A past Picnic at the Presidio with Off the Grid in SF
Crazy how time flies; we are two days from Independence Day 2014 — here are a few highlights for menus or events in San Francisco, Oakland, and Monterey.
SAN FRANCISCO
A16
For those headed to Chrissy Field to watch the fireworks, start the night at A16 in the Marina for Chef Rocky Maselli’s delicious dinner service. Guests can enjoy summer favorites like Lucky Dog Ranch Beef Shortribs with red wine, red onions, arugula and black pepper; Tomales Bay Clams with tomato, white wine, chiles, and grilled bread; or Wood Fired Dry Creek Peach Crostata with buttermilk sorbet.
Off the Grid: Picnic at the Presidio
Wind down the holiday weekend picnic style with Off the Grid. The weekly gathering on the Main Post Lawn in the Presidio is offering two festive 4th of July packages for groups to enjoy. Adults can toast with patriotic drink kits while kids enjoy some bubbly fun. Each $100 package includes a specialty alcoholic punch kit, beer basket, Off the Grid blanket and a bubble activity kit.
To book: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/eat-drink-and-toast-america-tickets-11951500259
OAKLAND
Bocanova
Bocanova is taking the age-old tradition of a 4th of July B-B-Q and doing it Argentine style for this month’s Rick’s Supper Club. Join Chef Rick and kick-off the holiday weekend with a menu featuring delicious summer vegetables, juicy meats and an array of complementary wines. The five-course, pre-fixe dinner is $72 per person, including wines and excluding tax or gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 510-444-1233.
A16 Rockridge
Chef Rocky Maselli has crafted a 4th of July menu as fun as it is festive to celebrate the holiday in the East Bay. Standout dishes from the special menu include a 4505 Bacon Hotdog Pizza with mozzarella, basil, and corn, House Made Fennel Sausage Corndog with Cherry Mostarda and Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Spicy Chicken Wings Agrodolce with cucumber and yogurt. The restaurant will be open from 2 pm to 8 pm.
Monterey
Cannery Row Brewing Company
Cannery Row Brewing Company (CRBC) is located in downtown Monterey right off the historic Cannery Row offering over 70 beers on tap paired with casual dining in a family-friendly environment. On Friday, July 4, CRBC will host a “sausagefest” on the outdoor patio with a live band. Chef Daniel Furey will be grilling up several varieties of sausages including Spicy Andouille, Pat Lafreida Sweet Italian, and Hebrew National Dogs, alongside a complete lineup of toppings such as grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, raw onions, relish, pepperoncini, ketchup, mustard, and Sriracha. Sweet treats will feature red white and blue Funfetti Cupcakes and guests can also enjoy bottled or canned domestic beers at a reduced rate.
Restaurant 1833
Located in the historic Stokes Adobe House in downtown Monterey, Restaurant 1833 will celebrate Independence Day with a strolling buffet on Friday, July 4 from noon – 4:00 p.m. for $40 per person. Guests can enjoy summer dishes from Executive Chef Abby Burk including Charred Sweet Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter, Espelette and Sea Salt; Herb Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Peaches & Burrata; Smoked & Pulled Pork Shoulder; as well as signature items such as The Fried Chicken and Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits. In partnership with Young’s/Grey Goose, Restaurant 1833 will set up an outdoor bar on the patio featuring drink specials on select spirits and a live band on the deck.
Cibo Ristorante Italiano
Cibo has music plus cocktail specials during the Fourth of July weekend. At 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, celebrate Independence Day at Cibo Ristorante Italiano with the “Red, White & Rewind 4th of July Bash.” At 10 p.m. Saturday July 5, the Chicano All Stars Band is performing. Both events last until 1:30 a.m. and there is no cover charge. Cibo welcomes guests to come for a late dinner and then stay for the music. On Friday, it’s “Best of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s remixed with resident DJ Hanif.” Patriotic-themed drink specials will include the “4th of July Citrus Splash” with Svedka Vodka, Blue Curacao, Lemon Juice, served up, rimmed with Cherry Pop Rocks, and The “Firecracker” with Fireball Whiskey, Splash San Pellegrino Limonata, Splash Grenadine, on the rocks, garnished with Hot Tamales Cinnamon Candies.
On Saturday, the Chicano All Stars Band performs; its musical styles include Latin rock and rhythm and blues. The band recently added a horn section. Other members include lead vocalist Sam Martinez and lead guitarist John Mallare, who also helps out on vocals. They have performed with musicians including Maria Muldaur, Sista Monica, The Turtles, and Tower of Power.
The restaurant hosts live music six nights per week. There is dinner jazz from 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and there is late-night music with reggae, R&B, rock or salsa dance music on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. (with no cover charge). Cibo’s menu includes pasta, gourmet pizza (including gluten-free options), cocktails, and wine. The restaurant is at 301 Alvarado St. Call 649-8151.
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