The Eat and Drink List: Michael Pollan, CUESA Dinners and Blue Plate's Anniversary

Food on Stage
On May 4, Public Radio International will bring selected shorts to the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) for a special night of storytelling on the subject of food. Acclaimed actors Jill Eickenberry and Michael Tucker will read three stories—But the One on the Right by the legendary Dorothy Parker, Taste by the acclaimed British writer Roald Dahl Sorry Fugu by contemporary Californian writer, T.C. Boyle. The event begins at 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 415-292-1233 or visiting jccsf.org/arts.

Ten Spot
Neighborhood restaurant Blue Plate is celebrating a tenth anniversary, no mean feat in this town. Starting on May 3, you can celebrate with them by grabbing a seat at the counter (before 7 p.m.) and ordering the special—a three-course meal for only $25, starring Blue Plate’s signature meatloaf. A perfect excuse to revisit this old favorite, or discover it for the first time.

Teacher Feature
Throughout the month of May, the Lark Creek Restaurant Group is saluting the unsung heros of society—our teachers. Every teacher or school employee who presents their ID at one of Lark Creek’s restaurant (here in SF, that includes Lark Creek Steak and One Market) will get $10 knocked off their bill (exclusive of alcohol and gratuity)—no minimum, and no limit to the number of times you can use it.

That’s Amore
If you don’t know your Amarone from your Pinot Grigio, then you may want to head to 18 Reasons on May 4th for an Italian wine tutorial with Delfina wine director Becky Swanson. She’ll talk basic stylistic differences among Italian wines, demystify the Italian appellation system and teach you how to find real bargains on wine lists and in retail shops. Best of all, you’ll get to taste six wines (three whites and three reds) that are expressions of Italian terroir. The class is $35 ($30 for 18 Reasons members) and tickets can be purchased here.

Feastivus
CUESA’s Moveable Feast dinner series continues on May 5 with a collaborative dinner prepared by Picco chef Bruce Hill together with Ame’s Greg Dunmore, starring the meat raised by David Evans of Marin Sun Farms. The dinner will be held at Picco in Larkspur and the cost is $80 ($100 with wine). Call 415-924-0300 to book a seat for this once-in-a-lifetime dinner.

Class Act
Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. But teach a man to fish…well, you know the rest. In other words, it’s time to hone your kitchen skills ! La Cocina is  hosting a three-part series covering the building blocks of cooking: stock, soups and sauces. Attend one ($40) or all three ($100) two-hour classes at La Cocina’s sweet kitchen in the Mission, to be held on May 7 and 21 and June 4. For details or to book a space, click here.

Cross-Pollinate
If you haven’t heard Michael Pollan speak before, here’s your chance—on May 5 at the Herbst Theatre, the Long Now Foundation presents the author and thinker. His lecture, entitled “Deep Agriculture” will highlight Pollan’s program to revolutionize American agriculture. Tickets are $10 and the event begins at 7:30 p.m..To reserve your space, call 415-392-4400 or visit longnow.org.