Earlier this week two friends joined me on a journey to taste real flammenkueche at Etcetera Wine Bar in the Mission. The four-month-old wine bar is owned by Alexandra Gerteis, a native of Alsace, the region of France right next to Germany where flammenkueche originates. 

If you haven't revisited the fancier side of Polk Street (between Pacific and Greenwich) in the past few months, things are changing fast. Of course, the neighborhood's tried and tested favorites are still there—like Leopold's heavenly schnitzel and draft beers that are bigger than a newborn baby, or the lemon vanilla rice pudding at Loving Cup. But there are some freshly minted food spots on the block that are worth dropping in on. Here's a picture of what to expect.

In this age of artisan spirits and seasonal cocktail menus, breaking out the old familiar vodka tonics for guests at your next dinner party is really not ok. Sure it takes a little more effort and money to make Manhattans, and even more to come up with your own recipes, but San Francisco is blessed with a multitude of very effective classes to get you well on your way to wowing friends and loved ones with your own very special drinks. Check out this list of top local cocktail classes, and remember not to attend on an empty stomach. Special bonus: you might even get a little tipsy along the way.

There's a locally sourced bar in a grocery store now. Seriously, how beer-obsessed can we get?