Conversation
Michael Pollan on Cooked
Using the four classic elements of earth, wind, fire, and air, acclaimed author Michael Pollan explores how to transform nature's wonders into delicious eats and drinks. This is Pollan's only SF appearance for his new book.
When: 7:30 p.m., Mon. 5/6
Where: First Unitarian Universalist Center, Geary and Franklin

Conversation
Mark Bittman on How to Cook Everything
With a message fit for the foodie trends of the Bay, New York Times contributor Mark Bittman comes to West Coast to make the case for a semi-vegan diet in order to drastically improve one's health. His acclaimed book How to Cook Everything satisfies the novice chef's quest for simple
cooking.
When: 7p.m., Mon. 5/6 and 6 p.m., Tues. 5/7
Where: Lucie Stern Community Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, and The Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St.

Performance
Chrysta Bell 
Model, songwriter, and singer Chrysta Bell knows no limits to performance art.
Her one-of-a-kind shows are embellished with multimedia and theatrical components. This time around, the Lana Del Rey lookalike has collaborated with director David Lynch to create both songs and visuals. But no, David Lynch will not be in attendance.
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 5/9
Where: Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave.

Design
AIASF Design Awards Winner Exhibit
San Francisco's American Institute of Architects has announced its 2013 Design Winners and is ready to showcase these brilliant blueprints with the public in a two-and-a-half month long exhibit. Architects were recognized for their excellence in categories such as energy and sustainability, historic preservation, and unbuilt design.
When: Thurs. 5/9 - Fri. 7/26
Where: AIA SF Gallery, 130 Sutter St.

Science
Built for Speed
In the spirit of the upcoming America's Cup, Cal Academy is diving below the ocean's surface to educate the mass on the champions of the sea. Take a close look at the fascinating adaptations of the ocean's swiftest swimmers with streamlined body figures, piston-like muscles, and retractable fins. The exhibit will include the 45-foot-long catamaran and wingmast from the defending America's Cup champs and the skeleton of an orca.
When: Fri. 5/10 - Sun. 9/29
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr.

Film
I Wake Up Dreaming Noir Film Fest
Grab your fedora and your gal or guy to head out to the Roxie for the best of film noir. The lineup includes a stunning 30 films including classics like I Wake Up Screaming and Sweet Smell of Success with noir hybrids like Under Age and Blues In The Night. Keep a close eye out for the rare rediscoveries that are iconic to the Roxie Theater.  
When: Fri. 5/10 - Thurs. 5/23
Where: Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St.

Music
Questlove
The Roots drummer Ahmir Thompson epitomizes the best of of modern, digital hip-hop fused with vintage, soulful R&B. Through his collaborations with the likes of Common, Amy Winehouse, and Al Green, Questlove has proven the significance of live instrumentation in a technological world of
musical programming. Experience firsthand the importance of real-time beats by the master himself.
When: 10:30 p.m., Sat. 5/11
Where: Yoshi's SF, 1330 Fillmore St.

Art
Rebar: Kaleidoscope
SF design firm, Rebar, is installing a modular sculpture this weekend in the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive's new 7,000 square-foot atrium. Reconfiguration and spontaneity are encouraged—visitors can actually move any of the 60 pieces to tailor the environment to their socializing, relaxing, or studying needs. And WiFi is included during museum hours.
When: Sun. 5/12–December 2015
Where: BAM/PFA's Gallery B, 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

Discussion
Conflict Kitchen: The Two Koreas
Creating international and political awareness in the form of food, the Pittsburgh-based project Conflict Kitchen by artists Jon Rubin and Dawn Weleski is made up of take-out restaurants that serve dishes from countries that the U.S. is in conflict with. Past eats have included dishes from Iran, Venezuela, and Afghanistan. This weekend, it's the Koreas. The night is complete with 3 courses from both North and South Korea and a conversation about the culture and politics of the two countries.
When: 6:30 p.m., Sun. 5/12
Where: Headlands Centers for the Arts, 944 Simmonds Rd., Sausalito