September 15, 2015 - This week's tablehopper: not basic.

This week's tablehopper: not basic.                    

Taste the rainbow—an array of Danny Louie’s fantastic cocktails at Chino. Photo: © tablehopper.com.

How’s tricks? I think I recovered from my week o’ eating extravaganza. It was pretty stellar, from exploring the new 15-course menu at 1601 Bar & Kitchen (it still blows my mind how many people haven’t eaten there yet—the place is SO GOOD, people, trust me!) to checking out chef Ron Pei’s new menu at Chino (wait until you try the kimchi clams and mu shu-style braised lamb, and the XLB are on point).

I also got to attend a Moroccan feast at EatWith host Laila’s home (my meal was unrelated to this, but EatWith kindly sponsored last week’s column—thanks EatWith!).

It was also my sister’s 40th birthday weekend, which included a visit to Zazie (she’s obsessed with eggs Benedict) and a family-and-friend feast at Yank Sing (their atrium is so great for large parties on the weekend, and their hospitality is amazing, what a team). Speaking of Yang Sing, you saw my SF Travel video that featured them, yes?

Sunday was Heritage BBQ at Smokestack, whoa. All the chefs really turned it out, and a shout-out to Mr. Espresso for having espresso nitro cold brew and latte coffee on tap—whoosh! I got a lot of writing done that night, someone was PERKY.

This week, we have new places for you to visit, and don’t forget the Eat Real Fest is happening this weekend, plus the SF Cheese Fest (I am looking forward to this!) and Plate by Plate, a fundraising dinner, and a few more events mentioned in today’s hopper. Looks like we’ll all be hitting the town.

Also of note: Friday September 18th is the opening date for East Side Sushi, a new and heartfelt film by Oakland filmmaker Anthony Lucero. It centers on Juana, a Latina single mother, and her quest to become a sushi chef, which brings up plenty of issues around gender and race. Check it out. And it was filmed on location in Oakland!

Cheers! Marcia Gagliardi

the chatterbox

Gossip & News (the word on the street)

A Bunch of Chef News and Moves at RN74, Kin Khao, Hog & Rocks, The Keystone, and More

While I was attending Heritage BBQ on Sunday, I noticed the executive chef for RN74 was listed as Michael Lee Rafidi (who did an awesome job with his Korean-influenced pig dishes at the event). We reached out to the Michael Mina team, and while they did confirm Rafidi recently joined the RN74 team, they say he is still getting geared up and they won’t have his new menu in place until early to mid-October (he was the corporate executive sous chef for the Mina Group for the past couple of years). Then again, a few places online mention Rafidi has been RN74’s executive chef since June. Anyway. The team asked me to stand by for more details about his menu in a couple of weeks. As for talented former exec chef Adam Sobel, we imagine his runaway success with MIDDLE’TERRANEA at the Mina Test Kitchen has something to do with the change.

Some changes over at KIN KHAO: chef Michael Gaines will be diminishing his role in the kitchen over the next few months, and Scoop reports that after the new year he will start on his own project (fingers crossed it’s in SF). We’ll wait to hear more on that one (we also hear that he and his wife have a baby on the way). Proprietress Pim Techamuanvivit mentions she is not looking for a chef (but looking for cooks, like everyone else)—Gaines’s right-hand man Narciso Salvador (who’s been there since day one) has been running the kitchen for a few months now and reportedly has everything down. He was sous chef at Izakaya Yuzuki and Central Kitchen and also worked at Ame and Ishikawa (in Tokyo).

Another chef leaving to pursue his own thing is Robin Song of HOG & ROCKS. Scoop mentions he’s leaving after three years there at the end of September. Song is going to be focusing on launching Junju, his Korean concept (he has been hosting pop-ups at Hog & Rocks). According to the website, “Junju will focus on Korean BBQ with the traditional art of fermentation and preservation at its core.” Get a sneak peek of the menu here. Song is currently courting investors; we’ll keep you updated as this develops.

