Thursday, December 15

Culinary world hero and NY Times columnist Harold McGee comes to the Jewish Community Center of SFto enlighten foodies and speak on the science behind cooking and all things gastronomic. It's sold out, but trolling Craiglist is always an option. 3200 California Street, 415-292-1233.

Thursday, December 15 & Friday, December 16

Looking for the perfect place to get in on Dungeness crab season? Head to the Bernal Supper Club & Whole Beast's Whole Dungeness Crab Feast, which is a five-course tasting menu celebrating everyone's favorite local crustacean. Look forward to crab bisque, crab salad, deep fried crab and much more. $48 per person at the Winemakers Speakeasy at 1152 Valencia Street, 415-401-7258.

Friday, December 16

Downtown worker bees will have a new place to grab lunch, after-work drinks or dinner at Per Diem. It's slated to pay homage to San Francisco's Italo-Californian, Gold Rush-era roots with food such as cioppinno, local fried oyster po'boys on sourdough and more from head chef Adam Hinojosa (formerly of Cafe Des Amis and Osteria). 43 Sutter Street.

Saturday, December 17

What's better than satisfying your kids' sweet tooth by whipping up a batch of holiday desserts? Bring your child (ages 4-12 only) to Americano's children's holiday dessert making class with executive chef Kory Stewart to learn how to make and decorate sweet holiday treats, such as seasonal holiday cookies and gingerbread houses. $25 per child. 8 Mission Street, 415-278-3777.