1) Osso Steakhouse Opens in Nob Hill
Nob Hill’s newest restaurant is “steaking” its claim at the base of Gramercy Towers. Osso Steakhouse (1177 California @ Jones) specializes in dry-aged, bone-in (osso) steaks that melt in your mouth. The Art Deco-inspired interior provides an elegant and relaxed ambiance where guests can enjoy bone-in Filet Mignon ($43.95), New York ($43.95), and Porterhouse ($69.95) cuts as well as hot Dungeness crab ($22.95 and up), smoked salmon carpaccio ($13.95), octopus crostini ($14.95) and a selection of chopped salads ($9.95 - $27.90). The “O” Bar menu includes the filet (mignon) cheese steak, fish and zucchini chips, and a creative cocktail menu. Try the Guavamosa ($13) with extra dry Prosecco and guava, or the Ossogoodhattan ($13), made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and fernet. Designated drivers will appreciate the collection of $6 mocktails, which includes a Basil Nojito made with fresh basil, cranberry lemon juice and soda.
2) Great Gatsby Pre-Premiere & Cocktail Reception
Channel the spirit of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan this Thursday, May 9, at a swanky ‘20s-style cocktail party, followed by a screening of Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Purchase a $25 ticket online and doll up in a drop-waist flapper dress (or an impeccably cut suit) for an 8 pm cocktail soiree at the glamorous Circa lounge (2001 Chestnut @ Fillmore) in the Marina. At 9:45, the party will progress to the Marina Theatre, a block away on Chestnut, for a special sneak preview of the much anticipated movie, which opens in theatres across North America on May 10. Hosted by Trendy Lime.
3) Noir Lounge Opens in Hayes Valley
Once you’ve tired of the 1920s, fast forward to the 40s with a visit to the newly-opened Noir Lounge (581 Hayes @ Laguna). It’s all about atmosphere here, with a 1940s jazz-era feel and a private screening room showcasing film noir classics twice nightly from Thursday through Sunday. (Check the schedule on Noir’s Facebook page.) Gather with friends for intimate tête–à–têtes on refurbished vintage divans and lounge chairs surrounding tables custom-made from reclaimed materials. Or sit at the front bar, under a “golden dome” fashioned from a salvaged satellite disk. Help yourself to the free movie-style popcorn while contemplating your next pint of Pine Street Atom Splitter Beer, a hard-to-find, hyper-local brew. Or indulge in Sriracha deviled eggs and Johnny cakes with sweet chili and lime cream, washed down with a glass of Rickshaw Pinot Noir. Mondays and Tuesdays are good for impromptu group parties, and Noir hosts a Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm and Fridays from 3 to 6 pm. During happy hour, all draft beers are a dollar off, and the bar features sparkling, white, and red wine ranging from $6 to $8.
4) Half Off Wine Month at The Grand Cafe
Back by popular demand, it’s half-off Wine Month at The Grand Cafe (501 Geary @ Taylor). Order dinner during the month of May, and pair it with a fine bottle of wine for half price. Choose from more than 100 French and American wines, running the gamut from white to pink to red to sparkling and ranging in price from $30 to $140. Suggested pairings include the Michel Girault Sancerre with Chef Alicia Jenish’s moules meunieres, or the Chateau Brondelle Graves with the bouillabaisse. The Bonny Doon Riesling 2 Live sparkling wine is perfect with whatever you’re having. Wine must be consumed in the restaurant, and the offer is only available with the purchase of an entree.
5) New “At the Bar” Menu at Abbot’s Cellar
If you haven’t yet tasted the wares at The Abbot’s Cellar (724 Valencia @ 18th), you’re in for a treat. Chef Adam Dulye has rolled out a new “At the Bar” menu featuring three different shareable bites every day from 5:30 to 7 pm. Available only at the bar, this week’s selection includes meatballs, duck rillette on toast, and crispy cauliflower with a caper aioli. Prices range from $7 to $9. Specializing in California cuisine paired with craft beer and wines, The Abbott’s Cellar is the kind of place that serves your brew in its own special vessel. With more than 30 beers by the glass, there’s plenty of variety, ranging from a Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale to a Bourbon Barrel-aged Barleywine. The wine list includes more than 25 sparkling, white, orange/rose, and red wines. Abbot’s Cellar offers valet parking, as well as a four-course menu for $55, or $75 with beverage/beer pairings.
