2010 in Bauer Reviews, Puerto Alegre May Expand and More!

BAUER - Signore Lucchesi takes it upon himself to compare the Bauer review patterns of the past two years. In short, 2010 brought more ratings in the 2.5- to 3.5-star range and less 2-star ratings than 2009 and it's pretty cool to see all the reviewed restaurants broken down by star category. And then, graphs! [ISSF]

THE MISSION/NAPA VALLEY - Next Saturday night (1/15), Pica Pica Maize Kitchen (401 Valencia Street) is hosting a special event featuring Venezuelan desserts, European cheeses and South American wines. $30 includes tastings of three cheeses, three naturally gluten-free desserts and three wines. The same event will take place the following Sunday night (the 16th) at the Napa location. Contact the restaurant to reserve your space. [EaterWire]

THE MISSION EXTRA One of the Mission's more raucous sit-down taquerias, Puerto Alegre is in the process of approving a rather large sidewalk seating area with full booze service. [The Feast]

POP-UPS - Cooking with Leif is popping up at Local 123 in West Berkeley on January 27th at 7 p.m. The $50 menu includes eight mini courses like rye toast with chiogga beet, sheep ricotta, stinging nettle, cara cara. RSVP here: local123popup@gmail.com . [EaterWire]