Friday October 5
Venga Empanadas is celebrating its beer and wine license with its first happy hour. Come for some groovy tunes, complimentary mini empanadas, and house-made sangria (a secret concoction by Spanish chef and owner Manuel Godino). Venga’s new wine list will include several Argentine wines that pair well with its selection of meat and vegetarian empanadas. 5 – 7 p.m., 443 Valencia @15th.
Saturday October 6
A street fair on the waterfront during America’s Cup and Fleet Week? Great timing! In its fifth year, Taste of South Beach & Mission Bay will showcase local restaurant’s signature dishes and drinks (available for purchase). There will also be FoodTech and FashionTech vendors, a children's activity area, and an entertainment stage with live music performances by Hot Pocket as well as DJs Eug, J-Boogie, and King Most. Proceeds will benefit the South Beach/Mission Bay Business Association and Project Open Hand. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., along the waterfront at Pier 40 on the Embarcadero between Java House and AT&T Park.
Eastern Addition, a new pop-up restaurant series created by the founders of the Summit, SOM, Poleng Lounge and The Attic kicks off with a special All You Can Eat Oyster & BBQ Party. Of mention, there will be satays by Sataysfied and cocktails by Scott Baird (of Bon Vivants). The three-month dinner series revolves around the cuisine of Japan, Burma and the Philippines and unsung Bay Area chefs who have perfected their craft. 2 – 7 p.m., 34 Page Street.
Zagat and Google Offers are featuring an intimate dinner with Gary Danko, Nancy Oakes and Mourad Lahlou at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena. Round-trip transportation is provided free of charge on a cushy charter bus with the all-inclusive ticket. Guests will sample hand-crafted hors d'oeuvres, chow down on a memorable six-course meal with wine pairings, then schmooze at a meet-and-greet with the chefs. $325 per person, buy tickets here.
Sunday October 7
The Palace Hotel welcomes performers from Opera Frontier for the second annual Opera Brunch in the Garden Court. The program includes performances from Carmen, Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Faust. Enjoy a decadent brunch and sparkling wine while listening to opera classics. Brunch reservations are available from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Opera performances will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $85 adults and $55 children. Reservations at 415-546-5089 or visit sfpalace.com.
Fall presents the perfect weather for a picnic and the Stag Dining Group is hosting Picnic at the Presidio every weekend in October (presented by Off The Grid). The culinary line up includes Bar Crudo, Humphry Slocombe, Dixie, Nopalito, and Mission Cheese among many other talented restaurateurs. The Brooklyn Circus will be setting up an outpost providing sartorial advice and picnic attire provisions for you. To top it off, artisanal cocktails will be delivered blanketside. Free, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Main Post Lawn (across from the Walt Disney Museum at 104 Montgomery Street).
Wednesday Oct 10
Fifth Floor chef David Bazirgan welcomes Joe Schirmer, the head farmer at Dirty Girl Farm, for a tomato-inspired tasting menu to celebrate the last great tomatoes of the season. The six courses will highlight the special dry farmed Dirty Girl Farm tomatoes. In addition, Bar Manager Brian Means will serve a special tomato-inspired cocktail (“Sunrise on the Horizon”) made with aqua vit, tomato juice, vermouth, and a habanero tincture. $95 (wine pairings additional), 12 4th St.
Thursday Oct 11
If you haven’t been up to Point Reyes Station to Osteria Stellina, here’s an opportunity. Next week, Slow Food's Marin-Petaluma chapter partners with the restaurant for a Slow Supper, Christian Caiazzo style. Guests will get a private tour of the Stellina farm, have wine and apps from the Stellina bar, and enjoy Chef Caiazzo's incredible dinner and wine pairing while spending the evening with West Marin farmers. $75 includes a donation to Slow Food along with supporting the West Marin producers. 5:30 – 9 p.m., 11285 State Highway 1, Point Reyes Station.
