Fortune PR

“Reel to Reel” Promotion: Buy Any Dinner Entrée & You Can Buy a Movie Ticket for $5.00

2010-06-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant (in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square/(415) 929-1730) and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto (in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street/(510) 845-7771) are both participating in a summer movie season “Reel to Reel” promotion which enables diners to receive a movie ticket for only $5.00 if they buy any dinner entrée at either restaurant.

The movie tickets obtained at McCormick & Kuleto’s can be used at AMC Theaters and those purchased at Spenger's are good at Regal Cinemas.

Diners can use the movie tickets themselves or give them as gifts. The “Reel to Reel” promotion will run through the end of September 2010 or while supplies last.

The Beach Chalet and Park Chalet Introduce The 3-6-9 Happy Hour

2010-06-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Taking a cue from their sister restaurant, the Lake Chalet in Oakland, the Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant and the Park Chalet Garden Restaurant have introduced the 3-6-9 Happy Hour with special drinking and dining deals keyed to the hours of 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and $3.00, $6.00, and $9.00 price points. It all adds up to a good deal.

Get happy at the Beach Chalet Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to close. Look for smiles at Park Chalet Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Park Chalet already has $2.00 a pint Mondays and Taco Tuesdays to round out their week.

Both locations showcase classic bar food items attractively priced at $3.00, $6.00, and $9.00. Below are complete Happy Hour beverage and food menus. Happy Hour service is available only in the bar areas of the restaurants.

Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant
1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach
San Francisco, CA 94121
415.386.8439
http://www.beachchalet.com

Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-8439
http://www.parkchalet.com

BEACH CHALET 3-6-9 HAPPY HOUR

$3.00 APPETIZERS:
French Fries
Garlic Fries

$6.00 APPETIZERS:
Crispy Fried Calamari
Seasonal Soup or Chowder
House Made Hummus
Spicy Chicken Wings
Caesar Salad

$9:00 APPETIZER/ENTREES:
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Fish & Chips
Shrimp & Avocado Cocktail
Ahi Tuna Tartare

$3.00 CHALET BEERS:
House Brewed Chalet Ales 16oz

$6.00 GLASSES OF WINE:
Featured White and Red Wines
Selection Changes Daily

$6.00 HOUSE COCKTAILS:
Cosmo
Lemon Drop
Manhattan
Margarita

$9.00 PREMIUM COCKTAILS:
Beach Basil Ginger
Blueberry Smash

PARK CHALET 3-6-9 HAPPY HOUR

$3.00 APPETIZERS:
Snap Peas
Sweet Potato Fries
Onion Rings
Beer Bread

$6:00 APPETIZERS:
Crispy Fried Calamari
House Made Hummus
Spicy Chicken Wings
Ceviche
Pepperoni Pizza
Cheese Pizza

$9:00 APPETIZER/ENTREES:
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Pizza Di Parma
Margherita Pizza
Clam Pizza

$3:00 CHALET BEERS:
House Brewed Chalet Ales

$6:00 GLASSES OF WINE:
Featured White and Red Wines
Selection Changes Daily

$6:00 HOUSE COCKTAILS:
Cosmo
Lemon Drop
Manhattan
Margarita

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park Hosts May 27 Sip and Savor, Plus Wine and Dine Events

2010-05-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park hosts, on Thursday, May 27, two events designed to highlight the pairing of the restaurant’s acclaimed food with Bay Area wines.

During the “Sip and Savor” event, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., wines from Martella and Thomas Fogarty of the Thomas Fogarty Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains will be paired with house made charcuterie. The cost of this casual gathering is $15.00 per person.

All evening long, a “Wine and Dine” three-course prix fixe menu will be offered for $35.00 per person and it will showcase wine pairings from the Thomas Fogarty Winery. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be available.

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 473-6543
www.leftbank.com

Father’s Day Dining at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto

2010-05-25T18:59:00.001-07:00

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20, Spenger’s will be offering a la carte specials served from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM, plus their regular menu which will be available beginning at 11:30 AM. Special selections include Leg of Lamb, House Applewood Smoked Prime Rib, and Stuffed Salmon. Dads will also be eligible to win guy-inspired prizes in the restaurant’s free Father’s Day raffle.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
510.845.7771
www.spengers.com

Spenger’s To Host 10th Annual Crabby Chefs Seafood Festival on October 17, 2010

2010-05-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Spenger’s To Host 10th Annual Crabby Chefs Seafood Festival on October 17, 2010
Benefits Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund’s Camp Scholarship Program

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has announced that their 10th annual Crabby Chefs Seafood Festival, this year benefiting the Berkeley Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund’s Camp Scholarship Program, will be held on Sunday, October 17th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The festival will include an “Iron Chef” style culinary competition that culminates with a Crabby Chef being chosen, plus outdoor food booths that will be selling cooked crab, crab cakes, clam chowder and other seafood delights, along with beer, wine and soft drinks, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund’s Camp Scholarship Program. There will also be musical entertainment. The culinary competition is free for public viewing and will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Also on site for the festivities will be the Pacific Seafood “roadshow,” a mobile retail fish and shellfish store in the form of an 18 wheeler walk-in truck parked adjacent to the event staging area. The public can purchase the freshest seafood available in the Bay Area for preparation at home.

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About the beneficiary: The Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund is the fundraising program for Cal Recreational Sports. Donations to the fund will help provide camp scholarships, via a Camp Scholarship Program, to families with economic challenges. Since the program was launched in 2002, the Camp Scholarship Program has helped provide over 300 weeks of camp scholarships to kids living in the East Bay.

Father’s Day Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant

2010-05-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

On Father’s Day, June 20, McCormick & Kuleto’s will be serving their regular a la carte menu all day, a limited brunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and three additional a la carte specials in the spirit of the occasion. The specials will be House Alderwood Smoked Prime Rib; Trio of Jumbo Prawns, Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Mousse; and Filet Oscar with Dungeness Crab with Béarnaise and Bordelaise sauces. Every father will also be eligible to win an all-day ocean fishing trip and picnic lunch for two.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point in Ghirardelli Square (corner of Larkin and Beach)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 929-1730
www.mccormickandkuletos.com

McCormick & Kuleto’s Announces 17th Annual Shuck & Swallow Competition

2010-05-21T18:37:00.002-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Announces 17th Annual Shuck & Swallow Competition
Includes a Benefit for the Marine Mammal Center

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant has announced that their 17th annual Shuck & Swallow Oyster Competition, with an oyster and wine pairing benefit event immediately following the competition, will be held on Tuesday, September 28th.

The oyster eating competition involves approximately a dozen teams, each consisting of two members from various Bay Area restaurants, competing to shuck and swallow as many oysters as possible in 10 minutes. Viewing the competition is free and begins at 5:00 p.m.

A $30.00 oyster and wine pairing will benefit The Marine Mammal Center and will be held at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets will available at the door.

Bay Area radio personality Sterling James will be returning for the thirteenth year in a row as this year’s Master of Ceremonies for the oyster eating competition. Event co-sponsors include Ghirardelli Square.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point in Ghirardelli Square (corner of Larkin and Beach)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 929-1730
www.mccormickandkuletos.com

“Sex and the City 2” Promotion: Buy A Dinner Entrée & You Can Buy a Movie Ticket for $5.00

2010-05-21T18:37:00.001-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant (in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square/(415) 929-1730) and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto (in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street/(510) 845-7771) are both participating in a “Sex in the City 2” promotion which enables diners to receive a movie ticket for this new film (opening May 27) for only $5.00 if they buy any dinner entrée at either restaurant. The promotion will run from May 27 through May 31 or while supplies last.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point in Ghirardelli Square (corner of Larkin and Beach)
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 929-1730

Laurent Manrique’s Rouge et Blanc Wine Bar Debuts New Cocktail Menu

2010-05-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Laurent Manrique’s Rouge et Blanc Wine Bar Debuts New Cocktail Menu
Liquors Used Are All Made With Grapes

Laurent Manrique’s Rouge et Blanc Wine Bar in San Francisco has introduced a new cocktail menu comprised of drinks made only with liquor produced using grapes such as Armagnac, Cognac, and Idol vodka.

Specific new libations include the D’Artagnan ($11.50/Armagnac, Lillet Blanc, peach schnapps, lemon), Mousquetaire ($12.00/Idol vodka, Armagnac, blueberry syrup, Blue Curacao, lime), Dame Blanche ($12.00/Cognac, White Crème de Cacao, cream, nutmeg), Rouge et Blanc ($11.50/Idol vodka, Crème de Banane, cream, Grenadine), Effervescence ($12.50/ Idol vodka, Cava, Grand Marnier, lime, basil), and Bisous ($11.00/Cognac, Cointreau, lemon).

Unchanged is Rouge et Blanc’s international selection of upwards of 150 wines, with about 70 available by the glass, plus a bar menu that includes a charcuterie plate, cheese and Croque Monsieur-like sandwiches.

Rouge et Blanc Wine Bar is located at 334 Grant Avenue, between Sutter and Bush Streets, in San Francisco, California. Rouge et Blanc is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for coffee and pastries and from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with liquor and the bar menu served. The telephone number is (415) 391-0207 and the Web site, currently being upgraded, can be reached via www.cafedelapresse.com (note the click-to spot on the lower left of the opening page).

Lake Chalet Introduces Prime Rib Monday Night Menu

2010-05-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill in Oakland has introduced a Prime Rib Monday Night Menu.

Every Monday evening beginning at 5:00 p.m. the restaurant will offer three different sized cuts of prime rib, each served with classic accompaniments, with prices beginning at $20.00. The meat is 21-day-aged Nebraskan corn-fed prime rib that is roasted at 600 degrees in a high temperature oven to produce a seasoned crust and then finished at 200 degrees to ensure tenderness.

The Gondola Cut is priced at $20.00, the Chalet Cut at $24.00, and the Sail Boat Cut at $28.00. A children's prime rib dinner is also available for $13.00.

Accompaniments that come with the prime rib dinners include seasonal dressed greens, creamed spinach with bacon, Yorkshire pudding, mashed or baked potato, and fresh cream of horseradish sauce.

The Lake Chalet wine list has recently been updated and includes vintages that pair well with prime rib. The restaurant continues to serve an intriguing selection of classic, contemporary and original signature cocktails.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
1520 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 208-5253
www.TheLakeChalet.com

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant Launches “Perfect Catch” Contest

2010-05-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant Launches “Perfect Catch” Contest
Restaurant Will Pick up the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Tab for Winning Couple

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco has launched “The Perfect Catch,” a contest which will grant one engaged couple a lavish rehearsal dinner valued at $3,000.00. The grand prize also includes a consultation with a McCormick & Kuleto’s mixologist during which the prospective bride and groom can create a personalized cocktail to be served at the rehearsal dinner.

The Perfect Catch contest invites engaged individuals who are 21 years of age and over and have a wedding date set between September 2010 and September 2011 to share how they landed “The Perfect Catch” in 150 words or less. Online entries will be accepted at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com/PerfectCatch through July 4, 2010. Up to five finalists will be chosen and posted on the Web and at www.Facebook.com/McCormickandSchmicks on July 12 for a public online vote through July 30. Finalists are encouraged to leverage their own social networks to garner votes. The grand prize winner will be announced in August 2010 and will begin planning the dream rehearsal dinner with a McCormick & Kuleto’s wedding specialist at his or her convenience.

In addition to the grand prize-winner, two runner-up prizes will be awarded to the entries with the second and third most votes, each of which will win either a wedding party/pre-wedding luncheon or an engagement cocktail reception at McCormick & Kuleto’s.

For official contest rules, additional information about The Perfect Catch and event planning tips, please visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com/PerfectCatch.

McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant is located in Ghirardelli Square (900 North Point Street) in San Francisco, California, at the corner of Beach and Larkin Streets. Visit McCormick & Kuleto's on the web at www.mccormickandkuletos.com . For reservations or more information, call (415) 929-1730.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant Prom Night Dining Option

2010-05-08T21:08:00.001-07:00

During the month of May, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco is offering two prom night prix fix menus that are attractively priced and come with special extras to make an important moment in a student’s life even more memorable.

A two-course menu is available for $25.00 and a three-course for $30.00, and each has choices for every course. Both include a glass of sparkling cider and unlimited soft drinks, plus restaurant staff will photograph prom diners and email them their picture as a keepsake.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is located in Ghirardelli Square (900 North Point) at the corner of Beach and Larkin. The Web address is www.McCormickandKuletos.com and the telephone number is (415) 929-1730.

Earth Island Benefit Dinner at Gather With Authors Howard Lyman and Nicolette Hahn Niman

2010-05-07T20:02:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, May 20th, Gather Restaurant in Berkeley will host a benefit dinner with authors Howard Lyman and Nicolette Hahn Niman, the guest speakers at the debut of the Earth Island Presents debate series that will commence following the meal at Gather.

The cost of the prix fixe “chef’s choice” dinner is $50.00 (inclusive of gratuity but not tax) and the vegan menu will be prepared by Gather Chef Sean Baker and served family style beginning at 5:00 p.m. Ten percent of the cost of the dinner will be donated to Earth Island Presents.

Howard Lyman has written Mad Cowboy and Nicolette Hahn Niman is the author of Righteous Pork Chop and is married to Bill Niman, the former cattle rancher turned vegan who started Niman Ranch many years ago. The 6:45 p.m. debate that will follow dinner, titled “Can You Be A ‘Good Environmentalist’ and Still Eat Meat?” will take place at the Brower Center, adjacent to Gather Restaurant, and is co-hosted by VegNews. There is a separate charge to attend the Earth Island Presents debate.

For more information and to make dinner reservations, call the restaurant at (510) 809-0400.

Gather is located at 2200 Oxford Street, at the corner of Allston, in Berkeley, California. The Web address is www.gatherrestaurant.com.

Espetus Churrascaria San Mateo Presents June 17 Caipi-Hour Celebration

2010-05-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

Espetus Churrascaria in San Mateo will host, on Thursday, June 17, Caipi-Hour. From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., guests can enjoy, with the purchase of a cocktail, a complimentary sampling of hors d' oeuvres and a tasting of Grgich Hills Estate Winery wines, plus complimentary Cachaça flights provided by Leblon Cachaça and live bossa nova music. Bar specials will include cocktails by Leblon Cachaça, $6.00 Caipirinhas and seasonal cocktails.

Espetus Churrascaria San Mateo
710 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 342-8700
www.espetus.com/events
rsvp@espetus.com

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park Hosts April 29 Sip and Savor, Plus Wine and Dine Events

2010-04-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park hosts, on Thursday, April 29, two events designed to highlight the pairing of the restaurant’s acclaimed food with Bay Area wines and artisan cheeses.

During the “Sip and Savor” event, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., wines from Jim and Bob Varner of Varner Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains will be paired with artisan cheeses from the award winning Redwood Hill Farm Creamery in Sonoma County. The cost of this casual gathering is $15.00 per person.

All evening long, a “Wine and Dine” three-course prix fixe menu will be offered for $35.00 per person and it will showcase wine pairings from the Varner Winery. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be available.

