New Taste Marketplace Saturday, Brides Cake Contest, More

MARKET WIRE - New Taste Marketplace is hosting its monthly pro-bono community market this Saturday at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in Potrero Hill. Based on the list of vendors, it looks like a great place to graze on several things this weekend. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. [EaterWire]

ATTENTION BAKERS - Brides magazine is doing a search for the 50 most beautiful cakes in America to feature in its September 2011 issue. Bakers need to submit design sketches or cake photos by Friday, February 4 for consideration. More entry details here. [EaterWire]

OPENING REPORT - A new gluten-free, vegan bakery called Special Requests opened in Bernal's Cortland Marketplace in early January. Madame Hopper reports of puddings, pies, tarts and cheesecake that may even be interesting to egg, dairy and wheat lovers. [Tablehopper]

BUMPING BARS - Due to a new partnership with IAMSOUND Records, the Redwood Room and Velvet Room will both have some very decent live music playing for the next few weekends. Hop to 7x7 for the worth-checking-out full schedule to date. All shows begin at 9 p.m. [7x7]

FOOD WARS - There aren't many food battles for which tickets typically sell out within minutes and non-pro cooks fight for a few coveted contestant slots. SF Food Wars presents such battles and next month's competition will focus, fiercely, on mac n' cheese. Info for prospective competitors and attendees can be found on the website. [SF Food Wars via SFoodie]

New Taste Marketplace. [Photo: Flickr]