Bar Bambino's stellar cheese selection.

1. Ciao, Bambino!
Not your bosses’ wine-and-cheese event. The cheese aficionados at Italophile-hangout Bar Bambino, in the Mission, are putting on the first of what will be a monthly series of cheese-and-wine tastings. On April 20, the tasting will feature sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses selected by head cheesemonger Colin Shaff, paired with wines chosen by owner and Italian wine specialist Christopher Losa. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and costs $45; call 415-701-8466 to reserve a spot.
 

Yoshi's chef Shotaro Kamio
courtesy of Joe Budd

2. Seeking Sake?
If sake is your cuppa, join Masumi Sake brewer Naotaske Miyasaki on April 23 for a reception and dinner at Yoshi’s. The reception (from 6 to 7:30) will include light bites with a tasting of Masumi sakes. Devotees who want to go the distance can follow the reception with a seven-course sake-paired dinner created by executive chef Shotaro "Sho" Kamio. Reception is $25; reception and dinner is $125. To book, call 415-655-5600.



3. In Vino, Charity
Bacalao got you thirsty? On April 22, ViniPortugal is inviting members of the trade and the public to sample more than 300 new Portuguese wines at the Palace Hotel. The day’s events will be divided into a trade-only tasting from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a public tasting benefiting local Bay Area charity Project Open Hand from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. A donation of $40 will be requested at the door for the public portion of the event. Call 415-274-2510


Perbacco

4. More Than Just Matzo
No requests for spaghetti, please. On April 22, join cookbook author Joyce Goldstein and Perbacco chef Steffan Terje for a Passover meal comprising recipes from Goldstein’s book Cucina Ebraica: Flavors of the Italian Jewish Kitchen. Perbacco will serve a strictly kosher menu to honor the holiday, along with a selection of kosher wines selected by wine director Mauro Cirilli. $49 includes five courses but doesn’t include wine, tax or tip. 415-955-0663.

On the second night of Passover, Foreign Cinema chefs Gayle Pirie and John Cook will prepare a special Slow Food Seder just for Heeb magazine readers at the restaurant. Tickets are $75 and include a four-issue subscription to Heeb; for reservations, call 415-341-6350.

5. Animal Ethics
Peter Singer, philosopher-guru of the animal-rights movement and author of The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter, will be giving a talk entitled "All Animals are Equal—But in What Sense of Equality?" The talk will be held at Stanford on April 23  at 7:00 p.m. in the Dinkelspiel Auditorium. For more information, click here.

6. All Over Oliveto
East Bay favorite Oliveto is hosting another of its family-style themed dinners, this time with a focus on aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar).  Highlights of the menu include a platter of Oliveto salumi; risotto in bianco with old aceto balsamico; and cotechino sausage braised in saba with English peas. Two nights only, April 16 and 17. $65. 5655 College Ave., Oakland, 510-547-5356.



7. Bubbles at Bacar
If, like Cole Porter, you get no kick from Champagne, then the Sommelier Supper at Bacar on April 20 is not for you. The focus for the evening will be on bubbly, bubbly and more bubbly. Wine director Mickey Clevenger will explain how he brings together the best in wines from around the world for the restaurant's wine list, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample Champagne from a handful of different producers. The price is $65, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, please call 415-904-4100 or email dine@bacarsf.com. Please specify "Sommelier Supper" when making reservations. Space is limited.