Be decadent in your own sweet way at the 13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, a benefit for Project Open Hand. Indulge in chocolate delicacies from dozens of restaurants and vendors (Ghirardelli Chocolate, Napa Valley Fudge Company, Allie’s Edibles and more) sip at the Wine & Chocolate Bar, and enjoy Chef Demonstrations (secrets from master chocolatiers and sample afterward) and other family activities. On Sunday you can eat free pie at the “Pie Hole”. This event is free and open to the public, but tickets ($10 for 6 tastes, $20 for 15 tastes) must be purchased to participate in chocolate tastings. (more…)

The Beijing Olympics offered people a tantalizing look at China. Now freelance journalist and food writer Jen Lin-Liu takes us beyond the Bird’s Nest on a cook’s tour of today’s China. From her days as a cooking student to noodle-stall and dumpling-house apprentice to intern at a chic Shanghai restaurant, she presents an unforgettable slice of contemporary China in the full swing of social and economic transformation.

At each event a local food expert will host two shining stars from San Francisco’s culinary scene. They’ll chat. They’ll cook. For $10 you’ll get a taste, plus a drink. At this first event the focus will be on honey in an appetizer, an entrée, drink and dessert. Liam Mayclem, Emmy-award winning Host/Producer of CBS 5s Eye on the Bay, will present two of his favorite local chefs. Executive Chef Ryan Scott of Mission Beach Café - yes, you recognize him from Bravo’s Top Chef. And Owner and Pastry Chef William Werner of polite/persuasion. An expert in all things honey, even purveyors and beekeepers. Proceeds will benefit Meals On Wheels of San Francisco. (more…)

Local food writer GraceAnn Walden (pictured) takes you on a culinary tour of San Francisco visiting with local chefs. Enjoy a taste of the featured recipes, a glass of wine compliments of the Jug Shop, and neighborhood history from GraceAnn. September 17th Event: Traditional North Beach with Pablo Estrada, chef de cuisine of Rose Pistola. Explore this vibrant neighborhood with food maven-history buff GraceAnn Walden and enjoy a Ligurian dish by Pablo Estrada, chef de cuisine of Rose Pistola restaurant. The cuisine of Rose Pistola captures the authentic flavors, brought here by the Italian immigration of the 19th century.