Foodies to flock to SF Chefs

If you haven’t already grabbed tickets for this summer’s SF Chefs, San Francisco’s monumental foodie fest, you might want to hurry. More than 200 restaurants, bars, distilleries and wineries will be pouring and serving their wares in the Grand Tasting Tent on Union Square from Aug. 2 through 4, and special classes, chef demos and after- parties abound in the days ahead. Some events— including the Aug. 1 “Bar Bites: Sips and Tastes from the Best Bars in the Bay”— have already sold out. But there’s still time to get in on events like these:

Rollin’ with the Red Carpet: Every big event needs a big after- party, right? Party with the chefs at the big Red Carpet AfterParty at the E& O Asian Kitchen, just a block from the Grand Tasting Tent action. Enjoy dancing, cocktails and bar bites starting at 10 p. m. Aug. 2. We went last year, and Hubert Keller — chef and erstwhile deejay — was the guy spinning the dance- floor tunes. Tickets: $ 52 and up.

Saturday Tasting Tent: The Grand Tasting Tent is open Aug. 2, 3 and 4, but Saturday’s festivities include an homage to the five tastes — bitter, sour, salty, sweet and umami— with chefs from 1300 on Fillmore, E& O Asian Kitchen, Chaya Brasserie, Hard Water, Copita and more. Word to the wise: The tent festivities offer an overwhelming spectacle of beautiful foods, wines and libations, but you will be a very unhappy foodie if you embrace the day with completely unbridled enthusiasm. Pace yourself. Get a glass of wine or a cocktail, then stroll the tent to get an idea of what’s where. Your stomach will be much happier if you do not give it oysters, ice cream, spicy curries and creamy sweets— or at least not in that order. Details: 12: 30 p. m. Aug. 3 in the Grand Tasting Tent. Tickets $ 112 and up; a portion of the proceeds benefi t La Cocina.

DIY Cocktail Mixers: You may never buy bottled simple syrup or mixers again after taking this mixology class, taught by three San Francisco cocktail experts, including Alcademics’ Camper English. Learn to make infused spirits, flavored syrups, DIY tonic water and more. Details: 11: 30 p. m. Aug. 3 at the Grand Hyatt. Tickets $ 28 and up.

Brunch by the Bay: The festival’s first brunch offering promises a wide range of breakfasty and boozy delights, including spicy bloody marys, Lavazza coffee demonstrations, and edibles from Brown Sugar Kitchen, Coco5000, AQ, Mayfield Bakery & Cafe, Martin Yan’s M. Y. China — dim sum! — and many more restaurants. Ditto on the need for pacing. Details: 11 a. m. Aug. 4 in the Grand Tasting Tent. Tickets $ 112 and up; a portion of the proceeds benefits Meals on Wheels of San Francisco.

Find the complete schedule and ticket details at sfchefsfoodwine.com.