photography by Joe Budd
1. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, corn
On July 23, Elizabeth Falkner wakes taste buds from their slumber with a three-course tequila-and-corn dinner at Orson. For $65, you can sample your way through chilled corn soup, rib eye with corn-ricotta gnocchi and ham hock with corn hash, all paired with original tequila cocktails. Book your table for the party by calling 415-777-1508.
2. Swimmin’ with the fishes
Learn about the annual 2,000-mile-long journey of the Yuba salmon, the last run of wild salmon in the Sierra Nevada. On July 18 and 19, swim over to CounterPULSE for the Source to Sea: Environmental Film Festival, a benefit for Save Yuba Salmon, including films, a discussion about the California fishing crisis, plus live music, food and drink. Click here for tickets.
3. Meet for meat
Head to Perbacco on July 20 to celebrate the release of the newest issues of Meatpaper and Gastronomica, two independent food magazines. The event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature tastings from local chefs (including Chris Kronner of Serpentine and Slow Club and Scott Youkilis of Maverick) and purveyors (the Fatted Calf and Prather Ranch), as well as cocktails, an art exhibition and live music—all for only $25! For tickets, click here.
4. Coming up rosés
Two of our favorite comestibles will be served together on July 20, when Dogpatch favorite Piccino Cafe hosts a rosé-and-pizza dinner. Thin, crispy-crusted pizzas and salads will be served alongside a selection of some fine pink wine.
5. The new taste in town
Sure, there’s salty, sweet, bitter and sour—but what of that mysterious fifth taste, umami? On July 21, some of the country’s best chefs—from the French Laundry’s Thomas Keller to Ame’s Hiro Sone—will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Kikunae Ikeda’s discovery of umami with a multi-course meal ($100), while culinary experts and scientists (including our go-to food science guy, Harold McGee) engage in a casual panel discussion about the new frontier in taste. To reserve a space, visit umamiinfo.com.
6. As the (fortune) cookie crumbles
Ever wonder who General Tso is and why we eat a dish named after him? Or where the fortune cookie was invented? Jennifer 8. Lee has an obsession with traveling the world in search of answers to the many mysteries surrounding Chinese food. She’s compiled her findings in a book called the Fortune Cookie Chronicles and will be at the Chinatown Branch of the SF Public Library on July 20 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to give us the dish on chow mein and chop suey.
7. Love apple dinner
Aqua seduces the palate with a seven-course tomato tasting menu for $95, offered from July 15 until August 15. Dishes include fried green tomatoes, tomato-and-Parmesan ice-cream sandwiches and sweet candied tomatoes. For an additional $85, the sommelier will pair each course with wine.
