Jen Biesty Competes on Beat Bobby Flay; In Pursuit of Balance at the Metreon

OAKLAND— Top Chef alum Jen Biesty is back on the small screen, appearing in an episode of The Food Network's popular show, Beat Bobby Flay. Join Biesty for a screening at Shakewell tomorrow night, where the chef-owner will be serving up some complimentary bar bites that include the secret ingredient used on the show, and extending happy hour until 7:00 p.m. (at the bar only). The episode will air tomorrow, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. [EaterWire]

CASTRO— CAAMFest, the film festival from the Center for Asian American Media, is kicking off this week with events all over the Bay Area. As part of the festival, the Castro Theater will show Off the Menu: Asian America, a feature-length documentary from filmmaker Grace Lee (co-produced by CAAM and KQED). The film delves into the stories, traditions and people that help to shape our unique relationships with food. The film will be shown on Sunday, March 15 at 2:20 p.m. at the Castro Theater. [EaterWire]

FINANCIAL DISTRICT— In Pursuit of Balance, the non-profit organization dedicated to "promoting dialogue aorund the meaning of balance in California pinot noir and chardonnay," will host a series of tastings and seminars in San Francisco. Their thirty-three member wineries, including cult-favorites like Failla and Littorai, will be on hand for tastings of pinot noir and chardonnay. The event will take place Monday, March 16 at the City View at the Metreon; tickets are available here.

HEALDSBURG— St. Paddy's Day doesn't have to be all green beer and drunk frat boys. This year, swanky Spoonbar will host legendary bartender Fred Dagnino from San Francisco's Buena Vista Café to celebrate in style. He'll be serving up Buena Vista's famous Irish Coffees as part of a fundraiser, with the proceeds for every Irish Coffee and 10% of diners checks going towards The Healdsburg Education Fund. [EaterWire]