Dumplings & Buns Freebies, Beer at Nico's Tacos and More

PAC HEIGHTS - Forthcoming "Beard Papa of buns," Dumplings & Buns has a new logo (at right), and they're planning to host a pre-opening freebie test run in August. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter to get an invite. [EaterWire]

ABC WIRE - Grant Ave's newest new-age taqueria, Nico's has acquired a beer and wine license. Raise a taco to that. [EaterWire]

OAKLAND - There's a free solar cooking demo (by a Ph.D!) outside the Lakeview branch of the Oakland library this Saturday. Learn how to make it all happen with a solar concentrator, CooKit or a solar basket; your choice. [EBX]

HAYES VALLEY - Alice Cravens was behind Hayes' now-closed Modern Tea, and the tea programs for Alice Waters and Zuni Cafe. Now she's the chef in the kitchen at new non-profit cafe Hayes Valley Bakeworks. They'll be training "disabled, homeless, and at-risk clients" employees to regain independence, but Cravens will be baking everything. It should open before the year's out. [ISSF]