Looks like there’s some drama over at the newly opened THE KEYSTONE, with chef Zack Freitas being let go just after he got the restaurant up and running. The restaurant says it was a mutual decision (you can read about it on Eater). 68 4th St. at Mission, 415-777-1200.

FRANCES has officially announced that Michaela Rahorst is chef de cuisine; she is running the kitchen while owner Melissa Perello focuses on Octavia. Rahorst has been at Frances since it opened, working closely with Perello and will continue the culinary style we all know and love there (via Scoop).

Over at BARBACCO, Miguel Peffer is the new chef de cuisine, after working his way up the past five years (he was a cook on the opening team in 2010). You’ll find a regional menu within the main menu each month; this month focuses on the cuisine of Campania.

Updates from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, Deli Board and Rye Project, and Spaghetti Bros.

A few updates around town for you, starting with some word from owner Aaron Caddel of MR. HOLMES BAKEHOUSE. He mentioned there is going to be a new fall menu launching, and they’ll be throwing a party at Intelligentsia’s roasting facility in Potrero Hill (1125 Mariposa St.) at 7pm on Thursday September 24th (you can RSVP on their website, 21 and over). Expect some bite-sized versions of the new menu, drinks from a few partners, and some DJs too. New dishes you can look forward to include a Reuben Danish (with a house-fermented sauerkraut they’ve been working on for some time).

Last week we reached out to former Mr. Holmes baker and genius Ry Stephen, who abruptly left the bakery in June and he says he is currently in New York, so that’s that for now. In our earlier piece, we also mentioned Mr. Holmes is expanding to Los Angeles. Eater adds the news that Brittany Delval is the new pastry chef at Mr. Holmes (she was formerly a private pastry chef and recipe developer for King’s Hawaiian Bread); Eater LA shares more about the upcoming Highland Park location.

Over in SoMa, we have a few updates from DELI BOARD to share. Owner Adam Mesnick is launching a new nighttime pop-up series, Deli Board Nights, featuring a special Board cheesesteak and Board Buffalo wings on Thursday September 17th, a Fat Boy Burrito and Board Nachos on Friday September 18th, a gyro night on Thursday September 24th, and a “Newish Deli” night on Friday September 25th, with a brisket sandwich, matzo ball soup, mushroom farfel, grilled rye bread sandwiches, and Reuben-style Board rolls. The regular menu will be available, and BYOB is encouraged. 6pm-9pm. 1058 Folsom St.
 at Russ.

Mesnick’s other restaurant, RYE PROJECT, has an expanded menu, with additions like the Bill Martin (Romanian pastrami, corned beef, turkey breast, muenster cheese, coleslaw, tysyacha sauce, rye), the B. Hold (Romanian pastrami, corned beef, Swiss cheese, haba kraut, tysyacha sauce, rye), and the Suzy G. (smoked trout, cream cheese, avocado, hard-boiled egg, pickled onion, dilled ranch, onion roll). Check it all out on the menu here. 180 7th St. at Natoma.

Looks like things are moving along for former Bix and Fog City chef Erik Lowe and pastry chef Aaron Toensing’s new Marina project that is opening in the former Republic. The name will be SPAGHETTI BROS.,  after all, and according to posts on Facebook, it looks like demolition ended in August and construction is under way. Stand by for more intel on when the meatballs and Negronis will be unveiled. 3213 Scott St. at Lombard.

Opening Next Week: Dat Spot, Lobster ME

Earlier this year, we reported that Jocelyn Bulow was moving the Potrero Hill location of Chez Maman into the former home of Chez Papa, also on Potrero Hill. Now we’ve got details on what is moving into the cozy Chez Maman location: Bulow’s latest project, DAT SPOT. He’s brought on chef Brandon Peacock (Lungomare, Venticello) to run the kitchen, which is serving American comfort food. Think appetizers like fondue and baby back ribs, along with main dishes such as a pork chop, fish and chips, and rotisserie chicken. The new concept will open Monday September 21st. Update: we just heard from the team that, due to issues with city inspections, the opening date has been pushed back to Monday September 28th. Hours are 11:30am-10pm, with weekend brunch Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm. 1453 18th St. at Connecticut, 415-872-6670.

