Calling all Bay Area foodies! The 8th annual Eat Drink SF, the city’s ultimate food festival, is only ten days away. If you want to indulge in delectable bites from top chefs while mingling with the region’s most illustrious winemakers and mixologists, grab a ticket now before it’s too late. 8,500 people will gather at Fort Mason Center for the event, which takes place August 25-28. 160 restaurants and 70 alcohol establishments (bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries) will be featured at Eat Drink SF—making it a great place for food enthusiasts to connect directly with the chefs, producers, and bartenders. So what does the festival entail? We break it down for you below.
On Thursday, August 25, Eat Drink SF begins with Taco Knockdown. Twelve chefs will create tacos and four bartenders are mixing margaritas. A panel of judges that includes Luis Flores of Uno Dos Tacos and Daniel Schneeweiss of Milagro Tequila will taste the tacos and margaritas, then name one a winner. Guests at the event can partake in the fun by casting their vote for the people’s choice taco. Some participating restaurants are AQ with a pork rib taco, Palm House with a Hawaiian smoked brisket wonton taco, and La Urbana with tri-tip steak tatemado tacos. Wingtip, WhiteChapel, Trick Dog, and Mosto are the participating bars. Note that unlike the other events, Taco Knockdown does not take place at Fort Mason. It’s all going down at the Folsom Street Foundry.
On the following three days, there are four grand tastings—each with distinct food and drink preparations, culinary demonstrations, wine seminars, and cocktail classes. Thus, to experience maximum foodie heaven, it’s wise to get an all-access pass to every tasting. On Friday night, enjoy bites from One Market Restaurant, MKT, Burritt Room + Tavern, and Epic Steak while sipping beverages from Templeton Rye, Trinchero Napa Valley, and Trou Normand. Learn how to pair Italian food and beer from Delfina’s Anthony Strong and discuss whether cabernet is king with Chris Miller.
There are two grand tastings on Saturday—an afternoon event that goes from 12:45-3:30 p.m. and an evening event, from 7:45-10 p.m. At the afternoon walk around party, you’ll find Zero Zero, 1300 Fillmore, Michael Mina, and Roka Akor along with Anchor Distilling Co., Joel Gott Winery, and Simi Winery. Programing consists of a demo from Mister Jiu’s Brandon Jew and a champagne seminar with Chris Gaither. The evening event features a cocktail class from Erik Adkins of the Slanted Door Group and a chat on the dark side of pinot noir with Gordana Josovic. Some food participants are Alta CA, Belga, Lolinda, and Presidio Social Club. As for the drinks, expect to taste J. Lohr Vineyards, Woodford Reserve, and Tradition.
For the first time in the festival history, there will be a grand tasting on Sunday afternoon. This event is a celebration in honor of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s 80th birthday and will feature legacy eateries that have been in business for at least 20 years. Tosca, Town Hall, and Le Colonial are a few of the places who will be representing their heritage at Eat Drink SF. Montes Winery, Trumer Pils, and Elixir will pour drinks. You can also learn the history of tiki libations with Smuggler’s Cove’s Martin Cate and see the world through rosé colored glasses with Fred Swan. Sounds like a tasty festival, right? That’s because it’s an extravagant four days of food that’s not to be missed. Delish!
