Just overheard on Movin 99.7: Another awesome way to keep that sugar buzz rolling this evening is to get thee to a Coldstone Creamery (Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Tanforan Mall, Daly City), where the "World's Largest Ice Cream Social" of free ice cream will take place from 5-8 p.m. The event was conceived to draw awareness and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the two flavors served were imagineered by Wish children: Jack's Creation is marshmallow ice cream with Oreos, chocolate chips and fudge, while Emily's Creation is Nutter Butter ice cream with white chocolate chips, Kit Kat and yellow cake. (Wow, Emily is my kind of gal!) Find complete details at the Coldstone Creamery site. —Tamara Palmer
I'm still riding the sugar high of Tuesday's Sprinkles Cupcakes opening and I've just learned of a vital error in my mission: Another upscale company, Kara's Cupcakes just debuted a few weeks ago at the Town & Country Village shopping center, which is salivating distance from Sprinkles at Stanford.
But FoodGal's Carolyn Jung knew this and planned her strategy properly, hoping to pit the two spots against each other in friendly battle. At Sprinkles, she encountered a line she didn't have the time to deal with (though it thankfully sounded waaaay shorter than Tuesday's snake of people) and proceeded to Kara's, where she got her cupcakes right away.
Jung certainly saved time, but she didn't save any money, because Kara's are the exact same price as Sprinkles at $3.25 each and $36 a dozen, though Kara's has the additional option of a dozen minis for $24. From Jung's nibbles, they look and sound similarly delicious (especially the chocolate fleur de sel caramel one she mentions).
I also didn't know that Kara's Cupcakes has two San Francisco locations (on Scott and Chestnut in the Marina and in Ghirardelli Square), and is about to open in Santana Row in San Jose (for those with South Bay commutes). Dear readers, I may have slightly faltered on this particular mission (blame the pie), but together we will win the war. —Tamara Palmer
A16 Executive Chef (and co-author of the recently released A16: Food + Wine) Nate Appleman will celebrate his love for the wine and food of Southern Italy with a three-course presentation called "The Cuisine of Campania." While the specific menu is under wraps, Appleman's knowledge and skill in the art of curing meat is well known and possibly provides a hint of what's to be expected. That he was named a James Beard Rising Star Chef of the Year nominee is also another clue that diners will be in great hands. This special lunch is $95 ($80 for Commonwealth Club members) and takes place on Saturday, September 27 at A16 at 12:30 p.m. Visit the Commonwealth Club site for more info and to book. —Tamara Palmer