Try out a taste of New England at LOBSTER ME, UPDATE: NOW OPENING SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH in the Westfield San Francisco Centre. This is the small chain’s first California restaurant, joining two locations in Las Vegas and another in Maryland. The lobster rolls are all made with sustainably harvested lobster and include choices like the Original Maine Style, with a touch of mayonnaise and chives, or the Connecticut, with warm butter in a brioche bun. As a nod to San Francisco, they’ve also added the Golden Gate roll to the lineup, with miso mayonnaise, scallion, sesame seeds, and shredded nori. Other menu items include lobster mac and cheese and the lobster grilled cheese sandwich.

To celebrate their opening, Lobster ME will be giving out free Golden Gate lobster rolls September 26th through the 28th to the first 100 customers at the shop. Hours are Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm and Sun 11am-7pm. 865 Market St. at 5th St.

Rumor Mill Churning on Who Is Taking Over the Pesce Space

With the closure of the PESCE location after a couple of years in the Castro this past weekend (ciao, sgroppino!), some rumors are percolating about what is going to open in its place (it has that coveted liquor license, you see).

One rumor making the rounds is Yoshi Tome of Sausalito’s venerable SUSHI RAN is opening a casual concept there. We reached out to the Sushi Ran team and heard this back: “Thanks for your interest, but it’s just a rumor. Will be happy to keep you in the loop if anything else comes up, but nothing yet.” It could very well be just a rumor, but you quite possibly will be hearing more from us on this soon. 2223 Market St. at Sanchez.

New Service, Including Brunch at Picnic on Third and Birba, Plow News, Happy Hour at Myriad

PICNIC ON THIRD has been doing a booming lunch business since opening nine months ago and are now adding Sunday brunch to their repertoire. The brunch menu offers seasonal plates that will rotate frequently, including a chile-braised pork with polenta, collard greens, and poached eggs, and multigrain pancakes with spiced fruit and cultured butter. The brunch menu is right here (along with pictures), and you’ll also find smaller items like banana hazelnut bread and a daily soup. They are serving Contraband coffee, as well as Jittery John’s cold brew on nitro.

There’s also a great Gilt deal right now that gets you brunch for two at Picnic on Third for $25 (upgrade to mimosas for $38). When you invite  a friend and sign up, you’ll get $25 off your first deal, which means free brunch! Just be sure to use this link and get the deal right here. Brunch hours are Sunday 10am-2pm, Saturday may be coming soon. 493 3rd St. at Bryant, 415-590-7121.

Hayes Valley wine bar BIRBA is now serving Sunday brunch, Hoodline reports. The compact, seasonal menu includes scrambled eggs on toast with corn and cheddar, and pancakes with nectarines. Brunch is served 11am-3pm. 458 Grove St. at Octavia, 415-519-5099.

Starting next Monday September 21st, the day before their fifth birthday, breakfast and brunch mainstay PLOW will be open Mondays, meaning they will now be open seven days a week. Hours are Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm.

Newly opened Mission restaurant MYRIAD GASTRO PUB has started happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 5pm to 6:30pm. They’ve got $5 wine, $5 beer, and $5 snacks, which keeps the math nice and simple. 2491 Mission St. at 21st St., 415-525-4335.

Burger Battle (Round Two!) Is Sunday September 20th

It’s time for the second round of the Burger Battle at THE HALL on Sunday September 20th at 4pm. To recap, each month three local burger mavens will face off against each other in three rounds, and then in November the three winners will do battle in a final round. Last month, Wes Burger won the battle against The Whole Beast and Burger.

