SF Chefs Food.Wine Event in Union Square San Francisco

Our own Luques Restaurant located inside the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square Participated in the SF Chefs Grand Tasting Event in Union Square last weekend.

We served a rendition of our best selling lunch item, the Thai Style Shrimp and Papaya Salad topped with crispy shallots and chili lime dressing.

We were sandwiched in between the Grand Cafe and the restaurant from the 5 star Awanhee Hotel located in Yosemite Valley.

The entire plaza of Union Square was tented and hundreds of people bought tickets to wander around and speak to culinary experts and chefs while being able to sample their talents. There were several wineries, liquor companies, top restaurants, and culinary vendors all under one "roof" making the event a very special opportunity for fans of food and drink. I am looking forward to next year already.

Our Summer Interns

What did you do this summer? I think that is the typical back to school question for students all over the world. Hopefully, we gave two students from Galileo High School's Academy of Hospitality and Tourism some great stories.

We partner with the San Francisco Unified School District's academy program and we were lucky enough to have Kevin and John spend 6 weeks with us this summer making a little money and learning the hotel business.

They are two great young men and I hope they will join our industry when they finish school and join the workforce. It is our goal to introduce high school age folks to our industry and hope they will discover what a great industry it is and stick with it for a career. Even if John and Kevin don't make the hospitality industry their career, we are proud that we gave them their first real job and some positive experiences that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

John and Kevin served as bellmen, worked the front desk, reservations and even spent a day with me. I wish them luck and I think that whatever business hires them down the road will be very fortunate.

SF CHEFS 2010: San Francisco’s Second Annual Premier Food, Wine & Spirits Week

The SF Chefs Event is coming up next week. It was a huge success last year, and this year, we are participating. Our own Chef Lacy will be serving his best selling Shrimp and Papaya Salad at the Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, August 14th. Here is all the information on the event:

Taste, Mix, Pair & Engage! The country’s first and only urban food, wine and spirits festival takes over San Francisco’s legendary Union Square August 9 – 15. The Bay Area’s finest culinary masters will celebrate food, wine and spirits in the epicenter of taste innovation and creativity. The week-long culinary festival will take place throughout the City’s restaurants and the Grand Tasting Tent on Union Square.
Purchase tickets online with your VISA Signature® card and receive preferred pricing and special perks. And as a special offer for our friends, please use the promo code “ff2010,” at sfchefs2010.com
A celebration of regional flavor, the festival kicks off with SF Chefs Restaurant Week. Over 60 Bay Area restaurants will feature prix fixe showcase menus highlighting each restaurant’s unique talent. Check out the complete list of restaurants and make your reservations online or by phone!
The Grand Tasting Tent
The City's greatest Square is decked for an urban garden party and a truly unique culinary experience!

Friday, August 13th
Opening Night Celebration:“Hog in the Fog”
Celebrate with Wente Vineyards as celebrity chefs cut the 2010 ribbon and open the doors to a haven of food, wine, cocktails, music and dance. Guests will savor a range of dishes from whole roasted Duroc pig to summer vegetable tarts, courtesy of the National Pork Board, Cuesa Farmers Market and thirty of the Bay Area’s finest Chefs.

Saturday, August 14th
Wine & Dine Gala FoodRaiser 2010:“Fork it Over”
Mavens, mutton and mayhem! Delight in signature dishes featuring lamb partnered with wine and cocktails from both near and far. “Fork it Over” in support of the GGRA scholarship fund and the San Francisco Food Bank.

Saturday & Sunday Grand Tastings: August 13th & August 14th
Each afternoon features a different group of renowned restaurants, winemakers, distillers and brewers. In addition to sampling an amazing array of food and beverages, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy demonstrations by Bay Area rising stars and nationally celebrated chefs.

For more information, please visit www.sfchefs2010.com.