Friday, August 31

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 40th anniversary and are inviting you to come out and party with them. They are promising 1972 drink prices ($4 martinis and $2 well drinks from 8-10 p.m.) and a sweaty night of live ‘70-80s music. If you get hungry there will also be $4 Roast Beef or Turkey Sandwichs, and $3 Hot Dogs. The event is free and goes from 8-10 p.m. @ The Royal Exchange, 301 Sacramento Street.

If price is not an issue for you, then the Saison Dinner and chef tour promises to be a real treat. Saisonwill host an evening that includes a mouth watering twelve-course meal with an exclusive wine pairing. As part of the package, owner and head chef Joshua Skenes will take you on a private tour of his kitchen while discussing his unique food preparation techniques and cooking style. The evening costs $900 for two people and includes everything (food, wine, tax and gratuity), tickets can be purchased here. From 7-10 p.m. @ Saison, 2124 Folsom Street.

Saturday, September 1

There is a myriad of wild edible plants growing around us in the Bay Area. ForageSF aims to teach people about what is edible in their local landscape, and in doing so, help them look at the area they live in in a different way. Through the guided walks, you will learn about which plants can be eaten as well as a focus on sustainable harvesting techniques. The walk goes from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (although it can quite often go longer due to people’s curiosity) and costs $30, tickets can be purchased here. The location of the walk will be emailed to you after you purchase your ticket.

In keeping with the theme of fresh, locally sourced produce, CUESA is presenting a free cooking demonstration with AQ Restaurant and Bar chef, Mark Liberman. Featuring the seasonal bounty of the fantastic farmers market, Mark will teach people how to cook to get the most out of the incredible fresh produce they purchase from the market. There will be recipes and free samples for people to try as he demonstrates the skills he has honed after years of working with some of the best chefs in the U.S. The cooking demonstration goes from 11-11:45 a.m. in the CUESA Classroom at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, @ 1 Harbor Bay Isle.

Sunday, September 2

The crowned jewel of this week’s food events definitely has to be a brand new tasting experience at Ram’s Gate Winery. A short drive north of the city will get you to the winery, where you will be met by Executive Chef Taylr Behnam. You'll go to the garden to harvest ingredients for lunch, while she shares her philosophies on food, food and wine pairing, and more. Next, the resident beekeeper will deck you out in sting-safe veils and introduce you to the family of vineyard bees! After you have learned about the fascinating world of bees, there will be a break for a fresh honey, cheese and wine pairing led by Ram’s Gate’s Head Winemaker, before enjoying a delicious garden-fresh, wine-paired lunch. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased by contacting Ram’s Gate on 707-721-8700. From 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ Ram’s Gate Winery, 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma.

September marks the beginning of fall, and to celebrate the changing of the seasons, 18 Reasons are hosting a class on food preserving. Dealing with peaches, tomatoes and berries in the "Savoring Summer"class, they'll cover an introduction to canning theory, safety and preserving basics, and also some summer canning secrets for non-runny berry jam and how to tackle tomatoes like a champ! Participants will receive four hours of hands-on canning instruction, recipes, full jars of in-class batches and a boost of canning confidence. The class costs $125 (tickets) and goes from 4-8 p.m. @ 18 Reasons, 3674 18th Street.