This month, Thomas McNaughton (representing Cafe du Nord), Mark Sullivan (Spruce), and David Goody (Alta CA) will will come to the contest, all to benefit The Cooking Project. You, too, can get in on the beef and vote for your favorite burger. Tickets to the event are $45 and include one half-size burger from each contestant, plus two beers. Round three will be October 11th, followed by the Burger Battle Royale on November 22nd. 1028 Market St. at 6th St., 415-558-8293.

A New Series from La Cocina: F&B: Voices from the Kitchen

LA COCINA has another rad project in the works, of course. This time, it’s a series called F&B: Voices from the Kitchen, and it’s a twice-yearly storytelling series paired with food. The first one kicks off at 5:30pm on Wednesday October 28th, with the theme of authenticity and its role in how we think about food. Storytellers include Bonnie Tsui, author of American Chinatown, Jordana Rothman and Alex Stupak, co-athors of the upcoming book Tacos: Recipes and Provocations, and La Cocina’s own Veronica Salazar talking about why she doesn’t make or sell burritos.

The speakers will incorporate performance, multimedia, and, of course, food and drink, in the presentations. The evening begins with a cocktail reception from the Bon Vivants, along with bites from the Swedish American Music Hall’s chef Thomas McNaughton and special guest chefs, like Salazar’s El Huarache Loco. You can find lots more information here, and tickets start at $35 per person for general admission. There are also $25 tickets available for industry workers and students who don’t have the budget for a full-price ticket. 2174 Market St. at Sanchez.

510 News: Clove & Hoof Starts Dinner Service, Tomato Dinners at Oliveto, Town Eats, More

CLOVE & HOOF, the butchery shop and restaurant that opened last year in Oakland, has started dinner service. Owners John Blevins and Analiesa Gosnell have their lunchtime sandwiches making appearances on the menu, including their signature cheeseburger and cheesesteak sandwich, as well as shrimp and grits with squash confit and cured salmon roe. There is a selection of starters, including chicharrón deviled eggs, fried pig’s head cakes, and salads, including one with burrata, tomatoes, cucumbers, sour plum purée, and puffed rice. Check out the whole menu here.

There is also a small selection of wines by the glass, beer on tap and in the bottle, and soft drinks. Dinner is served daily 5pm-9pm. Lunch is still 11am-3pm, with an interim menu offered 3pm-5pm, and the butcher shop is open 11am-8pm. 4001 Broadway at 40th St., Oakland, 510-547-1446.

Hyperseasonal Oakland restaurant OLIVETO has announced the dates and menu for their annual tomato dinners. They’re happening Wednesday September 16th through Saturday September 19th and are a celebration of all things tomato. The à la carte menu includes tomatoes at every turn, including appetizers, pastas, main dishes, and desserts. Take a look at the full menu here, and make your reservation right here.

Celebrate Oakland with the Town Eats party this weekend, Friday September 18th through Sunday September 20th, in Jack London Square. Oaklandish, Lungomare, Drake’s Brewing, and Hanger One have teamed up for the festival, which includes several special events. It’s all happening adjacent to the patio at Lungomare. On Friday night, September 18th, Drake’s and Hanger One will be offering $4 drink specials along with live music from 6pm to 12am. Then on Saturday September 19th, catch a whole pig roast five ways, with chefs from Lungomare, Chop Bar, alaMar, Haven, and ChowHaus. Each of the chefs will be roasting a pig with a Caja China outside. From 12pm to 10pm, tastes of the pork and sides can be purchased for just $4, or opt for the all-you-can-eat plate for $20, which is a pretty sweet deal. On Sunday, there will be even more drink specials, food specials, and fun events happening, from 11am to 5pm.

For a full schedule and details, head here. Proceeds benefit Planting Justice, an Oakland-based social justice organization that builds gardens and develops food justice programs in local schools. And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Eat Real Festival! Jack London Square, Water St. at Broadway, Oakland.

