Oktoberfest will continue until all the beer and pretzels are gone.
Foreign Cinema Hosts Guest Sommelier
If you mostly think of Foreign Cinema when you're craving a hangover brunch, it's time to branch out beyond breakfast. This Thursday, October 16, offers the perfect opportunity, when Foreign Cinema hosts Andy Peay from Peay Vineyards as guest sommelier. Just make reservations during the regular dinner service from 5 to 11 pm, and Peay will visit your table to provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions for the evening's featured wines. Try a $29 flight of Peay Vineyard's 2012 Estate Chardonnay, Ama Estate Pinot Noir, and Scallop Shelf Estate Pinot Noir; or a $24 flight of Peay's Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Sonoma Coast Pinot, plus Cep Vineyards Estate Syrah. Or opt for one of seven special bottles of Peay Vineyards wine, ranging from $82 for the Estate Viognier to $112 for the Pomarium Estate Pinot Noir. 2534 Mission Street
NotOberfest with Almanac Brewing
Oktoberfest officially ended on October 5, but Almanac Brewing and 4505 Meats just can't stop partying. They're teaming up again to host the annual "NotOberfest" at St. Gregory's Cathedral in Potrero Hill this Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, celebrating the Autumn season with pumpkin beers, fresh hop ales, Oktoberfest lagers and meat. Alongside a dizzying display of delectable flesh from 4505 meats, you'll find a broad selection of beers from Almanac Beer Co., Baeltane Brewing, Henhouse Brewing, Anchor Brewing, Drake's Brewing, Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, Firestone Barrelworks, Ballast Point, Tahoe Mountain Brewing, Mraz Brewing, Fort Point Beer, and Faction Brewing. For $60, you can fill your belly with as much beer and meat as you can muster, and because it's a benefit for the San Francisco Food Pantry, you'll also be filling the bellies of struggling families in our community. Tickets are available online. 500 De Haro
Tie One On for the Girls
You don't have to wear a bra - or a pink ribbon - to support the girls. During the month of October, aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can make a donation to the cause by drinking pink cocktails at select bars around town. Order the $12 Just Cause cocktail at E&O (314 Sutter) or the $12 Riviera Maya at La Urbana (661 Divisadero), and the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund will get 10% of your purchase price. The Ritz-Carlton (600 Stockton) is featuring a $14 Pink-Themed Cocktail at Parallel 37 and The Lounge, and will donate a dollar for every cocktail sold. In addition, the hotel is pledging $10 for every $65 Pink Afternoon Tea seating, with reservations available every Saturday afternoon throughout October. The Ritz-Carlton has even gone so far as to bathe itself in pink light for the entire month.
Drink by Numbers at OneUP
Located at 345 Stockton Street, OneUP Restaurant & Lounge at Grand Hyatt San Francisco is riffing on its address by offering a 3 - 4 - 5 Happy Hour every Monday through Friday. This month they're serving Manhattans, Canvas wines, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer for $3 from 3 to 4 pm, $4 from 4 to 5 pm, and $5 from 5 to 6 pm. Satiate yourself with this month's offerings, then come back in November for a brand new 3 - 4 - 5 line-up. The Grand Hyatt also hosts a weekly, free Sip & Social event every Saturday in the lobby from 4 to 5:30 pm. This month they're offering complimentary Oktoberfest-themed fare alongside free tastes of German beers. Expect pairings such as Spaetzle and Braised Pork paired with a Bitburger, and Bockwurst in a Pretzel Bun Paired with a Paulaner. 345 Stockton
Taste Wine Like a Pro at Press Club
Press Club's monthly "Taste Wine Like a Pro" event usually sells out before we get a chance to include it in this column. So we suggest you reserve your spot now for the October 22 class, slated for 6 pm. The theme is "Anything Odd," which means you'll get a chance to explore uncommon wines from lesser-known regions, varietals and styles. Featured wines include 2013 Jambalaia from La Clarine Farm in the Sierra Foothills; 2013 Semillon from Dirty & Rowdy Family Wines in Napa Valley; and 2010 Vitovska from Zidarich winery in the Friuli region of Italy. In a nod to Halloween, the class will also include Orange Wine. Tickets are available online for $50 per person and include a guided tasting of all four wines led by Sommelier Mauro Cirilli. 20 Yerba Buena Lane
Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.
