Tuesday tidbits - Special weekday dinners plus a job well done, chef Crenn!

October 27, 7:34 PMSF Restaurant ExaminerDina Brooks

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First of all, high five to chef Dominique Crenn for a great stint on "The Next Iron Chef."  Did you hear that she was selected to cook for President Obama during his recent trip to San Francisco?  You can read the details from SF Gate's Scoop here.  And, Luce just earned its first Michelin star!  Isn't it interesting that this Examiner asked chef Crenn about those very topics in a recent two-part interview?  Also read the Celebrity Chef Examiner's interview with chef Crenn following her departure on Sunday night's show.

Happy are those who have come to the Wharf.  Boudin at the Wharf, to be exact.  That's because a bit of the luscious wine country now resides there.   Buena Vista Carneros has a new tasting room on the upper level of Boudin, so if you can't make it up to their Sonoma tasting room, head over to the Wharf and sample some of winemaker Jeff Stewart's work.  At last week's opening, they were pouring four wines of which the 2006 Ramal Pinot Noir, Dijon Clone really stood out and paired well with Bistro Boudin executive chef James Chan's succulent short ribs.  Drool.  Pictured below are executive chef James Chan with the Master Baker and a Boudin bear buddy.

Here are a handful of weekday evening highlights around the city.  SPQR will have its first winemaker dinner on Tuesday, November 3, celebrating the wines of Fattoria Mancini from Le Marche.  Luigi Mancini will be on hand to talk about his wine and will be hand carrying his acclaimed red wine "Blu" made from the rare local grape Ancellotta.  Chef Matthew Accarrino will offer a special menu along with the restaurant's regular a la carte dishes.  1911 Fillmore Street between Bush and Pine.  415.771.7779. 

The next night, November 4,  Spruce is hosting its Sagatiba Distiller Dinner showcasing cachaca.  The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $125/person, excluding tax and gratuity.  Settle in for an evening of good food and spirit pairings, the former of which includes:  young escarole salad with preserved grapes and Warren pears; tagliarini with pimenton spiced clams and poached halibut; slow roasted short rib with braised leeks and Parisian potatoes; honey olive oil cake with salted caramel mousse and carmelized apples.  Call 415.931.5100 to make your reservations.  3640 Sacramento Street.

Chez Papa Resto will have a Sedna Wine Dinner on Monday, November 16 starting at 7:00 p.m. with a tasting of three Cabernets followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.  Winemaker Timothy Milos will be present at this four-course dinner which include pairings for $75/person, excluding tax and gratuity.  Menu items include:  foie gras canapes with quince jam; grilled Monterey calamari with piperade provencale; seared Maine scallops with roasted squash, chestnuts and pomegranate glaze; spice crusted venison loin with celery root mousseline, apples and syrah sauce; and chocolate cremeux with poached pear, saffron anglaise and cocoa soil. Reservations are required.  Call 415.564.4134.  4 Mint Plaza between Mission and Market, near Fifth Street.

Here's another tasty weeknight option.  On Tuesday and Wedneday, November 17 and 18, Nob Hill Grille will host a Tasting Tour of Mexico.  The special meal includes a five-course high end meal, plus an amuse bouche and two palate cleansers, for $45/person.  Add wine pairings for an additional $15.00.  Look for mouth-watering items including: a trio of mini tacos made of roasted chicken in poblano salsa, butter poached prawn in passilla salsa and grilled flank steak in pipian salsa; Bay scallop ceviche; pan seared red snapper with tomatillo salsa, fresh crushed pico de gallo and roasted pumpkin seed topping with slow cooked pinto bean puree; braised beef cheek in a poblano mole with Mexican red rice and plantain chips; and Mexican hot chocolate with homemade and imported Mexican cookies for dipping.  969 Hyde Street.  415.474.5985.

During theater season, from now until November 30, 2009, the Grand Cafe is offering a $39/person pre-theater dining package.  It includes a three-course dinner plus complimentary valet parking.  Add wine pairings for $15 more.  Tax and gratuity excluded.  This offer does not apply to private parties, room service or take-out.  501 Geary Street at Taylor.  415.292.0101.

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