Today, March 7

Wednesday's the last chance for Bay Area chefs to submit their best skillet recipes to Safeway Culinary Kitchens competition. Semi-finals are in April at the California Culinary Academy, followed by a final cook-off at Safeway’s headquarters in Pleasanton on May 15. The winner's recipe will be sold in Safeway's Open Nature line. 

Thursday, March 8

Eskender Aseged's Radio Africa and Kitchen pop-up is turning brick-and-mortar at 4800 Third St. in Bayview. To start, the chef, who once cooked under Nancy Oakes, will be serving dinner  Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch at the 55-seat restaurant will launch in April. For now, you can expect a menu that changes weekly and includes ox tail, roast leg of lamb with eggplant relish and couscous, edamame and fava bean hummus with green garlic, and grilled chicken breast with okra and polenta.

Chef and author Joyce Goldstein and winemaker Lorenza Sebasti Pallanti of Castello di Ama Estate in Tuscany will be cooking dinner and pouring at A16's Festa della Donna, or International Women’s Day, celebration. Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are recommended. A16 will donate 15 percent of the evening’s proceeds to La Cocina. 

Saturday, March 10

As part of the SF International Asian American Film Festival, Top Chef alums Preeti Mistry and Beverly Kim will be speaking at The Cook Salon at Superfrog Gallery to discuss their experiences and food. They will also be making international movie snacks live with the audience. 

Wednesday, March 14

The Castro farmers market opens at Noe and Market streets, starting at 4 p.m. and going on until 8 p.m. Free cooking lessons, live music, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are just a few reasons to come celebrate the start of the Farmers' Market season in the Castro. New vendors include Cecchini & Cecchini and Achadinha Cheese Company.