Taste of Tulum Lures Bay Area Chefs Across the Border; New Normal Brewing Hosts Local Artists

TULUM, MEXICO— Never underestimate the reach of Bay Area chefs, especially when it involves a trip to a hotel in Tulum, Mexico. Taste of Tulum, a visiting chef and bartender series at Tulum's Hotel ZAMAS, is luring a variety of Bay Area culinary stars down South throughout the year, from SF spots like Rich Table, Huxley, and Dandelion Chocolate. This month features chef David Bazirgan of Dirty Habit, who will be serving his menu highlighting the flavors of Tulum from April 23-28. Check out the full lineup here. [EaterWire]

TEMESCAL— While many are anticipating the opening of Temescal's New Normal Brewing Company, they don't plan to open until sometime much later in the year. In the meantime, the space is serving as an ad hoc art gallery, hosting curated shows featuring local artists that explore issues important to the region and serving test batches of the brewery's beers. Following the success of their first show, New Normal One, comes New Normal Two, a gallery show featuring artists from both Oakland and SF. The opening reception takes place Friday, April 24 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Beer sales will benefit City Slicker Farms. [EaterWire]

MISSION— Alas, the end of the road for the beloved Lexington Club is drawing near. However, the last genuine lesbian bar in San Francisco is going out with a bang, throwing two parties to celebrate the end of an era. The parties, called We Belong: Lex Forever! , will take place Friday and Saturday, April 24-25 and include go-go dancers, DJs, and plenty of debauchery. [SF Weekly]

EMERYVILLE— North Carolina-based coffee roaster, Counter Culture, is opening their first Bay Area roastery and training center in Emeryville. To celebrate, they're holding an open house featuring brewing workshops, limited-edition giveaways and other fun treats. The event takes place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1329 64th St, Emeryville. [EaterWire]