I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me. - Hunter S. Thompson
Drink Steam (Beer) with Detour
SF Mayor Ed Lee has proclaimed August 16-23 to be "Drink Steam Week," in honor of Fritz Maytag's purchase of Anchor Brewing 50 years ago, reviving Anchor Steam Beer and kicking off the American craft beer revolution. Anchor Brewing has a full week of events planned, and you don't even have to wait until Saturday to start celebrating. Beginning today at 5:30pm, you can "Drink Steam with Detour," a location-aware audio tour app featuring story-driven tours of San Francisco. Meet at the corner of Montgomery and Washington between 5:30 and 6:30pm for a free, two-hour Detour, followed by a post-Detour party at Columbus Cafe, where the Anchor Steam will be flowing. // 562 Green Street
Jazz and Absinthe at Gaspar
Nothing pairs better with jazz than absinthe, and Gaspar Brasserie is serving up both every Saturday night from 7 to 10pm, through September. Enjoy instrumental jazz classics played live by talented Bay Area musicians, a three-course price-fixe menu for $45, and absinthe cocktails for two ($24) or four ($48), served in a tabletop absinthe fountain. You'll also find $12 classic cocktails on the menu such as Martinis, Sidecars, and Old Fashioneds. // 185 Sutter
Brews, Ewes & BBQs
The American Lamb Board is hosting a nation-wide "Brews, Ewes & BBQs" event, and they've tapped ThirstyBear Organic Brewery Executive Chef Robert McCarthy to represent the Bay Area. From August 10 to 14, he will feature a nose to tail lamb menu with select beer pairings. For instance, ThirstyBear's just-released, limited edition Citra Double Down IPA will be paired with Grilled Loin Chop with lemon-mint gremolata, marinated fava beans, and piquillo. And Hop Clown Double IPA will be paired with Lamb Belly Pastrami with poached asparagus, sauce gribiche, and radish. // 661 Howard Street, Reservations recommended.
Monday Night Wine Specials at Aveline
Why wait for the weekend when you can drink wine for less on a school night? Aveline, the modern European restaurant inside the Warwick San Francisco near Union Square, is offering 25% off all bottles of wine every Monday night. You're not required to order food with your bottle, but we suspect you'll have a hard time resisting the Blackened Avocado with strawberry sofrito, pistachio pesto, and trub crumpet. We certainly can't. // 490 Geary
Pellegrini Wine Company Summer Music Series
Finally! A vineyard visit the kids will enjoy! This Saturday, Pellegrini Wine Company in Santa Rosa will transform into an intimate food and music festival featuring food trucks, live bands, picnic areas and, of course, wine. Enjoy blues from MT and The Wolves, whisky-infused barbeque from The Whisky Tip, and wine from the tasting room, either by the bottle or by the taste ($10 tasting fee). There's even a kids' band from the Blue Bear School of Music. The free, family-friendly event runs from noon to 5pm; bring cash for food and wine. // 4055 West Olivet Road, Santa Rosa
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
