Female Chefs Battle, Charles Chocolates Nears

Sir Francis Drake Hotel. [Photo: Flickr/afagen]

COMING ATTRACTIONS — A culinary competition organized in honor of the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs Conference and featuring Elizabeth Falkner and Cat Cora takes place at 3 p.m. on January 18 at the Empire Room of Sir Francis Drake Hotel (450 Powell). Purchase tickets ($35) here. [EaterWire]

THE MISSION — Charles Chocolates (535 Florida) is nearing completion of construction on a new cafe and retail space and aims for an opening early in the new year. As previously reported, the 2.0 incarnation of the business is also going to be an incubator for up-and-coming candymakers. [Mission Local]

THE BRUNCH BUNCH — There will be a "Gin Hangover Cure Brunch" at Mandarin Oriental (222 Sansome) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on New Year's Day (January 1). The à la carte menu includes items such as Hangtown Fry, smoked fish, fried egg on a roll, and buckwheat waffles. [EaterWire]

LISTICLES — 2012 was a fertile year for made-up food words. Some of the standouts include foodhazing, faux-raging, and bitterati. [Grub Street]