"Sip and Savor' or "Wine and Dine" menu, April 29th

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 473-6543
www.leftbank.com

Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row Hosts Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Beer Brunch

2010-04-25T13:44:00.002-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row will host a Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. beer brunch on Saturday, May 15th with a prix fixe menu available continuously from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is the first in a monthly series of such brunches to be held at the restaurant. The regular Left Bank a la carte menu will also be served all day.

The prix fixe brunch menu, prepared by Left Bank Executive Chef David Bastide, will consist of four courses each paired with the perfect Sierra Nevada beer. The cost of the brunch is $40.00 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. Call (408) 984-3500 to make a reservation or email to jbowers@leftbank.com.

The Left Bank Santana Row June beer brunch, scheduled for the 12th of the month, will showcase the New Belgium Brewing Company and on July 24 it will be the Drake’s Brewing Company.

Left Bank Brasserie Santana Row is located at 377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, in San Jose, California. The telephone number is (408) 984-3500. Visit Left Bank Brasserie on the Web at www.LeftBank.com.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant Hosts Hope & Grace Winemaker Dinner

2010-04-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant will host a Hope & Grace Winemaker Dinner on Thursday, May 20 beginning at 6:00 PM.

The $80.00 prix fixe menu, prepared by McCormick & Kuleto's Executive Chef Liz Ozanich, will consist of five courses (plus an amuse bouche), each paired with an appropriate wine from Hope & Grace. The price is per person and includes tax and gratuity. Hope & Grace winemaker Charles Hendricks will be present at the dinner. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (415) 929-1730.

The prix fix menu includes Grilled Diver Sea Scallop, Maine Lobster Carnaroli Risotto, Roasted Quail, Braised Niman Ranch Short Ribs, and a Meyer Lemon Tart.

McCormick & Kuleto's is located in Ghirardelli Square (900 North Point Street) at the corner of Beach and Larkin in San Francisco, California. Validated parking is available. For more information, visit http://www.mccormickandkuletos.com/ on the Web or call (415) 929-1730.

Mother’s Day Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant

2010-04-15T19:12:00.002-07:00

Mother’s Day Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point Street
415.929.1730

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, in addition to their regular a la carte menu available all day, McCormick & Kuleto’s will be offering, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a Mom-inspired a la carte brunch menu that will include Grilled Halibut, Roasted Salmon and Butter Poached Maine Lobster Tails. All mothers will receive complimentary chocolate dipped long stemmed strawberries and will be able to enter a drawing to win two seats at a cooking class with McCormick & Kuleto’s Executive Chef Liz Ozanich. In addition, the restaurant will be offering Concierge Flower Service to guests who make advance reservations. They can order flowers that will be at their table upon arrival.

May 6th Dinner at Moussy’s with the Author of The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook

2010-04-15T19:12:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, May 6th, Moussy’s Restaurant at the Alliance Francaise in San Francisco will host a dinner in honor of the release of Mireilla Guiliano’s latest book, The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook. There will be an $85.00 (inclusive of tax and gratuity, $145.00 for couples), three-course prix fixe menu prepared by Moussy’s new chef Nathan Ivry, plus the price includes an autographed copy of the cookbook and live music from The Gil Cohen Duo. A no-host reception with the author will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include passed appetizers from recipes featured in the cookbook.

Guiliano, the former CEO of Clicquot, Inc. (Champagne Veuve Clicquot/LVMH) will be present to sign books and answer questions. Her new cookbook contains more than 150 new recipes that are easy, quick, affordable, and delicious. Guiliano has been called a champion of women in business and is a sought-after guest on radio and television in the US and abroad, appearing on Oprah, The Today Show, NBC’s Dateline, and CNN, among others, and has been profiled in the New York Times, USA Today, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Town & Country, and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mireilleguilianodinner.eventbrite.com or call the restaurant at (415) 441-1802 . Moussy’s is located at 1345 Bush Street, between Larkin and Polk Streets, in San Francisco. Convenient street parking is available. For directions and parking information, please visit www.moussys.com.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto

2010-04-05T20:11:00.002-07:00

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, in addition to their regular a la carte menu, Spenger’s will be offering special Mom-inspired a la carte entrees including Grilled King Salmon; Alaskan Halibut Oscar; Seared Alaskan Halibut Cheeks; and House Smoked Honey Glazed Ham. Also, every mother visiting the restaurant will be able to enter a drawing to win a private cooking class with Spenger’s Executive Chef Devon Boisen.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto / Berkeley
1919 Fourth Street
510.845.7771
www.Spengers.com

Spenger's Hosts “One Fermented Evening” California Wine Dinner

2010-04-05T20:11:00.001-07:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, April 15 “One Fermented Evening” California Wine Dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $80.00 prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of five courses, each paired with an appropriate California wine. The price is per person and excludes tax and gratuity.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

McCormick & Kuleto’s/Spenger’s Host Tax Relief Celebration

2010-03-31T18:24:00.001-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco and
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley

Host Tax Relief Day on April 15 and
And Tax Preparer Appreciation Day on April 16

On Thursday, April 15, 2010, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto are rewarding all taxpayers with a unique tax relief celebration in their bars on the most taxing day of the year.

Now Uncle Sam won’t be the only one profiting from the close of tax season. On April 15, guests who visit the bars at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant and/or Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto will receive, while supplies last, a Tax Relief Dining Certificate good for $10.40 off their next dinner at these restaurants.

In addition, on April 15 there will be value priced $10.40 dinner specials served at the bars, plus Tax Relief cocktails offered all day.

On Friday, April 16, both restaurants will be feting tax professionals by offering a free dessert from the dessert tray selection with the purchase of any entrée. Professionals need only turn in a business card indicating that they are a tax preparer, CPA, accountant or on staff at such a business. These guests will also receive, while supplies last, a Tax Relief Dining Certificate good for $10.40 off their next dinner at either restaurant.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square at 900 North Point, telephone number (415) 929-1730, and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street, telephone number (510) 845-7771.

Ozumo Oakland Hosting a Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration on April 8

2010-03-28T14:26:00.001-07:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland will celebrate the spirit of Japan’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Thursday, April 8 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Highlights will include special drinks and food offered all evening in the bar and lounge at Happy Hour prices, DJ entertainment and models showcasing traditional Japanese attire. There will be no cover charge and no reservations are required.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. Street parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com or call (510) 286-9866.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Honors National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

2010-03-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 22, 2010, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant will honor National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day by offering a free children’s meal with an ice cream dessert to all children who come to the restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. accompanied by a parent who purchases a lunch entree.

In addition, each child will receive a gift of a parent/child photograph mounted on a magnet, compliments of McCormick & Kuleto’s.

For more information about National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, visit http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square at 900 North Point, telephone number (415) 929-1730. The Web address is www.mccormickandkuletos.com.

Urban Tavern to Host Samuel Adams Beer Dinner on March 24

2010-03-19T18:49:00.001-07:00

Urban Tavern to Host Samuel Adams Beer Dinner on March 24
Also Continues to Offer Five Hours of Free Parking When Dining at the Restaurant

San Francisco, CA /March 2009 – Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco will host a $45.00 six-course prix fixe Samuel Adams beer paired dinner on Wednesday, March 24 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be available.

The special dinner includes 5 hours of complimentary parking at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Urban Tavern serves American gastropub cuisine prepared with seasonal, fresh, often locally sourced organic ingredients.

Highlights of Urban Tavern's interior design include a striking full-size horse sculpture by Arizona artist Doug Owen welded together from tractor, motorcycle and car parts, underscoring Urban Tavern’s green sensibilities while juxtaposing old and new, rural and urban - elements found throughout the restaurant. Also notable are the intimate booths, reclaimed wood beams and claddings, a communal table made from a recovered fallen tree, plaster walls, exposed concrete, a marble-topped bar and saddle-shaped bar stools.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

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Spenger’s Honors National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day April 22

2010-03-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley Honors
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on April 22

On Thursday, April 22, 2010, Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto will honor National Take Our
Daughters and Sons to Work Day by offering a free lunch entrée to all children who come to the restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended.

In addition, at 1:00 p.m., Spenger’s Executive Chef Devon Boisen, dubbed “Best Showman Chef” by the East Bay Express, will conduct a cooking demonstration designed to entertain a young audience, compliments of Spenger’s.

The food and demo are offered by Chef Boisen and Spenger’s General Manager Richard Villarreal because they believe strongly in inspiring children to believe in themselves, because in doing so, they can accomplish great things.

For more information about National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, visit http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street, telephone number (510) 845-7771; www.spengers.com.

The Celebration of Poisson d’Avril 2010 at all three Left Bank Brasseries

2010-03-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 1, the Left Bank Brasseries in Larkspur, Menlo Park and San Jose, led by Master Chefs Roland Passot and Joel Guillon, will be supporting sustainable fisheries practices by introducing to Bay Area diners Sugar Creek Ranch Steelhead Trout to celebrate the lighthearted French tradition Poisson d’Avril (or April Fish).

On April 1, diners ordering the specially created “poisson du jour” (fish of the day), will be among the first to taste a sweet, tender trout raised in Northern California by Sugar Creek Ranch near Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County. The trout are raised on a solar powered farm, using no hormones or antibiotics, in “gin clear” water from Sugar Creek and Scott River; which both flow from the Trinity Alps and the Salmon Mountains. Sugar Creek was given its name by the area’s original settlers who thought the fish from the creek tasted sweet as sugar. On the day of the event, 30% of the proceeds from the sale of the “poisson du jour” will be donated to The Watershed Project, a non-profit organization working to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay Area watershed.

Left Bank Brasseries

For reservations, please call or visit www.leftbank.com
Larkspur, 507 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939, 415.927.3331
Menlo Park, 635 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, 650.473.6543
San Jose, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, 408.984.3500

About the French Tradition of Poisson d’Avril

When France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, tthe beginning of the year moved from April 1 to January 1. Some people did not hear about the switch or refused to accept the change of date and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Others took this opportunity to play tricks on them and called them "April Fools." Today in France, April 1st is called Poisson d'Avril (April Fish). French children tape a paper fish to their friends’ backs and when the prank is discovered, the prankster yells, "Poisson d'Avril!"

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur To Host A French-German Friendship Dinner

2010-03-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur To Host A French-German Friendship Dinner

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

$34.00 for a three-course prix fixe dinner

The prix fixe menu is served 5:00 to 10:00 pm in addition to the regular menu

With two world wars but then the formation of the European Union, the French-German relationship has had its ups and downs in the 20th century. What would have been unthinkable 60 years ago has now become a reality: a friendship and strong collaboration in support of peace and prosperity; with the two countries being called the ‘twin engines’ in regards to the Euro, the Airbus and many other aspect of the today’s world.

Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur has another example of French-German cooperation: an authentic Parisian brasserie with German born Chef Sean Canavan leading the kitchen team. Chef Canavan’s culinary creativity reflects the influences of his German training, while his family has strong ties to France and he has enjoyed a long working relationship with Chef Roland Passot, whom he met over 15 years ago.

In the spirit of “Amitie Franco-Allemande” the restaurant invites guests to enjoy an evening of German food, wine and beer.

Left Bank Larkspur is located at 507 Magnolia Avenue at Ward Street. Free parking is readily available on the street and in a municipal lot across from the restaurant. Visit Left Bank on the Web at www.leftbank.com. For reservations, please call (415) 927-3331, log onto the restaurant’s Web site or go to OpenTable.com.

Left Bank Larkspur Friendship Dinner Menu for 3/31/10

Linseneintopf mit Mettwurst
Soupe aux lentilles et saucisse fumée
Lentil soup with Westphalian smoked sausage

Rinderrouladen mit, Himmel & Erde“ und Speckbohnen
Paupiettes de bœuf, pommes et pommes de terre, haricots vert aux lardons
Beef roulades with mashed apples and potatoes “heaven and earth” and green beans

Erdbeer-Rhabarber Grütze
Pouding aux fraises et rhubarbe
Strawberry and rhubarb pudding

Paired with your choice of German beer…
Königs Pilsener, lager, Westphalia $4
Franziskaner Hefeweizen Dunkel, dark wheat beer, Bavaria $5
Uerige Altbier, ale, Düsseldorf, Rhineland $9.25

And for the wine lover…
Riesling Kabinett, Dr. Loosen Blue Slate, Mosel 2007 $30.
Dornfelder & Pinot Noir, Paul Anheuser, Nahe 2006 $34

Easter Dining at Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

2010-03-05T19:43:00.002-08:00

Easter Dining at Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley / 510.845.7771

On Easter Sunday, April 4, Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will feature, in addition to their regular a la carte menu, three traditional specials available all day. The specials will be Roasted Leg of Lamb, Smoked Ham and Smoked Prime Rib. Easter holiday hours will be 11:30 am to 9:00 p.m.

Easter Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant

2010-03-05T19:43:00.001-08:00

Easter Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point Street, San Francisco / 415.929.1730

On Easter Sunday, April 4, McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant will feature, in addition to their regular a la carte menu, three specials available all day along with a glass of sparkling wine or a Mimosa for $3.95. The specials will be a Bay Shrimp with Green and White Asparagus appetizer ($12.95); Grilled Alaskan Halibut Steak ($29.95); and Braised Leg of Lamb ($24.95). An a la carte Easter holiday brunch will also be served from 11:30 am to 3:00 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Dining & Benefit at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto

2010-03-05T19:42:00.001-08:00

St. Patrick’s Day Dining & Benefit at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley / 510.845.7771

"McSpenger's" (AKA Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto) in Berkeley is serving a traditional St. Patrick's Day feast all day, Wednesday, March 17. Enjoy brisket of corned beef with horseradish cream sauce, steamed cabbage and boiled potatoes or a classic Irish Stew. Wash it all down with a pint of Guinness Stout or some Irish coffee. In the spirit of the occasion, there will be a bagpiper playing from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the Bob Scott Trio playing from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., plus there will be limerick and best-kilt contests. "McSpenger's" has also teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the fourth year in a row to sell paper shamrocks with all proceeds being donated to the MDA.

Saint Patrick's Day at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant

2010-03-05T19:41:00.002-08:00

Saint Patrick's Day at McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant
900 North Point Street, San Francisco / 415.929.1730

On Saint Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant will feature, in additional to their regular menu, a la carte specials in the spirit of the occasion including a Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich (lunch only), Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepard’s Pie, and Pistachio Flavored Cheese Cake, all of which can be washed down with a pint of Guinness Draft, an Irish Car Bomb (Guinness with a shot of Jameson’s or Bushmills), a Bailey’s Mint Martini (Irish Crème shaken with Crème de Menthe & Kahlua), a Peppermint Patty (Peppermint liquor, hot chocolate & whipped cream), or an M&K Irish Coffee. Fun food for Happy Hour in the bar (3pm – 6pm) will include Green Cream Cheese & Cucumber Finger Sandwiches, Mini Corned Beef & Cabbage Empanadas, Potato Skins stuffed with Shepard’s Pie filling, and Potato Skins stuffed with Corned Beef Reuben filling. Miss these treats and you’ll be green with envy.

Shokolaat Restaurant Debuts Cooking Class Series on April 11

2010-03-05T19:41:00.001-08:00

Shokolaat in Palo Alto has announced that a series of cooking classes taught by chef/co-owner Shekoh Moossavi will begin on Sunday, April 11.

