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Al Fresco Cocktails at Fog City
Though warm weather can be elusive during the San Francisco summer, Fog City is poised to take advantage of it when it comes. The re-vamped icon is inviting customers to dine and drink al fresco at their outdoor tables lining Battery Street. They're even offering Happy Hour prices and fresh-shucked oysters as an extra enticement. Every weekday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., you can chase local oysters on the half-shell ($1.50 each) with a rotating selection of $7 wines on tap, or a summer cocktail. We recommend the Aperol Spritz ($8) with Aperol, Prosecco, seltzer, and orange, or the Kentucky Mule ($7) with Four Roses Bourbon, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and lime. If the weather refuses to cooperate, come inside to watch your favorite games on the big screen TVs above the bar. 1300 Battery Street
Get a Taste of Mendocino in SF
Care to taste the wines of Mendocino County but don't care for the drive? Let Mendocino bring its wines to you. Visit Mendocino County and the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance are hosting the 4th Annual Taste of Mendocino at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio this Tuesday, June 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. More than 30 wineries will be pouring dozens of varietals from 10 distinct wine regions in Mendocino County. They will be joined by artisan product purveyors, destination outfitters, brew masters, chefs, and innkeepers, all offering abundant sips, samples, and stories to lure you to their GMO-free lair. Tickets are available online for $50 per person. 135 Fisher Loop
38th Annual Union Street Festival Returns
Union Street Festival is back for the 38th year, and it promises a world of food, fashion, and fun with adult beverages. Slated for Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, this is one of San Francisco's largest free annual events. This year's festival features more than 100 boutique artists, live jazz and contemporary music, and a different "World" on each of the six blocks of Union Street it occupies. In addition to Fashion World, Culinary World, Tech World, Local World, Craft World, and Health & Fitness World, you'll find Craft Beer and Wine Tasting Pavilions with food pairings of gourmet cheeses, nuts, olive oils, chocolates, and more. Participating wineries include Eden Canyon Vineyards, Rosenblum Cellars, Dogwood Cellars, Rosa D’Oro Vineyards, Mt. Beautiful Vineyards, Spicy Vines, The Winery SF, Sol Rouge, VIE Winery, Howell Mountain Vineyards, Lusu Cellars, PRP Wine International, and Pope Winery. Tasting tickets good for 10 samples can be purchased online for $30 prior to the event or for $35 on-site at the entry booths to the Pavilions. Union Street between Gough and Steiner
John Colins Happy Hour
Named for co-owners John Giuffre and Colin O'Malley, John Colins has become a happy hour hot spot in SOMA during its nine years in business. From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, customers can choose from $5 well drinks, $2 domestic and Dos Equis cans, $5 Fireball shots, $1 off beer and wine, and $2 off everything else. Happy Hour mainstays include the Moscow Mule, the Dark & Stormy, and the John Colins' namesake: a bourbon sour made with fresh orange, lemon, and honey. If none of those drinks suits your fancy, try John's famous chalkboard special, or pick your favorite brown liquor from the list of more than 100 whiskies. 138 Minna Street
Free Wine and a Chick Flick at Top of the Mark
Top of the Mark's fourth annual Summer Movie Nights series kicks off this month, with a wine tasting and chick flick every Tuesday evening through August 26. Make your way to one of the City's most romantic spots for free drinks, a stunning view, and a classic love story that will sweep you off your feet. Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests can enjoy complimentary tastes of Domaine Chandon Brut and Domain Chandon Rose. The movie begins at 7:30, and this week's feature is Hairspray. The full Top of the Mark cocktail and light dining menus are available during movie night, as is custom-created "Mark" popcorn. 999 California Street
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
