"Trust me. You can dance." -Vodka
Shhhh! Beretta's Got a Secret Cocktail Menu
You've heard of In-N-Out Burger's not-so-secret menu (e.g., the phenomenal animal style options), and the Starbucks Secret Menu (how about a Butterbeer Frappuccino?), but what about the secret cocktail menu at Beretta? Legend has it that, in 2014, Beretta's bar crew was looking for ways to use their creativity while staying true to their brand of consistently balanced cocktails that draw heavily from the classics. They hit on a secret menu that could only be ordered from guests who knew to ask for it, and decided to call it "A Field Guide to the Birds." After being perfected, each cocktail was named for a bird based on that bird's personality and unique quirk. Of course, the bird had to have a cool name, and had to be represented well on the pages of the secret menu. Former Beretta bartender and talented illustrator Melanie Getman returned the first bird drawing in less than 30 minutes, then cranked out the remaining seven, illustrated the ingredients found in each cocktail, and left room for Field Notes. Of the eight $11 cocktails on the secret menu, we're particularly fond of the Siamese Fireback, made with rum, lime, ginger, banana, and Prosecco. We're also partial to the New World Vulture, made with bourbon, Cocchi di Torini, Gran Classico, Amontillado sherry, and apricot. The secret menu is available seven days a week; all you have to do it ask for it. 1199 Valencia Street
Gitane's Got a Spring Crush on Sherry
During the month of April, Gitane is celebrating spring by spotlighting its extensive sherry list. Wine Director Sarah Knoefler has created a sherry-based punch, a special cocktail and a sherry flight to accompany the spring menu, which incorporates flavors from Northern Spain, Southern France and Italy. The Innkeepers Cup ($10) is a punch made with Amontillado sherry, gin, cucumber, lemon, bonal and ginger beer. The Perfect Sherroni ($12) is a play on the Negroni, made with Oloroso sherry, Dry Vermouth, Vermouth de Torino Rouge and Campari. The Sherry Flight ($22) features "Pastrana" Hidalgo Manzanilla, El Cano Fino, Grant Amontillado, and Cesar Florido Oloroso. Gitane's sherry specials are available every day starting at 5:30 pm, all month long. 6 Claude Lane
SF Vintners Market Returns to Fort Mason
This Saturday and Sunday, for the 11th year running, the San Francisco Vintners Market will host a massive "try it and buy it" tasting room of winemakers, ranging from brand-new and tiny to well-established and world-famous. More than 150 producers from California, Oregon, Washington, and beyond will pour their wares from noon to 4 pm at Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion. New for 2015, the wineries will be organized by their respective viticultural areas, allowing attendees to experience the unique style and terroir of each region. In addition, three unique wine spaces will connect wine lovers with boutique wines for every price point. The Cult Room features vinos that cost $100+ per bottle; the Reserve Room wines range from $50 to $99 per bottle, and the Main Room houses bottles for $49 and below. Tickets are available online, with prices ranging from $80 (Main Room) to $125 (Reserve Room) to $150 (Cult Room) per person, per day. Marina Blvd. and Laguna Street
Dirty Habit Hosts Rosé Week
Dolores Park isn't the only place to purchase pink wine out of a messenger bag. Drop by Dirty Habit this week to partake in this time-honored tradition, without the prospect of park ranger interference. Sommelier Jose Aguirre has curated a special rosé list for the week, and he'll be selling it straight from his Timbuk2 Dolores Chiller Bag out on the patio. You'll find mini-bottles of Champagne Pommery POP and ½ bottles of Champagne including Dumangin Rosé, Lanson Rosé, and Billecart Salmon Rosé. Full bottles of Rosé include Rob Sinskey Vin Gris Carneros 2014, Chateau Peyrassol Commanderie Cotes De Provence 2014, Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé Paso Robles 2014, Champagne L.Aubry Rosé, and Argyle Rosé Dundee 2010 (Sparkling). 12 Fourth Street
Huxley Has a Michelada Station
Huxley owner Kris Esqueda spent months perfecting his Michelada when he worked at Vinyl Wine Bar on Divis. Now that he's got his own place, he has brought the expertly-balanced blend of beer, tomato, lime juice, peppers, spices and salt to his 25-seat restaurant in the Tenderloin. They're $5 each every Sunday at brunch, from 11 am to 2:30 pm, when guests will find an official Michelada station featuring a big silver bucket of beer on the bar. Esqueda's Micheladas pair perfectly with Huxley's addictive avocado toast, or one of a half-dozen new savory toast options, including housemade corned beef with gruyere and mustard, or smoked trout with radishes and creme fraiche. Other brunch beverage options include beermosas and mimosas. 846 Geary
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
