Cupcakes by Camille Holvoet

1. An (almost) edible exhibit
Satisfy your cravings for sweets, meats and treats with a smorgasbord of original drawings, sculptures and paintings cooked up by Creativity Explored artists.  The Tasty exhibit (at the Creativity Explored gallery) opens on August 14 at 7 p.m. and will feature almost-edible works ranging from decadent dessert drawings and Jell-O sculptures to a not-so-traditional pork butcher’s chart.



2. Come on get happy
Happy hour is one of the best parts of the working day, so we’re happy to suggest another downtown spot where you can wet your whistle—Level III, in the J.W. Marriott, just announced the “Take Three” promotion. Every night, from 4 to 7 p.m., choose from three types of beer, wine and cocktails (selected from a list created by Elixir owner H. Ehrmann), all offered at 50 percent off. Add a few half-price bar bites, and you’ll be well on your way to a fine evening.


Illustration by Marty Blake

3. Gavin and the beanstalk
As the march to the Slow Food Nation bonanza picks up speed, we encourage you to attend some of the pre-events—among them, the San Francisco Victory Garden Community Day, to be held on Mayor Newsom’s vegetable-covered front lawn (Civic Center Plaza) on August 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Take a guided tour, then play carnival-style games with the kids. The event is free; for more information call 415-554-7011 or email nen@sfgov.org

4. Wine and dine
For brunch with a twist, look no further—District is hosting guided wine tastings on Saturday mornings with master sommelier Caterina Mirabelli.  On August 16, spend two hours (noon to 2 p.m.) learning about Spanish wines while enjoying a European-style brunch complete with all-you-can-drink mimosas or bellinis. The cost of the class and brunch is $75.

 

5. Eat a-more
The Italian Athletic Club celebrates their 90th Anniversary on August 16 with a five-course Italian feast for $55.  The Festa Coloniale Italiana Banquet begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails, antipasti and an accordionist and then continues the culinary adventure with cannelloni and roast beef. Both members and non-members are welcome.  For reservations call 415-781-0166. 

6. Barrel fever
Our idea of beer bliss? City Beer’s barrel-aged beer festival, which kicks off on August 14 with an ode to ace brewer Rodger Davis (former brewer at Drake’s Brewing Company) and the beers he created while in their employ, including a brettamber, chocolate milk stout and imperial stout, aged in port or bourbon barrels). The festival continues until August 24—as City Beer runs low on particular brews, they’ll be replaced by other (barrel-aged) selection from an array of breweries.



7. Rock on
Sit out on the Front Porch on Sunday, August 17, and celebrate the two-year anniversary of Caribbean comfort food in the Mission. From 2 to 8 p.m. the chefs will serve slow roasted pig and all the soul food side dishes you’d expect to find at a good ‘ol Southern BBQ. Get in on the action for $20.