1. Fry One On
Looking for a weekly fish-fry with a conscious? Every Wednesday, Magnolia Pub serves up heaping helpings of fish ‘n’ chips made with sustainable seafood. Don’t miss the chocolate stout cake for dessert.
2. Half-Off and Happy
This Friday, knock off a little early and get yourself over to Bacar for happy hour(s) from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Start the weekend off right with $1 oysters and half-priced cocktails and beer.
3. Bean There, Done That
Join Vanessa Barrington at Omnivore Books on Saturday, January 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the launch of her cookbook, written together with Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando. The book, titled Heirloom Beans, is a collection of recipes that showcase the heritage varieties Sando grows on his Napa bean farm. The event is free; for more information visit omnivorebooks.com
4. The Meat of the Matter
Meatpaper, the SF-based carnivore chronicle, is releasing their sixth issue and want to celebrate! Join the editors and enthusiasts on January 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Acme Chophouse . Ryan Farr (formerly of Orson) will be conducting a butchery lesson, Sam White and Chris Kronner (formerly of Slow Club and Serpentine) will be presenting a nose-to-tail beef demonstration, Perbacco’s Staffan Terje will be dishing out charcuterie and (gasp!) bacon marshmallows and Acme chef Thom Fox will be manning the rotisserie. All this for the low, low price of $25. To purchase tickets, visit meatandgreet.eventbrite.com
5. Honey Do
Have you heard the buzz about the honey bee crisis? On January 13, UC Berkeley conservation ecologist Claire Kremen will be at the Commonwealth Club speaking about colony collapse disorder and its effects on pollination. Join her for an illuminating discussion about the role bees play in global agriculture. The program begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6, and costs $15 for non-members, $8 for Commonwealth Club members. For more information, call 415-597-6700 or click here to buy tickets.
6. Chez 16
On January 14, A16 chef Nate Appleman will be behind the stove for a special dinner at Chez Panisse to celebrate the release of the cookbook, A16 Food + Wine. The iconic Berkeley restaurant is will be serving an A16-inspired menu along with a special wine selection from the Campania region selected by A16 wine director Shelly Lindgren. Reservations are essential, call 510-548-5525 to make yours.
7. Pig Out
Here’s what we call gustatory pay-dirt: On January 14, Laïola will be ringing in the New Year with a special dinner comprised of passed Spanish-style hors d’oeuvres, spicy Dungeness crab and whole roasted pig, complimented by wines from Lodi-based Bokisch Vineyards. The price of the feast is $95 (including wine!) To make reservations or to hear more about this exclusive dinner, call 415-346-5641 or visit laiola.com. Can’t get there on the 14th? Each and every Monday Laïola is serving a set menu of salad, paella and churros-and-chocolate for the rock-bottom price of $25 a person.
