8 Haute SF Happenings Not to Miss This Fall

Photo Credit: Lazy Bear

It feels like 4th of July was just yesterday, so it’s hard to believe that it is already mid-October — time flies when you’re having fun, right? With so many fabulous events in the upcoming weeks, it’s safe to say that in the blink of an eye, we’ll be ringing in the new year. But before we do, there is ceviche to be eaten and Pinot Noir to be drank. Wondering what’s on our agenda for the rest of October and early November? Here are eight haute happening that are not to be missed.

Photo Credit: Wine RoadWine

The 17th-annual A Wine & Food Affair in Northern Sonoma County is an excellent reason to get out of the city. On Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 100 wineries stretching across Sonoma will be participating in the event. Each winery will offer wine lovers special food and wine pairings. Wineries include some of our favorites: DeLoach Vineyards, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Merriam Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards-Lytton Springs, and Simi Winery.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is coming to town with a no-holds-barrel wine tasting experience. On Saturday, November 14th, A Matter of Taste San Francisco is being held at The Palace Hotel from 1-6 pm. 150 of the most iconic Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays as well as cult-favorites from California’s Rhone Rangers will be poured at the grand tasting. There are also three Master Classes (Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Across Terroir, and Rhone Titans of California) for those wishing to partake in educational wine activities

Photo Credit: Michael Mina Test Kitchen Dine

Tonight neighborhood favorite Hillside Supper Club, in Bernal Heights, is kicking off a new series of producer dinners. Each month, chefs Tony Ferrari and Jonathan Sutton, will invite one of the farmers, vintners, or brewers that they work with to be part of a special 4-course meal. The first dinner features Fort Point Beer Company and highly seasonal dishes that pair with the brews.

On October 29, Lazy Bear’s chef David Barzelay is hosting a block party. The ‘New Kids on the Block’ dinner will feature a lineup of guest chefs from recently opened restaurants in the Mission. Participating chefs include Val Cantu of Californios, Brett Cooper of Aster, Richie Nakano of Hapa Ramen, and James Syhabout of Hawker Fare. Each chef will make one canapé and up to two courses of the special meal. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Agricultural Institute of Marin, a non-profit that runs the San Rafael Farmer’s Market. Since Lazy Bear gets one third of its produce from the market, it’s only fitting that they are giving back to the Agricultural Institute.

The Michael Mina Test Kitchen is debuting it’s second concept, Little Italy, on Saturday, October 31. Mina and his team, lead by chef Adam Sobel, are switching gears from Middle’Terranea’s flatbreads and hummus to bring San Franciscan’s a taste of Nona’s old-fashioned cooking. The family-style price-fix menu features classic Italian cuisine such as stuffed peppers, clams oreganata, baskets of garlic bread, baked manicotti, and veal parmesan.

On Monday, November 2nd, Comal, in Berkeley, will host a special mezcal dinner in honor of Day of the Dead. Jake Lustig, from Don Amado Mezcals will be pairing the smoky spirit with chef Matt Gandin’s Oaxaca-inspired cuisine. Enjoy spicy shrimp soup with rustic mezcal and candied pumpkin arroz con leche with añejo mezcal.

Photo Credit: Burritt Room + TavernCelebrate

On Thursday, October 15, Stem Kitchen and Garden is hosting its second Garden Party from 4-8 pm. The bayview event includes live jazz, bites and cocktails from the restaurant, and garden tours of the space. There will also be pop-ups from Public House, Sea Star, and Poquito as well as farm stands like Blue Egg Farm and Eatwell Farm. Garden goers are welcome to interact with the farmers to learn gardening and cooking tips.

The Burritt Room + Tavern is throwing a Dia De Los Muertos party on Sunday, November 1 from 6-9 pm. A spread of Mexican-inspired dishes will be served — think chicken mole with queso fresco, elote, empanadas, and pumpkin tamales — and cocktails from seven of San Francisco’s top bartenders, such as Brain Means of Dirty Habit and Kevin Diedrich of The Forgery, who will be mixing up cocktails made with tequila and mezcal. Guests are invited to paint their faces with the traditional Dia De Los Muertos skeletons and a cash prize of $500 will be given to the best costume.