Over on Polk Street, the RED DEVIL LOUNGE will be ending its 16-plus-year run in 2014. Taking over the venue is Jamal Blake-Williams, who many Marina dwellers will recognize from The Tipsy Pig (where he has been the bar manager since it opened) and Mamacita. Once the Red Devil’s calendar wraps up on New Year’s Eve, the location will close for construction. Blake-Williams hopes to reopen it in March or April, and while the live music will be gone, his plans for the space are to make it a comfortable neighborhood bar, with quality cocktails, and some fun touches like pool, shuffleboard, and watching the game on Sunday. There’s no name yet so stand by for that, but one thing we do know is that there will be a lot more light in the space. He’s very excited about the project, and grateful for the many years of mentorship from Nate Valentine, Stryker Scales, and Sam Josi. 1695 Polk St. at Clay.
Happy WhiskyWeek, San Francisco. Last Tuesday we mentioned Elixir’s lineup of events this week, and here’s something else to look for. Parker Beam of Heaven Hill Distilleries—and a legend in the bourbon world—was sadly diagnosed with the debilitating ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). In order to raise awareness and funds for the ALS Foundation, some bars around town will be featuring cocktails made with bourbons from the Heaven Hill portfolio and making donations to the The Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund. So if you swing by the following bars, take a look at their menus for what’s on offer: 15 Romolo (featuring Evan Williams Single Barrel, Elijah Craig 12-year, and Henry McKenna Single Barrel all week), Blackbird (serving a Manhattan with Evan Williams Single Barrel through Saturday September 28th), Wingtip, or Beretta (on Wednesday September 25th, they will be serving Henry McKenna Single Barrel all night). To your health, Parker!
A new happy hour for your radar: LA MOVIDA in the Mission is now offering their happy hour from 4:30pm-6:30pm. You’ll find specials on their tap beer and wine (like $2 off!), as well as specials featuring a flight of the limited-release, seasonal, fresh-hopped Almanac beers, kalimotxo (red wine and Mexican Coke), and micheladas. You’ll also find a happy hour menu that includes thrice-fried wings and a vegetarian version of their Monte Cristo sandwich. Wednesday is also designated the “new mom” happy hour with strollers welcomed. Yup, mother’s little helper comes in a liquid format, too. 3066 24th St. at Treat, 415-282-3066.
Ah yes: another fab Champagne dinner at ~SPRUCE~. On Tuesday October 15th, Laurent Fresnet, cellar master of Champagne Henriot (one of the last independent and family-owned houses in Champagne) will be present at the dinner, which will feature seven different wines, including two vintages of the house’s tête de cuvée. You can look at the lineup and the menu by chefs Mark Sullivan and John Madriaga here. $195, exclusive of tax and gratuity. 6:30pm. To reserve, call 415-931-5100,
