POP-UPS - This coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Big Nate's will host a pop-up at Fly Bar on Sutter St., offering pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, sides and other items from its newish menu. [EaterWire]
COMING ATTRACTIONS - The Mission's Nombe is turning over its new chapter with some Japanese culinary schooling. On June 11, executive chef Mari Takahashi will teach how to make uber-trendy octopus balls and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Then on the 25th, participants in her sushi making class will get the chance to make between 30 and 50 pieces of sushi. More info here. [EaterWire]
BERKELEY - As expected, Off the Grid is doing a "soft launch" tonight in Berkeley. Facebook has this evening's list of food trucks, and those that will be added next week. [Facebook]
AWARDS SEASON - The nominees for annual cocktailian love fest Tales of the Cocktail have been announced. As far as local representation goes, we've got Jacques Bezuidenhout, brand ambassador for Partida Tequila nominated in the Best American Brand Ambassador category, Rickhouse in Best High Volume Cocktail Bar, SF-based Liquor.com for Best Cocktail Writing, Non Book and Freelancer Camper English for Best Cocktail Writing, Author. Winners will be announced on July 23. [-EN-]
HAYES VALLEY - Straw has had booze for about a month now and Tablehopper informs us sommelier Mark Bright—seen most nights at Saison—has created some wine pairings for specific items on the menu. For example, Straw's donut-wrapped cheeseburger goes with zinfandel from Plungerhead. [Tablehopper]