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Devilish demoic acid is casting a shadow over crab season again
For the past two years, crab season (SF’s favorite time of the year) has been delayed as the result of high levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin caused by algal blooms. Now, it could be a problem once more as elevated levels have been found along the North Coast, including Fort Bragg. Commercial Dungeness crab season is scheduled to open in part on November 15 from the Sonoma-Mendocino county line down to Santa Barbara; North of Sonoma-Mendocino is scheduled to open December 1, though crabs in that area have shown elevated levels of domoic acid. Officials say it’s too soon to say whether either opening will be delayed.
New chef, new brunch at Bluestem Brasserie
Bluestem Brasserie has a new leader in the kitchen as chef Trevor Ogden joins the team. Formerly the executive chef at Park Tavern, he’s bringing new brunch and dinner menus to the Yerba Buena restaurant on November 14.
Gail Simmons is bringing it home at Rich Table tonight
Tonight is your change to meet and mingle with Gail Simmons, author and Top Chef judge, as she brings her book tour to SF. Prosecco and snacks at Rich Table, plus a signed copy of her book, Bringing It Home! are all included in the ticket price ($125).
All-female speed-bartending competition Speedrack is back
It’s the seventh year for the breast cancer fundraiser driven by female bartenders from around the country, which has raised more than $600,000 for breast cancer charities. Head over to The Gray Area/Grand Theater Art + Technology space on November 5 for punch, charity, and snacks from local vendors. Doors are open at 3 p.m.; tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
La Cocina member Mi Comedor is popping up at Cala
Head over to the Hayes Valley restaurant on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m.- 3 pm. for tacos, including pescado, pollo adobado, cochinita pibil, and kale and huitlacoche with Oaxacan cheese.
ICYMI: Civil Eats is throwing a party, and it’s going to be delicious
Non-profit food news blog Civil Eats will hold its second annual benefit event in San Francisco on Monday, November 13 at the Pearl in the Dogpatch. The food lineup is stacked with Bay Area favorites like Cowgirl Creamery, Nopalito, the Perennial, and SHED, and there’s a full bar as well. Civil Eats’ advisory board members Chef Alice Waters and Ricardo Salvador will be there — tickets are on sale for $125 to $175.
