Burger Bonanza — And More — For A Good Cause

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The Make-A-Wish Burger. Photo courtesy of Morton's.

Sunday nights through the end of September, you can indulge your burger cravings and do good.

Morton’s the Steakhouse in downtown San Jose has an irresistible big, beefy offer: Enjoy the $19.78 prime sirloin burger with fries, and $5 from that tab will be donated to the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Chimay, a tradition of beer making since 1862. Photo courtesy of Chimay.It’s Morton’s way of sharing the wealth on its 30th anniversary. Yes, the first one opened in Chicago in 1978, hence the special price of the burger.

Additionally, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Morton’s will host a Chimay beer tasting. Enjoy tastings of three of Belgium’s finest beers crafted by Trappist Monks, along with noshes such as petite filet mignon sandwiches, tuna tartare canapes, and mini hot chocolate cakes.

Price is $45. Five dollars from each admission ticket will be donated to the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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A Salute to Cheese

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Indulge in cheese at Slow Food NationSurround yourself with cheese, cheese, and more cheese at Slow Food Nation’s Cheese Pavilion of Taste, Aug. 30-31, in San Francisco.

Cheese lovers will be beside themselves when 54 producers from around the country show off everything from raw-milk cheese to artisan yogurt. Some cheeses are made on such a small scale that they’re not normally easily found in stores, either.

It’s just one of 15 taste pavilions that will be set up at the 50,000-square-foot pier at Fort Mason. Each will focus on a particular ingredient or food. Attendees can sample and learn more by viewing demonstrations and talking to producers. Bread will be baked in wood-burning and tandoori ovens in the Bread Pavilion, and ice cream will be hand-cranked at the Ice Cream Pavilion.

Read more about the cheese pavilion in my posting on the Slow Food Nation blog.

The Green Kitchen, part of the Taste Pavilions, has a stellar line-up of chefs from around the country who will demonstrate how basic tools and simple ingredients combine to make culinary delights.

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Santana Row in San Jose Is the Place To Have Lunch In August

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It certainly is with Santana Row’s “Out to Lunch” promotion, Mondays through Fridays throughout August. For $14.95, enjoy a two-course lunch at one of nine restaurants there, and take home an eco-friendly, reusable tote bag.

Village California Bistro, Roux Louisiana Kitchen, Consuelo Mexican Bistro, Yankee Pier, Rosie McCann’s, Left Bank Brasserie, Tanglewood, Pomodoro and Pluto’s are offering an appetizer, soup or salad along with an entree. After you’ve had your fill, take your receipt to the concierge center to get your free bag.

Party at Sarah’s Vineyard in Gilroy

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The breaktaking hills around Sarah's Vineyard

No weekend plans? Head to Sarah’s Vineyard in Gilroy, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 16, for a “Release Party” for its 2005 Syrah Besson Vineyard.

Enjoy newly spiffed up picnic grounds that include regulation-length bocce ball courts. The party will feature live music, appetizers, and a vertical tasting of the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Besson Vineyard Syrah.

Price is $10 for Wine Club members; $15 for the general public. Call the tasting room at (408) 847-1947 to reserve a spot.

Enjoy Luxe Chocolate in San Francisco; Mention FoodGal To Get A Discount

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Chocolate heaven. Photo by Jared Cure.

Confectioner Coco-luxe has opened its first store, and lucky San Francisco is home to it.

At the 1673 Haight St. (at Cole Street) shop, unwind with a big mug of Coco-luxe’s own hot cocoa served with fresh, handmade marshmallows. For an extra boost, get it with an espresso shot made with beans by local roaster, Blue Bottle Coffee.

Drink up.

Nibble on a green tea, “dreamy orange,” or malted milk truffle. Or get tempted by the array of chocolate bars in such creative flavors as “Monkey’in Around” (with banana chips, cocoa nibs, and a sprinkle of sea salt), and “Good Fortune” (with candied ginger and actual bits of fortune cookies). There’s even a cute selection of “to-go gifts,” and I mean to go. The chocolates are arranged in whimsical cardboard suitcases.

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