All classes will be conducted at the restaurant at 516 University Avenue and run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Class size will be limited to ten people. Advance reservations and payment are required.

The first class, priced at $85.00 per person, will consist of a lecture component and the hands-on production of two recipes concluding with a sit-down meal paired with wine. The lecture will include a focus on knife skills and the recipes to be prepared will an English Pea Soup with mint and pancetta, plus a tomato based Lamb Shank Stew with red lentils and fresh pasta.

Chef Shekoh Moossavi is known for her upscale Contemporary European cuisine with California influences. A native of Iran, she has a degree from the Florida Culinary Institute and has worked for the Ritz Carlton in Florida and in the kitchens of some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco including Acquerello, La Folie and Gary Danko (where she worked in lieu of accepting a position offered to her by the French Laundry). Moossavi, with her husband, owned and operated Gervais Restaurant in Saratoga, California, establishing it as one of the premier fine dining venues in the area.

Since opening in 2007, Shokolaat has received considerable customer and critical acclaim. Accolades have included the San Jose Mercury News naming it a “Best Kept Culinary Secret,” the same paper’s readers selecting it as a “Reader’s Choice” and Wave Magazine choosing it as a “Best New Restaurant.”

Shokolaat Restaurant is located at 516 University Avenue in Palo Alto, California. The restaurant can accommodate up to 25 guests in the dining room and at the bar, with room for 36 more on the patio. Shokolaat is open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., for lunch Tuesday - Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and for brunch on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Patisserie is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Parking is readily available in a public garage behind the restaurant. Visit Shokolaat on the Web at www.Shokolaat.com. For reservations, call (650) 289-0719.

The Park Chalet Launches Their 2010 Weekend Outdoor BBQ Season on April 3

2010-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

The Park Chalet Garden Restaurant launches their 2010 weekend outdoor BBQ season on Saturday, April 3. Diners can enjoy a menu appropriate to the season at picnic tables, from Adirondack chairs, or on the lawn on a picnic blanket that they bring with them. The outdoor BBQ menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting) from 10:00 a.m. until dusk and there is live music from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-8439
http://www.parkchalet.com

Park Chalet Outdoor BBQ Menu

Cheddar Burger
Cheddar Cheese Lettuce, Tomato, Pickled Red Onion & Aioli
12.50

BBQ Burger
Zoe’s Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Cheddar, Onion Strings & Aioli
12.50

Grilled Mahi Sandwich
Sauce of Capers, Eggs and Cornichons, Lettuce and Slow Roasted Tomatoes
12.50

BBQ Pork Sandwich
Monterey Jack Cheese, Caramelized Onions
12.50

Bratwurst
With Your Choice of Peppers & Onions or Sauerkraut
7.75

Fearless Frank
Fresh off the Grill
5.50

Vegetarian Wrap
Romaine Lettuce, Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion, Alfalfa Sprouts, Feta Cheese & Hummus
8.95

Fruit Plate
Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Pineapple & Strawberries
5.00

BBQ Oysters
With Garlic Cilantro Butter
$2.00 a piece

BBQ Chicken Wings
1 Pound of Charbroiled Chicken Wings with BBQ Sauce
$8.50

German Style Potato Salad
Yukon Gold Potato, Granny Smith Apple, Celery, Onion, Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette
3.50

Grilled Corn
Cilantro butter, Parmesan Cheese
3.00

Rainforest Action Network’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at Lake Chalet

2010-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Rainforest Action Network’s 25th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill with a Special Tribute to Michael Brune

Thursday, March 18, 2010, 7:00pm – 10:30pm
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
1520 Lakeside DriveOakland, California 94612
(510) 208-5253

Eat, drink and shake your thing at the Lake Chalet - a remarkable LEED-certified jewel in the heart of Oakland – to kick off the Rainforest Action Network’s 25th anniversary. The evening will feature a sampling of Lake Chalet's finest cuisine, a tribute to outgoing Executive Director Mike Brune; and inspiring conversation with luminaries and activists of the social change movement.

Tickets are $50.00 per person (with a sliding scale up to $1,000.00) and can be purchased by going to www.ran.org/lakechalet. All proceeds will benefit Rainforest Action Network. For more information, please contact Somer Huntley at shuntley@ran.org; (415) 659-0518.

For 25 years, RAN has challenged the corporate status quo and secured numerous victories for the planet. And for the next eight months, they're rolling out the green carpet to celebrate their accomplishments and the many people who have made them possible.

“FIVE STAR NIGHT” BENEFITS ALAMEDA COUNTY MEALS ON WHEELS

2010-02-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

“FIVE STAR NIGHT” BENEFITS ALAMEDA COUNTY MEALS ON WHEELS

Annual Celebrity Chef Fundraiser Hosted by Narsai David Set for April 23rd
Ensures More Homebound Seniors Receive Meals Daily

Five Star Night, the twenty-third annual fundraiser for Alameda County Meals on Wheels, will take place on Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland.

This spectacular event raises funds and awareness for Alameda County’s six Meals on Wheels Programs. It features a champagne and fine wine reception, silent and live auctions, gala dinner, and entertainment. The four course dinner (including sumptuous desserts), under the guidance of Narsai David and Ellen Tussman, will be created by 15 of the Bay Area’s finest chefs, all of whom donate their time and services to help reach this year’s fundraising goal of $150,000.

Made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, bidders, chefs, guests, and volunteers. Funds raised at Five Star Night are immediately distributed to Meals on Wheels programs throughout Alameda County, providing freshly prepared meals for thousands of homebound and disabled seniors.

What: 23rd Annual Five Star Night, auction and gala dinner fundraiser, provides 25,000 warm, nutritious meals for homebound seniors throughout Alameda County

When: Friday evening, April 23rd 6:00 PM Silent Auction and Hors d’oeuvres7:30 PM Dinner, Live Auction and Entertainment

Where: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland

Hosts: Narsai David, host and auctioneer Steve Bitker, special guest

Participating Restaurants: Bakesale Betty, Bay Wolf, Bocanova, Citron, Garibaldi’s/Marzano, Grace Street Catering, La Farine, Lalime’s, Lyla’s Chocolates, Market Hall Bakery, Mua, Adessa/Dopo, Pican, and Picante

Cost: $250.00 per person; Sponsorships available

Contact: For tickets, more information about the event, sponsor and donation opportunities call510.577.3580 and visit www.feedingseniors.org

# # #

Established in 1987, Alameda County Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit 501(c)3, is a consortium of the six Meals on Wheels programs in the county. As many other urban programs increasingly rely on bi-weekly, frozen food delivery, Alameda County Meals on Wheels remains committed to providing warm meals and friendly visits daily. In fiscal year 2008-2009, nearly 600,000 warm nutritious meals were delivered to seniors in Alameda County, about 2,200 every weekday.

Left Bank Larkspur Hosts French-German Friendship Dinner

2010-02-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur To Host A French-German Friendship Dinner

Amitié Franco-Allemande
Deutsch Französische Freundschaft

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
(also to be repeated on March 31 and April 21)

$34.00 for a three-course prix fixe dinner.

The prix fixe menu is served 5:00 to 10:00 pm in addition to the regular menu.

With two world wars but then the formation of the European Union, the French-German relationship has had its ups and downs in the 20th century. What would have been unthinkable 60 years ago has now become a reality: a friendship and strong collaboration in support of peace and prosperity; with the two countries being called the ‘twin engines’ in regards to the Euro, the Airbus and many other aspect of the today’s world.

Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur has another example of French-German cooperation: an authentic Parisian brasserie with German born Chef Sean Canavan leading the kitchen team. Chef Canavan’s culinary creativity reflects the influences of his German training, while his family has strong ties to France and he has enjoyed a long working relationship with Chef Roland Passot, whom he met over 15 years ago.

In the spirit of “Amitie Franco-Allemande” the restaurant invites guests to enjoy an evening of German food, wine and beer.

☺
Wurstsalat mit Bauernbrot
Salade de saucisson, pain de campagne
Bavarian style sausage salad with Farmhouse bread
☺
Sauerbraten von der Rinderbacke mit Apfelrotkraut und Serviettenknödel
Joue de bœuf marinée au vinaigre, choux rouge et quenelle de pain au torchon
Piquant marinated beef cheeks, red cabbage and bread dumpling
☺
Birnenstrudel mit Schokoladeneis
Strudel aux poires, glace au chocolat
Pear strudel with chocolate ice cream

***

Paired with your choice of German beer…
Königs Pilsener $4

Franziskaner Hefeweizen, dark (includes classic Hefeweizen glass) $5
Uerige Altbier $9.25

And for those who prefer wine…
Riesling, Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Kabinett 2007
$7.50 glass/$18.75 Carafe /$30 bottle

☺

Left Bank Brasserie / 507 Magnolia Avenue / Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 927-3331 / http://www.leftbank.com/

Ozumo Oakland Hosting a Mardi Gras “Fat Tuesday” Celebration on Feb. 16

2010-02-11T18:47:00.003-08:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland will be hosting their 2nd annual “East Meets West” Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 16 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Highlights will include live entertainment in the spirit of the occasion, the diverse sounds of New Orleans as presented by DJ Gray, and “Fat Tuesday” food and Brazilian drink specials served in the bar and lounge. There will be no cover charge and no reservations are required.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. Street parking, valet parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com or call (510) 286-9866.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts a Takara Sake Dinner on February 25, 2010

2010-02-11T18:47:00.001-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, February 25 “One Fermented Evening,” a Takara brewery sake paired special dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $60.00 prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of five courses, each paired with an appropriate sake from Berkeley’s Takara brewery. The price is per person and excludes tax and gratuity. A representative of the brewery will be present at the dinner.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Urban Tavern Offers Free Corkage Every Monday

2010-02-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco offers free corkage all day every Monday beginning February 15. There are no limitations on what bottles or how many bottles diners may bring to the restaurant. The no corkage offer is good from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

In addition, Urban Tavern continues to offer five hours of free parking to people dining at the restaurant. This is the perfect complement to a great meal for guests who might also be going to the theater or shopping in the Union Square area.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street, near Mason Street. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Fat Tuesday Dining Options in the Bay Area

2010-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco and
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley
Showcase Fat Tuesday New Orleans Menu Specials

On Fat Tuesday, February 16, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto will be serving, at the bar, Fat Tuesday a la carte menu specials in the spirit of the occasion. Folks can enjoy Crab Hush Puppies, Oyster Po’ Boys, Sausage and Shrimp Étouffée, and Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya accompanied by a Fat Tuesday cocktail special such as a Black Magic (Jim Beam muddled with fresh raspberries, brown sugar, simple syrup, a touch of cilantro, topped with ginger ale) or a Voodoo Buzz (aged rum, Chambord, fresh squeezed lime juice, pineapple juice, a splash of grenadine). Join the crew from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm on Feb. 15 and 17, as well as on the traditional date of Feb. 16.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square at 900 North Point, telephone number (415) 929-1730, and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street, telephone number (510) 845-7771.

Espetus Churrascaria in San Francisco To Host Benefit For Haitian Earthquake Relief

2010-01-30T21:38:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, February 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Espetus Churrascaria in San Francisco is hosting a fund raising dinner event to support disaster relief in Haiti. The all-you-can-eat Brazilian rodizio style dinner will include appetizers, salad bar, hot side dishes, drinks and dessert. There will be a silent auction. The price will be $200.00 per person and all of the proceeds from the dinner will be donated to the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, to assist those affected by the earthquake. Assistance provided by the Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.

The Web address to purchase tickets for the benefit is www.espetus.com/help-haiti. For more information, call (415) 552-8792.

Espetus Churrascaria is located at 1686 Market Street (at Gough) in San Francisco. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Visit Espetus on the Web at www.espetus.com. Reservations are recommended and can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling (415) 552-8792.

Urban Tavern Debuts Winter Wine Tastings

2010-01-27T19:38:00.001-08:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco will begin their winter bi-weekly series of wine tasting on Feb. 9 and then Feb. 23 by showcasing Alanté Vineyard on both of those dates.

Priced at only $5.00, the tastings will be held in the restaurant’s Morgan Room from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and include complimentary hors d’ouevres from the Urban Tavern kitchen. A representative of the winery will attend and make a brief presentation.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Superbowl Parties at McCormick & Kuleto’s and Spenger’s on February 7

2010-01-23T16:43:00.001-08:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco and
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley
Host Superbowl Parties on February 7

On Sunday, February 7, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto are hosting Superbowl parties. Football fans will be able to root for their favorite team while enjoying a Happy Hour priced gameday bar menu, plus extraordinary drink deals, from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.

McCormick & Kuleto’s will also be conducting free prize drawings at various time during the day and will lower the price of select Happy Hour food items to just .99 during halftime. Spenger’s will conduct a Superbowl pool with prizes, will decorate the restaurant in the spirit of the occasion, and promises other surprises.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square at 900 North Point, telephone number (415) 929-1730, and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street, telephone number (510) 845-7771.

Nob Hill Grille Hosts A Traditional & Modern Take on Japanese Cuisine

2010-01-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco hosts, on January 26 and 27 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., A Traditional & Modern Take on Japanese Cuisine. The special dinner includes a 4-course high end meal, plus an amuse bouche and two palate cleansers, for $45.00, with sake pairings for an additional $20.00

The menu will consist of Tako Sunomono (Japanese cucumber and octopus salad); Hamachi Sashimi; Wakame Salad (seaweed salad); Yuba Miso Soup; Chirashi Plate (sliced raw assorted fish over steamed rice); Teppaniaki (beef cooked bbq style); and Wagashi (traditional Japanese desserts).

Nob Hill Grille
969 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5985
www.NobHillGrille.com

Valentine’s Day Dining at Cetrella

2010-01-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day Dining at Cetrella / Half Moon Bay
845 Main Street
650.726.4090
www.cetrella.com

Open 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Serving a $65.00 three-course prix fixe menu with entrées choices of Butternut Squash Gnocchi with vegetable medley, brown butter cloud and pecorino snow or Steamed Bronzino with leek-wild mushroom risotto, shitake consommé and rosemary oil or Black Angus Rib Eye And Short Ribs Duo with Swiss chard compote and duck fat big fries. Complimentary rose and live music by Keith Williams.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts New Zealand Wine Dinner on January 14, 2010

2010-01-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, January 14 New Zealand Wine Dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $79.95 prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of four courses, each paired with an appropriate wine. The price is per person and excludes tax and gratuity.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for nearly 120 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Valentine’s Day Dining at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto

2010-01-09T20:01:00.001-08:00

Valentine’s Day Dining at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street
510.845.7771

In addition to their regular a la carte menu, Spenger’s will be offering a four-course prix fixe Champagne Dinner for Two for $99.00 with oysters, ahi tuna, shrimp bisque soup, a grilled steak and crab Wellington, chocolate truffle café and champagne or sparkling apple cider, plus all ladies will receive a complimentary rose.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts “One Fermented Evening” Wine Dinner

2010-01-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, February 18 “One Fermented Evening,” a special dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $79.95 prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of five courses, each paired with an appropriate wine. The price is per person and excludes tax and gratuity.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Urban Tavern Hosts Champagne Wishes Come True

2009-12-21T16:10:00.001-08:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco hosts a Champagne Wishes Come True promotion December 26th through the 30th from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the restaurant’s Morgan Room.

