Atelier Crenn [Photo: Naseema Khan]
COW HOLLOW — The latest sugary undertaking from Juan Contreras, pastry chef at Atelier Crenn (3127 Fillmore), is a six-course dessert tasting menu for $55, with dessert wine pairing option for $30. The menu is written out in typically spare Crenn style, including one course called "Untitled," but there are apparently theatrical elements like smoking eggplants and unusual ingredients such as eucalyptus at play. [EaterWire]
POP-UPS — Chef Michael Hung, last seen at Bushi-Tei, returns to previous employer Jardinière (300 Grove) for a guest stint on April 30. The Monday Dinner normally runs $49 for three courses, but Hung (who used to organize the series when he worked there) is going for four with his Silk Road Chinese-American food dinner, including rabbit dumplings and hand-cut Northern-style noodles with cumin beef. He intends to use this meal to kick-start a regular series called Red Sparrow. [EaterWire]
MORE POP-UPS — With Criolla Kitchen closed for good, the former manager and several of the back of the house team are sticking together as The WestWood Popup. Look for them for small carnivorous bites (fried pig ears, beef tartare) and heartier plates such as braised pork belly and a cheeseburger on Wednesday nights at the space formerly known as B3 (1152 Valencia), with weekend brunch expected in the not-too-distant. [Tablehopper]
WINE COUNTRY — The Fifth Annual OysterFest at Domaine Chandon is set for April 29. The benefit for Meals on Wheels is $30, with wine tastings an extra $18-25; more info at the sauce. [EaterWire]
