Photo Credit: Drew Altizer
One of the best things about San Francisco is that there is always something to do. Wine tastings, cocktail competitions, gallery exhibits, and philanthropic events—you could literally attend a different function each night. Not to mention the new restaurants, bars, and boutiques that open on a weekly basis that are worth visiting. While we’re huge fans of a quiet night in, if you’re not going out and enjoying SF at least a couple of evenings per week, you’re missing out. To inspire you to take advantage of all this beautiful city has to offer, we’re launching a new monthly column, haute happenings. Here are the parties, dinners, and benefits that are on our June agenda.
The 10th annual SF Design Week starts this Thursday, June 2, with a opening event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. For the following seven days, there are a variety of workshops, panels, and exhibits that discover what makes the Bay Area such a unique place for design, innovation, and creativity. “The ‘thing’ about the Bay is intangible; yet, it evokes something abstract and tangible simultaneously. It is where vision, drive and creation intersect,” SF Design Week executive director, Dawn Zidonis explained in a statement. “It is a place where wonder and passion are fueled by dedication and tenacity. It embodies the pioneering spirit flowing through its inhabitants and inspiring everything it touches and this is what we are hoping to bring to this year’s San Francisco Design Week.” Learn more when you participate in the events.
If you’re foodie who is looking to give back to the community, this Friday June 3, head to the Summertini Gala, hosted by CHEFS, a program that focuses on conquering homelessness through employment in food services. Over 30 local restaurants including Michael Mina, Dosa, Presidio Social Club, Commonwealth, 1760, Oro, Parallel 37, and La Mar will be serving up delicious bites. There will also be cocktails, a live and silent auction hosted by Leslie Sbrocco, raffle, and DJ.
Photo Credit: Drew Altizer
This Saturday, June 4, Sharon Stone will be in town to host Hotbed Cirque de Nuit, a fundraiser put on by the Drever Family Foundation. The gala takes place at the private home of Maxwell and Jan Drever in Tiburon and the proceeds benefit charities that focus on providing resources and opportunities to underprivileged children. There will be a gallery exhibit, live auction with Stone, musical performance by Victoria Noyes and Rayvon Owen, and a fashion show by Tony Ward. The event has a big top theme, so guests can expect to delight in lots of circus acts and thrilling surprises.
Sushi lovers take note: Omakase, one of the top five sushi restaurants in the city, is hosting two exclusive not-to-be-missed dinners on June 8 and 10. Hiroyoki Sato, Japan’s star chef from Sushi Tokami, and Wagyu Master Hisato Hamada will be on hand to serve a spectacular 25-course meal that includes Sato’s unparalleled sushi and Wagyu beef from Kobe, Japan. A meal of this caliber requires wine pairings and representatives from Ruinart and Dom Pérignon will be pouring rare and prestigious vintages. “I am honored and excited to bring this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience to the heart of San Francisco,” said Kash Feng, owner of Omakase. “At Omakase, we pride ourselves on showcasing the very best of Japanese cuisine and service. I am pleased to welcome Chef Sato, one of Japan’s most talented sushi chefs, to our city along with the top purveyor of Japanese beef and vintage Champagne for the ultimate dining experience.” Each night there will be two seatings—at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.—with space for 18 guests, so call the restaurant to book reservations now.
If you’re more of a pork and pinot type of person, get a ticket to attend Epic Steak’s 8th annual High on the Hog event on Saturday, June 18. The party takes place on the restaurant’s patio, which has stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Sampling a fantastic line-up of Pinot Noir while nibbling on succulent bites from some of the city’s best eateries, like Waterbar and Boulevard, is a delightful way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The wine offerings are curated by Epic Steak’s wine director, Petra Polakovicova, and include Domaine de la Côte, Donum, Flowers, Joseph Phelps Freestone, Miura, Pence, and Thomas Fogarty. A portion of the proceeds from the walk-around tasting will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind—adorable puppies in training will be at the event!
Many of SF’s brightest young chefs will be honored at a tasting gala on Tuesday, June 21, hosted by StarChefs, a restaurant industry magazine. The most vanguard players of the contemporary Bay Area dining scene will be celebrated at the Julia Morgan Ballroom with an awards ceremony and grand tasting. 22 of the region’s most illustrious eateries will be gathered to serve up bites, beverage pairings, and cocktails. The rising star award winners include David Barzelay of Lazy Bear, Val Cantu of Californias, Brandon Rice of Rich Table, and Ryan Pollnow of Aatxe. The Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, who is behind Stones Throw and Trestle have been named top restauranteur and RN74’s David Castleberry and Mourad’s Tara Patrick are the honorary sommeliers.
Dress for Success is throwing its 11th annual fashion forward gala on Wednesday, June 22 at the Intercontinental Hotel. The evening is a fun celebration of fashion with a menu created by top female chefs, a fashion show, and live auction. The keynote speaker is Marne Levine, the COO of Instagram and the honoree is Carolyn Wente, the CEO of Wente Vineyards. Project Runway’s Jake Wall and Nathan Johnson will also be on hand.
Speaking of Wente Vineyards, the gorgeous winery, which is one of the state’s oldest family run establishments, is kick-starting its annual Summer Concert Series on June 28. This season marks the Livermore Valley winery’s 30th year of live entertainment. Chicago headlines the first concert in the series, which runs through September 13 and features Diana Ross, Huey Lewis and the News, and Chris Isaak, among others. There are several different dining options for each show—choose between a four-course stage-front dinner, a buffet-style wine country meal, or a la carte feast at the Grill at Wente Vineyards before the show.