Free hors d’ouvres and great deals on glasses, flights and bottles of champagne make this the perfect holiday indulgence. Highlights include a $22.00 flight of three 2 oz. pours with selections such as Dom Pérignon; Chandon Brut Classic, Napa Valley; Chandon étoile Brut, Napa Valley; Chandon Rosé, Napa Valley; Moët & Chandon; Impérial; Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label; Moët & Chandon Impérial Rosé; Ruinart Rosé; and Krug Grande Cuvée.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's

2009-12-12T22:23:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Dining at McCormick & Kuleto's
900 North Point Street, San Francisco
415.929.1730
www.mccormickandkuletos.com

Accepting reservations 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Regular a la carte menu plus a la carte holiday specials.

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Dining at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto

2009-12-12T22:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Dining at Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley
510.845.7771
www.spengers.com

Christmas Day open 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Serving regular a la carte menu plus a traditional holiday prix fixe dinner of either a roasted turkey breast entrée or a brown sugar glazed ham entrée or a combination of both, each for $19.95, and all these include sourdough bread stuffing, candied yams, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy and cranberry sauce.

New Year’s Day open 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Serving regular a la carte menu plus holiday inspired a la carte specials.

Ozumo San Francisco Dom Perignon Champagne Deal: The Best for the Least

2009-12-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

Ozumo in San Francisco has announced that the restaurant will be pouring Dom Perignon champagne at celebratory prices. From December 11 through December 30, a glass of the renowned bubbly will be available for $35.00 with a full bottle offered for $179.00 (regular price is $295.00). This special offered is good during lunch and dinner every day that the restaurant is open.

Ozumo San Francisco is located at 161 Steuart Street. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com. Tel. # (415) 882-1333.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay

2009-12-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve 2009 at Cetrella Restaurant
650.726.4090
845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
www.cetrella.com

Open 5:30 PM - midnight. Serving a $100.00 holiday prix fixe four-course menu with an amuse bouché. Complimentary live music, party favors and a midnight glass of sparking wine.

The prix fixe entrée choices will be Wild Scottish Hare “Royale” with foie gras and mushroom stuffing, fresh winter truffle printed pappardelle or Broken Arrow Ranch Venison Loin, cocoa nibs-salt crusted and wood oven roasted, with Alsatian style spaetzle, juniper scented cabbage and sauce grand veneur.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts “Meyer Lemon One Fermented Evening” on Dec. 3

2009-12-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, December 3 “Meyer Lemon One Fermented Evening,” a special dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $60.00 inclusive prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of five courses, each paired with an appropriate libation. Diners will enjoy Dungeness Crab Sandwich with Meyer Lemon Aioli on Grilled Sour Dough Bread; House Smoked Salmon Terrine with Meyer Lemon Crème Fraiche; Seared Hawaiian Ono with Meyer Lemon and Citrus Salad, Bloomsdale Spinach and Cabbage; Braised Beef Stew with Meyer Lemon Confit, Red Potatoes, and Roasted Red Peppers; and Meyer Lemon Soufflé with Shortbread Cookies.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

The Park Chalet Introduces Half Off Wednesdays in December

2009-11-24T17:51:00.001-08:00

The Park Chalet Introduces Half Off Wednesdays in December

The Park Chalet in San Francisco has announced that every Wednesday during the month of December the restaurant’s entire a la carte lunch and dinner menus will be available for half off the regular price, excluding tax, gratuity, the Happy Hour menu and all alcohol and other beverages.

This discount is offered as a holiday gift to the Park Chalet’s loyal customers and is an opportunity for guests to try the new menu items that have been recently introduced by new Executive Chef Mary O’Neill.

These items include Oven Roasted Spicy Chicken; Crispy Duck Spring Rolls; Fritto Misto; Warm Hummus and Eggplant; Pistachio-Mint Lamb Riblets; Crispy Brandade; Spanish Steamed Clams; Black Tiger Prawns; Shrimp And Bay Scallop Ceviche; Grilled Local Asparagus; Panzanella Salad; Asparagus And Smoked Salmon Salad; Smoked Salmon Club; Roasted Pork Sandwich; And Warm Bread Pudding.

Park Chalet
1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-8439
http://www.parkchalet.com

Ozumo Oakland Enhances Family Holiday Outings by Adding Seasonal Children’s Menu

2009-11-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

Ozumo Oakland has introduced a holiday season children’s menu (for those 12 years of age and under) now offered during dinner service through December 31, 2009.

This new, very affordable dining option is an ideal complement to the annual downtown Oakland holiday traditions that many families look forward to. These include shopping expeditions, the Jack London Square tree lighting ceremony (Dec. 4), the lighted yacht parade in the Oakland Estuary (Dec. 5), and the Nutcracker ballet performances at the Paramount Theatre (Dec. 24 through the 27, www.paramounttheatre.com/ballet.html).

Among the selections on the children’s menu are Jidori Bento (grilled organic chicken breast served with rice and bento garnishes); Mixed Tempura Bento (seasonal tempura vegetables served with rice and bento garnishes; Teriyaki Bento (teriyaki salmon served with rice and bento garnishes; and Yaki Udon (udon noodles sautéed with vegetables and Tonkatsu sauce).

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue in Oakland California. Dinner is served every night except Sunday. Valet parking is available. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com/oakland. The telephone number is (510) 286-9866.

Ozumo Oakland Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Prix Fixe Menu of Signature Dishes

2009-11-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland has announced the planned introduction of a 1st anniversary celebratory five-course prix fixe dinner menu for $36.00 plus tax and gratuity. The special menu showcases the restaurant’s signature dishes priced to provide substantial value.

The anniversary prix fixe has been designed by Ozumo Oakland Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki and General Manager Danny Sterling and will be served from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the restaurant’s main dining room starting on Monday, November 30 and running through Thursday, December 3. Reservations are recommended but not required. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be served. Drink specials will be featured in the bar and lounge.

The special menu starter will be Miso Soup, Ozumo’s own awase blend of aka miso, plus warm edamame; the second course will be Futago, grilled Washu beef flatloin with sautéed garlic spinach and Japanese eggplant and a goma-miso sauce; the third course will be a Dragon Roll, tempura shrimp roll wrapped in grilled unagi with avocado with a sweet soy sauce; the entrée choices will be Gindara, Ozumo’s famous grilled black cod marinated in saikyo miso and sake kasu or Tokyo Gyu, cubed New York strip steak with black pepper sauce and Japanese karashi mustard with Ozumo’s own fries; the dessert course will be Shokora Ke-ki, flourless chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and hazelnut and banana ice cream.

Chef Matsuzaki is a graduate of the Peter Kump Culinary School and began his culinary career at Montrachet and then moved to Nobu Restaurant, both in New York City. His first job in California was at Rubicon in San Francisco. He has subsequently also worked at Farallon, Cityscape, and Sutra. Most recently, Matsuzaki was the Executive Chef at Ozumo San Francisco.

Ozumo Oakland was opened last December by Jeremy Umland, Ozumo founder, managing partner and long time Japanese resident/professional baseball player turned entrepreneur. Umland is the culinary pioneer who opened Ozumo San Francisco in 2001 and, in doing so, introduced contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Unites States, bringing together under one roof a sushi bar, sake lounge and robata grill.

The engaging décor at Ozumo Oakland, with an underling theme of water, air and earth, is the work of AGE Design of Japan, headed up by Ichiro Sato, one of Japan’s top interior designers. At the entrance to the restaurant is an oversized solid George Nakashima-style wood door with wood sidelites and a “live” edge. Highlights of the main dining room (seats 78) include earth tone slate floor tiles which extend up the walls and columns, custom oak wood tables and chairs and banquettes covered with traditional Japanese fabrics. Subdued lighting illuminates a second washi art work running the entire length of the west wall. The charcoal fired robata grill (seats 12), with a sunken kitchen area, is notable for its sustainably harvested ramon hard wood counter top.

The adjacent Kotatsu Room (seats 24), available for nightly or private function dining, is walled off on two sides by clear glass panels with glass shelves lined with sake bottles. A 20’ tall Japanese paper lantern creates a dramatic interior backdrop and acts as a beacon to outside passersby. The centerpiece of this shoes-off, uniquely Japanese room is a 12' solid oak wood table surrounded by elevated bench seats.

The Ozumo Oakland sake list, with over 90 brands, is one of, if not the most extensive in this country. The full bar serves signature cocktails such as the Giddy Geisha and Sumo-kaze, plus top wines from around the world and Sapporo and Kirin beer on tap. The bar is decorated with blackened metal and rich wood accents and a large waterfall with stylized leaping fish. A hand-troweled concrete floor embedded with a leaf motif is complemented by an expansive Japanese washi work of art, titled “Surge,” along the back wall. The cozy lounge has tatami mat bench seating with overstuffed pillows.

The restaurant’s intimate sushi bar, topped with salt and pepper granite, also has a sunken kitchen area, allowing the standing chefs and seated diners to see eye to eye, separated by clear glass display cases filled with fresh sushi and sashimi selections, and illuminated by a ribbon of light coming from fixtures housed in a lower soffit.

The Oakland location also has a private dining room, complete with sliding shoji screen doors, which seats up to 50 people, making it one of the foremost such non-hotel venues in the East Bay. The room has oak wood floors and soffits and is decorated with a washi art piece, “Blue Moon,” framed in by traditional Japanese textured stucco. Full-restaurant private lunches and off-site catering are specialties of the house.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. Street parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available and valet service is offered. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com/oakland. Reservations are recommended and can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling (510) 286-9866.

Cetrella Restaurant Introduces Weekly Prix Fixe Dinner Menu

2009-11-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

Cetrella in Half Moon Bay has announced the introduction of a weekly prix fixe menu. In addition to the regular a la carte offerings, the restaurant will be serving a $25.00 three-course prix fixe dinner every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The menu will change weekly.

The next prix fixe will include Cream of Celery Root Soup with Gruyere cheese puffs and roasted portobello mushroom; Maple Glazed Grass Fed Pork Loin with a Nueske’s bacon wrapped potato cake, wild mushroom ravioli and a shallot-bacon sauce; and Valrhona 64% Manjari Chocolate Pot de Crème with white chocolate chantilly and a trio of cookies.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts “One Fermented Evening” on November 19

2009-11-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Thursday, November 19 “One Fermented Evening,” a special dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

The $75.00 inclusive prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of five courses, each paired with an appropriate libation. Diners will enjoy Toasted Bay Shrimp with Israel Couscous and Moroccan Relish; White Anchovy Terrine with Cucumber Salad and Tomato Water; Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops with Pesto Butter Beans and Orange Marmalade; Potato Crusted Dover Sole with Braised Red Cabbage and Short Ribs; and Tiramisu with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Hosts Berkeley’s Kitchen Benefit Dinner

2009-11-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto will host a Berkeley’s Kitchen Benefit Dinner to be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009, beginning at 6:30 PM.

The evening’s prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, in association with Berkeley’s Kitchen chefs Cristina Lau and Anna Zulaica (winners of the 2009 Crabby Chef Competition), will consist of four courses, plus passed hors d'oeuvres, paired with the perfect beers. The cost of the dinner is $60.00 per guest, including tax and gratuity. Call (510) 845-7771 to reserve seats for the dinner. Advance reservations are required.

Guests will enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres of Fall Satsuma Mandarin Ravioli with Crab Sauce paired with Widmer Hefeweizen; a first course of Dungeness Crab Crepes paired with Anchor Steam Beer; a second course of Crispy Crab Chowder paired with Gordon Biersch Märzen; a third course of Cristina’s Crab Three Way paired with Lagunitas IPA; and for dessert, a Crab Apple Orange Blossom Marshmallow Napoleon paired with Red Hook ESB.

Berkeley's Kitchen is a food network whose primary mission is to promote the appreciation of the diverse ethnic cuisines available in the City of Berkeley and beyond, while also emphasizing balanced meals and sustainable foods. One of the principle goals of Berkeley's Kitchen is to support charitable works. More information is available at www.berkeleyskitchen.com.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Café de la Presse Continues Their Culinary Tour de France

2009-11-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Café de la Presse in San Francisco is continuing their Culinary Tour de France dining program. Every two months, a different region in France will be showcased through their traditional dishes and wines which will be offered a la carte, in addition to the regular Café de la Presse menu, and will be available during dinner service. The second stop on this tour is the Champagne region of France.

Below is the menu of Champagne inspired dishes that will be offering during the months of November and December:

Appetizers ~

Salade de Homard
Lobster Salad, Avocado, Haricots Vert, Butter Lettuce, Tomato Confite, Champagne dressing
$19

Tarte Flambée Au Chaource
Crispy Flatbread with Chaource Cheese
Arrugula, Pears & Figs
$12

Entrées ~

Coquilles Saint Jacques Champenoise
Pan Seared Scallops, Salsify, Chanterelle Mushrooms & Baby Turnips, Champagne Emulsion
$25

Coq au Champagne
Braised Chicken Legs with Champagne, Rice Pilaf, Pearl Onions, Oyster Mushrooms
$23

Desserts ~

Marquise Au Chololat
Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake
$9

Opéra
Dark Chocolate & Coffee Opera Cake
$9

Aperitif ~

Strawberry Champagne Cosmo $9.00

Champagne~

NV Laurent Perrier Brut, Champagne, France
Glass $18.50/Bottle $78.00

NV Demoiselle Rosé Brut, Grande Cuvee, Champagne, France
Glass $18.50/Bottle $95.00

Café de la Presse
352 Grant Ave. (at Bush Street)
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-398-2680
www.cafedelapresse.com

Dinner served Sunday – Thursday, 5:30pm - 9:30pm/Friday – Saturday, 5:30pm - 10:00pm

Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 at Left Bank Brasserie on Thursday, Nov. 19

2009-11-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 at Left Bank Brasserie on Thursday, Nov. 19
Enjoy dinner a la carte specials, plus the regular menu, with new wines to try

Left Bank Menlo Park
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
(650) 473-6543

Beaujolais Nouveau A La Carte Specials of the Day:

Pithiviers de Canard/duck and pork, with a Port wine sauce; $9.95
Lotte Poêlée/seared monkfish, artichoke hearts, slow roasted tomatoes, confit fennel, smoked bacon, Beaujolais beurre rouge; $19.95
Entrecôte Grillée/grilled natural ribeye, potato gratin, sautéed Swiss chard, bordelaise sauce; $26.00
Poire Pochée au Beaujolais Nouveau/pear poached in Beaujolais with vanilla crème fraîche and an almond financier; $6.95

Left Bank Santana Row (San Jose)
377 Santana Row, Suite 1100
(408) 984-3500

Beaujolais Nouveau A La Carte Specials of the Day:

