Fri., Aug. 13:
SFChefs 2010 Wine and Dine Opening Night Celebration: Hog in the Fog
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Union Square Tent
How much: $95
The skinny: Expect an A to Z list of bars, from 15 Romolo and Absinthe to Smuggler's Cove and Tommy's Mexican Restaurant.
Happy Ending with the Tablehopper
When: 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: E&O Trading Co., 314 Sutter (at Grant)
How much: $35
The skinny: Hang out with Marcia Gagliardi (Tablehopper, natch) and enjoy cocktails from Josh Harris and Scott Baird (Bon Vivants), with Asian-inspired street food. The event benefits C.H.E.F.S. (Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Service). It's already sold out, so you'll need either tickets or incredible charm.
Sat., Aug. 14:
Agave, Tequila, and the Margarita Class
When: 10 a.m.-noon
Where: The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell (at Geary)
How much: $20
The skinny: Presented by Eric Rubin, former bar manager of Tres Agaves Restaurant, with the Chronicle's Jon Bonné in the peanut gallery. Discussions on tequila production, tastings, and margarita making/drinking. For $20, a total steal.
The Evolution and Revolution of Gin
When: 10 a.m.-noon
Where: The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell (at Geary)
How much: $20
The skinny: The duo of Simon Ford (Plymouth Gin) and Erick Castro (formerly of Rickhouse) will no doubt be entertaining, tasty, and educational. Includes a few cocktails, making this, too, a great deal.
When: Noon-4 p.m.
Where: Union Square Tent
How much: $125
The skinny: Hefty price, but includes cocktail classes with bar legend Tony Abou-Ganim at 1:20 p.m. at the main stage, and at 3 p.m. in the Visa classroom, along with small-batch bourbon tasting/education at 1:45 p.m. with David Mays. Both are very entertaining dudes. Bonus: food and drink from 30 restaurants and 30 wineries.
Top Chef Happy Hour
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: XYZ Restaurant at the Hotel W, 181 Third St. (at Howard)
How much: $45
The skinny: If you really love the show, hang out with the chefs and watch them flail/make you cocktails and generally have a good time.
