FallFest 2011

I'm back!! Due to technical difficulties aka my computer sucks, I haven't been blogging, posting pics, etc. but it didn't stop me from eating and exploring SF. I went to some memorable food events for the past month and I'll make sure to get back to business for the following days! :)

Setting up

This event actually happened last October 9 but I have to admit I can still taste all the amazing food I ate. FallFest is a food event brought to you by San Francisco Magazine to benefit Meals on Wheels. It's a grand tasting event that features SF's tastiest restaurants, talented mixologists and serious winemakers. There were chef demos, a cocktail competition (think like Top chef's quick fire challenge), live music and silent auctions. It's definitely one of the best food events I've been to this year not only because of the food but also because of the whole event's execution. No long lines waiting for food which means a stress free food tasting unlike some events were some restaurants actually run out of food to serve. There were also a lot of activities, including a chef demo from Martin Yan of M.Y. China opening at the Westfield mall early spring of 2012.

cooking demo tent

with Chef Martin Yan

For this event, I worked with meals on wheels. I was helping out with the cocktail competition which means access to booze. It was definitely the best seat in the house. Don Julio sponsored the competition and with that I get to taste the 1942 tequila which was really smooth. That was probably the best tequila I've tasted.

cocktail competition tent

Don Julio

bartender kit

ladies of Don Julio

back view of the action

Alicia Walton and Allison Webber

the bartenders celebrating!

Here are the pics to recap the amazing food at the event:

From Sens restaurant

Fig, house cured duck, blue cheese and smoked honey from Tiburon Grill

Compressed watermelon and tofu from Nombe Izakaya

Beet chips from Spruce

Serrano ham with tuna conserva from A16

Fig tart from Plant cafe

Apple butter cinnamon cream from Masa's

Pork and shrimp wontons from Slanted Door

Pork rillette and delicata squash panna cotta from Trace

Perbacco's dish

Lafitte's dish

From Murray circle

Frozen popcorn Blini from Eve

From Lakehouse at Calistoga Ranch

Sardines from Coco500

Muffaletta from The Boxing Room

Armenian cucumber gazpacho from Fifth floor

lamb sausage with beans from salt house

From the international culinary center - brioche with truffle cream

bay scallop and charred corn salad from The Moss room

Tuna cones from the Italian Colors Ristorante

spiced cured pork belly with stonefruit from Pizza Antica - I LOVE this.. I think I ate 5 of these.

From Tacolicious

Pumpkin marshmallows from the Ritz Carlton

Pumpkin tart - Ritz Carlton

Apple confit - Ritz Carlton

From E&O trading

Roasted apples, burnt caramel ice cream from the Wente Vineyards

Duck Rillettes from Cafe Des Amis

Going to these events really inspire me. I don't just go, take pics and show off what I eat. I go because I want to eat good food, well not just good but outrageously great food. I want to taste something different. I'm looking for that bite that I will remember for years. I'm looking for fresh ideas, perfect combinations and creative dishes. I believe this event did that.