Salade des Vignerons aux Escargots/lardons, escargots, mixed greens, caramelized pearl onions, mustard vinaigrette; $12.50
Assiette de charcuteries/chicken truffle mousse, pate de campagne, saucisson (Salame), jambon de pays (proscuitto); $14.00
Boeuf Bourguignon/red wine braised beef stew with baby vegetables and egg noodles; $24.95
Saucisses Grillées/house made pork sausages with red wine braised lentils and baby vegetables; $16.00
Tarte aux Poires/Beaujolais poached brown butter pear tart with crème fraiche ice cream; $6.50

Left Bank Larkspur
507 Magnolia Avenue
(415) 927-3331

Beaujolais Nouveau A La Carte Specials of the Day:

Les Charcuteries Maison – house made cured meat specialties served with whole grain mustard, cornichons & quince chutney; $4.00 each, taste of four for $12.00, or Le Grand Plat assortment of all for $22.00
- Paté de Campagne – country style pâté
- Mousse de foie de volaille aux truffes – truffled chicken liver mousse
- Jambon persillé – house cured ham terrine with parsley
- Rillettes de canard – shredded duck confit pâté
- Saucisson de chevreuil – rustic venison sausage
- Saucisson Lyonnais aux pistaches et aux morilles – pork sausage with pistachios & morels
Appetizers:
Escargots à la Bourguignonne – garlic, parsley, butter; $9.75
Œuf de Canard en Meurette – poached duck egg, bacon, mushrooms, red wine sauce; $8.50
Main Courses:
Sandre aux Échalottes Confites – Walleye, shallot confit, Savoy cabbage; $19.75
Petit Salée – du Puy lentils, baby back ribs, pork cheeks, Morteau sausage; $18.95
Fromage: One $5.50, Two $9.50, Three $12.50
Époisses de Bourgogne – soft ripened cow’s milk, rind washed with Marc de Bourgogne
Château de Bourgogne – triple cream cow’s milk, white bloomy rind
Mâconnais – goat’s milk, spicy, soft and luscious
Dessert:
Tarte Tatin – caramelized apple gateau; $6.00
Bugnes Lyonnaise – traditional Lyon style fritters; $4.50

Le Menu Prix-Fixe à 34 dollars:
- choice of three charcuterie items or one appetizer
- choice of entrée
- choice of one cheese or dessert

San Francisco Bay Area Thanksgiving Restaurant Dining Options

2009-10-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

231 Ellsworth / 650.347.7231
231 S. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
Open Noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $59.00 per person with optional wine pairing available for an additional $20.00 per person, options for children under 12 for $30.00, all excluding tax and gratuity. Three soup choices including Australian butternut squash soup, sherried mascarpone, maple bacon; chestnut soup, shaved fennel, Provençal olives; or turkey consommé, thyme dumplings followed by a second course with options including young lettuces, avocado, toasted almonds, lemon-soy vinaigrette; arugula, grapes, barely buzzed cheddar, candied hazelnuts, sherry vinaigrette; risotto, Spanish chorizo, Idiazabal cheese, mixed baby vegetables; or seared scallops, roasted yam purée, leek vinaigrette. Main course choices are Scottish salmon, beluga lentils, curried cauliflower; braised short ribs, créme fraîche potatoes, spinach, braising jus; or roasted turkey breast & confit leg with grandma’s stuffing and cranberry sauce followed by dessert choices of apple-cranberry crumble. crème anglaise, apple cider; warm chocolate fondant, liquid caramel, fleur de sel; pecan tart, bourbon glaze, maple ice cream; or trio of autumn sorbets ~ pumpkin pie, pomegranate, and pear.

Beach Chalet / 415.386.8439
1000 Great Highway, San Francisco
Open noon - 10:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe three-course menu, $39.00 per person, children under 12 for $19.00, all excluding tax and gratuity. Main course choices include traditional roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, brioche stuffing, bourbon gravy, baby carrots and cranberry sauce; roasted rack of lamb with fennel brandade, zucchini and tomato gratin, Kalamata olive and thyme jus, seared dayboat scallops with sweet potato ravioli, sage and wild mushrooms; and baked carrot and radiatore pasta (vegetarian) white cheddar, French round carrots, English peas and roasted parsnips.

Cetrella / 650.726.4090
845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Open Noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $50.00 per person excluding tax and gratuity. The prix fixe entrée selections will be wood oven roasted Marin County turkey, wild mushroom stuffing, truffle scented gravy, caramelized yams, braised Brussels sprouts, Yukon gold potato and celeriac purée and cranberry sauce; roasted butternut and kabocha squash ravioli, toasted walnut pistou, pomegranate relish and 24-month aged comté cheese; or wood oven roasted black grouper, Lacopi Farm beans fricassée, roasted jus de poulet, king trumpet mushrooms and crispy shallots.

Home Restaurant / 415.503.0333
2100 Market Street, San Francisco
Open noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe three-course menu, $40.00 per person, excluding tax, gratuity. Wine pairings with the prix fixe will be offered for an additional $15.00. A children’s menu priced at $20.00 will be available. The prix fixe entrée selections will be a traditional Turkey dinner or Honey Glazed Ham or a vegetarian option. Dessert selections include Pumpkin Pie and Pear Sorbet.

Lake Chalet / 510.208.5253
1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland
Open 11:00 AM -10:00 PM. Serving only a Thanksgiving buffet featuring roasted turkey, prime rib and grilled salmon with traditional side dishes including stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, candied yams, glazed carrots, pecan salad, beets, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, a fruit platter and more, plus pumpkin and pecan pie. $32.00 per person, $16.00 for children 11 and under, $26.00 for seniors, plus tax and gratuity.

LB Steak / 408.244.1180
334 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose
Open noon - 8:00 PM. Serving a limited a la carte menu plus two holiday prix fixe four-course menus, one with Norbest natural roasted turkey as the entrée for $22.50 per person and the other with Omaha prime rib of beef “au jus” as the entree for $30.00. The turkey prix fixe entrée will include turkey breast with turkey leg confit, leeks and chanterelle mushrooms, sourdough herbs muffin, Brussels sprout with lardoons and cranberry relish plus soup, salad and dessert and the beef entrée will include slow roasted, pepper-herb crusted prime rib of beef, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, fall vegetables gateau and horseradish cream sauce plus soup, salad and dessert.

Left Bank Larkspur / 415.927.3331
507 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur
Open noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $39.75 per person, excluding tax, gratuity. There will be a vegetarian option and a children’s menu. The prix fixe selections, which can also be purchased on an a la carte basis, will include such entrées as Norbest natural roasted turkey with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing, Brussels sprouts with lardoons, candied yams, giblet gravy and orange-cranberry relish; smoked honey-mustard glaze natural rack of pork with celery root mousseline and prunes poached in cognac; or autumn risotto with a seasonal mushroom fricassee. A limited a la carte bar menu will also be available

Left Bank Menlo Park / 650.473.6543
635 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
Open noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $39.75 per person, excluding tax, gratuity. There will be a vegetarian option and a children’s menu. The prix fixe selections, which can also be purchased on an a la carte basis, will include such entrées as Norbest natural roasted turkey with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing, Brussels sprouts with lardoons, candied yams, giblet gravy and orange-cranberry relish; smoked honey-mustard glaze natural rack of pork with celery root mousseline and prunes poached in cognac; or autumn risotto with a seasonal mushroom fricassee. A limited a la carte bar menu will also be available

Left Bank Santana Row / 408.984.3500
377 Santana Row, Suite 1100, San Jose
Open noon - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $39.75 per person, excluding tax, gratuity. There will be a vegetarian option and a children’s menu. The prix fixe selections, which can also be purchased on an a la carte basis, will include such entrées as Norbest natural roasted turkey with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing, Brussels sprouts with lardoons, candied yams, giblet gravy and orange-cranberry relish; smoked honey-mustard glaze natural rack of pork with celery root mousseline and prunes poached in cognac; or autumn risotto with a seasonal mushroom fricassee. A limited a la carte bar menu will also be available

Park Chalet / 415.386.8439
1000 Great Highway, San Francisco
Open noon - 10:00 PM. Offering a Bottomless Champagne Buffet only featuring Thanksgiving favorites and alternatives for $39.00 per person, $19.00 for children 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity. Selections include roast turkey with traditional gravy, roast lamb chop with rosemary au jus, brioche stuffing, brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli Mornay, macaroni and cheese, house smoked salmon with flat bread, cauliflower, red onion and olive salad, chilled peel-and-eat shrimp, butternut squash soup, garden and Caesar salads, bread pudding, pumpkin cupcakes and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Plumed Horse / 408 867.4711
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
Seatings from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Serving only a prix fixe four-course menu, $80.00 per person, excluding tax, gratuity. Prix fixe course selections will include traditional Thanksgiving offerings as well as Plumed Horse signature dishes.

The Franciscan Crab Restaurant / 415 362.7733
Pier 43½, San Francisco
Open 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Regular a la carte menu plus a traditional holiday prix fixe dinner with salad, clam chowder, roasted turkey breast, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry chutney, stuffing and pumpkin pie á la mode for $29.95 and a children’s menu priced at $19.95.

The Stinking Rose / 415.781.7673
325 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
Open 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM Regular a la carte menu plus a holiday prix fixe dinner with a house salad, 400 clove garlic roasted turkey breast, gravy, mashed yams, cranberry sauce, stuffing and pumpkin pie a la mode for $29.95 and a children’s menu priced at $19.95.

Urban Tavern / 415.923.4400
333 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco
Open 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM; Serving regular a la carte menu plus a Thanksgiving holiday inspired four-course prix fixe menu for $34.95 and a children’s option for $10.00. The prix fixe menu will include an artisan cheese plate with Acme bread, olives, and cornishons; a chicory salad with apples and homemade creamy blue cheese dressing or lobster bisque; roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, wild mushroom stuffing, candied yams and cranberry sauce; and homemade pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving 2009 Restaurant Dining Options

2009-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant / 415.929.1730
900 North Point Street, San Francisco
www.mccormickandkuletos.com

Open 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Serving their regular a la carte menu plus a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce for $18.95. Also available will be holiday side dishes including mashed potatoes, Marsala pecan yams, Brussels sprouts and more starting at $3.95 each. Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Upside Down Cake will be available for dessert.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto / 510.845.7771
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley
www.spengers.com

Open Noon - 8:00 PM. Serving their regular a la carte menu plus a traditional holiday prix fixe dinner of either a roasted turkey breast entrée or a brown sugar glazed ham entrée or a combination of both, each for $19.95, and all these include sourdough bread stuffing, candied yams, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Chez Papa Resto to Host Sedna Wine Dinner on 11/16

2009-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Chez Papa Resto located at 4 Mint Plaza in San Francisco will host a Sedna Wine Dinner on Monday, November 16 with a tasting of three Cabernet Sauvignons starting at 7:00 PM and dinner beginning at 7:30 PM. The cost of the four-course dinner with pairings is $75.00 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (415) 546-4134.

The Sedna wines being poured are from the Kate’s Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley. The winemaker, Timothy Milos, will be present at the dinner.

Chez Papa Resto is located at 4 Mint Plaza (formerly Jessie Street) between Mission and Market near Fifth Street. Parking is available at nearby City and private garages. Lunch is served Monday to Saturday from 11.30 am to 2:30 pm (until 3:00 pm on Saturday) and dinner Monday to Wednesday from 5:30 to 10:00 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 5:30 to 11:00 pm. Visit Chez Papa Resto on the Web at chezpapasf.com or email to chezpapadining@yahoo.com.

AMUSE BOUCHE
Foie Gras Canapés with Quince Jam

FIRST COURSE
Grilled Monterey Calamari, Piperade Provençale, Chorizo Vinaigrette & Olive Oil
Sedna, Rose de Syrah, Napa Valley 2008

SECOND COURSE
Seared Maine Scallops with Roasted Squash, Chestnuts & Pomegranate Glaze
Sedna Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2005

THIRD COURSE
Spice Crusted Venison Loin with a Celery Root Mousseline, Apples, Syrah Sauce
Sedna Syrah, Napa Valley 2004

FOURTH COURSE
Chocolate Cremeux, Poached Pear, Saffron Anglaise, Cocoa Soil
Sedna Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco Hosts A Tasting Tour of Mexico

2009-10-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco hosts, on November 17 and 18, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., A Tasting Tour of Mexico. The culinary tour includes a 5-course high end meal, plus an amuse bouche and two palate cleansers, for $45.00, with wine pairings for an additional $15.00

Nob Hill Grille
969 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5985
www.NobHillGrille.com

A Tasting Tour of Mexico

Course 1 trio of mini tacos
Roasted chicken in a poblano salsaButter poached prawn in a passilla salsaGrilled flank steak in a pipian salsa

Course 2
Bay scallop ceviche with sliced cucumbers, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno and key lime juice on a fresh made corn tostada.

Course 3
Pan seared red snapper with a tomatillo salsa, fresh crushed pico de gallo and roasted pumpkinseed topping, plus a slow cooked pinto bean purée.

Course 4
Braised beef cheek in a true poblano mole, Mexican red rice and plantain chips.

Course 5
Mexican hot chocolate with an assortment of traditional home made and imported Mexican cookies for dipping.

Urban Tavern Debuts Daily $7.00 Fall Lunch Special

2009-10-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco has introduced a daily $7.00 lunch special with a different offering each day of the week, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, and available in addition to the restaurant’s regular a la carte menu.

The lunch special includes a soft drink or iced tea plus 5 hours of complimentary parking at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Urban Tavern serves American gastropub cuisine prepared with seasonal, fresh, often locally sourced organic ingredients.

On Mondays, the special menu item being offered changes weekly, on Tuesdays it’s spaghetti and meatballs, on Wednesdays it’s Irish stew, on Thursday’s it’s baked macaroni and cheese, on Fridays it’s “uptown” rice and beans, on Saturday’s it’s a hot dog and a draft beer, and on Sundays diners can enjoy pork posole.

Urban Tavern's interior design is the creation of a team comprised of Donna Scala and Gensler Design. Highlights include a striking full-size horse sculpture by Arizona artist Doug Owen welded together from tractor, motorcycle and car parts, underscoring Urban Tavern’s green sensibilities while juxtaposing old and new, rural and urban - elements found throughout the restaurant. Also notable are the intimate booths, reclaimed wood beams and claddings, a communal table made from a recovered fallen tree, plaster walls, exposed concrete, a marble-topped bar and saddle-shaped bar stools.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Cetrella Restaurant Presents October Prix Fixe Pumpkin Dinners

2009-10-02T19:39:00.002-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay has announced that during the month of October, they’ll be serving a $25.00 three-course prix fixe dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that showcases pumpkin.

The prix fixe menu will include Cream of Kabocha Squash with “cappuccino” cinnamon foam, Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with butternut squash ravioli, brown butter, sage and walnuts, and Pumpkin Crème Brulée with gingerbread ice cream.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

Cetrella Restaurant to Host Jordan Vineyard & Winery Wine Dinner on 10/30

2009-10-02T19:39:00.001-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay will host a Jordan Vineyard & Winery Wine Dinner on Friday, October 30 with a tasting reception starting at 6:30 PM and dinner beginning at 7:00 PM. Jordan’s Kevin Olmstead will be present at the event. The cost of the four-course dinner is $100.00 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (650) 726-4090.

