By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
San Francisco’s premiere culinary festival, Eat Drink SF, is happening at The Midway in the Dogpatch neighborhood, on Saturday, August 24.
Founded 10 years ago by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA) the festival, formerly known as SF Chefs, attracts city dwellers and out-of-towners to its annual celebration of SF Bay Area’s stellar restaurant scene and abundance of culinary talent. With dozens of restaurants participating, and thousands of ticket holders attending, Eat Drink SF directly connects top area chefs with their appreciative fans.
There will be two Grand Tasting sessions presenting some of the best chefs and most coveted restaurants that will change at each session. All food and beverage tastes from more than 25 different restaurants, 30 bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries for the afternoon and evening sessions each are included in the ticket price.
Saturday Afternoon Grand Tasting (12:00-3:30pm) will showcase bites from favorite eateries such as August (1) Five, China Live, ALX, Charlie Palmer Steak Napa, Credo, Trader Vic’s, Thirstybear Brewing, E&O Kitchen and Bar, Dirty Habit and others. In VIP section, guests will get to taste offerings from Ozumo, Valrhona Chocolate, Anton SV Pâtisserie, Fairmont San Francisco, Caviar Fix, and more.
Saturday Evening Grand Tasting (7:00-10:30pm) includes Ayala, M.Y. China, Cockscomb, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, Barcino, Black Cat, Hazel Southern Bar & Kitchen, Serpentine, Le Colonial, Mission Bowling Club, San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery and others. In VIP section, guests may snack on premium bites from Tsar Nicolai Caviar, Pabu, Perbacco, Alexander’s Steakhouse, and more.
Cooking demos will be led by Chef Charlie Palmer, James Beard Award winner, Top Chef Alumnus Rogelio Garcia, and executive pastry chef of Bacchus Management Group Janina O’Leary.
Wines of Provence will provide rosé pairings.
Eat Drink SF will also offer interactive themed rooms for guests to experience brands and restaurants in an “Instagrammable” way including ice cream by RE:THINK Ice Cream, a variety of caviar by Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, sake by Ozumo, and island-inspired fare by Palm House.
At Afternoon Grand Tasting, Gioia Pizzeria will be making their famous New York inspired pizza in a special oven by Woodstone on The Midway’s outdoor patio. Tratto, a modern Italian restaurant, will take over for the Evening Grand Tasting where guests will get the chance to taste their rustic Italian pizza. Also during Evening Grand Tasting there will be a Backyard Bites and Bourbon area where Hollow Cow will be serving elevated New American fare.
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey will present its latest cultural Frontier Works project, The Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Lounge. Guests are invited to stop by to experience a fully 3D printed bar and some of the world’s first 3D printed cocktails, as the brand pushes the boundaries of 3D printing and technology in the world of mixology.
In VIP section, guests can indulge in premium cigars by Oliva Cigar in a special lounge.
Through a partnership with Recology and the San Francisco Conservation Corp, the GGRA has set a goal of achieving a zero-waste event. All paper products will be recycled, all disposable silverware and glassware is made of corn resin and will be composted and there will be water stations for guests to fill up throughout the event. The GGRA encourages attendees to use public transportation, carpool, walk, and bicycle to the event.
Social media hashtag #EDSF, Facebook: @eatdrinksffestival, Instagram/Twitter: @eatdrinksf
Presented by JetBlue, and with this year’s sponsors including Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Don Julio, Don Julio 1942, Fernet, Guinness, iheart Media, JetBlue, Ketel One, Lillet, Maker’s Mark, Oban, Tailisker, Wines of Germany and Bordeaux, and Wine Spectator, Eat Drink SF will hold Grand Tasting Sessions at The Midway, 900 Marin Street, San Francisco.
General Admission tickets: $129, and VIP tickets (include early entry to each Grand Tasting—45 minutes before general admission, premium food and beverage options, and access to an exclusive lounge with private restrooms): $229 can be purchased via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2Gvugic
Additional information and tickets at: https://eatdrink-sf.com/
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