2009 SF Chefs bread tower in Grand Tasting Tent

PHOTO BY VIRGINIA MILLER

With live bands creating the backdrop, the line-up at the official opening party is pretty much stellar: chefs who know their pig are cooking, such as executive chefs from Frances, Incanto, Namu, Bar Bambino, A16, and Slanted Door (yes, this means Charles Phan, Melissa Perello, Chris Cosentino and so on). It's a thrill having them all offer eats in one place. Wente Vineyards is pouring from their portfolio of wines. I'm particularly anticipating a maelstrom of bartender greats mixing cocktails for the party, like Duggan McDonnell, H. Ehrmann, Brian MacGregor, Daniel Hyatt, Dominic Venegas, Reza Esmali and Martin Cate (I told you this was gonna be good!) And don't forget the Tablehopper sponsored after-party with Asian street food theme and foods (10pm-1am) at E&O Trading Co.

$95 for Hog in the Fog ($75 for Visa Signature cardholders; includes unlimited food and drink)

$35 for After-party ($25 with Visa Signature card)

8/14 and 8/15, 12-4pm - Grand Tasting in Grand Tasting Tent

Again, the line-up is impressive: at a manageable 30 chefs and restaurants during each of the tasting events, this was so well-organized last year (unlike many I've been to), that not only was there no lines for a bite, there was always food ready and waiting when I walked up to a station, and time to chat or say hello to the chefs. You'll be served food from such greats as Michael Mina, Jennie Lorenzo of Fifth Floor, Perry Hoffman of Etoile, David Lawrence of 1300 on Fillmore, Bruce Hill of Bix, and Dominique Crenn of Luce. The tasting afternoons also offer 25 wines (served by sommeliers and winemakers), cocktails, spirits, and a range of drink seminars.

$125 ($95 for Visa Signature cardholders; includes unlimited food and drink)

- Purchase tickets and view the schedule:

- A free iPhone app listing events, ticketing, Twitter and Facebook feeds

Check out Virginia personal culinary itinerary site: www.theperfectspotsf.com