When my dear friend Shaun Saunders invited me to dinner in Berkeley, I was not looking forward to the drive across the Bay Bridge. But, since I had not seen him in months, I thought that catching up with him at a new restaurant he recommended would be a fun adventure. Plus, I knew Shaun’s taste and he would never take me to any place less than fabulous.
We turned onto a dark off ramp that lead us past some old industrial building in Berkeley, California. It was a part of town that I was not familiar with. My mom and brother graduated from UC Berkeley, so I had spent time in the gritty college areas of University Avenue and Shattuck. Honestly, I was not a big fan of Berkeley. I live in San Francisco, so everything that I could ever want is steps away from my front door. Or at least I thought.
ZUT! The new restaurant that we would be dining at was tucked away on 4th Street in Berkeley. Because I rarely crossed the bridge, I had no idea about this sexy, chic part of town. After we passed the spooky industrial buildings, we turned onto 4th Street and it was lit up light like a festive carnival. The trees glistened with bright colored lights and the shop windows shined with lovely merchandise. I was delighted to see all the wonderful shops on the street including Jigsaw London, Anthropologie, Benefit Cosmetics and Zinc Details.
The restaurant was buzzing with filled tables and the aroma of fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Reminiscent of a restaurant that you would find in a major metropolitan area – the atmosphere was energetic yet subtly sophisticated. When it came to the list of libations available, I was impressed with the extensive wine offerings that the manager Michael Petrilla walked me through. They pride themselves on your homemade cocktails created with locally crafted spirits. Jim Wimborough, the famed chef who has worked at Home, Kokkari, Grand Café, Boulevard and Rubicon in San Francisco has now made ZUT! His home. And he was serving up some of his own delicious recipes for us that night. We were lucky enough to enjoy a chef’s tasting menu, which included:
Appetizers:
Scallops with caviar (my all-time favorite dish!)
Stuffed local squid with chorizo, mint, garlic and lemon
White beans roasted red peppers, braised greens and goat cheese
Meze platter of roasted pepper, smoky eggplant & hummus spread, grilled pita, crispy smelt and garlic lemon aioli
Mains:
Chicken rotisserie with roasted brussels sprouts, bacon, lemon and dill
Local halibut served with braised turnips, carrots, parsnips, Turkish bay and aioli
Filet mignon with smashed French fingerlings, escarole and herb butter
Surprise? Indeed! Will I return, you bet. ZUT! Is definitely worth a drive across the Bay Bridge for San Franciscans who tend to stay city side.
Now that the weather is getting better, I would make ZUT! and 4th Street a daylong adventure. Head over in the afternoon, spend the day shopping, and then enjoy a lazy dinner on the patio at ZUT! overlooking the 4th Street shops. Order a glass of champagne and a Meze platter with Scallops with caviar to start, then dive headfirst into a few dished to share. I recommend the roasted beets with the Point Reyes pizza followed by Filet mignon and the Chicken rotisserie.
But save room for dessert! Jim’s wife joined the team as their dessert chef and her creations are phenomenal. We shared a few and my favorite was the Chocolate torte of bittersweet chocolate, whipped crème fraiche and seasonal berries. Ask about the extensive list of aperitifs and dessert wines to accompany your sweets – you’ll be quite impressed with the ZUT! experience.
LOCATION
Zut! On Fourth is located at 1820 Fourth Street, just off Hwy. 80 at the University exit between Hearst and Delaware Streets, in Berkeley, California. There is free parking in an adjacent lot. Get directions. Hours
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Lunch 11:30-3:00pm. Bar Menu 3-5:30pm. Dinner 5:30-9:30pm.
FRIDAY
Lunch 11:30-3:00pm. Bar Menu 3-5:30pm. Dinner 5:30-10:30pm.
SATURDAY
Brunch 10:30-3:00pm. Bar Menu 3-5:30pm. Dinner 5:30-10:30pm.
SUNDAY
Brunch 10:30-3:00pm. Bar Menu 3-5:30pm. Dinner 5:30-9pm.
Reservations
For more information or for reservations call (510) 644-0444.
Email info@zutonfourth.com.
ZUT!
1820 FOURTH STREET · BERKELEY · CA · 94710
TEL: 510.644.0444 ·
A land of adventure and friendly locals, Australia has ranked No. 1 ten out of 12 years in an annual Harris Poll asking Americans “if (they) could vacation in any country in the world outside the U.S., without any worry about cost.”
The Great Aussie Sale featuring nearly 20 travel partners from Orbitz to Qantas gives Americans the chance to take that dream trip with enticing offers from up to 30 percent off on travel to free flights and hotel nights.
· Flight and hotel packages from $1522
· Fly Qantas to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane from Los Angeles for $449, from Dallas/Fort Worth for $474, and from New York from $549**
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· Free hotel nights with Flight Center/Liberty
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) continues its 2010–11 season with the West Coast premiere of adamant provocateur Bruce Norris’s Clybourne Park, winner of the prestigious London Evening Standard Award for Best New Play in 2010. Marking the A.C.T. mainstage debut of director Jonathan Moscone—longtime artistic director of California Shakespeare Theater—this “buzz-saw sharp new comedy” (The Washington Post) cleverly spins the events of A Raisin in the Sun to tell an unforgettable new story about race and real estate in America.
