Your guide to the tastiest foodie happenings going down this week. Bon appetit!
Wine Classes at the Barrel Room
Become a wine expert courtesy of the Barrel Room's new series of wine classes meant to educate the lay folk about little known drinking treasures. Taught by Sarah Trubnick (WSET Advanced Certified Sommelier), the first class will be on sherry, allowing participants to tour the region of Jerez in Spain to learn about the history of the fortified wine, its unique style, and its ability to accompany almost any meal. Plus, each wine will be paired with a dish. Mmm.
Sunday, July 20: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, $75, 5330 College Ave., Oakland; Make reservations here.
Una Serata a Roma with Tablehopper
Tablehopper and Campari America have teamed up to throw a special event that will whisk you to Rome for a night. Gather on the outdoor patio and at 54 Mint's bar for an aperitivo hour, featuring classic Italian aperitivi paired with Aperol spritz and Negroni sbagliato. Chef Mattia Marcelli will whip up a spread of fantastic bites, like supplí al telefono and salumi. Then make your way into 54 Mint’s rustic-chic upstairs dining room for a family-style feast that will include two classic Roman pasta dishes (cacio e pepe and gnocchi all’amatriciana), lamb chops, fennel pollen-spiked porchett,a and housemade sausage. Throughout the meal, 54 Mint partner and wine director Gianluca Legrottaglie will talk about Roman culinary traditions, and will also be pairing some wines to go along with the meal. For dessert, expect a classic Roman dessert (torta ebrea) and a digestivo (perhaps Averna or Cynar will be making appearances). Let’s just say you may want to have a light lunch that day.
Wednesday, July 23: 6 pm–9 pm, $75, 16 Mint Plaza; get tickets here.
Chef’s Luncheon in The Garden at Wente Vineyards
Executive chef Matt Greco will take you behind-the-scenes for a culinary tour of the Garden at Wente Vineyards. Afterwards, relish a private three-course lunch with wine pairings prepared surrounded by the beautiful seasonal blooms in The Garden. This exclusive event is limited to 16 guests, so reserve your spot today.
Thursday, July 24: 11:30 am - 1 pm, $69, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore; Make a reservation here.
Shuck 'N' Jive Wednesdays at Bergerac
The midweek party at Bergerac—featuring live music, $1 oyters, and deals on Pisco Porton craft cocktails— is sure to get you over any hump. Local blues band, Blues & Black, and special guest DJ’s will serenade you while over at the bar, staff sling signature craft cocktails. For $6, you can try the new and refreshing South American spirit, or opt for the $30 Pisco Punchbowl- we won't tell if you're not sharing.
Wednesdays: 7 pm - 10 pm, 316 11th Street
Lunch at Belcampo
Just in time for a long Friday lunch or weekend treat, the newly debuted Belcampo Meat Co. in Russian Hill has just released its lunch menu featuring classic fare for meat lovers, like griddled cheese, pork rillettes, meatballs, fried chicken sandwich, spicy Italian sausage sandwich, French dip, and a cheeseburger. Come hungry.
Daily: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 1998 Polk Street
Brunch at Doukkala
Head on a Morrocan adventure this weekend with brunch at Doukkala. The Temescal eatery's new menu stays true to its Moroccan inspired California cuisine (prepared using French techniques) with dishes like: Moroccan baghrir pancakes; Mendocino quail pastilla with roasted quail, d'Anjou pears, honey, spice and roasted Marcona almonds; Doukkala Benedict with grilled Merguez sausage and harissa hollandaise sauce; baked egg chakchouka in a spicy tomato sauce; stuffed French toast with fig jam, honey, and roasted Marcona almond butter; pulled lamb sandwich with harissa mayo; and lamb hash. Wowza.
Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, 4905 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