It looks like MOCKINGBIRD, the charming bistro in Uptown Oakland, is moving to a new location at 418 13th Street. The space formerly housed Vietnamese restaurant Ba Vo, and Mockingbird owners plan to open there in the spring of 2016, according to East Bay Express. The new location will offer a liquor license, unlike their current one, but in the meantime you can still head to their current location and BYO. 1745 San Pablo Ave. at 18th St., 510-290-0331.

On Tuesday September 22nd, MISS OLLIE’S is hosting the kickoff opening night party for the Matatu Festival, a global festival of music and film in Oakland (more on that in a minute) with a special dinner. Special guests Saul Williams and Bryant Terry (a James Beard Foundation Leadership Award recipient) will be in attendance, celebrating the release of Williams’s book US(a.) and playing jazz records.

The menu from Sarah Kirnon looks killer, with dishes like cornmeal fritters drizzled with wild honey and flowering cilantro, twice-fried green plantains with pikliz and mojo sauce, and skillet-fried chicken summer succotash and smoked field greens. The event is 7pm-10pm, and tickets are $75 and include the family-style dinner, cocktails, and admission to the Saul Williams concert with the Black Spirituals on September 23rd. As for the festival, it features a ton of great programs and events, including fashion, dance, music, and film. Check it all out right here. 901 Washington St. at 9th St., 510-285-6188.

A couple announcements from THE DOCK and THE BEER SHED from owners Adam Lamoreaux of Linden Street Brewery and James Syhabout of Commis and Hawker Fare. Their new chef de cuisine is Geoff Davis, whose food we got to sample at Heritage BBQ on Sunday. His background includes Aqua, Fifth Floor, and Cyrus, plus Haven, and he also worked in the tasting room at Unti Vineyards. His new menu shows a refined touch, with dishes like squash à la plancha with queso fresco, pepitas, pickled tomatillo, serrano, and epazote; and amberjack crudo with pickled cherries, blossom salt, upland cress, shiro vinaigrette, and daikon.

The cocktail menu has also received an update with new head bartender Tayler Buffington (Michael Mina in the St. Francis Hotel, Range). Look for the Pimm’s Cup Royale (made with fresh strawberry and cucumber juices) and the Casablanca Sour (brandy, fresh apricot, ras el hanout, and egg white). There are also large-format options if you’re with a group.

Lastly, there’s a new Sunday Supper in The Beer Shed from 4pm-8pm every Sunday. Expect communal seating and family-style American comfort food dishes, such as buttermilk brined fried chicken, a clambake, and more, with rotating sides. Have a look at a sample menu here. 95 Linden St. at 3rd, Oakland, 510-338-3965.

ANGELA’S has reopened on Park Street in Alameda, this time across the street from their planned location. The San Jose Mercury News has the full story, but here’s a summary: chef and owner Saboor Zafari was planning to move his Mediterranean restaurant to a new location on Park Street last year, and just days before opening an arsonist started a fire and the restaurant was lost. Now, Zafari has secured a new location across the street, and it is now open! Initial Yelp reports call out the mezze platters and lamb, as well as the warm and welcoming service. 1640 Park St. at Pacific, Alameda, no phone.

Back in May, we reported on the newest location of PHO AO SEN (noise warning on that link), coming soon to Albany. A call to the restaurant’s Oakland location says they are opening the Albany location in a month, putting the planned opening date at mid-October. The new space is a former Sizzler. 665 San Pablo Ave. at Portland, Albany.

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

Wear Your tablehopper Love on Your Sleeve

Have you had a chance to check out the very custom tablehopper t-shirts and hoodie? All our shirts are based on vintage designs and graphics from old-school bars and restaurants in San Francisco (hmmmm, someone can’t stop collecting vintage menus and ephemera), so you can show your city some love too. Oh, and they’re super-soft and flattering.

