1. Savía Us A Glass
This week at 18 Reasons: A wine and olive oil tasting with Jim Milone, owner of Terra Savía winery—an organic vineyard in Hopland, California. A $10 donation gets you access to a tasting of Terra Savía’s full line-up of wine and olive oil, with Mr. Milone on hand to answer questions about winemaking and organic viticulture.
2.Strong Suds
Mark your calendars—February 1 marks the start of the 7th annual Strong Beer Month, an event between Magnolia Brewery and 21st Amendment celebrating the strong beers typically enjoyed in the colder months. Each brewery has created six strong beers for the month—try all twelve (and get your punch card punched) and you’ll receive a commemorative tasting glass. Besides, who doesn’t want the bragging rights you’ll earn for trying Magnolia’s 11.5% Old Thunderpussy Barleywine?
3. Supper Series
Terzo is kicking off their wine dinner series with a five-course Italian wine dinner on February 3. The price is $125 (wine included) and the appetizers begin circulating at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. While you’re chowing down on potato-and-leek soup with crab and boudin blanc, Terzo will be raising money for New Door Ventures, which helps at-risk youth. Make reservation by emailed Terzo GM Janice Clement at Janice@niceventures.com
4.Specials at Sebo
If you missed the first round of dinners with Melissa Perello guest starring at Sebo, you have a few more opportunities—the celebrated chef will be doing her special Monday night dinners on both February 2 and 16. Same rules apply: four course menu, $45 per person, two seatings, unknown menu. Curious omnivores email monday_night@me.com to make a reservation.
5. Beer Odyssey
We’re hoping you’re still imbued with the inaugural spirit and in the mood to celebrate the most American of beverages—beer! On Saturday, January 31, from 4 to 5 p.m., Brian Yaeger will be at Omnivore Books signing copies of his book Red, White and Brew and talk about the world of craft brewing. And yes, beer fans, there will be samples!
6. Zest Control
The best part of winter may be the amazing citrus that debuts this time of year, from walnut-sized kishu mandarins to juicy Satsuma tangerines and pink-fleshed Cara Cara oranges. Chez Papa Resto will be serving a four-course citrus menu throughout the month of February—for $50 you can sample Maine lobster salad with Meyer lemon and black truffles, duck confit with clementines and Grand Marnier and orange blossom panna cotta. To make reservations, call 415-546-4134.
7. Inspired Italian
Venerable Union Square restaurant Scala’s Bistro has received a major menu overhaul, thanks to new chef (and Top Chef veteran) Jen Biesty, who has just rolled a new menu. Expect stalwarts such as oysters, beef carpaccio and Caesar salad, along with a whole new roster of house-made pastas and Mediterranean-inspired mains.
