SF Chefs Launches August 1st. You Ready?

Start clearing your schedule now ‘cause SF CHEFS 2011 is almost here, and there are quite a few must-attend events. For the third year, the SF Chefs food, wine, and spirits festival is taking over Union Square from August 1st through the 7th, with all kinds of events (classes, demos, parties, tastings, you name it) at participating restaurants and at the Westin St. Francis, and culminating with the Grand Tasting Tent from Friday August 5th-Sunday August 7th.

Here’s one event you’ll want to schedule in right away: the tablehopper is leading a panel with The Real Restaurant Wives of San Francisco on Saturday August 6th, 4pm-6pm, at E&O Trading Co. We’re talking about a behind-the-scenes discussion on famed SF restaurateurs from a totally unique perspective: their wives (and partners)! You’ll meet Leslie Gibin (Perbacco), Amy Wong (E&O Trading Co.), Chantal Keller (Fleur de Lys), and Emily Mitra (Dosa), and since yours truly is in the mix, there will be cocktails involved. Cocktail hour will follow the panel, where the wives will introduce their restaurants’ bartenders, who’ll serve signature cocktails designed by the wives themselves. $50. Tickets here.

So many other exciting SF Chefs events, so little space! Here’s a couple highlights, but be sure to click over to the complete schedule. The Food Arts Industry Series has some interesting seminars for professionals and restaurateurs, with topics like Today’s Wine Tech Trends & Tools, Location! Location! Location!, and The Secrets of our Success. There are classes and demos for everyone, including the family-friendly Four Star Family Meal with chefs and their kids. How cute! Of course, it’s not SF Chefs without the parties: there’s the Sugar & Spice party on August 4th at the Westin, and after parties on Friday (with chef/DJ Hubert Keller on the 1s and 2s) and Saturday (with Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais).

And then there’s the big finale: from Friday through Sunday, the Grand Tasting Tent in Union Square will feature over 100 Bay Area chefs and restaurants; wines from Sonoma County Vintners, Russian River Valley wineries, and more; the city’s best bartenders; and the chance to mingle with restaurateurs, winemakers, chefs, bartenders, artisans, and fellow food aficionados. Participating chefs include Matthew Accarrino (SPQR), Gary Danko (Restaurant Gary Danko), Elizabeth Falkner (Citizen Cake), Tyler Florence (Wayfare Tavern), Emily Luchetti (Farallon and Waterbar), Craig Stoll ( Delfina), Joanne Weir, and Martin Yan. Bartenders include H. Joseph Ehrmann (Elixir), Carlos Yturria (Absinthe), Jeff Hollinger and Jonny Raglin (Comstock Saloon), and Brandon Josie (15 Romolo).

No doubt you’ll taste some of the best bites and drinks of the year at the Grand Tasting, so get your tickets online now ($25-$150)—they’re already selling out.

Thirsty? Jacques can help you.