There are five in all, whether you want to go classic with the Blue Fox or sassy with Players Club or boozy with The Camel. If you’re looking to stay warm, check out the Blue Fox hoodie for a little protection from Karl the Fog. (Click the links for a little story about each place too…)

The eye-catching designs are all printed on quality cotton t-shirts (thanks to our local pals at Poppy Promos) that have a nice fit for both men and women—and did we mention they are super-soft? Tees are $25, and the Blue Fox hoodie is $45 (it’s really plush). Order online right here.

the lush

Bar News & Reviews (put it on my tab)

Ha-Ra Club Reopens in the Tenderloin, All Nice and Freshened Up

Fellow fans of dive bars, we have a happy story for you (for once). Back in May, we reported on the HA-RA CLUB getting new owners: Scott Broccoli (Ace’s, The Pub at Ghirardelli Square, Dobbs Ferry), Tommy Whalen (Ace’s), and Wizz Wentworth (formerly Amante). Considering the sorry state the bar was in (empty taps, barely any booze on the shelves, odd hours), it was great to hear how the new ownership cared deeply about restoring the bar with some TLC while honoring its history and soul.

I have been checking in with partner Scott Broccoli over the past few months on progress, and we are happy to report the bar has reopened as of last Friday, and it’s looking fine! Broccoli says restoration was like “peeling back an onion,” as they discovered layers of the bar dating back to the 1940s. It opened in 1947 as the Ha-Ra (short for Hank and Ralph—the owners were pro wrestler Hank Hanastead and heavyweight boxer Ralph Figari), but prior to that, it was the Sarong Club (1943-1947), which was also a bordello (you’ll notice the staircase leading up to the office and storage area now, but previously that’s where the brothel was). The hooker history also ties in well with the red velvet brocade wallpaper, a replica of what the bar was originally outfitted in. Broccoli says they looked at many old pictures of the bar for design reference, and installed the pressed tin ceiling above the bar and redid the upholstery under the bar to mimic its previous style; the banquettes in the back were also inspired by the bar’s past design.

The pool table is still there (did you know Joe Lewis played pool on that very table in the 1950s?), and you’ll notice the vintage lights are still there, too, plus the brick back bar, and the original floor (dating back to 1922) got a good staining and buffing. Some updates include the old phone booth, which is now a mobile phone charging station, and the sound system is hiding inside the vintage refrigerator. There are four TVs, and there will be two keg tables installed, where you can have a five-gallon keg for you and your friends at your own table. One area has room for 10 and another for 15.

Some more fun OG facts for you: you’ll notice there’s a lot more room adjacent to the end of the bar in the back—it ends up there was a (non-original) sheetrock wall installed, creating a room used for liquor storage. Broccoli didn’t think it made much sense since there was already plenty of storage. It turns out there were a bunch of buzzers in there, and it was previously a gambling room!

Okay, one more! Behind the bar, you’ll see an old Ortgies pistol dating back to 1924 displayed on the wall—Broccoli found it (loaded!) hidden under a cabinet under the register, and now it has a safer spot on the wall.

As for what’s being served and poured, look for a good selection of beers (including a fair number of IPAs, as well as beers covering all budgets). Cocktails will be simple but not labor intensive—a cocktail list will be coming soon, and tequila will be a highlight on the shelves.

Broccoli says there’s a lot going on in the neighborhood (Huxley, Tender, the gallery scene), and they are all excited to be a part of it. Hours for now are looking like Mon-Fri 3pm-2am and Sat-Sun 10am-2pm. Hurrah for the Ha-Ra! I hope Carl is smiling, wherever he is. 875 Geary St. at Larkin, 415-673-3148.

Wine O'Clock News: Matthiasson at Central Kitchen, Italian Wines at William Cross, Bluxome Street Winery Expands

Fans of the fantastic Matthiasson Wines will want to head to CENTRAL KITCHEN for a winemaker dinner on Thursday September 17th. Jill Klein Matthiasson will offer pairing suggestions to go with the “let the kitchen decide” tasting menu ($75 per person, pairing is $55 per person), or purchase a special selection of wines by the glass at the restaurant and in Salumeria next door.

