Best Upcoming Food Events In The East Bay
26th Annual Five Star Night
Alameda County Meal on Wheels
Scottish Rite Center
1547 Lakeshore Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 777-9560
www.feedingseniors.org
Date: April 26
Five Star Night is the 26th annual fundraiser for Alameda County Meals On Wheels. Indulge in a lavish four-course dinner created by 14 of the Bay Area's finest chefs, under the guidance of top chef and author Narsai David. Add a champagne and fine wine reception, silent auctions, DJ entertainment and dancing for a very special evening to remember. The event benefits Meals On Wheels, the national organization that raises awareness of senior hunger.
Barista Latte Art Competition
Farley's East
33 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 835-7898
www.sf.funcheap.com
Date: April 25
Join in this Oakland event to uncover the best master of foam art in all of the Bay Area. This six-event series launched on January 19 at Barista Nation SF and closes on June 13 at Coffee Bar in San Francisco. At each event, baristas create their foam art in hopes of winning prizes, cash and points. All events are free to the public, $5 to compete with other baristas and will have free food, drinks and door prizes.
Classic Cars, Sausages, Beer, Music & Art Fest
Classic Cars West
411 26th St.
Oakland, CA 94612
(415) 626-1135
www.sf.funcheap.com
Classic car buffs will be thrilled with this event. Classic Cars West partners with Rosamunde Sausage Grill to invite you to kick off a new weekly beer garden in Oakland. Every Saturday from noon until dusk, come on down with friends to enjoy craft beer, sausages (vegan ones too), art, music and cool vintage cars – everything you love -- all under that famous Oakland sunshine.
Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival
North Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94701
www.anotherbullwinkleshow.com
Date: June 1
The sidewalks of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto will show its artistic side as artists of all ages express themselves at the 17th annual Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival. A Chalk Art Contest for the best drawing is the big event. First prize is $250 cash and runners-up get gift certificates from local merchants. The yummy chocolate part of the event starts with a purchase of tickets online at 20 for $20, or at event booths at several Shattuck Avenue locations. A full menu of chocolate treats, including Nutella crepes, chocolate ricotta pizza, chicken mole, Caribbean chocolate soup and more will be available to savor as you stroll the sidewalks and view the chalk artwork. Don't miss the vendors with chocolate-related items and handmade arts and crafts on blocks between Rose and Vine Streets. There is a children's area with a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, pony rides and more. This very family-friendly event is close to the downtown BART station. Visit the website for full details and to purchase tickets online.
Seventh Annual Edible Landscaping Tour
Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center
559 College Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 493-6072
www.zvents.com
Date: July 20
Register online for this encouraging self-guided tour to see organic foods growing in and around Palo Alto neighborhoods. Navigate and explore 10 exquisite suburban gardens with the bonus of organic and edible landscapes. You will also meet the imaginative and resourceful gardeners who have transformed their gardens into those of practical beauty. You'll likely get great ideas for your own garden. Pick up your maps and garden descriptions when you check in at Common Ground between 9:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Buy tickets through the website.
Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a member of an independent filmmaking group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
