Thursday, May 17
If you are feeling particularly adventurous this week, head down to TRES for their May tequila and food pairing extravaganza. This month they've recruited local insect street food project, Don Bugito, into the fold and bugs will be definitely on the menu. Whether you get the crickets with fresh jicama sweet potato and toasted seeds, or escamoles, which are harvested from the roots of of the agave bush and have a buttery and nutty taste, you are sure to be in for an unusual treat. During the evening you will learn about the future of edible insects as an answer to the shortage of high-protein foods on the planet, and treated to a discussion on tequila by an expert. Tickets are $75 and the night begins at 6 p.m. 130 Townsend Street. (415) 227-0500.
Friday, May 18
Celebrate the predicted sunny skies and warm weather by heading down to Fort Mason for this Friday night’s “Off the Grid” bonanza. There will be more than 30+ vendors selling delicious street food as well as live music and a full bar run by Alembic Bar & Magnolia Brewery. Bring some friends or come alone and enjoy the huge variety of cheap street food, ranging from Mexican to Korean and everything in between. Starting at 5 p.m. the night finishes up around 10 p.m. 38 Fort Mason, Fort Mason Center.
Saturday, May 19
Craving Asian? Get your fix at the 8th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration. Apart from being the biggest gathering of Asian Americans in the World, it is also a mecca for fine Asian cuisine. There will be a plethora of amazing food trucks as well as celebrity cooking demos by chefs Martin Yan and the Slanted Door's Charles Phan. Grab a cold tapioca drink, some steaming dumplings and enjoy the festival. From 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Civic Center/Little Saigon District/Larkin and McAllister Streets.
The William Marble Kip II foundation is calling all wine lovers to come enjoy a night of wining, dining and dancing - for a good cause. The evening is a fundraising event for the charity's work in fighting lung cancer. There will be unlimited Bluxome Street Winery red and white wine, bubbly, and beer as well as hors d'oeuvres and other nibbles throughout the night. If you feel the need to dance there will also be a dance floor and music for those so inclined. Tickets can be purchased here and the night kicks off at 8 p.m. 53 Bluxome Street.
Sunday, May 20
Coffee has been enlivening and intoxicating people with its distinct taste and odor since the 13th century. Many claim to be connoisseurs, but how much do we really know about it? Highwire Coffee Roasters are offering people the chance to learn about the intricacies of coffee as well as a lesson in the art of “cupping” - the coffee equivalent of wine tasting. Brunch will start with a cup of freshly roasted Highwire coffee and some Starter Bakery pastries. Participants will then be walked through the art of coffee roasting and guided through the technique of cupping. Attendees will leave filled to the brim with coffee knowledge, caffeine, and a pound of the coffee roasted during the class. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased here. 5655 College Ave, Oakland. (510) 420-0473.
Vegetarians, vegans and animal rights activists beware! Avedano’s Meats is hosting a DIY butchery class that caters for true meat-lovers. During the three hour intensive workshop, you'll be taught the specifics of home butchery and earn knife-wielding dominion over your kitchen. Apart from breaking down a lamb and pig carcass, you will receive lunch and at least $100 worth of meat to take home. Call (415) 285-6328 for reservations.235 Cortland Ave.
Monday, May 21
Joey Altman is interviewing the host of popular Food Network’s cooking show “Chopped” Ted Allen. Allen frequently appears on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, and was the food and wine specialist on Bravo’s Emmy award–winning Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Public and Member tickets includes a copy of Ted Allen’s new book In My Kitchen: 100 Recipes and Discoveries for Passionate Cooks. 3200 California Street.