Cetrella’s Executive Chef Sylvain Montassier prepares award winning Mediterranean fare with progressive French technique and flair.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

FIRST COURSE
Japanese Kobe Beef Carpaccio
Roasted mitsutaike mushroom, smoked Medjool date purée & bliss vinegar
2000 JORDAN WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Definitive Jordan, well-balanced & elegant, richly textured with layers of blackberry, cherry & cassis

SECOND COURSE
Iacopi Farms Bean Cassoulet
California white seabass & scallop “sausage”
2001 JORDAN WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Rich, elegantly styled Cabernet, with generous ripe plum, black cherry, herb and fresh earth notes that are vibrant and complex. Excellent balance, finishing with a long, clean aftertaste.

THIRD COURSE
Lapsang Souchong Tea-Braised Grass Fed Beef Cheeks, Daylight Farms squash composition
2002 JORDAN WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Very rich in texture with opulent flavors of ripe blackberry, cherry & cassis; a lingering finish of subtle earth, cigar tobacco, cedar, & a well integrated & restrained framework of oak.

FOURTH COURSE
Frog Hollow Farm Pear Tarte Tatin
light Ceylon cinnamon custard & gingerbread ice cream
1982 JORDAN WINERY RIVIÈRE RUSSE
Perfume of intense honey & apricot, yet in the palate the balance of sugar and natural acidity supports the fruit in the mouth and leaves a long lasting finish without being cloying.

Live Jazz in October at Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay

2009-10-02T19:38:00.001-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay has announced their October schedule of live jazz entertainment. The program, which runs from 7:30 to 10:30 PM, includes:

Friday October 2 - Valeriana Quevedo (Latin jazz and vocalist)
Saturday October 3 - Darlene Langston (jazz and blues vocalist)

Friday October 9 - John R Burr (jazz and folk pianist)
Saturday October 10 - Elaine Lucia (jazz vocalist), Jean-Michel Huré (jazz pianist)

Friday October 16 - Bobbe Norris (vocalist), Larry Dunlap (jazz pianist)
Saturday October 17 - Mark Robinson (vocalist)

Friday October 23 - Deborah Winters (jazz vocalist and guitarist)
Saturday October 24 - Masha Campagne (jazz vocalist)

Friday October 30 - Danny Heines (guitarist and singer)
Saturday October 31 - check with restaurant for final details

Cetrella’s Executive Chef Sylvain Montassier prepares award winning Mediterranean fare with progressive French technique and flair.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant/Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto Offer Veterans Free Entree

2009-09-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday Free Entrée Offer Enables Veterans’ Families to Dine Together During the Weekend

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant (in San Francisco in Ghirardelli Square/(415) 929-1730) and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto (in Berkeley at 1919 Fourth Street/(510) 845-7771) have announced that they will be offering all U.S. military veterans a free lunch or dinner entrée on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in appreciation for their service to our country.

Due to the success of last year’s event, McCormick & Kuleto’s and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto will again hold this year’s event on the Sunday prior to the national Veterans’ Day holiday to enable families to dine together with the veterans in their lives.

The restaurants will offer a free entree to those defined as a veteran by the Veterans Administration, Title 38 US Code 101, which is a person who served in the active military, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans will be asked to show proper identification.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as a number of state Veterans Departments, has lauded this Veterans Appreciation program.

The Park Chalet Hosts Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

2009-09-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Park Chalet hosts Ocean Beach Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 26 with free live musical entertainment provided by Deutscher Musikverein of San Francisco, a 25 piece oompah brass band, and by the San Francisco Accordion Society. Both of these bands are comprised of volunteer musicians interested in cultural preservation and they will be playing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A litre (34 fl oz) sized Ocean Beach Oktoberfest decorative souvenir beer stein, filled with a litre of beer, will be on sale for $17.00. A refill of that stein will be offered for $11.00. A German-style Düsseldorf Altbier, a hand crafted micro brew from The Beach Chalet, will be poured.

Complementing the musical entertainment and the beer will be the availability of Bratwurst sausages, BBQ favorites and other food specials appropriate to the occasion. The presence of servers dressed up as Bavarian barmaids will add to the festivities.

Park Chalet, outside on the lawn
1000 Great Highway @ Ocean Beach
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 386-8439
http://www.parkchalet.com

Café de la Presse Debuts Culinary Tour de France dining program

2009-09-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Beginning in September, Café de la Presse in San Francisco debuts a monthly changing Culinary Tour de France dining program. Each month, a different region in France will be showcased through their traditional dishes and wines which will be offered a la carte, in addition to the regular menu, and will be available at dinner only.

The first stop on this tour is Bordeaux, in the Gironde Aquitaine.

Bordeaux is associated with the great wines produced in the region and is also the name of the busy port and capital city of the Aquitaine region. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century.

Below is the menu of classic Bordeaux dishes that will be offering during September:

Terrine De Foie Gras Au Sauterne, $19.00
Duck Foie Gras Terrine, Sauterne Jelly

Six Huîtres, Mignonette, $15.00
Six Oysters In Half Shell

Entrecôte Bordelaise, $36.00
Grilled Ribeye Steak, Bone Marrow, Bordelaise Sauce

Magret de Canard aux Cèpes, $24.00P
an Roasted Duck Breast With Porcini Mushrooms

Filet D’ Esturgeon Roti, $24.00
Roasted Wild Sturgeon With Green Lentils

Poire Pochée Au Saint Émilion, Sorbet Au Cabernet Sauvignon, $8.00
Poached Pear With Saint Emilion, Cabernet Sauvignon Sorbet

Pots De Crème Au Chocolat, Meirveilles Au Cognac, $8.00
Milk Chocolate Cream With Cognac Fritters

Café de la Presse
352 Grant Ave. (at Bush St.)
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-398-2680
www.cafedelapresse.com

Dinner served Monday – Thursday, 5:30pm - 9:30pm/Friday – Sunday, 5:30pm - 10:00pm

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park Adds a Dessert Buffet to Their Sunday Brunch

2009-09-12T15:43:00.001-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park, known for their Sunday brunch, has added a new $6.00 per person dessert buffet which includes a chocolate fountain with fruit and pastries for dipping, plus the restaurant’s signature profiteroles and crème brûlée as well as fondant cake, cheesecake, petit financier, macaroons and more. Brunch is served from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

Unchanged is the availability of French-style breakfast entrees such as Oeufs Bénédicte, Pain Perdu (French toast), and Crêpes, plus Le Tarte Lyonnaise (leek and onion tart with applewood smoked bacon), Moules Frites (steamed mussels, spinach, white wine, shallots, garlic, pommes frites), and Le Canard Deux Façons (roasted duck breast and leg confit with a seasonal fruit sauce).

Left Bank Brasserie
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 473-6543
www.leftbank.com

Left Bank Brasserie hours of operation:
Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:00pm
Friday: 11:30am - 11:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday (Brunch/Dinner): 11:00am - 10:00pm

231 Ellsworth Introduces New Four-Course Tasting Menu

2009-09-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

231 Ellsworth Executive Chef Isaac Miller has introduced a new four-course tasting menu priced at $64.00 per person/with wine $99.00 per person, and it’s available nightly.

Sample Tasting Menu

Seared heirloom tomato, shaved coffee bean, Barely Buzzed cheddar, and mango vinaigrette 2006 Silex d'Orfeuilles Vouvray (Chenin Blanc), Loire Valley, Reugny, France
******
Butter-poached lobster, fennel tempura, carrot purée, sea urchin bisque 2006 Domaine Bernard Morey Chassagne-Montrachet “Vieilles Vignes” Appellation Chassagne-Montrachet Contrôlée, Côte-D'Or, France
******
Rack of lamb, corn ratatouille, rosemary brown butter sauce 2005 Traverso Wines “Stag's Leap District” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California
******
Peach soup, lychee nuts, new crop almonds and basil foam Sommelier's nightly selection of Riesling

231 Ellsworth Restaurant
231 S. Ellsworth Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-347-7231
www.231ellsworth.com

231 Ellsworth Restaurant hours:
Lunch Tuesday through Friday 11:30am – 1:30pm
Dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Dinner Friday and Saturday 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Chez Papa Resto Introduces "Wine Nights"

2009-09-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Chez Papa Resto has introduced “Monday & Tuesday Wine Nights with the Wine Director.” Every Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., premier wines selected by Wine Director George Aknin will offered for up to 55% off the current list price, plus there will be no corkage fee charged on these evenings. Extraordinary prices on select wines by the glass will also be available.

Examples of the deals to be had include a 1999 Lucien Le Moine, Le Montrachet, Grand Cru at $550 which will be available for $260; a 1995 Guigal, Cote Rotie, La Landonne, was $650, will be $350; a 2002 Verite, Le Desir from Sonoma County, will go from $355 down to $215; and a 2005 Laroche Chablis, 1er Cru Les Vau de Vey now offered at $40, will be $92.

The Chez Papa Resto wine list has recently been re-focused to in order to bring it more in line with Chef David Bazirgan’s menu and its Provençal orientation. Highlights from the new list include offerings from the Rhône Valley, Languedoc and Roussillon, an area that extends from the Cote Rotie to Saint Tropez and the Spanish border. This area represents roughly 60% of the restaurant’s list, with the remaining 40% devoted to the rest of France.

A distinction has been made between traditional and modern vinification and homage is also paid to the ladies involved in winemaking and/or viticulture in the Rhône Valley, a number of who have created a professional group called “Femmes Vignes Rhone” (femmes vigneronnes) and are making some excellent wines. This is reflected in powerful, rustic and classic bottles, as well as in some more fruit forward, less tannic wines, but all elegant and well crafted. An intriguing contrast will be found between domains where young heirs have kept vines planted by their grand parents, and newcomers who are re-inventing viticulture.

Chez Papa Resto Executive Chef is David Bazirgan is a graduate of the Cambridge Culinary Institute. His professional experience includes stints at Elizabeth Daniel in San Francisco, plus time at No. 9 Park (working with Barbara Lynch), Olives (a protégé of nationally renowned chef Todd English) and Salamander, all in Boston. In 2004, Bazirgan became the Executive Chef of San Francisco’s Baraka and then Chez Papa Bistrot, and later took charge of the kitchen at La Suite. He was selected as one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Rising Star Chefs” for 2005 and received 3-star reviews from the same paper for his work at Baraka and Chez Papa.

Chez Papa Resto has a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm notable for $6.00 cocktails and bar menu bites such as Baked Goat Cheese with Onion Jam and Crostini; Grilled Lamb Chop with Ratatouille; and Tuna Tartare with Cucumber and Espelette Crackers.

Chez Papa Resto is located at 4 Mint Plaza (formerly Jessie Street) between Mission and Market near Fifth Street. Parking is available at nearby City and private garages. Lunch is served Monday to Saturday from 11.30 am to 2:30 pm (until 3:00 pm on Saturday) and dinner Monday to Wednesday from 5:30 to 10:00 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 5:30 to 11:00 pm. Visit Chez Papa Resto on the Web at chezpapasf.com or email to chezpapadining@yahoo.com. For reservations, also available through OpenTable.com, call (415) 546-4134.

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park Announces an End of Summer No Corkage Promotion

2009-09-05T15:53:00.001-07:00

Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park has teamed up with K&L Wines in Redwood City to present an End of Summer no corkage promotion that will run through the end of October.

Purchase any wine at K&L Wines in Redwood City, dine at Left Bank Brasserie Menlo Park for lunch or dinner, present your receipt of purchase to the server and the restaurant will waive their $15.00 corkage fee.

K&L Wines in Redwood City is located at 3005 El Camino Real, telephone, (650) 364-8544.

Left Bank Brasserie
635 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 473-6543
www.leftbank.com

Left Bank Brasserie hours of operation
Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:00pm
Friday: 11:30am - 11:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday (Brunch/Dinner): 11:00am - 10:00pm

LB Steak in Santana Row Introduces Weekend Brunch Service

2009-09-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

LB Steak in Santana Row has introduced weekend brunch service. On Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., diners can now enjoy a la carte brunch offerings such as Eggs Benedict, Waffles, Blueberry Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, Prime Skirt Steak & Eggs, and a Dungeness Crab & Avocado Omelet. A wide range of traditional LB Steak menu items, plus extraordinary libations, are also served during and after brunch hours.

LB Steak
334 Santana Row, Suite 1000
San Jose, California, 95128
(408) 244-1180
www.lbsteak.com

Ozumo Oakland Introduces a “Flight Night” Prix Fixe Dinner Menu

2009-08-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland has announced the introduction of a Saturday night “Flight Night” four-course prix fixe dinner menu that includes paired wine or sake and is priced at $39.00 per person.

This special menu is served only on Saturday nights from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. and is available in any of the restaurant’s dining rooms and at the bar. Reservations are recommended but not required. The menu changes weekly.

Ozumo Oakland was opened last December by Jeremy Umland, Ozumo founder, managing partner and long time Japanese resident/professional baseball player turned entrepreneur. Umland is the culinary pioneer who opened Ozumo San Francisco in 2001 and, in doing so, introduced contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Unites States, bringing together under one roof a sushi bar, sake lounge and robata grill.

The engaging décor at Ozumo Oakland, with an underling theme of water, air and earth, is the work of AGE Design of Japan, headed up by Ichiro Sato, one of Japan’s top interior designers. At the entrance to the restaurant is an oversized solid George Nakashima-style wood door with wood sidelites and a “live” edge. Highlights of the main dining room (seats 78) include earth tone slate floor tiles which extend up the walls and columns, custom oak wood tables and chairs and banquettes covered with traditional Japanese fabrics. Subdued lighting illuminates a second washi art work running the entire length of the west wall. The charcoal fired robata grill (seats 12), with a sunken kitchen area, is notable for its sustainably harvested ramon hard wood counter top.

The Ozumo Oakland sake list, with over 90 brands, is one of, if not the most extensive in this country. The full bar serves signature cocktails such as the Giddy Geisha and Sumo-kaze, plus top wines from around the world and Sapporo and Kirin beer on tap. The bar is decorated with blackened metal and rich wood accents and a large waterfall with stylized leaping fish. A hand-troweled concrete floor embedded with a leaf motif is complemented by an expansive Japanese washi work of art, titled “Surge,” along the back wall. The cozy lounge has tatami mat bench seating with overstuffed pillows.

The restaurant’s intimate sushi bar, topped with salt and pepper granite, also has a sunken kitchen area, allowing the standing chefs and seated diners to see eye to eye, separated by clear glass display cases filled with fresh sushi and sashimi selections, and illuminated by a ribbon of light coming from fixtures housed in a lower soffit.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. Street parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available and valet service is offered. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com/oakland. Reservations are recommended and can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling (510) 286-9866.

