San Francisco Loses Two Notable Dining Scene Figures; Picnic on Third Adds Brunch

SAN FRANCISCO — Two notable city dining scene figures died this week: Oakland's Cafe Van Kleef owner Peter Van Kleef and "the dean of San Francisco bartenders" Michael McCourt. Van Kleef is credited with jumpstarting the Oakland scene before its current popularity, and McCourt is remembered as a "legendary" bartender at Perry's, Washington Square Bar & Grill and Original Joe's. [SFGate]

SOMA — Picnic on Third is starting Sunday brunch come September 20 with all-new and always-changing dishes. Opening day menu includes braised pork with polenta, pancakes with caramelized apple and and two-potato hash with bacon, brussels sprouts and eggs. [EaterWire]

GLEN ELLEN — Every Wednesday from September 16 through October 28, Glen Ellen Star is hosting a Paleo dinner series with weekly changing menus to coincide with the Lurong Living Challenge, a seven-week CrossFit competition. Email here for reservations. [EaterWire]

SONOMA — Celebrate grenache at the "Grenache Day Night Celebration" with unlimited pours of the red varietal from ten wineries and cheese, charcuterie and pizza at Suite D on Friday, September 18. Get your ticket here. [EaterWire]