesday July 30th. Hours are daily 5pm-1am. 528 Divisadero St. at Fell, 415-522-0800.

An Early Peek at the New Barrel Head Brewhouse

A report by Dana Massey-Todd. As announced on tablehopper back in December, Ivan Hopkinson is bringing suds to Western Addition in the form of BARREL HEAD BREWHOUSE. The project is a biggie, headed into the former Fulton Street Bar space, and they’re in the middle of a pretty major overhaul to the building. At a party on Friday night I caught a tour of the space and got to hear a little bit about Hopkinson’s plans for the space.

Hopkinson, who was assistant brewmaster at the Park Chalet, plans to brew a variety of beers on-site. He hopes to offer a little something for everyone, from more traditional staples to more adventurous choices. The space has been designed to accommodate and showcase the brewing equipment; a second floor loft will be mostly removed, leaving a mezzanine level for seating and the rest of the 16-foot ceilings for shiny machinery. Despite the vast nature of the space, they’ve tried to keep intimate and cozy corners, with details like an upstairs fireplace and tucked-away areas for larger groups. Right now, they’re still working on the construction, like getting the floor in and the rest of the loft out, but the space is definitely starting to take shape.

Chef Tim Tattan has been working as a sous chef at Monk’s Kettle, and is looking forward to bringing his beer-pairing skills to Barrel Head. While the details of the menu are still being finalized, the scheming has already begun. He’s planning to keep the menu simple and seasonal, with inspiration coming from Bavarian pub food and California cuisine. He intends to offer two different types of roast chicken from his rotisserie, composed salads, a Monte Cristo sandwich, and a housemade charcuterie program. He’s also hoping to offer whole-animal dinners to large groups, which can be booked a week in advance. The various animals and preparations available will change based on what he can get his hands on. The plan is to offer brunch Fri-Sun, and dinner seven nights a week, though they may start with just dinner and go from there. They’ve got a 2am liquor license and would like to keep the kitchen open with a full menu until 1:30am. Opening is currently slated for late fall-early winter; we’ll keep you updated as those details solidify. 1785 Fulton St. at Masonic, 415-745-1570.

Tidbits: Aliment, A New Onigilly, Bottomless Breakfast, Iron & Steam Espresso, Joy's Place

There will be a new place to munch downtown, very soon: ALIMENT, from Matt Sullivan (formerly at Blue Plate). They’re not talking details, and seem to want to keep the project in stealth mode for a little while longer. But the paper is off the windows and the space is pretty (complete with upholstered booths and a long marble bar, plus high ceilings, big windows, and industrial-modern shelving for wine behind the bar), so that’s going to be tricky. 786 Bush St. at Mason.

Financial District workers will have a new place to get delicious lunchtime rice balls: ONIGILLY is opening a new location in September. It will be in the Embarcadero Center Four on the street level, serving their delicious onigiri-style dishes in an “express” environment oriented toward takeout. Hours will be Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 12pm-3pm. Embarcadero Center Four at Sacramento, 415-671-4706.

Downtown Mexican restaurant palace ROSA MEXICANO has a new bottomless morning breakfast buffet (you still have to wear pants—it’s all you can eat). Mon-Fri from 8am-10am, they’ll have a buffet set up with a variety of Mexican breakfast items, including options like jamón con chilaquiles, a corn tamal with bacon, and Mexican-style scrambled eggs. Take a look a sample menu here. And get this: the spread is only $11.99 per person. So get yourself ready to start showing up for work stuffed. 30 Mission St. at Steuart, 415-874-4300.

We have been tracking the opening of IRON & STEAM ESPRESSO BAR for the past month, which is now open on Polk Street. The new caffeination station is located in front of the Hi-Lo Club and serves espresso from Santa Clara-based Chromatic Coffee. Right now, it’s just coffee, but in coming weeks, look for croissants and a rotating pastry of the day. Tue-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3:30pm, Monday hours coming soon. 1423 Polk St. at Pine.

Eater reports that there’s a new café in the Tenderloin: JOY’S PLACE. The cozy little spot has free Wi-Fi, lots of tables, and seems oriented toward the laptop crowd with a menu of simple snacks like crisp waffles with ice cream, grilled cheese, and a full espresso bar. 611 Post St. at Taylor, 415-817-1391.

The West Portal location of Ryan Scott’s MARKET & RYE closed on July 22nd for renovations and will reopen on Friday July 26th with a new menu and delivery. They’re also getting ready for beer and wine service in October. 68 West Portal Ave. at Vicente, 415-564-5950.

