1. Vegetative State
This Sunday, March 29, the Underground Food Academy is offering a class with chef Leif Hedendal (formerly of Greens): “Heart of Darkness: Odd Vegetables and their Preparation.” From tonka beans to ancho cress, Hedendal will demystify and prepare these unusual ingredients. The class will culminate with a gourmet vegetarian feast featuring local wines. The cost of meal and class is $70; to reserve your seat click here.
2. Something to Squeal About
Nicolette Hahn Niman (wife of Niman Ranch founder Bill Niman) will be reading from her new book, Righteous Pork Chop, which gives an inside look at the pork industry in America. The free event will be held at Omnivore Books on March 28 from 3 to 4 p.m.
3. Use Your Noodle
If you’ve longed to master the perfect fettucine, ravioli and cannelloni, then the April 3 fresh pasta making class at Cavallo Point is for you. Attendees will learn how to make, roll and fill pasta dough during this two-and-a-half hour hands-on class, and leave with recipes for hand-cut noodles, buckwheat pasta, green garlic ravioli and more. The class is $65; for more information click here.
4. Pie in the Sky
The SF pizza wars continue! Pizzanostra, the latest project from Chez Papa Resto owner Jocelyn Bulow and chef David Bazirgan, is officially open for business. Expect a small selection of antipasti, pasta dishes and a long list of Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with an all-Italian wine list.
5. Liquid Gold
Like wine, olive oil has flavor nuances—from spicy and grassy to mellow and sweet—with applications that reach far beyond salad dressing. On Friday, March 27, join Fran Gage, author of The New American Olive Oil, for a book signing and tasting of olive oil and olive-oil-centric recipes at The Pasta Shop on 4th Street in Berkeley from 5:30 to 7 p.m.. The event is free, but RSVP is necessary.
6. Mondays with Melissa
If you missed Melissa Perello’s Monday night dinners earlier this winter, now is the time to get in on the spring series. On March 30 she’ll be preparing a four-course seasonally-inspired feast featuring the best from the market. The meal is $45 and will be served at two seatings—6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are only accepted via email—to make yours, email monday_night@me.com.
7. Where For Art Thou Romolo?
15 Romolo is back and better than ever—after closing for a much-needed facelift (and kitchen installation) this winter, the North Beach bar has reopened, now featuring a menu of “carnival inspired” snacks, from sliders and French fries to funnel cakes with rhubarb-cinnamon cream, along with superior cocktails (N.B.: Pimm’s cups are $1 off during happy hour). Go see what all the fuss is about. 15 Romolo Pl., 415-398-1359
