Eat Real Fest: Your Unofficial Guide for the Weekend

San Francisco Street Food Festival has come and gone, but you're not off the hook for public gorging. Here comes the third annual Eat Real Fest, set to take hold of Jack London Square this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As these things usually go, it will be bigger and better than ever. Organizers anticipate some 100,000 urban farmers and street food aficionados will gather to "Eat it. Make it. Grow it." throughout the course of the weekend. There might even be a baguette torch at tomorrow's opening ceremony. Here's a guide to help you cope. Remember entrance is free.

1) There will be over 60 vendors, including Off the Grid regulars, special appearances from restaurants like Chop Bar and Homeroom; underground carts like Grilled Cheez Guy and Forage SF; and Ferry Market regulars such as Prather Ranch Meat Co. and 4505 Meats. The entire list is here.

2) Booze options include almost 20 local breweries at the Beer Shed and 15 wineries at the Wine Shed. 15 Romolo's Aaron Smith and Rye's Greg Lindgren will also host workshops on Friday, teaching DIY bitters (4 p.m.) and shrubs (5 p.m.).

3) For the first time ever, Eat Real has collaborated with Litquake to curate a panel of NorCal's finest food travel journalists for story-telling purposes. San Francisco magazine Jan Newberry will egg on Travel Writing author Don George and four other esteemed writers to get their stories from the front lines. Arrival well before the 6 p.m. start time on Friday night is advised.

4) Little baby goats certainly are easy on the eyes, aren't they? Learn how to raise your own at the Eat Real Corral. Or if bee hives and chicken coops are your thing, you can ask about that too.

5) For a preview tasting to brag about, head to the Belcampo Meat Co. stall. Apparently the Koreatown Wagyu Dogs and "Relish the Corn" Cross Dogs they'll be offering won't be available to the public until 2012.

8) One of the little extras on the side: the "Double Happiness Deal" includes an Argentinean rib dinner from Uruguayan chef Santiago Garat on Saturday night, followed by a Beauty's Bagels brunch on Sunday morning. Five drink tickets are also included in the $50 ticket price.

9) If you'd like to work a few demos into your day, get organized here. There's a presentation on bacon making on Sunday, and a "pop-up pairing" croissant and jam sandwich available for $5 on Saturday, to name a few.

10) DJs, retro pop ensembles, punk bands, electronica, and more will be producing their "sonic intrigue" on the Main Stage all weekend long. Plan accordingly by viewing the full line-up here. Then there's always that after party we mentioned at Vitus.

11) Parking is $.75 an hour, although organizers are obviously encouraging you to ride BART, ferry, or take the free shuttle—basically anything more eco-conscious that your big old gas guzzler. Hang-gliding is probably fine too. Complimentary bike valet will be on hand for two-wheelers. Map out your route here.

12) Because it's always sunnier in the East Bay, check the UV index. Nothing like a sun-burn to kill your food fest buzz.

· All Eat Real Coverage [~ ESF ~]

[Photo: Oakland Local]