If you want to explore Italian wines from Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, and Lazio, come by WILLIAM CROSS WINE MERCHANTS on Wednesday September 16th from 6pm-9pm for a tasting of six wines; check out the flight here.

SoMa’s BLUXOME STREET WINERY is expanding with a pop-up tasting room/temporary annex in Ghirardelli Square’s Pioneer Woolen Mills building in fall 2015, targeting October/November for opening. They’ll be pouring their (mostly) cool-climate sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir from Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. It will be open daily 12pm-7pm, stand by for an opening date. Second level, 851 Beach St., Suite F-201A.

Bloody Mary Festival Gears Up September 20th, Oktoberfest Welcomes Fall at Schroeder's

Ready for a hot, spicy, pickled day of fun? Look no further than The Bloody Mary Festival, happening on Sunday September 20th from 1pm to 4pm. More than a dozen of the Bay Area’s best Bloody Mary makers will be pouring the savory beverages, including bartenders from Foreign Cinema, The Elite Café, Picán, 1760, and Mission Bowling Club. There will be prizes for the best Bloodys, including Best Bloody Mary and People’s Choice, which attendees will get to vote on. Food trucks will be on hand, and there will also be food tasting opportunities, Bloody Mary mixing opportunities, and music.

Tickets are $45 for general admission, which includes unlimited Bloody Marys and food samples, or $75 for VIP which includes early admission at 12:15pm and lunch from a food truck. It’s all happening at the SOMArts Center. 934 Brannan St. at 8th St.

This Friday September 18th launches six weeks of autumnal Oktoberfest celebrations at SCHROEDER’S. The German festivities kick off with their block party on Friday the 18th, when Front Street will close and become a beer garden from 3pm to 8:30pm. There will be hearty German fare, live music, dancing, dirndls, and lots and lots of beer. The party is free and a $5 token will be available for purchase. Each weekend until October 24th will also offer special events, live music, and beer specials; check out the schedule and details here. 240 Front St. at Sacramento, 415-421-4778.

the socialite

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

Catch CUESA's Sunday Supper for Harvest Season Abundance

Event Info

Sunday Oct 18, 2015 6pm–10pm $275 for general admission, $350 for VIP Details and tickets                        Ferry Building The Embarcadero at Market

CUESA’s 13th Annual Sunday Supper is coming up on Sunday October 18th from 6pm-10pm. The evening begins with a reception at a special pop-up kitchen in front of the Ferry Plaza, with oysters, appetizers, and cocktails. Then you’ll head upstairs to the Ferry Building’s Grand Hall for a four-course dinner prepared by some of San Francisco’s best chefs, served at long farmhouse tables. There are six distinct menus being served, from chefs like Ryan Farr (4505 Meats), Lauren Kiino (Cane Rosso, Red Dog), Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski (State Bird Provisions and The Progress), and Tim Archuleta (Ichi Sushi). All of this will be accompanied by wine pairings, of course.

There will also be a silent auction with local gourmet experiences, like a farm dinner with Flour + Water chef Thomas McNaughton at Devil’s Gulch Ranch, or a private cocktail party from Rye on the Road.

Tickets are $275 per person; VIP tickets are $350, which includes entry to the reception at 5:15pm, specialty cocktails, and a gift bag. The evening is a benefit for CUESA’s youth programs, Foodwise Kids and Schoolyard to Market.

the starlet

Star Sightings in Restaurants (no photos please)

Crash Into Scoma's

’90s soft rocker Dave Matthews was spotted at Scoma’s last Thursday. He was there with a few other friends, and they ordered mostly classics from the menu, including a crab Louie salad to start, the shellfish sauté, shrimp annuzzi, pasta bolognese, and the diplomatica.