Five culinary adventures for the week ahead! 

The 2nd Annual Mezcal & Tequila Festival

Purveyor of fine Mexican fare, listen up! Tamarindo is hosting its 2nd annual Mezcal & Tequila festival this weekend, celebrating the amazing spirits of Mexico. The afternoon will feature demonstrations and samples from master distillers, industry experts, mixologists, and ambassadors from world-renowned and new-to-market brands. Guests will learn about the history and culture of each spirit from such industry experts as Jake Lustig, the owner of Don Amado Mezcal. Other particpating brands include: Alipus, Don Amado, Mezcalero, Don Julio, Siete Leguas, Don Pilar, and Seleccion Arte NOM. Chef-owner Gloria Dominguez will also be serving regional dishes from Jalisco and Oaxaca, the two states where Tequila and Mezcal are most commonly produced. The festival will take place at Tamarindo (468 8th Street, Oakland) on Sunday, November 16 from 3-7pm. Get tickets here

Cocktail Theatre Comes to Oakland 

Molecular mixologist Rob Floyd is bringing his famous Cocktail Theatre to NorCal for the first time at Ozumo Oakland (2251 Broadway, Oakland) on November 15 from 8-11pm. Described as “The History Channel meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” this unique performance combines live entertainment with an educational cocktail tasting that teaches the audience about the history of mixology. Tickets to "Celebrating Oakland"are $75 and include five unique cocktail creations accompanied by three tasting dishes. Get tickets here. 

Truffles Have Arrived! 

Perbacco(230 California, SF) is celebrating white truffle season with a variety of special dishes served until supplies last, each accompanied by three grams of white truffles shaved tableside. Menu highlights include:Veal tartare scented with garlic and Langhe hazelnuts served with house-made truffled lardo crostino; cauliflower sformatino with La Tur fonduta tajarin with prosciutto di San Daniele and a 63°c hen egg; and roasted stuffed rabbit with sunchoke puree and arneis jus. For reservations, call 415-955-0663. 

Picnic On Third, Now Open in South Park

Picnic on Third (493 3rd Street, SF) finally opened in SoMa this week. If you're in need of a lunch refresh, look no further for gourmet specials such as crispy confit duck leg, achiote pork shoulder, pomegranate braised lamb shoulder, and whole roasted chickens. There's also a full wine and beer list focusing on California growers and craft brewers, in case you need a pick-me-up.

Taste of the Nation: East Bay 

Calling all foodies and philanthropists! Do your part to end child hunger with Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation East Bay. This year's event, hosted by Tanya Holland (Brown Sugar Kitchen, B-Side BBQ),will feature the East Bay’s top chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists from such notable restaurants as A16 Rockridge, alaMar, Box and Bells, FIVE, Haven, Hawker Fare, Lungomare, Shakewell, and Wood Tavern with tastings from Stage Left Cellars, St. George Spirits, Bison Brewing, and more. The event takes place Sunday, November 16 from 4 to 7pm at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley (41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley). Get tickets here.