"Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire." - David Rains Wallace
Sake Class at Yuzuki
Learn about sake from a master of the craft this Saturday, from 4 to 5:15pm, at Yuzuki Japanese Eatery. For $50, Sake Sommelier Yoshihiro Sako will lead you through an educational tasting of the four main categories of sake, discussing how they differ, explaining the relationship between sake and umami, exploring the differences between wine and sake, and introducing koji. Seats are limited, and tickets are available online. // 598 Guerrero, San Francisco; yuzukisf.com
Gintonic Guide at Aatxe
Aatxe is taking the Gin & Tonic to a new level with their Gintonic guide, presented in the form of a color-coded flavor wheel. Choose a gin from the Floral, Soft & Fruity, Classic, Herbal, or Big Guys section and pair it with a color-matched tonic for a fool-proof, customized G&T. Be forewarned; this is how we discovered our latest addiction, Dry Fly gin with Q tonic. Located on the street level of the Swedish American Hall, Aatxe (pronounced "ah-chay") is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. // 2174 Market St., San Francisco; aatxesf.com
Honduran Beer and Baleadas at El Paisa
You've likely had plenty of Mexican beer, but have you ever tried Honduran cerveza? For all practical purposes, there are only two brands of beer in Honduras, and you can try them both at Restaurante El Paisa (aka Jenny & Jesse) in Bernal Heights. Salva Vida comes in a brown bottle, and Port Royal comes in a green bottle, and those in the know often just ask for their favorite by color. Pair it with a baleada—a thick, fluffy, fresh, hand-made tortilla folded around beans, avocado, and crumbled cheese. Bring cash, because they don't take credit cards. // 3322 Mission, San Francisco
Fireworks Pre-Party at The Royal Exchange
According to weather.com, conditions should be cold but clear Thursday night for the New Year's Eve fireworks show. If you're planning to take it in from the Embarcadero, stop by The Royal Exchange first to get into a festive mood. They'll be offering happy hour drink prices all night and $6 sparkling wine, no reservations required. Located just six blocks from the fireworks viewing action, The Royal Exchange is within stumbling distance of your destination. So, drink up! // 301 Sacramento St., San Francisco; royalexchange.com
Hangover Solidarity at SOMA StrEat Food Park
There's no reason to suffer your New Year's Day hangover alone. Share your misery with fellow regretters at SoMa StrEat Food Park's Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, starting at 10am on Friday. Enjoy unlimited mimosas and micheladas for $16 until 5pm, along with music, college football, and at least 10 food trucks to graze from. Yes, there will be bacon. //428 11th St., San Francisco; somastreatfoodpark.com
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