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco Hosts A Tribute to Pork

2009-08-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco hosts, on August 25 and 26 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., A Tribute to Pork. The tribute includes a 4-course meal, plus an amuse bouche and two palate cleansers, for $40.00, with wine pairings for an additional $15.00

Nob Hill Grille
969 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5985
www.NobHillGrille.com

A Tribune to Pork Menu

First course-Crispy skin braised pork belly with oyster mushroom risotto and a balsamic glaze

Second course-Pork short ribs smoked with mesquite served with peach coleslaw and pickled fingerling potatoes

Third course-Suckling pig roasted with rosemary and fresh lavender, port reduction, roasted shallots, sautéed baby squash and grilled fennel seed flatbread

Fourth course-Buttery buttermilk biscuits with fresh berries and amaretto crème anglaise

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco Hosts A Tribute to Pork

2009-08-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

Nob Hill Grille in San Francisco hosts, on August 25 and 26 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., A Tribute to Pork. The tribute includes a 4-course meal, plus an amuse bouche and two palate cleansers, for $40.00, with wine pairings for an additional $15.00

Nob Hill Grille
969 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 474-5985
www.NobHillGrille.com

A Tribune to Pork Menu

First course: Crispy skin braised pork belly with oyster mushroom risotto and a balsamic glaze

Second course: Pork short ribs smoked with mesquite served with peach coleslaw and pickled fingerling potatoes

Third course: Suckling pig roasted with rosemary and fresh lavender, port reduction, roasted shallots, sautéed baby squash and grilled fennel seed flatbread

Fourth course: Buttery buttermilk biscuits with fresh berries and amaretto crème anglaise

Spenger’s Announces 9th Annual Crabby Chefs Seafood Festival & Benefit

2009-07-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has announced their 9th annual Crabby Chefs Seafood Festival, this year benefiting the Berkeley Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund’s Camp Scholarship Program. The event will be held on Sunday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The festival includes a colorful “Iron Chef” style culinary competition that culminates with a Crabby Chef being chosen, plus, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., outdoor food booths will be selling cooked crab, crab cakes, clam chowder and other seafood delights, along with beer, wine and soft drinks, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund’s Camp Scholarship Program. There will also be musical entertainment. The culinary competition is free, open for public viewing and will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Also on site for the festivities will be the Pacific Seafood “roadshow,” a mobile retail fish and shellfish store in the form of an 18 wheeler walk-in truck parked adjacent to the event staging area. The public can purchase the freshest seafood available in the Bay Area for preparation at home.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto, established in 1890, is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, just off of I-80. For more information on the Crabby Chef Challenge and Benefit, call Spenger’s at (510) 845-7771.

# # # #

About the beneficiary: The Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund is the fundraising program for Cal Recreational Sports. Donations to the fund will help provide camp scholarships, via a Camp Scholarship Program, to families with economic challenges. Since the program was launched in 2002, the Camp Scholarship Program has helped provide over 300 weeks of camp scholarships to kids living in the East Bay.

16th Annual Shuck & Swallow Challenge & Benefit

2009-07-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

McCormick & Kuleto’s Announces 16th Annual
Shuck & Swallow Challenge
Benefiting the Marine Mammal Center

McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant has announced their 16th annual Shuck & Swallow Oyster Challenge, with an oyster and wine pairing benefit event immediately following the competition, to be held on Tuesday, October 6th.

The oyster and wine pairing will benefit The Marine Mammal Center and will be held at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant at 900 North Point in San Francisco. The pairing will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets, available at the door, are $30.00 per person with the net proceeds being donated to The Marine Mammal Center.

The oyster competition involves approximately a dozen teams, each consisting of two members from various Bay Area restaurants, competing to shuck and eat as many oysters as possible in 10 minutes. The current record is just under 200. Viewing the competition is free and begins at 5:00 p.m.

The judges’ panel will include members of The Marine Mammal Center. Bay Area radio personality Sterling James will be returning for the twelfth year in a row as this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Event co-sponsors include Ghirardelli Square.

For more information on the Shuck & Swallow Oyster Challenge and the oyster and wine pairing benefit, call McCormick & Kuleto’s at (415) 929-1730 or (415) 929-8374.

Cetrella Restaurant to Host Ridge Vineyards Wine Dinner on 8/14

2009-07-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay will host a Ridge Vineyards Wine Dinner on Friday, August 14 with a tasting reception starting at 6:30 PM and dinner beginning at 7:00 PM. The cost of the four-course dinner is $95.00 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (650) 726-4090.

Cetrella has introduced a new Executive Chef, Sylvain Montassier. Chef Montassier has enhanced the restaurant’s award winning Mediterranean fare by infusing a new suite of menus with progressive French technique and flair.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

FIRST COURSE
Blue Fin Tuna Toro “Sashimi”
organic Maui pineapple tartare, watermelon variations, crispy yuba
RIDGE 2007 CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATE CHARDONNAY
Wine Spectator 93 “Combines richness with an elegant, delicate mouth feel,
showing deep layers of ripe fig, honeydew melon, ripe green pear & smoky oak.”

SECOND COURSE
Wood Oven Roasted Squab Breast
braised leg & cabbage napoleon, red wine risotto, burdock & foie gras cylinder, parmesan-ginger froth
RIDGE 2006 CALIFORNIA LYTTON SPRINGS
International Wine Cellar 92 “Vivid red & dark berry aromas are complemented
by dusty floral & mineral notes, with a suave rose quality gaining power
with air. Deep cassis & bitter cherry flavors are energized by tangy minerality;
picking up exotic floral pastille and candied licorice nuances of the back end.”

THIRD COURSE
Wood Oven Roasted Elysian Fields Lamb Loin
sweet potato boulangere, pickled Morello cherries, sweet Maui onion marmalade, Lacopi Farm big “peas”
RIDGE 2006 CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATE CAB/MERLOT
“An exemplary wine…deep and rich yet elegantly restrained …a nose
of black and dark fruits, licorice, burning wood, vanilla and violets
..the mouth feel is silky and the structure is impeccable.”

FOURTH COURSE
Frog Hollow Farm Roasted Suncrest Peach Scented with Lemon Verbena
fennel pollen scented genoise, toasted Marcona almonds, Mexican vanilla ice cream
RIDGE 2007 ESSENCE

Ozumo Oakland Introduces a “Robata Experience” Prix Fixe Dinner Menu

2009-07-22T19:54:00.001-07:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland has announced the introduction of a “Robata Experience” five-course prix fixe dinner menu that includes a glass of wine or sake and is priced at $49.00 per person.

The special menu is served only at the restaurant’s robata grill counter and is prepared by Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki who custom designs the dining experience in consultation with each guest. Robata grills are a traditional way of preparing Japanese cuisine and Chef Matsuzaki is a master at this. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Chef Matsuzaki is a graduate of the Peter Kump Culinary School and began his culinary career at Montrachet and then moved to Nobu Restaurant, both in New York City. His first job in California was at Rubicon in San Francisco. He has subsequently also worked at Farallon, Cityscape, and Sutra. Most recently, Matsuzaki was the Executive Chef at Ozumo San Francisco.

Ozumo Oakland was opened last December by Jeremy Umland, Ozumo founder, managing partner and long time Japanese resident/professional baseball player turned entrepreneur. Umland is the culinary pioneer who opened Ozumo San Francisco in 2001 and, in doing so, introduced contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Unites States, bringing together under one roof a sushi bar, sake lounge and robata grill.

The engaging décor at Ozumo Oakland, with an underling theme of water, air and earth, is the work of AGE Design of Japan, headed up by Ichiro Sato, one of Japan’s top interior designers. At the entrance to the restaurant is an oversized solid George Nakashima-style wood door with wood sidelites and a “live” edge. Highlights of the main dining room (seats 78) include earth tone slate floor tiles which extend up the walls and columns, custom oak wood tables and chairs and banquettes covered with traditional Japanese fabrics. Subdued lighting illuminates a second washi art work running the entire length of the west wall. The charcoal fired robata grill (seats 12), with a sunken kitchen area, is notable for its sustainably harvested ramon hard wood counter top.

The adjacent Kotatsu Room (seats 24), available for nightly or private function dining, is walled off on two sides by clear glass panels with glass shelves lined with sake bottles. A 20’ tall Japanese paper lantern creates a dramatic interior backdrop and acts as a beacon to outside passersby. The centerpiece of this shoes-off, uniquely Japanese room is a 12' solid oak wood table surrounded by elevated bench seats.

The Ozumo Oakland sake list, with over 90 brands, is one of, if not the most extensive in this country. The full bar serves signature cocktails such as the Giddy Geisha and Sumo-kaze, plus top wines from around the world and Sapporo and Kirin beer on tap. The bar is decorated with blackened metal and rich wood accents and a large waterfall with stylized leaping fish. A hand-troweled concrete floor embedded with a leaf motif is complemented by an expansive Japanese washi work of art, titled “Surge,” along the back wall. The cozy lounge has tatami mat bench seating with overstuffed pillows.

The restaurant’s intimate sushi bar, topped with salt and pepper granite, also has a sunken kitchen area, allowing the standing chefs and seated diners to see eye to eye, separated by clear glass display cases filled with fresh sushi and sashimi selections, and illuminated by a ribbon of light coming from fixtures housed in a lower soffit.

The Oakland location also has a private dining room, complete with sliding shoji screen doors, which seats up to 50 people, making it one of the foremost such non-hotel venues in the East Bay. The room has oak wood floors and soffits and is decorated with a washi art piece, “Blue Moon,” framed in by traditional Japanese textured stucco. Full-restaurant private lunches and off-site catering are specialties of the house.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. Street parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available and valet service is offered. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com/oakland. Reservations are recommended and can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling (510) 286-9866.

Urban Tavern Introduces A Kids Dining Program

2009-07-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco has introduced a new Kids Program geared towards children aged four to twelve years of age. The program includes a special menu, the availability of DVD players and a monthly art competition. Parents will likely appreciate the five hours of free parking provided when dining at the restaurant.

The all new kid’s menu is priced at $10.00 and young diners get an entrée, starch, vegetable, and dessert. Among the beverage options is a $3.00 milk flight comprised of portions of Vitamin D, strawberry and chocolate milk. A full American Buffet breakfast is offered to children for $5.95.

Urban Tavern now also has available ten portable DVD players with screening options that range from Scooby Doo to Baby Felix the Cat.

To help stimulate the creativity of their young diners, Urban Tavern has begun hosting a youth art competition. A monthly selected winner will receive two tickets to the San Francisco Academy of Science and the winning illustration be displayed in the restaurant’s front window for the entire next month. At the end of the year, one of the monthly winners will receive two tickets to Universal Studios in Los Angeles and a weekend stay at a Hilton family property.

For big kids, Urban Tavern serves American gastropub cuisine prepared with seasonal, fresh, often locally sourced organic ingredients. All Urban Tavern menus are created by a culinary team consulting with acclaimed chef Donna Scala.

Urban Tavern's interior design is the creation of Donna Scala and Gensler Design. Highlights include a striking full-size horse sculpture by Arizona artist Doug Owen welded together from tractor, motorcycle and car parts, underscoring Urban Tavern’s green sensibilities while juxtaposing old and new, rural and urban - elements found throughout the restaurant. Also notable are the intimate booths, reclaimed wood beams and claddings, a communal table made from a recovered fallen tree, plaster walls, exposed concrete, a marble-topped bar and saddle-shaped bar stools.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Spenger's Announces Backpack Drive to Help Underprivileged Youth

2009-07-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of helping those in need during the upcoming “back to school” season, Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley has announced a month-long school backpack collection drive to be held during August, organized to provide backpacks for underprivileged children via The Berkeley Boosters/Police Activities League (PAL).

Throughout the August back to school Backpack Drive, Spenger’s will give away a $10.00 dining certificate in exchange for every new or good condition backpack dropped off at the restaurant. This gift certificate is good towards lunch or dinner at Spenger’s.

The Berkeley Boosters PAL program hosts after school recreational activities such as arts and crafts, camping, hiking, basketball, soccer, swimming, tutoring and youth leadership programs, plus summer camp, for the youth of Berkeley. For more information visit www.berkeleyboosters.org.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

At Spenger’s, Blueberries Mean $ for the American Heart Association

2009-07-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

July is National Blueberry Month and Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley is making the most of it by offering Blueberry Shortcake as their summer dessert special through August 31.

For every Blueberry Shortcake purchased, the restaurant will make a donation to the American Heart Association.

For only $4.95, guests can enjoy freshly baked shortcake with lemon essence filled with orange-marinated highbush blueberries and topped with whipped cream and crème fraiche.

Attached is a recipe for Blueberry Shortcake and an image of the finished, plated dessert.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 845-7771
www.spengers.com

Urban Tavern Partners with Shorenstein to Offer a Pre-Theatre Dining Package

2009-07-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Urban Tavern in downtown San Francisco has announced that they have partnered with Shorenstein Hays Nedelander (the Shorenstein Theatre Group) to offer a pre-theatre dinner package available daily until further notice.

Priced at $34.95, the package includes a three-course prix fixe meal, a glass of wine and five hours of complimentary parking. For an additional $15.00 per person, guests will be transported, via town car or limo, to and from the theatre that they will be attending.

The package is valid with proof of a theatre ticket for a Shorenstein Hays Nedelander performance and guests should mention this package when booking their reservation.

Urban Tavern serves American gastropub cuisine prepared with seasonal, fresh, often locally sourced organic ingredients.

The interior design at Urban Tavern is the creation of restaurateur Donna Scala and Gensler Design. Highlights include a striking full-size horse sculpture by Arizona artist Doug Owen welded together from tractor, motorcycle and car parts, underscoring Urban Tavern’s green sensibilities while juxtaposing old and new, rural and urban - elements found throughout the restaurant. Also notable are the intimate booths, reclaimed wood beams and claddings, a communal table made from a recovered fallen tree, plaster walls, exposed concrete, a marble-topped bar and saddle-shaped bar stools.

Urban Tavern is located at 333 O’Farrell Street near Mason Street in downtown San Francisco, California. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s Web address is www.urbantavernsf.com. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.com or by calling (415) 923-4400.

Live Jazz in July at Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay

2009-07-03T17:39:00.001-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay has announced their July schedule of live jazz entertainment. The program, which runs from 7:30 to 10:30 PM, includes:

Friday July 3 - David Ervin (Jazz and old timey swing piano)
Saturday July 4 - Mark Robinson (vocalist)

Friday July 10 - Maye Cavallaro (jazz vocalist) and Alan Steger (jazz pianist)
Saturday July 11 - Masha Campagne (jazz vocalist)

Friday July 17 - John R Burr (jazz and folk pianist)
Saturday July 18 - Darlene Langston (jazz and blues vocalist)

Friday July 24 - John R Burr (jazz and folk pianist) and Jenna Mammina (vocalist)
Saturday July 25 - Deborah Winters (jazz vocalist/guitarist/songwriter)

Friday July 31 - David Ervin (Jazz and old timey swing piano)

Cetrella, now reopen after a winter hiatus, has introduced a new Executive Chef, Sylvain Montassier. Chef Montassier has enhanced the restaurant’s award winning Mediterranean fare by infusing a new suite of spring menus with progressive French technique and flair.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

Cetrella Restaurant Presents Sunday Brunch with Singers from Opera San Jose on July 26

2009-07-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant in Half Moon Bay has announced that their July 26 Sunday Brunch will include live performances by members of Opera San Jose. Brunch will be served from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and arias from Manon, Cinderella, The Marriage of Figaro and La Rondine will be sung in two sets between noon and 1:00 pm. There is no cover charge. Event co-sponsors are Cetrella, Opera San Jose and the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Bureau. Reservations are required and can be made through OpenTable.com or by calling the restaurant at (650) 726-4090.