Act I opens in 1959, as a white couple sells their home to a black family, causing uproar in their middle-class Chicago neighborhood. Act II transports us to the same house in 2009, when the stakes are different, but the debate is strikingly familiar. Amid lightning-quick repartee, the characters scramble for control of the situation, revealing how we can—and can’t—distance ourselves from the stories that linger in our houses.
The Evening Standard Award was merely the tip of the iceberg of accolades for Clybourne Park: Following a critically acclaimed premiere at Playwrights Horizons in New York City, the show received a production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. (which, in response to popular demand, will revive the production as part of its new season next year), and the acclaimed Royal Court Theatre production in London will move to the West End in 2011. During its various incarnations, the play has received raves from critics: Entertainment Weekly called it “completely audacious, architecturally ingenious entertainment,” while the New York Times hailed it as “a spiky and damningly insightful new comedy.” London’s Independent found it “outrageously funny and squirm-inducing,” and New York Magazine noted that its provocative subject matter “goes for the jugular of P.C. liberals.”
Clybourne Park, was extended by popular demand, and plays January 20–February 20, 2011, at the American Conservatory Theater at 415 Geary Street, San Francisco
Tickets (starting at $10) are available by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or at www.act-sf.org
The seduction has begun. Valentines is over two weeks away – but the slow steady beat of LOVE marketing is coming at all of us from all sides. Flowers, Jewelery. Romantic dinners. And THE all time slugfest of Chocolate in its many forms.
But this particular Ka-Pow is tempting, tantalizing and down right hard to stop thinking about.
It’s DROGA ConfectionsPut Your Money on Honey – salted caramels made with Northern California wildflower honey, embedded in pure dark chocolate. Four heavenly chunks to savor over and under…
Handmade in small batches from 100% natural ingredients out of San Francisco by a fellow entrepreneur, Michelle could use a bit of LOVIN support! Place your orders online or shop at these Callifornia (so far) shops. And think in multiples – as it will save on your likely re-orders.
Northern California
Andronico’s Market
1200 Irving St
San Francisco, CA
Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th Street
San Francisco, CA
Draeger’s Market
222 E. Fourth Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
S. California
Goods
1748 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I’m betting that this doc will be the sleeper hit of the SF Independent Film Festival
running Feb 3-17. The Roxie Theater in San Francisco will be hosting the 13th annual fest with 85 new indie films from around the world.
What’s not to love about ugly dogs? Worst in Show amazes us with nature’s diversity. Who knew there were so many ways to be ugly? Ugly is manifested via genetics, injury, and illness. What starts out as a happy freak show evolves into philosophical ruminations on morality. The dogs don’t know they’re ugly, they’re just basking in the attention. We meet a lot of quirky pet guardians. Some appear to be beyond emotionally involved in this supposedly light hearted contest. Rivalries are revealed, hearts are broken, and lives are literally transformed.
A quick google reveals an obsessive amount of international press at this annual anti-beauty contest.
There’s a lot of intellectualism packed into this 90 minutes, but admit it, don’t you want to see what their owner’s look like?
The 2010 winners:
1st Icky
2nd Handsome Hector
3rd Eger
If you’re in the SF Bay Area, check out the Indie Film Fest. I highly recommend you see The Happy Poet. Our hero Bill attempts to transform a hot dog cart into veggie paradise. Poor guy has his idealism constantly challenged in the battle between his principles and his wallet. Along comes a pretty customer named Agnes and Curtis, a man with no visible means of support who becomes his delivery partner and friend. Watch the relationships twist and turn.
We’re mid-way through January and how many of you have already broken all your diet/workout/promise to lose weight/ resolutions? And you know why? Because they are so NOT fun. If you want to burn off all that extra holiday poundage, I have one great tip for you. SWITZERLAND!
Grab your best friend, and take to the Alps for some exciting Swisscentric activities. Work off those calories with some fantastic skiing, tobogganing or snowshoeing. If you’re in the mood for something that really gets the adrenaline racing, how about snow kiting? Slap on some skis or snowboard attached to a kite, and try some jumps at breathtaking speed. It’s highly recommended that beginners start with a course at The Snow Kite School.
If you’re more like the tortoise than the hare, you might enjoy a good snow frolic with a Saint Bernhard dog. Every weekend, the Barry Foundation in Champex-Lac organizes winter hikes with those lovable Saint Bernard dogs.
Outta my way!
For a truly unique experience (complete with bragging rights) how about steering a snowcat? The snowcat wonder of Feldis weighs 7 tons, is 4.4 meters wide and is powered by a 240 hp engine. This is the stuff boys, big and small, dream about. Under expert guidance, visitors learn the basics of preparing ski runs and get to know the most important functions in the cockpit. Whoever meets the basic requirements will be allowed to steer a snowcat. The successful maiden journey will then be celebrated with an aperitif, and the novice driver is awarded a diploma.
