Burger Bonanza
Also at CUESA this weekend—the second annual Iron Chef Grill-Off will be held on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ferry Building—four chefs will compete to create the best burger (crafted from grass fed Marin Sun Farms meat) and a surprise side dish in order to win the coveted “Grill Guru” title. Participants include Mark Sullivan (Spruce), Elizabeth Falkner (Orson), Andrew Swallow (Mixt Greens) and reigning champion Taylor Boetticher (Fatted Calf). Burgers will be judged by H. Joseph Ehrmann of Elixir, yours truly, and one randomly selected judge. You'll also be able to try slider-size versions of their burgers for $2.
Amazing Agave
Forgot about shots chased with salt and lime—Joanne Weir and Duggan McDonnell are reintroducing us to tequila, adult-style. The duo will be teaching a tequila cocktail class at La Cocina on June 25. You’ll learn about brewing, distilling and aging, shake up a few cocktails, and snack on treats from El Huarache Loco. The class runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $60—buy your ticket right here, right now!
Food As Art
Fans of quirky carnivore journal Meatpaper should head to 18 Reasons gallery on June 25 for an opening reception featuring photographic portraits of food producers shot by Julio Duffoo. Meet the meat crew and have a snack and a drink while checking out Duffoo’s images. Stop in between 7 and 9 p.m. and drop $10 into the suggested donation kitty.
Build The Perfect BBQ
Could the weather be any better for a sausage and punch class? We think not. Head to the Ferry Building this Friday, June 26 at 5:30 for a three-hour class taught by Ryan Farr (4505 Meats), H. Joseph Ehrmann (Elixir) and Steve McCarthy of Prather Ranch Meat Co. Learn how to create the perfect barbecue, then sit down to enjoy a family-style meal of grilled sausage, coleslaw, beans and cocktails. Plus, you’ll get sausage to take home, so you can recreate the meal for your friends over the weekend. The class and dinner is $75; to book, click here.
Pick(le) Of The Litter
Urban homesteaders will want to attending this free book signing at Omnivore—Karen Solomon, author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It, will be on hand to discuss how to make all sorts of pantry staples—from crackers and beef jerky to ricotta and salt cod—in your own home kitchen. Should Armageddon come, you’ll be ready. The event runs from 3 to 4 p.m. on June 27 and is free.
Pigs & Pinot
Because people really can’t get enough pig—head to Epic Roasthouse on June 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. for a pig roast and Pinot Noir party. Our very own wine and spirits editor Jordan Mackay will be there, signing copies of his book, Passion for Pinot, and Epic chef Jan Birnbaum will be slow-roasting a pig, as well as preparing pulled pork, sausages and myriad other porcine delights. It all gives new meaning to swine and dine. Tickets are $50 (or $20 for food only, $30 for wine only); to make your reservation call 415-369-9955 or email reservations@epicroasthouse.com
Green Grub
Behold—the greenest café in San Francisco is opening June 25 at Pier 3 on the Embarcadero. Plant Café Organic (from the same owners of Lettus in the Sunset) is opening a giant showpiece restaurant with a wood oven, a living wall designed by Flora Grubb and solar panels. Oh, and the food? Soups, salads, juices, and pizza, made with organic ingredients, with both to-go and sit-down options. If the weather holds, it’s good to know they also have outdoor seating.