(Sad) Closed Report: Murasaki Sushi

A Twitter pal shared the unfortunate news that longtime sushi chef Toshi (Toshihiro Sasaki) of MURASAKI SUSHI has sadly passed away, and the restaurant has temporarily closed. There are some very sweet missives to Toshi posted on Yelp (for a change). Condolences to his family and friends (and many fans). The page on Yelp says the restaurant will reopen on September 1st, but ABC license activity points to a new name and ownership. 211 Clement St. at 3rd Ave.

Last week I had a chance to get back to my roots and check out the Calabrese regional menu that BARBACCO is serving now through August 12th. Chef de cuisine Nick Kelly’s Calabrese menu really excelled on the pastas, like hand-cut maccheroni larghi with swordfish, tomato, garlic, and chile ($14)—and my favorite—the cavatieddi alla Silana, handmade cavatelli with tomato, sausage, mushroom, prosciutto, guanciale, chile, and pecorino ($14). Yeah, that sauce ripped. Of course you have to start your meal with the ‘nduja ($6-$9), and the braciolette di alici ($8, baked anchovy rolls stuffed with bread crumbs, pecorino, parsley, oregano, and garlic) is another winner. You can finish the feast with the flavor-packed tonno bianco alla ghiotta (local albacore tuna “glutton style” with tomato, capers, and olives) for $18. My great aunt would have had problems with the onion frittelle ($7), so I’d pass on that one. Here’s the entire menu—you have a couple more weeks (though August 12th) to check it out! Oh, and be sure to let them do some wine (and beer) pairings for you—we had some really fun discoveries that way.

To get in on some serious chef action, check out the fourth annual Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Guest Chef Series, hosted by Tacolicious. Here’s how it works: at the Thursday Farmers Market, head to the Tacolicious stand to try a taco from a different local chef every week. This week is Brett Cooper from Outerlands, and upcoming chefs include Greg Dunmore of Nojo, Liza Shaw of the upcoming Merigan, Mourad Lahlou of Aziza, and Leo Beckerman and Evan Bloom of Wise Sons Deli. All proceeds benefit CUESA, so you can be sure that these tacos are not only great for you, but for a wonderful local organization too. Thursdays 10am-2pm, Ferry Plaza Marketplace.

On Sunday July 28th, catch the Myriad Gastro Pub from chef Trish Tracey at DEAR MOM from 4pm-11:30pm. Look for fried chicken sandwiches, Tracey’s take on an iceberg wedge, and grilled peaches; take a peek at the menu here. 2700 16th St. at Harrison, 415-625-3362.

Barbacco - 230 California St. San Francisco - 415-955-1919

Noise Pop Hits 20th Street in August

The Noise Pop festival is coming to 20th Street in the Mission on Saturday August 24th, with its 20TH STREET BLOCK PARTY. The event features food from local merchants, and this is 20th Street, so that means Flour + Water, Central Kitchen, The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, Rhea’s Deli, and Trick Dog, plus beverages from the Bon Vivants, Sightglass Coffee, and Benders.

In addition to the neighborhood’s vittles, catch live music from Two Gallants, Mac DeMarco, and Quinn Devereux and the Blue Beat Revue. The event is free and family-friendly, and you are encouraged to bring your party shoes. There will also be a workshop tent with craft projects, and performing arts happenings from Z Space. The event takes place from 12pm-6pm. 20th St. between Harrison and Bryan, and Florida between 19th and 20th Sts.

On Saturday evening, from 6pm-10pm, don’t miss the Dark is the Night After Party at MISSION DISPATCH. Look for drinks from Derby Cocktail, food from the likes of Phat Thai and the Burr-eatery, and live music. Entrance is $5 at the door, all ages welcome. 1975 Bryant St. at 18th St.

Oakland Update: Cool Culinary Classes, The Barrel Room Opening in Rockridge, Hawker Fare Vandalized

Slow Food East Bay is bringing it with some pretty exciting classes in the coming months. On Sunday August 4th from 2pm-5pm, join them at Brundo Ethiopian Culinary Studio for a class on Ethiopian food from founder and author Fetlework Tefferi. You’ll learn all about the different spice blends that are used in Ethiopian food, with a particular emphasis on berbere. She’ll sample several recipes, which you’ll be able to try too. Tickets are $60, and $5 goes to Slow Food East Bay. 1960 Mandela Pkwy. at 20th St., Oakland, 510-601-7999.