For many more fab ideas about putting together your own Swiss winter workout, go to MySwitzerland.com and order their new winter brochure
More and more people are taking a vacation…to learn! While travel itself is educational, Ace Camp offers the adventure of travel plus the opportunity to learn a new skill.
You or your group will begin a creative journey, meet new people and experience different cultures. Along with your guide you will spend time with a professional. Ace Camps seek out the most interesting professionals, artists, photographers and creative people to help you embrace your inner creativity.
Some of our leaders will teach informally with a hands on – in the field – approach and some will have structured lectures or impromptu demonstrations. It’s your art. Learning will take place with discussions around the dinner table with the new people you meet and with what you give and take from the whole experience.
Tired of the same old new years resolutions? I highly recommend you commit to improving your social media savvy. After all, the future is here, time to really truly learn how to talk the talk to your advantage. Why not make money with your new found knowledge and get ahead of the curve.
Best of all, Tango Divas get a 50% discount using promo code DP50.
Your day to greatness in review:
* 10am: Networking and continental breakfast
* 10:30am: China: The Future of Social Media? by David Perry
* 11am – 12:30pm: Panel – How Do I Generate Revenue & Find Customers with Social Media?
Moderated by David Perry
Panelists:
o Bryan Moore, dot429.com Editorial Director
o Ramy Mora, Vice President of Interactive Marketing, Macy’s
o Ryan Singel, Wired Magazine
o Shaun Sounders, Grafitti PR
* 12:30pm – 1:30pm: brown bag lunch and networking with keynote by Adrie Reinders and Marion Freijsen of EFactor: Finding Investors and Capital Using Social Media.
* 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Social Media Productivity to Profitability – 15 Minutes a Workday by Andres Acosta, Social Media Director DP&A
* 2:15pm – 3:00pm: Making Money for a Good Cause with $ocial Media by Susan Gordon of Causes.com, Facebook’s official nonprofit partner
How to Make Money in Social Media:
Monday Jan 10, 2011
Zeum Theater
221 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
10am – 3pm
Sign Up HERE
You got to give they guy credit who came up with the name Cheap-o air! One of the great things about the website is that they feature writers who share stories about their travels.
CheapOair is one of the leading online travel agencies in the United States. Yes, they actually have a real life person who will take your call! They offer thousands airfare and travel deals at prices at discounted prices. Striving for the highest quality of service and customer satisfaction, CheapOair offers cheap plane tickets without hassles.
I don’t know how good your will power is but I’m breaking my New Year’s resolution for the Good Eats and Zin event, where I’ll be tasting 50 impeccable Zinfandels (the ultimate food-friendly wine) paired with 50 original taste sensations, stopping only for a quick chat with some of the Bay Area’s most celebrated chefs. I’m positively foaming at the mouth after reading this year’s line-up and already have decided on my game plan.
I’m starting with the Klinker Brick Winery 2008 Old Ghost Vine Zinfandel paired with Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s Lamb Lollipops then working my way counterclockwise around Herbst Pavilion ending with: Dry Creek Vineyards 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel, Sonoma County paired with Bin 38’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter & Jelly Truffles.
Nadia G Rules in and our of the kitchen
Zap scored big time this year when they nabbed Bitchin’ Kitchen queen, sassy Nadia G (known as the Julia Child of the net generation) who will be joining all the festivities.
Nadia says, “I’m so excited to rock ZAP Fest this year! Fantastic wine, great food, this event is not-to-be-missed.”
I’m so down, girlfriend. Can’t wait to see you cooking up a storm in those mile-high, cherry red stilettos (with matching lipstick) while getting all the inside dish, partic your suggestions for the perfect “Break-up Brunch”.
Herbst Pavilion
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
6:00 – 9:00 PM
$100 ZAP members
$140 non-members
A per ticket convenience fee and $2 donation to the American Heart Association, our Festival Charity Partner is added.
Purchase Tickets – Click here.
This is only the first of four events at the ZAP 20th Annual Festival where approximately 250 wine producers pour their barrel samples and new releases during educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and decadent food pairings.
The three other-not-to-be-missed ZAP events following Good Eats and Zin include:
“Flights! Advancing a Legacy: The Zinfandel Chronicles on January 28, a rare guided tasting of Zinfandel flights. Details about Flights.
“Evening with the Winemakers” on January 28, an evening of elaborate dining and tasting combined with a benefit auction. More about Evening With The Winemakers.
“Grand Zinfandel Tasting & Silent Auction” on January 29, where more than 250 wineries showcase their latest releases, barrel tastings, blends and rare collections of Zinfandel. Grand Tasting details.
ZAP Festival tickets are on sale at www.zinfandel.org. Become a ZAP member ($44) and enjoy exclusive benefits and member savings! A portion of all ticket sales will benefit The American Heart and Stroke Association.
ABOUT ZAP
The Association of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit, educational 501(c)(3) organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. Winegrowers, winemakers and wine enthusiasts combine to form the membership. The common focus is the preservation and recognition of Zinfandel as America’s heritage wine. ZAP’s membership includes approximately 275 winery-members, over 4,000 advocate members and 100 associate members.