Sunday Brunch at Cetrella ($35.00 plus a la carte options) features the progressive French cuisine of Executive Chef Sylvain Montassier who hails from the Saumer culinary academy and the French kitchens of Jean Bardet, Michel Gaudin, Georges Blanc, and, in Switzerland, the Hotel du Rhone, in England, The Waterside Inn and The Savoy, and, stateside, Boulevard in San Francisco, and Alinea, TRU and Isabella's Estiatorio in Chicago. Montassier’s French technique complements locally sourced ingredients such as wild diver and line caught seafood and pedigreed meats and poultry including Alaskan halibut, American Kobe short ribs, and artisanal products from Balakian, Daylight, Giusti, Harley, Iacopi and Pastorino farms. Desserts include strawberries with roasted marshmallow and a chocolate mousse bar.

The Opera San Jose artists performing will be Rebecca Schussler (Soprano), Betany Coffland (Mezzo Soprano), Alexander Boyer (Tenor) and Krassen Karagiozov (Baritone). There will be a raffle conducted during the brunch with the prize, donated by Opera San Jose, being a certificate for a pair of season opening night tickets to the opera Manon, on September 12, 2009.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley Celebrates Millie Spenger’s 92nd Birthday

2009-06-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

July 9 is the 92nd birthday of Millie Spenger, the oldest living member of the family that founded Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley in 1890. Spenger’s subsequently became the longest operating family owned restaurant west of the Mississippi. In the spirit of the occasion, all Spenger’s guests visiting the restaurant on July 9 will receive a complimentary piece of birthday cake.

“We are pleased to be able share such an extraordinary milestone with Millie Spenger and with the dining community that has help make the restaurant the culinary landmark that it has become,” comments Spenger’s General Manager Richard Villarreal. “Millie is an amazing lady and it’s a privilege to know her.”

When the Spenger family decided to retire from the restaurant business about eight years ago, they forged a partnership with Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick of McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants who have a love for historic dining spots and who spent five million dollars to painstakingly refurbish Spenger’s in honor of Millie and her husband Frank.

The Spenger family’s involvement with the seafood restaurant business began in 1865 when Johan (John) Spenger, a fisherman from Bavaria, emigrated from Germany to the Bay Area and began fishing out of San Francisco. In the 1880’s he moved his family to Berkeley, ending up in the current location of Spenger’s on what was then the Fourth Street mud flats.

In addition to the wide variety of the freshest seafood, extraordinary libations are a hallmark of Spenger’s, which pours classic, contemporary and signature cocktails and offers an extensive wine list with 20 selections available by the glass. The restaurant’s unique showcase bars seat walk-in guests without reservations who can order from a bar menu, as well as from the full menu.

Unique to Spenger’s is an extensive collection of nautical memorabilia found throughout the restaurant. The museum-quality artifacts include wood walls and floors from the famous vessels Lurline and Encinal and various ships’ wheels, anchors, rigging, paintings and photographs. In addition there is a sizeable antique gun collection on display, along the “Star of Denmark”, a 34-carat diamond ring given to Hawaii’s Queen Kapiolani in 1887.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California. The restaurant is open nightly for dinner from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Validated parking is available just across from the front door in a private lot. Visit Spenger’s on the web at www.spengers.com. For more information and reservations, also available through www.opentable.com, call (510) 845-7771.

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Showcases Premier Wines at July 23 Dinner

2009-06-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto has announced a “One Fermented Evening” special dinner to be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009, beginning at 6:30 PM.

The evening’s prix fixe menu, prepared by Spenger's Executive Chef Devon Boisen, will consist of four courses, plus an amuse bouche, showcasing seasonally fresh wild salmon paired with a selection of California wines. The cost of the dinner is $69.95 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity. Call (510) 845-7771 to reserve seats for the dinner. Advance reservations are required.

Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto has been one of the Bay Area’s best-known culinary destination points for over 110 years. Adding to the Spenger’s experience are the unique nautical paraphernalia and historic collectibles that are on display throughout the restaurant. Visit Spenger’s on the Web at www.spengers.com. The restaurant is located at 1919 Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, and the telephone number is (510) 845-7771.

Plumed Horse Hosts Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Maker Dinner on Wednesday, July 1

2009-06-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Plumed Horse Hosts Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Maker Dinner on Wed., July 1

Plumed Horse Executive Chef/Owner Peter Armellino and Jason Haas, General Manager of Tablas Creek Vineyard, will present a $135.00 six-course prix fixe menu on Wednesday, July 1 beginning at 7:00 pm.

The cost of the dinner excludes tax and gratuity and advance reservations are required.

Based in Paso Robles, Tablas Creek Vineyard is a joint effort of Robert Haas and the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel from France's Chateauneuf-du-pape region. At Tablas Creek, organically farmed Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, Picpoul Blanc, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc are hand harvested and blended at the winery.

The evening’s menu and wine pairings will be:
Chilled Lobster & Summer Melon Salad
2008 Tablas Creek Vineyard Vermentino
Coachella Valley Corn Soup with house smoked sturgeon and lovage
2007 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel "Blanc"
Alaskan Halibut with duck bouillon, Castelvetrano olive, cherry tomato
2004 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel
Braised Beef Short Rib with Porcini mushroom risotto, glazed shallots
2005 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel
18 Month Point Reyes Blue cheese
Chocolate Divina, cherry gel, orange foam

Plumed Horse Restaurant
(408) 867-4711
14555 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
www.plumedhorse.com

Bastille Day Celebration at Chez Papa Resto on July 14

2009-06-19T20:37:00.001-07:00

Bastille Day Celebration at Chez Papa Resto on July 14

4 Mint Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.546.4134
www.chezpapasf.com

Vive la revolution! Chez Papa Resto is serving a four-course $60.00 prix fixe dinner menu from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Bastille Day, Tuesday July 14. There will also be decorations in the spirit of the occasion and live music on the patio.

Entrée choices on the prix fix menu will be Slow Poached Halibut with melted leeks, haricots verts and a black truffle emulsion; Liberty Farms Duck Confit with parsnip puree, Swiss chard, Rhubarb and a sherry sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops with Bintje potatoes, zucchini farci, ratatouille and a mustard jus; or Grilled Arctic Char with spring garlic, oyster mushrooms, spinach and a sorrel emulsion.

Ozumo Oakland Introduces “All You Can Eat Sushi” Every Monday

2009-06-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Ozumo Restaurant in Oakland has announced the introduction of Sushi Monday’s with an “all you can eat” special menu priced at $30.00 per person and offered every Monday night from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The “all you can eat” special menu is available only at the restaurant’s sushi bar and includes rolls, nigiri and select appetizers prepared by master sushi chef Ido Kiyotaka. Guests choosing to make reservations are asked to mention that they will be coming in specifically for Sushi Monday.

Ozumo Oakland was opened last December by Jeremy Umland, Ozumo founder, managing partner and long time Japanese resident/professional baseball player turned entrepreneur. Umland is the culinary pioneer who opened Ozumo San Francisco in 2001 and, in doing so, introduced contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Unites States, bringing together under one roof a sushi bar, sake lounge and robata grill.

The engaging décor at Ozumo Oakland, with an underling theme of water, air and earth, is the work of AGE Design of Japan, headed up by Ichiro Sato, one of Japan’s top interior designers. At the entrance to the restaurant is an oversized solid George Nakashima-style wood door with wood sidelites and a “live” edge. Highlights of the main dining room (seats 78) include earth tone slate floor tiles which extend up the walls and columns, custom oak wood tables and chairs and banquettes covered with traditional Japanese fabrics. Subdued lighting illuminates a second washi art work running the entire length of the west wall. The charcoal fired robata grill (seats 12), with a sunken kitchen area, is notable for its sustainably harvested ramon hard wood counter top.

The adjacent Kotatsu Room (seats 24), available for nightly or private function dining, is walled off on two sides by clear glass panels with glass shelves lined with sake bottles. A 20’ tall Japanese paper lantern creates a dramatic interior backdrop and acts as a beacon to outside passersby. The centerpiece of this shoes-off, uniquely Japanese room is a 12' solid oak wood table surrounded by elevated bench seats.

The Ozumo Oakland sake list, with over 90 brands, is one of, if not the most extensive in this country. The full bar serves signature cocktails such as the Giddy Geisha and Sumo-kaze, plus top wines from around the world and Sapporo and Kirin beer on tap. The bar is decorated with blackened metal and rich wood accents and a large waterfall with stylized leaping fish. A hand-troweled concrete floor embedded with a leaf motif is complemented by an expansive Japanese washi work of art, titled “Surge,” along the back wall. The cozy lounge has tatami mat bench seating with overstuffed pillows.

The restaurant’s intimate sushi bar, topped with salt and pepper granite, also has a sunken kitchen area, allowing the standing chefs and seated diners to see eye to eye, separated by clear glass display cases filled with fresh sushi and sashimi selections, and illuminated by a ribbon of light coming from fixtures housed in a lower soffit.

The Oakland location also has a private dining room, complete with sliding shoji screen doors, which seats up to 50 people, making it one of the foremost such non-hotel venues in the East Bay. The room has oak wood floors and soffits and is decorated with a washi art piece, “Blue Moon,” framed in by traditional Japanese textured stucco. Full-restaurant private lunches and off-site catering are specialties of the house.

Ozumo Oakland is located at 2251 Broadway, at Grand Avenue. The restaurant is open for dinner, Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. Street parking and nearby off-street lots and garages are readily available and valet service is offered. Visit Ozumo on the Web at www.Ozumo.com/oakland. Reservations are recommended and can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling (510) 286-9866.

# # # #

231 Ellsworth Restaurant Presents an Evening with the King of Mushrooms

2009-06-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

231 Ellsworth Restaurant Presents an Evening with the King of Mushrooms

A special four-course dinner with Todd Spanier of Rei de Funghi
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
$64.00 per person plus tax and gratuity (w/o wine)
$99.00 per person plus tax and gratuity (with wine)

Amuse Bouche
*****
Golden Chanterelles, inaka miso, oranges and basil
2006 Domaine D’Orfeuilles Vouvray Sec “Silex” Loire Valley, Vouvray, France
******
Grey Morels, Serrano ham, fava beans and pickled ramps
2008 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Rosé, Santa Cruz Mountains, Boulder Creek, California
******
Roasted Porcini, veal sweetbreads, tomato conserva and Parmesan Reggiano
2007 Castalia “Rochioli Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Healdsburg, California
******
Mushroom pancakes, apricot compote, pecans and Candy Cap syrup
2005 Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
******

231 Ellsworth Restaurant
231 S. Ellsworth Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-347-7231
www.231ellsworth.com

Credit card reservations required, 48-hour cancellation policy
Seating is limited

Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant Celebrates First Anniversary on July

2009-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant Celebrates First Anniversary on July 25th

Berkeley, CA / June 2009 - Amanda’s Feel Good Fresh Food Restaurant in downtown Berkeley, California, celebrates its first anniversary on Saturday, July 25. Over the last year the restaurant has become known for fresh, naturally delicious food that is easy on your schedule, wallet, and conscience. Amanda’s has received accolades from the San Francisco Chronicle, East Bay Express, and numerous other publications.

Highlights of the daylong celebration will include free food, entertainment, and raffle prizes, including a year’s worth of weekly meals at Amanda’s.

Beginning at noon on July 25, visitors to the Amanda’s will be offered complimentary organic cookies until 2:00 PM, baked fries from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, and organic apple fries from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Concluding the celebration, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, free freshly-made sodas will be offered compliments of the house.

Founder Amanda West launched her namesake quick-service restaurant for diners who want a convenient, tasty, nutritious meal. The menu includes grilled all-natural meat burgers, chicken sandwiches, 100% vegan veggie burgers, freshly made salads, baked fries, raw organic apple “fries” with a honey yogurt dipping sauce, cookies, handmade sodas (sweetened with organic agave nectar), organic milks, and organic/fair-trade coffee and tea. The menu was designed using a nutritional platform recommended by a nutritionist focusing on balancing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates with minimal saturated fat, no transfats, and no corn syrup.

West, who conceived of Amanda’s years ago when working in the natural foods industry, says she created the restaurant to offer quick, delicious, better-for-you foods in an eco-friendly space. She comments: “Our concept is designed to reach both the fast food devotee and the organic shopper.”

“Natural, organic, and healthy foods are often inconvenient, expensive, and unapproachable to most people,” she continues. “We Americans love burgers and fries, but we need a way to eat them that is better for our bodies and the environment.” Amanda’s offers the solution in a restaurant where you can order great tasting menu items that are all 470 calories or less, sit at a communal table made from reclaimed wood, and eat using all compostable serving ware.

Amanda’s is located at 2122 Shattuck Avenue (near Center Street) across from the BART station in downtown Berkeley. Prices range from $1.75 for a freshly made soda to $3.75 for a burger, with a $6.75 combo deal. Hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM seven days a week. For more information visit http://www.amandas.com/, call (510) 548-2122, or follow @amandasberkeley on Twitter.

Cetrella Restaurant to Host Alfaro Family Vineyards & Harley Farms Wine Dinner on 6/30

2009-06-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Cetrella Restaurant to Host Alfaro Family Vineyards & Harley Farms Wine Dinner on 6/30

Cetrella Restaurant located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay will host an Alfaro Family Vineyards & Harley Farms Wine Dinner on Tuesday, June 30 with a tasting reception starting at 6:30 PM and dinner beginning at 7:00 PM. The cost of the four-course dinner, plus the amuse bouche, is $95.00 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (650) 726-4090.

Amuse Bouche
Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Garrotxa and La Quercia ham
2008 Rosé of Estate Pinot Noir
Chilled Arugula Soup - crispy Harley Farms goat cheese coulis stuffed with Valencay goat cheese, walnut crust
2007 “Lindsay Paige Vineyard” Estate Chardonnay

First Course
Warm Harley Farms Goat Cheese Panna Cotta - Mount Shasta porcini broth and Frog Hollow, Farm Brooks cherries
2007 “Schultze Family Vineyard” Pinot Noir

Second Course
Daylight Farm Herbs and Harley Farms Goat Cheese Stuffed Local Sandabs - organic risotto, Collo Rosso cheese, hazelnut gremolata
2006 “Lindsay Paige Vineyard” Estate Pinot Noir

Third Course
Goat Milk Braised Goat Leg with Harley Farms Goat Cheese Macaroni Gratin - roasted organic Pastorino heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto
2006 “Billy K” Estate Merlot

Fourth Course
Harley Farms Goat Cheesecake - Zuckerman blue berries and goat cheese sorbet
2007 Finale, Red Hills, Lake County

Cetrella, now reopen after a winter hiatus, has introduced a new Executive Chef, Sylvain Montassier. Chef Montassier has enhanced the restaurant’s award winning Mediterranean fare by infusing a new suite of menus with progressive French technique and flair.

Cetrella serves dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. and serves Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Located at 845 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California, Cetrella has ample free off-street parking. Visit Cetrella on the Web at www.cetrella.com. Reservations can be made by calling (650) 726-4090 or at www.opentable.com.

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