Then, on Monday September 9th, catch a class on Nigerian cooking from Florence Anadu of the market Man Must Wak. The class will be held at the Finnish Hall of Berkeley; more details are coming soon. 1970 Chestnut St. at Hearst, Berkeley.

Diablo Dish reports that another San Francisco spot has made the trip east. This time it’s THE BARREL ROOM wine bar from sommeliers Sarah Trubnick and Carolyn Johnson. They’re planning to have small, boutique wines available, like at the San Francisco location, but this time around they’re also planning to offer a more substantial food menu, with entrées as well as smaller dishes. Look for a September opening. 5330 College Ave. at Bryant.

James Syhabout’s HAWKER FARE suffered from vandalism on Friday night, according to a tweet from Syhabout and a follow-up from Scoop. Security cameras caught three masked vandals setting a blaze that melted the restaurant’s electrical system, and they are now closed indefinitely. It’s not clear that the incident is related to the vandalism and violence of last week, though it does appear that the city of Oakland is expediting the building process and they’ve already got new meters up. Tweets from Christin Ayers, a reporter at KPIX, mention Hawker Fare may reopen this week, and she also posted a photo of the suspects. 2300 Webster St. at 23rd St., Oakland, 510-832-8896.

the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Bar News: Dogpatch Saloon Now Open, Blackbird Renovation, Patio Open at Virgil's

As previously reported on tablehopper, DOGPATCH SALOON is getting a new team of owners and a remodel. Well, the dust has settled and Eater reports that they are now open for business. They opened last night, with a list of craft cocktails and 10 beers on tap. They’re open Mon-Fri 2pm-2am and Sat-Sun 12pm-2am. 2496 3rd St. at 22nd St., 415-643-8592.

BLACKBIRD BAR is turning four, and celebrating with a redesign (improved seating and furnishings and a new pool table), an expanded wine list (look for more wines to choose from, plus half-bottles), and an expanded back bar (60 new offerings in all, with an emphasis on Scotch and American whiskey). They plan to have all the changes in place by Sunday August 11th. 2124 Market St. at Church, 415-503-0630.

Our Indian summer is still impending, but VIRGIL’S SEA ROOM is all ready for you with their new patio. You can swing by this Friday July 26th and check it out at a free party with The Bold Italic, 7pm-2am; there will be food, a photo booth, free giveaways, and more. 3152 Mission St. at Valencia, 415-829-2233.

Fun Wine and Booze Events: Pie and Cocktails, Pop-Up Wine Bar, More

Here are two words that are great together: pie and cocktails. Get them both on Thursday July 25th at the BURRITT ROOM when Three Babes Bakeshop will be serving their exceptional pies paired with special cocktails from 8pm-12am. The Babes’ salty honey walnut pie will be paired with the Mark Twain (Scotch, ginger, honey, lemon, Angostura bitters), or try the peach pie with a Berlinetta (Bourbon, Cynar, Carpano Antica, blood orange bitters). Pie slices are $5 and whole pies are $35 for dine-in or takeout, and all cocktails are $12. 417 Stockton St. at Sutter, 415-400-0561.

Did you know that Peruvian independence day is Sunday July 28th? Now you do, and it’s a good thing, too, because there are a couple of places around town to celebrate. First up, check out the specials at DESTINO and PISCO. From Friday July 26th through Sunday July 28th they’ll be serving special dishes including ceviche à la Peruana, and a special cocktail called the Mint Chicano (quebranta pisco, lime, mint, and ginger ale) for only $5. 1817 Market St. at Octavia, 415-874-9951.

And on Sunday July 28th from 2pm-2am, CANTINA will be pouring pisco sours for the happy hour price of $7. Sweet. 580 Sutter St. at Mason, 415-398-0195.

On Tuesday July 30th, check out an Italian-focused pop-up wine bar at PLUMPJACK WINES on Fillmore Street. They’ll be pouring a selection of eight Italian wines from different regions, along with Italian cheese pairings. Wines will be available in two- or four-ounce pours, flights, or by the bottle. The event runs from 5:30pm-8:30pm, and costs will vary depending on the wine. 3201 Fillmore St. at Greenwich, 415-346-9870.

Destino - 1815 Market St. San Francisco - 415-552-4451

Beer Me: Summer of Saison, Abbot's Cellar Sale, More

Beer lovers, here are a few things to add to your suds radar: The PRESS CLUB just kicked off its annual Summer of Saison, with six top breweries (like Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Evil Twin Brewing, Brasserie Dupont, and Brasserie Trois Dames) and their finest saisons showcased through Sunday July 28th. There will also be some summertime dishes to pair with them.

