SF Chefs 2011 Makes Drinking in Union Square Legal

Heather Hudgeon

Bartender Jackie Patterson serving Lillet Punch at SF Chefs 2010

​SF Chefs, the week-long celebration of San Francisco food and drink, has taken up residence again in Union Square. The white tent draped over an entire city block won't officially open until Friday night, but then there will be plenty of cocktail-related events in bars and restaurants. To plan accordingly, here's our guide for classes and demos in and around the tasting tent.

Gin Blossoms
Where: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell (at Geary), 397-7000
When: Sat., Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Cost: $30, tickets online
The rundown: Bartenders Jon Santer, of Bourbon & Branch fame, and Charlotte Voisey lead this seminar about gin, told through cocktails. That's our kind of learning.

Mix It Up with a Master
Where: Union Square Grand Tasting Tent, main stage
When: Sat., Aug. 6, 1:10 p.m.
Cost: Included with Saturday afternoon tasting ticket ($125)
The rundown: H. Joseph Ehrmann of Elixir takes the stage to demonstrate mixing up your own specialty cocktails.

Punches & Other Easy Cocktails
Where: Union Square Grand Tasting Tent, main stage
When: Sat., Aug. 6, 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with Saturday afternoon tasting ticket ($125)
The rundown: Duggan McDonnell of Cantina shows you how to make entertaining at home easier by making simple cocktails and punches.

Heather Hudgeon

A dizzyingly large cocktail selection awaits in the tent

​Wake up Your Palate
Where: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell (at Geary), 397-7000
When: Sun., Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $30, tickets online
The rundown: Ease the Saturday Grand Tasting hangover with a cocktail class dedicated to drinks made with eggs: Ramos Fizzes, Pisco Sours, Flips, and other eggsotic drinks. Cantina's McDonnell will lead through the creation and consumption of these classic drinks that act as both breakfast and hair-of-the-dog.

Pomegranate Cocktails and Chutney from Dosa
Where: Union Square Grand Tasting Tent, main stage
When: Sun., Aug. 7, 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with Sunday afternoon tasting ticket ($125)
The rundown: Lenny Gumm and Paul Raj of Dosa will be demonstrating the versatility of pomegranate by making chutney and cocktails. We're hoping for one that combines both.

Coffee Cocktails
Where: Union Square Grand Tasting Tent, main stage
When: Sun., Aug. 7, 1:10 p.m.
Cost: Included with Sunday afternoon tasting ticket ($125)
The rundown: Illy's master barista, Giorgio Milos, combines the art of pulling a perfect shot of espresso with a shot of liquor. Wake and loosen up all at the same time.

Gin Cocktails Demo
Where: Union Square Grand Tasting Tent, main stage
When: Sun., Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with Sunday afternoon tasting ticket ($125)
The rundown: Charlotte Voisey of Hendrick's Gin shakes up some of her gin-based creations.