Mixt Greens gears up for number three.
courtesy of Stefanie Michejda

1. Now Open: This week’s new restaurants
It’s a big week for San Francisco restaurants. First, we have Domo (511 Laguna St.), the latest Hayes Valley sushi restaurant from Luke and Kitty Sung (Isa) and chef/partner Kuo Hwa Chuang (formerly of Hana Zan and Blowfish). The 15-seater has rolls, crudo (any two for $4.95) and a nice selection of sake. The third outpost of Mixt Greens (560 Mission St.), the lunch joint with an eco-sensibility, is opening April 8th, and they’re politely asking downtown working stiffs to “lettuce rock your world.” Finally, at long last, Chez Papa Resto (414 Jessie St.) on the Mint Plaza has opened for dinner, with lunch service scheduled to begin April 7th.


Culinary legend Alice Waters
courtesy of Platon

2. The Chez Panisse Story
If you haven’t gotten enough Alice Waters for one lifetime, head to Stacey’s bookstore (581 Market St.) next Wednesday, April 9th, at 12:30 to hear Thomas McNamee, author of the tell-all book, Alice Waters and Chez Panisse. The account, based on McNamee’s no-holds-barred access to Waters and her closest confidantes, tells all sorts of tales about life in and out of the legendary kitchen. Come prepared with your most pressing Alice question.


courtesy of the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

3. Chocoholics Unite
The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon on April 13th at the Fort Mason Conference Center will feature (duh) lots of chocolate from producers old and new, including Schoggi, Scharffenberger, Guittard, Charles Chocolates and many, many others. The sugar rush will be punctuated by demonstrations, talks and films on the subject of cacao.

4. The Green Zone
Head to Citizen Cake on April 9th for their “green” dinner, a celebration of emerald, lime, moss and celadon. The meal will showcase nettles, fiddlehead ferns, asparagus and other harbingers of spring along with Maine lobster and local lamb, all prepared by chef William Pilz. To make reservations for the seven course meal ($65), call 415-861-2228 ext. 1

5. Spring Fling
Join A16 chef Liza Shaw this Saturday, April 5th at 11am for a seasonal cooking demonstration at CUESA’s outdoor kitchen at the Ferry Building. Learn what to cook with spring’s bounty, then pick up ingredients for an A16-inspired feast.

6.  Fairy Tales
Every Thursday, Absinthe hosts "flight night," an evening devoted to a specific spirit (scotch, rum, gin). This week, on April 3rd, head to the Hayes Street spot for a tasting flight of their namesake libation—sample anise-scented absinthe from Lucid, Kubler and St. George Spirits, along with their signature absinthe-based cocktails.


courtesy of Screaming Eagle

7. You Scream, I Scream
Your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample cult wine from Screaming Eagle has arrived. The sit-down, three vintage (2003-2005) vertical tasting will be led by winemaker Andy Erickson and Debbie Zachareas of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant on May 14th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. It will sell out quickly, so if you are interested in attending, email Debbie RIGHT NOW at Debbie@fpwm.com. The cost is $158 and the class will be held in the Port Commission Hearing Room at the Ferry Building. Do not call Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant for reservations--they can only be made by emailing the address above.