This weekend, THE ABBOT’S CELLAR is turning one and is hosting a cellar sale on Saturday July 27th from 10 am-2pm. Since the opening of The Monk’s Kettle in 2007, cellar master and co-owner Christian Albertson has been carefully setting aside beers to age in cellars. And now they have more aged beer than they can fit on the lists, so come on by for specials on beers like a 2002 Alaskan Smoked Porter ($14); The Bruery Anniversary Series: Papier, Coton, Cuir, Fruet, Bois ($29-$45); 2008 Stone Double Bastard ($13); and more.

And on Sunday July 28th, ST. VINCENT is hosting a special Sumac Summer beer dinner with some of Craftsman Brewing’s rarest beers, and you get to taste the “Summer Sumac” beer they both collaborated on. Tickets are $79 (includes gratuity); two seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm. Buy tickets here. UPDATE: The date has been moved to Sunday August 11th.

St. Vincent - 1270 Valencia St. San Francisco - 415-285-1200

Upcoming Wine Dinners with Alder Yarrow, Atelier Crenn, and Central Kitchen

On Friday August 2nd, catch a wave of pinot at 903 with wine critic Alder Yarrow of Vinography.com at the first dinner in a series of Taste of Bernal Heights events. The evening includes five courses prepared in partnership with Mutsumi Takehara of Sandbox Bakery, and four pinot noir wine pairings (including wines from Peay Vineyards, Kutch Wines, Red Car Wine, and Chanin Wine). Tickets are $100 (not including tip), and there are two seatings: 5:30pm and 8pm. 903 Cortland Ave. at Gates, 415-678-5759.

Don’t miss one of ATELIER CRENN’s special wine dinners on Thursday August 8th from 7pm-11pm. This one features mature wines (and a visit) from Piedmontese winemaker Giorgio Pelissero, starting with a glass of 1992 “En Tirage RD.” The rest of the wines (six) and the menu are still being determined; in the meantime, get your reservations by emailing or calling Rachel Lewis at 415-823-6723. The dinner goes from 7pm-11pm and costs $275 per person.

On Tuesday August 13th, head to CENTRAL KITCHEN for a dinner with Aaron Inman of Romililly Wines, a longtime friend of chef Ryan Pollnow. The dinner features five courses, all paired with Inman’s Russian River wines, and will be served in the Salumeria seating area. Seatings are available at 5:45pm and 9:15pm, and tickets are $195 per person.

Central Kitchen - 782 Florida St. San Francisco - 415-826-7004

the socialite

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

Get Your Tickets Now for SF Chefs Classes, Parties, and Events

Event Info

Saturday Jul 27, 2013 – Sunday Aug 4, 2013 Varies Varies

Have you marked your calendar for SF CHEFS July 27th-August 4th? Okay, good. The event takes over Union Square, and this year marks the fifth anniversary of the fabulous fête. The Grand Tasting Tent is where it’s at, with chefs from all over the Bay Area serving some fantastic dishes alongside beer, wine, and cocktails from local shakers and makers. Each event includes chefs from more than 25 restaurants including Baker & Banker, A16, Aziza, Morimoto Napa, Pizzeria Delfina, Hard Water, Hog & Rocks, and Hakkasan.

The tasting tent events kick off Friday August 2nd at 6:30pm with an Opening Celebration to toast to the event’s fifth anniversary. On Saturday, the focus during the day is on the Five Tastes: Bitter, Sour, Salty, Sweet, and Umami, exploring the five tastes and how they play together. On Saturday night, catch Decadence After Dark, the Menu Is in the Music, which will be inspired by music and feature lots of the chefs’ favorite bands and tracks. Sunday during the day, it’s Brunch by the Bay, which celebrates brunch in all its glory, from French pastries to dim sum. To get the full details and lineup for each event, head here and get ready for some serious eating. Grand Tasting Tent events start at $140 general admission and $112 for Visa Signature cardholders; VIP tickets and weekend passes are also available.

Not done yet? Didn’t think so. There are also after-parties for those who like to keep their gluttony going into the wee hours. On Friday August 2nd, check out the Rollin’ with the Red Carpet after-party at E&O Asian Kitchen at 10pm. On Saturday August 3rd, check out the Late-Night Luxury after-party at Bluestem Brasserie, starting at 10pm. After-party tickets are $65 general admission and $52 for Visa Signature cardholders.

