Acquerello's dining room. [Photo: Vanessa DellaPasqua]
RUSSIAN HILL—The Acquerello team is still gearing up to open new casual offshoot 1760, which they're previewing at a special SF Chefs dinner tonight. Said dinner will also mark the debut of 1760's new pastry chef, Riccardo Menicucci, who's been working in the kitchen at Acquerello for the past year and change. Menicucci, a native Florentine who's worked at that city's Michelin three-star spot Enoteca Pinchiorri, will also oversee Acquerello's baking program. [EaterWire]
OAKLAND—If you're looking for a good East Bay weekday dinner option, the Bay Wolf is offering a special midweek bistro menu through the end of the month. For $30, you get three courses: a spring carrot soup, duck confit with lentils, and a strawberry tart with chantilly cream. French wine pairings are an additional $18.50. The deal is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in April; the regular menu will also be offered. [EaterWire]
UNION SQUARE—Harry Denton's Starlight Room decided to make last year's Kentucky Derby party an annual tradition, and the second round (which is next Saturday, May 4) will be even bigger than last year, with a Southern-inspired buffet of beignets, deviled eggs, beef brisket with a bourbon-peach BBQ sauce, mac and cheese, and biscuits. They'll have mint juleps and mimosas to sip on, and the best-dressed couple and most creative hat will take home prizes. Tickets are $50, and a portion of the proceeds go to anti-cancer charities. [EaterWire]
HEALDSBURG—In other dispatches from the faux-aristocracy, Madrona Manor is holding a special Great Gatsby-themed party next weekend to coincide with the release of Baz Luhrmann's new film adaptation. Chef Jesse Mallgren will create dishes based on the food in the book, like fried chicken, pork pie, and Waldorf salad; they'll also have dessert and two varieties of vintage cocktails. Wear your best '20s attire to play lawn games and dance the Charleston with a live band. Tickets are $65. [EaterWire]