Now get ready for all the classes, demonstrations, and parties that accompany the Grand Tasting Tent events. The classes are reasonably priced at $35-$50 ($28-$40 for Visa Signature cardholders), and you can see the full list and details here. Here is just a sampling:

DIY Cocktail Mixers, where you’ll learn how to make your own syrups, bitters, and other cocktail mixers, is happening on Saturday August 3rd at 11:30am.

Seven Percent Solution Tasting features the other seven percent—of wines, that is. Ninety-three percent of all the wine grapes grown in California are the same eight varieties, but this tasting is all about the rest of the varieties grown in our fair state. Saturday August 3rd at 4:30pm.

This Is How I Roll: Indian, Afghan, and Chinese Flatbreads explores the wide world of flatbread. Learn how to roll your own, and sample some delicious recipes. Sunday August 4th at 10am.

There are also some major parties going down, including the Masters of Their Craft dinner at Prospect, which celebrates female chefs and sommeliers hosted by Nancy Oakes and Pam Mazzola, and including such ladies as April Bloomfield, Dominique Crenn, and Melissa Perello. The dinner takes place on Sunday July 28th and costs $450 per person.

There are tons more, too, and this is one of the biggest food events to hit San Francisco every year. Don’t forget that Visa Signature cardholders get a discount on ticket purchases, and check out the full list of events here.

Event Info

Thursday Aug 8, 2013 6pm-8:30pm $150 before July 25th, $175 after Riggs Distributing Culinary Arts Center 1755 Rollins Rd. at Guittard, Burlingame

To celebrate the launch of a new cookbook focused on the global, humanitarian component of food called Share: The Cookbook That Celebrates Our Common Humanity, join author Lauri Pastrone at the Riggs Distributing Culinary Arts Center on Thursday August 8th. The book, which was inspired by the stories of Women for Women, an international organization that helps women survivors of war and conflict, will donate all the proceeds to the organization. Meryl Streep wrote the foreword, and the recipes include offerings from humanitarians and chefs alike, including Alice Waters, René Redzepi, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela, and Judi Dench.

The event includes food prepared from recipes in the book, cocktails, and beer and wine from the nations represented in the book. It goes from 6pm-8:30pm and tickets are $150 before July 25th and $175 after. 1755 Rollins Rd. at Guittard, Burlingame.

the sugar mama

Giveaways (get some)

(Sponsored): Win Tickets to the Third Annual West of West Wine Festival in Sebastopol

Don’t miss the third annual West of West Wine Festival showcase of acclaimed West Sonoma County and Sonoma Coast wines at this weekend-long event at The Barlow, a brand-new food and wine mecca in Sebastopol.

Forty top producers and growers will host the trade and public to a two-day event of wine tasting, seminars, and award-winning cuisine Friday August 2nd-Sunday August 4th, 2013. Here are some of the great wineries that will be participating: Freeman, Red Car, Failla, Peay, Littorai, Gros Ventre, Hirsch, Martinelli, and Patz & Hall.

The West of West (or WOW) Festival is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the extraordinary wine, food, and culture of West Sonoma. The Grand Tastings on Saturday August 3rd and Sunday August 4th offer a stellar lineup of more than 40 producers and growers pouring some of their most coveted and hard-to-find gems, all pure expressions of the West Sonoma County and Sonoma Coast. Saturday tickets are almost sold out, so get your tickets now! Both wine lovers and the wine trade can experience an insider taste of some of the most acclaimed cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah wines produced today.

Plus, we’re giving away two pairs of tickets for the Sunday Grand Tasting event (value $200) to two lucky winners. To enter to win, all you need to do is forward today’s tablehopper newsletter to two friends (but even more would be so very fabulous), and add a note to your friends about West of the West Wine Festival or Sonoma Coast Wines! Be sure to 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 Thursday July 25th at 11:59pm. We’ll notify the winners on Friday morning and get your tickets to you. Good luck!

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Monday Afternoon Fever

Yesterday, John Travolta and his family dined at Fang Restaurant, where they enjoyed egg rolls, sesame chicken, wonton soup, crispy prawn salad, pan-fried dumplings, crispy short ribs with broccoli, and shrimp fried rice. They were very nice to guests and staff, and even posed for photos.

Does Picco Make Eggs? I'll Fix Ya Some Eggs

Last Wednesday, Frances McDormand dined at Pizzeria Picco in Larkspur with her famous husband and brother-in-law, also known as the Coen Brothers.

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July 23, 2013 - This week's tablehopper: boat hopping.

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